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BackgroundCOVID-19 was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Given that the severe shortage of hospital beds has led to early discharge and insufficient patient education on home care routines and isolation protocols, the close follow-up of patients and their immediate relatives is an integral part of transitioning from hospital care to home care for patients with COVID-19. ObjectiveWe designed the Tele-COVID-19 prospective cohort to follow-up with COVID-19 patients in Tehran, Iran, and improve health care delivery and the recording of postdischarge patients’ clinical profiles. MethodsAll adult patients who were admitted to the COVID-19 wards of teaching hospitals in Tehran, Iran were eligible to participate in this cohort study. At baseline, patients were recruited from 4 major hospitals from March 9, 2020 to May 20, 2020. Telephone follow-ups, which were led by volunteer medical students, were conducted on postdischarge days 1-3, 5, 7, 10, and 14. We collected data on a range of sociodemographic, epidemiological, and clinical characteristics by using a standard questionnaire. ResultsOf the 950 patients with confirmed COVID-19 who were approached, 823 (response rate: 86.6%) consented and were enrolled into the cohort. Of the 823 participants, 449 (54.5%) were male. The mean age of participants was 50.1 years (SD 12.6 years). During the initial data collection phase, more than 5000 phone calls were made and over 577 reports of critical patients who were in need of urgent medical attention were recorded. ConclusionsThe Tele-COVID-19 cohort will provide patients with sufficient education on home care and isolation, and medical advice on care and the proper use of drugs. In addition, by preventing unnecessary hospital returns and providing information on household SARS-CoV-2 transmission as early as possible, this cohort will help with effective disease management in resource-limited settings. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/23316

Objectives: This study is aimed at comparing the effectiveness of ulnar compression and brachial compression in inducing radial artery dilatation. Methods: This randomized crossover study included 30 patients undergoing elective diagnostic transradial coronary angiography. Ulnar compression and brachial compression maneuvers were performed in two groups. Radial artery diameter and cross‐sectional area were measured at baseline and remeasured every 30 s (up to 2 min) after the interventions. Results: Both ulnar compression and brachial compression maneuvers successfully increased radial artery diameter for up to 60 s following the interventions. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups after adjusting for baseline measurements. However, each treatment group showed a significant increase in indicators up to 60 s, followed by a subsequent decrease. The maximum radial artery diameter occurred at 60 s after the removal of compression in both groups. Conclusion: Ulnar compression and brachial compression maneuvers demonstrated effectiveness in inducing radial artery dilation for a limited duration. These maneuvers may reduce the occurrence of access failure during radial artery cannulation. No significant differences were observed between the two maneuvers, indicating that they can be used interchangeably based on clinician preference. So, because the ulnar compression is simpler and more feasible for the patients, it can be considered instead of brachial compression. Trial Registration:IRCT20230209057372N1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managing soil modifier application is important to improve the soil properties. The purpose of the experiment was to study the short-term (0, 60, 120, 180 days) changes of the soil properties affected by the organic modifier types (barberry biochar, poultry manure, vermicompost, wheat straw), and their application methods (mixing and mulching). This study was carried out in a laboratory scale where organic modifiers were used at 5% ratio (by weight) with four replicates. The factorial experiment was performed based on a totally random design using variance analysis, mean comparison and the least significant difference (LSD) test (p < 0.05). The soil characteristics were enhanced by all organic modifiers. The highest amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were obtained from the poultry manure. The highest amounts of calcium and magnesium were related to the barberry biochar at 120 and 180 days, and led to increasing up to 1.33, and 2.5 times, respectively, compared to the control. Promising results were observed in soil physicochemical properties when barberry biochar was applied as mixed with the soil for 180 days. The mixed application of the poultry manure and barberry biochar for 180 days was the best treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are sporadic researches on evaluating the health endpoints and burden of disease resulted from long-term exposure to atmospheric PM10/PM2.5by AirQ+ model in the world. Therefore, the aim of the current work was to evaluate the effect of PM10/PM2.5on health of residents in Karaj city, Iran using AirQ+. To this end, data on population, the baseline incidence rates of health outcomes in Karaj's inhabitants, meteorological parameters and PM10/PM2.5concentrations (from 2012 to 2016) were obtained from governmental organisations.The correlation between the PM10/PM2.5levels and meteorological parameters in the research period were evaluated by statistical analysis using SPSS® 22 and R software. Finally, the health endpointsanddisease burden was estimated using WHO-approved AirQ+ software. The results of statistical correlation analysis indicated that PM2.5/PM10 are positively correlated with relative humidity and temperature (P < 0.05), but the negativelycorrelatedwithother two parameters (precipitation and wind speed) (P > 0.05). The quantitative risk assessment conducted by AirQ+ showed that all-cause deaths, the deaths from cerebrovascular disease (stroke), chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), lung cancer (LC), ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in periods of time 2012–2016wereestimated 3894, 1834, 124, 139, 2410 and 21 cases, respectively. On the other hand, PM10-attributable mortality from 2012 to 2016 were estimated 1619 cases. The findings obtained from of the regression correlation analysis relationship between PM2.5 concentrations and the number of mortality revealed that by increasing 1 µg/m3in PM2.5concentrations, about 14 cases will be added to the total deaths of Karaj city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The most common gastrointestinal disorders are functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) of which functional indigestion is one of the most common types and causes the deterioration of health and reduction of quality of life (QOL). This study was conducted with the aim to determine the effectiveness of emotion regulation training on metacognitive beliefs and pain perception in patients with functional indigestion. Methods: The present study was a quasi-experimental research with pretest-posttest design and a control group. The statistical population consisted of all patients with functional indigestion in Tehran, Iran, in 2020. The sample consisted of 30 patients who were selected through the convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to an experimental group (emotion regulation training) and a control group (each consisting of 15 people). The research tools included the Metacognitions Questionnaire (Wells & Cartwright-Hatton, 2004) and McGill Pain Questionnaire (Melzack, 1975). Data analysis was performed using analysis of variance in SPSS software. Results: The findings showed that emotion regulation training was effective on metacognitive beliefs (P < 0.001) and pain perception (P < 0.001) in patients with functional indigestion. Conclusion: It can be concluded that emotion regulation training was effective on metacognitive beliefs and pain perception in patients with functional indigestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of high-throughput genotyping or sequencing data helps us to understand the genomic response to natural and artificial selection. In this study, we scanned the genomes of five indigenous buffalo populations belong to three recognized breeds, adapted to different geographical and agro-ecological zones in Iran, to unravel the extent of genomic diversity and to localize genomic regions and genes underwent past selection. A total of 46 river buffalo whole genomes, from West and East Azerbaijan, Gilan, Mazandaran, and Khuzestan provinces, were resequenced. Our sequencing data reached to a coverage above 99% of the river buffalo reference genome and an average read depth around 9.2× per sample. We identified 20.55 million SNPs, including 63,097 missense, 707 stop-gain, and 159 stop-loss mutations that might have functional consequences. Genomic diversity analyses showed modest structuring among Iranian buffalo populations following frequent gene flow or admixture in the recent past. Evidence of positive selection was investigated using both differentiation (Fst) and fixation (Pi) metrics. Analysis of fixation revealed three genomic regions in all three breeds with aberrant polymorphism contents on BBU2, 20, and 21. Fixation signal on BBU2 overlapped with the OCA2-HERC2 genes, suggestive of adaptation to UV exposure through pigmentation mechanism. Further validation using resequencing data from other five bovine species as well as the Axiom Buffalo Genotyping Array 90K data of river and swamp buffaloes indicated that these fixation signals persisted across river and swamp buffaloes and extended to taurine cattle, implying an ancient evolutionary event occurred before the speciation of buffalo and taurine cattle. These results contributed to our understanding of major genetic switches that took place during the evolution of modern buffaloes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Hepatic manifestations of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) are common among people living with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Objectives: This systematic review aimed to summarize the evidence on COVID-19 patients living with HBV or HCV co-infections. Data Sources: We searched multiple electronic databases and preprint servers from December 1, 2019, to August 9, 2020. Study Selection: Studies were included if they reported quantitative empirical data on COVID-19 patients living with HBV or HCV co-infections. Data Extraction: Descriptive analyses were reported, and data were synthesized narratively. The quality assessment was completed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Results: Out of the 941 uniquely identified records, 27 studies were included. Of the eligible studies, 232 COVID-19 patients were living with HBV and 22 were living with HCV. Most patients were male, and the mean age was 49.8 and 62.8 years in patients living with HBV and HCV, respectively. Among the reported cases of SARS-CoV-2-HBV co-infection, the proportions of death were 4.7% and 15% in cross-sectional and case series/report studies, respectively. The death proportion was 8.3% among the reported cases of SARS-CoV-2-HCV co-infection. Among COVID-19 patients, 34.1% and 76.2% reported at least one comorbidity besides HBV and HCV infections, mainly hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The most common COVID-19-related symptoms in both HBV and HCV groups were fever, cough, dyspnea, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusions: While understanding the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 requires further investigations, the careful assessment of hepatic manifestations and chronic infections, such as HBV and HCV upon the admission of COVID-19 patients could help reduce multimorbidity among HBV or HCV patients and lead to more favorable health outcomes among them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID-19 targets the liver and there is no available data about liver injury due to mild to moderate form of COVID-19. In this study, we evaluated the risk factors associated with liver injury in NON-ICU admitted COVID-19 patients. Methods: in this retrospective study, 102 eligible adult participants admitted in the ward were included. The patients with previous history of liver disease were excluded. The patients with AST or ALT or bilirubin more than normal ranges were allocated in liver injury group and patients with normal ranges of them were categorized in non-liver injury. Characteristics and laboratory data were analyzed between these two groups. Results: The mean age of the population was 55.13± 17.02 years old. The most common symptom was fever (45.8%). The most frequent co-morbidity was hypertension (25%). 65 patients had liver injury (63.72%). CRP were significantly higher in liver injury group (P=0.01). Univariate analysis reported ALKP, and CRP was associated significantly with liver injury (P=0.04, OR= 1.003, Cl 95%= 1.000-1.007; P=0.03, OR= 1.009, Cl 95%= 1.000- 1.017, respectively). No independent factor was detected in multivariate analysis. Based on the Spearman's rank correlation coefficients CRP correlated significantly with AST (r=0.22, P=0.00). Moreover, neutrophil and CRP, correlated with ALT (r=0.01, P=0.90; r=0.23, P=0.02, respectively). Conclusion: No independent factor was detected to predict liver injury chance due to COVID-19. However, CRP had a significant association with it. It appears that the role of inflammatory pathways in liver damage was due to COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pandemic situation created an overwhelmed needs for ICU facilities, according to this problem, the need of accurate management of facilities represents boldness. In this study, prognostic risk factors for ICU admission among COVID-19 hospitalized patients were evaluated. Methods: From 22 February to April 20, 2020. A total of 214 COVID-19 patients participated in this study. The included patients were between 18- 80 years old, and the patients who previously admitted for COVID-19 were excluded. The comorbid medical conditions, admission laboratory, demographic data, and first manifestations were analyzed between two groups, including ICU and non-ICU admitted patients. The statistical analysis, univariate and multivariate analysis were afforded. The value of the predictors in the risk assessment of ICU admission was estimated. Results: 55(25.7%) patients were admitted in ICU. The ICU admitted patient's mortality rate was about 68%. The age was significantly higher among ICU admission group (P=0.03). Admission O2 saturation was significantly lower among ICU admitted patients (P=0.00). The kidney disease and malignancy history were more frequent in ICU-admitted patients (P=0.04, P=0.00). Myalgia was the clinical manifestation that significantly presented more frequent in ICU-admitted patients. INR, CRP, ESR, HB, and lymphocyte were significantly different between two groups. After multivariable analysis, admission O2 saturation, hematocrit, CRP and myalgia could significantly predict the risk of ICU admission. Furthermore, the value of predictors was estimated in our study. Conclusion: Based on our results, the admission O2 saturation, HCT, CRP levels at first admission and myalgia presentation could be considered as the valuable predictors of ICU admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laryngeal chondrosarcoma is a rare tumor that involves head and neck region such as larynx in rare cases. This malignant tumor usually grows quite slowly. The patient may experience symptoms for several years before a diagnosis is made. The diagnosis is achieved by clinical, radiological and pathological features. Management is basically surgical. Prognosis is generally good, depending basically on histologic grade. Herein, we report a case of laryngeal chondrosarcoma presented with hoarseness. Spiral CT scan demonstrated an expansile mass with calcification originating from cricoid cartilage. The patient underwent surgery for open excisional biopsy, and postoperative histopathologic evaluations confirmed "laryngeal chondrosarcoma" as definite diagnosis. The patient denied total laryngectomy for complete removal of the tumor. Six months follow up showed no more growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In order to achieve a higher success rate for tympanoplasty, different techniques have been developed, and a wide variety of grafting materials have been developed. One of the techniques currently receiving considerable attention involves not lifting the remaining of eardrum from the malleus and embedding the graft underneath in order to repair the eardrum correctly in its original position, as well as minimizing graft lateralization leading to progression of hearing rehabilitation. We compared the effects of tympanoplasty with and without malleus lifting on hearing loss in patients with chronic otitis media. Materials and Methods: In this study, 30 consecutive patients diagnosed as having chronic otitis media without cholesteatoma were randomly assigned to two tympanoplasty groups; with or without malleus lifting. Air and bone conduction thresholds were recorded before and 45 days after the intervention. Results: In groups, except for 8000 Hz, the air conduction was significantly improved following surgery. According to air conduction there was no difference between the groups before surgery at different frequencies, although it was improved to a greater degree in the group without lifting at 250 Hz postoperatively. The average post-operative air-bone gap (ABG) gain was significantly higher in all study frequencies in the target group. One of the effects of this technique is inner-ear protection from physical trauma to the ossicular chain, and prevention of damage to bone conduction. Conclusion: A higher hearing threshold and also higher ABG gain can be achieved by not lifting the remaining eardrum from the malleus and embedding the graft undereath it, especially at lower frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Social belief and experimental evidences indicate that opium and its alkaloids, morphine, produced hypoglycemic effects in animal models. This study was conducted in order to determine the role of morphine on blood glucose and insulin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an empirical analysis investigating the laboratory albino male rats weighing 200-250 g. Rats in the control group received saline and animals in the treatment group were injected 5mg/kg morphine intraperitoneally (I.P.). Blood glucose and insulin rate were measured at the time of 0, 2, 4 and 6 hours after morphine injection. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that morphine could not change serum insulin and blood glucose in comparison to control group. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the effects of morphine on blood glucose and insulin are dependent upon the route of administration, and that I.P. injection of morphine in rat had no effect on blood levels of glucose and insulin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID-19 was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Given that the severe shortage of hospital beds has led to early discharge and insufficient patient education on home care routines and isolation protocols, the close follow-up of patients and their immediate relatives is an integral part of transitioning from hospital care to home care for patients with COVID-19. Objective: We designed the Tele-COVID-19 prospective cohort to follow-up with COVID-19 patients in Tehran, Iran, and improve health care delivery and the recording of postdischarge patients' clinical profiles. Methods: All adult patients who were admitted to the COVID-19 wards of teaching hospitals in Tehran, Iran were eligible to participate in this cohort study. At baseline, patients were recruited from 4 major hospitals from March 9, 2020 to May 20, 2020. Telephone follow-ups, which were led by volunteer medical students, were conducted on postdischarge days 1-3, 5, 7, 10, and 14. We collected data on a range of sociodemographic, epidemiological, and clinical characteristics by using a standard questionnaire. Results: Of the 950 patients with confirmed COVID-19 who were approached, 823 (response rate: 86.6%) consented and were enrolled into the cohort. Of the 823 participants, 449 (54.5%) were male. The mean age of participants was 50.1 years (SD 12.6 years). During the initial data collection phase, more than 5000 phone calls were made and over 577 reports of critical patients who were in need of urgent medical attention were recorded. Conclusions: The Tele-COVID-19 cohort will provide patients with sufficient education on home care and isolation, and medical advice on care and the proper use of drugs. In addition, by preventing unnecessary hospital returns and providing information on household SARS-CoV-2 transmission as early as possible, this cohort will help with effective disease management in resource-limited settings. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/23316 JMIR Res Protoc 2021;10(2):e23316 doi:10.2196/23316 We help JMIR researchers to raise funds to pursue their research and development aimed at tackling important health and technology challenges. If you would like to show your support for this author, please donate using the button below. The funds raised will directly benefit the corresponding author of this article (minus 8% admin fees). Your donations will help this author to continue publishing open access papers in JMIR journals. Donations of over $100 may also be acknowledged in future publications. Submit Suggested contribution levels: $20/$50/$100 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recently, Covid 19 as a fatal virus has been known as the cause of the pandemic. Different number of the mortality rate in various societies have been reported. However, it seems the underlying comorbidities increase the risk of mortality and the severity of presentation. In this study we evaluated the pattern of presentation of COVID-19 among cancerous patients in terms of severity., Method: between 20th February to 22nd April of 2020, among 214 hospitalized patients because of COVID-19. 41 patients revealed the cancer as a synchronous comorbidity. These patients based on the severity of COVID-19 infection presentation were divided to mild and severe groups. Then, the demographic characteristics, manifestation and laboratory data between these groups were compared., Result: about 19 (46.34%) of 41 cases were categorized as severe forms of COVID-19 with malignancy. The mean age of severe groups was significantly higher (P=0.00). Dyspnea (48.78%), cough (46.34%) and myalgia (24.39%) were the most common clinical features among cancerous patients with COVID-19.  diarrhea and nearly cough caused significant effects on severe form of presentation of COVID-19 infection (P=0.05, P=0.06, respectively). Hematological cancers were the most frequent types of cancer among these patients (46.34%). White Blood Cell counts were significantly lower in severe groups (P=0.03, P=.0.06, respectively). C-reactive protein is another item that nearly significantly was higher in severe groups of cancerous patients (P=0.06)., Conclusion: The elderly age, the positive chemotherapy history, diarrhea, cough, declined WBC, PLT and elevated CRP correlated with a severe form of this infection in malignant cases.