Background: Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are the key regulators of cell-cycle transitions and characterized by needing a separate subunit, a cyclin, which provides domains essential for enzymatic activity. The activities of cyclin-CDK complexes are controlled by a group of molecules that inhibit CDK activity and CDK inhibitors (CKIs). Cancer often exhibits an aberrant CpG methylation of promoter regions of tumor suppressor genes such as CKIs. Treatment with the DNA demethylating agents, such as 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR), can restore and upregulate CKIs. Previously, we reported the effect of 5-Aza-CdR and genistein on DNA methyltransferase (DNMTs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 5-Aza-CdR on p15INK4, p16INK4, p18INK4, and p19INK4 genes expression, cell growth inhibition, and apoptosis induction in HCC PLC/PRF/5 cell line. Materials and Methods: The effect of 5-Aza-CdR on the cell growth of PLC/PRF/5 cells, genes expression, and apoptosis induction were assessed by 3-[4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl]-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay, real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis, and flow cytometry, respectively. Results: 5-Aza-CdR (0, 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 μM) inhibited PLC/PRF/5 cell growth at different periods significantly. This compound induced apoptosis and reactivated p15INK4, p16INK4, p18INK4, and p19INK4 genes expression at a concentration of 5 μM significantly. Conclusion: 5-Aza-CdR can inhibit cell viability and induce apoptosis by epigenetic reactivation of p15INK4, p16INK4, p18INK4, and p19INK4 genes in HCC PLC/PRF/5.

Background: Women's mental health is a significant health issue for pregnant women during and after pregnancy. Postpartum depression (PPD) is defined as the presence of depression in the 1^st year after delivery. This study reviews the relationship between Vitamin D levels, anxiety and poor sleep quality related to pregnancy. Materials and Methods: A systematic search was conducted on documents presented in PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Web of Science databases until March 2020. Three separate search paths were considered for three different disorders with particular keywords. All observational studies that investigate the relationship between Vitamin D levels and PPD, sleep disorders, and anxiety were selected for inclusion in the study. Results: Search yielded 14 eligible studies. Quality of most included studies was medium to high. Nine studies reported that Vitamin D deficiency was directly associated to the incidence of PPD and sleep disorders. One study reported an indirect association, and three researches did not observe any association between Vitamin D status, sleep disorders and PPD. One study reported a direct association to anxiety but did not have any relation to PPD. Conclusions: PPD and sleep quality during pregnancy associated to Vitamin D deficiency directly. Although studies have several limitations, the importance of sufficient Vitamin D status in pregnant women has been addressed in all studies, especially regarding the prevention of PPD, anxiety, and poor sleep quality during the pregnancy.

Background: Candida species are a group of coexistent microorganisms in the oral cavity that opportunistically cause disease in vulnerable people, including addicts. This study is aimed at identifying and determining the frequency of Candida species in the oral cavity of the addicts to inform the epidemiological panel and to warn to prevent the resistance of the species. Materials and Methods: In this study, sampling was done from the oral cavity of 83 addicts who referred to Addiction Treatment Centers in Isfahan, Iran, using moist sterile swab. The presence of yeast on the direct microscope slides of 58 samples was confirmed. To carry out culture and the primary identification, Sabouraud dextrose agar medium with chloramphenicol as well as HiCrome Candida agar medium was used. Isolates were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) restriction fragment length polymorphism (using specific primers ITS1-ITS4 and MSP I enzyme) and Duplex PCR test (using specific primers CDU1-CDU2/CAL1-CAL2). Results: Out of 93 Candida isolates which had been isolated from 58 culture-positive samples of the oral cavity, Candida albicans (41.93%) were the most prevalent species, followed by Candida dubliniensis (24.73%), Candida glabrata (21.50%), Candida kefyr (8.60%), Candida tropicalis (2.15%), and Candida parapsilosis (1.07%), respectively. In 33 cases (56.90%), the presence of more than one Candida species was observed. Conclusion: Compared to the studies conducted on the oral cavity of healthy controls, smoking certain drugs can have a significant effect on the presence and frequency of Candida species, particularly C. dubliniensis and C. glabrata.

Background: Lower extremity genu varum is a common deformity leading to imbalanced weight distribution on the knee joint and eventually significant disabilities due to medial compartment joint osteoarthritis. This study was aimed to assess the efficacy of a novel technique of high tibial open wedge osteotomy plus tubercle osteotomy in a follow-up study. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective census cross-sectional study conducted on 146 patients with the history of genu varus undergone high tibial open-wedge osteotomy and tubercle osteotomy since 2011. The study population was followed within 6 months regarding tibial slope angle and medial proximal tibial angle alterations and operation-related complications, including venous phlebitis, nerve, and arterial injury, deep and superficial infection, mal-, non- and delayed-union. Results: 146 patients with the mean age of 25.66 ± 4.23 years, and predominance of male gender (60.3%) were evaluated. Mean of tibia slope and MPTA before the surgical procedure was 9.38 ± 0.85 and 79.45 ± 2.11 that turned to 7.10 ± 0.84 and 89.74 ± 1.52 postoperatively, respectively (P < 0.001). Arterial and peroneal nerve injury was not detected in any of the cases. Deep-vein phlebitis, superficial infection, and delayed-union, malunion, and nonunion were presented in 2.05%, 1.36%, and 2.05%, respectively. Conclusion: Outcomes of this study showed significant improvement in the tibia slope angle and MPTA postoperatively. Surgical-associated complications were negligible and rehabilitated by performing appropriate medical/surgical approaches. Considering the number of assessed population, HTO plus tubercle osteotomy seems an acceptable approach for genu varum treatment.

Background: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of three different doses of atracurium on conditions of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion, first-try success rate, and possible complications. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 patient's ≥18 years old were randomly divided into three groups of 40. The study groups received fentanyl 2 μg/kg thiopental 5 mg/kg and atracurium in doses 0.2 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, and 0.6 mg/kg, respectively, based on the patient group. The conditions of LMA insertion, hemodynamic responses, and complications were evaluated and compared in the groups. Results: In the study groups, the LMA placement was difficult in 15%, 7.5%, and 2.5%, respectively (P = 0.13). There was no statistically significant difference among the groups regarding the success rate in the first attempt to the insertion of LMA. Of the three groups, 5%, 2.5%, and 2.5% had bleeding at the place of mask insertion (P = 0.77). 17.5%, 7.5%, and12.5% had sore throat, respectively (P = 0.4). No patient experienced laryngospasm during the study. Furthermore, changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were not significant in the three groups. Conclusion: All three doses of atracurium have similar effects on the condition of LMA insertion. Atracurium 0.4 mg/kg accompanied by higher success on LMA insertion in the first attempt and lower airway complications (bleeding and sore throat), increasing this dose had no significant effect on the success rate of LMA insertion.

Background: Several conducted studies have reported a higher and more frequent Helicobacter pylori infection rate in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and its association between H. pylori infection and T2DM. Materials and Methods: A case and control study was conducted based on 529 T2DM patients and 529 control. H. pylori was assessed by Serum anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA. Furthermore, patients were investigated for fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum cholesterol, and other biochemistry parameters. Results: The findings showed a positive significantly higher antibody titer for H. pylori infection (IgA > 250) in diabetic patients (50.7%) compared to controls (38.2%) (P < 0.001). Similarly, H. pylori infection for IgG > 300 titer was higher in T2DM patients (73.5%) compared to controls 61.8%) (P < 0.001). Further, the mean values were statistically significant diabetes with H. pylori infection for IgG > 300 titer and IgA > 250 titer, regarding Vitamin D, HbA1C (P < 0.001), FBG, calcium, creatinine, total cholesterol, LHDL, triglyceride levels, uric acid, bilirubin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The diabetic patients showed higher prevalence rate of symptoms than controls included: hypertension (14.3%), vomiting (15.5%), muscular symptoms (35.2%), bloating/distension (13.2%), abdominal pain (17%), nausea (9.6%), anemia (17%), kidneys (20.8%), chronic bronchitis (14.7%), gastrointestinal (23.8%), and diarrhea (20.4%). Conclusions: The current study revealed that H. pylori infections were significantly higher in diabetic patients compared to controls. Furthermore, T2DM patients infected with H. pylori positive reported a higher prevalence rate of symptoms than H. pylori negative.