Application of SBA-Pr-SO3H in the synthesis of benzoxazole derivatives

Propylsulfonic acid functionalized SBA-15 (SBA-Pr-SO3H) catalyzed the synthesis of 2-aryl benzoxazoles from 2-aminophenol and benzoyl chloride derivatives in good yields under reflux condition in acetic acid. In solvent free condition, hydroxybenzanilide derivatives were obtained

Molnupiravir; an effective drug in treating COVID-19?

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Para-cardiac Inflammatory Mass Compressing the Heart: A possible association with COVID-19

Infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 usually affects the lungs but may also involve other organs such as the heart. We report a case of a para-cardiac mass in a previously healthy 45-year-old man who developed persistent dyspnea following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patient underwent cardiac surgery since the mass was attached to the pericardium and was causing constrictive pericarditis. The pathology report indicated an inflammatory pattern for the mass. Based on our knowledge there has been no previous report of developing a para-cardiac inflammatory mass after SARS-CoV-2 infection. In conclusion, we would like to increase awareness regarding the possibility of developing a para-cardiac inflammatory mass following COVID-19. Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; Pericarditis; Constrictive pericarditis; COVID-19; Cardiac tumor; Mediastinal tumor

COVID-19-associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP); a case report

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is the largest infectious crisis in the present century. It has been reported that COVID-19 infection may trigger autoimmune diseases. Herein, we report a 68-year-old male that was diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) following COVID-19 infection. To our knowledge, this is the fourth case of COVID-19-associated TTP. More attention is required regarding the possibility of developing TTP in COVID-19 patients, especially with the presence of decreased consciousness and low levels of hemoglobin and platelet

Deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2: a challenging differential diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa

Deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 (DADA2) is an autosomal recessive that was first described in 2014. It is a monogenic disease that is caused by loss-of-function variants in the ADA2 gene. DADA2 involves small- and medium-sized vessels and its clinical presentations include polyarteritis nodosa (PAN)-like features such as livedoid rash, early-onset stroke, hypogammaglobulinemia, hematological abnormalities, and systemic inflammation. Early diagnosis and treatment of DADA2 are crucial as the clinical features could be potentially life-threatening but might be treatable. The first-line treatment of choice in DADA2 is tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-inhibitors. We aimed to give an overview of the known pathophysiology, clinical presentations, diagnosis, and treatment of DADA2. A clearer knowledge of DADA2 may help to better diagnose, manage, and improve the clinical outcome of DADA2 patients. However, further studies are required to investigate the genotype-phenotype associations and exact pathophysiology of DADA2

Administration of finerenone in chronic kidney disease

Spironolactone is a first-generation and non-selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA). It is extensively well-studied and recommended due to increased accessibility for patients. Unfortunately, it is often discontinued in several cases due to its association with hyperkalemia. The apparent benefit of eplerenone over spironolactone is its mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) selectivity. However, it is also characterized by low-potency and higher cost compared to spironolactone. The high adverse-effect profile of spironolactone and eplerenone has led to the innovation of novel medications such as non-steroidal MRAs. Among these medications, finerenone is the most advanced agent. Finerenone is associated with decreased proteinuria, reduced risk of hyperkalemia and increased preservation of renal function with comparable benefit in heart failure compared to selective and nonselective MRAs. The nonsteroidal structure of finerenone affects mineralocorticoid receptor binding, lipophilicity and polarity which have potent effects on distribution, the degree of attachment to blood proteins, transportation, and tissue diffusion

Extra-Axial Cavernous Angioma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Cavernous angiomas (CAs) are benign vascular malformations predominantly seen in the brain parenchyma and therefore referred to as intra-axial. Extra-axial dural-based cavernous angiomas, on the other hand, are rare vascular lesions found outside of the brain parenchyma. They occur in the middle fossa and may be easily misdiagnosed as meningiomas due to their extra-axial location. In addition, CAs that are located outside the middle fossa, such as in the convexity, have a better prognosis since they are more surgically accessible. Surgical resection is the main treatment of choice in CAs. However, other options, such as embolization and radiotherapy, may also be considered therapeutic choices or additive treatment options. The pathogenesis of CA and the involvement of other factors (genetics or environmental factors) are still unknown and require further investigation. We are presenting a young man who presented for evaluation of seizure-like events without any family history of neurologic conditions. The physical examination was unremarkable except for a slightly antalgic gait. Imaging studies showed an extra-axial left tentorial mass suggestive of a meningioma, hemangiopericytoma, or other extra-axial lesions. The lesion was resected where its vascular nature was mentioned initially, and the histology proved the diagnosis of cavernous angioma. Here we give an overview of the known pathogenesis, causes, clinical features, and diagnostic and therapeutic options in CA. Better knowledge about CA, its causes, clinical features, and treatment options would help clinicians in early diagnosis and patient management

The effects of mobile text messages on raising knowledge of men with type 2 diabetes, Isfahan, 2015: an educational experimental study

Background: Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders which are rapidly increasing. Distance training is a cost-effective, easy and accessible way in which time and place dimensions of communication are removed. Objective: To determine the effects of mobile text messages on raising knowledge of men with type 2 diabetes. Methods: This educational experiment recruited 76 people selected by convenient sampling from a population of male patients with type 2 diabetes presenting to Sedigheh Tahereh Research Center in Isfahan, Iran, in 2015. They were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. Data were collected with a questionnaire of demographic characteristics and questions pertaining to the variable of knowledge, through interview. The intervention group received training and follow-up through cell phones and text messages for 12 weeks. Data were analyzed in IBM-SPSS version 20 using Mann-Whitney test, Chi-square, Independent-samples t-test and paired-samples t-test. Results: Findings suggested that patients' knowledge in both groups significantly increased after the training (p<0.001). However, this rise in the intervention group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: The results indicated that designing and implementing educational programs based on text messages and cell phones can improve knowledge in diabetic