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Background: Although many aspects of the COVID-19 disease have not yet been clarified, dysregulation of the immune system may play a crucial role in the progression of the disease. In this study, the lymphocyte subsets were evaluated in patients with different severities of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, the frequencies of peripheral lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells; CD19+ and CD20+ B cells; CD16+/CD56+ NK cells, and CD4+/CD25+/FOXP3+ regulatory T cells) were evaluated in 67 patients with confirmed COVID-19 on the first day of their admission. Results: The mean age of patients was 51.3 ± 14.8 years. Thirty-two patients (47.8%) were classified as severe cases, and 11 (16.4%) were categorized as critical. The frequencies of blood lymphocytes, CD3+ cells, CD25+FOXP3+ T cells, and absolute count of CD3+ T cells, CD25+FOXP3+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and CD16+56+ lymphocytes were lower in more severe cases compared to the milder patients. The percentages of lymphocytes, T cells, and NK cells were significantly lower in the deceased patients. (p= 0.002 and p= 0.042, p=0.006, respectively). Conclusion: Findings of this cohort study demonstrated that the frequencies of CD4+, CD8+, CD25+FOXP3+ T cells, and NK cells differed in the severe cases of COVID-19. Moreover, lower frequency of T cells and NK cells could be predictors of mortality in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread widely all around the world and has infected too many healthcare workers (HCWs) as the pioneers combating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19). This study aims to evaluate the symptoms and outcome of medical staff from a tertiary hospital in Tehran, Iran. Materials and Methods: The diagnoses of 29 HCWs presenting COVID-19 symptoms were confirmed by molecular and imaging studies. Epidemiologic and disease-related data were collected via phone calls and filling a questionnaire and then analyzed descriptively. Results: Eighteen (62.1%) of the affected HCWs were males. The mean age of them was 41.86 years with a lower average (38.27) for females than males. Nurses comprised 41.4% of our population. Only 2 (6.9%) patients were admitted to the respiratory care unit (RCU) (), marked as critical patients. The most presented symptoms were fever (79.3%) and dyspnea (79.3%). Overall, 55.2% of them had a longer exposure time (more than a week), which was more frequent in men than women. Conclusion: Fever was the most prevalent symptom among the study group. Even though the clinical features of COVID-19 among HCWs cannot be copiously determined by this study, it highlights the requirement for comparative studies to illustrate differences among HCWs and the general population. There might be an association between the duration of the exposure and the risk of the infection in men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the fact that about two years have passed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is still no curative treatment for the disease. Most cases of COVID-19 have mild or moderate illness and do not require hospitalization. This guideline released by the National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Masih Daneshvari Hospital COVID-19 Expert Group to provide a treatment guide for outpatient management of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: P16 is an independent and reliable surrogate for the detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The aim of this study was to assess the P16 expression as a marker for HPV infection in OSCC and its impact on the treatment outcome. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with a definite diagnosis of OSCC. Patients were assigned into two groups with and without recurrence or metastasis. Tumour resection was performed in the same manner for all patients. P16 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. Independent t-test and Chi-square tests were used to find significant differences in age, gender, stage of the disease, tumour size, lymph node involvement, and P16 expression between the two groups. Results: Of 50 patients, 37 did not show any recurrence or metastasis (group 1), while 13 had a relapse (group 2). There was no significant difference for age, gender distribution, stage of the disease, or lymph node involvement between the two groups (P > 0.05). A significant difference in tumour size was noted between the two groups (P = 0.001). The mean expression of P16 was 38.92 ± 24.36 in group 1 and 51.54 ± 33.63 in group 2. No significant difference was found between the two groups for the mean expression of P16 (P = 0.23). Discussion: A review of the recent literature revealed that the HPV role in OSCC treatment is controversial. According to the results of this study, there was no significant difference in terms of P16 expression between OSCC patients with and without recurrence or metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist (cGAMP) kills the cancer cells through the activation of the innate immune system. PC3 cells are high in BTK and low in STING. In this study, the effect of adding STING agonist, cGAMP, to docetaxel investigated. Materials and Methods: PC3 cells were treated with docetaxel, cGAMP, and a combination of the docetaxel and cGAMP. Cell toxicity was evaluated by MTT assay, and changes of STING, IRF3, BTK, and DDX41 genes' expression were quantified by the real-time PCR. STING protein was also detected by Western blotting. Results: The IC50 of docetaxel was 31.1 nM, and cGAMP did not change it significantly but decreased docetaxel toxicity about 30%. Docetaxel increased IRF3, BTK, and DDX41 gene expression significantly, and STING protein about 5 folds. By adding cGAMP to docetaxel STING, IRF3, and BTK, expression decreased several folds. Conclusion: In this in vitro study, cGAMP potentiated docetaxel's effects and alleviated it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 leads to mild symptoms within the majority of infected patients, but can cause severe multiple organ failure and death. There is only limited information regarding the consequences of this new emerging infection with congenital disorders. According to the previous studies, many people with Down syndrome are considered high risk for complications related to respiratory diseases. We report two trisomy 21 patients who suffered from COVID-19 and summarize the early experience with COVID-19 and Down syndrome. The course of the disease was severe in these two cases, and our concern is close monitoring of the patients with Down syndrome for early signs of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Rapid healing of cutaneous leishmaniasis as one of the most important parasitic diseases leads to the decrease of scars and prevention of a great threat to the looks of the affected people. Today, the use of nano-scaffolds is rapidly increasing in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine with structures similar to the target tissue. Chitosan (CS) is a bioactive polymer with antimicrobial and accelerating features of healing wounds, which is commonly used in biomedicine. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CS/polyethylene oxide (PEO)/berberine (BBR) nanofibers on the experimental ulcers of Leishmania major in BALB/c mice. Materials and Methods: CS/PEO/BBR nanofibers were prepared by the electrospinning method, and their morphology was examined by SEM, TEM, and AFM. Then, water absorption, stability, biocompatibility, porosity, and drug release from nano-scaffolds were explored. Afterward, 28 BALB/c mice infected with the parasite were randomly divided into control and experimental groups, and their wounds were dressed with the produced nano-scaffolds. Finally, the effect of nanobandage on the animals was investigated by macroscopic, histopathologic, and in vivo imaging examinations. Results: The prepared nanofibers were completely uniform, cylindrical, bead-free, and biocompatible with an average diameter of 94±12 nm and had appropriate drug release. In addition, the reduced skin ulcer diameter (P=0.000), parasite burden (P=0.003), changes in the epidermis (P=0.023), and dermis (P=0.032) indicated significantly strong effectiveness of the produced nano-scaffolds against leishmania ulcers. Conclusion: Studies showed that CS/PEO/BBR nanofibers have a positive effect on the rapid healing of leishmania ulcers. Future studies should focus on other chronic ulcers treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are the largest group of positive-sense RNA viruses. By increasing our understanding of the interactions between CoVs and the host innate immune system, we can evaluate the development and persistence of inflammation in the lungs and reduce the risk of CoV-induced lung inflammation with a new group of genetic variants. Here, we aim to discuss some recent changes in host cell factors that may be used by CoV to promote the proliferation cycle. We also discuss different host cell signaling pathways that can be considered in the host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level. The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has created new challenges for the cultural, economic, and health infrastructures. Therefore, it is important that healthcare systems and physicians recognize a global integrated framework for monitoring the progression of COVID-19 to develop targeted therapies that can potentially save human lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extra-nasal types of Extra-nodal natural killer cell lymphoma (ENKL) have been known with poorer prognoses than nasal type with the worst responses to treatment. The current work introduces a case of ENKL with GI involvement with no nasal manifestations. We report a 56-year male farmer with fever, productive cough, dyspnea, anorexia, vomiting and chill in addition to malaise and cachexia of three months duration referred to a hospital with acute abdominal pain, and was diagnosed as peritonitis due to perforated terminal ileum ulcer before experiencing surgery as a case of acute abdomen. The pathologic study of the relevant biopsy showed "ulceration and necrosis with dense fibrinoleukocytic exudation and granulation tissue formation. CT scan determined a bilateral mass like haziness which was more likely to be metastatic. The review of the previous pathologic specimens raised Natural Killer/T cell Lymphoma (NKTL), the reason for which we focused on the patient's sinuses and nasal area as well as nasopharynx. There was no finding in examination and endoscopy of sinuses. Pathology also found malignant high grade non-Hodgkin T cell lymphoma in specimens obtained from debridement of ulcer at terminal ileum. It also showed that most of the tumor cells were positive for CD3, CD56, CD8, and LCA but negative for CD19, CD20 and AE1/AE3. Positive reactions for CD30 were shown by some cells. CD56, CD3, and CD8 were expressed by neoplastic cells and CD30 were positive in few cells. Proliferative activity (Ki67 index) was high (60-70%). This was the main base to diagnose an extra-nodal extra-nasal NK/T cell lymphoma. In conclusion, Intestinal changes at middle age, especially in men with nonspecific clinical manifestations is highly advised to be studied pathologically and genetically for T cell types like CD30 positive T cells which are usually engaged in ENKTL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most prevalent cardiovascular condition, contributing to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, predominantly due to atherosclerosis. Given the importance of a healthy diet in mitigating atherogenesis, beetroot--known for its high nitrate content and bioactive compounds--has garnered attention for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipidlowering properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of beetroot capsules, both with and without Vitamin C, on serum fatty acids, inflammation, and oxidative stress markers in patients suffering from chronic CAD. Methods: In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 90 patients with chronic CAD (67.8% male, 32.2% female; mean age 52 ± 8.6 years) were enrolled over a 4-week intervention period. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups receiving 500 mg daily doses of either: (1) beetroot capsules, (2) beetroot capsules with Vitamin C, or (3) placebo capsules. Key outcome measures included levels of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO), assessed both before and after the intervention. Results: In the beetroot group, significant reductions were observed in heptadecanoic acid (-0.02 mg/ml), behenic acid (0.01 mg/ml), the SFAs/PUFAs ratio (-0.13), PA/OA ratio (-0.25), and MPO (-9.60 U/L). For the beetroot plus Vitamin C group, notable changes included reductions in heptadecanoic acid (-0.02 mg/ml), lauric acid (-0.01 mg/ml), lignoceric acid (0.01 mg/ml), behenic acid (0.01 mg/ml), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (0.01 mg/ml), omega-3 fatty acids (0.03 mg/ml), EPA+DHA (0.01 mg/ml), SFAs/PUFAs ratio (-0.37), PA/OA ratio (-0.36), TOS (-1.42 µM), and MPO (-12.42 U/L), alongside a marked increase in TAC (26.03 µM). Conclusion: The oral intake of beetroot capsules significantly improved serum levels of MUFAs and PUFAs, as well as oxidative stress markers such as TOS and MPO, in patients with chronic CAD. The addition of Vitamin C further amplified these benefits. However, additional research is needed to validate these findings and elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Massive hemoptysis refers to bleeding from the sputum exceeding 100 ml/day. This condition is known to have a poor prognosis. Although foreign body aspiration is not as common as other risk factors, it may result in massive hemoptysis. In the current study, we presented a case of massive hemoptysis due to the aspiration of a toothpick. Case Presentation: The patient was a 49-year-old woman who was primarily suspected of having tuberculosis. After observing blood in the sputum, interventions, including chest computed tomography (CT) scan and conservative management, were performed. The CT scan showed no malignancy, and paraclinical investigations were negative. However, hemoptysis was progressing into an acute phase; therefore, a surgical intervention was performed for the patient. After the surgery, the cause of the lesion was found to be a toothpick. The patient was under intensive care after surgery and was discharged from the hospital in a good general condition. The morphological evaluation of the lesion showed a bronchial wall with ulceration, besides granulation tissue formation, hematoma, and fibrinoid necrosis due to foreign body aspiration into the lung, resulting in inflammatory reactions. Conclusion: In this case report, foreign body aspiration resulted in massive hemoptysis. Our primary attempts to diagnose the cause of lesion were unsuccessful, and surgery was performed due to the life-threatening condition of the patient. Overall, unexplained hemoptysis may occur following a serious accident due to foreign body aspiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A substitution of G to T at nucleotide 1849 in exon 14 of the Janus kinase2 (JAK2) gene is well recognized in myeloproliferative neoplastic disorders (MPNs). Based on WHO guidelines, detection of the mutation is very important to confirm the disease in suspected patients. Methods: Eighty-seven patients with different background diseases were tested for JAK2 V617F mutation by four different methods, including polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS), polymerase chain reaction-high resolution melting (PCR-HRM), and two different commercial kits. Results: The mean age of patients was 53.38±17.43 years, 72.4% were males, and 37.6% were females. JAK2 mutation was detected in 16 patients (18.3%). Of those, 7 (43.75%) suffered from PV, 5 (31.25%) from ET, 3 (18.75%) from PMF, and 1 (6.15%) from unclassified neoplastic disorders. The frequency of JAK2 mutation was 71.4% (5/7) in PV, 80% (4/5) in ET, and 66.7% (2/3) in PMF patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and GE of PCR-HRM for detection of the JAK2 mutation was 86.7%, 100%, 100%, 97.3%, and 97.7%, respectively. While the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and GE of PCR-RFLP were 93.3%, 80.5%, 50%, 98.3%, and 82.7%, respectively. On the other hand, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and GE of ARMS assays were evaluated by about 80%, 96%, 100%, 96%, and 96.5%, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that PCR-HRM was a more sensitive assay to detect the JAK2 V617F mutation than the other assays. So, it can be used as a quick, easy, and effective method for screening the JAK2 V617F mutation in patients with MPNs disorders. PCR-RFLP must accompany it as a gold standard method for confirmation of the mutation of JAK2 V617F. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intensity is one of the important parameters of laser radiation in photodynamic therapy. Effective treatment requires the selection of a suitable power of laser. This study aimed to evaluate laser effectiveness in photodynamic therapy via high and low intensity by the analysis of the gene expression profiles of the treated cells. Methods: The gene expression profiles of human SK-ChA-1 cells which are treated by 500mW and 50mW laser radiation were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Data were assessed by the GEO2R program, and the significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were investigated via expression examination and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Results: Analyses revealed that the higher intensity of radiation is associated with wide gene expression changes relative to the lower mode. 196 significant DEGs were identified and assessed. The extremely dysregulated DEGs except MMP1 were down-regulated. STAT1, IRF7, IL1B, DDX58, ISG15, RSAD2, DHX58, OASL, OAS1, STAT2, DDX60, OAS2, USP18, and IFI44L were introduced as hubs of the main component of the PPI network. Final analysis showed that STAT1, IRF7, IL1B, DDX58, and STAT2 are the critical DEGs. Conclusion: Compared to the 50 mW mode of radiation, 500 mW laser intensity effectively changed apoptosis, differentiation, cell proliferation and angiogenesis, regulation of other inflammation-related molecules, innate immunity, and maintaining immune homeostasis., Competing Interests: None declared., (Copyright © 2024 J Lasers Med Sci.)

Introduction: The treatment of endocrine problems like thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus (DM), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) faces significant challenges so that medical professionals worldwide try to find a new therapeutic approach. However, along with common treatments which include medications, hormone replacement therapy, and surgery; there is a growing interest in alternative therapies like laser therapy, which offers a non-invasive and unique technique for treating endocrine disorders alone or in combination with traditional methods. The main goal of this review was to do a systematic review on the role of the laser and Microwave in the treatment endocrine disorders. Methods: In the present systematic review, the most important databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar, were searched for the studies examining the effect of lasers on the treatment of endocrine problems by using appropriate keywords and specific strategies from 1995 to 2023. All the studies that were not about lasers and endocrine were excluded. Results: Based on 51 reviewed studies, lasers and radiofrequency ablation such as RFA are effective in the treatment of thyroid diseases, hyperparathyroidism, pancreatic disorders, and sexual dysfunctions. Laser-induced interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) and microwave ablation (MWA) are genuine minimally invasive methods for the treatment of benign nodules, adenomas, and tumor ablation including pancreatic carcinomas and adrenal tumors. Intravenous laser blood irradiation (ILBI) which uses red, UV, and blue light could be effective in treating various metabolic disorders, such as DM. Conclusion: Laser as a cutting-edge and minimally invasive approach could treat various endocrine disorders. It has a great potential to treat and regulate hormonal imbalances, decrease inflammation, and relieve symptoms of various ailments, such as endocrine disorders., Competing Interests: There are no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 J Lasers Med Sci.)

Objectives: The Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), an important element for the production of several inflammatory cytokines, may play a role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of BTK gene expression in COVID-19 cases based on the severity and the outcome of the disease., Methods: In this study, 33 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were recruited and were divided into two groups based on the severity of the disease: "mild to moderate" and "severe to critical". A blood sample was taken from each patient, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were extracted, and BTK gene expression was measured. The level of BTK gene expression was compared based on the demographic data, laboratory results, and the severity and outcome of the disease., Results: Among 33 patients, 22 (66.7%) were male. Nearly half of the cases had at least one underlying disease. According to the severity of the disease, 12 patients were in the "mild to moderate" group, and 21 were in the "severe to critical" group; eight (24.2%) eventually died. Age, weight, and BMI had no significant relationship with BTK expression. BTK expression was significantly lower in "severe to critical" and ICU-admitted cases and in subjects with low O2 saturation. There was no significant difference in BTK expression between cured and dead patients (p=0.117)., Conclusion: BTK gene expression in PBMCs had an inverse relationship with the severity of the disease of COVID-19. However, no correlation between BTK expression and disease outcome was observed., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Background: To gain insight into the pathogenesis and clinical course of COVID-19 from a historical perspective, we reviewed paraclinical diagnostic tools of this disease and prioritized the patients with a more severe form of disease admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). The objective was to better predict the course and severity of the disease by collecting more paraclinical data, specifically by examining the relationship between hematological findings and cytological variation of blood neutrophils and monocytes., Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 112 patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to Imam Hossein Hospital (Tehran, Iran) from August to September 2020. Peripheral blood smears of these patients were differentiated according to several cytological variations of neutrophils and monocytes, and the correlation to the severity of the disease was specified., Results: The mean percentages of degenerated monocytes, degenerated granulocytes, and spiky biky neutrophils were significantly different among critical and non-critical patients ( P <0.05). Degenerated monocytes and granulocytes were higher in critical patients as opposed to spiky biky neutrophils, which were higher among non-critical ones. Comparing the peripheral blood smears of COVID-19 patients (regarding pulmonary involvement in chest computed tomography [CT] scans [subtle, mild, moderate, and severe groups]), the twisted form of neutrophils was significantly higher in the subtle group than in the mild and moderate groups ( P =0.003)., Conclusion: Different cytological morphologies of neutrophils and monocytes, including degenerated monocytes, degenerated granulocytes, and spiky biky and twisted neutrophils, could help to predict the course and severity of the disease., Competing Interests: None.

Background: Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in December 2019, limited studies have investigated the histopathologic findings of patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)., Material and Methods: This study was conducted on 31 deceased patients who were hospitalized for COVID-19 in a tertiary hospital in Tehran, Iran. A total of 52 postmortem tissue biopsy samples were obtained from the lungs and liver of decedents. Clinical characteristics, laboratory data, and microscopic features were evaluated. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for SARS-CoV-2 was performed on specimens obtained from nasopharyngeal swabs and tissue biopsies., Results: The median age of deceased patients was 66 years (range, 30-87 years) and 25 decedents (81 %) were male. The average interval from symptom onset to death was 13 days (range, 6-34 days). On histopathologic examination of the lung specimens, diffuse alveolar damage and thrombotic microangiopathy were the most common findings (80 % and 60 %, respectively). Liver specimens mainly showed macrovesicular steatosis, portal lymphoplasmacytic inflammation and passive congestion. No definitive viral inclusions were observed in any of the specimens. In addition, 92 % of lung tissue samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR., Conclusions: Further studies are needed to investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 causes direct cytopathic changes in various organs of the human body., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

As the recalcitrance of biofilm-mediated infections to the anti-infective treatment has an adverse effect on patient's health, the main objective of this study was to investigate the capacity of clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus with different resistance patterns to form biofilms. S. aureus strains are among the most representative etiology of infections in the health-care environment of Milad hospital in Iran. The results showed that out of 80 analyzed strains, 27 methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and 29 methicillin susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) were positive for biofilm development ability, without any significant correlation observed between MRSA and biofilm production.