Can flaxseed supplementation affect circulating adipokines in adults? An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: The findings of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the effect of flaxseed on adipokine concentrations are conflicting. Therefore, the present meta-analysis was conducted to provide definite and conclusive results. Methods: Systematically, Scopus, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science databases, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant literature published up to December 2022. Based on random-effect models, standard mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for net changes in adipokine concentrations. Results: Overall, 13 RCTs (15 arms) were eligible to be included. The results indicated that leptin was significantly reduced after the intervention with flaxseed supplement (SMD = -0.69, 95% CI: -1.37, -0.01; p = 0.048; I2 = 92.0%, p < 0.001). In addition, flaxseed supplements had no considerable effect on plasma adiponectin (SMD = 0.52, 95% CI: -0.20, 1.25, p = 0.159; I2 = 92.0%, p < 0.001). Discussion: Flaxseed significantly improves leptin but does not affect adiponectin concentrations. Additional future well-designed trials are required to further assess the potential benefits of flaxseed on adipokines in humans.

Hearing loss and COVID-19: an umbrella review.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 can result in an extensive range of extrapulmonary, and neurological signs and symptoms such as olfactory and/or taste dysfunction, and otologic symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the hearing loss manifestation from COVID-19. METHODS: The goal of this umbrella review was to examine hearing loss associated with COVID-19 disease. English literature published until October 15, 2022 in online databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase was considered for this purpose. Eligibility of the articles for subsequent data extraction was evaluated in a two-step selection process with consideration to an inclusion/exclusion criterion. This review followed the PRISMA protocol and the Amstar-2 checklist for quality assessment. RESULTS: A total of four treatment strategies were used by different studies which included oral corticosteroids, intratympanic corticosteroids, combined oral and intratympanic corticosteroids, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Five studies investigated corticosteroid use in the forms of oral or intratympanic injection; four studies reported (complete or partial) hearing improvements after steroid treatment, while one study stated no significant improvement in hearing function. One study reported that oral corticosteroid monotherapy alone was not effective, while vestibular symptoms were ameliorated by a combination of oral prednisone, intratympanic dexamethasone injection, and hydroxychloroquine. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that despite being one of the rare complications of COVID-19, hearing loss can impact a patient's quality of life. The most common type reported was sensorineural hearing loss, which can be diagnosed with variable techniques.

Superrepellent Porous Polymer Surfaces by Replication from Wrinkled Polydimethylsiloxane/Parylene F.

Superrepellent surfaces, such as micro/nanostructured surfaces, are of key importance in both academia and industry for emerging applications in areas such as self-cleaning, drag reduction, and oil repellence. Engineering these surfaces is achieved through the combination of the required surface topography, such as porosity, with low-surface-energy materials. The surface topography is crucial for achieving high liquid repellence and low roll-off angles. In general, the combination of micro- and nanostructures is most promising in achieving high repellence. In this work, we report the enhancement of wetting properties of porous polymers by replication from wrinkled Parylene F (PF)-coated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Fluorinated polymer foam "Fluoropor" serves as the low-surface-energy polymer. The wrinkled molds are achieved via the deposition of a thin PF layer onto the soft PDMS substrates. Through consecutive supercritical drying, superrepellent surfaces with a high surface porosity and a high water contact angle (CA) of >165° are achieved. The replicated surfaces show low roll-off angles (ROA) <10° for water and <21° for ethylene glycol. Moreover, the introduction of the micro-wrinkles to Fluoropor not only enhances its liquid repellence for water and ethylene glycol but also for liquids with low surface tension, such as n-hexadecane.

Adrenal Mass in a 70-Year-Old Woman.

Introduction: Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare endocrine malignancy with a bimodal age distribution pattern that affects women more than men. More than half of the patients present with hormone excess manifestations such as Cushing's syndrome and virilization. Non-functional tumors usually are diagnosed incidentally following imaging studies due to a mass effect or metastatic disease. Surgical resection is considered the best curative treatment for these tumors. Case Presentation. A 70-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of diffuse intermittent abdominal discomfort, weight loss, and additional hair growth. Imaging investigations revealed a large 187 × 85 × 140 mm mass between the liver and upper pole of the right kidney which has displaced the adjacent structures. Hormonal evaluations detected high levels of cortisol and adrenal androgens. She underwent open adrenalectomy and right nephrectomy due to severe adhesion of the mass. Histopathological evaluations revealed adrenocortical carcinoma and the patient received adjuvant radiotherapy. Conclusion: Precise physical examination, hormonal evaluation, and imaging studies play a key role in differentiating malignant adrenal masses in all patients, especially in those with vague symptoms. Radical excision of the mass and appropriate adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy improve the outcome for patients.

Investigation of Antibiotic Resistance and Biofilm Formation in Clinical Isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae.

AIM: Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is an encapsulated Gram-negative bacterium that can lead to 14-20% of nosocomial infections. The ability of biofilm formation in this bacterium decreases the host immune response and antibiotic efficacy. This may impose a huge impact on patients and healthcare settings. This study aimed to evaluate the antibiotic resistance pattern and biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae strains isolated from two major Hamadan hospitals, west of Iran. METHODS: A total of 83 K. pneumoniae strains were isolated from clinical samples of patients in different wards of Hamadan hospitals from September 2018 to March 2019. Determination of antimicrobial susceptibility was performed using the disk diffusion method. Biofilm formation was evaluated by the crystal violet method. Data were analyzed by the SPSS software and chi-square test. RESULTS: The results showed that clinical samples included 18 urinary tract samples (22%), 6 wound samples (7%), 6 blood samples (7%), 17 tracheal tube aspiration samples (20%), 32 throat cultures (38%), 2 sputum samples (2.5%), and 2 abscess drain cultures (2.5%). High-level resistance to cefotaxime was detected in 92%, and all of isolates were susceptible to colistin. Biofilm formation was seen in 62 (75%) isolates. Strong biofilm formation was observed in 17 (20%) strains. A significant correlation was seen between biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance (P value <0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings emphasize the need for proper diagnosis, control, and treatment of infections caused by K. pneumoniae especially in respiratory tract infections due to the strong biofilm formation and high antibiotic resistance in these strains.

Cerebral Sinus Thrombosis Secondary to SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a novel infectious disease and every day we are learning more about its various clinical features and complications. Different studies during the pandemic have shown various neurological manifestations secondary to the infection such as stroke due to cerebral vessel thrombosis. Herein, we presented a 57-year-old man admitted to our hospital with gradual headache, seizure, and decreasing level of consciousness. Three weeks earlier, he was diagnosed with COVID-19 and mild to moderate respiratory problems. Decreased level of consciousness made physicians intubate the patient and initiate mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU). Treatment was initiated with phenytoin. Brain CT scan showed right transverse sinus and cortical vein thrombosis with subarachnoid hemorrhage. He received successful anticoagulant therapy, with further improvement in oxygenation, and discharged with a good general condition. This case is important because several neurological complications of COVID-19 should be noticed and managed by appropriate treatment according to the patient's condition.