Background: Adult spinal deformities (ASD), including kyphosis, lordosis, and scoliosis, are major contributors to global disability, yet their prevalence and risk factors remain understudied in the Iranian population. This study aimed to assess the burden and determinants of ASD in the PERSIAN Guilan Cohort Study (PGCS) population. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted within PGCS, including 10,520 participants aged 35–70 years. Spinal deformities were assessed via physical examination by trained health workers. Logistic regression models evaluated associations between ASD and demographic, clinical, and lifestyle factors. Results: The prevalence of ASD was 6.4%, with lordosis (96%) being the most common deformity. Women had significantly higher odds of ASD than men (adjusted OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.49–2.48). Rural residence (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.49–0.68) and older age (≥65 years; OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.42–0.82) were inversely associated with ASD. Obesity (body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m²) was a strong risk factor (OR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.46–2.37). Pre-diabetes (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.00–1.60) and moderate physical activity (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04–1.58) also showed significant associations. Conclusion: Epidemiological findings from the PGCS indicate a higher prevalence of ASD among women and individuals with obesity, along with significant variation between urban and rural residents. These findings highlight the need for targeted preventive measures and further research to inform effective interventions.
Background: Eggshell membrane (ESM) contains bioactive substances beneficial for nerve regeneration. Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are significantly effective in treating medical conditions, including spastic movement disorders, and at low concentrations, they can enhance nerve regeneration. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of BoNT type A (BoNT/A) the ESM canal on peripheral nerve repair. Materials & Methods: In the present study, 32 male rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: sham surgery, autograft, ESM+9% normal saline, and ESM+BoNT/A. Then, 1 cm of the sciatic nerve was excised, and the gap was bridged using an eggshell canal filled with either normal saline or BoNT/A. Nerve repair was assessed using the sciatic function index (SFI). Then, muscle and nerve samples were prepared and evaluated histologically, biochemically, and immunohistologically on days 30 and 90 after surgery. Results: At 49 and 60 days post-surgery, the SFI scores in the ESM+BoNT/A group were significantly higher than those in the autograft group (P<0.05). Ninety days after surgery, the average diameters of muscle fibers in the ESM+BoNT/A group increased significantly compared to the autograft group (P<0.001). In addition, 90 days after surgery, the number of myelinated nerve fibers in the ESM+BoNT/A group was greater than in both the autograft and NS groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that incorporating BoNT/A as a filler within an ESM canal confers beneficial effects on axonal growth and sciatic nerve repair.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted populations worldwide, particularly vulnerable groups, like individuals with autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). This study examined the effects of COVID-19 on MS patients compared to healthy controls, focusing on symptom severity and hospitalization rates. Objectives: Evaluating the severity of COVID-19 among MS patients in comparison to a healthy control group. Materials & Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 1,203 MS cases from the nationwide MS registry of Iran and 500 healthy controls. Data, including demographics, MS history, treatment details, COVID-19 symptom severity, and hospitalization records, were collected from various healthcare facilities across Iran. Results: The study revealed no significant difference in hospitalization rates between MS patients (11.6%) and healthy controls (P=0.877). MS patients were more likely to experience mild COVID-19 symptoms compared to controls, while moderate and severe symptoms were less frequent (P<0.001). Gender did not significantly affect symptom severity within the MS group (P=0.505), but significant differences were noted in the control group, with males more likely to experience severe symptoms (P=0.021). Symptom severity varied significantly across different MS types (P=0.0034), with relapsingremitting MS patients predominantly experiencing milder symptoms. Higher Expanded Disability Status Scale scores (4.5 and higher) correlated with more severe COVID-19 symptoms (P<0.00001), emphasizing the need for monitoring disabled MS patients. Conclusion: The findings suggest that MS does not significantly increase the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes compared to the general population. MS-specific factors, including disease type and disability level, may influence COVID-19 severity. Targeted medical care based on individual health profiles is crucial, highlighting the intricate interplay between MS and infectious diseases, like COVID-19.
Background: Depression and anxiety are prevalent psychiatric disorders worldwide, often cooccurring and presenting therapeutic challenges. The limitations of conventional pharmacological treatments have intensified interest in plant-based therapies. Rubus hyrcanus Juz., an endemic species of the Hyrcanian forests, possesses phenolic and flavonoid compounds with antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Objectives: This research examined the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of R. hyrcanus root methanolic extract (RHRME) in male mice. Materials & Methods: RHRME was prepared using the maceration method. RHRME (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) was administered orally (p.o.) 60 minutes before behavioral assessments. Open field test (OFT) and elevated plus maze (EPM) were used to analyze locomotor activity and anxiolytic effects of the extract. The forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were applied to evaluate antidepressant-like activity. Results: RHRME at 200 mg/kg significantly elevated central zone time in the OFT (P<0.05), without affecting locomotor activity. Also, treatments at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg substantially elevated open arm entries (P<0.01, P<0.05, and P<0.001, respectively) compared to the control group. Time spent in the open arms was also significantly increased at 200 mg/kg (P<0.05). In the FST, RHRME at 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly elevated latency to immobility (P<0.001) and reduced immobility duration at 200 mg/kg (P<0.05). No remarkable effects were observed in the TST. Conclusion: Our findings suggest acute anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects of RHRME in mice and provide preliminary evidence supporting RHRME as a candidate for further mechanistic and chronic investigations.
Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease-causing CNS demyelination. There may be a correlation between MS and cancer because of the immunological basis of cancer and MS and also the MS treatment’s role. Purpose: The aim of this research was to determine the prevalence of cancer among MS patients in Guilan province. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 on 611 MS patients registered in nationwide MS registry of Iran (NMSRI), Guilan. Collected data included age, treatment types, duration of drug use, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), age at diagnosis, presence of cancer, time interval between MS and cancer diagnosis, comorbidities and medications prescribed for immune related disease. Results: 1.0% (n=6) of MS patients had a cancer diagnosis, mainly after MS diagnosis. The uterine cancer (33.3%, n=2), lymphoma (16.67%, n=1), breast cancer (50%, n=4) were identified. Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary gland (n=1) and lung cancer (n=1) were also diagnosed in one patient with uterine cancer. The average age of cancer patients was greater (47.2±12.6 vs. 37.7±9.9, P<0.001), and no significant correlation was found between sex and cancer (P=0.671). There was no significant correlation between the types of MS treatment, duration of taking medication, MS severity, age at MS diagnosis, and cancer (P>0.05). Cancer was more common in those with underlying diseases (P<0.001), but not in patients with autoimmune disease (P>0.05). Conclusion: The cancer is relatively high prevalent among MS patients compared with general population in Guialn province. And its prevalence was only associated with underlying diseases.
