فهرست مطالب mitra abbasifard

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that can affect many organs, and due to its systemic nature, it seems that some types of surgeries are more prevalent in this disease. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of different types of surgery in RA patients. This retrospective study using the RA registry was performed on 639 RA patients in the rheumatology clinic of Rafsanjan, Iran, 2022. All patients fulfilled the ACR/EULAR 2010 classification criteria for RA. Demographic information, clinical parameters, laboratory information, surgical history, and surgery time were collected from the medical records. The sample comprises 555 (86.9%) women and 84 (13.1%) men. The average age was 55.08 ± 12.52, and the mean duration of the disease was 7.32 ± 5.94. There was a history of at least one surgery in 252 (39.4%) patients. The prevalence of gastrointestinal, gynecological, orthopedic, eye, ear, nose, and throat, cardiovascular and urological surgeries was 18%, 16.4%, 9.2%, 8.3%, 3.9%, 0.9% and 0.9%, respectively. There were 69.8% of eye surgeries and 57.6% of orthopedic surgeries after disease diagnosis; other surgeries were more prevalent before the diagnosis. The average age (58.16 ± 11.89 vs. 53.07 ± 12.53, P-value < 0.001) and body mass index (29.65 ± 5.68 vs 28.63 ± 5.56, P-value = 0.025) were higher in participants with surgery than those with no surgery. The most prevalent surgeries were gastrointestinal, gynecological, and orthopedic surgeries, and Cardiovascular and urological surgeries were the least. The mean age and body mass index in patients with surgery were significantly higher than those without surgery. Also, physical activity was significantly lower in the participants with surgery.

During the coronavirus pandemic, e-learning is considered an essential element in educational systems. Keeping the student's effective interaction with the pharmacology course is always a serious challenge in the virtual education of this lesson. Therefore, the current study aimed to design, implement, and evaluate the virtual teaching methods of pharmacology course among medical students.

In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, 133 medical students of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, who were studying pharmacology during the coronavirus pandemic in the academic year 2019-2020, were included. Then, the simplified educational content of the pharmacology course was prepared in the form of pictures along with explanatory clouds and summary tables and uploaded to the learning management system (NAVID). Supplementary written content, which complemented the educational clips of each class session, was provided to the students in order to summarize the topic and learn better. After finishing the class, an online questionnaire was completed by the students, and the data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and independent t-test.

There were 66 (49.6%) students of 2017 entrance and 67 students (50.4%) of 2018 entrance. The satisfaction level of the students after the evaluation through the questionnaire regarding the supplementary educational method was significantly higher than the simplified method (p<0.001). There was observed no significant difference in the level of satisfaction from both methods based on grade point average and age (p<0.05).

The design and implementation of simplified educational methods in the course of pharmacology was accompanied with satisfaction of students in online education in the time of coronavirus pandemic.

Thyroid disorders have profound effects on body organs. This study was conducted aiming to examine the frequency of skeletal muscle manifestations in patients with thyroid dysfunction. The statistical population of this descriptive study was comprised of 200 patients with thyroid disorders referred to the endocrinology clinic of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences from March 21, 2018, to September 23, 2018, who were included in the study by census method. The research checklist included the information obtained from the complete physical evaluation of each patient's organs as well as the demographic characteristics. The Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to analyze the data. The mean age of the examined patients was 39.25±14.43 years. Out of 200 patients, 23 (11.5%) were male and 177 (88.5%) were female. Joint pain was found in 121 people (60.5%), morning stiffness in 45 people (22.5%), limited joint mobility in 44 people (22.0%), adhesive capsulitis in 25 people (12.5%), carpal tunnel syndrome in 24 people (0. 12%), trigger finger disorder in 20 people (10.0%), and 2 patients (1.0%) experienced tarsal tunnel. No musculoskeletal manifestations were reported in 74 individuals (0.37%) suffering from a thyroid disorder. There was a significant relationship between musculoskeletal manifestations accompanying thyroid disorders and gender (p=0.001), level of education (p<0.001), and occupation (p=0.002). The findings of this study indicated the comorbidity of musculoskeletal disorders and thyroid dysfunction. Therefore, patients with thyroid dysfunction should be screened for musculoskeletal complaints and, if necessary, receive appropriate treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect bone density. Given the significant risk of low bone mass density (BMD) in RA patients, the present study aims to investigate the BMD in these patients. The present cross-sectional study included 415 RA patients from the Rafsanjan Rheumatology Clinic. The patients were included in the study by census based on the inclusion criteria, which included a physician's diagnosis of RA according to the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) criteria, at least three months of disease history, and age between of 35 and 70 years. The BMD was measured using the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry method in both the hip and the spine, and the RA severity was determined using the disease activity score-28 (DAS-28) index. The mean age of RA patients was 56.49 ± 11.73 years, with females accounting for 86.7% (300 people). The frequency of osteoporosis was 7.5% (26 people), and osteopenia was 43.6% (151 people) based on hip bone density, and 33% (137 people) and 38.1% (158 people) based on spine density, respectively. Age, fracture history, and DAS-28 score increased the probability of developing osteopenia or osteoporosis based on hip and spine bone density. According to the findings of a study in RA patients, increasing age, history of bone fracture, and DAS-28 score increase the probability of osteopenia or osteoporosis. Therefore, it is advised to pay close attention to the mentioned factors to prevent complications in these patients.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) or hydatid disease is a global public health concern which imposes considerable economic costs on the communities in endemic regions. CE surveillance data are not adequately reliable. The present study reports the development and outcomes of a CE registry in Iran.

Hydatid Registry (HydatidReg) was initially established as a single-center registry in 2014 after the ethical approval of KMU. Following a call from MoHME to promote registry of different diseases and health outcomes, a call for participation was announced and all the Iranian Universities of Medical Sciences were requested to contribute to the registry. Subsequently, a nation-wide registry of hydatid disease was established in 2016. With a global perspective, HydatidReg joined the European Register of Cystic Echinococcosis (ERCE). A data collection form based on minimum dataset was designed and standard operating procedures (SOPs) were prepared to ensure standardized patient enrolment in the registry. A biobank system with two-dimensional barcoding was established along with HydatidReg for management and organization of biological specimens.

As of March 2021, a total of 690 patients were enrolled in the registry. HydatidReg registered 362 (17.3%) out of the total 2097 patients enrolled in ERCE. Quality control (QC) of the data demonstrated 91.2% completeness and 80% timeliness. In the biobank, 322 biological specimens from 184 CE patients have been deposited including 70 blood, 96 sera and 156 parasite materials.

High-quality data in the HydatidReg registry provided opportunities for health professionals to improve quality of care and organize meaningful research.

The responses of biological systems to various types of radiation have multifaceted dimensions. In the field of ionizing radiation, in vitro external gamma radiation therapy has primarily been studied as a model to elucidate the challenges that biological systems face from radiation effects. Exposure of cells/organisms to gamma radiation results in a cascade of ionization events that can cause severe and irreversible biological damage. However, the biological responses and oxidative stress-related mechanisms under acute radiation conditions remain poorly understood in inflammatory systems. The present study aimed to provide a model of the effect of ionizing radiation on macrophages, which play a pivotal role in the mechanisms of inflammation, to assess the impact of radiotherapy as an approach to treating inflammatory diseases.

A macrophage cell line (RAW 264.7) was cultured and exposed to different doses of gamma radiation (4, 6, 8, 10 Gy). Cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration, nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, expression of pro-inflammatory and apoptotic genes, and cytokine secretion of macrophages were also evaluated.

The results showed that gamma radiation at 4 Gy had a low effect on macrophage characteristics and cytokine secretion patterns. In contrast, higher doses (8 and 10 Gy) increased DNA damage, expression of apoptotic genes, and secretion of NO and PGE2 cytokines. 6 Gy radiation, the maximum radiation dose, showed moderate non-destructive effects and inflammation process modulation. In this study, doses higher than 6 Gy of Gamma radiation caused cell mortality.

It appears that 6 Gy of gamma radiation modulates the inflammatory cascade caused by macrophage cells.

Renal involvement is one of the extra-articular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The current study aims to investigate renal function and its associated factors in RA patients. This cross-sectional study included 443 RA patients who were referred to Rafsanjan's only rheumatology clinic in 2021. Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) index was used to determine disease activity. Blood levels of creatinine, C-Reactive Protein test (CRP), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), and urine analysis were also determined. Renal failure was classified based on Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). SPSS.20 one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and Chi-square were used to analyze the data. Patiens' mean age was 53.99 ± 12.34, and 85.8% (380 people) of the participants were female. Ther were 147 (33.2%) patients without renal failure, 260 (58.7%) with mild renal failure, and 36 (8.1%) with moderate/severe failure. Men had a 3.059 higher risk of renal failure than women (P = 0.001). The probability of developing renal failure in patients increased by 1.047 times with each year of age (P < 0.001). As a chronic disease, RA can directly or through the use of disease medications and other risk factors, adversely affect other organs of the body, including the kidney. The current study's findings revealed a high prevalence of mild renal failure in these patients.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases causing many physical and mental complications, and disorders in patients. This study aimed to evaluate the mental health and sleep quality of RA patients referred to the Rafsanjan Rhematology Clinic. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 35 patients and 35 healthy people referring to Rheumatology Clinic of Rafsanjan. Data collection tools included demographic information, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS21), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Then, the data were analyzed by SPSS 20 and using independent t-test, Chi-square, and multivariate analysis of covariance. The total score of DASS21 indicated that stress, anxiety, and depression in the patient was significantly higher than the healthy group. In comparison to the healthy group, patients' mean total scores for sleep and all of its subscales (apart from subjective sleep quality) were considerably higher (P = 0.001). The mean total score of sleep, and all its subscales (except the subjective sleep quality) in the patients was significantly higher than the healthy group, indicating that they had a lower sleep quality. Based on the results of our study, mental health, and sleep quality are common problems in RA patients. Therefore, along with standard treatments for the disease, attention should be paid to mental health, and sleep status of affected patients.

Because osteoporosis is largely preventable and an essential principle in preventing this condition is the way of thinking, lifestyle, and daily habits of people, the current study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of nurses at Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences regarding osteoporosis. The population of this descriptive study comprised 418 nurses at Ali-Ibn Abi-Talib Hospital in Rafsanjan by census in 2021. The data collection tool was a valid questionnaire that was completed through self-reporting. Data were entered into SPSS software version 24 and analyzed using the chi-square, independent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance tests. The mean age of participants was 34.15±7.28 years, and the mean work experience was 9.36±7.46 years. Of the 418 subjects, 214 (51.2%) were female, and 204 (48.8%) were male. The mean score in the field of knowledge was 20.84 (out of 28 points), in the field of attitude was 18.70 (out of 22 points), and in the field of practice was 9.32 (out of 18 points). The mean scores of knowledge (p=0.001), attitude (p=0.015), and practice (p<0.001) of nurses were significant according to different age groups. Women obtained higher mean scores for knowledge than men (p<0.001), but men achieved higher mean score for practice than women (p<0.001). The current finding indicate that nurses' knowledge and attitude towards osteoporosis in Rafsanjan are optimal. Nonetheless, their practice of preventing this disease is weak and requires influential factors.

One of the problems of employees in different occupations, especially employees in multiple wards of the hospital,is work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Evaluating the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal illnesses and associated variables among employees is crucial in light of the significance of this problem and staff health. Therefore, we evaluated the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among Ali-Ibn Abi-Talib Hospital’s staff in Rafsanjan city in 2019. In this study, 220 staff members (143 females and 77 males) entered the study in 2019 with personal consent, and to collect data, the demographic information questionnaire and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used.The mean age of staff was 35.43 ± 8.08 including treatment staff (nurses-physicians) (46.8%,) administrative staff (33.6%), and service staff (drivers-workers) (19.6%). Additionally, 40% of all work-associated musculoskeletal diseases were connected to the neck region, 38% to the knees, 36%to the lower back, and 12% to the elbows, feet, and ankles, 16% to the thighs, and 24.1% to the back. The prevalence of disorders in some areas, such as the neck was high as in some studies. Therefore, it seems that the necessary planning should be done to prevent further occurrence of these disorders among hospital staff, which may lead to inefficiency.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that globally affects the elderly, leading to pain and disability. Herbal medications and alternative therapies have demonstrated positive effects on arthritis management. Pistacia vera has traditionally been used for inflammatory conditions and has also shown antinociceptive effects.

Given the limited available scientific evidence, our randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the potential protective role of topical P. vera seed oil preparation in patients with knee OA.

A total of 89 patients with kneeOA(n = 89) were randomly allocated into three groups: Placebo, piroxicam, and P. vera. The topical formulations were administered twice daily over a period of three months. Pain level, patient health status, andperformance were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) andWestern Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.

The application of P. vera ointment demonstrated pain reduction in patients, as indicated by VAS andWOMACassessments. Additionally, WOMAC scores showed that P. vera ointment alleviated motion stiffness and improved activity difficulties in patients (P < 0.001). In certain parameters, the topical application of P. vera showed greater effectiveness in treating knee OA than piroxicam (P < 0.05).

Pistacia vera ointment shows promise as a potential therapeutic option for osteoarthritis, effectively addressing the detrimental effects of the disease. Further experimental and clinical studies are warranted to elucidate its efficacy and safety profile.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease with unknown etiology and can affect various aspects of women's lives, especially pregnancy and their consequences. The present study was performed aimed to evaluate fertility-related factors in women with rheumatoid arthritis.

This descriptive-analytic study was performed on 100 women with rheumatoid arthritis and 100 healthy women in 2020. The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis was based on ACR 2010 / EULAR criteria and rheumatologist approval. Demographic and fertility-related information included first menstrual age, age of menopause, menstrual regularity, number of pregnancies, history of infertility and use of assisted reproductive drugs, duration of infertility and disease severity according to DAS.28 criteria. Data were analyzed by SPSS software (version 20) and Independent T-test and Chi-square test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The mean duration of the disease was 49.14±49.57 months and the severity of the disease was moderate in half of the patients. The number of pregnancies and deliveries did not differ significantly between the two groups (P> 0.05). A history of abortion was reported in 33% of RA women and 56% of healthy women (P = 0.007). The history of primary and secondary infertility was less in women with rheumatoid arthritis than healthy women (P = 0.017 and P = 0.542, respectively) and the use of assisted reproductive drugs was more frequent in healthy women (P = 0.224).

In this study, pregnancy-related factors such as the frequency of abortion, history of primary infertility and the use of assisted reproductive drugs were reported less in women with rheumatoid arthritis than healthy women. It is necessary to examine these findings in future studies with more sample sizes and selection of more than one control group.

The COVID-19 disease has affected patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Drug adherence is essential for RA control. This study investigated self-medication among RA patients in the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study was performed on 288 patients with RA referred to the Rheumatology Clinic of Rafsanjan in 2021. Data were extracted by a checklist. Patients were examined and the type of used drugs, drug dose, and dose change were recorded. Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, care during the last year and being over 16 years of age. Data were analyzed using SPSS/18 software. The mean ± SD of patients' age was 53.3 ± 12.6 years and 53.8% of patients were male. The mean ± SD duration of the disease was 7.04 ± 6.37 years. Self-medication was observed in all drugs, where Alendronate (100.0%, n = 13), Folic Acid (100.0%, n = 7), Methotrexate (94.1%, n=32), and Prednisolone (89.3%, n = 25) had the highest frequency of changes among other drugs (P value < 0.001). The mean ± SD dose of Hydroxychloroquine increased from 1358.5 ± 304.4 to 1368.0 ± 336.2 mg before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (P value = 0.319). The odd ratio of self[1]medication was higher in women (OR = 6.130, 95%CI: 2.915-12.993), RA patients with academic education (OR = 2.727, 95%CI: 1.037- 7.166), and lower in RA patients with a governmental occupation (OR = 0.277, 95%CI: 0.086-0.893). Self-medication of rheumatoid arthritis drugs may occur due to the positive effect of these drugs on COVID-19 disease and further reduced drug accessibility. It is necessary to plan to prevent self-medication in these patients by physicians.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that involves vital organs of the body. Studies have shownthat abnormal lipids may be involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate lipid profiles inlupus patients. This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated 136 SLE patients who were referred to the RheumatologyClinic of Rafsanjan from October 2015 to September 2018. The data for the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) anddemographic information of all patients were entered in a researcher-created checklist, and serum lipid profiles were measuredin serum samples. The SLEDAI score of patients was 13.8 ± 5.9. Age had a significantly positive correlation with cholesterol(r = 0.224, p value = 0.009) and LDL (r = 0.256, p value = 0.003) levels as well as significantly negative correlation with HDLlevels (r = -0.489, p value = 0.023). Lipid profiles of patients with different levels of education showed no significant difference(p value = 0.174). In recently diagnosed patients, SLEDAI had a significantly positive correlation with cholesterol (r = 0.489,p value = 0.002) and LDL levels (r = 0.418, p value = 0.009) as well as a significantly negative correlation with HDL levels (r= -0.381, p value = 0.037). No significant correlation was observed between TG level and SLEDAI (p value = 0.114, r = 0.19).There was no significant difference in the SLEDAI score between subjects using lipid-lowering drugs and those without suchtreatment (p value = 0841). It seems that abnormal lipid levels are common in patients with SLE, and there is an associationbetween abnormal lipids and SLEDAI.

Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) has been described as an important factor in regulating inflammatory response and a key transcription factor in the immune system. In antiviral response, IRF5 promotes the expression of type 1 interferon (IFN) and is also important in the differentiation of macrophages towards pro-inflammatory phenotypes, regulating B-cell maturity and antibody production. Some cancer patients treated with IFNα manifest symptoms resembling systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). An important mechanism in this response is IRF5 that triggers apoptosis. Herein, we discuss the functional importance of IRF5 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and SLE in a setting of polymorphic mutations at the human Irf5 locus. This paper describes murine models, the lessons of IRF functionality learned from these models and the consequences of autoimmune diseases. It is hypothesized that modulation of IRF5 activity may be beneficial in autoimmune diseases therapies.

Musculoskeletal disorders in diabetic patients are associated with pain and disability, and thus, a significant reduction in quality of life. The current study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the frequency and prevention of rheumatologic manifestations and their association with blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.

In this cross‑sectional study, a total of 273 patients with type II diabetes, referred to the diabetes clinic, were selected by using the census method. Using a checklist, demographic, and clinical data, including duration of diabetes, blood glucose level, HbA1c, type of diabetes, BMI, history of smoking, blood pressure, serum cholesterol level, triglyceride, HDL, LDL, and musculoskeletal disorder type were analyzed using SPSS20 software application using independent t‑test. Modeling was performed to obtain the best fit using logistic regression. The significance level was considered less than 0.05.

62.6% of patients had at least one of the rheumatologic complications. The most common complication was related to carpal tunnel syndrome (26.4%), followed by muscle contraction (23.8%). By moderating the effects of other variables, the odds ratio for rheumatoid complications was obtained as 1.74 with one unit of increase in HbA1c, which was statistically significant. In examining the influential variables, high age, gender, smoking, and BMI showed statistically significant effects ().

Given the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in diabetic patients, early diagnosis and timely treatment of the complications are crucial. It is recommended that musculoskeletal examinations be included as an important part of regular care for these patients.

The role of cytokine storm in the immunopathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been implicated.

To determine the association of microRNA (miRNA)-10b and serum levels of IL-2 and IL-8 in patients with COVID-19.

Blood samples were obtained from 33 COVID-19 patients and 29 healthy subjects. After RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, the transcript level of miR-10b was determined by Real-time PCR. In addition, the serum levels of IL-2 and IL-8 were measured in subjects using ELISA.

The patient group comprised of 33 patients with COVID-19 (62.4 ± 3.7 years old), 13 (39%) males and 20 (61%) females. In the control group, 29 subjects (56.6 ± 1.6 years old), 9 (31%) males and 20 (69%) females, were included. The expression of miR-10b was significantly downregulated in the peripheral blood of COVID-19 patients in comparison to the healthy controls (fold change= 0.12, p < 0.0001). The levels of IL-2 (p < 0.001) and IL-8 (p < 0.001) were significantly increased in the serum samples of COVID-19 patients compared to the healthy subjects. The expression level of miR-10b was correlated significantly with the serum levels of IL-2 and IL-8 as well as with the age of patients, ESR and CRP levels.

miR-10b is downregulated in the COVID-19 patients and might result in increased levels of IL-2 and IL-8, hence contributing to cytokine storm.

Polyphenols are micronutrients with an extensive range of biological characteristics including a reduction in inflammation features. Pistachio is rich in polyphenols, and therefore, contains the antiinflammatory potential for various anti-inflammatory conditions. To date, beneficial anti-inflammatory effects of pistachio or its derivatives have been demonstrated in several inflammatory conditions such as colitis and paw edema. A number of conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disorders have also been found to benefit from pistachio supplementation. Growing evidence suggests that pistachio could be more widely used in inflammatory conditions. Pistachio and its derivatives seem to exert anti-inflammatory effects through several direct and indirect mechanisms. However anti-inflammatory properties of pistachio need to be further investigated in the context of other inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory and autoimmune arthritis, systemic lupus erythematous, tendonitis etc.

Vitamin D level varies according to the geographic location. This study was conducted to evaluate Vitamin D level in the serumsamples of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients from the Iranian population and determine its association with SLE diseaseactivity index (SLEDAI), sun exposure, smoking, photosensitivity, sun protector cream use, and drug regimen. In this crosssectional study, 200 patients were included. The patient’s data were obtained using a questionnaire. The enzyme-linkedimmunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was used to determine Vitamin D level in the serum samples of the patients. The studypopulation was comprised of 27 (13.5%) males and 173 (86.5%) females, with a mean age of 38.46 ± 13.24 years. The serumlevel of Vitamin D was 13.62 ± 3.22 ng/ml in the patients. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 104 (52%) patients. There wasa statistically positive correlation between vitamin D level and duration of sun exposure (CC = 0.57, P = 0.004). A statisticallysignificant negative correlation was seen between vitamin D level and SLEDAI (CC = -0.41, P = 0.013).Vitamin D level was significantly (P = 0.030) lower in the SLE patients with photosensitivity. SLE patients using sunprotector cream had significantly (P = 0.002) lower level of Vitamin D. Patients receiving glucocorticoid drugs hadsignificantly (P = 0.001) lower levels of Vitamin D in comparison to the patients not receiving glucocorticoids. Vitamin D isinvolved in the disease activity of SLE patients. It is important to include vitamin D supplementation in the drug regimen of SLEpatients, especially when it includes glucocorticoids.

Several plants are used as analgesic in traditional medicine. Capparis spinosa (C. spinosa) is widely used for the treatment of gout and rheumatic arthritis. The previous studies have reported the antinociceptive effects of this plant.

The study was aimed at examining the C. spinosa’s gastric-ulcerogenecity effect in comparison to indomethacin.

The percolated extract of C. spinosa and Indomethacin were orally administered to the rats at 50,100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses, which were slaughtered after 4 hours. The stomach was detached, and 10 mL of 2% formalin was injected into it to fix the gastric wall internal layer. The stomach was then split by cutting along the greater curvature, and the lacerations in the glandular section examined. J-score was used to determine ulcer index.

The results indicated that percolated extract of C. spinosa administered orally in antinociceptive dosage and even 2,4 and 8 folds did not cause a gastric ulcer (J-score = 0) compared to indomethacin (J-score = 46 to 253) (P < 0.05).

Concerning the favorable analgesic effect of C. spinosa and lack of gastric ulcerogenecity effects, it seems to be a suitable choice for more pharmacological and toxicology examinations to use as analgesic.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of eotaxin family members including C-C motif chemokine 11 (CCL11), C-C motif chemokine 24 (CCL24), and C-C motif chemokine 26 (CCL26) as the subgroups of CC-chemokine in patients affected with osteoporosis and osteopenia.

Overall, 19 osteoporotic patients, 18 osteopenic individuals, and 20 healthy subjects were recruited in this study. The bone mineral density (BMD) was then measured at the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and the hip (femoral neck and total hip) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for diagnosis of bone density and related disorders. Additionally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was employed to measure the serum levels of CCL11, CCL24, and CCL26.

The circulating levels of CCL11, CCL24, and CCL26 had been increased in both groups of patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis compared to those in healthy subjects (P<0.05); while no significant difference was observed between serum levels of these chemokines in such patients.

Eotaxins can play a role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and osteopenia; however, further studies are needed to clarify various roles of eotaxins in the pathophysiology of osteoporosis and osteopenia.

Occasionally rheumatologic syndromes are the presenting symptom of an underlying malignancy.

The main goal of this cross-sectional study was to determine the presence of rheumatic manifestations by age, gender, type of solid tumors, and the stage of disease.

The patients who suffered from solid tumors and referred for first time chemotherapy, were studied. All the extracted data from the questionnaire was collected and analyzed using SPSS (2016) software.

Four hundred and one patients were studied. Sixty-four patients had rheumatologic manifestations. The most representative age group was 61 - 70 years, the most common rheumatologic manifestation observed was fibromyalgia (30 female and 4 male). Most rheumatic syndromes were observed in breast cancer (31 patients) and stage 4 of breast cancer was the most common stage (38 patients). The presence of associated rheumatologic manifestations was as follows: fibromyalgia (53.1%), arthropathy (15.6%), polymyalgia rheumatica (10.9%), Raynaud’s phenomenon (9.4%), frozen shoulder (9.4%) and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (1.6%). In this study, with the exception of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, rheumatic manifestation is more common in female patients.

From the findings, most rheumatologic manifestations (RMs) are gender dependent. These results can be used as a tool for more effective treatment and monitoring clinical studies of RM in patients with solid tumors especially fibromyalgia and breast cancer. If there is early recognition of the disease, it will lead to timely diagnosis and it is essential to improve outcomes in patients with paraneoplastic syndromes. Therefore, rheumatologists must work closely with oncologists to identify those paraneoplastic syndromes

 This study investigated the role of locus coeruleus (LC) nucleus TRPV1 receptors (TRPV1r) in the expression and development of morphine physical dependence by intra-LC administration of AMG9810 (selective TRPV1r antagonist) in male Wistar rats. For assessing the development of morphine dependence, AMG9810 (0.03 and 0.3 mM in 10% DMSO, 0.2 µl; intra-LC microinjection) was administered before each morphine administration for seven continues days (once daily; 6, 16, 26, 36, 46, 56, and 66 mg/kg; sc). Furthermore, for evaluating the expression of morphine dependence, a single dose of AMG9810 (0.03 and 0.3 mM in 10% DMSO, 0.2 µl; intra-LC microinjection) was administered to morphine-dependent rats on day 8 of the experiment. Obtained data demonstrated that co-administration of TRPV1r antagonist with morphine reduced the development of morphine withdrawal syndrome somatic signs induced by naloxone. Moreover, single intra-LC administration of TRPV1r antagonist on the final day of the examination period significantly decreased the expression of some signs of morphine withdrawal in rats. The results showed that LC TRPV1r might be participating in the expression and development of morphine dependence.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with many complications. Neurobehavioral deficits are reported in women with PCOS. Patients with PCOS show a high risk for affective disorders, which impair the quality of life. Finding a safe herbal medicine for these complications is valuable. Pistacia vera plays a beneficial role in central nervous disorders. The current study is designed to evaluate the effects of Pistacia vera oil on depression and anxiety-like behaviors in female rats with letrozole-induced PCOS.

Letrozole (1 mg/kg) was used orally in order to induce PCOS. Pistachio oil (1 and 4 ml/kg) was administered with letrozole. After 21 days, elevated plus-maze test, forced swimming test (FST), and open field tests were performed.

The data showed that the PCOS condition led to immobility time enhancement in the FST (P<0.001). PCOS animals significantly exhibited anxiety-like behaviors (P<0.05). Treatment with pistachio oil with doses of 1 and 4 ml/kg completely blocked the deleterious effects of PCOS on behavioral parameters.

Pistacia vera oil could alleviate depression and anxiety in rats with PCOS.

A 38-year-old man came to outpatient clinic complaining of a new-onset pain of his right buttock which has caused him to limp. Since six months ago, the pain had involved in order his cervical spine, ribs, sternum andthoracic spine, and left them deformed. He also had constitutional symptoms and significant weight loss. On physical examination, there was a limited chest expansion, positive Schober’s test, and multiple tender bony bumps along the ribs, costosternal and costochondral junctions. Lab tests showed anemia, elevated ESR, normal level of serum calcium, and creatinine, and 1 protein in U/A. Serum protein electrophoresis was unexceptional. The imaging of the patient changed the diagnostic path. This article describes a deceptive visage of multiple myeloma presenting itself in the clothing of ankylosing spondylitis.