Background: Advantage of using local sedation during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) is still challenging. In the current study, the effect of lidocaine spray versus lidocaine viscous solution for pharyngeal local anesthesia during UGE has been compared. Materials and Methods: This is a randomized clinical trial conducted on 130 patients conducting UGE in 2013. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of viscous lidocaine solution (Group V) and lidocaine spray (Group S). Patients' tolerance, satisfaction, pain/discomfort, and anxiety (based on 11-point numerical score scale) and ease of endoscopy were compared. Results: Ease of procedure, patients' tolerance, and patients' satisfaction were not statistically different between two groups (P > 0.05). Patients' pain/discomfort and anxiety during endoscopy were significantly different between groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: As a conclusion, there was not any difference between two groups except for pain, discomfort, and anxiety that was higher in those who administered spray that might be due to the method of usage.

Background: This study aimed to use social network analysis (SNA) indicators and clique analysis to investigate collaboration between different departments and research centers in Journal of Research in Medical Sciences (JRMS) in 2012–2016. Materials and Methods: The study was a scientometric study using micro- and macro-indicators of SNA to investigate the performance of departments and research centers in JRMS. The population consisted of 1073 articles published in JRMS in 2012–2016. Ravar Matrix, UCINET, and VOSviewer software were used for data analysis. Results: According to the productivity and triple centrality indicators, “Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics,” “Department of Pathology,” and Department of “Internal Medicine” allocated the first three ranks. Analyzing the cliques of co-authorship network for departments and research centers showed that this network consists of 19 cliques with at least 7 members in each clique. Furthermore, only 30 nodes (8.90% of all nodes in the network) had the presence in minimum clique size of at least 7. Conclusion: Given the importance and position of scientific collaboration in medical research and its effect on other performance indicators such as efficiency, effectiveness, and number of citations, it is necessary for policy-makers to propose new strategies for improving scientific collaboration.

Background: In high-fat diet-fed mice, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) has been shown to play a key role in hepatic steatosis. However, it remains unknown whether IL-1 beta could be associated with different grades of steatosis in obese humans. Materials and Methods: Morbidly obese patients (n = 124) aged 18–65 years were divided into four groups: no steatosis (controls), mild steatosis, moderate steatosis, and severe steatosis using abdominal ultrasound. IL-1 beta serum levels and liver function tests were measured and significant differences were estimated by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test. Results: IL-1 beta serum levels significantly increased in morbidly obese patients with mild (11.38 ± 2.40 pg/ml), moderate (16.72 ± 2.47 pg/ml), and severe steatosis (23.29 ± 5.2 pg/ml) as compared to controls (7.78 ± 2.26 pg/ml). Liver function tests did not significantly change among different grades of steatosis. Conclusion: IL-1 beta serum levels associate better with steatosis degree than liver function tests in morbidly obese population.

Background: Lead effects on children and pregnant women are grave, and screening tests would be logical to detect high blood lead levels (BLLs) in early stages. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were taken from the pregnant mothers who referred to midwifery clinic with further phone interview postdelivery. Results: In 100 patients evaluated, the mean age was 29 ± 5 years (median interquartile range gestational age of 33 [24, 37] weeks). There was a significant correlation between polluted residential area and median BLL (P = 0.044) and substance exposure (P = 0.02). The median BLL was significantly lower in those without a history of lead toxicity in the family (P = 0.003). The only factor that could predict the BLL levels lower than 3.2 and 5 μg/dL was living in the nonindustrial area. All pregnant women delivered full-term live babies. Conclusion: Positive history of lead toxicity in the family and living in polluted areas may pose a higher BLL in pregnant women.

Background: The pathogenesis of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is not clearly known. Recently, the role of gastric bacterial colonization has been proposed. The role of gastric colonization with Helicobacter pylori in pathogenesis of VAP was determined by comparing the prevalence of H. pylori in patients with VAP and control participants. Materials and Methods: One hundred and eighteen mechanically ventilated patients were divided into two groups; 59 participants with VAP and 59 without VAP. Serologic tests for H. pylori were registered. Results: Mean age in seropositive patients was significantly higher. About 71.2% in VAP group and 61.01% in controls were IgG seropositive (P = 0.24). IgM seropositivity was 23.73% versus 8.47% in VAPs and controls, respectively (P = 0.024). By increasing the time of intubation, more patients became seropositive for IgM (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.4, P = 0.002). Conclusion: IgM seropositivity and serum levels were significantly higher in VAP patients. Furthermore, by increasing the duration of intubation, serum levels for IgM increased significantly.

Background: According to increasing rate of using assisted reproductive technology (ART) which result in higher rates of multiple birth and natal difficulties, we aimed to determine the prevalence rate of multiple birth pregnancies. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study evaluating birth files in 2009–2010 of main hospitals of Isfahan, Iran. Results: Among 31640 files' studies, 614 cases of multiple birth pregnancies were investigated. The product of these pregnancies were 1286 (50.2% females) infants including 557 twins (17.6/1000), 56 triplets (1.8/1000), and one case of quadruple (0.03/1000). Infants weigh <2500 g were 84.9% of all. Mothers had a mean age of 27.9 ± 4.9 which 30.4% of them had a positive history of using ART. Conclusion: The prevalence of multiple birth pregnancies is growing. The need for more mother and child care is important. Using ART world wide is leading more multiple birth which could be a cause for more complicated pregnancies.