bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comitati etici per la pratica clinica e servizi di etica clinica. Una proposta operativa per l’Italia
Authors: Picozzi Mario , Ceruti Silvia , Ferioli Elena , Grossi Alessandra Agnese , Nicoli Federico , Cattorini Paolo Marino
Published: October 2023

In Italia, l’entrata in vigore dei provvedimenti riguardanti la riorganizzazione dei Comitati Etici Territoriali (CET) ha riacceso la discussione relativa alla necessità di regolamentare anche lo svolgimento di attività di natura consultiva svolte al fine di affrontare le questioni etiche che possono emergere nella pratica clinica. Le soluzioni prospettate sono ad oggi sostanzialmente tre: affidare ai CET il compito di far fronte anche degli aspetti etici connessi alla pratica clinica; introdurre Comitati etici appositamente istituiti per la pratica clinica; prevedere un intervento su più livelli, che assegni a dei Servizi di etica clinica il compito di assicurare la consulenza etica al letto del malato e la formazione degli operatori sanitari e ai Comitati etici per la partica clinica un ruolo di revisione delle consulenze e di elaborazione di raccomandazioni generali sui temi dell’etica clinica. Il presente contributo intende quindi analizzare e fornire un’interpretazione della questione. A tal fine verranno innanzitutto analizzati i documenti prodotti dal Comitato Nazionale per la Bioetica (CNB) e gli studi condotti in Italia negli ultimi anni che hanno indagato le attitudini degli operatori sanitari sul tema. In secondo luogo, verrà presentato lo scenario attuale e, in particolare, i compiti e le caratteristiche della consulenza etica svolta negli enti assistenziali. Infine, sulla base di quanto esposto, verrà formulata una proposta operativa maturata in seno al Centro di Ricerca in Etica Clinica (CREC) dell’Università degli Studi dell’Insubria.
Consulenza etica in ambito sanitario
Authors: Cattorini Paolo Marino
Published: October 2023

È solo parzialmente chiara all’opinione pubblica la definizione dell’identità, del ruolo, delle responsabilità del consulente in bioetica clinica e dei centri, unità o servizi per la consulenza etica negli ospedali e nelle istituzioni. Un parere del Comitato nazionale italiano per la Bioetica indica alcuni requisiti e qualità del bioeticista nei comitati per la ricerca. Invece, la vera e propria professionalizzazione del bioeticista clinico al letto del malato è oggetto di riflessione organizzativa e teorica: chi ne chiede una strutturazione stabile al servizio dei reparti e dei comitati d’etica locali, ne sostiene la natura fondamentalmente filosofica oppure ne propone una stretta analogia con le altre specializzazioni mediche. Analizzando i pro e contro di tali utili considerazioni sociali, emergono indicazioni per istituire Unità istituzionali di bioetica e per finalizzare l’impegno dei centri di Ricerca in Etica
Deactivating permanent pacemakers in pacemakerdependent patients with terminal illness: an ethical perspective
Authors: Hernandez-Ojeda Jaime , Requena Pablo
Published: October 2023

Medical guidelines state that both implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and pacemaker deactivation may be ethically permissible when the patient requests their withdrawal based on the respect for the patient’s autonomy. However, they also state that most physicians make an ethical distinction between deactivating ICDs and deactivating permanent pacemakers in pacemaker-dependent patients, being reasonably uncomfortable when confronted with a petition for pacing deactivation in these patients. If a difference between both actions exists, what principles explain this ethical distinction? We analyze this question from the perspective of the bioethical principles and the standpoint of the distinction between substitution and replacement therapies for ethical decisions. Even if we recognize appropriate insights in these proposals, they are insufficient to provide an adequate ethical justification in case of pacemaker deactivation in pacemaker-dependent patients. We propose the burden of therapy and the configuration of the moral act as determinant factors in arriving at a solid answer. In these cases, it is necessary to arrive at a description as precise as possible of the moral action that is performed and to ask what is the basic intentionality that moves such action. Furthermore, we propose the communication virtues as an important aspect to practice in cases of request of a pacemaker withdrawal.
What is the purpose of launching the Translational Medicine Reports journal?
Authors: Caraglia Michele , Gentile Vittorio
Published: October 2023

Not available.
Chikungunya virus: Update on molecular biology, epidemiology and current strategies
Authors: Stelitano Debora , Chianese Annalisa , Astorri Roberta , Serretiello Enrica , Zannella Carla , Folliero Veronica , Galdiero Marilena , Franci Gianluigi , Crudele Valeria , Vitiello Mariateresa
Published: October 2023

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an arthropod-borne virus, is the aetiological agent of a disease characterized by several aspecific symptoms including fever, myalgia and arthralgia. The virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito of Aedes genus. This virus was first isolated in Tanzania in 1953, from which it spread to other African countries, Asia, Northern and Southern America, Europe and Oceania. Today, many human cases of CHIKV infection have been identified. The diffusion of CHIKV across the world, including Italy, is due to multiple factors amongst which the wide distribution of its vectors and high transmission efficiency play a crucial role. Currently, there are no specific treatments and effective vaccines against CHIKV; indeed, available therapies allow symptoms mitigation and some promising vaccines are undergoing clinical trials. The purpose of this review is to offer an updated picture of CHIKV molecular biology, epidemiology and vector distribution, clinical features and strategies for infection prevention and treatment.
Hemoptysis in a patient with pulmonary angiosarcoma
Authors: Cardone Maria , Capitelli Ludovica , Russo Giuseppe , Cossu Alessia Maria , Bocchetti Marco , Ricciardiello Filippo , Squillante Francesco
Published: October 2023

Pulmonary Artery Angiosarcoma (PAS) is a rare malignant vascular tumor with an aggressive clinical course and poor prognosis. The first line therapy is the surgical resection, but an early diagnosis is difficult due to the nonspecific clinical and radiological manifestations. The purpose of this case report is to analyze the difficulties in PAS diagnosis. A 32 years-old man, with a history of hemoptysis in the last two months, undergoes total body CT, which revealed multiple nodules in his left lung, surrounded by areas of ground glass opacity, without any extra-lung lesion. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy and bronchial washing were negative for neoplastic cells and open lung biopsy was necessary for diagnosis of PAS. A surgical resection was not allowed because the left lung was hepatized, so the surgeon couldn’t reach the hilum; furthermore, the subclavian vessels were infiltrated by cancer. After a month of supportive therapy, the patient died as a consequence of multiple organ failure. Our case report underlines that PAS should be considered as a possible diagnosis for patients with hemoptysis and lung nodules surrounded by ground glass opacity.
Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on physical activity of university students
Authors: Kannas Samah Mohamed , Habbal Omar Wardan , Aman Ferdos Ibrahim , Alzahmi Aisha Mohamed , Mahdi Souad Ousama , Azeez Ali Ahmed , Eladl Mohamed Ahmed , Hussein Amal
Published: October 2023

Background:

The prevalence of physical activity (PA) in the United Arab Emirates was a source of concern before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was crucial to examine the effects of the lockdown measures on PA in the region. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on PA levels and characteristics among university students in the United Arab Emirates.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2021 and March 2021 using an online questionnaire. A total of 410 responses were received and analyzed using SPSS v26.

Results:

The prevalence of PA decreased from 62.7% to 59.3% after the lockdown. Most students (43.58%) used to practice 1–3 times/week; this percentage decreased to 35.8% after the lockdown. During the pandemic, 39.5% of the students had their usual PA affected. Consequently, 41.6% decided to quit exercising and 53% started practicing at home as an alternative. Regarding exercise outcomes, 54.4% of the students did not meet their exercise goals. Among those whose PA was restricted during the pandemic, 51.9% started eating junk food. Men were twice as likely to maintain their PA schedules as women (odds ratio [OR] = 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.07–3.34]). Moreover, men were 3.5 times less likely to engage in light exercise than moderate-intensity exercise compared to women (OR = 3.47, 95% CI = [1.15–10.41]).

Conclusion:

This study showed that COVID-19 lockdown in the United Arab Emirates had a detrimental impact on university students’ PA and dietary choices. This emphasizes the need for health promotion and preparedness strategies for future pandemics.
Analysis of Operated Patients with Ocular Trauma: A 10-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Ostadian Farshad , Farrahi Fereydoun , Zolfaghari Mohammad , Latifi Seyed M.
Published: October 2023

Background:

Ocular trauma is one of the most common causes of hospitalization in patients with ocular injuries. It imposes many direct and indirect physical and psychological costs on the patient and the community.

Materials and Methods:

The present descriptive cross-sectional and retrospective study includes all patients with ocular trauma who underwent surgery in the referral center's ophthalmic operating room for 10 years. A checklist was completed for each patient, including demographic information and the variables required for the study. A total of 927 patients who underwent eye surgery due to ocular trauma were eligible for the study. All descriptive data were reported as the mean plus standard deviation for quantitative variables and distribution tables and frequency percentage for qualitative variables. Inferential tests such as independent t-test and Chi-square test were used to evaluate the research questions.

Results:

This study showed that most ocular traumas occur at a young age and mostly in males. The types of trauma in the studied eyes were divided into penetrating and non-penetrating in different age groups. The results showed that the most common type of surgery was corneal laceration repair, and in all patients, visual acuity improved significantly after surgery. In this study, a total of 81% of patients underwent only one operation.

Conclusions:

Training and caring for children and adolescents about high-risk behaviors and educating industry professionals to wear goggles, and increase workplace safety can reduce these types of trauma.
Development and Evaluation of a Self-Care Application Based on Herbal Medicine for Skin and Hair Diseases
Authors: Shahmoradi Leila , Izadi Nakisa , Shirbeigi Laila , Nazari Reza , Rezayi Sorayya
Published: October 2023

Background:

Self-care applications are effective in the control and treatment of disease symptoms. Today, the mobile phone is used as one of the tools that can help us in this regard. The present study attempts to develop and evaluate a functional self-care mobile-phone application for patients with skin and hair problems using treatment protocols of herbal medicine.

Materials and Methods:

This study is a descriptive-applied type. At first, a questionnaire was prepared for data need assessment and also to determine the data items and required capabilities of the application. Based on the results, an application was designed using the Java programing language in the Android software environment. In the next step, the application was installed on the mobile phones of several specialists and patients, and the necessary corrections were made. Then, the final version of the application was evaluated.

Results:

The most critical data elements of the mobile application for skin and hair patients included the application's functionality, temperament survey, and clinical information. After considering users' feedback, the screen functionality, the application's information and idiom, and overall functionality of the application were evaluated and approved by the users.

Conclusion:

By and large, the developed application could help the patients to receive the best and high-priority treatment protocols based on their own temperament.
The Effect of Various Pre-Cesarean Fasting Times on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes
Authors: Arab Sogol , Yaghmaei Minoo , Mokhtari Mojgan
Published: October 2023

Background:

Although it is currently recommended that patients avoid solid food for 6–8 h and liquid for 2 h before cesarean section, longer restrictions still apply in many centers. Since studies on the duration of fasting before cesarean section is scarce, we aimed to investigate the effect of different fasting times before cesarean section on maternal and neonatal complications.

Materials and methods:

This descriptive study was performed on 405 candidates for cesarean section. These women were divided into five groups due to the length of time they did not consume clear liquid and solid food. Then, maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared using Kruskal–Wallis and Chi-square tests.

Results:

The rate of nausea during surgery was lower in the groups who ate solid food between 2 and 8 h and clear liquid <2 h before surgery (P = 0.04). Also, abdominal distension in the first 6 h after surgery in the group that did not eat solid food for <6–8 h and clear liquid for <2 h was more than in the other groups (P < 0.05). The prevalence of hypoglycemia was significantly lower in women who ate solid food for <6 h and drank clear liquid for <2 h (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Prolonged fasting time before cesarean section not only reduce complications but also may have undesirable consequences. The results of this study showed that it is better to use less strict measures in patients who are candidates for cesarean section and in patients with labor pains who are likely to have a cesarean section.
The Effect of Internal Mesh Fixation and External Fixation (Inguinal Hernia Truss) on Postoperative Complications in Patients with Inguinal Hernia Undergoing Totally Extraperitoneal Laparoscopic Hernioplasty
Authors: Sayadi Shahraki Masoud , Mahmoudieh Mohsen , Keleidari Behrooz , Melali Hamid , Sharbu Zakaria
Published: October 2023

Background:

The present study evaluated the effect of internal mesh fixation and external fixation (inguinal hernia truss) on postoperative complications in patients with inguinal hernia.

Materials and Methods:

This randomized clinical trial was performed on 64 patients that were candidates for inguinal hernia repair by laparoscopic method following the totally extraperitoneal procedure. These patients were randomly divided into two groups. In the first group, the mesh was fixed with a maximum of three absorbable tacks. In the second group, the inguinal hernia truss was used as the external fixation for 6 weeks immediately after the surgery.

Results:

The results revealed that seroma, neuralgia, and recurrence were observed with the values of 6.4%, 19.4%, and 3.2% in Group A and 3.3%, 13.3%, and 3.3% in Group B (P > 0.05). Moreover, patients’ pain scores 1 week and 1 month after the surgery in Group B were significantly lower than those of Group A (P < 0.05). However, the mean pain score of patients was not different between the two groups 3 and 6 months after the surgery (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the duration of return to work in Group B with an average of 8.07 ± 3.09 days was less than that of Group A with the average of 9.65 ± 5.34 days (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

The mentioned findings can trigger the use of external fixation and an inguinal hernia truss as a support for the abdominal wall to make the dream of not using a foreign body in the human body come true.
What Are the Effects of Climate Variables on COVID-19 Pandemic? A Systematic review and Current Update
Authors: Moazeni Malihe , Rahimi Mohammad , Ebrahimi Afshin
Published: October 2023

The climatological parameters can be different in various geographical locations. Moreover, they have possible impacts on COVID-19 incidence. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review article was to describe the effects of climatic variables on COVID-19 pandemic in different countries. Systematic literature search was performed in Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and PubMed databases using (“Climate” OR “Climate Change” OR “Global Warming” OR “Global Climate Change” OR “Meteorological Parameters” OR “Temperature” OR “Precipitation” OR “Relative Humidity” OR “Wind Speed” OR “Sunshine” OR “Climate Extremes” OR “Weather Extremes”) AND (“COVID” OR “Coronavirus disease 2019” OR “COVID-19” OR “SARS-CoV-2” OR “Novel Coronavirus”) keywords. From 5229 articles, 424 were screened and 149 were selected for further analysis. The relationship between meteorological parameters is variable in different geographical locations. The results indicate that among the climatic indicators, the temperature is the most significant factor that influences on COVID-19 pandemic in most countries. Some studies were proved that warm and wet climates can decrease COVID-19 incidence; however, the other studies represented that warm location can be a high risk of COVID-19 incidence. It could be suggested that all climate variables such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, precipitation, solar radiation, ultraviolet index, and wind speed could cause spread of COVID-19. Thus, it is recommended that future studies will survey the role of all meteorological variables and interaction between them on COVID-19 spread in specific small areas such as cities of each country and comparison between them.
Expression of Recombinant Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Binding Protein-3 Receptor in Mammalian Cell Line and Prokaryotic (Escherichia coli) Expression Systems
Authors: Naseri Nima , Mirian Mina , Mofid Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2023

Background:

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 receptor (IGFBP-3R) (Transmembrane protein 219 [TMEM219]) binds explicitly to IGFBP-3 and exerts its apoptotic and autophagy signalling pathway. Constructing a Henrietta Lacks (HeLa) h6-TMEM219 cell characterize the therapeutic potent of TMEM219 that could interrupt the IGFBP-3/TMEM219 pathway, in cancer treatment and destructive cell illnesses such as diabetes and Alzheimer's.

Materials and Methods:

First, to develop stable overexpressed HeLa h6-TMEM219 cells, and Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) with high IGFBP-3R expression, the purchased pcDNA3.1-h6-TMEM219 plasmid was transformed and integrated using CaCl2 and chemical transfection reagents, respectively. The pcDNA3.1-h6-TMEM219 transfection and protein expression was evaluated by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blotting, and flow cytometry. Following the induction of h6-TMEM219 expression, a protein was purified using Ni-NTA chromatography and evaluated by the sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).

Results:

The 606 base pairs sequence in PCR outcomes confirmed successful pcDNA3.1-h6-TMEM219 transformation in E. Coli BL21 and integration into the HeLa genome. The analysis of protein samples from induced E. Coli BL21 and purified protein demonstrate a band of approximately 22 kDa on SDS-PAGE. Moreover, besides western blot analysis, flow cytometry findings illustrate approximately 84% of transfected HeLa cells (HeLa h6-TMEM219) overexpressed h6-TMEM219 on their surface.

Conclusion:

We designed a new experiment in the h6-TMEM219 expression procedure in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic hosts. All of our results confirm appropriate transformation and transfection and importantly, approve h6-TMEM 219 membrane expression. Finally, the HeLa h6-TMEM219 cells and the newly purified h6-TMEM219 leverage new studies for molecular diagnostic studies and characterize the therapeutic agents against IGFBP-3/TMEM219 signalling pathway in devastating illnesses in vitro and in vivo.
SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Among Health-Care Workers in Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Rostami Soodabeh , Haghjooy Javanmard Shaghayegh , Nokhodian Zary , Kassaian Nazila , Zamani Ali , Tahvilian Zohreh , Nasri Parto , Nasirian Maryam , Ataei Behrooz
Published: October 2023

Background:

Health-care workers (HCWs) are in the frontline for fighting the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and are at higher risk of acquiring the infection. Therefore, the defining immunity status among HCWs helps mitigate the exposure risk. In this study, we investigated the anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) and also the associated risk factors in the HCWs working in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences COVID-19 referral hospitals.

Materials and Methods:

In a cross-sectional study, demographics, COVID-19 symptoms during the past 2 weeks, and health-care details were collected from 200 consenting health workers of COVID-center-hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences from 23 October to 21 December 2020. The recombinant SARS-CoV2 nucleocapsid protein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based IgM, and IgG antibody tests were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and independent-t-student tests, and P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

One hundred and forty-one women and 59 men with a mean age of 36.4 ± 7.77 years participated in the study. IgG Ab and IgM Ab were positive in 77 (38.5%) and 12 (6%) of samples, respectively, and both antibodies were detected in 9 (4.5%). Higher ages, direct contact with the patients with COVID-19, muscle pain, loss of taste and smell, fever, and cough were the factors associated with antibody seropositivity against SARS-CoV2.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that the prevalence of HCWs with antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is relatively high in Isfahan University referral hospitals. The development of safety protocols and screening and vaccination strategies in the frontline HCWs must be implemented to reduce the burden of infection.
Assessment of Metabolic Risk Factors and Heart-Healthy Lifestyle in Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention after a 6-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Jazi Seyed Mohammad Hashemi , Radmanesh Armina , Sadeghi Masoumeh , Mansouri Asieh
Published: October 2023

Background:

Mortality due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has dramatically diminished because of performing life-saving interventions. This study aims to assess the metabolic risk factors and heart healthy lifestyle following the first episode of ACS under percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treatment after the 6-month follow-up.

Materials and Methods:

This is a longitudinal study conducted on 40 patients who underwent PCI because of the first episode of ACS. The patients' information including age, weight, abdominal circumference, smoking, functional capacity, patients' metabolic equivalent of task (METS), and laboratory tests including triglycerides (TGs), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), creatinine, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and hemoglobin A1C were recorded before discharge and reassessed after 6-month follow-up.

Results:

The patients were dominantly male (92.5%) with an average age of 56.8 ± 7.11 years. Physical activity and functional capacity (METS) significantly improved within 6 months (P = 0.019). BMI significantly improved; however, although the abdominal circumference decreased, it was not significant (P = 0.28). The number of smokers (P = 0.12) and the daily number of smoked cigarettes (P = 0.37) nonsignificantly decreased within 6 months. However, HDL-C (P = 0.013) and LDL-C (P = 0.027) changes were not desirable. TG, FBS, and blood pressure did not statistically significant change (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Although BMI, physical activity, and METS remarkably improved, waist circumference decreased nonsignificantly and lipid profile got worse paradoxically. Although this population is limited for generalization, this study shows that we require further schedules to improve ACS secondary prevention practice in our community.
Is Coronavirus One of the New Etiologies of Facial Nerve Paralysis? A Case Report Study
Authors: Masaeli Milad , Taher Abbas
Published: October 2023

Coronaviruses are important pathogens in humans and animals. Two years ago, a new coronavirus was identified as the cause of pneumonia and adult respiratory distress syndrome. These viruses have many clinical features, and new features are created daily. Bell's palsy is sporadic facial nerve palsy. The main reason of Bell's palsy is not recognized. Many viruses, such as herpes simplex or herpes zosters, have been previously identified as Bell's palsy. This case report seeks to explain the occurrence of Bell's palsy in a patient infected with coronavirus. The polymerase chain reaction test of a 60-year-old woman was positive for SARS-CoV-2. Bell's palsy happened on the 2nd day of admission to intensive care unit and recovered by the 12th day. After ruling out other etiologies of Bell's palsy, coronavirus appears to be one of the new etiologies of Bell's palsy.
Comparison of the Effect of Preoperative Oral Tizanidine and Pregabalin on Shoulder Pain in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Under General Anesthesia
Authors: Sane Shahryar , Sayyadi Shahram , Abbasivash Rahman , Rezaei Seyfollah , Azadfar Ashkan , Salimi Sohrab
Published: October 2023

Background:

Shoulder pain is considered as the most important and relatively common postoperative cholecystectomy complications that often controls in recovery room by systemic narcotics that may have some side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of premedication with oral tizanidine on shoulder pain relief after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Materials and Methods:

In this double-blinded clinical trial, 75 adults of American Society of Anesthesiologist physiologic state 1 and 2 scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia were selected and randomly divided in three groups of T, P, and control groups. Ninety minutes before the induction of anesthesia, patients received either 4 mg tizanidine (T group), 100 mg pregabalin (P group), or orally in 50cc or the same volume of plain water as a placebo (control group). Then, the vital signs, pain intensity, and the need for analgesic were measured during 24 hours and then compared in the groups.

Results:

There was no significant difference in patient characteristics, with respect to age, weight, gender, and duration of anesthesia and surgery between the groups (P > 0.05). The pain intensity and need for analgesic were significantly lower in tizanidine and pregabalin groups than the control group (P < 0.003) vs (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in vital signs characteristics between the groups.

Conclusion:

Oral administration of 4 mg tizanidine and 100 mg pregabalin 90 minutes before laparoscopic cholecystectomy significantly relive postoperative shoulder pain and analgesic consumption without any complication.
Chlamydia pneumoniae Seropositivity in the Iranian Patients with the Skin Inflammatory Disorder of Rosacea
Authors: Aghaei Maryam , Aghaei Shahrzad , Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad-Ali , Abdellahi Latifeh , Fatemi Naeini Farahnaz , Iraji Fariba , Hosseini Sayed Mohsen , Hejazi Seyed Hossein
Published: October 2023

Background:

Rosacea is a skin chronic inflammation with an unknown cause and cure. Environmental and genetic factors could not entirely explain the disease pathogenesis. Recently, infections like Chlamydia pneumoniae are of more attention in the rosacea progression. This study investigated the relationship between the C. pneumoniae seropositivity and the rosacea disorder.

Materials and Methods:

We aimed at a cohort of 100 patients with the rosacea disorder (60 active and 40 inactive) and from 100 sex- and age-matched healthy controls in Isfahan and determined the immunoglobulin M (IgM)/IgG antibodies titers to C. pneumoniae in the serum using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The groups were compared using the analysis of variance procedure at the significant level of P < 0.05, statistically.

Results:

The mean of IgG in the controls was significantly higher than the levels in both the active and the inactive rosacea patients (p < 0.022). Also, the titer of serum IgM to C. pneumoniae in the controls was different, compared with the active (p < 0.019) and the inactive (p < 0.02) rosacea patients. In addition, the median titer of serum IgG (not IgM) to C. pneumoniae in the females with the inactive rosacea disorder was lower than the active rosacea disorder (p < 0.019) and controls women (p < 0.008). Furthermore, the serum level of IgG or IgM to C. pneumoniae in the controls males was higher than the males with the rosacea disorder (p < 0.05) and (p < 0.02), alternatively.

Conclusion:

C. pneumoniae seropositivity in the rosacea patients and controls was insignificant.
Determinants of Weight Disorders in Two- Year- Old Children in Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Vard Bahareh , Deylam Sahand , Riahi Roya , Kelishadi Roya
Published: October 2023

Background:

Considering the importance of weight disorders in childhood and its impact until adulthood, this study was conducted to assess the determinants of weight disorders in 2-year-old Iranian children.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 among on 2300 children registered in Comprehensive Health Centers of Isfahan, Iran. Weight disorders, including underweight and overweight were defined according to the standardized National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) growth charts. Demographic data including gender, birth weight, maternal educational levels and occupation, duration of breastfeeding and the age of beginning complementary food were gathered.

Results:

In the present study, 750 children (i.e., 32.6%) had weight disorders. Among them, 53.6% were underweight, 26.3% were overweight, and 12.9% were obese, 7.2%had severe underweight. Female gender, university education of mothers and higher levels of socio-economic status significantly increased the chance of overweight by 14.79%, 22.28%, 27.33% and 24.48%, respectively. Although with the increase in the duration of breastfeeding and the increase of family members, overweight, respectively, decreased by 0.86 and 0.93 fold, but it was not statistically significant. There was an inverse, significant relationship between the duration of breastfeeding with overweight versus underweight.

Conclusion:

Underweight and overweight were the two most common weight disorders among 2-year- children, respectively. Control of modifiable risk factors for weight disorders in early life should be underscored in the primary health care system.
Comparison of Volume Support, Volume-Assured Pressure Support, and Spontaneous Modes in Postoperative Early Extubated Patients
Authors: Abbasi Saeed , Alikiaii Babak , Kashefi Parviz , Haddadzadegan Navid
Published: October 2023

Background:

This study aimed to compare respiratorily, arterial blood gas (ABG), and hemodynamics parameters among patients undergoing surgery who were admitted to intensive care unit (ICU), using three ventilation modes, including volume-assured pressure support (VAPS), volume support (VS), and spontaneous modes.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and thirty-two patients were randomly assigned into three groups of VAPS, VS, and spontaneous modes utilizing randomized block procedure. Patients were followed between 12 and 30 h until extubation. Respiratory parameters including; peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), static compliance, resistance, rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI), and P 0.1(P0.1 correlates with respiratory drive and is defined as the negative pressure measured at the airway opening 100 ms after the initiation of an inspiratory effort), along with ABG parameters including; pH level, PaCO2,HCO3,PaO2/FiO2 ratio, extra hydrogen ion, and hemodynamics parameters including; mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were measured every 3 h and compared among groups.

Results:

All studied parameters in three groups improved during the study. PIP, Resistance, PH, HCO3, extra hydrogen ion, PCo2, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, mean arterial blood pressure were similar among the three groups in most of the time points (P > 0.05). In most of the time points, RSBI (from 92.7 to 55.4), P 0.1 (from 6.8 to 1.7) in the VAPS group, static compliance (from 55.3 to 55.7) in the VS group, and heart rate (from 108.5 to 90.1) in spontaneous groups were significantly better than other modes (P < 0.05). Changes in RSBI, P 0.1, PCo2, HCO3, and heart rate during the study were significantly different among studied groups (P < 0.05). The length of stay in the ICU in patients who underwent VAPS was significantly shorter than the other modes.

Conclusions:

VAPS mode with better effects or at least as effective as VS and spontaneous modes could be select as the best mode of ventilation in postoperative early extubated patients admitted to ICU.
The Effects of 4-Week Aerobic Exercise on the Levels of CCL2, CCL5, and Their Respective Receptors in Female BALB/C Mice Suffering from Breast Cancer
Authors: Esmailiyan Mehrnoosh , Kargarfard Mehdi , Esfarjani Fahimeh , Vaseghi Golnaz , Haghjooy Javanmard Shaghayegh , Amerizadeh Atefeh
Published: October 2023

Background:

The studies reported that chemokines Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) and Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (CCL5) have tumor-promoting roles in breast cancer (BC). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 4 weeks of continuous aerobic exercise (AE) on chemokines CCL2 and CCL5 and their relative receptors in animal model of human BC.

Materials and Methods:

BALB/c mice were divided randomly into four groups included cancer control (CC) and three other groups. The total duration of the experiment was 14 weeks, including 2 weeks of familiarization of mice with treadmills and three of 4-week periods of experiment. Tumor inoculation and formation were performed in the second 4-week period. Group 1 received AE in the first 4-week, Group 2 received AE in the second 4-week and Group 3 in the third 4-week.

Results:

The CCL2 was reduced significantly in Groups 1, 2, and 3 compared to control (F3,12 = 4705, P = 0.0001). In terms of CCL5, a significant decrease was seen only between Group 3 and control. Western blot results showed a significant reduction in C-C chemokine receptor Type 2 (CCR2) between Group 1 versus CC and Group 2 versus CC (F3,20 = 1.812, P = 0.004). In terms of C-C chemokine receptor Type 5 (CCR5) a significant decrease was observed between Group 2 versus control and Group 3 versus control (F3,20 = 273.3, P = 0.042), (P = 0.004).

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that 4-week AE significantly reduces the chemokines CCL2 and CCL5 and their respective receptors levels CCR5 and CCR2 in different stages, and it may have an inhibitory effect on tumor growth.
Conceptual Framework for SARS-CoV-2–Related Lymphopenia
Authors: Rahimmanesh Ilnaz , Kouhpayeh Shirin , Azizi Yadollah , Khanahmad Hossein
Published: October 2023

The emerging of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates globally. One of the most prominent characteristics of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is lymphopenia, which is in contrast to other viral infections. This controversy might be explained by the evaluation of impaired innate and adaptive immune responses, during the SARS-CoV-2 infection. During the innate immune response, poly-ADP-ribose polymerase hyperactivated due to virus entry and extensive DNA damage sequentially, leading to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)+ depletion, adenosine triphosphate depletion, and finally cell death. In contrast to the immune response against viral infections, cytotoxic T lymphocytes decline sharply in SARS-CoV-2 infection which might be due to infiltration and trapping in the lower respiratory tract. In addition, there are more factors proposed to involve in lymphopenia in COVID-19 infection such as the role of CD38, which functions as NADase and intensifies NAD depletion, which in turn affects NAD+–dependent Sirtuin proteins, as the regulators of cell death and viability. Lung tissue sequestration following cytokine storm supposed to be another reason for lymphopenia in COVID-19 patients. Protein 7a, as one of the virus-encoded proteins, induces apoptosis in various organ-derived cell lines. These mechanisms proposed to induce lymphopenia, although there are still more studies needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms for lymphopenia in COVID-19 patients.
Construction and Periplasmic Expression of a Bispecific Tandem scFv for Dual Targeting of Immune Checkpoints
Authors: Rashti Amirreza , Akbari Vajihe
Published: October 2023

Background:

Immune checkpoints are molecules that act as regulators of immune system pathways. However, some tumor cells can express the ligands of immune checkpoints to escape from antitumor immune responses. Some agents, such as antibodies, can inhibit these checkpoints that prevent the immune system from targeting and killing cancer cells. The aim of this study was to express a novel bispecific tandem scFv in periplasmic space of Escherichia coli for simultaneous targeting of two immune checkpoints, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1).

Materials and Methods:

The bispecific tandem scFv was constructed based on the variable regions gene of anti-PD1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies. The optimum codon for expression in E. coli was chemically synthesized and subcloned in periplasmic expression plasmid. After transformation, the effect of cultivation conditions on periplasmic expression of the protein in E. coli BL21(DE3) was evaluated. Then, the bispecific tandem scFv was purified and its binding ability to cells expressing PD-1 and CTLA-4 was evaluated.

Results:

Expression of tandem scFv with a molecular weight of 55 kDa was verified by Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blotting analysis. The best condition for soluble periplasmic expression was obtained to be incubation with 0.5 mM isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside at 23°C. The protein was successfully purified using affinity chromatography with a final yield of 4.5 mg/L. Binding analysis confirmed the bioactivity of purified the tandem scFv.

Conclusion:

This bispecific tandem scFv could be a potential candidate to cancer immunotherapy, although more biological activity assessments are still required to be carried out.
Effectiveness of Using Face Masks and Personal Protective Equipment to Reducing the Spread of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Case–Control Studies
Authors: Hajmohammadi Maryam , Saki Malehi Amal , Maraghi Elham
Published: October 2023

Recently published researches show that 59% of all transmission came from asymptomatic transmission and at the time of diagnosis health-care workers (HCWs) tend to present without respiratory symptoms. These evidences have raised questions on whether an essential policy for use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is the best approach in HCW and other people or not. Therefore, this study conducted to investigate the effectiveness of using face masks and PPE in reducing the spread of COVID-19 in health-care and non-health-care settings. This systematic review and meta-analysis study was prepared according to the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis statement and guided by meta-analysis of observational studies recommendations. Searches in databases were conducted from December 2019 to July 2021. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effect of using face masks and PPE on spread of COVID-19. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using Cochran's Q test and the I
2 metrics. In total, 9920 individuals from 14 studies were included in this study. In all settings, application of PPE or any type of masks was associated with reduction in risk of COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR] = 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.29, 0.65]; I
2 = 85.21%). In the HCW subgroup, the protective effect had a combined OR of 0.33 (95% CI: (0.15,0.73), I
2 = 82.61%). Six studies were found protective effects of wearing mask in non-HCWs (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: (0.31, 1.06), I
2 = 85.63%). Results suggest that there is association between face mask/PPE use and reduction of COVID-19.
Cisplatin-Resistant Ovarian Cancer Cells Reveal a Polyploid Phenotype with Remarkable Activation of Nuclear Processes
Authors: Adibi Rezvan , Moein Shiva , Gheisari Yousof
Published: October 2023

Background:

Tumor recurrence as one of the main causes of cancer death is a big barrier to cancer complete treatment. Various studies denote the possible role of therapeutics in tumor relapse. Cisplatin as one of the generally used chemotherapy agents is supposed to be the source of therapy resistance through formation of polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs). Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which PGCCs promote tumor relapse are not fully understood.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, we performed experimental and bioinformatic investigations to recognize the mechanisms related to cisplatin resistance. A2780 and SCOV-3 cell lines were treated with cisplatin for 72 hours and were evaluated for their morphology by fluorescent microscopy and DNA content analysis. Furthermore, a microarray dataset of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells was re-analyzed to determine the significantly altered genes and signaling pathways.

Results:

Although cisplatin led to death of considerable fraction of cells in both cell lines, a significant number of survived cells became polyploid. On the other hand, our high throughput analysis determined significant change in expression of 1930 genes which mainly related to gene regulatory mechanisms and nuclear processes. Besides, mTOR, hypoxia, Hippo, and 14-3-3 signaling pathways previously shown to have role in PGCCs were determined.

Conclusion:

Taken together, results of this study demonstrated some key biological mechanisms related to cisplatin-resistant polyploid cancer cells.
Is Chronic Kidney Disease, a Predictor of in-Hospital Mortality in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Patients?
Authors: Moeinzadeh Firouzeh , Raeisi Vahideh , Babahajiani Media , Mortazavi Mojgan , Pourajam Samaneh , Seirafian Shiva , Shirzadi Mohammad , Taheri Shahram , Salahi Mehrdad , Mansourian Marjan , Toghyani Arash , Zamani Zahra
Published: October 2023

Background:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important comorbidity in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients considering its high prevalence. We aimed to figure out the relationship between CKD and COVID-19 mortality in this study.

Materials and Methods:

In total, 116 CKD patients (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] lower than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and 147 control subjects confirmed with COVID-19 were studied. Data regarding demographics, sign and symptoms, laboratory findings, and chest computed tomography were collected. Association between CKD and in-hospital mortality were analyzed using logistic regression models adjusted for confounders.

Results:

Mortality rate was significantly higher in CKD than non-CKD (30.17 vs 4.76, P < 0.001) COVID-19 patients. Multivariate logistic regression showed that CKD was significantly correlated with in-hospital mortality in the total sample (Odds ratio (OR) = 8.64, confidence interval (CI): 3.67–20.35) and gender subgroups (females: OR = 4.77, CI: 1.38–16.40, males: OR = 13.43, CI: 3.85–46.87) (P < 0.05) of COVID-19 patients in the crude model. Whereas, the correlation did not remain significant in the fully adjusted model in the total sample (OR = 1.70, CI: 0.35–8.19) and gender subgroups (females: OR = 1.07 CI: 0.06–19.82, males: OR = 0.87, CI: 0.07–10.33) (P > 0.05) of COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion:

This study suggested an independent association between CKD and in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, more intensive surveillance of COVID-19 patients with CKD is to be warranted.
Examination of the Topical Effect of the Combination of Plantago ovata and Vinegar on the Improvement of Rural Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Lesions
Authors: Ebrahimzadeh Ardakani Mohammad , Emtiazy Majid , Lotfi Mohammad Hassan , Mousavi Mehrdad
Published: October 2023

Background:

The present study aimed at investigating the topical effect of the combination of Plantago ovata and vinegar on the improvement of rural cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions.

Materials and Methods:

The present randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial was performed on 42 patients with rural skin leishmaniasis. In the case group, in addition to injecting glucantime into the lesion according to the latest national instructions, a combination of P. ovata and vinegar was applied topically twice a day for 8 weeks. In the control group, only glucantime injection into the lesion was performed for 8 weeks according to the latest national guidelines. At the end of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks after the intervention, the lesion area and improvement were evaluated and recorded.

Results:

The results of the present study indicated the lesion area in the case group with the mean of 0.35 ± 0.39 cm and 0.18 ± 0.27 cm in the 8th and 12th weeks, respectively was significantly less than that of the control group with the mean of 0.64 ± 0.78 cm and 0.56 ± 0.44, respectively (P < 0.05). Twelve weeks after the intervention, 84.1% of the lesions in the case group and 65.9% of the lesions in the control group were completely improved (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

According to the results of the present study, the improvement of leishmaniasis lesion with the topical application of the combination of P. ovata and vinegar was significantly more than that of the control group in the 8th and 12th weeks after the intervention.
Evaluation of the Relative Frequency of Epstein–Barr Virus Infection in Patients with Recurrent Breast Cancer Compared with Patients with Nonrecurrent Breast Cancer
Authors: Eshraghi Samani Reza , Safaee Masoumeh , Nematollahi Pardis , Amraei Babak
Published: October 2023

Background:

The roles of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in breast cancer and breast lymphoma by transfecting EBV DNA have been indicated in different studies, but few investigations have been conducted on its roles in recurrence of breast cancer. Here, we aimed to evaluate the roles of EBV in recurrent breast cancer tissue.

Materials and Methods:

This is a cross-sectional retrospective study that was performed in 2020–2021 in Isfahan on patients with breast cancer. The study population consisted of 30 tissue samples from recurrent breast cancer and 30 samples from nonrecurrent breast cancer. We collected demographic data of patients including age using a checklist. Other collected data were type of cancer, stages of cancer, tumor size in greatest dimension, lymph node involvements, and presence of metastasis. Furthermore, we evaluated all of the pathology samples from both groups for the presence of DNA of EBV and compared the data of both groups.

Results:

The DNA of EBV was positive in 8 patients of the relapsed group (26.6%) and 7 patients in the nonrelapsed patients (23.3%). There was no significant difference between two groups regarding positive DNA of EBV (P = 0.39). There were no significant differences between two groups of positive DNA of EBV with and without recurrent breast cancer regarding type of cancer (P = 0.63), stage of cancer (P = 0.19), tumor size in greatest dimension (P = 0.31), mean lymph node involvement (P = 0.27), number of lymph node involvement (P = 0.43), and metastasis (P = 0.69).

Conclusion:

EBV might have no significant role in recurrence of breast cancer.