The Green Synthesis of Carbon Quantum Dots through One-step Hydrothermal Approach by Orange Juice for Rapid, and Accurate Detection of Dopamine.

In the current study, the fluorescent Carbon quantum dots (CDs) were synthesized through one-step hydrothermal approach by orange juice without any additional agents. The as-prepared green-CDs (GCDs) were quasi-spherical shape ranged from 2 to 8 nm with an average diameter of 5 nm, and emitted bright blue fluorescent (FL) under ultraviolet light irradiation (Uv). Different detailed analyses proved that the as-prepared GCDs had good morphologies, various functional groups, high water solubility, great optical features, and excellent stability towards diverse environmental conditions. The results indicated that the as-prepared GCDs can detect different concentrations of dopamine from 1 to 100 µM based on the quenching of their native fluorescent. Furthermore, the good linear relationship was obtained for dopamine in the broad range of concentrations from 1 to 100 µM with the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.81 µM. In addition, the as-prepared GCDs can be applied as a fluorescent probe for detection of dopamine in the different real samples.

Prevalence & Impact of COVID-19 in Systemic Sclerosis Patients and Assessment of the Demographic & Clinical Features in Cases Associated with Worse Prognosis: Results of a Single Centre Registry.

Background: Our knowledge of the COVID-19 infection impact on systemic sclerosis (SSc) is scarce. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 infection and to determine the predictive factors of worse outcomes and death in SSc patients. Methods: In this cohort study all patients who attended our clinic between 20th February 2020 and 20th May 2021 were followed, and those with a history of COVID-19 infection completed the questionnaire. Results of para-clinical tests were extracted from the SSc database. The outcomes were classified as: alive vs. deceased and, mild vs. worse outcomes. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression models were applied. Results: Of the total 192 SSc patients studied, COVID-19 affected 12.5%; 6% experienced mild disease, 7% were hospitalized and 3% died. The worse outcome was associated with: older age [95%CI: 1.00-1.08], smoking [95%CI: 2.632-33.094], diabetes [95%CI: 1.462-29.654], digital pitting scars (DPS) [95%CI: 1.589-21.409], diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide [DLCO<70 [95%CI: 1.078-11.496], left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)<50% [95%CI: 1.080-38.651], systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP)>40 mmHg [95%CI: 1.332-17.434], pericardial effusion (PE) [95%CI: 1.778-39.206], and tendon friction rub [95%CI: 1.091-9.387]. Death was associated with male gender [95%CI: 1.54-88.04], hypertension [95%CI: 1.093-2.155], digital ulcers (DU) [95%CI: 0.976-18.34], low forced vital capacity (FVC) [95%CI: 0.03-0.81], and joint flexion contracture (JFC) [95%CI: 1.226-84.402]. Conclusion: Risk factors for the worse outcome in COVID-19 infected SSc patients included, older age, smoking, diabetes, DPS, DLCO<70, LVEF<50%, sPAP>40 mmHg, PE, and TFR. Death was associated with the male gender, hypertension, DU, low FVC, and JFC.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis after COVID-19: A case report.

COVID-19 can damage the endothelial cells of every organ in the body and lead to vasculopathy and vasculitis. It has been shown that various types of vasculitis could be a new manifestation of COVID-19. Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare systemic necrotizing vasculitis that affects small vessels. Here we report our experience with a 42-year-old man with a 3-weeks history of fever of unknown origin after two months from COVID-19 recovery presented with loss of appetite, loss of weight, and paresthesia in his lower extremities. After required evaluations including nerve biopsy, EGPA was diagnosed for him.

Serum level of Vitamin D is associated with COVID-19 mortality rate in hospitalized patients.

BACKGROUND: Due to widespread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, identification of its risk factors and clinical characteristics are important. The aim of the present study was to assess Vitamin D levels in individuals with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-19 infection and to report on its potential as a predictive marker. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients, diagnosed with COVID-19 infection from February 16 to March 21, 2020, and referred to Firoozgar Hospital, Tehran, Iran, were enrolled in this study. Vitamin D analysis was undertaken on patient serum samples using a commercial kit (Pars Azmoon Co., Tehran, Iran). SPSS v. 22 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Vitamin D serum concentration was analyzed in a total of 317 patients whose mean age ± standard deviation was 62.05 ± 15 years and with 62.5% being male. A significant association of Vitamin D level and death was observed. Higher levels of serum Vitamin D had protection against death (odds ratio = 0.955 [95% confidence interval = 0.923-0.988], P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: As a preliminary study in the Iranian population who suffered COVID-19 disease, we identified that Vitamin D deficiency was associated with a higher death rate and intensive care unit admission.

Comparing duloxetine and pregabalin for treatment of pain and depression in women with fibromyalgia: an open-label randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Duloxetine and pregabalin are among the most widely used medications in the treatment of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FM). OBJECTIVES: To add to the very few lines of evidence that exist on the comparative safety and efficacy of these two medications. METHODS: In this open-label randomized clinical trial, outpatient women, who were diagnosed with FM based on American College of Rheumatology 2010 criteria, and had an age range of 18-65 years old were assigned to either duloxetine 30-60 mg or pregabalin 75-150 mg per day for 4 weeks. Patients were excluded in cases of having used duloxetine, pregabalin, gabapentin, or antidepressants within 12 weeks prior to the study, having had a history of comorbid medical conditions that could provoke chronic pain, or having had comorbid neuropsychiatric disorders, except for major depressive/anxiety disorders. Primary outcomes were between-group differences in mean score changes from baseline to end point for Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and Beck Depression Inventory-II. Secondary outcomes were the same statistical estimates, but for Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Revised and 12-Item Short Form Survey. Descriptive statistics and independent samples t-test were the main methods of analysis. ( www.irct.ir ; IRCT2016030626935N1). RESULTS: Among all the scales, only WPI scores improved with a statistically significant difference between the two treatment arms, favoring duloxetine (Mean difference in score change - 2.32, 95% CI, -4.46 to - 0.18; p = 0.034; Cohen's d 0.53 95% CI, 0.04 to 1.02). Drop out rate and cumulative incidence of nausea was significantly higher in the duloxetine arm compared to the pregabalin arm. CONCLUSION: This study provides further evidence on higher efficacy of duloxetine compared to pregabalin for the treatment of pain in patients with fibromyalgia. Future comprehensive pragmatic clinical trials are warranted.

Frosted branch angiitis caused by Varicella Zoster virus in an immunocompetent patient.

INTRODUCTION: Frosted branch angiitis(FBA) is a panuveitis with sheating of all retinal vesssels. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein we report an immunocompetent person who presented with fever, headache, atypical rash, and hazy vision. Ophthalmoscopy of both eyes revealed perivascular sheathing with frosted branch angiitis pattern in veins, patchy retinal hemorrhages. Aqueous PCR analysis turned positive for VZV. DISCUSSION: This case illustrates that VZV should be considered in the differential diagnosis of retinal perivasculitis. Since a rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial for prompt administration of antiviral therapy, PCR-based analysis of aqueous humor is a valuable tool for detecting viruses.