J Res Med Sci
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The standard treatment for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) had been rituximab-based immunochemotherapy. However, the biological and clinical heterogeneity within DLBCL seems to affect treatment outcome. Therefore, the evaluation of miRNA levels might be useful in predicting treatment response and relapse risk. miR-146a is a modulator of innate and acquired immunity and may play an important role in predicting treatment response. The aim of the present study was to compare the expression level of miR-146a in plasma-derived exosomes of responsive DLBCL patients (response to R-CHOP (Rituximab, and Cyclophosphamide, Hydroxydaunorubicin, Oncovine and Prednisone)), refractory DLBCL patients (resistant to R-CHOP), patients receiving R-CHOP, and healthy donors. ⋯ Exosomal miR-146a might be useful as a promising "liquid biopsy" biomarker in predicting treatment response and relapse risk; however, we could not find significant differences due to small sample size.
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Although cognitive impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, language difficulties are controversy and little information is available on nonEnglish languages. Therefore, the present cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the naming accuracy in Persian relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients. ⋯ The present study suggests that naming ability can be impaired in RRMS regardless of disability score. Specific language function tests including naming should be considered in the process of evaluating and rehabilitating patients with MS.
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Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common health issue with serious complications. Regarding the high cost of the polysomnography (PSG), sensitive and inexpensive screening tools are necessary. The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of anthropometric and Mallampati indices for OSA severity in both genders. ⋯ For the prediction of moderate and severe OSA, anthropometric and Mallampati indices are important factors.
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This study is to evaluate swallowing problems (dysphasia) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients; the importance of using tools that are durable and appropriate is well understood. One of the most trusted tools is the dysphagia in multiple sclerosis (DYMUS) test. The aim of this study was to prepare a Persian version and to evaluate the validity and reliability of the test. ⋯ The results of this study indicated that the Persian version of the DYMUS questionnaire had good reliability and validity for patients with MS.
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Hepatitis B is one of the major causes of mortality among viral diseases. To reduce morbidity rate and increase knowledge of people about potential risk factors, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B among the general population and the risk factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Isfahan, Iran. ⋯ Our results demonstrated that there are still several risk factors for hepatitis B surface antigen infection among the Iranian adult population. Immunization programs should continue and focus on high-risk adults, and interventions should be directed toward to reduce risk factors associated with hepatitis B.