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Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a debilitating respiratory condition characterized by persistent airflow limitation and chronic inflammation. Microbial infections and dysregulated microribonucleic acid (miRNA) expression have been implicated in COPD pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the molecular detection of three respiratory pathogens, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, in the respiratory secretions of COPD patients. In addition, it evaluated the expression levels of miR-146, miR-16, and miR-221 in the peripheral blood of COPD patients. Methods: Peripheral blood and respiratory secretions were collected from 40 healthy individuals and 40 COPD patients. The messenger ribonucleic acid expression levels of miR-146, miR-16, and miR-221 were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analyses, including t-test, binomial test, and Pearson correlation, were performed. Results: H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae, and C. pneumoniae were detected in the sputum of 12.5%, 17.5%, and 7.5% of COPD patients, respectively. The expression of miR-146, miR-221, and miR-16 was observed in 65%, 15%, and 85% of COPD patients, respectively, compared to 13%, 80%, and 15% of healthy subjects. While miR-221 was downregulated in COPD patients, miR-16 and miR-146 were upregulated. No significant differences were found in the expression of these miRNAs between infected and noninfected COPD patients. Conclusion: The molecular detection of respiratory pathogens and the expression profiles of miR-146, miR-16, and miR-221 in COPD patients may have potential diagnostic value. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of these markers in COPD pathogenesis.

Background: Dental tissue engineering (DTE) is an inspiring biological approach to replacing lost teeth. The strength of the differentiation of basic endometrial cells to ameloblasts is yet to be fully understood. Moreover, the construction of a scaffold, upon which ameloblasts can both grow and replicate, has been a challenge in DTE. Methods: This is an experimental study. Basic endometrial cells were first isolated and cultured before induction of differentiation to ameloblast cells by adjacency to mesenchymal rat cells and application of fibroblast growth factor 8. Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were synthesized by freeze-drying method. The nanocomposite collagen and hydroxyapatite scaffold were synthesized by the solvent casting method. Finally, the amyloblast cells were implanted into the hydroxyapatite and collagen nanocomposite scaffold. Results: The success of cell differentiation was confirmed through staining using specific antibodies against ameloblastin and amelogenin markers. Expression of ameloblast-specific mRNAs, such as ameloblastins, amelogenins, and cytokeratin 14 was detected in the differentiated cells. Alizarin red staining clearly illustrates mineralization nodules in the differentiated cells. Staining against specific ameloblast markers showed that the differentiated ameloblast cells are expressed on the scaffold, unlike the control group. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, basic endometrial cells are capable of expressing the traits of ameloblast cells. The scaffold used in the present study conforms to most criteria used for dental tissue reconstruction and can be applied in DTE.

Background: A heterogeneous pattern was detected in COVID-19 severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients. The aim of this study was to define special features and individualized treatment modalities for this fatal infectious disease. Methods: Thirty-six patients diagnosed as COVID-19 severe ARDS were chosen. Lung mechanics (compliance), the extravascular lung water index (EVLWI) and pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI), and serum concentrations of immunology markers (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8, ferritin, and C-reactive protein) were measured. Accordingly, individualized treatment consisting of Actemra, hemoperfusion (HP), continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was implemented for each patient. Results: Patients were categorized according to the lung compliance: 18 in “L type” with compliance> 40 cc/cmH2O and 18 in “H type” with compliance ≤40 cc/cmH2O. In 16 patients, standard mechanical ventilation management and antiviral therapy were unsuccessful; therefore, hemodynamic and immunity responses were evaluated. Results of transpulmonary thermodilution in L-type patients surprisingly showed EVLWI = 8.8 ± 1.3 (6.9–9.7) and PVPI = 2.4 ± 0.1 (2.2–2.6). In the H-type patients, five cases showed EVLWI = 8.7 ± 0.8 (7.5–9.8) and PVPI = 2.6 ± 0.3 (2.1–2.8) which were subclassified as “Ha type” and five cases with EVLWI = 17.5 ± 1.9 (15.7–20.6) and PVPI = 3.9 ± 0.4 (3.5–4.5) were named “Hb type”. By measuring immunologic markers, these two groups were subdivided into high and low marker groups. Individualized treatment resulted in 2 survivals with Actemra, 1 with HP, 2 with HP + CRRT, and 1 with ECMO. Conclusion: According to the heterogeneity of COVID-19 severe ARDS presentation, which is due to various immunologic and hemodynamic responses, a systematic approach is an important and relatively successful strategy in choosing the appropriate treatment modality.