Phytoconstituents, extraction and analysis of chemical compounds of Crataegus pontica K.Koch fruit using HS-SPME and GC-MS methods

Essential oils were extracted by HS-SPME method from the fruit of the Crataegus pontica K.Koch collected from the southern regions of Ilam province. Then, to identify chemical compounds, the essential oil was injected into a chromatograph gas device connected to a mass spectrometer (GC-MC). Of the 50 compounds identified in this essential oil, beta-Thujene (17.21), alpha-pinene (15.40), 2-Hexenal (12.42), trans-Caryophyllene (8.76), beta-Myrcene (7.89), 1-Pentadecene (5.89), Sabinene (4.33) and trans-beta-Farnesene accounted for 3.50 of the major fruit essential oil compounds of C. pontica

Efficiency of Nebulizing Furosemide in the Treatment of Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common chronic illnesses in humans. Among both oral and intravenous diuretics, nebulizing furosemide (Lasix) is the most commonly used agent. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the therapeutic effects of nebulizing furosemide compared with placebo in the treatment of COPD using a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Materials and Methods: This review was performed based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol. The databases of Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus were independently searched by two researchers using MeSH keywords. Studies published between 2002 and 2018 in different parts of the world were considered. The meta-analysis was performed through STATA 14 software and the heterogeneity was assessed using Q statistic or I(2) index. Results: From 40 selected articles, 8 articles were finally included in the systematic review process. The analyses were performed considering two groups; nebulizing furosemide treatment (i.e. case) and placebo (i.e. control). Based on the forest plots, the average values of PaCO2 were 48.3 (39.04-57.56) and 46.56 (39.94-53.18) in the case and control groups, respectively. Also, the mean forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) was 49 (31.32-66.67) and 46.87 (31.44-62.30) in the case and control groups, respectively. Meta-regression analysis showed that both heart and pulse rates in the nebulizing furosemide group decreased by increasing the year of study and sample size (P <0.001). The heterogeneity among the studies was found to be 72.2, which is classified as severe heterogeneity. Conclusion: nebulizing furosemide can improve and normalize the vital signs and other respiratory variables in patients with COPD

Intravenous immunoglobulin and treatment in COVID-19 patients: case series

Introduction:Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is one of the drugs used to treat COVID-19. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of IVIG in the treatment of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients.Materials and methods:The patients received IVIG before being intubated. The patients' symptoms, disease severity, clinical features, and chest computed tomography findings were compared between before and after the treatment.Results:Out of 62 patients who received IVIG, 35 patients (56.5) were male, and 27 patients (43.5) were female. Overall, 13 (21) patients died, and 49 (79) recovered and were discharged from the hospital.Conclusion:IVIG can be used as an effective drug to save patients' lives before they enter the intubation phase. © 2022 Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. All rights reserved

The Effects of Topical Olive Oil on the Pain Intensity among Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Given the importance of relieving pain and disability experienced by the patients, the present study aimed to study the Effects of topical olive oil on the pain intensity among patients with knee osteoarthritis. The patients were randomly assigned into the experimental (28 patients) and control groups (27 patients). Firstly, in tropical olive oil (TOO) group, a high-quality olive oil, branded as Famila was used and in the control group, Diclofenac gel was applied. In experimental groups, 5 drops of herbal oils were applied to the knee thrice a day at morning, noon and evening and the knees were covered with a nylon sheet for more absorption. The patients were followed up for 4 weeks and their capability and pain intensities were evaluated prior the study, during the first week, the second week and the fourth week with Visual Analogue Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical tests by SPSS V. 16 software. According to the findings, also the Mean (SD) pre-intervention Pain score in experimental group A was 8.10(0.91), which decreased to 1.78(0.78) after the intervention and in the control group from 8.55(0.69) to 3.85(0.98). Due to the greater effect of olive oil compared to Diclofenac gel on reducing pain of patients with KOA, it is recommended that patients use olive oil. Further studies are also recommended

Acute renal failure and hemolytic uremic syndrome in overdose with n-acetyl cysteine after acetaminophen poisoning

Context: Acetylcysteine is an effective treatment for acetaminophen poisoning. The preparation and dose calculation of acetylcys-teine is associated with medical errors. The prevalence of this error is 34 globally. Case report: A 15-year-old girl took an overdose of acetaminophen in a suicide attempt. Acetylcysteine intravenous was ordered. Due to the medication error by the nurse, she received a 10-fold overdose of intravenous acetylcysteine in both initial loading dose and maintenance dose, at first day. On the second day, the patient showed abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and elevated liver enzymes. Her hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet quickly decreased. Subsequently, she developed oliguria, anuria, and rising serum creatinine levels. The patient was diagnosed with uremic hemolytic syndrome. She underwent hemodialysis and was treated with plasmapheresis, blood transfusions, and platelets. Discussion: The effects of acetaminophen poisoning and acetylcysteine overdose may be much more severe and have a greater impact on patient survival than each poisoning alone. Timely and accurate treatment measures can help prevent long-term side effects. © 2021, Author(s)

Evaluation of the therapeutic effect of the plasma of recovered COVID-19 patients for treating the patients admitted to the intensive care unit

The novel coronavirus has infected about 141 million people around the world. So far, about 80.4 million people have been discharged, and nearly 3.01 million people have died (an estimated mortality rate of 2.13). The study aimed to investigate the effect of plasma therapy from recovered COVID-19 patients to treat the patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital of Ilam in 2020. The present prospective study was conducted in 2019-2020. Overall, 57 cases of plasma therapy were analysed using the Cox proportional hazard regression model in STATA 12 software. The results showed in patients receiving plasma treatment, the hazard ratio was (HR = 0.68, 95 CI, 0.45-1.04), indicating a 32 lower risk of death in the COVID-19 patients who received plasma therapy compared to those who did not. However, this relationship does not reach statistical significance (p = 0.07). Plasma therapy seems to yield some efficacy among patients with severe COVID-19 and those who have no underlying diseases. It is recommended to be used in combination with pharmaceutical interventions, for example, Actemra, to assess its therapeutic efficiency. (c) 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd

Death of a neonate with suspected coronavirus disease 2019 born to a mother with coronavirus disease 2019 in Iran: a case report

INTRODUCTION: A novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, was first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The virus, known as COVID-19, is recognized as a potentially life-threatening disease by causing severe respiratory disease. Since this virus has not previously been detected in humans, there is a paucity of information regarding its effects on humans. In addition, only limited or no information exists about its impact during pregnancy. CASE PRESENTATION: In the present case study, we report the death of a neonate born to a 32-year-old mother with coronavirus disease 2019 in Ilam, Iran, with Kurdish ethnicity. We report the infection and death of a neonate in Iran with a chest X-ray (CXR) marked abnormality 2 hours after birth demonstrating coronavirus disease 2019 disease. The neonate was born by elective cesarean section, the fetal health was assessed using fetal heart rate and a non-stress test before the birth, and there was no evidence of fetal distress. All the above-mentioned facts and radiographic abnormalities suggested that coronavirus disease 2019 is involved. CONCLUSIONS: In this case study, we report the death of a neonate born to a mother with coronavirus disease 2019, 11 hours after birth. There is a paucity of data on the vertical transmission and the adverse maternal-fetal consequences of this disease, so vertical transmission from mother to child remains to be confirmed

Human Papillomavirus Infection and Risk of Breast Cancer in Iran: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy and a leading cause of death in women. Viruses are known to be the risk factors for breast cancer. Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between human papillomavirus (HPV) and the development of breast cancer in Iranian women. Methods: The international databases, including Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus, were searched in this study. Furthermore, relevant studies published on the association between HPV and breast cancer were identified using the appropriate keywords. The data were analyzed in Stata software (version 14) using the random-effects model. Results: In total, 18 studies were found eligible to be included in this study. The total sample size was determined at 2466 cases with the mean ages of 47.25 and 39.9 years for experimental and control groups. The overall findings showed a significant relationship between developing breast cancer and HPV infection. The results also revealed that the HPV infection increased the risk of breast cancer in women 5.02 fold more than those without HPV infection (95 CI: 3.46-7.29, I2=65.2, P=0.003). In addition, the prevalence of HPV infection among women with breast cancer was estimated at 25.66 (95 CI: 17.34-34.95, I2=86, P=0.000). Conclusion: HPV infections, especially high-risk HPVs, are significantly frequent in breast cancer samples and should be considered an important risk factor for developing breast cancer

Recovery of severely ill COVID-19 patients by intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment: A case series

INTRODUCTION: During the recent months, COVID-19 has turned to a global crisis claiming high mortality and morbidity among populations. Despite the high prevalence of the disease, it has currently no definitive treatment. We here reported the effects of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) administration in severely ill COVID-19 patients diagnosed based on PCR and radiology tests. CASE PRESENTATION: Five severely ill COVID-19 patients in whom standard treatments failed were administrated with IVIG which prevented the deterioration of clinical symptoms. All the patients were treated with high-dose IVIG (0.3-0.5 g/kg) for 5 consecutive days so that no patient would receive lower than 25 g of the drug. All the patients showed a desirable therapeutic response and were discharged from the hospital with a stable clinical condition after being recovered. CONCLUSION: Treatment with IVIG at the therapeutic dose of 0.3-0.5 g/kg can improve the clinical condition and O2 saturation and prevent the progression of pulmonary lesions in COVID-19 patients with severe symptoms in whom standard treatments have failed

Sudden cardiac death in COVID-19 patients, a report of three cases

The mortality rate of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has been reported as 1-6 in most studies. The cause of most deaths has been acute pneumonia. Nevertheless, it has been noted that cardiovascular failure can also lead to death. Three COVID-19 patients were diagnosed based on reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction of a nasopharyngeal swab test and radiological examinations in our hospital. The patients received medications at the discretion of the treating physician. In this case series, chest computed tomography scans and electrocardiograms, along with other diagnostic tests were used to evaluate these individuals. Sudden cardiac death in COVID-19 patients is not common, but it is a major concern. So, it is recommended to monitor cardiac condition in selected patients with COVID-19