International Journal of Basic Science in Medicine
Year:2023 | Volume:8 | Issue:4|Papers Count:7

Introduction: COVID-19 is an epidemic viral infection that has especially caused great concern for those with chronic diseases. Few studies have been conducted in Asian countries on the prevalence and severity of COVID-19 complications among celiac patients. This study aimed to determine the frequency, severity, and prevalence of COVID-19 complications among celiac patients in Sistan region. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a total of 200 patients including 40 celiac patients and 160 matched controls were studied from September to October 2021. All celiac patients in our registry were contacted and a detailed questionnaire was administered to collect required data. In addition, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on patients to detect COVID-19. Recorded variables were compared between celiac patients and controls using t-test and Chi-square test. Statistical analysis was carried out using Stata 14 software. Results: Out of 200 patients, 25% of celiac patients and 18. 13% of controls were infected with COVID-19. Additionally, 60% of COVID-19 infected celiac patients had severe gastrointestinal symptoms and none were hospitalized, while 31% of COVID-19 infected controls had gastrointestinal symptoms and 3. 45% were hospitalized. The frequency of Marsh score above 2 was significantly lower among COVID-19 infected celiac patients compared with uninfected celiac patients. Conclusion: The presence of celiac disease posed no additional risk for COVID-19 infection in terms of prevalence and frequency. However, in comparison to the general population, celiac patients experienced more severe gastrointestinal complications when infected with COVID-19.

Introduction: Considering the high prevalence of respiratory diseases, it is important to identify factors affecting them, especially the role of genetics and blood antigens. By identifying people with a high risk of developing asthma and chronic pulmonary diseases, it is possible to take diagnostic measures and perform proper screening to observe the improvement of patients’ quality of life and the increase of proper screening. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between blood group types and the occurrence of chronic pulmonary diseases. Methods: The present retrospective study was conducted on patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 2018. Overall, 30 patients with asthma, 70 patients with COPD, and 100 patients in the control group were evaluated in this study. Finally, the obtained data were entered into SPSS version 22 software and subjected to statistical analysis with t-test, Chi-square, and Fisher’s exact tests. Results: The results of the present study revealed that the most frequent blood types in asthma, COPD patients, and the control group were A (38. 09%), B (40. 42%), and O (41. 66%), respectively, which were statistically significant (P=0. 003). Blood group A had a significant relationship with the gender of asthmatic patients, and blood groups A and B had a meaningful relationship with positive family history in asthmatic patients. Conclusion: In this study, a significant relationship was observed between blood group A and asthma, as well as blood group B and COPD, compared to the control group.

Introduction: Cognitive decline induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is the most common problem during ageing. Most of the synthetic drugs used for cognitive impairment have undesirable side effects in patients. Therefore, in the current research, the effects of Dracocephalum multicaule on cognitive impairment and hippocampal neurodegeneration induced by CCH were investigated. Methods: CCH or sham surgical procedure was carried out in male Wistar rats. After three weeks, the animals were randomly assigned to D. multicaule extract or vehicle administration for 15 days. CCH induction was carried out by the bilateral occlusion of the common carotids. Morris water maze (MWM) and Nissl staining were used to evaluate cognitive function and hippocampal neuron density in rats, respectively. Results: Dracocephalum multicaule administration increased the time spent in the target quadrant in CCH rats during the MWM test (P<0. 05). D. multicaule improved hippocampal neuronal cell density in CCH animals (P<0. 05). Conclusion: Dracocephalum multicaule can improve spatial memory and hippocampal neuronal injury caused by CCH.

Introduction: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a prevalent healthcare-acquired infection. It is a global concern due to its potential for multidrug resistance and for posing significant challenges to healthcare providers. Two critical processes that lead to aminoglycoside resistance are the methylation of 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) and aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes (AMEs). Aminoglycosides are potent antimicrobial medicines often used to eliminate pseudomonas infections efficiently. This research aimed to assess the frequency of the occurrence of 16S rRNA methylase and AME genes in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa in Sistan, Iran. Methods: A total of 60 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa were collected. The isolates were identified from July 1, 2020, to May 28, 2022. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out to amplify the 16S rRNA methylase genes (armA and rmtA) and AME genes [Aph(3′)-Ib, Aph(6′)-VI, aadA1, aadB, and aac] in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa in Sistan, Iran. Results: The most prevalent AME gene was aadB, which was present in 48. 33% of the isolates (29/60). The least prevalent genes were aac, aadA1, and Aph(3′)-Ib with frequencies of 6 (10%), 6 (10%), and 7 (11. 66%), respectively. It was found that 85% (51/60) of the P. aeruginosa isolated were resistant to gentamicin, 65% (39/60) were resistant to amikacin, and 23. 33% (14/60) were resistant to tobramycin. Conclusion: Overall, this study determined that aadB was the most prevalent AME gene. In contrast, the genes aac, aadA1, and Aph(3′)-Ib had the lowest occurrence in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa from southeastern Iran.

Introduction: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), imposing a significant healthcare burden worldwide. Understanding the distribution of virulence genes among UPEC isolates is crucial for elucidating the pathogenesis of UTIs and developing therapeutic strategies. Methods: In this study, a total of 100 UPEC isolates previously collected from UTI patients were analyzed. The prevalence of various virulence genes associated with iron acquisition, including siderophore receptors (ireA), hemolysin toxins (hylB, hylC, and hylD), and iron uptake systems (feoB, fepC, and fyuA), as well as putative iron transport genes (modD, prrA, and yc73), was assessed using the Multiplex PCR method. Results: The results revealed notable variability in gene prevalence, with fyuA being the most frequently detected gene 63 (63%). However, hlyD was absent in all isolates. Other genes such as feoB, fepC, hlyB, hlyC, ireA, modD, prrA, and yc73 exhibited frequencies ranging from 9 (9%) to 53 (53%). Notably, 76 of the isolates harboured multiple virulence genes associated with iron acquisition, suggesting their potential for enhanced pathogenicity and adaptation to the host environment. Conclusion: The diverse prevalence of virulence genes underscores the dynamic nature of UPEC strains and their ability to adapt to host environments. Comprehending these patterns of gene prevalence offers invaluable insights into UTI pathogenesis, emphasizing the necessity for personalized therapeutic interventions. There is a pressing need for additional research elucidating the functional significance of these genes in UTI pathogenesis, aiming to formulate more efficient strategies to combat UPEC-induced UTIs.

The use of cadavers as educational tools in medical science and technology is unparalleled. Cadavers serve as an essential foundation for learning and practicing the fundamentals of medicine, offering a student-centered, problem-oriented approach to education. Beyond imparting knowledge and skills, cadavers play a crucial role in fostering emotional connections to humanity, nurturing gratitude and responsibility, and a respectful attitude of service.

Computer simulation of the effects of a compound, based on its chemical and spatial structure, on biological systems (in silico or virtual investigation) is one of the most important and first steps in designing and evaluating the effects of chemical agents. 1