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Knowledge Translation Improvement Strategies in Universities of Medical Sciences in Iran: A Qualitative Study
No full textBackground: Recently, one of the challenges in the health system of the country is the need for research contributing to policy-making. Therefore, it is crucial to develop activities in the field of knowledge Translation (KT). This study aimed to propose KT improvement strategies in universities of medical sciences in Iran. Methods: In this qualitative study, 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants from the medical universities in Iran during January-July 2018. The transcribed documents were analyzed using the Gale framework analysis approach. Data organization was carried out using MAXQDA version 10 software. Results: According to framework analysis, six KT improvement strategies were identified including improving the abilities and skills of researchers, improving the processes and quality of knowledge production, revising policies and laws, improving the prerequisites, culture-building, and promoting the use of evidence. Conclusion: Given the challenges and strategies outlined in this study, it seems that the mechanism of KT and its effects on improving health plans for policymakers and researchers has not been elucidated yet. Therefore, considerable changes in prerequisites, knowledge production processes, academic procedures, policies and laws are necessary for implementing KT in universities of medical sciences in Iran. © 2021 Tourani S., et al
Persistence of SARS-CoV-2: a new paradigm of COVID-19 management
No full textAbstract: Full attention must be given to the follow-up of patients recovered from Coronavirus disease 2019, which developed in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Among the most serious issues since the emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 has been whether those who had it can experience a second episode of infection and what that implies for immunity. The earlier studies on COVID-19 disease focused primarily on the epidemiological, clinical, and radiological characteristics of patients with CO-VID-19. However, conclusions of these studies still require to be warranted by more careful design, larger sample size and statistically well structured studies. COVID-19 is an under-studied infection, and several aspects of viral transmission and clinical progress remain at present unclear. There is a concern about the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 on various surfaces and in the respiratory system of patients who have survi-ved. One of the most concerning issues since the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 is persistence in patients and whether patients can be re-infected. After hospital discharge, recovered patients were reported to have positive SARS-CoV-2 test in China, Japan, and South Korea. In addition to the persistence of the virus, SARS-CoV-2 re-infection may occur in survivors. In this paper, we focused on the evidence of persistence and re-infection of SARS-CoV-2
The role of vitamin D in the age of COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textBackground: Evidence recommends that vitamin D might be a crucial supportive agent for the immune system, mainly in cytokine response regulation against COVID-19. Hence, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to maximise the use of everything that exists about the role of vitamin D in the COVID-19. Methods: A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science up to December 18, 2020. Studies focused on the role of vitamin D in confirmed COVID-19 patients were entered into the systematic review. Results: Twenty-three studies containing 11 901 participants entered into the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis indicated that 41 of COVID-19 patients were suffering from vitamin D deficiency (95 CI, 29-55), and in 42 of patients, levels of vitamin D were insufficient (95 CI, 24-63). The serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was 20.3 ng/mL among all COVID-19 patients (95 CI, 12.1-19.8). The odds of getting infected with SARS-CoV-2 are 3.3 times higher among individuals with vitamin D deficiency (95 CI, 2.5-4.3). The chance of developing severe COVID-19 is about five times higher in patients with vitamin D deficiency (OR: 5.1, 95 CI, 2.6-10.3). There is no significant association between vitamin D status and higher mortality rates (OR: 1.6, 95 CI, 0.5-4.4). Conclusion: This study found that most of the COVID-19 patients were suffering from vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency. Also, there is about three times higher chance of getting infected with SARS-CoV-2 among vitamin-D-deficient individuals and about five times higher probability of developing the severe disease in vitamin-D-deficient patients. Vitamin D deficiency showed no significant association with mortality rates in this population. © 2021 John Wiley & Sons Lt
Serological evidence and associated risk factors for toxoplasma gondii in gorgan and a review of recent studies in golestan province
No full textBackground and purpose: Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common parasitic infections in humans and other vertebrates worldwide. This study aimed at determining the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection and associated risk factors in individuals attending a Reference Laboratory in Gorgan, Iran. Moreover, recent studies in Golestan province were reviewed. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in 551 blood samples obtained from February-June 2017. Serum samples were isolated and examined for IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii using ELISA. Data were analyzed in SPSS applying logistic regression. Results: Total prevalence of T. gondii was 63.5 (350 out of 551). Among the samples, 306 (55.5), 12 (2.17), and 32 (5.8) were found to be positive for IgG, IgM and both IgG and IgM against T. gondii, respectively. There were significant associations between T. gondii infection and age and soil contact (P0.05). Conclusion: About two thirds of individuals were infected with T. gondii. Accordingly, a high number of subjects have been exposed to T. gondii in this area, which their seropositivity was seen to increase by age as a risk factor. High seropositivity indicates appropriate conditions for the life cycle of the parasite in this province. Therefore, preventive measurements at the community level, particularly in high-risk groups, are warranted. © 2021, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved
Protein C deficiency: Report of a challenging case with recurrent multiorgan thrombosis
No full textIntroduction and importance: Protein C deficiency is a rare disorder associated with an increased risk of developing abnormal blood clots. Mild and heterozygous cases are usually asymptomatic and may present with recurrent thrombosis. These recurrent thrombi are usually associated with ischemic stroke or concomitant thrombosis during pregnancy and recurrent miscarriage, but arterial thrombosis is relatively uncommon. Case presentation: In this case report, we introduce an interesting 21-year-old female patient with a protein C deficiency, which presented with a set of symptoms related to ischemia and thrombosis in several different systems, including the colon, brain, and lower extremities. Clinical discussion: With the diagnosis of ischemic colitis, she underwent medical treatment with hydration, antibiotics, anticoagulant, and GI rest. She was discharged with a suitable response to medical treatment and good general condition. One month later, the patient presented with right upper limb paresis and speech disorder, and at the same time, he had swelling of the left lower limb. The patient was diagnosed with DVT of the common femoral vein and protein c deficiency and treated appropriately with anticoagulant (heparin 1000 lU/h) and was discharged with oral rivaroxaban after symptoms improved. Conclusion: In young patients with ischemic colitis without a history of previous surgery, increased coagulation should be considered, including impaired fibrinolysis and impaired microcirculation and inflammatory processes. Protein C deficiency is one of several reasons for thrombotic disorders that should be considered in these people, especially if they have a history of DVT or other vascular thromboses. © 2021 The Author(s
Molecular Modeling and Simulation of glycine functionalized B12N12 and B16N16 nanoclusters as potential inhibitors of proinflammatory cytokines
No full textThe functionalization of boron nitride (B12N12/B16N16) nanoclusters with glycine in gaseous and aqueous environments were studied. The corresponding changes of spectroscopic, electronic, and thermodynamic properties of the B12N12 and B16N16 nanoclusters were evaluated by means of the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Analysis of the binding energies shows that the interaction of glycine amino acid toward B12N12 is more remarkable than B16N16 in the gas and solvent environments. Thermodynamic properties also indicate that the glycine molecule energetically prefers to interact with the B12N12 and B16N16 nanoclusters through its amine group rather than carbonyl and hydroxyl groups. Our calculations also demonstrated that the electronic features of B12N12 and B16N16 nanoclusters on the adsorption of glycine from its carbonyl group in the aqueous environment is more altered than the amine and hydroxyl groups. Molecular docking shows that the (NH2)-Glycine2/B12N12 complex has a good binding affinity with protein tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in comparison with the other glycine-BN nanocluster complexes thus making this hybrid bio-inorganic medium a promising material for biomedical and drug-delivery applications. © 2021 Elsevier B.V
The Prevalence of plcD Gene and Evaluation of IS6110 Insertion Status in This Gene in Some Clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates
No full textAbstract: Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) is a dangerous and fatal infection. Phospholipid genes can be involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. The aims of this study were evaluation of the plcD gene prevalence and polymorphisms in some clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the position of IS6110 element in this gene. Methods: This study was conducted on 250 clinical M. tuberculosis isolates. The frequency and polymorphism of the plcD gene were detected by PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). As well as, the ability and place of the IS6110 element to insert into the plcD gene were evaluated. Results: The plcD gene was present in 88 (35.2) isolates. Among them, 73 cases (82.95) had a normal PCR product without the IS6110 element, and the size of PCR products of plcD was 2837 bp in other positive cases, which indicated the presence of the IS6110 element. Surprisingly, the plcD gene was absent in all Beijing isolates. Conclusions: Based on the data, the plcD gene is one of the normal sites for the insertion of the IS6110 element. In addition, these findings indicated that the role of plcD in the pathogenesis of TB may be covered by other plc genes, as this gene was deleted in all Beijing isolates studied in this research. © 2021, Allerton Press, Inc
Natural Products in Combination Therapy for COVID-19: QT Prolongation and Urgent Guidance
No full textPPARγ activation by pioglitazone enhances the anti-proliferative effects of doxorubicin on pro-monocytic THP-1 leukemia cells via inducing apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest
No full textPurpose: Doxorubicin (DOX) is a common chemotherapeutic agent, with toxic side effects, and chemoresistance. Combination chemotherapy is a successful approach to overcome these limitations. Here, we investigated the effects of pioglitazone (PGZ), a PPARγ agonist, and/or DOX on the viability, cell cycle, apoptosis on THP-1 cells and normal human monocytes (NHMs). Methods: MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of DOX and/or PGZ. Cell cycle progression and apoptosis induction were examined by PI or Annexin V-PI double staining, and analyzed by flow cytometry. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to evaluate the changes in the mRNA expression of cell cycle progression or apoptosis-associated genes including P27, P21, CDK2, P53, BCL2 and FasR. Results: DOX, PGZ and DOX + PGZ exerted their cytotoxic effects in a dose- and time-dependent manner with low toxicity on NHMs. The cell growth inhibitory effects of DOX were in association with G2/M arrest, while PGZ executed S phase arrest. PGZ treatment enhanced G2/M among DOX-treated combinations with moderate elevation in the S phase. DOX, PGZ and combined treatments induced apoptosis (mostly late phase) in a dose-dependent manner. All treatments resulted in the significant overexpression of p21, p27, p53 and FasR genes and downregulation of CDK2. DOX + PGZ combined treatments exhibited the most significant changes in mRNA expression. Conclusion: We demonstrated that the antiproliferative, cell cycle regulation and apoptosis-inducing capacity of DOX was enhanced by PGZ in THP-1 leukemia cells in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, the combination of DOX + PGZ could be used as a novel combination to target AML. © 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
Mutational signatures in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma from eight countries with varying incidence
No full textEsophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) shows remarkable variation in incidence that is not fully explained by known lifestyle and environmental risk factors. It has been speculated that an unknown exogenous exposure(s) could be responsible. Here we combine the fields of mutational signature analysis with cancer epidemiology to study 552 ESCC genomes from eight countries with varying incidence rates. Mutational profiles were similar across all countries studied. Associations between specific mutational signatures and ESCC risk factors were identified for tobacco, alcohol, opium and germline variants, with modest impacts on mutation burden. We find no evidence of a mutational signature indicative of an exogenous exposure capable of explaining differences in ESCC incidence. Apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like (APOBEC)-associated mutational signatures single-base substitution (SBS)2 and SBS13 were present in 88 and 91 of cases, respectively, and accounted for 25 of the mutation burden on average, indicating that APOBEC activation is a crucial step in ESCC tumor development. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature America, Inc