Background: The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the relationship between the anatomical distribution of pulmonary lesions in computed tomography scan of patients with COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was performed in 2020–2021 in Isfahan on 300 patients infected with COVID-19 pneumonia. We collected data on the age, gender, and comorbidities of patients. In addition, we gathered data on the clinical manifestations of the patients from their medical records. Results: We noted a significant decline in symptoms such as fever and sputum production in the second and third peak in comparison to the first peak (P < 0.05). Moreover, cough and muscular pain were higher in the second and third peaks compared to the first peak (P < 0.05). Cough was the most common clinical manifestation related to the peripheral distribution of the involvements, bilateral lung disease, and right lower lobe (RLL) involvements in the first peak. In the second COVID-19 peak, fever and cough were the most common clinical findings, respectively, that were mostly associated with peripheral distribution and left lower lobe involvement. Conclusion: Cough was the most common clinical manifestation related to the peripheral distribution of the involvements, bilateral lung disease, and RLL involvements in the first peak. In the second COVID-19 peak, fever and cough were the most common clinical findings.

Background: Cancer patients, as a highly vulnerable population, are receiving a great deal of attention in the current crisis of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). To date, shreds of evidence are not sufficient to the description of COVID-19 outcomes in patients with cancer. This study was performed to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics and subsequent outcomes of COVID-19 in cancer patients. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based study was conducted involving 66 cancer patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 from January 15, 2020, to December 21, 2020, in Isfahan, Iran. The clinical information was collected by interview and medical records. The statistical analyses were performed to describe categorical variables as well as mean, standard deviation, median, and the interquartile range for quantitative variables. Results: In our study, 66 cancer patients with confirmed COVID-19 (age: 17–97 years; 50% female) were included. Leukemia and bone marrow cancer with a frequency of 25.7% were the most common types of cancer among them. Cancer patients mostly complained of fever, cough and fatigue, and shortness of breath. Among 76.9% of patients discharged from the hospital with relative recovery, 23% died; the most common cause of death was acute respiratory distress syndrome. Age, gender, and type of cancer did not affect cancer mortality. COVID-19 had no potential effect to increase the risk of side effects of anticancer therapies. Conclusion: The results of our studies revealed that cancer is an important risk factor for the higher rate of mortality in patients with COVID-19. These findings could help physicians for the management, treatment, and supportive care of COVID-19 cancer patients.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of compact food bar (CFB) designed on cardiopulmonary function in men athletes who serve in military service. Materials and Methods: In this randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial, 46 men of military staff were arranged into 2 groups and studied for 28 days; one branch used 3 packs daily, 700 kcal each, of CFB with Functional compounds (Caffeine and L-arginine) and the other group used regular food during training course. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ Max) in vitro with cardiopulmonary exercise test, body composition, and physical activity were assessed and recorded at baseline and end of the study period. Results: VO₂ Max (P = 0.05) significantly increased in CFB group compared with baseline. Moreover, VO₂ Max (P = 0.01), VO₂/HR (P = 0.04), oxygen uptake/heart rate (VO₂/HR) (P = 0.03), and ventilation per minute/oxygen uptake (VE/VO₂) (P = 0.03) significantly increased in CFB group compared with control group. In comparison, there was no significant difference in mean ventilation per minute/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO₂) (P = 0.41), ventilation per minute (VE) (P = 0.69), and breathing frequency (P = 0.056). No significant effect of CFB was found on weight, body mass index (P = 0.23), lean body mass (P = 0.91), and body fat mass (P = 0.91). Conclusion: Our results show that intervention with CFB is more effective than regular diet in improving cardiopulmonary function in men athletes who serve in military service.

Background: Adhesion of Candida to host cell receptors, hemolysin production, and proteinase activity are assumed as principal virulence factors and infection establishment. These virulence factors are essential for colonization, biofilm formation, and attack on the host cells. Materials and Methods: A total of 97 Candida albicans isolates obtained from gastroesophageal lesions and urinary tract infections were included in the study. Adhesion assay, proteinase activity, and hemolysin production were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using the independent t-test and Chi-square test to compare quantitative and qualitative data between the two groups. Results: The adherence ability to the buccal epithelial cells was the same in the two groups. Proteinase activity was seen in all clinical isolates. Hemolytic activities were not statistically significant in the two groups. Conclusion: Our results recommend that the pathogenicity of C. albicans in the mucous membranes cannot be connected to the infected site.

Background: Streptococcus mutans involved in caries pathogenesis is classified into four serotypes, namely serotypes c, e, f, and k. Candida albicans can be found in the plaque of children with early childhood caries (ECC). Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze the quantity of the antigens of S. mutans serotype e and C. albicans and its correlation with the salivary flow rate in ECC. Materials and Methods: The antigen quantities of caries plaque samples and caries-free were determined using an enzyme-linked immunoassay with 450-nm optical density. Results: There was a significant difference between the quantity of S. mutans serotype e and C. albicans antigens in each salivary flow rate category (P < 0.05). The relationship between the antigen quantity of S. mutans serotype e and C. albicans was r = 0.624 (P > 0.05) for caries plaque samples and r = 0.628 (P > 0.05) for caries-free samples. Conclusion: the antigen quantities of S. mutans serotype e and C. albicans and the salivary flow rate might correlate to the pathogenesis of ECC.

Background: This study aimed to determine changes in microvascular endothelial function with upper arm arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation and maturation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Materials and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was performed at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. Forty CKD patients (stage 4–5) who were scheduled for elective AVF creation over the upper extremity for maintenance hemodialysis were recruited using convenience sampling method. Microvascular endothelial-dependent vasodilation was measured using laser Doppler flowmetry and the process of iontophoresis preoperatively and postoperatively at weeks 2 and 6. Fistula maturation was assessed at week 6. Results: Thirty-two patients had successful AVF maturation. Endothelial-dependent vasodilation (acetylcholine (Ach)%) was higher (246.48 [standard deviation (SD) 209.38] vs. 104.95 [SD 43.29], P = 0.001) while systolic blood pressure was lower (142.25 [SD 21.50] vs. 162.25 [SD 13.26], P = 0.017) in this group as compared to unsuccessful AVF group. No significant changes were seen in overall microvascular endothelial-dependent vasodilation during the 6-week study period (day 0, 246.48 [SD 209.38]; week 2, 201.14 [SD 198.19]; and week 6, 203.53 [SD 145.89]). Conclusion: Upper arm AVF creation does not affect microvascular endothelial function up to 6 weeks post operation and may not contribute to the success of AVF maturation. However, the lower microvascular endothelial-dependent vasodilation and higher systolic blood pressure in unsuccessful AVF subjects need to be further studied.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibiotic resistance pattern of Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from patients in Isfahan province. Materials and Methods: Gastric antrum biopsy specimens of patients undergoing endoscopy were cultured. The samples with the growth of H. pylori underwent antibiotic susceptibility test by disk diffusion method. Reaults: Of 96 samples, 50 samples (53%) were positive for H. pylori. The rates of antibiotic resistance were as follows: amoxicillin, 6%; azithromycin, 20%; furazolidone, 22%; levofloxacin, 16%; metronidazole, 20%; rifampin, 12%; and tetracycline, 22%. Conclusion: H. pylori strains in our area have high rates of resistance to azithromycin, levofloxacin, metronidazole, tetracycline, and furazolidone.

Background: Neurological manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been highlighted. COVID-19 potentially increases the risk of thromboembolism. We aimed to compare patients with COVID-19 with and without new-onset acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Materials and Methods: In this single-center retrospective case–control study, demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and clinical outcomes were compared between 51 patients with both COVID-19 and AIS (group A) and 160 patients with COVID-19 and without AIS (group B). Results: Patients in group A were significantly older, more likely to present with critical COVID-19 (P = 0.004), had higher rates of admission in the intensive care unit (P < 0.001), more duration of hospitalization (P < 0.001), and higher in-hospital mortality (P < 0.001). At the time of hospitalization, O₂ saturation (P = 0.011), PH (P = 0.04), and HCO3 (P = 0.005) were lower in group A. White blood cell count (P = 0.002), neutrophil count (P < 0.001), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (P = 0.001), D-Dimer (P < 0.001), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P < 0.001), and BUN/Cr ratio (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in patients with AIS. Conclusion: Stroke in COVID-19 is multifactorial. In addition to conventional risk factors of ischemic stroke (age and cardiovascular risk factors), we found that patients with more severe COVID-19 are more prone to ischemic stroke. Furthermore, leukocyte count, neutrophil count, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, D-Dimer, BUN, and BUN/Cr ratio were higher in patients with AIS following COVID-19 infection.

Background: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of nephrocalcinosis (NC) among children with diagnosed congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Our findings would be helpful for earlier diagnosis, management, and prevention of NC-related complications. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, children with CAH, aged <18 years old who were regularly referred for follow-up, were included. The information of the patients was extracted from their medical files, and they underwent renal ultrasonography for evaluation of the presence of NC. Results: From 120 studied patients with CAH, four patients (3.3%) had NC. The prevalence of NC was higher in males than females (P = 0.05). Mean age and age of CAH diagnosis had a trend to be lower in CAH patients with NC than those without. Regression analysis indicated significant association between NC and sex (P = 0.027, r = 2.24). Conclusion: The results of this study indicated a 3.3% prevalence rate of NC for children with CAH. NC had a trend to be more prevalent in male children with CAH. Though it was not significantly different but given that the mean age and age at diagnosis of CAH in children with CAH and NC was lower that CAH patients without NC, it is suggested that in patients with CAH and NC other factors such as genetic background or unknown disease related factors are associated with hypercalcemia and NC.