mohammad karimian

Genetic predispositions have been identified as important factors in male infertility. Among the many genes related to male reproductive function, interleukin 6 (IL-6) has emerged as a key player. Despite the growing recognition of genetic factors in male infertility, the specific association between the IL-6-174 G/C genetic polymorphism and male infertility remains an area that needs further investigation.

This investigation explores the correlation between the IL-6-174 G/C transversion and male infertility.

In a case-control study, a total of 314 men who referred to the Kashan Infertility Centre, Shahid Beheshti hospital, Kashan, Iran, were enrolled for IL-6-174 G/C polymorphism analysis. The study comprised 163 infertile participants as the case group and 151 fertile men as the control group. Following the screening, 2 ml of whole blood was collected from each participant. Cases were categorized into 3 subgroups based on World Health Organization criteria: (i) nonobstructive azoospermia (n = 42), (ii) oligozoospermia (n = 61), and (iii) asthenozoospermia (n = 60). After DNA extraction, genotypes of the samples at the -174 G/C (rs1800795) locus were determined using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

Our genetic investigation demonstrated a significant association between the GC genotype and male infertility. Furthermore, a correlation was observed between the heterozygous GC genotype and reduced risk of oligozoospermia and asthenospermia. Additionally, the C allele was correlated with a decreased risk of infertility and specific subgroups such as oligozoospermia and asthenospermia.

Our findings suggest that the IL-6-174 G/C transversion could potentially serve as a protective genetic factor against male infertility.

Lead (Pb) could be toxic to the female reproductive system, and resveratrol (Res) may overcome this toxicity.

To investigate the Res impact on the catalase (Cat), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), and superoxide dismutase (Sod) gene expression in the ovary and on the Cat and Gpx enzyme activity in the serum of rats exposed to lead acetate.

In this experimental study, 33 female Wistar rats (8-10 wk, 180-200 gr) were divided into 6 groups: a control group (normal saline), a Res group (40 mg/kg), and a Pb group (lead acetate 30 mg/kg). 3 additional groups received lead acetate (30 mg/kg) with Res at 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg for 21 days. Gene expression of Cat, Gpx, and Sod was measured via qPCR, and serum Cat and Gpx activity was assessed using standard methods. Bioinformatics tools were used to evaluate Res effects on gene and protein function.

Lead acetate significantly downregulates Cat, Gpx, and Sod gene expression, but Res significantly upregulates gene expression, especially at doses of 40 mg/kg for Cat, 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg for Gpx, and 80 mg/kg for Sod. Cat and Gpx enzyme activity increased and decreased in the lead acetate group, respectively. However, Res in all doses decreased only the Cat enzyme activity. Bioinformatics analysis indicates that Res can interact with the promoter regions and cavities of all 3 enzymes.

Pb can dysregulate the expression and activity of the studied enzymes. However, the impact of Res is influenced by the dose, with 40 mg/kg frequently being the most effective.

Cyclophosphamide (CP), a utilized anticancer drug, is known to cause infertility in women. However, L-carnitine (LC), an antioxidant, has been shown to offer protective benefits against infertility.

This study aimed to evaluate the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptotic gene expression in mice treated with CP and LC.

24 NMRI female mice (6-8 wk, 30 ± 5 gr) were divided into 4 groups: control group: received normal saline intraperitoneal (IP) injection for 10 days; CP group: received 75 mg/kg of CP as a single IP on the 10th day of the experiment; LC group: received 200 mg/kg of LC IP for 10 days; LC+CP group: received LC for 10 days and CP single IP injection on the 10th day of the experiment. After 10 days, mice were superovulated. The oviducts were then removed, and the oocytes of each group were collected for evaluating apoptotic gene expression B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), Bcl2-associated X (Bax), and Caspase3 via real-time polymerase chain reaction and intracellular ROS levels by dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate fluorescence staining.

Data revealed that LC in the LC+CP group significantly increased Bcl2 gene expression (p = 0.01), and decreased Bax and Caspase3 gene expression compared to the CP group (p = 0.03, p = 0.04). LC decreased the ROS level in the LC+CP group compared to the CP group (p < 0.001).

Findings suggest that LC can scavenge the ROS caused by CP and modulate the apoptotic pathway via downregulating the Bax and Caspase3 genes and upregulating the Bcl2 gene in oocytes of mice exposed to CP.

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) (MIM 209900) is a genetic disorder with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations including retinal dystrophy, hypogenitalism, polydactyly, obesity, renal abnormalities and mental retardation. We describe a 13-year-old girl, a known case of Bardet-Biedl syndrome, who was going to undergo hysterectomy due to hydrometrocolpous. She was homozygous autosomal recessive for gene BS57. She was obese and had impaired vision, renal abnormality, borderline intelligence, recurrent urinary tract infection, menstrual problems, normal secondary sex chrematistics and corrected polydactylies. She had also big nose, thin upper lip, slightly everted lower lip, small mouth and retrognathia. Her electrocardiography showed incomplete right bundle branch block. We identified atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD). In conclusion, physicians who deal with cases who suffered from Bardet-Biedl syndrome, should be vigilant about seeking for identification of cardiac anomalies such as partial AVSD. This leads to earlier identification of the existing cardiovascular disease which facilitates appliance of curative measures.

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is thought to be linked to an increase in oxidative stress in the cochlea. Glutathione S-transferase enzymes (GSTs) play a crucial role as antioxidant enzymes in the cochlea. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the rs4891 polymorphism in the GSTP1 gene and the risk of ARHL.

This case-control study involved the examination of 90 individuals with ARHL and 100 healthy individuals. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples, and the PCR-RFLP technique was used to determine the genotypes of the GSTP1-rs4891 polymorphism. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between genotypes and the risk of ARHL. The odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated.

The results showed that the TC and CC genotypes were not found to be associated with the risk of ARHL. However, analysis using the dominant model revealed that C allele carriers were at a higher risk of ARHL (P=0.032, 95% CI=0.94-3.23, OR=1.882). Allelic analysis also indicated an association between the C allele and ARHL (P=0.019, 95% CI=1.09-2.65, OR=1.700). Moreover, the CT (P=0.0181, 95% CI=7.8927-1.2127, OR=3.0938) and CC (P=0.0029, 95% CI=64.6308-2.3695, OR=12.3750) mutant genotypes were associated with an increased risk of ARHL with increasing age.

The findings suggest that the GSTP1-rs4891 polymorphism may serve as a molecular risk factor for ARHL, particularly in older individuals. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to validate these findings.

The primary objective of the current research is to produce polymeric nanofibers of chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol containing chicory plant extract and then evaluate their antibacterial effects. As remarked by numerous published articles, the chicory plant proved to be able to modulate the activity and growth of bacteria. For this reason, chicory plant extract was added to the fiber precursor in the amounts of 1, 2, and 3 %. Finally, the morphology and antibacterial properties of the resultant nanofibers were investigated. The results from Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) confirmed the formation of uniform fibers whose diameters decreased from 144 nm to 95 nm with an increase in the amount of the extract in the sample. In addition, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-map analyses confirmed the presence of elements of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine, potassium, sodium, and copper in the precursor of the fibers containing the extract and their uniform distribution. In this study, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) helped identify the functional groups and chemical bonds in the synthesized nanofibers. According to the Ultraviolet-Visible thermometry (UV-VIS) results, one emission in the ultraviolet region with the wavelength of 263 nm and two emissions in the ultraviolet and visible regions with the wavelengths of 263 nm and 372 nm were observed in the absorption spectrum of nanofibers without and with the extract, respectively. examination of the antibacterial properties in the present study confirmed that upon increasing the amount of the extract in the sample, the antibacterial effect of the electrospun nanofibers would be intensified in exposure to both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Genetic diversity in cytokines such as interleukin α1 and interleukin 1β is involved in altering the immune response in inflammatory diseases such as chronic periodontitis and changes the risk of this disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of genetic polymorphisms 4845G> T interleukin 1α and 3954C> T interleukin 1β with the risk of chronic periodontitis.

Participants including 133 healthy individuals and 133 individuals with chronic periodontitis referred to Isfahan Dental School, were included in the study. The genotype of blood samples at the site of the above polymorphism was determined by PCR-RFLP method. The relationship between the studied polymorphisms and chronic periodontitis was calculated by logistic regression test. Statistical analyzes were performed by SPSS software. The p value level < 0.05 was statistically significant.

Data analysis showed a significant relationship between CT and TT genotypes and T allele of polymorphism 3954C> T interleukin 1β and increased risk of chronic periodontitis and no significant relationship between polymorphism 4845G> T of interleukin 1α and the risk of Showed chronic periodontitis.

 Based on the above data, T> 3954C polymorphism is a risk factor for chronic periodontitis and serves as a potential biomarker for screening people prone to
this disease.

Infertility is one of the major health problems in the world and several factors play a role in the occurrence of this complication. One of the causes of idiopathic male infertility is a defect in the process of spermatogenesis due to genetic changes in cytokines involved in this process. Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNFα) as a multifunctional cytokine controls spermatogenesis-related cellular activity. In this study, the association of -308G/A polymorphism in the TNFα gene with male infertility was investigated.

In a case-control study, blood samples were collected from 82 infertile men and 107 fertile men. After DNA extraction, the genotype of the samples at the -308G/A region was determined using the PCR-RFLP technique.

Data analysis showed a significant association between GA genotype and reduced risk of male infertility. Also, in the subgroup study, a significant association was observed between this genotype and the reduction of oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia risk. Similar results were found for the association of carriers of allele A (GA + AA) and idiopathic male infertility. In addition, the allelic analysis showed a significant association between allele and a reduced risk of idiopathic male infertility. Subgroup analysis showed a significant association between this allele and reduced risk of asthenozoospermia, also.

Based on findings of this research, the TNFα -308G/A polymorphism can be considered as a protective factor and a potential biomarker for idiopathic male infertility.

Dyspepsia is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal problem. The present study was carried out to assess the prevalence of dyspepsia in Iran.

The present study was registered at PROSPERO with the code CRD42019148610. It was carried out based on MOOSE and reporting was performed according to the PRISMA protocol. Systematic search of the literature was performed in July 2019 on international databases of PubMed/Medline, Web of Science (ISI), Cochrane Library, EBSCO, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, Science Direct, and local databases as well as the Google Scholar search engine. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 and Chi-square tests. All analyses were done using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software.

Overall, 14 studies with a sample size of 54,118 subjects entered in this meta-analysis. The prevalence of dyspepsia in Iran was 14.6% (95% CI: 9.6–21.7). Large heterogeneity was detected among studies (I2=99.62%, P<0.001). The prevalence of dysmotility-like, ulcer-like, and unspecified dyspepsia was estimated to be 9.7% (95% CI: 4.9–18.4), 12.1% (95% CI: 5.2–25.7) and 17.0% (95% CI: 7.8–33.4), respectively. The prevalence of dyspepsia in Iranian men and women was found at 11.1% (95% CI: 6.3–18.8) and 17.8% (95% CI: 10.0–29.7), respectively.

The prevalence of dyspepsia in Iran is relatively high. However, it is lower than global estimates

Managing patients with Vascular Trauma (VT) is essential. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of VT and its related factors in Iran.

This systematic review was performed by two skilled researchers. To access all the Persian and English articles on VT and its influencing factors (from 2000 to August 2019), in addition to Google Scholar search engine, other international databases, such as PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Web of Science (ISI), and domestic databases, such as Magiran, IranDoc, National Library of Iran Organization, SID, and Barakatkns were used. Data analysis was conducted by MA (CMA) software.

The incidence of lower Lower Vascular Trauma (LVI) trauma was equal to 58.4 (95%CI: 41.1-73.8) (I2= 94.67, Q=112.57, P<0.001); the prevalence of upper LVI trauma was measured to be 31.5 (95%CI: 17.7-49.7) (I2=94.48, Q=108.70, P<0.001); the prevalence of penetrating trauma was calculated as 61.3 (95% CI: 49.5-71.9); the prevalence of ulnar nerve injury equaled 9.8 (95%CI: 2.8-28.6); the prevalence of radial nerve trauma was equal to 7.7 (95%CI: 1.2-35.4); the prevalence of death cases was reported as 12.3 (95%CI: 5.1-26.9); the prevalence of amputation rate was observed as 8.8 (95%CI: 5.7-13.4); the prevalence of fasciotomy rate was equal to 22.2 (95%CI: 13.2-34.5); the prevalence of complete artery cutting equaled 55.7 (95% CI: 35.4-74.3),and the prevalence of incomplete artery cutting was measured as 25.5 (95%CI: 12.1-45.9).

According to the study results, VT has led to various complications in patients; thus, it is critical to provide the necessary conditions to preserve the patient’s life and prevent life-threatening complications. Such goals could be achieved by preventing this type of trauma and its related complications.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of faculty mobilization on po litical elitism in the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was conducted as a survey among faculty mobilization in Shiraz universities.The statistical population, which included 314 males and 61 females, was a total of 375 people, which was done by using the questionnaire method and their distribution among the statistical p o p ulation. Accordingly, the data collection tool is a questionnaire that to measure the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, the value of Cronbach's alpha coefficient is equal to 0.98. The main question is what effect has the mobilization of professors had on the political elite in the Islamic Republic of Iran? The main hypothesis is that the role of mobilization in transmitting political awareness, strengthening national identity, increasing national and religious self-co n fi d e n ce and provincialism,are effective components in It is the training of political elit e s.[1].PhD Student in Political Science, Lamerd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lamerd, Iran[2].Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Lamerd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lamerd, Iran, Corresponding Author[3].Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Lamerd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Lamerd, Iran

The main goal of this paper is to evaluate the impact of Basij-Asatid (Teachers Basij) on the generation of soft power of the Islamic Republic of Iran through training of political elite. The main question of the article is "What are the possible methods for the soft power of the Islamic Republic to be enhanced by Basij-Asatid and through training of political elites?" For this purpose, a survey approach has been used. The statistical population of the study consists of all faculty members of Shiraz universities. The sample size includes 375 professors selected through proportional sampling method based on the number and gender of professors. Data collecting tool is a researcher-made questionnaire with Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.98. The data are analyzed using SPSS software at two levels: At the first level using descriptive statistics methods (frequency, mean and standard deviation) and in the second level using inferential statistics (one-sample t-test and Friedman ranking test). The findings say that the average role of Basij-Asatid in increasing the soft power of Iran by training of political elites is 5.44 and higher than the low intensity limit for this factor (4), which confirms the decisive role of Basij-Asatid in increasing Iran's soft power. The results also show that the factor of "enhancing student Wilayat (Velâyat Paziri)" with an average of 4.7, is the most important and "increasing the student scientific abilities", with an average of 2.73, is the least important.

One of the most frequent forms of dementia in neurological disorders is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by impaired learning and memory. Pathological symptoms as extracellular amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and intracellular accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles occur in AD. Due to the aging of the population and increased prevalence of AD, discovery of new therapeutic agents with the highest effectiveness and fewer side effect seems to be necessary. Numerous synthetic medicines such as tacrine, donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, memantine, glutathione, ascorbic acid, ubiquinone, ibuprofen, and ladostigil are routinely used for reduction of the symptoms and prevention of disease progression. Nowadays, herbal medicines have attracted popular attention for numerous beneficial effects with little side effects. Lavandula angustifolia, Ginkgo biloba, Melissa officinalis, Crocus sativus, Ginseng, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Magnolia officinalis have been widely used for relief of symptoms of some neurological disorders. This paper reviews the therapeutic effects of phytomedicines with prominent effects against various factors implicated in the emergence and progression of AD.

Context: 

One of the emerging diseases that has spread in 2019 is COVID-19.

 The present systematic review (SR) was performed to evaluate the status of laboratory and radiological findings in the age group of children and adolescents with COVID-19.

 In this SR study, three of the research team members conducted searches in SCOPUS, PUBMED, Science Direct, and ISI international sites. The keywords that were searched included children- pediatric- adolescents- coronavirus- COVID-19- Novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2-epidemiology- diagnostic findings- laboratory findings- CT SCAN- computed tomography- percentage of lymphocyte- alanine aminotransferase- white blood cell count (WBC). The combination of search keywords with AND as well as OR was performed. For analysis, descriptive data reporting was performed using EndNote software.

 The analysis of the laboratory and radiology findings of 197 patients of 12 studies included in the SR study showed notable changes in the lung CT scan and laboratory ranges that confirm the COVID-19 infection in these patients.

 This systematic review provides information on the laboratory and radiology findings of children and adolescents with COVID-19 for the health care team.
 

In this study, we evaluated the effects of promoter methylation of MTHFR on oligozoospermia risk, followed by an in silico analysis.

In a case-control study, semen samples were collected from infertile and healthy control men. MTHFR promoter region was amplified by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Finally, the promoter region of MTHFR was analyzed by bioinformatics software.

Our data revealed significant associations of CpG island promoter methylation with oligozoospermia in a case-control study. In silico analysis showed that promoter contains a strong nucleosome exclusion region, a bonafide CGIs, six PROSITE motifs without a defined TATA box and 14 transcription factor (TF) binding sites, which are directly involved in spermatogenesis

Based on our findings, methylation of the MTHFR gene promoter region may be a risk factor for oligozoospermia. However, this is a preliminary report representing data for future comprehensive studies to make a clinical conclusion on the potential biomarker role of methylation of this promoter in elevating susceptibility to oligozoospermia.

Considering the prevalence of COVID-19 worldwide, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal problems (anorexia, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting) in patients with COVID-19.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal problems in patients with COVID-19 using Systematic Review and Meta-analysis methodology. The search was conducted independently by two researchers on international databases, including Web of Science (ISI), Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, PubMed/Medline, and Google Scholar Search Engine. Keywords included “Vomiting”, “Anorexia”, “Diarrhea”, “Nausea”, “SARS-CoV-2”, and “COVID-19”. Data were analyzed using STATA statistic software.

The total sample size was 3602 patients. Initially, 1456 studies were included in the study, which reached 33 articles after the final screening. Regarding the prevalence of gastrointestinal problems in patients, the prevalence rate of diarrhea was 6% (95% CI: 0.06 [0.04, 0.08]), anorexia was13% (95% CI: 0.13 [0.03, 0.24]), nausea and vomiting was 4% (95% CI : 0.04 [0.03, 0.05]), and pharyngalgia was 16% (95% CI : 0.16 [0.02, 0.30]).

The results of this study can be used as a guideline for clinical professionals.

In Iranian traditional medicine Quercus brantii var. Persica (Oak) is considered warm- and dry-natured. It is used for gastric pain, ulcer, anemia, hemorrhoids and rickets, burns, indigestion, diarrhea, and infection. Oak is readily available and has a variety of medicinal and health effects in both traditional and modern remedies. The main objective of this research is Identification in oak compounds, using Headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Oak fruits were collected from Argavan Valley, Ilam, west of Iran, after drying and powdering, chemical compounds were isolated by HS-SPME and identified by using GC-MS method. The results analysis of Quercus brantii revealed the existence of 41 chemical compounds. Major chemicals included β- pinene oxide (8.65%), Tetrahydro- linalyl acetate (8.51%), 2-methoxy –p-cresol (7.65%), 2-methoxy pyrazine (5.08%), 2-acetyl pyridine, 2,3-dimethyl pyrazine (4.42%), Trans- linalool oxide (3.79%), β- pinene(3.66%), Verbenone (3.43%), and Terpin-4-ol (3.27%).

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of major cardiovascular disorders that is widespread today and has many complications, including death. Natural and herbal sources are one of the solutions to the treatment of various diseases. Many medicines are also used to treat chronic diseases. Some herbs are used to treat cardiovascular diseases, especially vascular complications. Plants such as Sylbium marianum, Vitis vinifera, Allium ascalonicum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Allium latifolium, Artemisia sieberi, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Amaranthus caudatus, Securigera securidaca, Ribes biebersteinii, Crocus sativus, Achillea wilhelmsii, Dorema aucheri, Teucrium polum, Nigella sativa, Nicotina tobacum and Pistacia vera.

Background & Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common non-melanoma skin cancer that may be caused by Human papillomavirus (HPV), especially in immunosuppressed patients. However, the role of the mucosal types of HPV in SCC patients with normal immunity has not been extensively confirmed. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of some high-risk mucosal types of HPV with cutaneous SCC in an Iranian population.  Sixty-five formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue specimens with a diagnosis of cutaneous SCC as the case group and sixty-five healthy skin specimens as the control group were included in our case-control study. Genomic DNA was extracted from tissue samples and then PCR was used for the detection of HPV genotypes by a commercial kit. Our data revealed that 6 out of 65 SCC samples (9.2%) were infected by high-risk mucosal types of HPV whereas none of the 65 control samples were infected by the mentioned HPVs. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between these types of HPV infection and SCC risk in our studied population (P=0.028). These findings suggested that some high-risk mucosal types of HPV are significant risk factors for cutaneous SCC.

In order to examine some aspects of shopping behavior among TV set buyers, we will first study the criteria and regulations that consumers take into account while purchasing in order to choose their desired brand. On the other hand, the specific application of this research is to study the positioning of 4 TV brands in Isfahan province.

This research is applied in terms of purpose and is conducted based on mixed research approach (quantitative and qualitative). Data collecting was descriptive based on survey. Statistical population includes active workers in production and sales departments and after-sales services, service providers and customers of this product.

The most important criterion as expressed by the color TV customers in the sample studied is the appearance, beauty and then the image quality. Brand reputation has also been perceived as a very important need from the customers' point of view. Television set buyers in the city of Isfahan are, 95%, likely to purchase based on one of the five styles of perfectionist, brand-oriented, wandering, price-sensitive, and habitual. But, the three fashionable, reactive, and fun styles are not identifiable among these television buyers. In the brand-oriented decision-making style, the Samsung brand is at the top and the other brands are equal. In the price-sensitive style, the SNOWA brand ranked first, the XVision brand is second, and then LG and Samsung equal.

Based on the results of this study, appearance, beauty, image quality, brand reputation, price, warranty and after-sales service, sound quality, promotion, up-to-date technology and product portfolio are among the most important criteria for consumers while buying TV sets. The success rates of the four brands of color TV products introduced to meet these needs showed that among these criteria, image quality regarding the natural color, appearance and beauty of the product, brand reputation, quality of after-sales service and the product price are among the highest criteria. Among the brands surveyed, the Samsung brand ranked highest in meeting customer expectations, followed by LG, SNOWA, and XVision. On the other hand, perfectionist style and perception of the high quality of a particular brand is a top priority for Isfahan TV set buyers. Brand-oriented decision-making style and attention to product and brand were ranked second to all buyers and dominated by Samsung brand buyers. In fact, they believe that a well-known brand in the market will have acceptable quality.