Chronic constipationBACKGROUND: Chronic constipation is described as a common complication determined by difficult and/or rare passage of stool or both. The difference in definition of constipation has led to a wide range of reported prevalence (i.e., between 1% and 80%). Various factors are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, including type of diet, genetic predisposition, colonic motility, absorption, social economic status, daily behaviors, and biological and pharmaceutical factors. Diagnostic and therapeutic options play a key role in the treatment of chronic constipation. There are still debates about the timing of these diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms. METHODS: A systematic and comprehensive search will be performed using MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, AMED, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. Better understanding of the pathophysiology of chronic constipation and efficacy of pharmacological agent can help physicians for treating and managing symptoms.In this study, some of the old and new therapies in the treatment of chronic constipation have been studied based on the controlled studies and strong evidence. We are trying to address some of the controversial issues to manage the disease and to provide appropriate diagnostic options in an efficient and cost-effective way. RESULTS: The results of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, our study will provide an overall estimate of chronic constipation to assess controversial issues, available diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of chronic constipation. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval and informed consent are not required, as the study will be a literature review and will not involve direct contact with patients or alterations to patient care.
A comprehensive review of rituximab therapy in rheumatoid arthritis patientsInvestigating Different Dimensions of Nomophobia among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional StudyMohammad Darvishi, Majid Noori, Mohammad Reza Nazer et al.|Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences|2019 BACKGROUND: Today, mobile phones are recognised as an inseparable part of our daily lives, facilitating communication between users. Based on the studies, addiction to cell phones can lead to several complications including depression, anxiety, anger, and aggression. AIM: This study aimed to investigate nomophobia (no mobile phone phobia) among medical students of Islamic Azad University, Tehran Branch. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 students studying in different majors of medical sciences in Islamic Azad University, Tehran Branch, from 2016 to 2017. Demographic data of all participants were recorded in a data sheet. In the next stage, a questionnaire was designed by the researcher to evaluate the effect of age, gender, education, and the duration of using cell phone variables on discomfort, anxiety, and insecurity due to lack of access to cell phone or other related issues. Raw data were analysed using SPSS statistical software version 21. The significance level was considered P < 0.05. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that participants with lower mean age felt more discomfort, anger, anxiety, and insecurity due to lack of access to mobile phones and other related issues compared to other people. However, no variable was statistically significant (P-value > 0.05). Except anxiety, results showed that longer duration of mobile phone use might lead to a significant decrease in discomfort, anger, and insensibility variables among users (P-value > 0.05). The incidence of nomophobia (with its different aspects) was significantly lower in females (P-value > 0.05). Also, in participants with higher educational status, the nomophobia was recorded to be more frequent (P-Value > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Understanding the pattern of nomophobia occurrence among cell phone users can facilitate our path to prevent its harms including discomfort, anger, anxiety, and feeling of insecurity among users of technology.
Mesenchymal stem cell-released oncolytic virus: an innovative strategy for cancer treatmentOncolytic viruses (OVs) infect, multiply, and finally remove tumor cells selectively, causing no damage to normal cells in the process. Because of their specific features, such as, the ability to induce immunogenic cell death and to contain curative transgenes in their genomes, OVs have attracted attention as candidates to be utilized in cooperation with immunotherapies for cancer treatment. This treatment takes advantage of most tumor cells' inherent tendency to be infected by certain OVs and both innate and adaptive immune responses are elicited by OV infection and oncolysis. OVs can also modulate tumor microenvironment and boost anti-tumor immune responses. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are gathering interest as promising anti-cancer treatments with the ability to address a wide range of cancers. MSCs exhibit tumor-trophic migration characteristics, allowing them to be used as delivery vehicles for successful, targeted treatment of isolated tumors and metastatic malignancies. Preclinical and clinical research were reviewed in this study to discuss using MSC-released OVs as a novel method for the treatment of cancer. Video Abstract.
Solitary rectal ulcer syndromeBACKGROUND: Solitary rectal ulcer (SRUS) may mislead the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or rectal polyps, which may reduce the actual prevalence of it. Various treatments for SRUS have been described that can be referred to therapeutic strategies such as biofeedback, enema of corticosteroid, topical therapy, and rectal mucosectomy. Nevertheless, biofeedback should be considered as the first stage of treatment, while surgical procedures have been offered for those who do not respond to conservative management and biofeedback or those who have total rectal prolapse and rectal full-thickness. METHODS: A systematic and comprehensive search will be performed using MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, AMED, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. RESULTS: The results of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, our study discusses the factors involved in the pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients. This review can provide recommended strategies in a comprehensive and targeted vision for patients suffering from this syndrome.