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Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has posed significant global health challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations. Objectives: This retrospective report from the Iranian Network for Research in Viral Diseases (INRVD) investigates the common clinical symptoms of COVID-19 in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Research suggests neurological complications can occur during SARS-CoV-2 infection, but there are limited studies on neurological symptoms in PD patients with COVID-19. Given the probable heightened vulnerability of PD patients, evaluating clinical symptoms, especially neurological manifestations, is crucial. Methods: Data from 54 patients were collected from the INRVD from March 2020 to May 2021. Nasal, oropharyngeal, and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from patients presenting with respiratory symptoms, following Iranian CDC guidelines. Following sample collection, RT-PCR assays were performed for COVID-19 confirmation. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. Results: Among the 54 PD patients included in the study, 27 tested positive for COVID-19. Of the 54 subjects analyzed, 38.9% were female and 61.1% were male. Comparison of COVID-19 symptoms revealed a higher rate of sore throat (74%) and shortness of breath (81%) in the COVID-19 positive group as common clinical symptoms of the disease. Interestingly, higher rates of dizziness (67%) and headache (74%) were observed in PD patients with COVID-19. Conclusions: This study enhances our understanding of the diverse clinical manifestations of COVID-19 and its impact on individuals with underlying health conditions such as PD. The increased prevalence of neurological symptoms among PD patients underscores the need for further investigation to clarify whether these symptoms directly result from COVID-19 infection or if they may also be influenced by PD itself or its treatment. It is important to consider that while neurological symptoms in Parkinson's patients can be attributed to the underlying disorder or linked to medication and medical interventions, respiratory symptoms are typically associated with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is a virus in the coronaviridae , has caused a global pandemic with various symptoms and complications. Among the groups affected by this virus are individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the primary central nervous system (CNS). Understanding coronavirus disease 2019's (COVID-19) impact on MS patients is crucial for optimizing patient management and developing targeted therapies due to the challenges it presents. Objectives: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the respiratory and neurology symptoms of COVID-19 in patients with MS in comparison to the non-infected group. Furthermore, this study examined how age and gender might affect the symptoms of contracting COVID-19 and the mortality rate in patients with MS. Methods: The data were collected from six hospitals within the Iranian Network for Research in Viral Diseases (INRVD) between March 2020 and July 2021. A total of 63 individuals diagnosed with MS were examined, with 30 testing positive for both COVID-19 and MS; however, 33 individuals were positive only for MS. These individuals had presented at the hospital experiencing respiratory symptoms, including rhinorrhea, difficulty breathing, and cough. Various clinical aspects were evaluated, including age, gender, and the presence of COVID-19 symptoms. Statistical analyses included the Mann-Whitney t-test, Fisher's exact test, and odds ratio calculations using SPSS-27 and R 4.2.3. Results: The study encompassed 63 MS patients, with 29 (46%) and 34 (54%) males and females, respectively. Of these patients, 30 individuals were positive for COVID-19. Most subjects were from Tehran province, Iran. Patients in the case group were significantly younger than those in the control group. Notably, dizziness, breath shortness, and vomiting were significantly more prevalent in MS patients following COVID-19. Conclusions: This study highlights the distinct clinical presentation of COVID-19 in individuals with MS. Dizziness, breath shortness, vomiting, and increased mortality were significantly associated with MS patients with COVID-19. The aforementioned findings underscore the importance of tailored management strategies for this unique patient population following the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) are common sexually transmitted viruses that cause health problems, including genital warts and different type of cancers. There are over 200 different types of HPV, some of which are correlated with the progress of cervical cancer. One of the HPV genes responsible for its oncogenic potential is the E6 gene. E6 is a critical protein in the life cycle of HPV and a key contributor to the development of HPV-associated cancers. Its interactions with cellular proteins lead to disruptions in key cellular pathways and the promotion of cancerous cell growth. Overall, HPV E6 represents a reassuring target for the expansion of novel therapies for the treatment of HPV-associated cancers and understanding its molecular interactions with host proteins is critical for developing targeted therapies for HPV-associated cancers. In this article, we will focus on the cancer-related mechanism and cell interaction of HPV E6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zika virus (ZIKV) is classified within the Flavivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family and is categorized as an arbovirus. The virus was initially identified in a rhesus monkey in Uganda in 1947 and later in a human in Nigeria in 1952. Since 2007, the prevalence of the virus has been on the rise, culminating in a major outbreak in the United States (US) in 2015. During this outbreak, the adult population was severely impacted, experiencing a range of symptoms, including organ failure, microcephaly, fetal death, and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Additionally, skin rash, limb swelling, fever, headache, and heightened sensitivity are found in most adults with Zika syndrome. Although the virus can be transmitted through blood, vertical transmission from mother to child, and sexual contact, the primary way of transmission of the virus is through the Aedes mosquito. Cells such as neurons, macrophages, peripheral dendritic cells, and placental cells are among the target cells that the virus can infect. The TAM AXL receptor plays a crucial role in infection. After the virus enters the body through the bloodstream, it spreads in the body with a latent period of 3 to 12 days. Currently, there is no specific treatment or publicly available vaccine for the ZIKV. Limited laboratory testing has been conducted, and existing drugs originally designed for other pathogens have been repurposed for treatment. Given the Aedes mosquito's role as a vector and the wide geographical impact of the virus, this study aims to comprehensively investigate Zika's pathogenesis and clinical symptoms based on existing knowledge and research. By doing so, we seek to enhance our understanding of the virus and inform future prevention and treatment strategies., (© 2024. The Author(s).)