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In the light of the recent evidence, neurological manifestations have been reported in patients infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To shed light on a clear-cut explanation of neurological complications followed by SARS-CoV-2, a systematic analysis was reviewed. To this point, general medical databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar from January 1, 2020, to September 20, 2020, were systematically searched to find related published articles. Through the search strategy, 93 studies for qualitative synthesis were included. Finally, the available data of 8,753 hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) showed that the most prevalent Central Nervous System (CNS) manifestations of COVID-19 were headache (1137 cases, 18%) and dizziness (142 cases, 2%). On the other hand, some peripheral nervous system (PNS) symptoms were muscle pain (3300 cases, 53%), hypogeusia (646 cases, 11%), anosmia (545 cases, 9%), and hyposmia (379 cases, 6%). Furthermore, a small proportion of patients had ageusia (74 cases, 1%), cerebrovascular disorders (66 cases, 0.75%), and impaired consciousness (21 cases, 0.2%). Besides, some neurological features, such as encephalitis, neuralgia, ataxia, Guillain- Barre syndrome, miller fisher syndrome, intracerebral hemorrhage, polyneuritis cranialis, and dystonic posture were reported in the literature as case reports and case series. Conclusion: Taken together, data from our systematic analysis indicated that neurological manifestations in both CNS and PNS were reported in COVID-19 patients. Further observational research in this field with more participants are needed to detect the specific risk concerning neurological complications in COVID-19 infection.

Background: To examine the dose effects of caffeine ingestion on autonomic reactivation following anaerobic exercise. Methods: Recreationally active males (N=20; 24±2y) participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study where participants ingested: (1) Control (CON; no supplement), (2) a non-caffeinated placebo (PLA), (3) 3-mg∙kg-1 of caffeine (CAF3) or (4) 6-mg∙kg-1 of caffeine (CAF6) prior to a Wingate testing. Parasympathetic (lnRMSSD, primary outcome) and global HRV (lnSDNN, secondary outcome) were assessed at rest (i.e., pre-ingestion), 45-min post-ingestion, and 5-min and 35-min post-exercise recovery. We used a GLM to assess mean (95% CI) changes from pre-ingestion baseline.Results: Overall, we observed a significant trend for lnRMSSD and lnSDNN (both, p=0.001, ηp2=0.745). Forty-five minutes after treatment ingestion, we observed a significant increase in lnRMSSD for CAF3 (0.15ms, 95%CI, 0.07,0.24) and CAF6 (0.16ms, 95%CI, 0.06,0.25), both being significant (both, pall, pConclusion: Caffeine ingestion increases resting cardiac autonomic modulation and accelerates post-exercise autonomic recovery after a bout of anaerobic exercise test in recreationally active young men. However, no differences between caffeine doses on cardiac autonomic reactivity were observed.

Background and Objectives: Synthetic dyes are recalcitrant to degradation and toxic to different organisms. Decolorization of textile wastewaters is one of the major concerns since last decades. Physical-chemical treatments are very expensive and frequently producing large amounts of toxic wastes. Biological treatments can be more convenient. In the present study, an attempt has been made for decolorization of azo dyes using microbial process. Material and Methods: Screening of microorganisms capable of azo dye decolorization was performed from activated sludge. The decolorization of various dyes (Reactive Black 5, Reactive Orange 16, Reactive Red 198, Direct Blue 71, Direct Yellow 12 and Direct Black 22) was determined by measuring the absorbance of culture supernatant at their λmax. Culture supernatants were also analyzed for UV-Vis absorption between 200-800 nm. The effect of aeration, temperature, different concentrations of glucose and NaCl was studied with an aim to determine the optimal conditions required for maximum decolorization. Results: The yeast (strain JKS4) which had high ability to decolorize different azo dyes was isolated. Under aerobic condition, the yeast strain showed 85.7% of decolorization at 200 mg/l Reactive Black 5 (as a model azo dye), 1% (w/v) glucose concentration and 35°C after 24 h. All the examined dyes were extensively decolorized (53.35-97.9%) after 24 h. With elongated incubation period, complete decolorization was observed in presence of all dyes. From the physiological properties and phylogenetic analysis based on the 26S rDNA sequences, strain JKS4 was classified into Candida palmioleophila. Conclusions: Because of high decolorizing activity against various azo dyes commonly used in the textile industries, it is proposed that the isolated yeast may have a practical application in the biotransformation of various dye effluents.

Background: Body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy and weight gaining during pregnancy affect infant birth weight and are associated with unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe the weight gain pattern of Iranian pregnant women according to the BMI status at the beginning of pregnancy. Methods: This was a longitudinal cross sectional study. A total of 500 pregnant women in 6th-10th weeks of pregnancy were enrolled and followed up through delivery. Body mass index categories based on first visit weight and total weight gain were calculated. The multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to compare the mean values of gestational weight gain. Results: At the first care, those with underweight, normal, overweight and obese accounted for 10.7%, 46%, 35.9% and 7.4% of all participating women, respectively. Most of the subjects were in normal range of BMI (46%) at the beginning of the study. As BMI was more at the first visit, the recommended amount of weight gain was less achievable (70% versus 27%). Although the average weight gain in obese women was less than other groups (9±7.9), about 55% of them were over the recommended standards of weight gain. Conclusion: In conclusion, in spite of frequent visits during pregnancy, only half of pregnant women had normal weight gain and most of them had normal BMI at the first visit. This study highlights the importance of considering women with abnormal pre pregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain at an increased risk and providing appropriate care for them to prevent future adverse outcomes.

The Bulletin of the Institute of Combinatorics and its Applications 57 (2009) 107-117.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been shown to play fundamental roles in diverse cellular processes and linked to variety of cancers. Dicer and Drosha are two major enzymes in the miRNA maturation process. DGCR8 is the assistant of Drosha in the microprocessor complex. In this study, we evaluated the mRNA expression profiles of major miRNA processing machinery Drosha, Dicer, and DGCR8 in human gastrointestinal (AGS, KYSE30 and HepG2) cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods: The cells were cultured and harvested, and total cellular RNA was isolated from cells. Then, first-strand cDNA was synthesized from the RNA of cells. Afterward, Quantitative analysis was performed by real-time RT-PCR using the PowerSYBR Green PCR Master Mix. Results: Expression levels of Drosha in AGS and HepG2 cells were higher than the controls, whereas, Drosha’s expression level in KYSE-30 cell line was lower. The Dicer expression levels in AGS and HepG2 cells were higher, while, its expression level in KYSE-30 cell was lower. The DGCR8 expression levels in all three cell lines were significantly higher than the control samples. Conclusion: Expression levels of the two most important enzymes of the miRNA machinery, Drosha and Dicer, and microprocessor complex component, DGCR8 were noticeably dysregulated when compared to healthy controls.

We investigated the role of the -4689G/T promoter variant of the visfatin gene on serum visfatin concentration and biochemical markers in T2DM patient.In a cross-sectional study we recruited 93 patients with type 2 diabetes. Laboratory and anthropometric measurements were included FBG, OGTT, HbA1C, lipid Profile, fasting serum visfatin, fasting serum insulin, weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist hip ratio (WHR). Genotyping for visfatin gene was performed by using the PCR-RFLP method.Our findings showed significant differences in levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and fasting serum insulin among various types of visfatin genotype (TT, GG, and GT). This study showed a significant correlation between circulating levels of visfatin and weight, BMI, hs-CRP and fasting insulin in TT genotype. But regarding GG genotype only fasting insulin had a significant correlation with circulating visfatin.Visfatin genotypes may account for insulin resistance and levels of lipid profile that may cause by different visfatin expression between genotypes.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a very well-known risk factor for development of atherosclerosis, and it has been hypothesized that poor glycemic control and hyperglycemia plays a major role in this process. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the associates of poor glycemic control in Iranian patients who have already undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), with especial focus on the inhabitation of infectious agents within the coronary arterial wall. METHODS: In January 2010, 52 consecutive patients with type 2 DM who undergone CABG at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences (Tehran, Iran) were included into this cross-sectional study and biopsy specimens from their coronary plaques were taken and analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods for detecting Helicobacter species, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Chlamydia pneumoniae, and their potential relation to the glycemic control status in these patients. RESULTS: Compared to that in diabetic patients with mean fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels FBS < 126, atherosclerotic lesions in type 2 diabetic patients with poor glycemic control (FBS > 126) were significantly more likely to be positive for CMV PCR test (41% vs. 9%, respectively; P = 0.05). In laboratorial test results, mean triglyceride level was significantly higher among patients of poor glycemic control (168 ± 89 vs. 222 ± 125 mg/dl, respectively; P = 0.033). Hypertension was also significantly more prevalent in this population (73% vs. 36%, respectively; P = 0.034). CONCLUSION: Type 2 diabetic patients with poor glycemic control can be at higher risk for developing CMV infection in their coronary arterial wall, which can promote atherosclerosis formation process in this patient population. According to the findings of this study, we recommend better control of serum glucose levels in type 2 diabetic patients to prevent formation/progression of atherosclerosis. Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Hyperglycemia, Coronary Artery, Cytomegalovirus, Infection&nbsp

The purpose of this study is to review of spinal tuberculosis in three hospitals in Isfahan of Iran. We carried out a cross sectional study of 630 patients with tuberculosis and identified 100 patients with spinal involvement in the three hospitals. Tuberculosis was diagnosed based on one of a compatible clinical picture. A radiographic study of the spine with suspicious signs and skin tested were performed for each patient. Demographic data, sign, symptoms and site of spinal involvement were recorded. In all patients, a chest X ray and sputum smear and culture was performed for rouling out of pulmonary tuberculosis. Out of the 100 patients with spinal tuberculosis, 58% were male and 42% were female. Main symptoms were spinal deformity, local tenderness and neurologic deficits. Fever and constitutional symptoms were in 80% of cases. Only 68% had a positive tuberculin skin test. Three percent involvement were the upper thoracic spine, 23% the lower thoracic spine, 69% also the lower thoracic, T12 and upper lumbar spines, (thoracolumbar) and 5% the cervical spine. 40 cases underwent bone biopsy that 25% had a positive smear, whereas 62.5% had a positive culture. Histologic findings suggestive of tuberculosis involvement of the bone were found in 37 of the 40 biopsies. The most common age for spinal involvement were 20-40 years (p < 0.05). Spinal tuberculosis may be missed in patients with no evidence of pulmonary. No pathognomonic imaging signs allow tuberculosis to be readily distinguished from other conditions. In this here, we discuss about clinical and histopathological findings in patients with spinal tuberculosis.

Drug and health literacy is a key determinant of health outcomes. There are several tools to assess drug and health literacy. The objective of this article is to determine drug literacy level and its relationships with other factors using a single item screening tool. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1104 people in Qazvin province, Iran. Based on the proportional-to-size method, participants over 15 years old with ability to read were recruited randomly from 6 counties in Qazvin province and were interviewed directly. To determine drug literacy relationship with other variables, Chi-Square and t-test were used. Also, logistic regression model was used to adjust the relationship between drug literacy and other relevant variables. Response rate in clusters was 100%. Findings showed that inadequate drug literacy in Qazvin province is 30.3% and it was in association with (1) age (p = .000), (2) marital status (p = .000), (3) educational attainment (p = .000), (4) home county (p = .000), (5) residing area (p = .000), (6) type of basic health insurance (p = .000), (7) complementary health insurance status (p = .000), and (8) family socioeconomic status (p = .000). After adjusting for these variables using logistic regression model, the association between (1), (3), (4), (5) and (8) with drug literacy level was confirmed. The analysis also showed that this method can also be used in other health care settings in Iran for drug and health literacy rapid assessment.

J. Combin. Math. Combin Comput 77 (2011), 89-101

Background: Agriculture products, especially medical plants after harvest should be processed by different processes such as removal of foreign bodies, washing and cleaning, drying, packaging and so forth. One of main postharvest stages of medical plant especially peppermint is drying process. Objective: The aim of this study is design a solar dryer equipped with double pass collector to drying process of peppermint and comparison their results with traditional drying methods (sun and shade). Methods: In this study drying process of peppermint with different methods of solar drying (by solar dryer designed in this study) and also traditional drying (shade and sun drying) were investigated and compared. Results: The drying time required for dehydration of peppermint in solar drying method was 150 min, which it was approximately 82% and 55% shorter than to traditional methods of shade and sun. Furthermore, dehydration rate in drying methods of solar drying, sun drying and shade drying were 26.77, 12.48 and 4.48 (kg H2O/kg D.M h), respectively. The results of mathematical modelling indicated that Midli and kucuk (in drying methods of solar and shade) and Aghbashlo et al (in drying method of sun) can be fitted drying curve of this medical plant with high accuracy. Also, solar drying by dryer could be protecting the essential oil of this plant in the best form. The results show that the main components of peppermint essential oil was included: 1,8-Cineole, cis-Sabinene hydrate, Menthone, Menthofuran, iso-Menthone, Menthol and iso-Menthol Conclusion: Generally, solar drying method of peppermint was recommended as the best method for postharvest processing of this medical plant.

"nBackground: The objective of this study was to estimate the burden of disease and injury in Iran for the year 2003, using Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) at the national level."nMethods: Methods developed by the World Health Organization for National Burden of Disease (NBD) studies were ap­plied to estimate disease and injury incidence for the calculation of Years of Life Lost due to premature mortality (YLL), Years Lived with Disability (YLD), and DALYs. The following adjustments of the NBD methodology were made in this study: a revised list with 214 disease and injury causes, development of new and more specific disease modeling templates for cancers and injuries, and adjustment for dependent co morbidity."nResults: We estimated that in the year 2003, there were 21,572 DALYs due to all diseases and injuries per 100,000 Iranian people of all ages and both sexes, 62% were due to disability premature deaths (YLD) and 38% were due to premature deaths (YLL); 58% were due to non communicable diseases, 28% - to injuries, and 14% - to communicable, maternal, peri­natal, and nutritional conditions. Fifty-three percent of the total number of 14.349 million DALYs in Iran were in males and 47% of DALYs were in females. The disease and injury causes leading to the highest number of DALYs in males were road traffic accidents, and in females were ischemic heart disease."nConclusions: The health and disease profile in Iran has made the transition from the dominance of communicable diseases to that of noncommunicable diseases and road traffic injuries. NBD results are to be used in health program planning, re­search, and resource allocation generation policies and practices. &nbsp

BACKGROUND: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is one of the most common and important congenital heart disorders in adults. If a patient with congenital disorders is not diagnosed early, the patient’s disease may progress to a severe condition and thus diagnosis of the main disorder will be rendered difficult. CASE REPORT: A 34 year-old male patient referred to a referral medical care unit for cardiac electrophysiological study with cardiac shock due to complete heart block 3 months ago and he underwent Dual-Chamber permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation. Thick and calcified bicuspid AV with invasion to interventricular septum, moderate to severe valve insufficiency (AI), severe aortic valve stenosis (AS), and dilated ascending aorta were observed at his echocardiography. Aortic valve replacement (AVR), aneurysm of ascending aorta, root replacement with tube graft (Bentall Procedure), and also a 3 chambers intracardiac defibrillator (ICD) were used. After 2 weeks of operation, he was discharged and at the first post-hospitalization visit (1 week later), his cardiovascular condition was acceptable. CONCLUSION: Thick calcified aortic root is a less studied and potential contributing risk factor for AV block after AVR. Therefore, in candidates of aortic valve replacement, considering conductive disorders, especially in patients with calcified valve, is mandatory. Irreversible AV block requiring PPM implantation is a rare condition following AVR. Keywords: Atrioventricular Block, Bicuspid Aortic Valve, Calcified Valve&nbsp

Background Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), also known as Wegener’s granulomatosis, is an idiopathic systemic disease typically affecting the lungs, although other organs may also be involved. Case presentation A 28-year-old male was admitted to Baqiyatallah university hospital in Teheran (Iran) after a 3-week history of fever and productive cough. The patient gradually developed fatigue, arthralgia, hematuria, nausea, vomiting, dyspnea, hemoptysis, weight loss, oliguria and then anuria. Chest-X-ray (CXR) and computerized tomography scan revealed cavitating nodular opacities in the right lung lobe. Furthermore, plasma creatinine increased from 2.2 to 4 mg/dl in a few days. Histopathological examination of kidney biopsy revealed peri-glomerular and peri-vascular inflammation, degeneration and necrosis of the tubular epithelial lining, red blood cell casts, distorted glomerular structure, fibrin thrombi, segmental breaks of the glomerular basal membrane, disruption of Bowman's capsular membrane and crescent formation of the affected glomeruli. An abnormal CXR, an abnormal urinary sediment and a typical kidney histology were used as criteria to diagnose glomerulonefritis with poliangiitis (GPA). Bronchoalveolar lavage smear and PCR turned out positive for mycobacterium tuberculosis. After 3 months of treatment for (GPA) and tuberculosis the patient developed headache and seizure. Cerebral Magnetic Resonance Venography revealed cerebral venous thrombosis of the sinus transverse and sigmoid. Conclusions Tuberculosis may coexist with GPA, as it occurred in our patient. Since a crescentic glomerulonephritis can progress to renal failure, clinicians should always be aware of potential multiple conditions when considering differential diagnoses.

Highlights • COVID-19 activates RAAS which induces oxidative stress leading to cytokine storm. • Ozone therapy can reduce oxidative stress. • Ozone therapy might be an excellent option as a complementary treatment for COVID-19., Severe forms of COVID-19 can evolve into pneumonia, featured by acute respiratory failure due to acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In viral diseases, the replication of viruses is seemingly stimulated by an imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant activity as well as by the deprivation of antioxidant mechanisms. In COVID-19 pneumonia, oxidative stress also appears to be highly detrimental to lung tissues. Although, inhaling ozone (O3) gas has been shown to be toxic to the lungs, recent evidence suggests that its administration via appropriate routes and at small doses can paradoxically induce an adaptive reaction capable of decreasing the endogenous oxidative stress. Ozone therapy is recommended to counter the disruptive effects of severe COVID-19 on lung tissues, especially if administered in early stages of the disease, thereby preventing the progression to ARDS.