Green synthesis of MnO2 NPs using Arabic gum: assessing its potential antiviral activity against influenza A/H1N1.

BACKGROUND: The antiviral properties of metal nanoparticles against various viruses, including those resistant to drugs, are currently a subject of intensive research. Recently, the green synthesis of nanoparticles and their anti-viral function have attracted a lot of attention. Previous studies have shown promising results in the use of Arabic gum for the green synthesis of nanoparticles with strong antiviral properties. In this study we aimed to investigate the antiviral effects of MnO2 nanoparticles (MnO2-NPs) synthesized using Arabic gum, particularly against the influenza virus. METHODS: Arabic gum was used as a natural polymer to extract and synthesize MnO2-NPs using a green chemistry approach. The synthesized MnO2-NPs were characterized using SEM and TEM. To evaluate virus titration, cytotoxicity, and antiviral activity, TCID50, MTT, and Hemagglutination assay (HA) were performed, respectively. Molecular docking studies were also performed to investigate the potential antiviral activity of the synthesized MnO2-NPs against the influenza virus. The molecular docking was carried out using AutoDock Vina software followed by an analysis with VMD software to investigate the interaction between Arabic gum and the hemagglutinin protein. RESULTS: Simultaneous combination treatment with the green-synthesized MnO2-NPs resulted in a 3.5 log HA decrement and 69.7% cellular protection, which demonstrated the most significant difference in cellular protection compared to the virus control group (p-value < 0.01). The docking results showed that binding affinities were between - 3.3 and - 5.8 kcal/mole relating with the interaction between target with MnO2 and beta-D-galactopyranuronic acid, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicated that the MnO2-NPs synthesized with Arabic gum had significant antiviral effects against the influenza virus, highlighting their potential as a natural and effective treatment for inhibition of respiratory infections.

Analysis of microplastics in ships ballast water and its ecological risk assessment studies from the Persian Gulf.

Transport of ballast water is considered a significant vector for dispersion of different pollutants, including microplastics (MPs), throughout the world's oceans. However, there is limited information on MPs in ballast water. Size distribution, polymer type, and ecological risks of MPs in ballast water were investigated for the first time in this study. The mean levels of MPs in ballast water and seawater samples were 12.53 and 11.80 items/L, respectively. MPs with a size category of 50-300 µm was the most abundant. Fiber, black, and polycarbonate (PC) were the predominant shape, color, and polymer type of identified MPs in ballast water and seawater, respectively. The pollution load index (PLI), hazard index (HI), and risk quotient (RQ) indicated high levels of MP pollution, potentially indicating an ecological risk. These findings increase our understanding of the major sources (such as ballast water), transportation routes, and related ecological risks of MPs to marine ecosystems.

Frequent detection and genotyping of human rhinovirus in SARS-CoV-2 negative patients; a study from south of Iran.

Background and Objectives: Human rhinovirus (HRV), a major cause of common cold, was associated to the hospitalization of children and adults. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence, and genotype distribution of HRV in the patients with mild to severe respiratory infections who were negative for SARS-Cov-2. Materials and Methods: Nasopharyngeal swab specimens (n = 356) from the patients aged 29 days to 82 years, received for the respiratory virus detection from January to December 2021, were analyzed for human rhinovirus (HRV) by RT-PCR. As a final step, genotyping was performed on obtained sequences. Results: A total of 37 HRV infections were identified (37/356, 10%). The highest rates of positive HRV tests were observed in February (21.6%), and January (18.9%), compared with June and August (0%). HRV-positive cases mainly appeared in winter. Among the age groups, those 2-<5 years of age had the highest detection rate (21%), however, those >55 years of age had the lowest detection rate (3%). Among HRV-positive samples, 30 (81%) were identified as type HRV-A, 5 (13.5%) as HRV-B, and 2 (5.5%) as HRV-C. Conclusion: Our results suggested that HRV frequency gradually decreased with the age of patients which is more active in Iran, especially in the cold months.

The association of opioid consumption and osteoporosis in old men: Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) program.

In a population of 1156 men aged ≥ 60 years, opioid drug use was reported by 4.1% (n = 47) of participants. Among opioids, opium was the most prevalent consuming drug (83%). Adjusting for potential confounders, opioid consumption showed a positive association with osteoporosis. PURPOSE: Limited evidence suggest a relationship between opioid consumption and osteoporosis. This study aims to investigate the possible association of osteoporosis and drug use among older adult men of Bushehr, Iran. METHODS: In this study, 1156 men aged ≥ 60 years of Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) were included. Bone density and trabecular bone score (TBS) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Total osteoporosis was noted based on osteoporosis at either site of the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip densitometry. Drug use was defined as a self-reported current use of opioid drugs, either regular (daily) use or irregular consumption. Multivariable modified Poisson regression analysis was used for investigating the association of opioids and osteoporosis, reporting the adjusted prevalence ratio (APR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The association between drug use and TBS was evaluated using a linear regression model. RESULTS: Opioid drug use was reported by 4.1% (n = 47) of participants. Among drug users, opium was the most prevalent consuming drug (83%). In all, 38.3% of drug users and 22.4% of non-users had osteoporosis (p-value = 0.011). Multivariable analysis showed that adjusting by age, education, smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, diabetes, and physical activity, a positive and significant association was detected between opioid drug use and the likelihood of osteoporosis (APR: 1.46, 95%CI: 1.02-2.10). Considering the potential confounders, the results also showed a negative association between drug consumption and TBS (ß: - 0.027, 95%CI: - 0.053, - 0.001). CONCLUSION: Opioid drug use has a positive association with osteoporosis in elderly men, independent of other conventional risk factors. Elderly drug users might be at a higher risk for osteoporotic fractures, given the effect of substance use on cognition. So, osteoporosis among drug users would be of importance, especially in countries where opium consumption is prevalent.

The association of cardio-metabolic risk factors and history of falling in men with osteosarcopenia: a cross-sectional analysis of Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) program.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcopenia, defined as sarcopenia plus osteopenia/osteoporosis, may increase the risk of fractures and affects morbidity and mortality in the older population. Falling is also common in the elderly and increases the risk of fractures and mortality. We examined the association of cardio-metabolic risk factors with a history of falling in osteosarcopenic men. METHODS: We used the baseline data of the Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) program. Osteosarcopenia was defined as having both sarcopenia (reduced skeletal muscle mass plus low physical performance and/or low muscle strength) and osteopenia/osteoporosis (T-score ≤ - 1.0). Falling was defined as a self-reported history of an unintentional down on the ground during the previous year before the study. We used logistic regression analysis to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) to quantify the associations. RESULTS: All elderly men diagnosed with osteosarcopenia (n = 341), with a mean age of 73.3(±7.4) years, were included. Almost 50(14.7%) participants reported falling. Age showed a positive association with falling (AOR: 1.09, 95%CI: 1.04-1.14). An increase of 10 mmHg in systolic blood pressure(SBP), reduces the odds of falling by 26%(AOR:0.74, 95%CI:0.62-0.89), while a positive association was detected for fasting plasma glucose (FPG), as 10 mg/dl increase in the FPG, raises the chance of falling by 14%(AOR = 1.14, 95%CI:1.06,1.23). Hypertriglyceridemia was inversely associated with falling (AOR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.89). CONCLUSIONS: Falling is a major public health problem in rapidly aging countries, especially in individuals with a higher risk of fragility fractures. Older age-raised fasting plasma glucose and low SBP are associated with falling in osteosarcopenic patients.  Considering the higher risk of fracture in osteosarcopenic men, comprehensive strategies are needed to prevent fall-related injuries in this high-risk population.

Immunopathology and Immunopathogenesis of COVID-19, what we know and what we should learn.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) directly interacts with host's epithelial and immune cells, leading to inflammatory response induction, which is considered the hallmark of infection. The host immune system is programmed to facilitate the clearance of viral infection by establishing a modulated response. However, SARS-CoV-2 takes the initiative and its various structural and non-structural proteins directly or indirectly stimulate the uncontrolled activation of injurious inflammatory pathways through interaction with innate immune system mediators. Upregulation of cell-signaling pathways such as mitogen-activate protein kinase (MAPK) in response to recognition of SARS-CoV-2 antigens by innate immune system receptors mediates unbridled production of proinflammatory cytokines and cells causing cytokine storm, tissue damage, increased pulmonary edema, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and mortality. Moreover, this acute inflammatory state hinders the immunomodulatory effect of T helper cells and timely response of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells against infection. Furthermore, inflammation-induced overproduction of Th17 cells can downregulate the antiviral response of Th1 and Th2 cells. In fact, the improperly severe response of the innate immune system is the key to conversion from a non-severe to severe disease state and needs to be investigated more deeply. The virus can also modulate the protective immune responses by developing immune evasion mechanisms, and thereby provide a more stable niche. Overall, combination of detrimental immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory properties of both the SARS-CoV-2 and immune cells does complicate the immune interplay. Thorough understanding of immunopathogenic basis of immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 has led to developing several advanced vaccines and immune-based therapeutics and should be expanded more rapidly. In this review, we tried to delineate the immunopathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 in humans and to provide insight into more effective therapeutic and prophylactic strategies.

The associations of statin intake and the trabecular bone score and bone mineral density status in elderly Iranian individuals: a cross-sectional analysis of the Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) program.

In recent years, a growing interest on the impact of statin intake on bone health has emerged, although the reported results are controversial. The results of this study revealed that BMD at lumbar spine has a significant association with statin intake. However, such association appears to be weaker regarding TBS values compared to BMD. This study was performed with the aim of evaluating associations of statin intake with BMD and TBS using data from 2426 individuals aged ≥ 60 years from the second phase of the Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) program. We found a positive association between statin and BMD at lumbar spine, whereas association between statin and TBS was detected only in the men in the final model. INTRODUCTION: In recent years, a growing interest has been established to evaluate the impact of statin intake on bone health, although the reported results are controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the association of statin intake with bone health status according to BMD and TBS. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis used data from the elderly Iranian individuals who participated in the Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) program. Dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) device was used to evaluate the BMD at lumbar spine (L1-L4), femoral neck, and total hip, as well as TBS at lumbar spine. RESULTS: Among 2426 (1260 women and 1166 men) study participants, 778 were statin users. A positive significant association, irrespective of sex, was observed between statin intake and BMD at L1-L4, even after controlling for potential variables in total population (ß = 0.016, p = 0.013). The mean TBS values at L1-L4 were negatively associated with statin intake in total population (ß = - 0.009, p = 0.001), while in the full adjusted model, significant positive association between TBS and statin intake was detected only in men (ß = 0.013, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The results of this study revealed that BMD at lumbar spine has a significant association with statin intake. However, such an association appears to be weaker regarding TBS values compared to BMD.

Investigating the association between allergic diseases and COVID-19 in 400 Iranian patients.

INTRODUCTION: Allergic diseases could play a role of a predisposing factor for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to investigate allergic comorbidity and its association in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: Demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory reports, and radiologic findings, together with underlying comorbidity of patients, were studies. Allergic diseases were identified by using the standard GA2LEN questionnaire. The severity of COVID-19 was assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS) and an intensive care unit (ICU) report. RESULTS: Out of 400 COVID-19 patients admitted in the hospital, 158 (39.5%) presented with different allergic diseases, and a reverse association was observed between having allergic comorbidity and severity of COVID-19 infection (P = 0.005, relative risk = 0.96; 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): 0.77-1.19). The respective frequency of asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria, and food or drug allergy was 7.3%, 16%, 1.8%, 5%, 10% and 13.3%. Significantly, only AR was reversely associated with the severity of COVID-19 (P = 0.02, relative risk = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.77-1.19). Additionally, 43% of the patients presented hypoxemia, and 93.5% had chest CT scan involvement. Interestingly, patients with allergic diseases had significantly lower hypoxemia and chest CT involvement as compared with non-allergic patients (P = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results of this study established that allergic diseases were not determined to be a predisposing factor for the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) due to coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Significantly, AR patients developed mild clinical manifestations of COVID-19 and admitted to ICU as compared to non-AR patients.

Childhood exposure to metal(loid)s in industrial and urban areas along the Persian Gulf using toenail tissue as a biomarker.

Metal(loid)s (MLs) with natural or anthropogenic sources may cause adverse health effects in children. This study aimed to compare the childhood exposure to ΣMLs (essential, non-essential and toxic) in an industrial and an urban area in Southwest Iran using toenail tissue as a biomarker. The present study was carried out with school children in the age range of 7-12 years, who were living in an industrial area in the petrochemical and gas area (PGA) of the Central District of Asaluyeh County and in an urban area (UA) located in the Kaki District. A total of 270 boys and girls were recruited in January to April 2019. The ICP-MS was used for determination of the studied MLs. A multi-linear regression model was constructed to assess the effect of residence area on toenail ML levels. A significantly higher level of ΣMLs in toenail from the PGA was observed compared to the level in the UA (8.839 vs. 7.081 µg/g, ß = -0.169 and p < 0.05). However, all of the 15 MLs studied were detected in the toenail samples from both study sites. Significant differences for the mean Cr (ß = -0.563), Fe (ß = -0.968), Mn (ß = -0.501), Ni (ß = -0.306), and Pb (ß = -0.377) levels were found between toenail samples from the study areas (p < 0.05), with higher levels in the PGA. The results of this study suggest that children in industrial area are prone to a greater risk for ML exposures compared with those living in a non-industrial urban area.

Investigating the association between allergic diseases and COVID-19 in 400 Iranian patients

Introduction: Allergic diseases could play a role of a predisposing factor for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of this study was to investigate allergic comorbidity and its association in COVID-19 patients. Methods: Demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory reports, and radiologic findings, together with underlying comorbidity of patients, were studies. Allergic diseases were identified by using the standard GA2LEN questionnaire. The severity of COVID-19 was assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS) and an intensive care unit (ICU) report. Results: Out of 400 COVID-19 patients admitted in the hospital, 158 (39.5%) presented with different allergic diseases, and a reverse association was observed between having allergic comorbidity and severity of COVID-19 infection (P = 0.005, relative risk = 0.96; 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): 0.77–1.19). The respective frequency of asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria, and food or drug allergy was 7.3%, 16%, 1.8%, 5%, 10% and 13.3%. Significantly, only AR was reversely associated with the severity of COVID-19 (P = 0.02, relative risk = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.77–1.19). Additionally, 43% of the patients presented hypoxemia, and 93.5% had chest CT scan involvement. Interestingly, patients with allergic diseases had significantly lower hypoxemia and chest CT involvement as compared with non-allergic patients (P = 0.002 and 0.003, respectively). Conclusion: The results of this study established that allergic diseases were not determined to be a predisposing factor for the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) due to coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Significantly, AR patients developed mild clinical manifestations of COVID-19 and admitted to ICU as compared to non-AR patients (AU)

The Frequency and Clinical Assessment of COVID-19 in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), as an inflammatory airway disease, could be a risk factor for COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and severity of symptoms of COVID-19 in patients with CRS and to assess the association between the status of CRS symptoms and the quality of life (QoL) of the patients. METHODS: In this observational and cross-sectional study, 207 adult CRS patients participated. The patients, who presented the symptoms of COVID-19, were examined by taking the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test. A questionnaire was completed by each patient, regarding their demographic and clinical data. In addition, the GA2LEN and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) standard questionnaires were used to identify the comorbid allergic condition and QoL of CRS patients. RESULTS: The frequency of patients with COVID-19 was 25 (12.1%) of which 22 were treated as outpatients, 2 of them admitted in wards and 1 at intensive care unit. The severity of hyposmia in the patients was 2 (8%) as mild, 5 (20%) moderate, and 11 (72%) as anosmia. The most common allergic and underlying comorbid diseases were allergic rhinitis (88%) and thyroid disorders (28%). Further, the average SNOT-22 score in 4 SNOT-22 domains (nasal, otologic, sleep, and emotional symptoms) was significantly decreased in CRS patients after a period of one year since the pandemic started (40.1 ± 18.0 vs. 46.3 ± 17.7; P < .0001). DISCUSSION: This study showed a low frequency of COVID-19 in patients with CRS and about the same rate of infection positivity in the general population; therefore, we concluded that CRS could not be considered as a risk factor for COVID-19. Interestingly, the lower average score of SNOT-22 after one year of the pandemic in the patients with CRS confirmed the necessity for performing the standard health protocols by the patients.

The Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis in Southwestern Iran and Its Association with Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A GA2LEN Study.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent disease affecting the quality of life of patients throughout the world. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of AR and its association with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in the adult population living in Bushehr, southwestern part of Iran. In this population-based study, a total of 5420  individuals aged 15-65 years were selected through a multi-stage, cluster, random sampling method from which 5201 of them completed the Global Allergy and Asthma Network of Excellence (GA2LEN) questionnaire (Response rate=96.1%). The prevalence of AR, based on Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) classification (mild or moderate; intermittent or persistent) was calculated and the association of AR and CRS was evaluated using a multiple logistic regression model. The overall prevalence of AR was 28.8%, and for the intermittent and persistent AR were 25.9% (out of which 81.34% were moderate to severe) and 74.1% respectively. Moreover, the prevalence of AR was significantly higher in health workers and smokers (p=0.002 and p<0.001, respectively). Furthermore, an association was found between AR and CRS (p<0.001, aOR: 4.68, 95%CI: 4.07-5.39), and also, between the persistent AR and CRS as compared with the intermittent (p<0.001, aOR: 4.21, 95%CI: 3.40-5.22). The present study showed that the prevalence of AR in Bushehr (Southwestern part of Iran) was significantly high. In addition, the results indicated a strong association between AR and CRS, especially in individuals with moderate to severe persistent AR.