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Can concurrent lower gastrointestinal manifestations help the timely diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in CVID patients?
Get PDFSummary Introduction and objective. Gastrointestinal complications are considered as one of the most common manifestations in patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID). These complications can result from Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). Hydrogen breath test is extensively used to diagnose SIBO. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of SIBO using the Hydrogen Breath Test (HBT) in patients with CVID. Materials and methods. Twenty-seven patients with CVID entered this cross-sectional study. Demographic and lower gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded in a check list. Hemoglobin level was measured in all patients. The concentration of IgA and IgG was assessed using nephelometry. Moreover, SIBO was detected by means of Glucose hydrogen breath test. Results. The mean (± SD) age of the patients was 35.25 (± 11.69) years. Twenty patients (74.1) manifested at least one lower gastrointestinal symptom. The most frequent lower gastrointestinal manifestations were bloating (66.7) and chronic diarrhea (40.7), respectively. IgA level less than 10 mg/dl and IgG level less than 600 mg/dl were determined in 77.8 and 25.9 of patients, respectively. Positive HBT was detected in 40.7 (n = 11) of the patients. In the positive HBT group, bloating, chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain were the most common lower GI manifestations. There was no significant difference in terms of age, BMI, IgA level, and duration of CVID between the positive and negative HBT groups. The significant association of co-occurrence of anemia and abdominal pain with positive HBT (positive predictive value: 100) might be considered as a clue to SIBO diagnosis. Conclusions. Regarding the high prevalence and non-specific manifestation of SIBO, it is suggested to consider concurrent symptoms in patients with CVID to manage the timely and precise diagnosis of SIBO. © 2021 Associazione Allergologi Immunologi Italiani Territoriali e Ospedalieri-AAIITO. Published by EDRA SpA. All rights reserved
The relationship between workplace bullying and professional self-concept in Iranian nurses
Get PDFAim: To determine the level of workplace bullying among Iranian nurses and its relationship with their professional self-concept. Design: This was a descriptive correlational study. Methods: This study was performed on 200 nurses working in the emergency departments and intensive care units of Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2020. The participants were chosen using the simple random sampling method and data collection tools were Negative Acts Questionnaire�Revised and Nurse Self-Concept Questionnaire. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between workplace bullying and professional self-concept. Results: Based on the experience of daily or weekly workplace bullying, the mean scores of workplace bullying in nurses in terms of work-related bullying, person-related dimension and physical intimidation were 10.11, 4.27 and 5.66, respectively, and the overall mean score was 6.68. The results of this study also showed that workplace bullying is inversely related to professional self-concept and almost all of its dimensions (p =.002, r = �.219). © 2020 The Authors. Nursing Open published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Mass Spectrometry: A Powerful Method for Monitoring Various Type of Leukemia, Especially MALDI-TOF in Leukemia�s Proteomics Studies Review
No full textRecent success in studying the proteome, as a source of biomarkers, has completely changed our understanding of leukemia (blood cancer). The identification of differentially expressed proteins, such as relapse and drug resistance proteins involved in leukemia by using various ionization sources and mass analyzers of mass spectrometry techniques, has helped scientists find better diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies. With the aid of this powerful analytical technique, we can investigate the qualification/quantification of proteins, protein-protein interactions, post-translational modifications, and find the correlation between proteins and their genes with the hope of finding the missing parts of the successful therapy puzzle. In this review, we followed different MS sources and analyzers which used for monitoring various type of leukemia, then focused on MALDI-TOF MS as a quick and reliable method for studying proteins. Due to several review published for other techniques, the present review is the first work in this field. Also, by classifying more than 400 proteins, we have found 42 proteins are involved in two or three different stages of leukemia. Finally, we have suggested six specific biomarkers for AML, one for ALL, three biomarkers with a role in the etiology of leukemia and 13 markers with the potential for further studies. © 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
Evaluating the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Phoenix dactylifera L. spathe on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
No full textPhoenix dactylifera L. (Arecaceae) spathe has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Phoenix dactylifera spathe were examined in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Forty-nine male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups; group 1 received normal saline solution daily, group 2 received STZ (50 mg/kg) on the first day, group 3 received STZ (50 mg/kg, ip) at the beginning of the study and metformin (150 mg/kg), daily for 30 days, groups 4�6 received STZ (50 mg/kg, ip) at the beginning of the study and were treated with Phoenix dactylifera spathe extract (PDSE; 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively) for 30 days, and group 7 received PDSE (200 mg/kg) for 30 days. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, weight change, adipokine leptin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), lipid profile, and oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed. Qualitative analyses of extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, and alkaloids but the absence of steroids and saponins. PDSE significantly reduced serum level of FBS, triglyceride, low lipoprotein density, cholesterol, adipokine leptin, TNF-α, hsCRP, and malondialdehyde. PDSE significantly increased the serum levels of high lipoprotein density, insulin, total antioxidant capacity, reduced glutathione, as well as the body weight of diabetic rats. Our results showed that PDSE improves glycemic and lipidemic profile in STZ-induced diabetic rats. This suggests that PDSE may be a promising agent to mitigate diabetic symptoms in diabetic patients. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag London Ltd. part of Springer Nature
Mobile apps for weight management in children and adolescents; An updated systematic review
No full textObjective: Considering inconclusive data regarding the possible effects of mobile applications on anthropometric measures (e.g. body mass index (BMI), body weight, waist circumference, fat mass) and physical activity (e.g. steps or METS) in paediatric subjects, the present systematic review was conducted to clarify this issue. Methods: Online databases including PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Embase, and Ovid were searched, and also a hand search through Google Scholar, PsycINFO, and grey literature was done up to December 2020 to find all relevant studies. Results: Nine studies were included in this review (n = 978 participants). Five of the studies utilized a mobile app as an independent intervention. Using mobile applications resulted in a lower body mass index in two studies, while only one study reported a decrease in body weight. Besides, significant improvement in physical activity as evidenced by higher step count was reported by only one study. Conclusion: Nevertheless, the findings from these primary studies, although slightly mixed, provide support for further research with the implementation of mobile apps as an additional approach for combating childhood obesity. Practice implications: We recommend to raise attention towards and interest in the mobile app for childhood obesity prevention and treatment. © 2021 Elsevier B.V
Intestinal ischemia due to mesenteric vascular thrombosis in a patient with positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA without primary pulmonary symptom: A case report
Get PDFCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory illness caused by novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The clinical manifestations of this infection have a range and typically include impairment of smell, taste disturbance, cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Gastrointestinal manifestations have been reported in anywhere from 3 to 50 of patients with concomitant SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary infection. Abnormalities in coagulation markers have been reported in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. During this article, we will introduce a patient with COVID 19 but with the most manifestation of abdominal pain due to intestinal ischemia and mesenteric vascular thrombosis. © 2021 The Author(s)
Candidemia in pediatric burn patients: Risk factors and outcomes in a retrospective cohort study
No full textBackground and Purpose: Despite advances in burn care and management, infections are still a major contributor to morbidity and mortality rates in patients with burn injuries. Regarding this, the present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and importance of candidemia in pediatric burn patients. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from the patients and cultured in an automated blood culture system. Candida species were identified using specific culture media. The relationship between candidemia and possible risk factors was evaluated and compared to a control group. Results: A total of 71 patients with the mean age of 4.52±3.63 years were included in the study. Blood cultures showed candidemia in 19 (27) patients. Based on the results, C. albicans was the most common fungus among patients with and without candidemia. The results of statistical analysis also showed that candidemia was significantly correlated with total body surface area (TBSA), mechanical ventilation, duration of total parenteral nutrition, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, presence of neutropenia, and R-Baux score (all P�0.001). In this regard, TBSA, length of ICU stay, R-Baux score, and Candida score were identified as the determinant factors for mortality due to candidemia. Conclusion: Candidemia increases the mortality and morbidity rates associated with burn injuries. Prompt diagnostic and prevention measures can reduce the unfortunate outcomes via controlling the possible risk factors. Copyright © 2020, Published by Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences on behalf of Iranian Society of Medical Mycology and Invasive Fungi Research Center
Molecular analysis and the toxin, MSCRAMM, and biofilm genes of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from pemphigus wounds: A study based on SCCmec and dru typing
No full textIntroduction: Pemphigus is a chronic autoimmune blistering disease. Pemphigus blisters can damage the natural skin barrier and increase the risk of life-threatening conditions. Colonization of pemphigus wounds with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prolongs wound healing and increases mortality rate. Assessing MRSA prevalence, types, and toxin and adhesion genes can facilitate the detection of MRSA strains which cause infections, selection of appropriate treatments, and healing of pemphigus wounds. This study aimed to determine the SCCmec, the direct repeat unit (dru) types (dts), and the toxin, MSCRAMM, and biofilm genes of MRSA strains isolated from pemphigus wounds. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 118 S. aureus isolates were gathered from 118 patients with pemphigus. MRSA detection was performed using the mecA gene. Using the polymerase chain reaction method, all MRSA isolates were assessed for the presence of the sea, seb, sec, tst, eta, pvl, hla, hlb, MSCRAMM, and ica genes. Typing and subtyping were performed through respectively SCCmec typing and dru typing methods. The Bionumerics software was used for analyzing the data and drawing the minimum spanning tree. Findings: From 118 S. aureus isolates, 51 were MRSA. SCCmec typing revealed the prevalence of SCCmec II with a prevalence of 64.7 (33 out of 51 isolates) and SCCmec III with a prevalence of 35.3 (18 out of 51 isolates). Dru typing indicated seven dts, namely dts 10a, 10g, 10m, 13i, 8h, 8i, and 9ca in two main clusters. The dt9ca was a new dru type and was registered in the dru-typing database (www.dru-typing.org). The prevalence rates of the hla, sea, and sec genes in MRSA isolates were respectively 54.9, 27.4, and 1.9, while the hlb, seb, eta, and pvl genes were not detected at all. Only one MRSA with SCCmec III and dt10a carried the tst encoding gene. MSCRAMM gene analysis revealed the high prevalence of the eno (31.3) and the fib (21.5) genes. The prevalence rates of the icaA and icaD biofilm formation genes were 3.9 and 5.8, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two detected SCCmec types and between the two detected dts clusters respecting the prevalence of the encoding genes of virulence factors and MSCRAMMs. Conclusion: The toxin genes hla and sea are prevalent among MRSA strains with SCCmec II and III isolated from pemphigus wounds. The most prevalent dts are dt10a and dt10g among MRSA with SCCmec III and dt8h and dt8i among MRSA with SCCmec II. © 2020 Elsevier B.V
Disruption of blood-aqueous barrier in dry eye disease
No full textPurpose: To evaluate level of flare in aqueous humor of dry eye disease (DED) and compare it with normal controls. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we compared the anterior chamber flare between 28 patients with DED (the DED group) and 27 normal age- and gender-matched controls (the control group). DED group was divided in Sjӧgren's syndrome dry eye (SDE, n = 10) and non- Sjӧgren's syndrome dry eye (non-SDE, n = 18) groups. Results: This study enrolled 55 participants including 28 patients with DED and 27 normal controls. The mean age was 53.4 ± 14.7 years in the DED group and 48.5 ± 14.7 years in the control group (P = 0.086). Mean flare was significantly higher in DED group (12.1 ± 10.2 ph/ms, range 2.7�68.3) compared to the control group (5.0 ± 3.9 ph/ms, range 1.30�30.0, P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the flare intensity between the Sjӧgren syndrome dry eye (SDE) group (14.5 ± 14.4 ph/ms) and the non-Sjӧgren dry eye (non-SDE) group (10.8 ± 6.9 ph/ms, P = 0.330). A significant correlation was observed between the flare intensity and the ocular surface staining in the SDE group (r = 0.62, P = 0.018). Conclusion: There is a significant increase in aqueous humor flare in patients with DED. Such finding, which is a marker of disruption of blood-aqueous barrier, demonstrates deeper tissue involvement than ocular surface in these patients. © 202
Antibacterial and biological properties of coconut oil loaded poly(ε-caprolactone)/gelatin electrospun membranes
No full textCoconut oil (CO) is a naturally derived bio-oil which exhibits specific characteristics such as biocompatibility and antibacterial activity. In this work, the biological properties of poly(caprolactone)/gelatin (PCL/Gel) nanofibers are improved using CO encapsulation. This bio-oil was added to the PCL/Gel polymer solution with different concentrations (5�40). Nanofibers were crosslinked using glutaraldehyde vapor. Different types of characterization techniques such as SEM, FTIR, DSC, tensile measurements, water contact angle, and water vapor permeability were used to study the chemical, physical, thermal, and morphological properties of resultant nanofibers. Results showed an average diameter of 300�370 nm for as-spun nanofibers, which increased to 360�470 nm after the crosslinking reaction. The presence of CO was confirmed using FTIR and DSC experiments. Moreover, results indicated that the presence of CO increases the hydrophilicity and water vapor permeability of nanofibers, which are desirable for their final application. Biological tests, such as antibacterial activity, cell viability, and cell morphology tests were performed to evaluate the possible application of the produced nanofibers for wound healing applications. Results indicated that the crosslinked PCL/Gel nanofibers containing 20 CO exhibited the highest cell compatibility and antibacterial activity against gram-positive (S. aureus) and gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria. © The Author(s) 2021