Spatiotemporal analysis,hotspot mapping,and clustering of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the initial phase of the pandemic in Qom province,Iran

Objective: To identify the incidence rate, relative risk, hotspot regions and incidence trend of COVID-19 in Qom province, northwest part of Iran in the first s...     

The effect of l‐carnitine supplementation on serum levels of omentin‐1, visfatin and SFRP5 and glycemic indices in patients with pemphigus vulgaris: A randomized,double‐blind,placebo‐controlled clinical trial

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a chronic autoimmune disorder with potentially fatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of l ‐carnitine (LC) on secreted frizzled‐related protein‐5 (SFRP5), omentin, visfatin, and glycemic indices in PV patients under corticosteroid treatment. In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, 52 patients with PV were divided randomly into two groups to receive 2 g of LC or a placebo for 8 weeks. Serum levels of SFRP5, omentin, visfatin, and also glycemic indices were evaluated at the baseline and end of the study. LC supplementation significantly decreased the serum level of visfatin (95% CI [?14.718, ?0.877], p = .05) and increased the serum levels of SFRP5 (95%CI [1.637, 11.380], p < .006) and omentin (95% CI [9.014, 65.286], p < .01). However, LC supplementation had no significant effects on the serum levels of glycemic factors such as insulin (95% CI [?1.125, 3.056], p = .426), fasting blood sugar (95% CI [?4.743, 3.642], p = .894), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (95% CI [?0.305, 0.528], p = .729), and quantitative insulin‐sensitivity check index (95% CI [?0.016, ?0.010], p = .81). LC supplementation decreased visfatin serum level and increased omentin‐1 and SFRP5 serum levels in patients with PV. However, it has no significant effect on the serum levels of insulin and glycemic indices.     

DNA interfaces with dimensional materials for biomedical applications

DNA interfaces with nano, micro, and macro materials have gained widespread attention for various applications. Such interfaces exhibit distinct functions and properties not only due to the unique properties of interfacing materials but also sequence- and conformation-dependent characteristics of the DNA. Therefore, DNA interfaces with diverse dimensional materials have advanced our understanding of the interaction mechanisms and the properties of such interfaces. The unique interfacial properties of such novel materials have applications in nanotechnology, biophysics, cell biology, biosensing, and bioelectronics. The field is growing rapidly with the frequent emergence of new interfaces carrying remarkable interfacial character. In this review article, we have classified the DNA interfaces into 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D categories based on the types of dimensional materials. We review the key efforts made in the last five years and focus on types of interfaces, interfacing mechanisms, and their state-of-the-art applications. This review will draw a general interest because of the diversity in the DNA materials science but also the unique applications that will play a cutting-edge role in biomedical and biosensing research.

DNA interfaces with 0–3 dimensional materials through physisorption and chemisorption mechanisms acquire unique interfacial character for novel biomedical applications.     

Narrowing the focus: Therapeutic cell surface targets for refractory triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is defined as a type of breast cancer with lack of expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor 2 protein. In comparison to other types of breast cancer, TNBC characterizes for its aggressive behavior, more prone to early recurrence and a disease with poor response to molecular target therapy. Although TNBC is identified in only 25%-30% of American breast cancer cases annually, these tumors continue to be a therapeutic challenge for clinicians for several reasons: Tumor heterogeneity, limited and toxic systemic therapy options, and often resistance to current standard therapy, characterized by progressive disease on treatment, residual tumor after cytotoxic chemotherapy, and early recurrence after complete surgical excision. Cell-surface targeted therapies have been successful for breast cancer in general, however there are currently no approved cell-surface targeted therapies specifically indicated for TNBC. Recently, several cell-surface targets have been identified as candidates for treatment of TNBC and associated targeted therapies are in development. The purpose of this work is to review the current clinical challenges posed by TNBC, the therapeutic approaches currently in use, and provide an overview of developing cell surface targeting approaches to improve outcomes for treatment resistant TNBC.     

Evaluation of the effect of extra-amniotic normal saline infusion alone or in combination with dexamethasone for the induction of labor

AIM: To compare the effect of extra-amniotic normal saline solution infusion on its own, and in combination with dexamethasone on the ripening of the cervix and induction of labor. METHODS: A double-blind randomized clinical trial study was performed at Akbar Abadi Teaching Hospital in Tehran, Iran, between March 2002 and March 2003 on 84 pregnant women at a gestational age of 40 weeks or more, and with a Bishop score 相似文献   

Comparison of conventional and computed arthrotomography with MR imaging in the evaluation of the shoulder

To compare conventional arthrography and computed arthrotomography (CAT) with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the evaluation of the shoulder, we studied 18 patients who underwent conventional double contrast arthrography and CAT, and T1-, balanced, and T2-weighted MR imaging. The arthrograms were independently reviewed by two of the authors and the MR images were independently reviewed by three other authors in a systematic fashion with the aid of a prewritten evaluation form. The findings were compared among reviewers and between imaging methods. We found MR comparable to conventional arthrography in the evaluation of the rotator cuff; however, MR also enabled evaluation of tendonitis, which could not be accomplished with conventional arthrography. Because of MR's superior soft tissue imaging capability, we were able to stage the impingement syndrome. Magnetic resonance also allowed evaluation of the glenoid labrum and capsuloligamentous structures and assessment of instability in a fashion similar to CAT. In most cases, information obtained from MR equaled or exceeded that obtained from conventional arthrography and CAT. With refinement in technique and increased experience, we believe that MR may replace arthrography in the evaluation of the shoulder.     

Gallium citrate Ga 67 scans in febrile patients.

Scanning with gallium citrate Ga 67 is a sensitive technique for the detection of localized inflammatory disease. In a group of 22 febrile patients, 17 had one or more abnormal areas of radioactive gallium localization. Eight patients showed localized areas of inflammation; five showed no area of local inflammation within the field of the scan. The remaining patients had excellent clinical and laboratory confirmation of neoplastic or inflammatory disease. These cases illustrate the usefulness of radioactive gallium in febrile patients in whom the cause of the fever cannot be otherwise determined.     

Identification of an infected left ventricular assist device after cardiac transplant by indium-111 WBC scintigraphy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate the utility of multimodality imaging in the diagnosis of infection within a retained prosthetic device in the posttransplant setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Autologous leukocytes were labeled in vitro with indium-111 oxine and were reinjected. Whole-body and SPECT images were acquired at 24 hours and correlated with contemporary CT images. RESULTS: Through the use of combined indium-labeled WBC scintigraphy and CT we were able to identify infection within retained left ventricular assist device tubing status postcardiac transplantation in a patient with a diagnosis of fever of unknown origin. CONCLUSION: Localization of possible infectious etiologies within the transplant population is of utmost concern. Multimodality imaging, often utilizing scintigraphic techniques, is recommended.     

Sex and estrus cycle differences in the modulatory effects of morphine on seizure susceptibility in mice

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of sex and estrus cycle on biphasic anticonvulsant and proconvulsant modulation of seizure threshold by morphine. METHODS: The threshold for the clonic seizures (CST) induced by acute intravenous administration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-antagonist pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) was assessed in male and female mice. Estrus cycle was assessed by vaginal smears. The effect of removing circulating sex hormones was assessed by gonadectomy. RESULTS: At baseline, diestrus females had a higher CST compared with males and estrus females. Morphine at lower doses (0.5-3 mg/kg) had a significant anticonvulsant effect in males and estrus females compared with that in vehicle-treated controls, whereas female mice in diestrus phase showed a relative subsensitivity to this effect. Morphine at higher doses (30 and 60 mg/kg) significantly decreased CST in males and diestrus females, with less relative effect in estrus mice. In both phases, morphine exerted stronger effects in males compared with females. Ovariectomy brought the baseline CST to the male level and resulted in significant expression of both phases of morphine effect but did not abolish the sex difference in responsiveness to morphine. CONCLUSIONS: The biphasic modulation of seizure threshold is subject to both constitutive sex differences in sensitivity to morphine and hormonal fluctuations during the estrus cycle.