Systematic review
Aradhana Bhargava; ASHISH JAIMAN; HITESH LAL; MOHIT KUMAR PATRALEKH
Abstract
Introduction: In this era of social distancing, dependence on electronic gadgets and devices is ever increasing. Possibility of transmission of COVID -19 from these devices cannot be ruled out. Currently, prevention is the only antidote; considering the mounting evidence of transmission of COVID-19 virus ...
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Introduction: In this era of social distancing, dependence on electronic gadgets and devices is ever increasing. Possibility of transmission of COVID -19 from these devices cannot be ruled out. Currently, prevention is the only antidote; considering the mounting evidence of transmission of COVID-19 virus primarily through respiratory droplets and fomites. Gadgets are one of the most frequently touched appliances; being often used during or after patient examination, while handling specimens or during various patient procedures. Collecting data regarding mobile sanitization is prudent at these times. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize published evidence on mobile sanitization in these COVID times.Methods: PubMed search on “COVID and mobile phone” revealed only 4 articles related to this topic; therefore we have assimilated data from various organizations, websites and articles and have suggested methodology for sanitization of mobile phones and other gadgets.Results: Infection control practices which include information, communication, education and evaluation are the pre-eminent weapons in the fight against hospital transmitted SARS-CoV-2. Minimizing mobile phone usage, sanitizing them with endorsed biocidal agents and advancements in the field of ultraviolet cabinets is a priority.Conclusion: At the same time we shouldn’t forget that sanitization is only one aspect of prevention of this disease; maintaining hand hygiene, use of masks and social distancing must be followed at all times.
Meta- analysis
Razieh Amirfakhrian; Atieh Yaghobi; Roya Saddat Ghaderi; Seyed Isaac Hashemy; Kiarash Ghazvini
Abstract
Introduction: In recent decades, the inappropriate use of antibiotics and the existence of transferable resistant elements have caused the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative organisms. Antimicrobial resistance is becoming one of the major challenges to public health and has caused morbidity ...
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Introduction: In recent decades, the inappropriate use of antibiotics and the existence of transferable resistant elements have caused the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative organisms. Antimicrobial resistance is becoming one of the major challenges to public health and has caused morbidity and mortality worldwide. The purpose of this study was the assessment of the prevalence and frequency of colistin resistance among gram-negative bacilli (Enterobacteriaceae, Acinetobacter spp., and Pseudomonas spp.) in Iran and around the world. Methods: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched international and national databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, SID, and Magiran, from 1998 to 2018 for articles and abstracts describing colistin resistance among gram-negative bacilli. We have included 92 studies that met our inclusion criteria, and the outcomes were combined using a random-effects model to derive the event rate of colistin resistance among gram-negative bacilli. Data were analyzed by the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software (V2), and the heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using the I2 index. Results: Out of the 11050 papers identified, 92 studies met the strict inclusion criteria and were finally included. The overall event rate of colistin resistance among gram-negative bacilli (GNB) was about 6.6%, while the event rate of colistin resistance among Acinetobacter spp. (n = 18504) was 2.8% (summary: 95% confidence interval (CI): [0.02, 0.041], P = 0.001, I2 = 70, df (Q) = 36, Q-value = 121.924). The colistin resistance among Pseudomonas spp. (n = 15094) was 3% (95% CI: [0.022, 0.041], P = 0.001, I2 = 68.3, df (Q) = 25, Q-value = 85.648), and the colistin resistance among Enterobacteriaceae spp. (n = 44772) was 0.8% (95% CI: [0.004, 0.014], P = 0.001, I2 = 87.6, df (Q) = 15, Q-value = 71.291). Therefore, the event rate of resistance to colistin among GNB was relatively low (6.6%). Conclusion: The event rate of resistance to colistin among GNB was low. Therefore, this antimicrobial agent can still be administered as a suitable option against GNB that are resistant to other antibiotics such as carbapenems.
Case report
Javad Akhondian; Neda Fakhr Ghasemi
Abstract
Kleefstra syndrome is a genetic disorder that may involve different parts of the body, but its main characteristics are intellectual disability and childhood hypotonia. We report a 10-year-old mentally retarded male patient who presented with seizure. His medical history revealed recurrent upper respiratory ...
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Kleefstra syndrome is a genetic disorder that may involve different parts of the body, but its main characteristics are intellectual disability and childhood hypotonia. We report a 10-year-old mentally retarded male patient who presented with seizure. His medical history revealed recurrent upper respiratory infections, neurodevelopmental delay, and epilepsy. It was also found that he had had a hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit for five days due to tachypnea, low APGAR score, and meconium aspiration syndrome. His brain MRI had shown some degree of distension of the lateral cerebral ventricles with the basal cistern. The electromyography and the nerve conduction velocity were however normal. He was diagnosed with Kleefstra syndrome by the loss of the EHMT1 gene. He is now under treatment by piracetam and work-therapy. This is the second case report of this syndrome in Iran. This case presentation aims to improve the diagnosis of Kleefstra syndrome patients, as a rare syndrome with non-characteristic manifestations.
Case report
Azadeh Zare Feizabadi; Abdolreza Malek; Hamid Ahanchian
Abstract
The B lymphocyte developmental blocks agammaglobulinemia, leading to peripheral B cell depletion and plasma immunoglobulin reduction. Agammaglobulinemia is a rare yet severe disease since it is presented with recurrent sinopulmonary and skin, central nervous system, bone, and joint infections. The onset ...
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The B lymphocyte developmental blocks agammaglobulinemia, leading to peripheral B cell depletion and plasma immunoglobulin reduction. Agammaglobulinemia is a rare yet severe disease since it is presented with recurrent sinopulmonary and skin, central nervous system, bone, and joint infections. The onset of the disease is reported to be at the age of six months. Associations have been reported between arthritis and immunodeficiency disorders, such as agammaglobulinemia and common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). This study aimed to present the case of a 3.5-year-old female with a three-month history of the swelling of the left knee, mimicking oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. After the initiation of immunosuppressive treatment, the patient developed large, tender, erythematous lesions on the inguinal region bilaterally, which developed to ecthyma gangrenosum due to Pseudomonas. The patient’s mother also reported recurrent episodes of infections since the patient was a one-year-old infant. Subsequent to the immunological examinations and laboratory tests, the patient was diagnosed with autosomal recessive agammaglobulinemia due to low serum immunoglobulin concentration and the absence of peripheral B cells. Primary immunodeficiency conditions (particularly agammaglobulinemia) and CVID should be considered in children with arthritis and recurrent infections. Moreover, immunological analysis should be performed prior to treatment in these children
Original article
Raheleh Jabini; Arezoo Mirbolouk; mohamadreza farzanehfar
Abstract
Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) in ascites caused by various diseases. Moreover, it was attempted to investigate its usefulness in the differential diagnosis between malignant and benign ascites.
Methods: A total of 52 ascitic fluid samples ...
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Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) in ascites caused by various diseases. Moreover, it was attempted to investigate its usefulness in the differential diagnosis between malignant and benign ascites.
Methods: A total of 52 ascitic fluid samples were collected from cirrhotic patients referred to Ghaem Hospital affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashad, Iran. Subsequently, the samples were divided into two experimental groups, namely benign ascites (n=26) and malignant ascites (n=26). Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was utilized to determine the presence of Cox-2 mRNA in samples.
Results: According to the results, the mean age of the patients was 56.94±12.04 years (age range: 30-80 years), and the majority of the patients were male (1.88 to 1). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age and gender. The Cox-2 mRNA was detected in 4 (15.4%) and 15 (57.7%) patients from the benign and malignant groups, respectively (P=0.003). Moreover, the sensitivity, specificity, as well as positive and negative predictive values of Cox2 to differentiate malignant from benign ascites were estimated at 57.7%, 84.6%, 78.9%, and 66.7%, respectively.
Conclusion: The Cox2 mRNA expression assessed by RT-PCR could be a useful method in differential diagnosis and screening of malignant ascites.
Original article
kiarash ghazvini; Masoud Youssefi; Masoud Keikha
Abstract
Introduction: Tuberculosis is remained as global challenge which is considered as the top cause of human death in worldwide. The presence of lower respiratory tracts microflora can modulate immune response and play important role in susceptibility to TB. The aim of study was comparison ...
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Introduction: Tuberculosis is remained as global challenge which is considered as the top cause of human death in worldwide. The presence of lower respiratory tracts microflora can modulate immune response and play important role in susceptibility to TB. The aim of study was comparison of microbial diversity in lower respiratory tracts microflora of pulmonary tuberculosis patinas and healthy individuals. Methods: In this study, the raw sequences of SRR493275 and SRR493275 were retrieved from European Bioinformatics Institute online database. Then, the raw sequences were filtered by their quality (adapter contamination, low quality as well as low complexity reads) and taxonomic analyzed by online websites including Galaxy/CRS4 and KAIJU online servers. The statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the presence of significant microbial diversity between two groups. Results: We found that microbial taxa were similar between TB and normal except Tenericutes which supplemented in microflora of pulmonary tuberculosis cases. Moreover, the abundance of bacterial genera is significantly divers between TB and healthy groups. Conclusion: There is significant diversities in the lower respiratory tracts microflora of TB and controls. Increasing the abundance of anaerobic genera in TB patients may be suppressed immune response and essential for susceptibility to active pulmonary tuberculosis.
Original article
kiarash ghazvini; Masoud Youssefi; Masoud Keikha
Abstract
Abstract Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common bacteria in the stomach, colonizing about one-half of the population in the world, while most of them remain asymptomatic throughout their lives and gastric cancer (GC) occurs in only 1-2% of people. It seems that the final outcomes of Helicobacter ...
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Abstract Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common bacteria in the stomach, colonizing about one-half of the population in the world, while most of them remain asymptomatic throughout their lives and gastric cancer (GC) occurs in only 1-2% of people. It seems that the final outcomes of Helicobacter pylori infection are dependent on bacterial virulence factors, host genetic characteristics, and the environmental conditions. In this study, we compared the expression of 20 known virulence factors associated with the development of GC in the isolated Helicobacter pylori strains from the Colombian patients belonging to the regions with low and high GC risks. Based on the results of the present study, it was found that the 20 studied virulence factors are closely related with each other and regulate their expressions through the required intermediates. We also showed that the Helicobacter pylori strains belonging to the region with high GC risk were more virulent and have developed into GC by destroying the intercellular bindings, cell skeletal dysregulation, and cell survival and proliferation stimulation, while the H. pylori strains in the region with low GC risk expressed virulence factors related to the chronic inflammation and apoptosis; adhesion factors were also different in both groups.
Original article
Farhad Heydarian; Neda Fakhr Ghasemi; Elham Bakhtiari; Hasan Golmakani; Mohammad Heidarian
Abstract
Introduction: Febrile seizure (FS) is a highly frequent presenting complaint in children. It is defined as a seizure that occurs in children between 6 to 60 months related to a fever of 38°C or more without any other explanatory causes of seizure such as evidence of central nervous system (CNS) infection ...
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Introduction: Febrile seizure (FS) is a highly frequent presenting complaint in children. It is defined as a seizure that occurs in children between 6 to 60 months related to a fever of 38°C or more without any other explanatory causes of seizure such as evidence of central nervous system (CNS) infection or a previous seizure without fever. The aim od study is to evaluate mean folic acid serum levels in febrile children with or without seizures.Methods: The mean folic acid serum levels and demographic data of 100 children aged 6 to 60 months, admitted to the Ghaem Hospital of Mashhad, Iran in 2018-2019, were collected, where the patients with febrile seizure were considered as the case group and the febrile ones without seizure as the control group. The inclusion criteria were children aged 6 to 60 months with febrile seizures who were admitted to the pediatric ward. The exclusion criteria were having a past medical history of seizure, meningitis, or encephalitis.Results: There were 49 febrile convulsive children (cases) and 51 febrile children without a seizure (controls). The mean serum folic acid level was 7.07 and 9.89 ng/ml for cases and controls respectively (P-value < 0.001).Conclusion: Children with febrile seizures had significantly lower serum folic acid levels than febrile children without a seizure.