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Atherosclerosis which is the result of cholesterol deposit in coronary arteries is the main cause of morbidity and mortality, worldwide. Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) is a process that causes efflux of excess cholesterol in vessels layers and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binding cassette transporters G5 and G8 (ABCG5 and ABCG8) are two membrane cholesterol transporters in hepatocytes and enterocytes that transport cholesterol into the bile and feces. Considering importance of ABCG5 and ABCG8 in RCT and prevention and treatment of coronary atherosclerosis, the aim of this review article was to study the ABCG5 and ABCG8 functions, the role of them in heart stroke prevention and the effects of exercise trainings on genes expression of these two substances. Atherosclerosis, exercise, physical activity, RCT, ABCG5 and ABCG8 were used keywords for searching of related articles between years 1990 to 2018 in google scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, Scopus, SID, science direct and ProQuest databases. 294 articles were found and after precise reading of them, 84 articles were selected for this review article. Overall, considering role of transcription factors LXR/RXR are responsible for regulation of genes involved in cholesterol efflux (ABCA1, ABCG1), cholesterol transport (lipoprotein lipase, CETP), cholesterol transformation to bile acids (CYP7A) and metabolism and excretion of cholesterol into bile or gut lumen, stimulation of them induces elevation of ABCG5 and ABCG8 genes expression. The effect of exercise on these factors is a novel subject that may increase our knowledge to prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

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Varicocele is a deficiency of the testicular veins which is recognized by elongation and tortuosity of the pampiniform or cremasteric venous plexus and can lead to impaired spermatogenesis. Varicocele intensity is associated with the reduction of male fertility potential. This review article discusses the effects of varicocele on spermatogenesis process and fertility potential, etiology of varicocele, therapeutic approaches, and the result of treatment. All the published papers from 1975 to 2018 from databases bank such as Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed with keywords; infertility, varicocele, varicocelectomy, spermatogenesis, clinical outcome were collected and within these papers, only 74 papers were included for this study. Increased of testicular temperature, backflow of toxic metabolites from the kidney or adrenal glands, hypoxia, hormonal disturbances and oxidative stress are the most prevalent pathogenic cause of varicocele that they can alter testis and sperm functions. Several studies show that varicocelectomy can improve sperm parameters, chromatin statue and fertility potential in infertile men with varicocele. Possibly, treatment of varicocele before assisted reproduction technologies could increase the chance of spontaneous pregnancy in these infertile men.

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Autosomal recessive primary microcephaly; MCPH is a rare neurologically condition observed in new born at the birth. Most patients suffer from moderate to severe intellectual disability. In this review article, we introduce MCPH disorder; include all of the chromosomal locations, kind of MCPH genes and numbers of mutations, functional efficacy, how to identify the genes separately and diagnostic algorithm of articles and data base such as OMIM, HGMD. 23 locations genes (MCPH1-23) have been recognized causes primary microcephaly in different population, so far. Function of them is to correct orientation of mitosis spindles, duplication of DNA, organization and function of centrosome, transfer of vesicles, transcription regulation, response to DNA lesion, etc. According to investigations, MCPH in Iran and Pakistan population is common because of more consanguinity marriage. MCPH1 and MCPH5 genes are more common in Iran. Recent advances in molecular biological techniques and animal models have helped to identify the genetic cause of microcephaly and open up the horizons for researchers in the field, and also elucidating of the underlying molecular mechanisms will improve our understanding of the structure and function of the brain.

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Selenium is an essential mineral found naturally in soil, water, and some foods. Today, selenium, as an antioxidant, is one of the vital elements in the human body. Although the human body needs a small amount of selenium daily, recent studies have shown that the same small amount of selenium is essential for maintaining healthy body function. It is challenging to choose the right dose of selenium. According to several studies in this present review, a daily supplement of 31.5-200 micrograms seems beneficial since the amount of selenium in various diseases is less than the amount in healthy people. The articles published in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and SCOPUS databases were screened and collected based on the keywords including selenium, oxidant, antioxidant, diabetes, cancer, toxicity, heart disease and liver disease. These keywords were chosen because of the antioxidant role of selenium as well as the prominent role of oxidation in the progression of these diseases. 150 articles published over a period of 20 years from 2000 to 2020 were used in this study. Articles about nano-seleniums, non-dietary supplements, and diseases caused by the underlying disease of metabolic syndrome were excluded and finally 121 articles were included in the study. A limited number of studies show that patients with multiple disorders may need to take higher doses of selenium (82.4 to 200 micrograms) than healthy people. In this study, selenium's antioxidant role in chronic metabolic disorders, including hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia, and some cancers, were investigated. Also, the clinical significance of selenium deficiency in metabolic diseases, as well as clinical and experimental observations on the effect of selenium dietary supplements in the treatment of chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes and atherosclerosis, and cancers, are briefly mentioned. Besides, the recommended toxicity and dose of selenium have been discussed.

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Sports activities are hindered by the lack of clean air in large and industrialized cities, and the countless benefits of exercise are not considered. With the search of the literature, 89094 articles related to air pollution that have been published in SID, PubMed, and Web of Science until December 2021 were found. Ultimately, 80 articles were extracted after selecting the articles and narrowing the search to exercise inflammation and lung tissue. After removing out-of-date articles (not published between 2000 and 2021) and those without full text, 65 articles were included in the review. Based on the review, exposure to air pollution is associated with increased inflammation and decreased cellular immune function, which is characterized by the activation of toll-like receptors and downstream signaling pathways. Regular exercise improves the inflammatory status in different pulmonary diseases. People who exercise in polluted environments are at increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases due to the elevated amount of pollutants delivered to the lungs. However, studies did not take into account the potential anti-inflammatory effects of exercise training, which could inhibit the pro-inflammatory events induced by air pollution. It seems that regular exercise modifies pulmonary inflammatory responses and body mass and in part decreases the risk of pulmonary diseases.

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Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a heterogeneous group of tumor predisposition syndromes that lead to malignancy in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), along with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and schwannomatosis (SCH), are the three main types of NF. As the most common form, NF1 is characterized by neurofibromas and Cafe-au-lait macules (CALMs) in early childhood. Neurofibromatosis type 1 is caused by mutations in the NF1 gene, which codes for neurofibromin, and mutations in NF2 and SMARCB1 gene lead to neurofibromatosis type 2 and schwannomatosis, respectively. In addition, most patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 have vestibular schwannoma, also associated with hearing problems and body imbalance. Recently, schwannomatosis has been proposed as a distinct genetic disorder because it shares many symptoms with neurofibromatosis types one and two, characterized by benign schwannoma around nerves. NF1 and NF2 may show symptoms in childhood, but schwannomatosis is often diagnosed in people in their thirties or older. This article reviews the latest scientific literature according to the keywords of neurofibromatosis, pathogenesis, treatment, NF1, and NF2 in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science online databases on the types of neurofibromatosis, molecular pathways, diagnostic criteria, clinical symptoms, condition management, treatments and drugs under development.

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The rise in patients seeking corneal refractive surgery, despite having systemic autoimmune diseases, underscores the need for special considerations when treating these individuals. Recent studies have expanded our knowledge in identifying and evaluating autoimmune disorders and their potential side effects in the results of corneal refractive surgery with laser. This study briefly examines the pathogenic factors, clinical aspects, and possible complications in patients with systemic autoimmune disorders subjected to these surgeries. In total, 132 articles were selected for this research among the reviewed studies. Considering that the release of various cytokines caused by systemic autoimmune disorders can lead to destructive corneal consequences, the need for early diagnosis before any laser surgery for refractive errors seems essential. Although procedures such as LASIK and PRK are commonly performed on patients with autoimmune disorders, important considerations must be made. Studies have not yet confirmed definitive contraindications to laser refractive surgery for autoimmune disorders.

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One of the main spermatogenesis events is the replacement of histones with small proteins called protamines, which leads to chromatin's condensation in the sperm nucleus and protects it against possible damage. Today, tests such as aniline blue (AB), toluidine blue (TB), and chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining are used based on different characteristics to evaluate sperm chromatin compaction. For the assessment of DNA fragmentation in sperm, several tests such as 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), TUNEL, Comet, sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), sperm chromatic dispersion (SCD), and acridine orange have been introduced that directly and indirectly assay DNA damage. The articles in PubMed and Google Scholar, as well as related books, from 2007 to 2022, were collected and reviewed based on keywords 8-OHdG, TUNEL, Comet, SCD, and acridine orange. So far, many studies have been conducted at the treatment level and on sperm chromatin tests, but the number of cases published so far is limited. Various sperm samples have been used in different studies, with different threshold limits in the tests. The sixth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) book notes that each laboratory has its threshold limit. Therefore, in this review study, common methods of evaluating chromatin packaging and DNA damage are introduced, and the advantages and disadvantages of each test are discussed based on the latest achievements related to infertility.

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Foot pronation, as one of the prevalent foot abnormalities, can influence the biomechanics of the lower limbs. The use of various foot orthoses, including insoles and braces, is very common in eliminating this problem. The results obtained regarding the effect of orthoses on pain and biomechanics of individuals with foot pronation are different. The present review study was conducted to evaluate the effects of foot orthoses and shoes on the biomechanics of the lower limbs and balance in individuals with foot pronation. The articles were searched in Persian and Latin languages during 2004-22 in the databases of PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, Islamic Science Citation (ISC), and Google Scholar search engine. Moreover, the types of the searched studies were original research, review studies, and clinical trials. Using keywords of Foot pronation, Foot orthoses, Medical soles, and Motion-control shoes, 52 relevant articles were selected, and 22 articles regarding the effects of orthoses and shoes on foot pronation were finally analyzed. Eight articles also reported that reducing forces imposed on the joints, absorbing shock, preventing pronation-related running injuries, and improving muscle activity occurred when using orthosis. Furthermore, 4 articles reported improving sports performance in athletes, reducing the ground reaction forces, and changing the frequency of muscle activity. Finally, 2 articles showed that motion-control shoes prevented intensifying the injury due to increased fatigue and subsequently increased mechanical loading during running. The results of the present study demonstrated that foot orthoses and motion-control shoes could have positive effects on balance, improving the activities of the lower limbs and reducing foot pronation and force imposed on the foot and lower limb joints.

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According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definition, genetic counseling is a process in which information is presented about how genetic conditions affect a patient or his/her family. A genetic counselor collects a patient’s personal and family health history to promote the family’s awareness and perception of specific genetic diseases, testing risks and advantages, disease management, and assessment of available therapeutic options. Intellectual disability (ID) and deafness are two common disabilities with considerable impacts on the quality of life of patients and their families. The present research has investigated the role of genetic counseling in the screening and prevention of deafness and ID based on the studies published in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases between 2015 and 2023. Genetic counseling can be employed as an influential tool in screening, early diagnosis, and prevention of ID and deafness. Considering that many cases of ID and deafness are rooted in individual genetics, genetic counseling can help lessen the risk factors of developing these disabilities and improve the quality of individual and family life. The effect of genetic counseling, as an influential tool, on screening, early diagnosis, and prevention of ID and hearing loss is also assessed.

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This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of various corrective exercises and supportive tools in individuals with genu valgum. To ensure a comprehensive review, a search for original research, review articles, and clinical trials in both Persian and English was conducted using databases such as WOS, SID, ISC, Magiran, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The search covered publications during January 2008 to March 2023. A total of 76 relevant articles were selected based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, with 22 articles ultimately reviewed and analyzed regarding the effects of various corrective exercises and supportive tools on genu valgum. Findings from one study indicated that aerobic exercises had a significant impact on reducing body mass index (BMI) and the severity of genuvalgum. Other studies reported positive effects of resistance and corrective exercises on improving muscle electrical activity and knee stability. One study demonstrated that the use of orthotic insoles could significantly enhance knee joint support during stair descent. Six studies highlighted the positive effects of using orthoses, wedges, and braces in individuals with genu valgum. Conversely, one study pointed out the negative impact of these tools, citing the reduced limiting angle of the brace, increased applied forces, and, ultimately, greater injury risk. However, findings from three studies overwhelmingly supported the positive effects of using kinesiotape in individuals with genu valgum, providing optimism about the effectiveness of these interventions. In conclusion, our review underscores the promising potential of corrective exercises, particularly resistance exercises with TheraBand, and the combination of these with supportive tools such as insoles for arch support and kinesiotape. These interventions show significant promise in reducing the degree of knee valgus in individuals with genu valgum. This hopeful outlook can inspire healthcare professionals and individuals seeking evidence-based interventions for genu valgum, empowering them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their care.
 

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Vitamin D deficiency affects a broad range of health-related factors. Both obesity and vitamin D deficiency are associated with the development of oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. Inflammation can culminate in decreased vitamin D levels through the induction of oxidative stress. Evidence suggests that exercise may improve vitamin D status. However, the effects of exercise interventions on inflammation and oxidative stress in the coexistence of vitamin D deficiency and obesity/overweight are not well-established. Therefore, this review aimed to evaluate the effects of exercise on inflammation and oxidative stress in vitamin D deficiency status accompanied by obesity/overweight. A search for articles from 2006 to 2023 was conducted in specialized databases of PubMed, Scopus, and state inpatient database (SID). The searched studies were original research articles, reviews, and clinical trials selected using the keywords of vitamin D deficiency, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, chemokine, exercise, obesity, and overweight. According to the studies, regular exercise can inhibit the vicious cycle of oxidative stress-inflammation in vitamin D deficiency status accompanied by obesity/overweight by negatively regulating some inflammatory factors and chemokines, reducing lipid peroxidation levels, and increasing antioxidant status. Moreover, the increase in 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels resulting from exercise can be considered another mechanism for reducing oxidative stress-inflammation in vitamin D deficiency status accompanied by obesity/overweight.

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Stroke survivors often experience various motor complications, and sustained treatment is crucial for their recovery. Game-based telerehabilitation interventions appear to facilitate motor improvement in these patients by ensuring sustained treatment. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate game-based telerehabilitation on motor function in stroke patients. This narrative review involved a comprehensive search of the PubMed database up to August 2024, using the keywords "Game," "Games," "Serious games," "Telerehabilitation," and "Stroke," both individually and in combination. Out of 118 articles initially identified, duplicates and articles published before 2018 were excluded. Ultimately, 9 articles meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for review. The full text of these English articles was then analyzed and compared in terms of study design and intervention outcomes on improving motor function. Of the 9 studies reviewed, 6 focused on improving upper extremity motor function, 2 on improving lower extremity motor function, and 1 on improving motor function in both upper and lower extremities. All 9 studies reported positive results regarding improving upper and lower extremity motor function through game-based telerehabilitation. However, most studies had small and varied sample sizes, and there was no consensus on the optimal frequency or duration of game use. Furthermore, the technology employed in these games was found to be expensive for less developed countries. Given the positive outcomes of this approach for stroke patients, developing affordable, localized games and integrating them into national rehabilitation programs could significantly benefit both patients and healthcare systems.

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Studies indicate a significant impact of rehabilitation exercises on improving complications related to ankle injuries. This review aimed to evaluate the effects of various exercise protocols with and without the use of taping and kinesio taping, in individuals with ankle injuries. Article were searched in both Persian and English from 2007 to 2023 in the specialized databases of PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science (WoS), Google Scholar, Islamic World Sciences Citation (ISC), Civilica, State Inpatient Database (SID), and Magiran. The keywords used for article extraction included "Ankle ligament," "Ankle injury," "Ankle sprain," "Corrective exercises," and "Taping." Ultimately, 16 articles related to the effects of various exercise protocols with and without the use of taping following ankle injury were reviewed and analyzed. A review of 6 articles revealed that exercise protocols with the use of taping have reduced the likelihood of lower extremity injuries by increasing ankle muscle strength and improving selected kinetic variables, proprioception, and ankle function. Additionally, an examination of 3 articles on exercise protocols with the use of taping demonstrated that the application of taping had no significant effect on function. Furthermore, a review of 7 articles on exercise protocols without the use of taping demonstrated that performing such exercises culminated in the restoration of muscle strength and improved proprioception and static balance. The results revealed that various exercise protocols with and without the use of taping are significantly effective in preventing recurrent ankle ligament injuries; however, the application of taping may have a superior effect on ankle injury recovery.

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The preservation of mahramiyyah (permissibility) in medical examinations has always been a challenging issue from the perspective of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence). This matter becomes particularly significant in cases where medical necessities conflict with religious rulings. This analytical-research study, with a comparative approach, was conducted to provide a new framework to establish a balance between medical necessities and fiqh rulings. First, the theoretical foundations and research background were first extracted using reliable library sources, fiqh texts, and scholarly medical books and articles. Sources were searched in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scientific Information Database (SID), Magiran, NoorMags, the Computer Research Center of Islamic Sciences (Noor), and the Comprehensive Jurisprudence Database. The keywords used included “Medical Mahramiyyah,” “Medical Fiqh,” “Medical Necessity,” “Non-Same-Sex Examination,” “Patient Privacy,” “Islamic Telemedicine,” and “Medical Religious Rulings” in Persian, English, and Arabic. Selected sources spanning the period during 1981-2024 were evaluated. The inclusion criteria comprised direct relevance to the topic, peer review, and appropriate content quality. The exclusion criteria included irrelevance to the topic, non-peer reviewed, replicate sources, studies with low quality or without valid data, public or news reports lacking scientific basis. Ultimately, 37 sources were selected and analyzed based on thematic analysis and fiqh deductive reasoning to identify common principles and points of conflict between the fiqh data and medical requirements. Emerging challenges in medical fields, such as telemedicine, were also evaluated. Although the primary principle in Shia fiqh is the prohibition of looking at (except for the face and hands up to the wrist) and touching a person of the opposite sex, whether for treatment or otherwise, there is a consensus among faqihs (Islamic jurists) that, in cases of necessity, this principle is suspended. As a result, examinations requiring touching and looking, even of the genitals, by a physician of the opposite sex are permissible. In both fiqh and medicine, necessity is defined as an urgent need for treatment or medical procedures that, if not performed, could lead to a serious threat to the patient's health. However, some faqihs, based on the rational rule of “Irtikāb Aqall al-Qabīḥayn” (committing the lesser of the two detestable things), deem direct touch and direct viewing to fall under the primary prohibition in instances where telemedicine and indirect examinations suffice for the aforementioned necessity. This research offers practical solutions to maximize the preservation of mahramiyyah in medical examinations, aiming to improve the quality of medical services in Islamic societies while adhering to religious principles.
 

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Excessive weight gain during pregnancy is recognized as a global epidemic and is associated with complications, such as gestational diabetes. While a healthy diet and regular physical activity positively influence weight control and overall well-being, in-person consultations can be costly and time-consuming. The use of digital technologies, particularly smartphones, has increased for delivering lifestyle interventions and improving well-being. These technologies provide affordable access to health services for pregnant women, especially those in remote areas. This narrative review was conducted to evaluate the effect of telehealth on weight control and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle among pregnant women. A search was performed in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. Of the 631 initial articles published during 2020-2024,
15 were selected and evaluated after excluding irrelevant articles, review articles, and those without full texts. The selected articles showed that mobile health (mHealth) could improve indicators, such as weight, body mass index (BMI), maternal and infant health, and lifestyle. However, certain limitations, including access issues, cultural barriers, and fluctuations in service quality, impacted their effectiveness. Based on the findings of these articles, it is suggested that personalized interventions be designed with continuous consultations and daily reminders. Forming virtual groups and providing timely feedback can strengthen the sense of belonging and promote adherence. These strategies are valuable for telehealth clinics and online counseling programs.