The dynamics of metabolic syndrome development from its isolated components among iranian children and adolescents: Findings from 17 Years of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS)

BackgroundCareful evaluation of the progression trend of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in children and adolescents (C&A) is one of the important methods of studying the natural history of MetS in them. This study was performed to determine the trend of changes in the progression of MetS from its components.MethodsThis was a longitudinal study which was performed on data from 4 follow-up periods of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) between 1999 and 2015. The research population consisted of 6-18-year-old children and adolescents creating 3895-person population. The criteria for the diagnosis of MetS was joint interim statement (JIS). The considered components were central adiposity, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia.ResultsIn this study, in the long term, the highest increase in the MetS’ incidence in boys occurred in obesity and in girls in dyslipidemia and in total mode, in obesity. But in the short term (3.6 year follow-up periods) in the first to fourth periods, in total mode, the highest incidence occurred in dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and obesity. In terms of trend, in total mode, the highest increase in MetS incidence was related to the obesity component. Also, the incidence of MetS from all components was declining in overall mode. Also, the most common components at the beginning and end of the study in all groups were dyslipidemia with a decreasing and obesity with an increasing trend, respectively.ConclusionIt seems that in Iranian C&As, obesity and dyslipidemia components play a more important role in the further development of the MetS than other components. This matter requires careful and serious attention in preventive and control planning.     

Comparison of artificial neural network and logistic regression models for prediction of outcomes in trauma patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Currently, two models of artificial neural network (ANN) and logistic regression (LR) are known as models that extensively used in medical sciences. The aim of this study was to compare the ANN and LR models in prediction of Health-related outcomes in traumatic patients using a systematic review.

Rapid Communication ELEVATED OVARIAN AND THYMIC CELL APOPTOSIS IN WILD COTTON RATS INHABITING PETROCHEMICALCONTAMINATED TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS

The objective of this study was to determine the rates of apoptotic cell death in ovary and thymus collected from wild female cotton rats ( Sigmodon hispidus ) inhabiting five petrochemical-contaminated and five ecologically matched reference sites in Oklahoma. Overall comparison of reference and contaminated sites, using individual sites as replicates, revealed a significantly increased rate of ovarian cell apoptosis in cotton rats inhabiting contaminated sites. In comparison to rats from reference sites, the number of uterine scars was lower in rats collected from the contaminated sites. There were no significant differences in the percentage of atretic follicles among animals collected from reference and contaminated sites. The rate of thymocyte apoptosis was elevated at one of five contaminated sites, although the overall rate of thymocyte apoptosis was not significantly different when comparing all sites. To our knowledge, this is the first study documenting elevated rates of ovarian and thymic cell apoptosis in wild mammals exposed chronically to environmental toxicants.     

Off-the-shelf acellular fetal skin scaffold as a novel alternative to buccal mucosa graft: the development and characterization of human tissue-engineered fetal matrix in rabbit model of hypospadiasis

Aim

In this study, we aimed to develop a novel alternative to buccal mucosal graft from the acellular human fetal skin to manage hypospadias in a rabbit model. We optimized the decellularization protocol to develop and characterize the human tissue-engineered fetal dermal matrix as an “off-the-shelf” natural biomaterial.

Material and Methods

Human fetal skin was obtained at 16–19 weeks gestational age with respect to a signed informed consent from parents under the university ethical committee approval. The dissected full-thickness fetal skin tissues were placed into SDS and Triton X-100 in different dosages to achieve the optimum decellularization protocol. Histopathology of the acellular fetal matrix was assessed by Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) and DAPI staining to confirm the removal of all cell materials, Masson’s trichrome staining for collagen evaluation, DNA quantification for confirmation of DNA content, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for evaluation of scaffold microstructure. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was used to detect specific dermal markers, namely vimentin, type I collagen, cytokeratin (CK)19. The prepared dermal scaffolds were then grafted on the 8 rabbit models of hypospadias. The rabbits underwent evaluations at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.

Results

H&E, Masson’s trichrome, DAPI staining, and SEM confirmed the significant removal of cells; meanwhile, the ECM was completely preserved. At the time of biopsy, after 2, 4, and 6 months, no evidence of inflammation, fibrosis, necrosis, or rejection was observed. The grafted dermal scaffolds appeared histologically and anatomically normal. It was observed that the scaffolds were recellularized by circulating CD 34?+?bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) inside the body, implicating the body as a natural bioreactor.

Conclusion

The application of acellular fetal skin (AFS) is a safe and feasible method that can decrease surgical time in a complex hypospadias reconstruction. Moreover, AFS demonstrated excellent angiogenesis characteristics and migration of the stem cells to the scaffold observed during the course of treatment. Novel natural AFS scaffold without cell seeding is an excellent alternative to buccal mucosal graft; hence, it can overcome the limitations concerning the graft size and prevent the creation of wounds in oral mucosal tissue.

     

Anxiety and depression in rheumatoid arthritis: an epidemiologic survey and investigation of clinical correlates in Iranian population

Psychiatric disorders occur in a considerable proportion of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was conducted in order to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Iranian RA patients. In the cross sectional study, 414 RA patients were enrolled prospectively during a period of 6 months from RA clinic of Rheumatology Research Center. Beck’s and Cattell’s inventories were applied to investigate depression and anxiety in RA patients. RA activity was measured by Disease Activity Score and patients’ disability was assessed by Health Assessment Questionnaire. Levels of pain perception were stratified based on Visual Analog Scale. The prevalence of depression was 63.6 % and anxiety was in 84.1 % among RA patients. Mixed anxiety and depression was detected in 60.2 % of the study population. Functional disability was significantly associated with severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms (p < 0.001); however there was no association between disease activity and depression or anxiety (p = 0.420). There was weak correlation between disease activity score and functional disability (Spearman’s rho = 0.33; p < 0.01). Severe levels of depression and anxiety were associated with higher levels of pain perception (p < 0.001). Our study stressed the impact of depressive and anxiety symptoms in functional disability and pain perception of RA patients. Our results point out the multidisciplinary management of RA.     

Anti‐inflammatory properties of resveratrol in the retinas of type 2 diabetic rats

Resveratrol (trans‐3,5,4′‐trihydroxystilbene) is a nutritional supplement with anti‐inflammatory properties. The present study investigated the long‐term anti‐inflammatory property of resveratrol in the retinas of type 2 diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: normal control, diabetic control, resveratrol‐treated normal rats and resveratrol‐treated diabetic rats. Type 2 diabetes was induced by a single dose injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg; i.p.) 15 min after the administration of nicotinamide (110 mg/kg; i.p.) in 12‐h fasted rats (the streptozotocin–nicotinamide type 2 diabetic model). Oral resveratrol administration (5 mg/kg per day for 4 months) significantly improved glucose tolerance, and alleviated hyperglycemia and weight loss in diabetic rats. Furthermore, resveratrol administration significantly decreased the elevated levels of nuclear factor‐κB activity, and mRNA expression, tumour necrosis factor alpha level and apoptotic cells in the retinas of the diabetic rats. Furthermore, resveratrol did not significantly affect plasma insulin levels. Long‐term resveratrol administration has beneficial anti‐inflammatory properties in a rat model of diabetes. However, whether resveratrol exerts its effects directly or through reducing blood glucose levels requires further investigation.     

Demineralization effects of 2 bleaching procedures on enamel surfaces with and without post-treatment fluoride application

In this in vitro study, the demineralization effect of 2 different bleaching procedures on enamel surfaces with and without the post-treatment application of fluoride was determined. Bovine enamel specimens (n= 180) were ground flat, polished and divided into 6 groups. Group A (n=30) specimens were bleached with Opalescence, 10% carbamide peroxide (Ultradent Products, Inc) for 8 hours daily for 2 weeks; Group B (n=30) specimens were treated with Whitestrips, 5.3% hydrogen peroxide (Procter & Gamble) for 1 hour daily for 2 weeks; Group C (n=30): the same as Group A, but after bleaching, a fluoride varnish was applied on the specimens and left for 1 hour (Duraphat, 2.26% F-); Group D (n=30): the same as Group B, followed by the same fluoride application as Group C; Group E (n=30): the specimens were covered with a glycerin gel as a control group; Group F (n=30): specimens were kept in Coca Cola 1 hour daily for 2 weeks. The mineral loss (vol% microm) and lesion depth (microm) were measured by microradiography. Data analysis was accomplished using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests (p<0.05) (SPSS 11.0). The median mineral loss was statistically significantly higher in the non-fluoride groups (A: 271.20 vs C: 128.00 and B: 364.90 vs D: 151.10). The highest mineral loss was found in Group F (581.85 vol% microm) and was lowest in Group E (32.80 vol% microm). No statistically significant difference between groups was found for lesion depth.     

Cleaning Efficacy and Soft Tissue Trauma After Use of Manual Toothbrushes With Different Bristle Stiffness

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of manual toothbrushes of the same type with different bristle stiffness concerning plaque removal, gingivitis development, and soft tissue trauma. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, three groups with 40 subjects each used manual toothbrushes with either hard‐, medium‐, or soft‐bristle stiffness. The at‐home brushing time was set for 2 minutes, twice a day. Four and 8 weeks after the baseline examination, clinical parameters for plaque removal, gingivitis, and soft tissue damage were recorded again. Recruitment and examinations of the subjects were performed at the Department of Operative and Preventive Dentistry and Endodontics, Heinrich Heine University. A total of 120 volunteers (age range: 18 to 62 years) were recruited and stratified according to sex and age. Primary outcome measures were differences in the Quigley and Hein index (QHI) and papillary bleeding index (PBI) compared to baseline; secondary outcome measures were differences in the modified approximal plaque index (MAPI) and Danser gingival abrasion index. Results: The QHI and MAPI showed lower index scores in subjects who used hard‐bristled toothbrushes after 8 weeks (P <0.05 and P <0.001, respectively). In contrast, subjects who used toothbrushes with hard bristles demonstrated more gingival lesions (P <0.01) and higher PBI scores after 4 and 8 weeks (P <0.001) compared to subjects who used soft‐ or medium‐bristled toothbrushes. Conclusion: Manual toothbrushes with hard bristles may better remove plaque, but may also cause more soft tissue trauma compared to brushes with softer bristles.     

Protective effect of melatonin in the diabetic rat retina

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common and serious microvascular complications of diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of melatonin (MEL) on retinal injury in diabetic rats. In this study, 21 rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, diabetic, and diabetic + MEL. Streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes at a dose of 50 mg/kg, i.p., and blood glucose was measured to choose the diabetic rats for the study. MEL (20 mg/kg) was given orally for 7 weeks in diabetic rats starting 1 week after induction of diabetes. After 8 weeks, the groups were compared in terms of mean scores of fluorescein leakage, using fluorescein angiography. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were estimated in retina using commercially available assays. Structural changes in retinas were evaluated by light microscopy. Results showed that diabetes significantly increased the mean scores of fluorescein leakage, and MDA and ROS levels compared to control group. Treatment of the diabetic rats with MEL for 7 weeks prevented the alterations induced by diabetes in comparison with the diabetic control group.Based on these findings, it can be concluded that MEL might have beneficial effects in prevention of DR.