Kerman University of Medical SciencesJournal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences1023-951028220210301Serum Level of Melatonin and Severity of Coronary Artery Diseases1161269160710.22062/jkmu.2021.91607ENHamidrezaRashidinejadAssociate Professor, Cardiovascular Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0002-3553-5246HamidrezaNasriAssociate Professor, Cardiovascular Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0001-5942-2003Mohammad AliPour AhmadiCardiovascular Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranMansourMoazenzadehAssociate Professor, Cardiovascular Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0002-4391-8503Journal Article20201205<strong>Background:</strong> Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) as a complex process will be the most common cause of death in the world by 2020. One of the relatively new factors associated with CAD is the plasma level of melatonin. This study aimed to determine the effect of plasma melatonin level on the occurrence and severity of CAD.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> This cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December 2018 in Kerman, Iran. Eighty-seven adolescents with suspected CAD were selected via the convenience sampling method. Severity of CAD was evaluated by a cardiologist for each patient using Gensini score. The anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance of participants were examined by HADS and PSIQ questionnaires, respectively. The blood sample of patients was taken at 3:30 a.m. and it was immediately transferred to the laboratory for serum separation. A two-part model was used for data analysis using STATA software.<br /><strong>Results:</strong>The mean age (±SD) of the participants was 54.0 (±10.83) years. Less than half of the patients experienced anxiety and depression symptoms during last month (33% and 42%, respectively). Results showed that more than half of the patients (n=51, 57.5%) were diagnosed as CAD patients. According to multivariate regression models, melatonin (AOR=0.96, 95% CI: 0.94, 0.98) and depression (β: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.06, 1.52) were determined as predictors for CAD occurrence and severity, respectively.<br />Conclusion: Melatonin as a protective factor has an effect on the occurrence and severity of CAD, but the existence of some diseases like mental disorders can lead to a decrease in the plasma concentration of melatonin. By treating depression and improving melatonin synthesis and secretion cycle, the occurrence and severity of CAD may be decreased.Kerman University of Medical SciencesJournal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences1023-951028220210301Evaluation of the Effect of Co-administration of IRAK Inhibitor and Pioglitazone on PPAR-γ, GLUT-4, TNF-α, and Leptin Genes Expression in Adipose Tissue of Insulin-resistant Mice1271389160810.22062/jkmu.2021.91608ENSaeedehMoinaldiniPhysiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranMostafaAllahyariDepartment of Biochemistry, Biophysics, Genetics and Nutrition, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, IranBeydolahShahouzehiAssistant Professor, Cardiovascular Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0002-8758-6686HosseinFallahAssistant Professor, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0001-6196-0775Journal Article20200902<strong>Background:</strong> The worldwide prevalence of diabetes is increasing. Diabetes is a complex disease that results from impaired secretion of insulin or insulin resistance. In adipose tissue, insulin increases glucose uptake by stimulating the transfer of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT-4) to the plasma membrane. In this study, the effect of IRAK inhibitor (IRAKi) and pioglitazone on genes expression in adipose tissue of insulin resistant mice was evaluated.<br /> <strong>Methods:</strong> Mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (n= 8 each), five groups of which were fed a high-fat diet and one group received a normal diet for 12 weeks. The treatment with pioglitazone and IRAKi was performed for 2 weeks. At the end of the study, the animals were sacrificed and the adipose tissue and blood samples were collected. The expression of GLUT4, TNF-α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and Lepin were determined by real-time PCR in the adipose tissue. The malondialdehyde (MDA) level and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in serum were measured. Results were analyzed by SPSS 22.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> The data showed that the combination of IRAKi and pioglitazone increased PPARγ expression, leptin and TAC levels in serum, and reduced TNF-α expression and MDA levels. The GLUT4 expression in adipose tissue was not significant between studied groups. Pioglitazone and IRAKi improved insulin function by inhibiting inflammation signaling.<br /> <strong>Conclusion:</strong> According to the results of this study, IRAKi may be an appropriate target for inhibiting inflammation and related disorders, including insulin resistance.Kerman University of Medical SciencesJournal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences1023-951028220210301The Effect of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 Genetic Polymorphism on Warfarin Dose Requirements in a Sample of Iraqi Patients1391499160910.22062/jkmu.2021.91609ENMahaAli SalehAssistant lecturer Department of pharmacology Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Rafidain University College Baghdad, Iraq0000-0002-9016-4839Haitham MahmoodKadhimAssistant Professor, Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq0000-0001-8097-2560Ahmed SalihSahibProfessor, Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Kerbala, Kerbala, Iraq0000-0002-9016-4839Ahmed SAbdulamirProfessor, Dept. of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq0000-0002-6037-2274RafedAltawilAssistant Professor, Dept. of Internal Medicine (Cardiology), College of Medicine ,Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq0000-0002-0088-7436Journal Article20201015<strong>Background:</strong> Warfarin is the most widely used oral anticoagulant for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disorders. Because of narrow therapeutic index and various genetic and non-genetic factors that influence the disposition of the drug, its dose undergoes a great variability. The aim of this study was to determine the allelic variants of CYP2C9 and <em>VKORC1</em> genes in Iraqi patients, and to investigate the contribution of genetic on warfarin dose requirements.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> A cross sectional study was carried out on a sample of Iraqi patients from Baghdad city who were admitted to Ibn AL-Bitar Specialized Center for cardiac surgery. Blood samples of all patients were collected for both hematological and genetic analysis utilizing standard techniques<strong>.</strong><br /><strong>Results:</strong> The frequency of <em>CYP2C9*3</em> allele was 9.4% whereas that of <em>CYP2C9*2</em> allele was 13.7%. The frequency of (<em>VKORC1-1639G</em>) allele was 58.75% and the frequency of (<em>VKORC1-1639A</em>) allele was 41.25%. Patients’ daily warfarin doses were administered according to their genotype.<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong>It can be concluded that <em>CYP2C9*3</em> and <em>VKORC1</em> had significant effect on warfarin dose. New warfarin-dosing algorithm was developed based on <em>CYP2C9*3</em> and <em>VKORC1</em>genotypes for predicting the required dose of warfarin.Kerman University of Medical SciencesJournal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences1023-951028220210301Rating and Comparison of Well-known Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Kermanian Male Patients Using Fuzzy Linear Regression1501569161010.22062/jkmu.2021.91610ENMiladAhmadi GohariModeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health & Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Kerman university of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0003-1998-9157MansourMoazenzadehAssistant Professor, Cardiovascular Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0002-4391-8503AlirezaRashidinejadDepartment of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.AbbasBahrampourProfessor of Biostatistics, Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health & Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Health, Kerman university of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
5-Adjunct Professor of Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia. (0000-0002-6343-9243Journal Article20200702<strong>Background:</strong>Cardiovascular diseases are still among the most important causes of death in different countries. There are several risk factors for the onset of this disease. The rating of these risk factors is very important for informing the community and planning for the future.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> Linear regression is one of the classic statistical methods that has many applications in medical sciences. When dealing with fuzzy data, it is not possible to use linear regression. The use of angiography to estimate the extent of congestion is associated with an estimate of more or less stenosis and the increase of atherosclerosis. Hence, this variable has been considered as a fuzzy variable. Fuzzy linear regression (FLR) was used to rank and compare the known risk factors for coronary artery occlusion.<br /><strong>Results:</strong>After analyzing the data by least squares FLR, the most important risk factors included Family history, history of diabetes, age, history of hypercholesterolemia, history of cigarette smoking, Body Mass Index and history of hypertension respectively.<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> When it is not possible to calculate the response variable or one of the independent variables examined in the model accurately, FLR, or to be more precise, regression in fuzzy environment can be a good alternative for conventional regression analysis.Kerman University of Medical SciencesJournal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences1023-951028220210301Association between Depression and Food Insecurity in Patients with Diabetes: a cross-sectional study1571669161110.22062/jkmu.2021.91611ENMohammad RezaMahmoodiAssociate professor of Nutrition & Medical Education Fellowship, Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0003-3476-2073AdelehKhodabakhshiAssistant professor of Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranJournal Article20200922<strong>Background:</strong>We sought to determine whether there is a linear trend between different levels of depression and different food security/insecurity situations in patients with diabetes mellitus.<br /> <strong>Methods:</strong>Two hundred women with diabetes mellitus referred to the diabetic clinic of Shaheed Bahonar, Kerman/ Iran and aged 35-75 years were enrolled randomly in a descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study. The patients completed Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Food Security Questionnaire (HFIAS). Pearson's Chi-Square test was carried out to assess whether depressive disorders and household food security/insecurity were related.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong>There was a significant association between the four-level variable of depressive disorders and the four-level variable of food security/insecurity (X<sup>2</sup> ≥ 29.545, p=0.001). There was a significant association between the two-level variable of depressive disorders and the four-level variable of food security/insecurity (X<sup>2</sup> ≥ 9.878, p=0.020). There was also a significant association between the two-level variable of depressive disorders (normal and depressive diabetic patients) and the two-level variable of food security/insecurity (food secure and insecure diabetic patients) (X<sup>2</sup> ≥ 6.073, p=0.014). About half (47%) of the patients with mild to extreme depression had mild to severe food insecurity. However, two-thirds of the patients in the normal situation were food secure (p=0.014).<br /> <strong>Conclusion:</strong>We found enough evidence to suggest a significant association between household food security/insecurity and depressive disorders. The value of the linear by linear association test for trend was shown to be significant and indicated that household food insecurity trends to rise with values of depressive disorders. Therefore, the more severe the depression, the greater the food insecurity.Kerman University of Medical SciencesJournal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences1023-951028220210301Follow-up and Outcome of Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunctionsin Patients with COVID-191671729161210.22062/jkmu.2021.91612ENAliHosseininasabAssociate Professor, Infectious and Tropical Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0002-2893-7546MehrdadFarokhniaAssistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranAli-AsgharArabi MianroodiAssistant Professor, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranElhamIranmaneshMD, Department of Pediatrics. Resident of Pediatrics, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0001-5625-5828SobhanMohammadiMedical Student, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranAdelSoltaniMedical Student, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranMehranIlaghiMedical Student, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0002-6674-5406SajaShahdforushMedical Student, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranAlirezaHashemiMedical Student, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranJournal Article20200919<strong>Background:</strong> Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions can be considered as important symptoms to screen for the mild cases of the COVID-19 disease. However, there are limited studies on the specificity of olfactory and gustatory changes in patients with COVID-19, and it is unclear to what extent the changes may be unique to the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the duration and outcome of olfactory and gustatory disorders in patients with COVID-19.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> The study population was patients with COVID-19 at Afzalipour Hospital whose disease was confirmed by nasopharyngeal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. 20 patients with olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions were studied. Data were collected using two forms, which were completed at the time of diagnosis and two weeks after the onset of the disease.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> In 20% of the patients, olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions were among the early symptoms. In 85% of the cases, these dysfunctions were permanent during the disease. 30% of the cases had a chronic underlying disease such as sinusitis, nasal polyps, and allergy. In follow-up, 13 patients (60%) reported that their olfactory dysfunctions had completely improved.<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The patients whose only symptom is the sudden olfactory or gustatory dysfunction or the dysfunctions are among their early symptoms, should be screened for COVID-19. Most of the patients will recover over the time.Kerman University of Medical SciencesJournal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences1023-951028220210301The Association of Psoriatic Arthritis with Carotid Intima-Media Thickness1731789161310.22062/jkmu.2021.91613ENHamidrezaTalariAssociate Professor, Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran0000-0001-6736-8449MojtabaSehatAssociate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, IranMohammadShayestehpourAssistant Professor, Autoimmune Diseases Research Center & Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, IranKhaterehMinaeeAutoimmune Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, IranBatoolZamaniAssociate Professor, Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran0000-0001-8059-0466Journal Article20200906<strong>Background:</strong> Previous studies have showed that psoriatic arthritis increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis.<em> On the other hand, an increased carotid intima</em><strong>-</strong><em>media thickness</em> can be associated with atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between psoriatic arthritis and carotid intima-media thickness.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> In this case-control study performed during 2018, 22 patients with psoriatic arthritis and 22 healthy controls matched for age and sex were participated. In all subjects, the<em> carotid</em> intima-media thickness was measured by ultrasonography. Systemic inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were assessed in psoriatic arthritis patients.<br /><strong>Results:</strong> The mean <em>carotid intima</em><strong>-</strong><em>media thickness</em> was 56±0.10 mm in the psoriatic arthritis patients and 54±0.07 mm in the control group with no significant difference (p=0.358). According to the regression analysis, carotid intima-media thickness had no positive correlation with age, sex and body mass index. The carotid intima-media thickness increased in psoriatic arthritis patients with increasing the duration of arthritis, disease activity (DAS-28), CRP, and ESR, but the correlations were not statistically significant.<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The study findings do not support the previous reports that claimed a potential correlation between mean carotid intima-media thickness and psoriatic arthritis.Kerman University of Medical SciencesJournal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences1023-951028220210301Isoenzyme Characterization of Trichomonas vaginalis Isolated from HIV Patients in Fars and Kerman, Southeast Iran1791869161410.22062/jkmu.2021.91614ENArghavanVafafarInstructor, Department of Parasitology and Mycology‚ School of Medicine‚ Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz‚ Iran0000-0003-3843-5045NaserZiaaliAssociate Professor, Research Center for Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranRaziehTavakoliAssistant Professor, Department of Parasitology and Mycology‚ School of Medicine‚ Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman‚ IranMohammadRayaniAssistant Professor, The Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran0000000201620151GholamrezaHatamProfessor, Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center‚ Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz‚ Iran0000-0002-7807-4793Journal Article20200726<strong>Background:</strong> <em>Trichomonas vaginalis</em> is an anaerobic flagellated protozoan which is responsible for human urogenital infections. Several zymodemes of <em>T. vaginalis</em> have been reported from various parts of the worlds on the basis of isoenzyme patterns. This study was conducted to characterize the isolated organisms of <em>T. vaginalis</em> from HIV patients using isoenzyme electrophoresis in Fars and Kerman provinces, southeast Iran.<br /><strong>Methods:</strong> Eighteen mass cultivated isolates of <em>T. vaginalis </em>in the modified TYI-S-33 medium were analyzed using isoenzyme electrophoresis. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of five different enzyme systems were used to characterize <em>T. vaginalis</em> isolates: (i) Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), (ii) Glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI), (iii) Malate dehydrogenase (MDH), (iv) Malic enzyme (ME), and (v) Phosphoglucomutase (PGM). <br /><strong>Results:</strong> MDH, GPI, PGM, and ME enzyme systems showed a homogeneity and detected an identical enzyme pattern in all isolates. Meanwhile, G6PD revealed two different enzyme patterns. The isoenzyme electrophoretic profiles divided 18<em> T. vaginalis</em> isolates into two zymodemes. Zymodeme 1 contained Shiraz isolates and zymodeme 2 contained Kerman isolates.<br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong>The polymorphism of Iranian human isolates of <em>T. vaginalis</em> could be assessed by biochemical study using appropriate enzyme systems. Isoenzyme analysis is a promising method for the characterization of <em>T. vaginalis</em>. New molecular studies with increased number of enzyme loci and genetic markers are suggested to classify more zymodemes of <em>Trichomonas</em> in Iran.Kerman University of Medical SciencesJournal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences1023-951028220210301Is Computed Tomography Necessary for the Diagnosis of Coronavirus Disease (COVID–19) in all Suspected Patients? A case series1871939161510.22062/jkmu.2021.91615ENBahramMoazzamiPars Advanced and Minimally Invasive Medical Manners Research Center, Pars Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranMoezedin JavadRafieeDepts of Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology, McGill University Health Center -Research Institute, CanadaSaeedSamiePars Advanced and Minimally Invasive Medical Manners Research Center, Pars Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranRaminLakPars Advanced and Minimally Invasive Medical Manners Research Center, Pars Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranFaranakBabaki FardBabak Imaging Center, Pars Hospital, Tehran, IranKavehSamimiBabak Imaging Center, Pars Hospital, Tehran, IranPardisRafieeBabak Imaging Center, Pars Hospital, Tehran, IranShadiErfanian AslPars Advanced and Minimally Invasive Medical Manners Research Center, Pars Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranMeisamAkhlaghdoustPars Advanced and Minimally Invasive Medical Manners Research Center, Pars Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranShahlaChaichianProfessor, Pars Advanced and Minimally Invasive Medical Manners Research Center, Pars Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-5772-8711Journal Article20200929Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19), reported pandemic in March 2020, is the current health problem with no definite prevention or treatment. As a newly emerging disease, new cases are reported each day to add to the physician’s knowledge about the best clinical approach. One of the controversies in this regard is the gold standard diagnostic method. Evidence suggests that polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) for Coronavirus nucleic acid has a low sensitivity and computed tomography (CT) has been suggested for more accurate diagnosis. Yet, CT has the disadvantage of radiation and is not safe in all patients. Here, we present a case series of 23 patients who underwent both RT–PCR and CT and report the outcome.Kerman University of Medical SciencesJournal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences1023-951028220210301Concomitant Dislocation of Proximal and Distal Interphalangeal Joints of Small Finger: A Case Report1941989161610.22062/jkmu.2021.91616ENAlirezaSaiedKerman University of Medical SciencesAssociate Professor, Kerman University of Medical SciencesJournal Article20200526A 24 old man sustained an injury to his right hand when playing soccer as goalkeeper, most probably from a direct strike for the ball or offender foot. On physical examination the injury was limited to the right middle finger, which was swollen, tender an essentially no active motion could be observed in none of the interphalangeal joints. The injury was a close one and no wound or nerve injury was present. No evidence of compartment syndrome was observed. The neurovascular examination was normal. Radiograms were taken immediately which revealed double dislocation of both interphalangeal joints in the right fifth finger. Closed reduction under general anaesthesia was performed and early active and passive range of motion was began as soon as possible. In follow up full range of motion of the joints was retained. The case emphasizes the necessity of whole finger radiologic examination in distal interphalangeal dislocations in the hand.Kerman University of Medical SciencesJournal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences1023-951028220210301Hiccups, a Rare Presentation of Infective Endocarditis: A Case Report1992039161710.22062/jkmu.2021.91617ENHaleAfsharAssistant Professor of Pulmonary Diseases, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, IranSinaBakhshaeiGeneral practitioner, Clinical Research Development Unit, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranMasoumehKahnoojiAssistant Professor of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranMohsenShafiepourAssistant Professor of Pulmonary Diseases, Clinical Research Development Unit, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman0000-0002-3511-9453AhmadAlinaghi LangariGeneral practitioner, Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0002-3177-9489Journal Article20201024Hiccup has a wide variety of etiologies irritating the hiccup reflex arc. It is usually benign and self-limited but can be an alarm sign for serious underlying conditions. Hiccup has been rarely reported in patients with infective endocarditis as a result of splenic involvement and phrenic nerve irritation. Herein, we report a 72-year-old man with the chief complaint of long-lasting hiccups (for a 1-month duration) who was diagnosed with infective endocarditis; however, his spleen was grossly intact. The bouts of hiccups repeated 2-3 times a day and lasted for 10-20 minutes. After the initiation of antibiotics, his symptoms waned for a while and appeared again, and then, the hiccups were eliminated. Long-lasting hiccups can be a presentation of serious medical conditions such as infective endocarditis, with or without splenic involvement. Hence, it is important to keep in mind these conditions to perform proper diagnostic and therapeutic workups.Kerman University of Medical SciencesJournal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences1023-951028220210301Estimation of the Normal Upper Limits for Serum Alanine Aminotransferase in a Population-Based Study from Southeast of Iran2042119161810.22062/jkmu.2021.91618ENSodaifDarvish MoghadamProfessor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranMohammad JavadZahediProfessor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0002-4580-9562Mohammad MahdiHayatbakhsh AbbasiProfessor of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0001-8564-6908Ali AkbarHaghdoostProfessor of Epidemiology, Research Center for Modeling in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranMahdiehKhalily ZadeInfectious Disease Specialist, Clinical Research Development Unit, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranMehdiKhaleghiniaInfectious Disease Specialist, Samen Hepatitis Clinic, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranAzamDehghaniMSc of Biostatistics, Clinical Research Development Unit, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranSaraShafieipourAssistant Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0002-9341-694XJournal Article20200407<strong>Background:</strong> Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are two accessible indices for liver evaluation. Upper limit of normal (ULN) of these tests are important for starting further investigations for persons with high values. In recent years, cut off points for ULN of these tests have been disputed. This study aimed to determine the ULN of ALT and AST in a population-based study.<br /> <strong>Methods:</strong> This cross-sectional study was performed on a randomized clustered sample of people of Kerman city. Demographic, anthropometric, and laboratory data were collected and analyzed. After excluding the recognized risk factors for liver function tests in another group (group 2), data were analyzed in this subgroup.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong>Of 2748 subjects included in this study, 1172 (42.4%) were men, with an age range of 15-85 years. The mean (± SE), median, mode, and 95<sup>th</sup> percentile were 23.74 ± 0.18, 22, 19, and 37 for AST and 22.37 ± 0.27, 18, 15, and 46 for ALT, respectively. The levels of AST and ALT were higher in men and middle age group (p <0.0001). Similar results were obtained for gender but the association of AST and ALT with age was disappeared in another group.<br /> <strong>Conclusion:</strong> According to the results of the present study, it is recommended to measure the ULN of AST and ALT periodically in different regions concerning age and gender.Kerman University of Medical SciencesJournal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences1023-951028220210301Genetic Association of ADIPOQ Gene Variant (rs822396) with Type 2 Diabetes in Iranian Patients2122189161910.22062/jkmu.2021.91619ENBehnazHezarkhaniDepartments of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, IranSeyedeh ParisaChavoshi TarzjaniDepartment of Genetic, Faculty of Biological Science, Tehran North Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran0000-0001-6374-3686ZahraSadeghiDepartment of Genetic, Faculty of Biological Science, Tehran North Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranSeyedeh MohadeseShahzadeh FazeliDepartment of Medical, Alborz Medical University, Karaj, IranZahraMirzayeeFazeli-Sanati Genetics Laboratory, Tehran, IranSeyed AbolhassanShahzadeh FazeliProfessor, Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-0720-2954Journal Article20200806<strong>Background:</strong> Genetic and environmental factors influence serum adiponectin and may contribute to the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes (T2D). There are many studies conducted to investigate the association between different polymorphisms of the<em> ADIPOQ </em>geneand T2D risk in all around the world. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the association between adiponectin gene<em> (ADIPOQ)</em> polymorphism (rs822396) and the risk of T2D, which has not been studied yet in the Iranian patients.<br /> <strong>Methods:</strong> Selected SNP was genotyped in 40 T2D patients and 40 controls by PCR amplification and direct Sanger sequencing. Fisher's exact test and Chi2 test were used to estimate the risk of T2D associated with the selected SNP, and genotypic and allelic distributions were compared between the case and control groups.<br /> <strong>Results:</strong> It was revealed that there were no significant differences in the distribution of genotypes and allele frequencies of rs822396 between Iranian patients with T2D and controls.<br /> <strong>Conclusion:</strong> According to the results, -3971 A/G polymorphism is unlikely to be involved in the susceptibility to or the severity of T2D in Iranian patients. Further large prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.