A review of biosensors for the detection of B-type natriuretic peptide as an important cardiovascular biomarker.

Heart disease, as the most serious threat to human health globally, is responsible for rising mortality rates, largely due to lifestyle and diet. Unfortunately, the main problem for patients at high risk of heart disease is the validation of prognostic tests. To this end, the detection of cardiovascular biomarkers has been employed to obtain pathological and physiological information in order to improve prognosis and early-stage diagnosis of chronic heart failure. Short-term changes in B-type natriuretic peptide are known as a standard and important biomarker for diagnosis of heart failure. The most important problem for detection is low concentration and short half-life in the blood. The normal concentration of BNP in blood is less than 7 nM (25 pg/mL), which increases significantly to more than 80 pg/mL. Therefore, the development of new biosensors with better sensitivity, detection limit, and dynamic range than current commercial kits is urgently needed. This review classifies the biosensors designed for detection of BNP into electrochemical, optical, microfluidic, and lateral-flow immunoassay techniques. The review clearly demonstrates that a variety of immunoassay, aptasensor, enzymatic and catalytic nanomaterials, and fluorophores have been successfully employed for detection of BNP at low attomolar ranges. Dtection of B-type natriuretic peptide with biosensors.

Curcumin, hemostasis, thrombosis, and coagulation.

Atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease is a major cause of mortality throughout the world. Platelet activation and aggregation play a central role in hemostasis and thrombosis. Herbal medicines have been traditionally used in the management of cardiovascular disease and can help in modifying its progression, particularly in hemostasis and the coagulation process, as well as altering platelet function tests and some coagulation parameters. Curcumin is a polyphenol derived from the Curcuma longa plant and has been used extensively in complementary and alternative medicine, as it is nontoxic and safe with various therapeutic properties. Modern scientific research has demonstrated its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, antithrombotic, and cardiovascular protective effects. The present study reviewed previous studies in the literature, which support the positive activity of curcumin in hemostasis, anticoagulation, and fibrinolysis. We also presented molecular mechanisms associated with the antiplatelet and anticoagulant activities of curcumin and potential implications for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Curcumin in heart failure: A choice for complementary therapy?

Heart failure is a major public health concern and one of the most common reasons for a cardiac hospital admission. Heart failure may be classified as having a reduced or preserved ejection fraction and its severity is based on the symptom score. Given the aging population, it is predicted that admissions with heart failure will increase. Whilst pharmacological therapy has improved the associated morbidity and mortality, there is a need for additional therapies to improve the clinical outcome as the death rate remains high. Curcumin is a natural product derived from turmeric that appears to have cardiovascular benefit through a number of mechanisms. In this review, we have assessed the mechanisms by which curcumin may exert its effects in different models of heart failure and show that it has promise as a complementary treatment in heart failure.

Lack of antibacterial activity of Ruta graveolens extracts against Enterococcus fecalis.

Enterococcus fecalis is responsible for majority of enterococci infections and can cause clinical disorders in adult and pediatrics. In order to adverse effects of synthetic drugs, it has made a positive attitude toward alternative and complementary medicine. Ruta graveolens has a wide therapeutic application for various diseases. Aim of this study was to see the effect of this herb on Enterococcus fecalis growth. In this investigation we used standard Enterococcus fecalis. Effect of hydro-alcoholic, aqueous and methanolic extracts of Ruta graveolens on growth of bacteria has been evaluated by disc diffusion and serial dilution method and compared with eight prevalent antibiotics. None of disks with different extracts in the range of 50 to 400µ/ µl show any non-growth hallo. Disks with 500µg of all type extracts in comparison with antibiotic disks did not avoid from growth of bacteria. Third test showed the growth of bacteria and ineffectiveness of various amount of extracts. It seems that this ineffectiveness is because of low antibacterial substance against the bacteria in extracts of the herb and high resistant nature of Enterococcus fecalis to antibiotics and it needs more studies.

Two-stage revision of infected hip prosthesis after post-operative antibiotic therapy: An observational study.

Infection is a major threatening side effect after total hip arthroplasty (THA) that its management is so difficult and is accompanied by different complications. The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes of patients underwent 2-staged THA after a course of antibiotic therapy. It was an observational prospective study performed during 2009 and 2019. We managed 51 patients with infected THA using a method in which antibiotic prophylaxis was performed after THA. We followed the same protocol for treatment of patients included 2-staged revision: in first stage, removal of infected instruments were performed and insertion of a hand-made antibiotic-cement spacer was done until erythrocyte sedimentation rate and CRP were normalized. In second stage, an un-cemented prosthesis was re-implanted in femoral side and post-operative IV antibiotic were administered for a week. Patients were monitored for about 15 months. Data were analyzed. There were 3 patients developed recurrent infection required girdlestone due to the aging. One of them needed to remove implant and 2 other with 3 times of re-infection were treated by antibiotic therapy. Other 10 cases were treated first by re-changing the cement. The rate of successful treatment was 78.4% (40 of 51) after the primary surgery and antibiotic therapy. This rose to 92.1% (47 of 51) following more debridement and antibiotic therapy. The merging of staged surgical debridement, using spacer of cement-antibiotic and re-implant beside 1-week intravenous antibiotic therapy, leaded to appropriate early outcomes in this series.

Iranian traditional medicinal plants for management of chronic heart failure: A review.

Chronic heart failure is a public health problem with a high prevalence worldwide and an important topic in clinical cardiology. Despite of advances in the drug treatment strategy for heart failure, the number of deaths from this condition continues to rise. It will be a renewed focus on preventing heart failure using proven and perhaps novel drugs. Management will also focus on comorbid conditions that may influence the progression of the disease. Traditional medicine has a potential to introduce different approaches for treatment of some disorders. We here reviewed top medicinal plants, according to traditional medicine to experimental studies, and their potency for the treatment of chronic heart failure based on the evidence of their functions.

Evaluation results of using GAP II acetabular cage for acetabulum in revision total hip arthroplasty.

Acetabular revision arthroplasty with major bone loss is one of the most difficult operations in hip arthroplasty, The graft augmentation prosthesis (GAP) has been designed particularly as an implant for revision acetabular reconstruction. We evaluated the use of GAP II acetabular cage in revision of acetabulum in total hip arthroplasty. From 2009 to 2014, we performed revision total hip arthroplasty in patients with acetabular defects by cage (GAP II) in patients referred to Milad and Erfan Hospitals, Tehran, Iran. We included all patients in class 3a and 3b of Paprosky bone loss classification and type III bone loss according to the system of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. We used SPSS software Ver 19 and descriptive tests, Chi square and independent t-test were used for analysis. There were 221 men (71.99%) and 86 women (28.01%) with an average age of 51.3 ±â€…21.7 years (range, 35-86 years). The Modified Harris Hip Score (MHHS) improved significantly at the last follow-up compared with the preoperative MHHS (P < .001). The mean MHHS was 40 (range, 29-44) preoperatively and 92 (range, 86-95) at the last follow-up. There were no major intraoperative complications during acetabular reconstruction. Our findings showed that using GAP II acetabular cage in the restoration of acetabulum in hip revision surgery is significantly desirable.

Pulmonary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor in a male child: A case report.

Pulmonary inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare condition in the normal population and specifically in the pediatric population. We reported a 9-year-old male child who presented with cough and intermittent fever and weight loss that was most suggestive of the infectious process. We reviewed the consideration of diagnosis and treatment.

Serum pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance in term versus preterm neonates.

The oxidant/antioxidant status balance is a process that begins before birth and premature infants are particularly susceptible to oxidative stress. According to the mechanisms of oxidative stress and lack of study in this field, in this prospective study, we aimed to compare the levels of serum pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance (PAB) in preterm versus term babies. This was a prospective cross-sectional study that was performed in Ghaem hospital, a university tertiary hospital, in Mashhad, Iran. The study population included all term and preterm neonates who were admitted to the hospital within birth time. In our study, 324 neonates were included. One hundred ninety-eight neonates were preterm (61.1%) and others were term (38.9%). There was a significant difference between PAB levels in term and preterm neonates. Serum PAB level was significantly lower in preterm neonates rather than in term neonates (21.86 ±â€…21.01 vs 50.33 ±â€…31.69; P = .001). There was also a significant negative correlation between PAB levels and gestational age. According to previous investigations, we showed for the first time in our study that PAB is lower in preterm newborns rather than in term ones.

Coronavirus disease 2019-related Kawasaki syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 has changed the pattern of some diseases in the world, especially in pediatrics. Despite data suggesting that the pediatric population is less affected by coronavirus disease-19 infection, new concerns have been raised owing to reported cases with hyperinflammatory conditions such as Kawasaki disease. CASE PRESENTATION: We report herein the case of a pediatric patient diagnosed and treated for classic Kawasaki disease in the setting of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 infection. She was an 8-year-old, previously healthy, and fully immunized Iranian girl who initially presented to the pediatric emergency department with 5 days of intermittent fever, followed by abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. She was admitted for fever and abdominal pain to the surgery service of Akbar Hospital with suspected appendicitis. CONCLUSIONS: This case report may serve as a useful reference to other clinicians caring for pediatric patients affected by coronavirus disease 2019 infection. Standard therapeutic interventions for Kawasaki disease must be performed to prevent critical coronary aneurysm-related complications in the coronavirus disease 2019 era.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of physicians towards herbal remedies in Rasht, north of Iran.

The World Health Organization has recommended the integration of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) with modern medicine, as part of the global "health for all" approach. Herbal treatments are the most common and known methods of CAM. Based on the critical role of physicians in true and safe application of these products, this research evaluated knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of physicians in Rasht towards herbal remedies. This was a cross sectional study, performed between April 2017 and May 2019 on all physicians, who worked in Rasht city, northern Iran. A researcher-made questionnaire with 2 main parts, including a demographics section and research questions was used. A total of 142 (38%) individuals responded to the questionnaires. Mean KAP scores were 6.47 ±â€…6.17, 27.80 ±â€…3.26, and 5.02 ±â€…5.54, respectively. In none of these fields, significant differences were seen in participants regarding demographic variables, experience, work place, academic relevance, and field of work (P > .05). Physicians of Rasht city, with different work environments and regardless of demographic characteristics, had a positive view towards herbal remedies, without enough knowledge to consult their patients.

Echocardiographic and electrocardiographic findings in COVID-19 patients: a cross-sectional study.

There are still many gaps in our knowledge regarding the direct cardiovascular injuries due to COVID-19 infection. In this study, we tried to find out the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on cardiac function in patients without any history of structural heart disease by electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evaluations. This was a cross-sectional study on patients with COVID-19 infection admitted to Imam Reza hospital, Mashhad, Iran between 14 April and 21 September 2020. COVID-19 infection was verified by a positive reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for SARS-CoV-2 using nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal samples. We enrolled all patients over 18 years old with definite diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. All patients underwent a comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography at the first week of admission. Clinical and imaging data were collected prospectively. In total, 142 patients were enrolled in this study. The mean age of participants was 60.69 ± 15.70 years (range: 30-90 years). Most patients were male (82, 57.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that O2 saturation at admission was independently a predictor of re-hospitalization (P < 0.001). RV size (P < 0.001), dyslipidemia (P < 0.001), ejection fraction (EF) (P < 0.001), age (P = 0.020), systolic blood pressure (P = 0.001), O2 saturation (P = 0.018) and diabetes (P = 0.025) independently predicted 30-days mortality. Echocardiography can be used for risk assessment in patients with COVID-19, especially in those with previous history of diabetes and dyslipidemia. The infection could result in ventricular dysfunction, even in those without previous history of structural heart disease.

COVID-19 infection in an infant with cystic fibrosis: A case report and possible therapeutic effect of hypertonic saline.

Pulmonary infections represent the major causes of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF). Here, we report a 3-month-old infant with pancreatic insufficient CF was hospitalized with positive RT-PCR test for COVID-19. He was treated successfully. Hypertonic saline can be hypothesized as a treatment regimen against COVID-19 infection after further investigations.

Xanthogranulomatous hypophysitis: A rare presentation in a young female patient.

Hypophysitis is a rare inflammatory condition that may present both clinically and radiologically as a neoplastic lesion. Xanthogranulomas are rare intracranial lesions with controversial etiology. Here, we report a clinical case of histologically confirmed xanthogranulomatosis hypophysitis in a young female with type I diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism.

Atypical presentation of COVID-19 infection as acute abdomen in children: A case series.

Abdominal pain in children in COVID-19 era should be carefully evaluated and weighing risk-benefit of surgical procedure in suspected cases should be more discussed. Surgery in patients with high suspicious to MIS-C should be delayed for preventing critical outcomes.

Therapeutic effects of medicinal plants on isoproterenol-induced heart failure in rats.

AIMS: Natural products still serves as a hope for some illnesses which modern medicine fails to cure. Many people, either knowing their effects or not, are using these herbal products. Treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF) is yet a complicated clinical challenge and there is need to improve or make new therapeutic targets. Finding new agents for CHF is an important subject in cardiovascular drug research. In this study, we evaluated the effects of ten herbals on treatment of CHF on isoproterenol-induced model. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ninety-six male Wistar rats (16 weeks old) were used in 12 groups. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed on the rats for confirmation of CHF model by decreasing ejection fraction. After 4 weeks' treatment, hearts were removed and blood samples were collected in tubes to measure plasma levels of laboratory findings. Our results showed that the mean of ejection fraction in model rats was 51.82 ± 3.49 percent and all of our used natural products could significantly increase the ejection fraction (P < 0.01). The most effective herbals in improving the ejection fraction were Allium sativum (30.69 %), Peganum harmala (26.08 %) and Apium graveolens (24.09 %). The best results in decreasing NT-ProBNP, was obtained from Allium sativum, Peganum harmala and Berberis vulgaris respectively. Our results showed that none of natural products had toxic effect on renal and liver tissues. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that Allium sativum, Peganum harmala and Berberis vulgaris could significantly improve cardiac function by improvement of left ventricular remodeling, lowering hs-CRP and NT-ProBNP and echocardiographic indexes without liver or renal side effects.

Death Due to COVID-19 in an Infant with Combined Immunodeficiencies.

BACKGROUND: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 has affected millions of people, and especially in adult patients with underlying diseases lead to death. Meanwhile pediatric patients with inherited defects of T cell should be prone to viral diseases. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we report an infant with severe combined immunodeficiencies, who were affected and died because of COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Considering the importance of finding how immune system can affect the viral infection, presentation of COVID-19 in immune deficient patients can be valuable.

Salvage of failed dynamic hip screw fixation of intertrochanteric fractures.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Failure of intertrochanteric fracture fixation can occur in patients with poor bone quality, extreme osteoporosis, or unstable fracture arrangement. Although hip replacement is a commonly successful process, it includes technical problems, such as implant removal, bone loss, low bone quality, nonunion of trochanter, and difficult surgical exposure. The goal of this study was to restore total hip replacement for failed intertrochanteric fractures to assess the outcomes. METHODS: During April 2009 to October 2015, 203 patients (203 hips) underwent total hip arthroplasty through the direct lateral approach, as salvage of failed intertrochanteric fracture management by dynamic hip screw (DHS). The restoration process was done by a direct lateral approach (Hardinge) in all hips. The operation details, such as duration, blood transfusion volume, blood loss, and duration of hospital stay, were recorded. Modified Harris hip score (MHHS) was applied for assessment of clinical outcome before and after the operation, and during the follow-up. RESULTS: Overall, 112 patients were male (55.17%) and 91 patients (44.8%) were female and the mean of age was 72.58±10.60 years old. Average operation time was 93.96±10.72 minutes. The mean blood loss volume during the operation was 355.86±84.11 mL. The mean preoperative MHHS score was 39.55±6.74 (range: 30-50). The MHHS score improved to 90.55±2.24, 92.34±1.26, and 94.34±1.85 during the first, second, and final follow-up, respectively (P<0.0001). Infection was found in only two patients, who had undergone one stage revision and linear of the cup was exchanged. Total rate of complications during the follow-up was 4.92%. CONCLUSION: The current research was a large population study and indicated that sufficient functional outcome could be obtained by total hip replacement in geriatrics with failed intertrochanteric fractures. Therefore, well-performed hip replacement could be a suitable choice for restoring failed DHS in unsuccessfully managed intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly.

Conversion to total hip arthroplasty in posttraumatic arthritis: short-term clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the acetabulum are challenging and very difficult to treat, and even after fixation, they can lead to posttraumatic arthritis. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been the most common surgery performed for the complications of posttraumatic arthritis in this group of patients. AIM: In this article, it is aimed to assess the functional results and complications of the conversion to THA for posttraumatic arthritis after acetabular fracture. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-nine patients were followed up for a mean of 3.7 years (range 2-5 years). The complications included four cases of sciatic nerve palsy, all of which had injury during the first operation. Two cases underwent two-stage surgery because of infection which was demonstrated by a high level of erythrocyte sedimentation rate/C-reactive protein and according to frozen section samples, which were sent intraoperatively with >10 neutrophil/high-power field; one case was then managed by a one-stage protocol for infection after THA was infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In 1 case, we used the Girdlestone operation for severe infections and uncontrolled diabetes; in 2 cases, we used cages; and in 47 cases, we used uncemented cups. RESULTS: The mean of modified Hip Harris Score improved from 47 (31-66) before the conversion to 89 (79-95) at the final follow-up. The pain component of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities also increased from an average of 15 (7-20) to 4 (0-11) at the final follow-up. No dislocation, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary thromboembolism, new nerve injury, and heterotopic ossification occurred. CONCLUSION: The conversion to THA after posttraumatic arthritis in acetabular fracture can lead to reasonable pain relief and functional improvement.

Effect Of Bevacizumab On Growth Of Human Nasal Polyposis In Vitro; An Off-Label Use Of Anti-Angiogenic Agent For Nasal Polyposis Treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Nasal polyposis (NP) is a frequent problem during adulthood. Treatment of NP is primarily based on drugs, such as oral or topical steroids and in some types, by surgery. Despite of available therapeutic options for NP, recurrence after polypectomy is found. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a known factor involved in NP. Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody, which acts against VEGF. AIM: Regarding the availability of bevacizumab and its use in ophthalmic off-label application, in this study, we hypothesized that it could be a choice of non-invasive treatment. The researchers aimed at evaluating the use of bevacizumab in vitro on the growth of NP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, the researchers used eight non-allergic NP tissues from patients admitted for polypectomy clinic of Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad. Tissues were cultured in DMEM medium based on standard protocols in the presence or absence of bevacizumab (10 to 250 µM) then incubated. The mean of the responses was reported. The level of VEGF and MTT test for NP epithelial cell viability were determined for each group. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software. RESULTS: The researchers demonstrated that bevacizumab leads to a decrease in the level of VEGF (the most common cause of angiogenesis in NP) in media culture of NP, dose-dependently (P<0.001). The highest mean was related to the 10-µM group and the least mean was related to the 250-µM group. In MTT test after 5 days, it was shown that the percentage of viable epithelial NP cells (due to apoptosis) was decreased dose-dependently and could lead to resolving NP tissue (P<0.001), significantly. CONCLUSION: This study showed that bevacizumab could help decrease the growth of NP tissue dose-dependently in organ culture in vitro by inhibiting VEGF. It seems that bevacizumab could be a good candidate for the treatment of non-allergic NP.