Predictors of COVID-19 related death in diabetes patients: A case-control study in Iran

BackgroundIdentifying the predictors of COVID-19 related death in diabetes patients can assist physicians for detecting risk factors related to the worse outcome in these patients. In this study we investigated the predictors of the death in patients with diabetes compared with non-diabetic COVID-19 patients.MethodsIn the present case-control study, the case group were diabetic patients with COVID-19 and the control group included Non-diabetic COVID-19 patients. The data source regarding the demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, laboratory, and radiological findings on admission as well as the complications, treatment, and outcomes during hospitalization were gathered from their medical record through two trained nurses. Adjusted and unadjusted odds ratios (OR) estimate were calculated using the simple and multiple logistic regression through backward model.ResultsThe mean (SD) age of the case group was higher than that of the control group; [65.24 (12.40) years vs. 59.35 (17.34) years, respectively (P < 0.001)]. Results of the adjusted logistic regression model showed that, advanced age (+60 year) (OR = 5.13, P = 0.006), addiction (OR = 5.26, P = 0.033), high level of Blood urea nitrogen (OR = 5.85, P < 0.001), and high level of Alkaline Phosphatase (OR = 3.38, P = 0.012) in diabetic patients were significantly associated with increase the odds of death in COVID-19 patients.ConclusionWe found that in COVID-19 patients with diabetes; advanced age, addiction, high level of BUN and Alp and in non-diabetic COVID-19 patients advanced age, dyspnea, high level of BUN and SGOT were associated with increase risk of death in these patients.     

Facile Synthesis of Ag Nanowire/TiO2 and Ag Nanowire/TiO2/GO Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B

This paper investigates the photocatalytic characteristics of Ag nanowire (AgNW)/TiO₂ and AgNW/TiO₂/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites. Samples were synthesized by the direct coating of TiO₂ particles on the surface of silver nanowires. As-prepared AgNW/TiO₂ and AgNW/TiO₂/GO nanocomposites were characterized by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV/visible absorption spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images confirmed the successful deposition of TiO₂ nanoparticles on the surface of AgNWs. The photocatalytic activity of synthesized nanocomposites was evaluated using Rhodamine B (RhB) in an aqueous solution as the model organic dye. Results showed that synthesized AgNW/TiO₂/GO nanocomposite has superior photocatalytic activities when it comes to the decomposition of RhB.     

Role of Transportin-SR2 in HIV-1 Nuclear Import

The HIV replication cycle depends on the interaction of viral proteins with proteins of the host. Unraveling host–pathogen interactions during the infection is of great importance for understanding the pathogenesis and the development of antiviral therapies. To date HIV uncoating and nuclear import are the most debated steps of the HIV-1 replication cycle. Despite numerous studies during past decades, there is still much controversy with respect to the identity and the role of viral and host factors involved in these processes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview on the role of transportin-SR2 as a host cell factor during active nuclear transport.     

Combination therapy of trichloroacetic acid,human autologous fibroblast injection and fibroblast seeded microfibrous collagen scaffold as a novel treatment for osteomyelitis diabetic foot ulcer

A severe complication associated with diabetes is diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Most patients with DFU require amputation. Although treatment of non-healing diabetic ulcers is challenging, the use of novel therapies can be effective. In this report, we present the case of a woman with type 2 diabetes with DFU-related osteomyelitis, who was treated with a combination therapy of trichloroacetic acid, calcium alginate and foam dressings, human autologous fibroblast injection, and a fibroblast cell-seeded collagen scaffold. The results showed the positive effects of combination therapy on DFU. In the initial treatment, the wound area was measured to be 14 × 7 cm², with a depth of 4 cm. After 6 months, the wound was measured to be 1.5 cm², showing a 90% reduction of the wound area. Overall, this combination therapy was highly effective in the treatment of DFU-related osteomyelitis, and could markedly prevent amputation among DFU patients.     

Psychiatric Symptoms Associated with Oocyte-Donation

Oocyte-donation is generally safe but may exacerbate psychiatric symptoms in some women. In this prospective study 63 oocyte-donating women and, as a control group, 63 women providing their own oocytes for in vitro fertilization (in couples with male infertility) were evaluated pre- and post-ovulation-induction in regard to hypochondriasis, anxiety, social impairment, and depression. The mean hypochondriasis score for oocyte-donators was significantly lower than for women providing their own oocytes, prior to ovulation-induction (5.03 vs. 6.59). However, after ovulation-induction and oocyte retrieval this score rose to 6.66 among oocyte-donators, whereas it remained essentially unchanged among women providing their own oocytes (6.66). The mean anxiety score for oocyte-donating women also rose following this procedure, from 5.87 to 7.65. Depression scores for both groups remained similar, before and after the procedure. Results showed that at the beginning of the ARP donating women have the same conditions as own oocyte women regarding depression and anxiety but after the egg harvesting they would suffer more damages regarding hypochondriasis and anxiety aspects.     

Resistance training reduces pain indices and improves quality of life and body strength in women with migraine disorders

Sport Sciences for Health - The benefits of resistance training (RT) for migraineurs appears to be lacking although beneficial of aerobic training have been shown in previous studies. The aim of...     

Patterns of Family,School, and Community Promotive Factors and Health Disparities Among Youth: Implications for Prevention Science

Prevention Science - Increasing knowledge of factors that promote health among youth from diverse backgrounds is an important step towards addressing health disparities. Although many promotive...     

Corpus luteum with ovarian stromal edema is associated with pelvic pain and confusion for ovarian torsion

Abdominal Radiology - To distinguish the corpus luteum with adjacent ovarian stromal edema as an entity associated with pelvic pain, with confounding ultrasound features that may lead to...