Background and aims: The Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) signaling pathway and its interaction with cytokines are involved in insulin resistance (IR) progression, primarily through activating adipose tissue macrophages. Interleukin-29 (IL-29) has been suggested as a potential contributor to IR. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the relationship between TLR-4 and IL-29 expression alterations in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. Methods: Overall, 60 participants were enrolled, comprising equal numbers of newly diagnosed T2D patients and healthy controls. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the messenger RNA expression levels of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), interleukin (IL)-29, TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF), and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). Moreover, serum IL-29 concentrations were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed through SPSS 16. In addition, an independent-sample t-test was used to compare the data between the two groups. Ultimately, the relationship between variables was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: Overall, IL-29 serum levels were significantly increased in the T2D group compared to the control group (P<0.001). Additionally, the gene expression levels of IL-29, TLR4, TRIF, and IRF3 were markedly upregulated in T2D patients relative to healthy individuals (P<0.001). Conclusion: These findings revealed that IL-29 overexpression is linked to the activation of the TLR-4 pathway, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of IR in T2D.
Background and aims: Aging is associated with a decline in physical and motor abilities, increasing the risk of falls among the elderly. Accordingly, this study examined the effects of locomotor and aerobic exercises on balance, fear of falling, and lower-limb strength in elderly women with locomotor syndrome. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 45 elderly women aged 60 years and above in Arak from April to May 2025. Participants were selected conveniently and randomly divided into control, aerobic-locomotor, and locomotor groups. Interventions were performed for 8 weeks. Then, the 30-second sit-to-stand test, the standing-to-walking time test, and the four-step balance test were utilized to measure lower limb strength, dynamic balance, and static balance, respectively. Moreover, fear of falling was calculated using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International Questionnaire. Ultimately, data were analyzed by ANCOVA to compare post-test scores between groups, controlling for pretest scores. Results: Both the locomotor and aerobic-locomotor training groups demonstrated significant improvements in all variables. In the locomotor group, fear of falling decreased (P=0.002), while lower limb strength (P=0.02), static balance (P=0.01), and dynamic balance (P<0.001) improved. Similarly, fear of falling declined (P=0.020) in the aerobic locomotor group. However, lower limb strength (P=0.003), static balance (P<0.001), and dynamic balance (P=0.001) significantly enhanced in this group. Finally, no significant changes were observed in the control group (P>0.05). Conclusion: Locomotor and combined aerobic-locomotor training could effectively improve balance and enhance lower limb strength while reducing the fear of falling among older adults.
Background and aims: Myocardial infarction (MI) induces chronic inflammation and cytokine overexpression. This randomized controlled experiment investigated the effects of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cardiac tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IL-6 gene expression in MI-induced rats. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomized into control, MI, MI+MICT, and MI+HIIT groups (10 animals per group). MI was induced by left anterior descending artery occlusion and confirmed by echocardiography. Following recovery, rats completed 8 weeks of treadmill training (MICT: 50–60% VO₂max; HIIT: 85–90% VO₂max). Finally, cardiac TNF-α and IL-6 messenger RNA levels were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: Ejection fraction was lower in MI rats than in controls (38±5% vs. 68±4%, P<0.001). TNF-α increased in MI (2.6±0.4 vs. 1.0±0.2, P<0.001) but decreased after MICT (1.7±0.3; P=0.001) and HIIT (1.3±0.2, P<0.001). Moreover, IL-6 rose in MI (2.9±0.5 vs. 1.0±0.2, P<0.001) but declined after MICT (2.0±0.4, P=0.002) and HIIT (1.8±0.3, P<0.001). Additionally, TNF-α reduction was greater with HIIT than MICT (Δ=0.4, P=0.010), while IL-6 changes were not significant (P=0.180). Conclusion: Overall, both MICT and HIIT mitigated cardiac inflammation after MI by reducing TNF-α and IL-6 gene expression, with HIIT producing a more potent anti-inflammatory effect on TNF-α. These molecular findings suggest that HIIT may offer enhanced anti-inflammatory benefits in post-MI rehabilitation strategies.
Background and aims: Acanthamoeba is a genus of free-living amoebae (FLA) that can cause granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and amoebic keratitis. This study aimed to identify Acanthamoeba strains among diabetic and cancer patients and healthy individuals. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 324 sterile cotton swab samples were collected from the oral cavity of 108 diabetic patients, 106 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and 110 healthy individuals from June to October 2018 in Shahrekord, Iran. Samples were cultured onto 1.5% non-nutrient agar, and the Acanthamoeba spp. were investigated with morphological, molecular (polymerase chain reaction targeting 18SrRNA), and pathogenicity assays. Results: FLA was found in 130/324 (40.1%) oral cavity samples of individuals. Microscopic results using Giemsa staining revealed that 14/37 (37.8%) and 31/93 (33.3%) FLA isolated from healthy individuals and immunocompromised patients were identified as Acanthamoeba spp. Moreover, the PCR confirmed the existence of Acanthamoeba spp. in 4.7% of patients and 3.6% of controls. In addition, the PCR demonstrated that Acanthamoeba spp. were isolated in 6.6%, 8.2%, and 6.3% of cancer patients, diabetic patients, and healthy individuals, respectively. According to the sequence analysis of PCR products of 18S rRNA, the T4 (10 isolates) and T5 (3 isolates) genotypes of Acanthamoeba were identified in two groups. Finally, nine isolates genotyped as T4 were positive for potential pathogenic assays. Conclusion: The presence of the potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba T4 genotype in both immunocompromised patients and healthy individuals indicated that it may pose a risk factor for immunocompromised individuals.
Background and aims: Oxidative stress (OS) is involved in the physiopathology of pain response, and maternal separation (MS) stress is accompanied by OS imbalance in the brain. Anethole is a natural compound with neuroprotective effects. Accordingly, this trial study aimed to estimate the analgesic effect of anethole in female mice undergoing MS stress, with a focus on OS imbalance in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Methods: In general, 28 female mice were used in this experimental study. MS mice received saline (10 mL/kg) or anethole (62.5 mg/kg and 125 mg/kg), while control mice received saline (10 mL/kg). One hour after treatment, the animals underwent pain assessment tests, including the tail flick and hot plate tests. Moreover, malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed in the PFC. Finally, one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test was employed for statistical analysis. Results: MS in female mice was linked with a decrease in latencies in the tail flick (P=0.0133) and hot plate (P=0.014) tests, a rise in MDA (P=0.0001), and a reduction in the TAC (P=0.0001) in the PFC. Anethole increased the latencies in the tail flick (P=0.0001 for both doses) and hot plate (P=0.002 and P=0.0002 for 62.5 mg/kg and 125 mg/kg, respectively) tests. However, anethole decreased MDA (P=0.0017 for a dose of 125 mg/kg) while increasing TAC (P=0.0018 for a dose of 125 mg/kg) in the PFC. Conclusion: It was revealed that anethole, partly through OS diminution in the PFC, increased latencies to pain stimuli in MS female mice.
Background and aims: Psychological and functional aspects, such as personality traits, emotional intelligence (EI), and sexual functioning, are critical yet often overlooked in women with breast cancer (BC). Thus, this study compared these variables between metastatic and non-metastatic patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 150 young married women diagnosed with BC (metastatic and non-metastatic) were recruited from Shohadaye Tajrish Hospital in Tehran in 2024 through purposive sampling. Data were collected using the NEO-Five Factor Inventory (1992), Bar-On Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (2003), and Female Sexual Function Index (2000). Statistical analysis was conducted in SPSS 27 using descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis of variance, and independent t-tests. Results: Univariate ANOVAs revealed significant differences between groups in personality traits: neuroticism (F (1,148)=5.68, P=0.018, η²=0.037), extraversion (F (1,148)=26.17, P<0.001, η²=0.150), and conscientiousness (F (1,148)=10.45, P=0.002, η²=0.066), with non-metastatic patients scoring higher in extraversion and conscientiousness. Similarly, significant differences were found in interpersonal skills (F (1,148)=40.64, P<0.001, η²=0.215) and sexual functioning, including arousal (F (1,148)=51.61, P<0.001, η²=0.259) and satisfaction (F (1,148)=53.05, P<0.001, η²=0.264), with non-metastatic patients reporting higher scores. Conclusion: It was revealed that disease stage in BC correlates with distinct psychological and sexual health profiles. Accordingly, integrating psychosocial interventions into oncology care for metastatic patients may enhance emotional well-being and quality of life.
Background and aims: Migraine headaches are frequently accompanied by psychological distress, which can substantially influence pain perception. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between psychological distress and pain perception in individuals with migraines, with a focus on the mediating role of resiliency. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted in Tehran in 2025 on 207 adults aged 30–60 who were diagnosed with migraines and selected through convenience sampling. Participants completed the McGill Pain Questionnaire, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Connor–Davidson Resiliency Scale, and Ahwaz Migraine Headache Questionnaire . Ultimately, descriptive statistics and Spearman correlations were performed in SPSS 27, and path analysis was conducted using SmartPLS 4. Results: The findings revealed several significant relationships. Acceptance was found to negatively impact the quality of life (QoL) through self-care (β=-0.098, P=0.011). In contrast, positive reframing, mediated by self-care, had a positive influence on QoL (β=0.115, P=0.001). However, rumination negatively affected QoL (β=-0.191, P=0.001), and blaming others also negatively affected QoL through self-care (β=-0.110, P=0.004). Nonetheless, other components demonstrated no significant indirect effects (P>0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicated that psychological distress is a key factor influencing pain perception in individuals with migraines. Meanwhile, resiliency plays a meaningful mediating role in this association. Accordingly, considering psychological factors in migraine management can improve pain outcomes and enhance QoL.
Background and aims: Antibiotics are essential for confirmed bacterial infections associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, their efficacy in improving the clinical course of the disease without a concomitant bacterial infection has not been established. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment on the clinical course of COVID-19, thereby increasing the credible evidence produced by randomized clinical trials on the efficacy of antibiotics for managing COVID-19. Methods: In general, 90 patients with COVID-19 were randomly assigned to either an intervention or the control group. Cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones were administered for a period of five days. Laboratory factors and the disease course were determined for both groups. The data were analyzed using SPSS 26. Results: Intragroup comparisons of the mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in both groups were significantly lower on day 7 than on day 1 (P<0.001), but the mean ferritin did not change significantly (P=0.071). However, the mean oxygen saturation, respiration rate, and fever in both groups improved significantly by days 7 and 14 compared to day 1 (P<0.001). In the intergroup comparison, changes in the oxygen saturation, ferritin, CRP, and ESR were not significantly different between groups. Likewise, the prevalence of fever and respiratory rate did not significantly differ between groups on days 1, 7, and 14. Conclusion: Antibiotics had no significant effect on the clinical course and laboratory parameters of patients with COVID-19. Accordingly, they are not recommended except in cases of concomitant bacterial infections.
Background and aims: Acinetobacter baumannii is recognized as a multidrug-resistant pathogen, notably associated with biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in healthcare environments. The rising incidence of infections attributable to this organism highlights the urgent necessity for alternative therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to assess the antibacterial efficacy and antibiofilm activity of silver oxide nanoparticles and Lactobacillus casei against clinical isolates of A. baumannii. Methods: Overall, 150 A. baumannii isolates were collected from urine samples in Tehran, Iran, ensuring 80% statistical power and a 95% confidence level. The isolates were categorized by resistance profiles and treated with Ag NPs, L. casei supernatant, and their combination. Ag NPs were biosynthesized using L. casei extracts and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Antibacterial and antibiofilm effects were assessed using broth microdilution and microtiter assays. Finally, the analysis of variance and t-test were conducted in SPSS 26 (P<0.05). Results: Based on the results, 18 isolates exhibited high resistance to β-lactam antibiotics and fluoroquinolones. Ag NPs (40 µg/mL) resulted in a 93.04% reduction in bacterial growth, while L. casei supernatant showed a 76.45% decrease. The combination of Ag NPs and L. casei supernatant demonstrated strong synergistic effects, achieving a 98.24% reduction in bacterial growth. Antibiofilm assays revealed a significant 95.3% inhibition of biofilm formation with the combination therapy (P<0.001). Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of combining Ag NPs and probiotic-derived compounds as a novel approach to combat multidrug-resistant A. baumannii. These findings suggest promising avenues for enhancing antimicrobial therapies and addressing the challenge of antibiotic resistance in clinical settings.
Background and aims: Heart rate variability (HRV) is recognized as an independent risk factor for predicting sudden cardiac death in patients with coronary artery disease. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of the time interval between the onset of symptoms in patients experiencing ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and the subsequent primary coronary angioplasty on HRV. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 65 patients diagnosed with acute MI who were referred to Shahrekord Hajar University Hospital for primary coronary angioplasty. The angiographic findings of the patients, as well as electrophysiological data collected one week and one month post-acute MI, were reviewed and extracted by a cardiologist specializing in electrophysiology. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: The results demonstrated the right and left coronary arterial dominance in 96.8% and 1.3% of cases, respectively, while a co-dominant pattern was present in 1.3% of patients. The SDNN index and SDNN decreased one month after acute MI (P=0.396 and P=0.378, respectively). In contrast, the rMSSD and pNN50 indices showed slight increases (P=0.568 and P=0.847, respectively). The triangle index increased significantly (P<0.001), whereas the high-frequency index represented a decrease (P=0.282). Eventually, low-frequency and very low-frequency indices did not exhibit significant increases (P=0.102 and P=0.051, respectively). Conclusion: Changes in HRV indicators in patients with STEMI significantly differed when comparing data collected one week and one month after primary coronary angioplasty. While high levels of HRV are generally associated with optimal responsiveness of the cardiac autonomic nervous system, the present study’s findings do not support the prognostic value of this established electrophysiological principle.
Isolated levocardia with situs inversus is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by the abnormal positioning of the heart and abdominal organs. This condition is frequently associated with congenital heart defects and typically carries a poor prognosis. Accurate diagnosis and effective management are crucial for improving clinical outcomes. This report presents a case involving a 25-year-old woman in her first pregnancy who underwent a routine ultrasound at 17 weeks and 2 days of gestation. The ultrasound revealed dextrocardia with situs inversus, prompting a referral to a pediatric cardiologist. Subsequent echocardiography at 18 weeks confirmed the presence of the stomach on the right side and a reversed heart axis, leading to a diagnosis of isolated levocardia with atrioventricular septal defects (AVSDs). The pregnancy was medically terminated at 19 weeks, following appropriate medical approval.
Background and aims: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common and serious complication related to the intravenous injection of iodinated contrast media. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate CIN frequency and the relationship of some variables with CIN in patients who were referred to Hajar hospital, Shahrekord, Iran. Methods: The study was performed on 200 patients who were candidates for contrast-enhanced computed tomography with intravenous contrast in Shahrekord, Iran, in 2018. Metformin and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs were discontinued from 48 hours before to 48 hours after the contrast prescription. Almost 100 mL of nonionic, iso-osmolar contrast media (Visipaque or Dixopaque) were used for patients. After 48 hours of contrast injection, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine (Cr) were checked, and the related data were collected. Cr rising>0.3 mg/dL of baseline and Cr rising>0.5 mg/dL were considered acute kidney injury (AKI) and CIN, respectively. Results: The mean age of patients was 63.65±20 years. In addition, the mean serum Cr of patients before and after the contrast injection was 1.13±0.83 mg/dL and 1.10±0.72 mg/dL, respectively (P=0.44). The frequency of AKI nephropathy (serum Cr rising>0.3 mg/dL) was 11.5% (n=23). However, with a 0.5 mg/dL increase in serum Cr, it was 4.5% (n=9). Only the age of patients was found to be a risk factor for CIN. Conclusion: CIN was not common in cases with normal or near-normal renal function. However, contrast prescription should be performed more carefully in old age patients.
Background and aims: Inflammation is a key feature of Helicobacter pylori infection and its associated complications, gastritis, and gastrointestinal ulcers. This study aimed to determine the level of expression of interleukin (IL)-22 in the gastric mucosa in the control group and patients with gastritis and peptic ulcer. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on patients with gastrointestinal problems referred to the endoscopy unit of Hajar Hospital of Shahrekord (Iran, 2018). Overall, 135 tissue samples were collected from people suspected of gastritis (n=45), people with peptic ulcers infected with H. pylori (n=45), and people without H. pylori infection (n=45). IL-22 gene expression was measured using a real-time polymerase chain reaction method compared to the beta-actin internal gene. IL-22 expression was calculated by 2-ΔΔct and statistically analyzed by SPSS16 software and t-student test. Results: In this research, the mean age of the patients was 50.17±15.09 and 50.96±19.77 in the infected and non-infected groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two studied groups in terms of age and gender (P=0.236). IL-22 expression in H. pylori-infected individuals (3.21±0.58) was 3.54-fold higher than that in the control group (0.9±0.14, P=0.036). Likewise, IL expression in peptic ulcer (2.2±0.43) was significantly higher than that in those with gastritis (1.12±0.87, P=0.012). Conclusion: Despite its pro-inflammatory nature, IL-22 can effectively control bacterial infections and strengthen mucosal defenses, particularly in the context of H. pylori infection, highlighting its therapeutic potential.
This study aimed to investigate the effects of working memory dual tasks on postural sway in chronic stroke patients. Twenty chronic stroke survivors were recruited from rehabilitation clinics in Mashhad. Centre of pressure (COP) was measured on a force plate in the baseline standing condition, the standing condition while the phonological loop component of working memory was activated, and in the standing condition while the visuospatial sketchpad component of working memory was activated. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. The results indicated the effects of interference on postural sway exhibited in mean velocity in the mediolateral direction (P=0.01). Notably, the visuospatial task caused greater disruption to postural control compared to the phonological loop task (P=0.019 vs. 0.006, P=0.03). The mediolateral speed of changes in COP reduced significantly with the phonological loop working memory task in comparison to the without memory task. The visuospatial working memory dual task interfered more with the postural control of stroke people.
Background and aims: Obesity has become a worldwide epidemic and is a major public health concern. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of resistance training and cannabis extract supplementation on the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway genes in the pancreas of obese male rats. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats (twelve weeks old and weighing 180–200 g) were chosen for examination. The animals were randomly assigned to healthy control, obese control, supplement, exercise, and exercise+supplement groups (n=6 per group). The exercise protocol involved ladder climbing on a custom-built rodent apparatus set at an 80° incline, measuring 110 cm in height with 2 cm-spaced rungs. The supplement, initially in solid form, was dissolved in distilled water and orally administered via gavage at a dose of 4 mg/kg body weight, five times a week for eight weeks. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test to assess group differences (P<0.05). Results: Obesity significantly decreased mTOR (P=0.001), PI3K (P=0.001), and AKT (P=0.001) expression. Resistance training significantly increased all three (P=0.001), while cannabis alone elevated PI3K (P=0.006) and AKT (P=0.001) but not mTOR. Combined treatment significantly restored mTOR, PI3K, and AKT levels close to those of healthy controls (P=0.001). Conclusion: The results revealed that obesity reduced the expression of AKT, PI3K, and mTOR in the pancreas of obese rats. However, resistance training and cannabis administration increased their expression levels.
Background and aims: NAFLD, marked by liver fat buildup, lacks approved drug treatments. SIRT1 and AMPK pathways help reduce liver fat. This study compared the effects of HIIT and MICT on SIRT1 and AMPK gene expression in mice with diet-induced NAFLD. Methods: In this experimental study, 36 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into NFFD, NFDHIIT, NFDMICT, HFD, HFDHIIT, and HFDMICT groups (n=6 per group). Mice in the NFDHIIT, NFDMICT, HFDHIIT, and HFDMICT groups underwent 8 weeks of treadmill training after 12 weeks of HFD or normal diet feeding. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test. Results: HFD significantly decreased the expression of AMPK (0.386±0.012) and SIRT1 (0.647±0.010) genes compared to the NFFD group (AMPK: 0.942±0.013; SIRT1: 1.020±0.063; P<0.001). In mice fed with HFD, both HIIT (AMPK: 0.983±0.039; SIRT1: 1.361±0.072) and MICT (AMPK: 0.865±0.010; SIRT1: 1.214±0.015) significantly increased gene expression compared to the HFD control group (P<0.001). Although HIIT showed a higher increase in AMPK expression than MICT within the HFD groups, this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.219). Similarly, under normal diet conditions, both HIIT and MICT could significantly increase SIRT1 expression compared to the NFFD group (P<0.001 and P=0.019, respectively. However, no significant difference was observed between the two exercise groups in this diet condition (P=0.135). Conclusion: These findings suggest that aerobic exercise, particularly HIIT, may help reduce NAFLD progression through SIRT1/AMPK pathway activation.
Background and aims: The lack of acceptance and insufficient cooperation of the child or parents are among the critical causes of constipation recurrence and inappropriate response to treatment. This study investigated the effect of blended educational content on parent education compared to routine education. Methods: Overall, 70 children with constipation were included in this randomized clinical trial study. Mothers were allocated to two control and intervention groups. Blended educational content in 6 1-hour sessions (2 sessions on how to encourage children to defecate on time, 2 sessions on nutrition to relieve constipation, and 2 sessions on lifestyle related to constipation) in the form of PowerPoint, video, and animation, and questions and answers through a virtual group were presented to mothers. The outcomes were measured by Rome III criteria before and six months after the start of treatment, and the data were analyzed using SPSS 20. Results: The training of mothers had a significant effect on reducing the symptoms of constipation, including the history of bowel movements≤2 times a week, excessive stool retention, painful bowel movements, bowel movements with a large diameter, and abdominal pain (P<0.001). Conclusion: Parents should be educated with blended educational content to speed up recovery, reduce the treatment period, and prevent the recurrence of children’s constipation. This method is suggested for use in medical centers to speed up patients’ recovery.
Background and aims: Data regarding the use of macrolide antibiotics in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are limited and inconsistent. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of adding azithromycin to the standard treatment regimen for patients with COPD. Methods: In this clinical trial, 100 patients with COPD who were referred to the clinic and teaching hospitals of Shahrekord were divided into two groups. In addition to standard triple therapy (inhaled anticholinergic, inhaled bronchodilator, and inhaled corticosteroids), the experimental group received oral azithromycin at a dosage of 250 mg daily for two months. The control group received a placebo in conjunction with standard triple therapy. Both groups were assessed before and after the intervention using spirometry, blood oxygen saturation measurements, and the severity of dyspnea based on the Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) criteria, as well as treatment outcomes. The data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Results: Following the intervention, the mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) increased by 4.28 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.93 to 4.63) in the intervention group compared to an increase of 3.78 (95% CI: 3.43 to 4.13) in the control group (P=0.004). The mean oxygen saturation improved by 4.88% (95% CI: 4.53 to 5.23) in the intervention group as opposed to an increase of 4.28% (95% CI: 3.93 to 4.63) in the control group (P=0.006). However, the MMRC score decreased by -0.82 (95% CI: -0.92 to -0.72) in the intervention group compared to a decrease of -0.54 (95% CI: -0.64 to -0.44) in the control group (P=0.002). Conclusion: The administration of azithromycin in conjunction with standard treatment demonstrated significantly improved outcomes compared to standard treatment alone.
Background and aims: Placental insufficiency causes many pregnancy complications, including fetal growth retardation (FGR), and may be related to placental pathology. This study investigated the relationship between the placental pathology of different FGR grades and pregnancy outcomes. Methods: In this prospective study, 67 patients diagnosed with FGR during pregnancy with different grades were included in the study. After birth, their final placental pathology was examined, and the relationship between final placental pathology and fetal and maternal outcomes was investigated. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 26. Results: A significant relationship was observed between accelerated villus maturation pathology and FGR grading, birth weight, postnatal placental weight, and neonatal outcome one month after birth. Accordingly, the cases with accelerated villous maturation had a higher death rate at the end of one month in their babies (P=0.02). Conclusion: Placental pathology is an applicable tool for predicting pregnancy and maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Background and aims: Newcastle disease virus (NDV) poses a major threat to global poultry production, driving interest in novel plant-based antiviral agents. This study evaluated the in ovo antiviral potential of methanol extracts from Artemisia absinthium (AA), Annona senegalensis (AS), Erythrina senegalensis (ES), and Jatropha curcas (JC) against NDV. Methods: The extracts were screened for phytochemical content, elemental composition, and cytotoxicity in embryonated chicken eggs. Antiviral activity was assessed through embryo survival, hemagglutination assay, and statistical analysis. NDV infectivity was validated using the Reed-Muench method to determine the 50% egg infectious dose (EID₅₀). Results: All extracts contained flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and glycosides. Elemental analysis revealed high levels of calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc. Cytotoxicity studies showed that all extracts were safe at concentrations up to 300 mg/mL. JC demonstrated the strongest antiviral effect, with 0% virus-induced mortality at 200–300 mg/mL (10⁻⁷–10⁻⁸ dilutions), followed by ES. AS represented limited activity, while AA was the least effective. Statistical analysis confirmed significant antiviral actions for JC (P<0.001) and ES (P<0.01), while AS was borderline (P=0.072), and AA was not significant. Finally, a significant overall treatment effect on cytotoxicity was observed as well (P<0.001). Conclusion: JC and ES exhibited promising antiviral activity against NDV in ovo, with JC being the most potent. However, its effectiveness was dose-dependent, and embryotoxicity occurred at higher levels. These findings support further investigation into their use as plant-based antiviral agents for poultry disease management.
