Hospital-acquired infections in a tertiary hospital in Iran before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift - Infection prevention protocols are the accepted standard to control nosocomial infections. These protective measures intensified after the coronavirus 2019...     

Association between GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 variants and the risk of end stage renal disease

Introduction: There are some evidences indicating DNA damage by oxidant and mutant agents has an essential role in the chronic renal failure and end stage renal disease (ESRD). To investigate the possible association of GSTs variants with ESRD, we investigated the frequency of GST- T1, M1, and P1 genotypes, and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in patients with ESRD.

Materials and methods: The present case-control study consisted of 136 ESRD patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis and 137 gender- and age-matched, unrelated healthy controls from the population of west of Iran. The GST- T1, M1, and P1 genotypes were determined in all individuals using multiplex-PCR and PCR-RFLP. The level of MDA was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results: We found that GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes (GSTT1?/GSTM1?) increased the risk of ESRD by 1.8 times (p?<?0.001) and the increased risk of ESRD for GSTM-null (T1+-M1?) genotype was 3.04 times (p?=?0.002). ESRD patients carriers the GST (GSTM1-null?+?GSTT1-null?+?GST-null) genotypes compared to GST normal genotype increased the risk of ESRD by 3.3 (p?<?0.001) times. ESRD patients carriers of GST-null, GSTM1-null, and GSTT1-null genotypes had greater MDA concentration compared with the same genotypes of control subjects. Our results indicated that the GST-null allele (GSTT1-null/GSTM1-null) is a risk factor for ESRD and carriers of this allele have high levels of MDA.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that oxidative stress, impairment of the antioxidant system and abnormal lipid metabolism may play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of ESRD and its related complications. These data suggest that patients with ESRD are more susceptible to vascular diseases.     

“Life behind the mask”: Sexual life of Iranian women with multiple sclerosis

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating and life-long disease that affects the sexual life of people. However, in Iran little attention has been paid to the sexual life of women with MS.

Determination of toxic element levels (lead and cadmium) in commonly used cosmetic products in Iran

Toxic elements are commonly used in cosmetic products for many reasons like coloring pigments or blocking ultraviolet light; however, the level of some metals exceed specific concentration which can cause serious safety issues. This study aims to evaluate the content of lead and cadmium in samples of sunscreen and foundation creams, most frequently used brands of cosmetic products, in Iran. Concentration of lead in the sunscreens and foundation creams was lower than that of USFDA standards. The content of cadmium was higher than Europe Union standard. Effort must be made to inform the users about the harmful consequences of cosmetics.     

Outcomes of planned pregnancy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and their neonates

Aim of the workTo assess the outcome of planned pregnancies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients and methods: The study was conducted on 32 patients. The medical management included pre-pregnancy planning at the quiescent phase of the disease and after at least six months of clinical remission. The patients had a monthly visit during pregnancy and three months post-delivery. Disease flare was characterized by the recurrence of symptoms and signs in different organs, as well as the need for an increase in medication dose. Results: There were 36 planned pregnancies in 32 patients, of which 15 and 17 cases were primiparous and multiparous, respectively. The SLE flares were observed in 36.1% of the cases, 8.3% of which developed postpartum; moreover, they were moderate in severity and mostly involved the kidneys and joints. Pregnancy outcomes included18 (50%) cases ended in term labor; 13 (36.1%) pregnancies had preterm labor, and 5 (13.8%) pregnancies terminated with abortions. Furthermore, obstetric complications included 2(6.5%) patients with premature rupture of membranes, 5(15.6%) fetuses with intrauterine growth retardation, and 2(6.4%) mothers with preeclampsia. 10(27.7%) pregnancies occurred in patients with lupus nephritis. Cesarean section was performed on 24(77.4%) patients, and low birth weight was observed in 7(21.8%) infants. None of the infants had neonatal lupus, congenital deformities or infection. Conclusion: Pre-pregnancy planning in patients with SLE can considerably improve pregnancy outcomes. Neonatal lupus, congenital anomalies or infection were not present. SLE patients intending to become pregnant should be provided with close medical supervision for a safe maternal and fetal outcome.     

Electrocatalytic water oxidation by a Ni(ii) salophen-type complex

A new mononuclear Ni(ii) complex, NiL (1), was synthesized from the reaction of Ni(OAc)₂·4H₂O and salophen-type N₂O₂-donor ligand, H₂L (where H₂L = 2,2′-((1E,1′E)-((4-chloro-5-methyl-1,2-phenylene)bis(azanylylidene))bis(methanylylidene))diphenol), in ethanol. The obtained complex was characterized by elemental analysis, spectroscopic techniques and single crystal X-ray analysis. The complex was studied as a water oxidizing catalyst and its electrocatalytic activity in the water oxidation reaction was tested in 0.5 M of borate buffer at pH = 3, 7 and 11 in a typical three-electrode setup with a carbon paste electrode modified by complex 1 as a working electrode. The linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) curves indicated that complex 1 has a much superior activity and only needs 21 mV vs. Ag/AgCl overvoltage to reach a geometrical catalytic current density of 2.0 mA cm⁻² at pH = 11. The onset potential decreased from 1.15 V to 0.67 V vs. Ag/AgCl with an increase of pH from 3 to 13 under a constant current density of 1.0 mA cm⁻². Then, to determine the true catalyst for the water oxidation reaction in the presence of complex 1 at pH = 3, 7 and 11, cyclic voltammetry was also performed. The continuous CVs for complex 1 at neutral and alkaline solutions showed significant progress for the water oxidation reaction. In addition, the amperometry tests exhibited excellent stability and high constant current density for water oxidation by CPE-complex 1 under electrochemical conditions at pH = 11 and 7. Although X-ray powder diffraction analysis did not show a pure and crystalline structure for NiO_x, the scanning electron microscopy images showed that nickel oxide at pH = 11 and nickel oxide or other Ni-based compounds at pH = 7 are true water oxidizing catalysts on the surface of a CPE electrode. Moreover at pH = 3, no clear water oxidation or NiO_x formation was observed.

One new Ni-salophen type complex was designed as a water oxidation electrocatalyst in neutral and basic solutions.     

Oxidative stress parameters and keap 1 variants in T2DM: Association with T2DM,diabetic neuropathy,diabetic retinopathy,and obesity

IntroductionChronic hyperglycemia activates the inflammatory pathways and oxidative stress mechanisms with consequent damage to nerve tissue and retina. The Keap1‐Nrf2 pathway acts as one of the most important antioxidant pathways of the organism. Variants of Keap1 could affect susceptibility to diabetes and its complications.MethodsIn a case‐control study, 400 individuals included type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients without complication, with neuropathy, with retinopathy, and healthy individuals were investigated. The levels of glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured using chemical methods. Using the PCR‐RFLP method, the Keap1 (rs11085735) variants were identified.ResultsNeuropathic patients had significantly lower levels of GSH, GPx, and TAC and higher levels of total oxidative status (TOS), MDA, and oxidative stress index (OSI) compared to T2DM patients without complication and controls. Lower levels of GSH and GPx and a higher level of MDA were observed in patients with retinopathy compared with controls. Obesity was associated with significantly lower GPx activity and higher TOS. A significantly higher Keap1 AA genotype was found in patients with neuropathy than T2DM without complication and controls. The presence of Keap1 AA genotype correlated with lower GPx activity compared to CC genotype.ConclusionsOur study suggests the role of reduced antioxidant system and Keap1 variants in the pathogenesis of T2DM and its complications of neuropathy and retinopathy and also obesity in enhanced oxidative stress. Monitoring oxidative stress parameters in diabetic patients, especially those with complication and their treatment with antioxidants is suggested.