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Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common micronutrient deficiency worldwide, and an important health problem especially in women of reproductive age. This study aimed to determine the relationship between IDA and sexual satisfaction and function among reproductive-aged Iranian women. In this study, 129 women (52 with IDA and 77 non-IDA) with age 18–45 in Mahshahr, Iran were recruited. Data was gathered by a demographic questionnaire, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Larson Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test, Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square, and correlation coefficient test. The results of this study showed that the means of hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), serum iron and ferritin were significantly lower in the IDA group than those in the non-IDA group (p<0.01). All dimensions of sexual function and satisfaction were significantly lower in women with IDA compared to the healthy women (p<0.001). Also, all blood indices for IDA had a significant relationship with all sexual function components and sexual satisfaction (p = 0.01) except for pain with Hb and ferritin. Health care providers should provide screening, education, and counseling about anemia and sexual function in reproductive age women.

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the differences in dynamic postural control during forward step down (FSD) task in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). [Participants and Methods] Sixty-eight participants (34 males and 34 females) were divided into the following 2 groups: 34 PFPS patients (17 males and 17 females) and 34 healthy controls (17 males and 17 females). Each participant performed FSD task from a height of 20 cm. A force platform was used to extract the center of pressure parameters during FSD task for calculation of time to stabilization (TTS) in the anterior-posterior (A/P) and medial-lateral (M/L) direction. [Results] PFPS group took longer time to stabilize than the healthy control group in A/P and M/L directions. A main effect for direction was found, and this indicated that the A/P TTS of 8.43 ± 0.79s was longer than the M/L TTS of 5.56 ± 1.95s in healthy participants and A/P TTS of 9.09 ± 0.82s was longer than the M/L TTS of 7.15 ± 2.11s in PFPS. [Conclusion] These findings suggest that dynamic postural control can be affected in PFPS patients.

Background: Bakery workers due to exposure to radiant heat and doing manual labor are at risk of heat-related illnesses and musculoskeletal disorders Objectives: The current study aimed to determine the appropriate work-rest time interval using two indexes of wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and relative heart rate (RHR). Methods: It was an analytical and descriptive research. Heart rate of workers was continuously recorded to achieve the physiological monitoring and the obtained information was used to determine the work difficulty and physical workload. The ratio of heat stress and RHR was measured using the WBGT and polar team pro device, respectively. Work-rest schedules were detected through

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It has been widely reported that metallothioneins (MTs) play pivotal roles in the metabolism of the relatively nontoxic essential metals, as well as of toxic heavy metals. MT gene polymorphisms in an individual may increase or decrease the expression efficiency of the gene. The present study was aimed to investigate the frequency of genetic variation of four MTs in the Iranian population. Whole blood samples were collected from 300 Iranian healthy individuals. Polymerase chain reactionÀrestriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and automated Sanger sequencing were used for DNA genotype determination. The frequencies of major homozygous, heterozygous and minor homozygous genotypes in MT1 (A>G) were, respectively, 76.0%, 24.0% and 0.0%; in MT1A (C>G), 88.0%, 12.0% and 0.0%; in MT1M (A>C), 86.0%, 14.0% and 0.0%; in MT4 (G>A), 80.0%, 18.7% and 1.3%. The present study showed for the first time that the polymorphism frequency distribution of these four MTs significantly differed between the studied Iranian population and other populations around the world, except for the MT4 polymorphism in the Iranian population and populations from the USA and New Zealand, which were similar. In conclusion, it could be suggested that regional and ethnic differences are the main reasons for this varied prevalence. Ã N, number of people; major homozygote D wild type. ÃÃ P-values show whether the frequency in the Iranian population is similar to that of each respective population.

The present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effect of tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We systematically searched all potential articles in the main databases, including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Sciences (ISI), and Cochrane Center. The search was subsequently updated in December 2020. The initial review and extraction of information were performed independently by two authors to collect the first author and publication year; sample size; mean age of the intervention and control groups; the dose of TCZ, and the follow-up duration. Outcomes of interest include the ACR20, ACR50, ACR70, total complication rate, and the occurrence of remission. Any disagreements between the reviewers were resolved by discussion and re-check of the article and consultation with a third reviewer. After reviewing and culling, 15 clinical trials comparing the clinical efficacy of TCZ and its comparators in the treatment of patients with RA entered the qualitative and quantitative synthesis. Tocilizumab 8 mg was statistically better than 4 mg or placebo for ACR responses. Significant clinical adverse events in patients with RA treated with TCZ, such as abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) and infections, were more frequent than in comparator groups. This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that the combination therapy of TCZ with other drugs such as methotrexate and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs has been studied for various clinical effects concerning safety and clinically significant adverse events. Although the data are promising, long-term performance and safety data need to be fully identified, as well as the risks and benefits of TCZ, especially appropriate timing, dosage, and regimen.