Unraveling the immunometabolism puzzle: Deciphering systemic sclerosis pathogenesis.

The article delves into the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) with an emphasis on immunometabolism dysfunctions. SSc is a complex autoimmune connective tissue disorder with skin and organ fibrosis manifestation, vasculopathy, and immune dysregulation. A growing amount of research indicates that immunometabolism plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including SSc. The review explores the intricate interplay between immune dysfunction and metabolic alterations, focusing on the metabolism of glucose, lipids, amino acids, the TCA (tricarboxylic acid) cycle, and oxidative stress in SSc disease. According to recent research, there are changes in various metabolic pathways that could trigger or perpetuate the SSc disease. Glycolysis and TCA pathways play a pivotal role in SSc pathogenesis through inducing fibrosis. Dysregulated fatty acid ß-oxidation (FAO) and consequent lipid metabolism result in dysregulated extracellular matrix (ECM) breakdown and fibrosis induction. The altered metabolism of amino acids can significantly be involved in SSc pathogenesis through various mechanisms. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production has a crucial role in tissue damage in SSc patients. Indeed, immunometabolism involvement in SSc is highlighted, which offers potential therapeutic avenues. The article underscores the need for comprehensive studies to unravel the multifaceted mechanisms driving SSc pathogenesis and progression.

Generalized lymphadenopathy in the presence of acute Epstein-Barr virus infection as the initial manifestation of systemic lupus erythematous: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: Clinicians should carefully consider generalized lymphadenopathy, particularly post viral infections, as one of the possible systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) first signs regarding unusual joint involvements such as sacroiliitis. Late diagnosis of this autoimmune inflammatory disease, could lead to irreversible morbidity and higher mortality. Abstract: Lymphadenopathy could represent various etiologies, including infections, malignancies, and rheumatologic diseases. SLE is known as the great mimicker which could be presented with different first manifestations. We report a 42-year-old woman in the acute phase of Epstein-Barr infection, admitted with polyarticular peripheral arthritis, sacroiliitis, and generalized lymphadenopathy. She had no similar history or taken unpasteurized dairy. Nodes were soft, mobile, and tender without skin change on top. During the process, she was diagnosed with SLE and discharged with prednisolone 30 mg/day and hydroxychloroquine 400 mg/day. After 2 weeks of follow-up, all lymphadenopathy and symptoms were diminished. This case underscores the thousand faces innate of SLE. Clinical awareness would lead to an accurate diagnosis and early intervention.

Human Gut Microbiome Before and After Bariatric Surgery in Obese Patients with and Without Type 2 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery, a significant intervention for obesity, may influence weight loss through changes in gut microbiota, particularly the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. This study explores these potential shifts and their metabolic implications. MATERIALS: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving patients who had undergone bariatric surgery. Stool samples were collected at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months post-operation. We performed DNA extraction and quantified the bacterial phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes to assess changes in the gut microbiota over time. RESULTS: Our research revealed a significant alteration in the gut microbiota following bariatric surgery. In diabetic individuals, there was a marked increase in the average number of Firmicutes bacteria at both 3 and 6 months post-operation, compared to pre-surgery levels. In contrast, non-diabetic subjects experienced a notable decrease in Firmicutes during the same timeframe. Regarding Bacteroidetes bacteria, the trend was reversed; diabetic patients showed a significant reduction, while non-diabetics exhibited an increase after the surgery. These findings highlight the dynamic changes in gut microbiota composition associated with bariatric surgery and its potential link to metabolic changes post-operation. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that obesity alters the gut's microbial composition. The observed bacterial fluctuations, particularly in the dominant Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes groups, are likely contributors to the weight loss experienced post-surgery. This alteration in gut bacteria underscores the complex interplay between microbiota and metabolic health, highlighting potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.

Spontaneous bilateral avascular necrosis of knees and hip leading to early bilateral total hip arthroplasty: a case report of an 18-year-old man recently diagnosed with Crohn's disease.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) is linked to considerable morbidity, resulting in severe pain and functional impairment. Herein, for the first time, we reported an 18-year-old patient with Crohn's disease during the remission phase under Azathioprine therapy who presented with articular pain. Although no underlying risk factors, the patient was diagnosed with severe AVN of the bilateral femoral head and both knees simultaneously following pain in involved areas. This case highlights the importance of demand multidisciplinary approach to chronic disease. Moreover, clinicians should be aware of articular manifestations in IBD patients to diagnose and treat these conditions as soon as possible. Patients should be evaluated for their psychologic, gastrointestinal, and extra-gastrointestinal comorbidities during each follow-up visit.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Hemodialysis.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome is a common disorder that puts patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. To our knowledge, there is no published study in Pub Med which evaluated both lifestyle and metabolic syndrome in hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and investigate the potential risk factors in hemodialysis patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 204 patients enrolled conveniently. National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria considered for Metabolic Syndrome. Demographics, lifestyle, and disease characteristics were gathered. The relationship between metabolic syndrome and its severity with independent variables was investigated through multivariable multivariate logistic and linear regressions. Results: The mean (SD) age was 55 (14) years and 42% were women. 42.6% had metabolic syndrome. Low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), high fasting blood sugar, high blood pressure (BP), increased waist circumference (WC), and high triglyceride were observed in decreasing order of frequency in 54.4%, 44.1%, 38.7%, 33.3% 28.9% of patients, respectively. The logistic regression model revealed significant associations between metabolic syndrome and physical activity (OR=0.85, 95% CI : 0.74-0.97), mood (OR=1.04, 95% CI : 1.002-1.078), age (OR=1.023, 95% CI : 1.001-1.046), and missed work (OR=0.86, 95% CI : 0.76-0.97). The linear regression model revealed significant associations between metabolic syndrome severity score and physical activity (B=-0.12, 95% CI : -0.21-0.02) and sleep quality (B=0.017, 95% CI : 0.001-0.033). Conclusion: Poorer sleep quality, lower physical activity, lower mood status, and older age were associated with higher odds of metabolic syndrome/metabolic syndrome severity score in hemodialysis patients.

Cardiovascular risk factors among nurses: A global systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Nurses as the largest group of health workers have a very stressful job which can cause number of diseases specially increase cardiovascular risk factors. This study aims to investigate the overall epidemiology of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among nurses. METHOD: We searched all four main databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Embase and Web of Sciences from the beginning of 2000 to March 2022 with appropriate Mesh Terms. We also searched Google scholar. Then we applied inclusion and exclusion criteria and after selection the studies the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. Comprehensive Meta-analysis and R software was used for analysis. RESULTS: Finally, 22 articles with a total number of 117922 nurses were included. Among all risk factors, sedentary lifestyle and lack of regular physical activity with a prevalence of 46.3% (CI 95%, 26.6-67.2) was regarded as the main prevalent risk factor among nurses. The mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) measured in the study population was 121.31 (CI 95%, 114.73-127.90) and the mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 78.08 (CI 95%, 74.90-81.25). Also family history of cardiovascular disease (41.9%; 95% IC: 29.8-55.1%), being overweight (33.3%; 95% IC: 24.7-43.2%), and alcohol consumption (24.6%; 95% IC: 16.4-35.2%) was found among the participants. CONCLUSION: Study results revealed that sedentary lifestyle was the main prevalent CVD risk factor among nurses followed by family history of cardiovascular disease, being overweight and alcohol consumption. Furthermore, among nurses with shift works almost all risk factors got higher score representing the worse condition in comparison with day workers' nurses. This study enables learning the associated risk factors of CVD among nurses to facilitate interventional programs with a view to reduce the exposure of nursing staff particularly those who work in shifts to cardiovascular risk factors. 1. WHAT WAS ALREADY KNOWN?: In general, many studies have emphasized the impact of the nursing profession on the incidence of some cardiovascular patients. Also, different shifts of nurses can have a double effect. 2. WHAT ARE THE NEW FINDINGS?: In this study, the mean for sedentary lifestyle was reported to be 46.3% which represented the most prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular risk factors among study population. 3. WHAT IS THEIR SIGNIFICANCE?: This study enables learning the associated risk factors of CVD among nurses to facilitate interventional programs with a view to reduce the exposure of nursing staff particularly those who work in shifts to cardiovascular risk factors. This information can comprise essential tools for health human resource management contributing to advance nursing.

Quality of life in bladder cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, bladder cancer (BC) has been regarded as the tenth most common cancer with more than 573 000 new cases in 2020. This research presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining the quality of life (QOL) among patients with BC. METHODS: The study was designed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A total of 11 articles were extracted from a literature search conducted through electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science from the onset of January 2000 to June 2022. A random-effects model was applied to estimate the pooled QOL in patients with BC. RESULTS: We included 11 primary studies in the final meta-analysis. Based on random effect analysis, total score of QOL was 53.92 (95% CI: 47.84 to 60) representing a moderate level of QOL among patients. Based on the analysis, it was found that physical items with a score of 49.82 (95% CI: 45.8 to 53.84) had a lower score in comparison with mental items at a score of 52 (95% CI: 49.54 to 54.47). In addition, the item of role limitations due to physical health with a score of 46.26 (95% CI: 20.11 to 72.41), and social functioning with a score of 46.25 (95% CI: 18.85 to 73.66), respectively, had the lowest QOL in patients with BC. CONCLUSION: Generally, the QOL among patients with BC was in a moderate condition, which can be improved through determining the influencing factors on QOL as a crucial strategy to define future treatment procedures in an effective manner.

The association between thyroid dysfunction, autoimmune thyroid disease, and rheumatoid arthritis disease severity.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) are the two most prevalent coexisting autoimmune diseases due to their similar pathogenesis. Considering the potential effect of AITD on the severity of RA disease, this study aimed to determine the association between thyroid dysfunction, anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) positivity, AITD, and RA disease severity in the Iranian population. METHODS: Three hundred and fifty RA patients who presented to Shahid Beheshti tertiary care center, Qom, Iran, were included in this cross-sectional study. The data were collected through the patient's medical records, interviews, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. The RA disease activity score in 28 joints for RA with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS-28-ESR) was used to divide patients into three subgroups, remission (DAS-28-ESR ⩽ 2.6), mild-to-moderate (2.6 < DAS-28-ESR ⩽ 5.1), and severe disease activity (DAS-28-ESR > 5.1). RESULTS: Using the aforementioned method, 111, 96, and 138 patients were put into remission, mild-to-moderate, and severe disease activity groups, respectively. Anti-TPO antibody positivity rate was 2.93 times more prevalent among patients with severe disease compared to the remission subgroup (OR: 2.93; P-value < 0.001). Patients suffering from a more severe disease were almost 2.7 times more probable to have AITD (OR = 2.71; P-value < 0.001) and they were 82% more likely to have thyroid dysfunction compared to patients in remission (OR = 1.82; P-value = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: It was demonstrated that thyroid dysfunction, anti-TPO antibody positivity, and AITD were significantly more common among RA patients with more severe disease activity.

Association between fetal liver diameter and glycemic control in pregnant women with gestational diabetes: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between fetal liver length (FLL) and maternal glycemic status in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), as well as to determine whether FLL measurement in the third trimester is associated with neonatal outcomes. METHOD: A total of 51 singleton GDM pregnancies were included in this pilot study, and transabdominal ultrasound biometry and FLL measurements were performed between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation. Maternal indicators of glycemic control, including hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), fasting blood sugar (FBS), and 2-h postprandial blood sugar were also evaluated during this period. The cases were followed up until delivery and maternal and neonatal outcomes were assessed to determine any correlation with FLL. RESULT: The results showed a significant positive correlation between FLL and HbA1C (r = 0.464, P = 0.001), FBS (r = 0.574, P < 0.001), 2-h postprandial blood sugar (r = 0.405, P = 0.002), and AC (r = 0.515, P < 0.001). Additionally, FLL was significantly associated with fetal birth weight (r = 0.408, P = 0.003) and birth weight (r = 0.460, P = 0.001). The FLL≥95th percentile group demonstrated a higher number of polyhydramnios (p = 0.007), macrosomia (p < 0.001), and maternal intensive care unit (ICU) admissions (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, FLL measurement during third trimester of pregnancy is an indicator of maternal glycemic regulation and can be used as a predictor of macrosomia and neonatal birth weight in GDM pregnancies.

Global Prevalence of Suicide in Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

AIM: Given that patients with cancer may commit suicide due to physical and mental problems, the present study objectives were to identify particular risk factors of different subgroup of patients including type of cancer, gender, age, type and time of suicide, and geographical region to facilitate early care and psychosocial support. METHODS: A comprehensive review of databases including Embase, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science was conducted for original articles published in English from January 2000 to March 2022. It is based on the PRISMA checklist. RESULTS: After reviewing 69 articles selected from 15 countries, the total prevalence rate of suicide among 34,157,856 patients with cancer was estimated 67,169, at 0.013 (95% CI, 0.008-0.021). The highest suicide prevalence was related to gastrointestinal cancer, estimated at 0.204 (95% CI, 0.161-0.255). A gender-based meta-analysis showed that the prevalence of suicide/suicidal ideation was higher among men, estimated at 0.013 (95% CI, 0.008-0.023) compared with women, at 0.006 (95% CI, 0.002-0.017). CONCLUSION: Based on study results, suicide-prevention strategies should be aimed at patients younger than 40 years of age to effectively resolve their mental health disorders and promote their self-efficacy in successful management of the disease.

Global depression in breast cancer patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is known as one of the most common diseases among women, the psychological consequences of which are common in women and affect various aspects of their lives, so this study aims to investigate the prevalence of depression among women with breast cancer globally. METHOD: The present meta-analysis was performed by searching for keywords related to breast cancer and depression in 4 main databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Sciences and Scopus in the period of January 2000 to November 2021 and the results of the study using R and CMA software were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 71 studies were selected in English and the results of the analysis showed that the prevalence of depression in women with breast cancer is 30.2%, with Pakistan having the highest (83%) prevalence of depression and Taiwan having the lowest (8.3%). And in the WHO regions, EMRO region had the highest (49.7%) rate and SEARO region had the lowest (23%) prevalence of depression. Also, with increasing age, the prevalence of depression among women with breast cancer increases. CONCLUSION: Community and family support for women with breast cancer, holding psychology and psychotherapy courses, lifestyle modifications and training in this area can be effective in preventing the reduction of the prevalence of depression, and given the pivotal role of women in family affairs, this This can be in line with the work of health system policymakers.

An atypical presentation of hypothyroidism with extremely exaggerated functional impairment.

Key Clinical Message: Myopathy-related symptoms are rare manifestations of hypothyroidism. Clinicians should consider hypothyroid myopathy as one of the possible diagnoses for patients with proximal weaknesses. Abstract: Myopathy-related symptoms are rare manifestations of hypothyroidism. Clinicians should consider hypothyroid myopathy as one of the possible diagnoses for patients with proximal weaknesses. We report a 34-year-old woman, presenting with a new atypical musculoskeletal manifestation of hypothyroidism mimicking polymyositis.

Scleromyxedema in an adult following Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV vaccination: An extremely rare phenomenon.

Introduction: The Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV vaccine produces a variety of cutaneous adverse effects. Scleromyxedema is a mucinous connective tissue disorder that causes skin thickness and sclerodermoid changes. According to our findings, this is the first case of scleromyxedema induced by the Sinopharm immunization. Case description: We discuss the case of a 75-year-old woman who acquired progressive thickening of the skin in her limbs and trunk after getting the Sinopharm vaccination. Examination, laboratory testing, and a biopsy were used to verify scleromyxedema diagnosis. Intravenous immunoglobulins, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone were used in the treatment of the patient. The outcomes from the 4-month follow-up were reassuring. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need of considering scleromyxedema as a connective tissue pathology in patients who have recently received Sinopharm vaccine and have similar cutaneous signs.

Role of T cells in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematous: Focus on immunometabolism dysfunctions.

Evidence demonstrates that T cells are implicated in developing SLE, and each of them dominantly uses distinct metabolic pathways. Indeed, intracellular enzymes and availability of specific nutrients orchestrate fate of T cells and lead to differentiation of regulatory T cells (Treg), memory T cells, helper T cells, and effector T cells. The function of T cells in inflammatory and autoimmune responses is determined by metabolic processes and activity of their enzymes. Several studies were conducted to determine metabolic abnormalities in SLE patients and clarify how these modifications could control the functions of the involved T cells. Metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, mitochondrial pathways, oxidative stress, mTOR pathway, fatty acid and amino acid metabolisms are dysregulated in SLE T cells. Moreover, immunosuppressive drugs used in treating autoimmune diseases, including SLE, could affect immunometabolism. Developing drugs to regulate autoreactive T cell metabolism could be a promising therapeutic approach for SLE treatment. Accordingly, increased knowledge about metabolic processes paves the way to understanding SLE pathogenesis better and introduces novel therapeutic options for SLE treatment. Although monotherapy with metabolic pathways modulators might not be sufficient to prevent autoimmune disease, they may be an ideal adjuvant to reduce administration doses of immunosuppressive drugs, thus reducing drug-associated adverse effects. This review summarized emerging data about T cells that are involved in SLE pathogenesis, focusing on immunometabolism dysregulation and how these modifications could affect the disease development.

Discharge of Confirmed COVID-19 Patients Based on WHO or Regional Criteria? A Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Increasing the number of COVID-19 patients raises concerns about the capacity of the health care system. This issue emphasizes reducing the admission rate and expediting patient discharge. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a discharge protocol for COVID-19 patients based on the existing capacity of the healthcare system and to assess its post-discharge outcomes. METHODS: This is a multicenter cohort study. All COVID-19 patients referred to selected medical centers in Qom, Iran, from Feb. 19 to Apr. 19, 2020, were target populations. Eligible patients were classified into a) the criterion group and b) the non-criterion group. Patients were followed up daily for 14 days after discharge by phone, and the required data was gathered and recorded in follow-up form. Univariate (chi-square and t-tests) and multivariate multiple (multivariate probit regression) analysis were used. RESULTS: A total of 2775 patients were included in the study (1440 people in the criterion group and 1335 in the non-criterion group). Based on multivariate probit regression, death was statistically associated with discharge outside our criteria (p<0.001), rising age (p<0.001), and being male (p=0.019), and readmission were associated with discharge outside our criteria (p<0.001), rising age (p=0.009), and having the history of underlying diseases (p=0.003). Furthermore, remission had statistically significant associations with discharge based on our criteria (p<0.001), decreasing age (p=0.001), and lack of a history of underlying diseases (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Mortality and readmission were significantly lower according to our discharge criteria. Our designed criteria apply to less developed and developing countries due to the limited capacity and resources available in the health care system.

Global prevalence of nosocomial infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are significant problems as public health issues which need attention. Such infections are significant problems for society and healthcare organizations. This study aimed to carry out a systematic review and a meta-analysis to analyze the prevalence of HAIs globally. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases including EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science between 2000 and June 2021. We found 7031 articles. After removing the duplicates, 5430 studies were screened based on the titles/ abstracts. Then, we systematically evaluated the full texts of the 1909 remaining studies and selected 400 records with 29,159,630 participants for meta-analysis. Random-effects model was used for the analysis, and heterogeneity analysis and publication bias test were conducted. RESULTS: The rate of universal HAIs was 0.14 percent. The rate of HAIs is increasing by 0.06 percent annually. The highest rate of HAIs was in the AFR, while the lowest prevalence were in AMR and WPR. Besides, AFR prevalence in central Africa is higher than in other parts of the world by 0.27 (95% CI, 0.22-0.34). Besides, E. coli infected patients more than other micro-organisms such as Coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In hospital wards, Transplant, and Neonatal wards and ICU had the highest rates. The prevalence of HAIs was higher in men than in women. CONCLUSION: We identified several essential details about the rate of HAIs in various parts of the world. The HAIs rate and the most common micro-organism were different in various contexts. However, several essential gaps were also identified. The study findings can help hospital managers and health policy makers identify the reason for HAIs and apply effective control programs to implement different plans to reduce the HAIs rate and the financial costs of such infections and save resources.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the quality-of-life of patients with Parkinson's disease.

Background: Parkinson's disease can adversely affect the quality-of-life. Aims: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of global literature on the quality-of-life of patients with Parkinson's disease and examined the association between patient characteristics and quality-of-life. Methods: We searched Embase, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science from January 2000 to January 2020. We included articles published in English that used the Parkinson's disease questionnaire to estimate the quality-of-life score and to identify the determinants of quality-of-life in patients with Parkinson's disease. Results: In total, 41 studies with data from 4060 patients who had Parkinson's disease met our inclusion criteria. The overall quality-of-life score was 32.37 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 28.72-36.01). Age and duration of disease were inversely related to quality-of-life (P < 0.001). South America had the highest score on the questionnaire (39.73, 95% CI: 28.66-50.79, P < 0.001), indicating the lowest quality-of-life of patients with Parkinson's disease. Of the 6 World Health Organization regions, the Eastern Mediterranean Region had the highest score (36.28, 95% CI: 23.44-49.13, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Although the global score in patients with Parkinson's disease indicated an acceptable quality-of-life, there is a possibility for improvements. The findings of this study can inform evidence-based strategies by health policymakers and clinicians to enhance the quality-of-life of patients with Parkinson's disease.

Reactive arthritis after Gam-COVID-Vac vaccination: A case report.

Although the safety and efficacy of vaccinations have been evaluated through clinical trials, medical experts and authorities are very interested in the reporting and investigation of adverse events following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunisation in the general public. This article reports about a 41-year-old man without a history of underlying diseases, complaining of continuous morning stiffness and acute discomfort in his left elbow joint, 20 days after taking the first dosage of Sputnik V. The case was extensively studied, and a possible diagnosis of reactive arthritis was made.