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BackgroundAnimal-induced ocular injuries represent an under-documented health problem that may pose significant visual complications. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of ocular injuries caused by animals.MethodsThis multicenter prospective study enrolled patients with a history of animal-induced ocular injuries presenting to the ophthalmology departments of two tertiary hospitals over a one-year period. All participants underwent comprehensive assessments by ophthalmologists, and the following data were collected: demographic information, animal species involved, injury details, pre- and post-treatment visual data, management strategies, and follow-up outcomes.ResultsSeventy-two patients (62.5% male) were included in the study. Insects were the most common species, causing 37.5% of ocular injuries. The type of animal involved was significantly associated with injury patterns (p

Abstract This study investigates the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) across four metabolic phenotypes: Metabolically Healthy-No Obesity (MH-NO), Metabolically Unhealthy-No obesity (MU-NO), Metabolically Healthy-Obesity (MH-O), and Metabolically Unhealthy-Obesity (MU-O). Data from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, collected from 1999 to 2020, were used to categorize participants based on a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and metabolic health status, defined by the presence of three or four of the following components: high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein, and high fasting blood sugar. CKD, characterized by a glomerular filtration rate

Refractive errors, particularly myopia, are among the most prevalent visual impairments globally, with rising incidence in children and adolescents. This review explores the epidemiology and risk factors associated with the development of refractive errors, focusing on the environmental and lifestyle factors contributing to the current surge in myopia. We provide an overview of key genetic factors and molecular pathways driving the pathogenesis of myopia and other refractive errors, emphasizing the complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Understanding the underlying mechanisms is crucial for identifying new strategies for intervention. We discuss current approaches to slow myopia progression in pediatric populations, including pharmacological treatment regimens (low-dose atropine), optical interventions, and lifestyle modifications. In addition to established therapies, we highlight emerging innovations, including new pharmacological agents and advanced optical devices, and insights into potential future treatments. Cutting-edge research into gene therapy, molecular inhibitors, and neuroprotective strategies may yield novel therapeutic targets that address the root causes of refractive errors. This comprehensive review underscores the importance of early intervention and highlights promising avenues for future research, aiming to provide pediatricians with guidance to ultimately improve clinical outcomes in managing and preventing myopia progression in children and young adults.

Glaucoma is the primary cause of irreversible blindness globally. Different glaucoma subtypes are identified by their underlying mechanisms, and treatment options differ by its pathogenesis. Current management includes topical medications to lower intraocular pressure and surgical procedures like trabeculoplasty and glaucoma drainage implants. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an almost effective and safe treatment option for recurrent Clostridium difficile infection. The relationship between bacterial populations, metabolites, and inflammatory pathways in retinal diseases indicates possible therapeutic strategies. Thus, incorporating host microbiota-based therapies could offer an additional treatment option for glaucoma patients. Here, we propose that combining FMT with standard glaucoma treatments may benefit those affected by this condition. Also, the potential safety, efficacy, cost-effectiveness and clinical applications are discussed.

Abstract Jagunal homolog 1 (JAGN1) has been recognized as an essential protein in neutrophil function. The mutated JAGN1 is responsible for immunodeficiency related to innate and humoral defense mechanisms. This deficiency impairs neutrophil development and function, leading to recurrent infections and facial dysmorphism as phenotypic consequences of severe congenital neutropenia (SCN). We report two siblings having the reported JAGN1 mutation with different clinical manifestations. Recurrent abscess formation unresponsive to antibiotic therapy, a history of delayed umbilical separation, frequent bacterial or fungal infection, dysmorphic face, failure to thrive, and other coexisting organ abnormalities should prompt physicians to syndromic immunodeficiencies involving neutrophils. Genetic investigations to elucidate the responsible mutation is critical as clinical management varies. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, a multi-disciplinary team should perform further workups to investigate other coexisting malformations and neurodevelopmental evaluation.

Key Clinical Message Peritoneal encapsulation is most of the time asymptomatic and is found incidentally, but when symptomatic it usually presents with bowel obstruction. CT scan is a gold standard for the diagnosis of bowel encapsulation. Abstract Congenital peritoneal encapsulation (CPE), abdominal cocoon syndrome (ACS), and sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) are syndromes in which the small bowel is encapsulated. Small bowel encapsulation is usually asymptomatic and rarely presents with small bowel obstruction. In this article, we report a 65‐year‐old man who presented to our hospital with signs and symptoms of small bowel obstruction. He underwent an urgent operation, and small bowel encapsulation was diagnosed. One year after the surgery, all symptoms improved.

Abstract Objective The actual impact of the pandemic on COVID-19 specific mortality is still unclear due to the variability in access to diagnostic tools. This study aimed to estimate the excess all-cause mortality in Iran until September 2021 based on the national death statistics. Results The autoregressive integrated moving average was used to predict seasonal all-cause death in Iran (R-squared = 0.45). We observed a 38.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 29.7%–40.1%) rise in the all-cause mortality from 22 June 2020 to 21 June 2021. The excess all-cause mortality per 100,000 population were 178.86 (95% CI 137.2–220.5, M:F ratio = 1.3) with 49.1% of these excess deaths due to COVID-19. Comparison of spring 2019 and spring 2021 revealed that the highest percent increase in mortality was among men aged 65–69 years old (77%) and women aged 60–64 years old (86.8%). Moreover, the excess mortality among 31 provinces of Iran ranged from 109.7 (Hormozgan) to 273.2 (East-Azerbaijan) per 100,000 population. In conclusion, there was a significant rise in all-cause mortality during the pandemic. Since COVID-19 fatality explains about half of this rise, the increase in other causes of death and underestimation in reported data should be concerned by further studies.

Background. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are among the most important strains of probiotics. Some are normal flora of human mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal system, skin, urinary tract, and genitalia. There is evidence suggesting that LAB has an antiviral effect on viral infections. However, these studies are still controversial; a systematic review was conducted to evaluate the antiviral effects of LAB on viral infections. Methods. The systematic search was conducted until the end of December 17, 2022, using international databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Medline (via PubMed). The keywords of our search were lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillales, Lactobacillus (as well as its species), probiotics, antiviral, inhibitory effect, and virus. Results. Of 15.408 potentially relevant articles obtained, 45 eligible in-vivo human studies were selected for inclusion in the study from databases, registers, and citation searching. We conducted a systematic review of the antiviral effects of the LAB based on the included articles. The most commonly investigated lactobacillus specie were Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus casei. Conclusion. Our study indicates that 40 of the selected 45 of the included articles support the positive effect of LAB on viral infections, although some studies showed no significant positive effect of LABs on some viral infections.

IntroductionThe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in late December 2019. Considering the important role of gut microbiota in maturation, regulation, and induction of the immune system and subsequent inflammatory processes, it seems that evaluating the composition of gut microbiota in COVID-19 patients compared with healthy individuals may have potential value as a diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarker for the disease. Also, therapeutic interventions affecting gut microbial flora may open new horizons in the treatment of COVID-19 patients and accelerating their recovery.MethodsA systematic search was conducted for relevant studies published from December 2019 to December 2021 using Pubmed/Medline, Embase, and Scopus. Articles containing the following keywords in titles or abstracts were selected: “SARS-CoV-2” or “COVID-19” or “Coronavirus Disease 19” and “gastrointestinal microbes” or “dysbiosis” or “gut microbiota” or “gut bacteria” or “gut microbes” or “gastrointestinal microbiota”.ResultsOut of 1,668 studies, 22 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and a total of 1,255 confirmed COVID-19 patients were examined. All included studies showed a significant association between COVID-19 and gut microbiota dysbiosis. The most alteration in bacterial composition of COVID-19 patients was depletion in genera Ruminococcus, Alistipes, Eubacterium, Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Fusicathenibacter, and Blautia and enrichment of Eggerthella, Bacteroides, Actinomyces, Clostridium, Streptococcus, Rothia, and Collinsella. Also, some gut microbiome alterations were associated with COVID-19 severity and poor prognosis including the increment of Bacteroides, Parabacteroides, Clostridium, Bifidobacterium, Ruminococcus, Campylobacter, Rothia, Corynebacterium, Megasphaera, Enterococcus, and Aspergillus spp. and the decrement of Roseburia, Eubacterium, Lachnospira, Faecalibacterium, and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio.ConclusionOur study showed a significant change of gut microbiome composition in COVID-19 patients compared with healthy individuals. This great extent of impact has proposed the gut microbiota as a potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic strategy for COVID-19. There is much evidence about this issue, and it is expected to be increased in near future.

Abstract Introduction Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is the second most common autoimmune disease among children. There is evidence suggesting that dysbiosis of some gut colonizing bacteria are associated with the pathogenesis of T1D. However, these studies are still controversial and a systematic review was conducted to evaluate the association between gut microbiota and T1D. Methods A systematic search was carried out in Medline (Via Pubmed) and Embase from January 2000 to January 2019 for all original cross-sectional, cohort, case–control or nested case–control studies investigating the association between gut microbiota and T1D. Results Of 568 articles identified, 26 studies met the inclusion criteria. The total population study of these articles consists of 2600 children (under 18 years old) and 189 adults. Among the included studies, 24 articles confirmed the association between gut microbiota dysbiosis and T1D. The most common bacterial alterations in T1D patients included Bacteroides spp., Streptococcus spp., Clostridium spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Prevotella spp., Staphylococcus spp., Blautia spp., Faecalibacterium spp., Roseburia spp., and Lactobacillus spp. Conclusion Our study showed a significant association between alterations in intestinal microbial composition and T1D; however, in some articles, it is not clear which one happens first. Investigation of altered gut microbiota can help in the early detection of T1D before seropositivity. Targeted microbiome modulation can be a novel potential therapeutic strategy.

Introduction: The severity of COVID-19 may be correlated with the risk of liver injury development. An increasing number of studies indicate that degrees of hepatotoxicity has been associated with using some medications in the management of COVID-19 patients. However, limited studies had systematically investigated the evidence of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in COVID-19 patients. Thus, this study aimed to examine DILI in COVID-19 patients.Methods: A systematic search was carried out in PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science up to December 30, 2020. Search items included “SARS-CoV-2”, “Coronavirus,” COVID-19, and liver injury.Results: We included 22 related articles. Among included studies, there was five case report, five case series, four randomizes control trial (RCT), seven cohort studies, and one cross-sectional study. The drugs included in this systematic review were remdesivir, favipiravir, tocilizumab, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir/ritonavir. Among included studies, some studies revealed a direct role of drugs, while others couldn't certainly confirm that the liver injury was due to SARS-CoV-2 itself or administration of medications. However, a significant number of studies reported that liver injury could be attributable to drug administration.Discussion: Liver injury in COVID-19 patients could be caused by the virus itself or the administration of some types of drug. Intensive liver function monitoring should be considered for patients, especially patients who are treated with drugs such as remdesivir, lopinavir/ritonavir, and tocilizumab.

Background: The rapidly evolving coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. It was first detected in the Wuhan city of China and has spread globally resulting in a substantial health and economic crisis in many countries. Observational studies have partially identified different aspects of this disease. There have been no published systematic reviews that combine clinical, laboratory, epidemiologic, and mortality findings. Also, the effect of gender on the outcomes of COVID-19 has not been well-defined.Methods: We reviewed the scientific literature published from January 1, 2019 to May 29, 2020. Statistical analyses were performed with STATA (version 14, IC; Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA). The pooled frequency with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was assessed using random effect model. P < 0.05 was considered a statistically significant publication bias.Results: Out of 1,223 studies, 34 satisfied the inclusion criteria. A total of 5,057 patients with a mean age of 49 years were evaluated. Fever (83.0%, CI 77.5–87.6) and cough (65.2%, CI 58.6–71.2) were the most common symptoms. The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (18.5%, CI 12.7–24.4) and Cardiovascular disease (14.9%, CI 6.0–23.8). Among the laboratory abnormalities, elevated C-Reactive Protein (CRP) (72.0%, CI 54.3–84.6) and lymphopenia (50.1%, CI 38.0–62.4) were the most common. Bilateral ground-glass opacities (66.0%, CI 51.1–78.0) was the most common CT scan presentation. The pooled mortality rate was 6.6%, with males having significantly higher mortality compared to females (OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.2–9.1, P = 0.01).Conclusion: COVID-19 has caused a significant number of hospitalization and mortality worldwide. Mortality associated with COVID-19 was higher in our study compared to the previous reports from China. The mortality was significantly higher among the hospitalized male group. Further studies are required to evaluate the effect of different variables resulting in sex disparity in COVID-19 mortality.

Introduction: The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been declared a public health emergency worldwide. The objective of this systematic review was to characterize the clinical, diagnostic, and treatment characteristics of hospitalized patients presenting with COVID-19.Methods: We conducted a structured search using PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science to collect both case reports and case series on COVID-19 published up to April 24, 2020. There were no restrictions regarding publication language.Results: Eighty articles were included analyzing a total of 417 patients with a mean age of 48 years. The most common presenting symptom in patients who tested positive for COVID-19 was fever, reported in up to 62% of patients from 82% of the analyzed studies. Other symptoms including rhinorrhea, dizziness, and chills were less frequently reported. Additionally, in studies that reported C-reactive protein (CRP) measurements, a large majority of patients displayed an elevated CRP (60%). Progression to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was the most common complication of patients testing positive for COVID-19 (21%). CT images displayed ground-glass opacification (GGO) patterns (80%) as well as bilateral lung involvement (69%). The most commonly used antiviral treatment modalities included, lopinavir (HIV protease inhibitor), arbidiol hydrochloride (influenza fusion inhibitor), and oseltamivir (neuraminidase inhibitor).Conclusions: Development of ARDS may play a role in estimating disease progression and mortality risk. Early detection of elevations in serum CRP, combined with a clinical COVID-19 symptom presentation may be used as a surrogate marker for the presence and severity of the disease. There is a paucity of data surrounding the efficacy of treatments. There is currently not a well-established gold standard therapy for the treatment of diagnosed COVID-19. Further prospective investigations are necessary.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogen responsible for an acute respiratory disease designated COIVD-19, which has spread throughout the world. Despite all the struggles with this virus, still, the majority of societies are affected by COVID-19, which raises many questions such as are these ways of management enough, which is crucial in order to contain the virus spread, and which is not effective. In this systemic review, we tried to summarize the data on different ways of managing COVID-19 outbreaks. Through understanding the efficacy and downsides of different approaches to manage COVID-19, public health officials, governing bodies, and health care administrators may be better equipped with the tools necessary to best manage COVID-19 and pandemics. Methods: This systematic review was carried out by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. Articles were selected using several databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, all peer-reviewed and published articles from December 1, 2019 to April 23, 2020 that met the inclusion criteria were selected. Results: The majority of the included articles were mathematical modeling, cohort studies (n = 9), cross-sectional (n = 6), and one case series. Most articles originated from China and then Singapore. The measures that have been practiced in these articles consisted of close contact tracing and case isolation, quarantine, strict surveillance, lockdown, and travel surveillance. Conclusions: The most effective approach is at least the combination of case detection and isolation, and contact tracing or containment measures. In the literature, travel controls seem to be ineffective, personal hygiene should be tough and emphasized.