Demographic and Clinical Characteristics Associated with COVID-19 Infection in Hormozgan Province, Iran Between January 24 to June 10, 2020

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection has been widespread. Objectives: We aim to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics associated with COVID-19 infection between January 24 to June 10, 2020. Methods: All data related to tested patients (positive and negative cases) were extracted from the integrated health information system (IHIS) between January 24 to June 10, 2020. Statistical analyses were performed using data related to the anamnesis of all patients, odds ratios (OR) of COVID-19 infection in defined subgroups including contact history, partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) higher than 93 mmHg, the muscle-pain symptom, the cough symptom, and the fever symptom. Results: The COVID-19 infection was significantly associated with contact history (OR 5.25, [95% CI 4.35 to 6.34], P-value < 0.0001); PO2 higher than 93 mmHg (OR 1.74 [95% CI 1.44 to 2.22], P-value < 0.0001); muscle-pain symptom (OR 1.89 [95% CI 1.58 to 2.26], P-value < 0.0001); cough symptom (OR 1.32 [95% CI 1.14 to 1.53], P-value < 0.0001); and fever symptom (OR 1.29 [95% CI 1.11 to 1.49], P-value = 0.0004). Conclusions: The results of our study indicated that contact with patients or suspicious individuals can be considered as the most important symptoms of COVID-19 disease. Furthermore, the high pressure of oxygen, muscle-pain, cough, and fever symptoms were identified as considerable symptoms of COVID-19 disease.

Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Content and Antibacterial Properties of Polygonatum orientale Desf and Tilia dasystyla

Background: Secondary metabolites of plants such as phenol and flavonoids can neutralize free radicals. The antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of plants are related to phenolic or flavonoids compounds. The occurrence of drug resistance to antimicrobial drugs has led to the use of medicinal herbs in the treatment of infections. Antibiotic resistant of Staphylococcus aureus has become a major problem in the treatment of diseases. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) of Polygonatum orientale Desf and Tilia dasystyla and evaluate their antibacterial effects on Staphylococcus aureus bacterium. Total phenolic content of Polygonatum orientale Desf and Tilia dasystyla has not been previously investigated. Methods: Total phenolic and flavonoid content of P. orientale Desf and T. dasystyla extracts were determined using colorimetric methods of Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride. Antimicrobial activities of the extracts were evaluated by microdilution broth and disc diffusion methods to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values. Results: The results showed that total flavonoids content of Polygonatum orientale Desf with the value of 7.9 ± 0.040 mg/g DW extracted with diluted water solvent and boiling method and total phenolic contents of Tilia dasystyla with the value of 62.13 ± 0.073 mg/g DW extracted with methanol solvent and boiling method were the highest amount. Methanol extract of Polygonatum orientale Desf had more antibacterial activities with the MBC and MIC values of 0.140 mg/ mL and 8 ± 0.4 mm zone of inhibition. Conclusions: T. dasystyla and P. orientale Desf contain bioactive compounds such as phenolic and flavonoids that can be used as a promising option in pharmacognostical studies for the treatment of S. aureus infections.

Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Compound Profile of Pistachio Skins (Pistacia vera L., Cultivars Kallehghuchi and Ohadi)

Background: Pistachio, with the scientific name Pistacia vera L., a native plant in Asia, is a member of the Anacardiaceae family. Pistachio nuts and skins are known as a rich source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Objectives: In the current study, the industrial production of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity was investigated because of the high mass production of pistachio skin in Iran. Methods: The extraction of two pistachio cultivars, namely Kalleghuchi and Ohadi were carried out by using two methods (maceration and ultrasonic extraction) and four solvents (acetone 70%, ethanol 50%, methanol 50%, and water). Antioxidant properties of pistachio skins were determined by three methods (Folin-Ciocalteau colorimetric method, DPPH assay, TLC/DPPH analysis). Results: The results showed that the highest content of total phenolic compounds were measured by ultrasonic and maceration methods related to Ohadi and Kallehghuchi in acetone solvents 17.4 ± 0.04 and 17.26 ± 0.1 mg/g DW, respectively. The highest antioxidant activity was measured by ultrasonic and maceration methods related to Ohadi in acetone and water solvents IC50 = 0.057 ± 0.001 and 0.059 ± 0.002 µg/ml, respectively. By TLC/DPPH analysis, gallic acid, 4-hydroxy-3, 5-dimethoxy benzoic acid, tannic acid, and some unidentified compounds were determined. By HPLC analysis, gallic acid, coumaric acid, cinnamic acid, 4-hydroxy-cinnamic acid, and 4-hydroxy benzoic acid were determined. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study clarifies some special biochemical characteristics of pistachio skins. Therefore, according to the results of the study, pistachio skins could be successfully used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Lipid Profile in Pregnant Women with and without Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the most common metabolic disorder of pregnancy, is associated with alterations in circulating lipids. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare lipid profiles in women with and without GDM. Methods: This study was performed on 84 pregnant women at 26 - 30 weeks of gestation (42 pregnant women with GDM as cases and 42 healthy pregnant women as controls). After obtaining informed consent and gathering demographic data, subjects underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, and lipid profile was also measured in all subjects. Results: We found that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were significantly higher in the GDM group (53.10 ± 1.72 vs. 46.64 ± 1.70 mg/dL, P = 0.008). Total cholesterol (228.96 ± 52.03 vs. 211.59 ± 41.83 mg/dL) and triglyceride (TG) levels (225.58 ± 89.84 vs 208.38 ± 80.66 mg/dL) were also higher in the GDM group; however, the differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.770 and P = 0.327, respectively). On the contrary, low-density lipoprotein was found to be non-significantly higher in the healthy group (144.54 ± 26.01 vs 122.41 ± 4.82 mg/dL, P = 0.709). Besides, there was a significant association between HDL levels and GDM (OR 1.049; CI 95% (1.009 - 1.090), P = 0.015). This association remained significant when adjusted for age, BMI, and gestational age (OR 1.010; CI 95% (1.002 - 1.017), P = 0.009). No significant association was found between GDM and TG, cholesterol, and LDL levels. Conclusions: HDL levels are significantly higher in pregnant women with GDM compared to pregnant women without GDM. HDL level is significantly associated with GDM even after adjustment for age, BMI, and gestational age.

The Comparison of Serum Vitamin D Level in the Term Neonates with and Without Sepsis in Children’s Hospital of Bandar Abbas City, Iran from 2016 to 2017

Background: Neonatal sepsis is one of the most important causes of an infant’s death, and the identification of its factors has been the subject of many studies. Some new evidence suggested the role of vitamin D in the occurrence of sepsis in infants. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the serum levels of vitamin D in neonates with sepsis in the first week of birth and healthy neonates. Methods: This case-control study was performed on 72 term neonates (36 neonates with sepsis as the case and 36 healthy neonates as the control group) who referred to Bandar Abbas children's hospitals, Bandar Abbas, Iran, from 2016 - 2017. Results: Serum vitamin D levels were measured in all infants and their mothers in both sepsis and control groups. In addition, data were collected, including sex, birth weight, C-reactive protein (CRP), and duration of hospitalization in neonates with sepsis. The mean serum level of vitamin D was 18.52 ± 11.49 ng/mL in sepsis and 20.52 ± 13.75 ng/mL in neonates of the control group (P ≥ 0.05). The mean maternal serum level of vitamin D in sepsis control groups was 22.44 ± 11.26 and 24.36 ± 12.82 ng/mL, respectively (P ≥ 0.05). There was a positive correlation between maternal and neonatal vitamin D levels in the sepsis (r = 0.803) and the control (r = 0.756) groups. However, there was no significant difference between vitamin D level and CRP (P = 0.148) and length of hospital stay (P = 0.396) in the sepsis group. Conclusions: Although the results of the present study showed a correlation between serum vitamin D levels in mothers and neonates with neonatal sepsis, there was no significant correlation between neonates with and without sepsis regarding vitamin D levels.

Epidemiological Study of Traumatic Spinal Injuries in Iranian Patients from 2007 to 2017

Background: Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) can cause numerous adverse effects on the spinal cord and neural tissues. These injuries may have negative effects on physical and psychological health during the lifespan. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of TSCI in patients with trauma admitted to Bessat Hospital of Hamadan between 2007 and 2017. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 3,219 patients with traumatic spinal injuries admitted to Bessat Hospital of Hamadan between 2007 and 2017. Data were collected from the hospital information system. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. Quantitative data were expressed as mean, standard deviation, and frequency, and qualitative data were analyzed using the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. The significance level was considered to be less than 0.05. Results: Mortality was significantly associated with gender (P = 0.001), age (P = 0.051), external causes of injury (P = 0.001), and type of injury (P = 0.001). The length of hospital stay was significantly associated with the type of injury (P = 0.001) and external causes of injury (P = 0.001), whereas there was no significant relationship between the length of hospital stay and gender, age, and surgery (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Mortality rates were highest at the age of 55 years or over among other age groups. Thus, effective interventions and programs should be implemented for this age group.

Quadriplegia as a Rare Complication of Black Widow Spider Envenomation

Introduction: The bite of Latrodectus tredecimguttatus, generally known as the Black Widow Spider (BWS), can cause a variety of symptoms, including muscular spasm, back pain, abdominal pain, severe sweating, and shivering. The bite brings weakness, too; however, quadriplegia has not been mentioned in the literature. Case Presentation: Here, we present a 42-year-old male with BWS bite who developed muscle weakness and paralysis in the four limbs. The patient needed mechanical ventilation. Nerve conduction velocity showed myopathy in the patient. The patient could eventually walk after 45 days of supportive treatment. Conclusions: It can be hypothesized that quadriplegia may happen due to the vast acetylcholine depletion.

Impact of Assisted Reproductive Technology on Embryonic Health Screening Tests: A Case-Control Study

Background: More than one million children throughout the world are born by using fertility techniques. In this process, human intervention and laboratory conditions may have an impact on the growth and development of the fetus. Objectives: The present study aimed to consider the effect of assisted reproductive techniques on the results of embryonic health screening tests. Methods: In this case-control study, among clients who went to the Infertility Center of the Ome Leila Hospital in Bandar Abbas Province, we selected 200 pregnant women who were impregnated via assisted reproductive techniques as the case group and 200 natural pregnant women as the control group by sample random sampling. Checklists were filled out and data analyzed by the SPSS version 21 and chi-square tests by using an interview with pregnant women and investigating the embryonic screening tests. Results: Most of the participants in the study were housewives and had primary infertility. Their BMI was normal. There was no significant difference between the final results of the embryonic screening test in the two groups at the first trimester (P > 0.05). However, in the second trimester, there was a significant difference between them. The positive results were higher in the case group in comparison with the control group (P = 0.001). The mean of all types of screening tests in the first trimester in both groups was not different, significantly (P < 0.05), although in the second trimester, the mean of all the testis, including BHCG (P = 0.006) and AFP (P = 0.018) in both case and control groups, was significantly different. The mean of BHCG and AFP was higher in the case group, while the mean of Estradiol and Inhibin, NB, and NT were not really different (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study showed that embryonic screening tests, particularly the BHCG and AFP tests, would be affected by applying the assisted reproductive techniques. For the couples who had a history of infertility and used reproductive methods, screening tests are essential in the first and second trimester.

Trend of Incidence Rate of Suicide and Associated Factors in 2011 - 2015 in Zarand, Iran

Background: The study of suicide and identification of mental health problems, social, cultural, and environmental communities are effective for preventive measures and reducing risk factors. Objectives: This study aimed to study the epidemiology of suicide and its associated factors over 2011 - 2015 in Zarand. Methods: In this observational-epidemiological study (cohort study), all people who committed suicide in 2011 - 2015 were recorded on a standardized questionnaire, and demographic data of Zarand were collected by the health center and government. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression analysis. Results: During 2011 - 2015, 2,401 persons (372 at one hundred thousand) committed suicide, of whom 33 cases (5.1 at one hundred thousand) died. Chi-square and logistic regression information showed suicide attempt rate in people with middle school education was 15.7 times greater than less or more educated ones; similar results showed the rate of suicide of the people in the age group 15-29 was 6.3 times higher than other age groups, retired, and unemployed 3.1 times more than employed and finally, urban living had suicide attempt rate of 1.6 times higher than rural living. Conclusions: In Zarand, the incidence of suicide is much higher than the global, country, and province average (more than three to four times), and leading to death was much less than expected. However, there are significant differences in the cause and manner and demographic characteristics with other studies, which require the creation of Suicide Registry Center (SRC) and qualitative studies with form layer analysis of causes in Zarand.