Isolation, Characterization, and Antifungal Sensitivity Pattern of Candida Species Causing Otomycosis

Otomycosis is one of the overwhelming diseases both for patients and specialists with a high recurrence rate despite adequate and proper treatment. This study aims to investigate further the various types of fungi involved in otomycosis and test their susceptibility against common antifungals. In total, among candidiasis-suspected patients, 60 samples were incorporated into the study. PCR method was used for Candida species detection. Broth microdilution method of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute document M60 was applied to assess MIC values of rampant antifungals. We used SPSS software (version 16.0) for statistical analysis. In this survey, 20, 3, and 1 type of Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida glabrata were identified, respectively. All 20 C. albicans isolates were sensitive to amphotericin B (range 0.03-1 μg/ml), voriconazole, (0.03-1 μg/ml), and itraconazole (0.03-0.5 μg/ml.); moreover, one isolate was resistant to fluconazole. Two isolates out of three isolates of C. parapsilosis, were susceptible to all agents while the other one isolate was resistant to fluconazole. C. glabrata isolate was susceptible to all agents. In summary, the results conveyed the importance of clinicians remaining vigilant in diagnosing otomycosis due to its non-specific manifestations. To manage effectively otomycosis and avoid complications or recurrence, it is imperative to diagnose the condition at the earliest time, confirm its virulence through various tests, and identify antifungal susceptibility patterns. Despite this, relapse is often seen and achieving complete remission can prove to be a major hurdle in individuals who have had mastoidectomy and those with weakened immune systems

Safety and feasibility of simultaneous left and right heart catheterization via single-arm arterial and venous access

Background: Catheterization via the radial artery has become the method of choice for evaluation of the coronary arteries; however in patients requiring simultaneous coronary and right heart catheterization upper extremity access is not commonly used. Aims: In the present study we aimed to assess whether simultaneous left and right heart catheterization via the radial artery and antecubital vein might increase the vascular access site complications. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 49 patients with congenital and valvular heart disease requiring both left and right heart catheterization were enrolled, and rates of vascular access complications, including radial artery obstruction (RAO), were compared to 49 subjects in the control group who underwent catheterization only via radial artery access. Results: No major vascular complications occurred in the study population. Post-procedural radial artery obstruction was detected in 14 patients (28.5%) in the venous-radial artery group and 7 (14.2%) in the control group (P = 0.09). Age, sex, body mass index, wrist circumference, hemoglobin concentrations, and history of smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and anticoagulant use did not affect the rate of radial pulse perseverance. However, shorter times of radial compression device removal were significantly related to lower rates of radial artery obstruction in both groups. Conclusion: Right and left heart catheterization via an upper-extremity route in patients with congenital and valvular heart disease is safe and practical with greater patient comfort and no serious vascular complications. A longer duration of radial compression is an important predictor of RAO, regardless of using additional upper-extremity venous access

Associations between HLA-C Alleles and Definite Meniere's Disease

Both genetic and environmental factors seem to play role in the etiology of Meniere's disease (MD). Several genes may be involved in susceptibility of MD including Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA). The associations between MD and HLA alleles have been previously studied in other populations and certain HLA alleles were shown to be predisposing. The aim of this study was to determine the association between HLA-C allele frequencies and definite MD in patients who refer to Amir-Alam otolaryngology tertiary referral center in Tehran. Patients  with  definite  MD  (N=22)  enrolled  according  to  the  diagnostic  criteria  of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). Cases with all 3 symptoms of MD (Vertigo, Tinnitus and lower frequency of sensory-neural hearing loss) were included and those with suspected MD were excluded from study. HLA-Cw allele frequencies  were  determined  in  patients  non-related  healthy  controls  (N=91)  using PCR -SSP. We found that the frequency of HLACw*04 was significantly higher in patients compared to the controls [P = 0.0015, OR; 20, 95% CI (3.7-196.9)]. Our results revealed that HLA-C is a genetic predisposing factor in definite MD in patients who refer to Amir-Alam otolaryngology tertiary referral center

HLA-DR association in papillary thyroid carcinoma

Abstract. Objective: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most frequent types of thyroid malignancies. Several genes may be involved in susceptibility of thyroid cancer including Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA). The association of thyroid carcinoma with HLA alleles has been previously studied in other populations and certain HLA alleles were shown to be either predisposing or protective. The aim of this study was to determine the association between HLA-DR and papillary thyroid carcinoma in an Iranian population. Design: HLA-DR antigen frequencies were determined in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (N = 70) and non-related healthy controls (N = 180) using PCR -SSP. Main Outcome: We found that HLA-DRB1*04 frequency was significantly higher in our patients compared to the controls [P = 0.02, OR; 1.9, 95% CI (1.04-3.57)]. Conclusions: Our results revealed HLA-DRB1*04 as predisposing factor in papillary thyroid carcinoma in Iranian population. This confirms the previous findings for associations between HLA-DRB1 and differentiated carcinomas in other populations