The Journal of Current Biomedical Reports (J Curr Biomed Rep) is an independent, peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to the advancement of biomedical sciences, with a primary focus on local and regional health issues in Iran. The journal publishes high-quality research that addresses key challenges in the fields of Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, and related biomedical disciplines, with a strong emphasis on translational, clinical, and public health applications. In addition to its regional orientation, the journal also serves as a scientific platform for research from neighboring countries and for international biomedical studies that align with its aims and scope. J Curr Biomed Rep welcomes original research articles, review papers, short communications, case reports, and letters to the editor that address current trends and challenges in biomedical science. The journal aims to promote interdisciplinary collaboration among clinicians, researchers, and public health professionals by providing a platform for the timely dissemination of scientific findings that influence patient care and healthcare systems. The journal particularly values studies that offer insights into region-specific health issues, disease patterns, and biomedical priorities, especially those relevant to Iran and neighboring regions. Read more
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Cholera toxin and breast cancer: Immunological insights and therapeutic opportunities
Copyright (c) 2026 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Prevalence of bacterial infections among hospitalized patients with malignancies
Hospital-acquired bacterial infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients with malignancies due to underlying immunosuppression and frequent exposure to invasive procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the types of infection and clinical outcomes of hospitalized cancer patients with nosocomial infections. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 19 hospitalized patients with malignancies at Razi Educational and Medical Center, Rasht, Iran, between 2021 and 2023. Demographic, clinical data, and patients’ outcomes were recorded. The mean age was 48.31 ± 18.14 years. Urinary tract infection (UTI) was the most common infection (57.9%), followed by bloodstream infection (26.3%). Escherichia coli was the predominant pathogen (52.6%). The mean time to infection onset was 8.21 ± 11.17 days, and the mean length of hospitalization was 16.84 ± 12.61 days. Overall in-hospital mortality was 42.1%. Among deceased patients, UTI (62.5%) and E. coli (62.5%) were most frequent. Nosocomial bacterial infections, particularly UTIs caused by E. coli, are common among hospitalized cancer patients and are associated with considerable mortality. Continuous surveillance and targeted infection control strategies are essential in oncology settings.
The prevalence of positive C-reactive protein and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Chronic inflammation plays a central role in both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study evaluated the association of C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) among patients with T2DM, NAFLD, and concurrent disease. In this cross-sectional study, 150 participants were equally divided into three groups: T2DM or NAFLD, and concurrent T2DM and NAFLD. Demographic and clinical data were recorded, and CRP and ESR levels were measured. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression models adjusted for age and gender by reporting odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. ESR levels differed significantly among groups (p <0.001), with the highest values observed in the T2DM+NAFLD group. Adjusted logistic regression showed that patients with T2DM+NAFLD had a 3.8-fold increased odds of elevated ESR compared to NAFLD alone (95% CI: 1.345–10.759, p=0.012). CRP positivity did not significantly differ between groups; however, categorical CRP analysis revealed significant distribution differences (p <0.001). Coexistence of T2DM and NAFLD is associated with greater systemic inflammatory burden, particularly reflected by elevated ESR. ESR may serve as a more sensitive inflammatory marker than CRP in patients with combined metabolic disorders.
Microbial dysbiosis and carcinogenesis: Exploring the contribution of the microbiome to major human cancers
Scientific progress has greatly enhanced our understanding of the complex link between cancer and the microbiome. Research suggests that the way the human body interacts with its microbial communities is a key factor in maintaining health and in the development of disease. The human microbiome has numerous benefits, including the Regulation of essential processes such as immune signaling and metabolism, which contribute to the proper functioning of the host. Microbiota imbalance is associated with the development and progression of cancer. This review article aims to investigate the microbiome's effect on the development and progression of cancer, which could lead to significant progress in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this cancer. Overall, further studies are needed to provide new insights into the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer. Also, the design of clinical research related to the interaction of the microbiome genome and the human host genome could be of interest, and signaling pathways involved in disease.
Targeting inflammation: Implications for chronic disease and cancer therapy
Copyright (c) 2025 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Recent developments in vaccine research:Novel platforms and applications in global health
Copyright (c) 2025 Sina Salem Ahim, Mahnaz Mohammadnezhad, Nilufar Bavafa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
From environment to dental plaque: The emerging impact of microplastics on oral cavity
Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as pervasive environmental contaminants, raising increasing concern for human exposure and health risks. These particles are now detected in multiple daily sources, including drinking water, food products, indoor and outdoor air, and certain oral-care formulations, making the oral cavity one of the earliest and most consistent points of contact. Evidence from environmental, marine, and gastrointestinal microbiology demonstrates that MPs readily act as abiotic substrates capable of supporting microbial attachment, promoting biofilm formation, and altering microbial behavior. Recent studies suggest that similar processes may occur within the oral environment, where MPs can integrate into dental plaque, modify its structural organization, and influence interactions among bacterial and fungal communities. MPs may also affect microbial virulence, extracellular polymeric substance production, and horizontal gene transfer, raising concerns regarding their potential to exacerbate cariogenic or periodontal dysbiosis. Despite these emerging insights, current knowledge remains limited by the lack of in vivo studies, insufficient mechanistic investigation in oral tissues, and major analytical challenges in reliably detecting MPs within complex oral samples. These gaps hinder the ability to assess causal pathways and clinical significance. This review synthesizes current interdisciplinary evidence on the interaction between MPs and oral biofilms and highlights priority areas for translational research. A deeper understanding of these interactions is essential to clarify the role of MPs as novel environmental determinants of oral disease and to inform future preventive and regulatory strategies.
Distribution of aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes in Escherichia coli isolated from urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections worldwide. Escherichia coli is responsible for more than 80% of community- and hospital-acquired UTIs. Aminoglycosides are widely used as first-line therapy for severe Gram-negative infections, but antimicrobial resistance particularly through aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes (AMEs) threatens treatment success. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between aminoglycoside resistance and the prevalence of genes encoding modifying enzymes in Escherichia coli isolates obtained from urinary tract infections. This cross-sectional study was performed at Babol University of Medical Science. A total of 178 E. coli isolates were collected from urine samples of UTI patients. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed according to CLSI guidelines, and the presence of AME-encoding resistance genes (aac(6')-Ib-cr, aadA1, aphA1, aph(6), Aph(6'-VI) was examined using PCR. Overall, 71% of isolates were from females and 29% from males; 57% were obtained from children and 43% from adults. Phenotypic results showed high susceptibility to gentamicin (78%) and amikacin (75%), while resistance was 20.8% and 18%, respectively. The most frequent AME gene was aac(6')-Ib-cr (37%), followed by aphA1 (15%) and aadA1 (14%). Statistical analysis showed a significant association only between aphA1 and gentamicin resistance. Although aminoglycoside susceptibility remains high, AME genes are already disseminating among uropathogenic E. coli, indicating the risk of future resistance expansion. Phenotypic and genetic data provide valuable guidance for treatment and resistance monitoring.
Impact of genetic variants on outcomes in ICU patients with acute respiratory failure syndromes
Acute respiratory failure (ARF) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) represent major causes of morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU). Although clinical triggers such as pneumonia, sepsis, trauma, and viral infections are well characterized, substantial inter-individual variability in disease susceptibility, severity, and treatment response suggests an important contribution of genetic factors. Emerging evidence from genome-wide association studies, polygenic analyses, and sequencing of rare variants highlights key pathways including endothelial barrier regulation, innate immunity, and inflammatory signaling that shape host responses during critical illness. Pharmacogenomic studies further indicate that genetic variation influences responses to sedatives, corticosteroids, and other ICU therapies, although clinical translation remains limited. Environmental exposures and critical care interventions interact with inherited variation, emphasizing the multidimensional nature of ARF. This review synthesizes current knowledge on genetic determinants of ARF and ARDS, examines their relationship with clinical outcomes in the ICU, and outlines how gene-environment interactions and pharmacogenomics contribute to treatment heterogeneity. Despite promising discoveries, major gaps persist, including limited ancestry diversity, modest effect sizes, and scarce genotype-informed interventional trials. A deeper integration of genomics with multi-omics profiling and clinical phenotyping is essential to advance precision medicine approaches for critically ill patients.
In vitro comparative analysis of the antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of Persica, Matrica, Listerine mouthrinses against Streptococcus mutans
Dental plaque, a structured microbial biofilm, is a primary etiological factor in dental caries. Mouthrinses are widely used to control plaque and cariogenic bacteria, yet comparative data on their antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy, particularly for herbal formulations, remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of Persica (Salvadora persica), Matrica (Matricaria chamomilla), and Listerine with 0.2% chlorhexidine against Streptococcus mutans in vitro. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay in 96-well microtiter plates was used to determine antibacterial activity, while antibiofilm effects were assessed using the microtiter plate crystal violet staining method. Mouthrinses were tested at serial dilutions, and bacterial growth and biofilm formation were quantified. A p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Chlorhexidine and Listerine demonstrated the strongest antibacterial activity, both exhibiting MIC values of 3.12%, followed by Matrica (6.25%) and Persica (12.5%). In the antibiofilm assay, chlorhexidine completely inhibited biofilm formation at all tested concentrations, whereas Persica and Listerine showed moderate inhibition at higher concentrations. Matrica exhibited the lowest antibiofilm effect, with significant inhibition observed only at the 50% concentration. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences among the mouthrinses for both antibacterial (p = 0.03) and antibiofilm activities (p = 0.01). Chlorhexidine remains the most potent mouthrinse against both planktonic S. mutans and biofilm formation. Herbal formulations, particularly Persica and Listerine, demonstrated concentration-dependent antibacterial and antibiofilm effects. These findings highlight the potential of herbal mouthrinses as adjuncts in oral care, though they are generally less effective than chlorhexidine, especially at lower concentrations.
Integron profiles and sulfonamide resistance genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from diabetic patients with urinary tract infection
Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen and an important cause of pneumonia, bacteremia and urinary tract infection (UTI). K. pneumoniae infection is historically associated with diabetes. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the Integron types and sulfonamide resistance genes in K. pneumoniae isolated from diabetic patients with urinary tract infection. In this descriptive-cross-sectional study, 90 K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from urine samples of diabetic patients. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using disk diffusion methods. Detection of the sulfonamide resistance determinants and integron types were carried out through PCR. In this study, 90 K. pneumoniae isolates were obtained from diabetic patients with UTI, with a mean age of 69.8 ± 9.2 years; 58.9% were female. Antibiotic resistance was highest to gentamicin (70%) and ceftriaxone (65.5%), and lowest to imipenem (32.2%), with significant resistance also observed to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (50%). Among the isolates, sul1 (91.8%) and intI (67%) were the most prevalent resistance genes followed by dfrA1 (63%) and sul2 (52%). The dfrA5 gene was not detected in any of the isolates. The predominance of sul1 and class I integrons among K. pneumoniae isolates from diabetic patients with UTI underscores their key role in the spread of multidrug resistance. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted antimicrobial stewardship, infection control, and monitoring strategies to prevent treatment failure in this high-risk population.
Predicting critical care outcomes in acute respiratory infections: The interplay between host comorbidities and immune status
Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a major cause of global critical illness and remain a leading reason for intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality. While pathogen-related factors and treatment timing have long dominated prognostic research, recent evidence highlights the decisive influence of host characteristics, particularly comorbidities and immune competence, on clinical outcomes. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, chronic kidney or liver disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease substantially modify the course of ARIs by amplifying systemic inflammation, altering immune regulation, and impairing pulmonary and multi-organ recovery. Similarly, primary and secondary immunosuppression arising from malignancy, transplantation, or therapeutic interventions further increase the risk of severe infection, ventilator dependency, and mortality. Despite these associations, current prognostic models in respiratory critical care largely depend on physiologic or pathogen-specific variables, overlooking the complex host interplay that determines disease severity and treatment response. This narrative review synthesizes contemporary evidence on how comorbidities and immune alterations shape outcomes in critically ill patients with ARIs, with a focus on mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, and ICU length of stay. It addresses key research questions regarding the relative contribution of host versus pathogen factors, the prognostic value of immune-inflammatory biomarkers, and the potential integration of host data into predictive models. Understanding this interplay is essential for advancing precision critical care, guiding individualized management, and informing the development of ethical, host-inclusive frameworks for ICU triage and resource allocation in increasingly multimorbid populations.
Bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance in bloodstream infections: A three-year retrospective analysis from a tertiary hospital in Northern Iran
Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a major contributor to morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients, particularly when antimicrobial resistance is rapidly increasing. The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria poses significant challenges to empirical treatment and infection-control efforts. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, bacterial etiology, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of BSIs among inpatients at a tertiary hospital in northern Iran over a three-year period. A retrospective observational analysis was conducted at a tertiary university hospital from March 2021 to March 2024. All hospitalized patients with culture-confirmed BSIs and documented antimicrobial susceptibility testing results were included. Bacterial identification followed standard microbiological procedures. A total of 284 cases of BSI were recorded, and based on the number of hospital admissions, the rates of nosocomial infection and BSI were approximately 4% and 1%, respectively. The mean patient age was 59.7 years, and 32.4% were admitted to ICUs. Gram-negative bacteria predominated, with Klebsiella spp. (18.3%), Escherichia coli (18.0%), and Acinetobacter spp. (12.7%) as the most frequent pathogens. High antimicrobial resistance rates were observed among Gram-negative isolates, particularly non-fermenters. Carbapenems and aminoglycosides remained the most active agents against Enterobacterales. Among Gram-positive bacteria, approximately half of staphylococcal isolates were methicillin-susceptible, and enterococci showed full susceptibility to vancomycin. BSIs continue to impose a significant clinical burden in northern Iran, dominated by Gram-negative pathogens and marked antimicrobial resistance. The findings highlight the need for ongoing local surveillance, updated empirical treatment guidelines, and reinforced antimicrobial-stewardship and infection-control programs to reduce morbidity, mortality, and the spread of resistant organisms.
Lung cancer and the microbiome: Key bacterial players in carcinogenesis and therapy
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constituting the majority of cases. Despite therapeutic advances in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), treatment outcomes remain heterogeneous. Increasing evidence indicates that the human microbiome including the respiratory, gut, and intratumoral compartments plays a crucial role in lung carcinogenesis and therapeutic response. This narrative review synthesizes recent findings on the microbiome’s contribution to lung cancer biology and therapy. The healthy lung microbiota is characterized by low biomass yet consistent phyla composition, primarily Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, while dysbiosis in lung cancer often features enrichment of Streptococcus, Veillonella, Prevotella, Haemophilus, and Fusobacterium. These taxa may drive carcinogenesis through immune modulation, chronic inflammation, metabolic signaling, and genotoxic or epigenetic alterations. Beyond the lung, gut microbial diversity and metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) influence systemic immunity and modulate response to chemotherapy, targeted agents, and ICIs. Antibiotic-induced dysbiosis has been linked to reduced immunotherapy efficacy and shorter progression-free survival in NSCLC cohorts. Emerging microbiome-modulation strategies including probiotics, prebiotics, dietary interventions, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and engineered bacterial therapeutics show promise as adjuncts to precision oncology. However, safety, reproducibility, and mechanistic causality remain major challenges. Collectively, evidence supports the microbiome as a dynamic regulator of lung cancer progression and therapy responsiveness. Future research should prioritize longitudinal, multi-omics investigations and controlled clinical trials to identify predictive microbial biomarkers and develop standardized, personalized microbiome-based interventions for lung cancer management.
From empirical to precision therapy in ICUs: Rethinking antibiotic use after COVID-19
Prevalence of hospital-acquired infections in burn patients: A six-year experience from northern Iran
Burn injuries represent a major public health problem, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are one of the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Burn patients are especially vulnerable due to loss of skin barrier, immune suppression, prolonged hospitalization, and invasive procedures. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the six years prevalence of HAIs in burn patients admitted to a subspecialty center for burn accidents. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Velayat Hospital, Rasht, northern Iran, including all burn patients admitted between March 2018 and March 2023 with hospital stays longer than 48 hours. Demographic, clinical, microbiological, and outcome data were extracted from hospital records. A total of 1,098 HAIs were documented, corresponding to a prevalence of 3.7%. The mean age of infected patients was 39.4 ± 20.7 years, and 74.1% were male. Skin and soft tissue infections were most frequent (89%), followed by ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) (5%), bloodstream infections (4.1%), and urinary tract infections (1.5%). Pseudomonas spp. (33.1%) and Klebsiella spp. (14.1%) were the leading pathogens. Mortality occurred in 29% of infected patients, with the highest rate among VAP cases (80%). Higher TBSA burns (>30%) and older age were significantly associated with mortality. HAIs remain a serious complication among burn patients, with Pseudomonas spp. as the predominant pathogen and VAP as the leading risk factor of death. Targeted infection-control strategies, improved microbiological diagnostics, and focused interventions for high-TBSA patients are critical to improving outcomes in burn centers.
Genotyping and investigation of antibiotic resistance genes of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates isolated from raw meat using RAPD-PCR method
Acinetobacter baumannii is a well-known pathogen linked to hospital infections and has recently been detected in raw meat from livestock and poultry, raising concerns over antibiotic resistance transmission to humans. Considering the extensive prevalence of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii in food sources, this study focused on genotyping A. baumannii isolates from meat and poultry samples and examining the presence of essential antibiotic resistance genes. As part of a cross-sectional study conducted in August 2023, researchers gathered 125 raw meat samples from livestock and poultry at various sites throughout Isfahan province, Iran. The A. baumannii isolates were identified by standard microbiological producers and examined for antimicrobial susceptibility using the disk diffusion technique. Their resistance patterns were analyzed through RAPD-PCR. Totally, 22 A. baumannii isolates from raw meat were recovered. All isolates exhibited resistance to at least two antibiotics. Strains derived from livestock showed high resistance to tetracycline (72.7%), whereas strains from poultry exhibited the highest resistance to both tetracycline (90.9%), and gentamicin (81.8%). In both poultry and livestock isolates, tetA was the most frequently detected resistance gene at 90.1 and 81.8%, respectively. While, the blaoxa-24-like genes were present at one isolate with a rate of 9.1%. Genotyping grouped the isolates into five RAPD profiles, with genetic similarities ranging from 74%-100%, indicating notable diversity despite widespread resistance. These findings highlight the emergence of antibiotic-resistant A. baumannii in meat products and underscore the potential risk of resistance gene transfer from animals to humans, emphasizing the need for further research and public health strategies.
Post-COVID-19 invasive fungal infections in pulmonary ICU patients: Diagnosis, management, and clinical challenge
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are among the most significant and challenging complications in critically ill patients, particularly those with underlying pulmonary diseases. Common causative organisms include Aspergillus, Candida, and Mucorales, which are associated with high morbidity and mortality due to delayed diagnosis, nonspecific clinical presentation, and host immune suppression. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic methods, therapeutic options, and clinical challenges of pulmonary IFIs in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Risk factors, advances and limitations in imaging, laboratory diagnostics including cultures, biomarkers, and molecular techniques, as well as antifungal treatment strategies are discussed. The review also addresses emerging issues such as antifungal resistance, adjunctive therapies, and the critical role of early recognition in improving clinical outcomes. The aim is to guide ICU clinicians in the effective management of critically ill pulmonary patients with invasive fungal infections while highlighting future research directions.
The CRISPR‒Cas9 system for genome editing of the ASS1 gene in human cells to predict its effect on HSV-1 replication
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a highly contagious pathogen that establishes lifelong latent infections. The replication of HSV-1 is potentially influenced by the arginine succinate synthase (ASS1) gene, a key regulator of cellular metabolism. This study utilized the CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing platform to specifically target and disrupt the ASS1 gene to examine its effect on viral propagation. A guide RNA (gRNA) was designed to complement a sequence within the ASS1 gene. A donor plasmid and the pCas-guide plasmid were cloned and cotransfected into the human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells with sheared adenovirus (Ad)5 DNA (HEK293-AD) cells. Potential ASS1-knockout clones were identified and validated via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing analysis. The impact on HSV-1 replication was quantified via a plaque assay to determine the viral titer. Sequencing data from ASS1-gRNA/Cas9-treated cells did not confirm successful gene knockout, as the intended ASS1 disruption was not achieved. The viral titer did not significantly differ between the HSV-1 infection group (MOI=0.01) and the control group. These findings indicate that the single gRNA designed for this study lacked sufficient specificity to elicit a CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene knockout. Therefore, employing a set of more specific gRNAs is recommended to increase targeting efficiency. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the desired genetic modification and observe its subsequent effects on HSV-1.
Impact of Helicobacter pylori infection on diabetes: A cross-sectional investigation in Northern Iran
Globally, Helicobacter pylori represents one of the leading chronic infections, and is suspected to contribute to extra-digestive diseases, notably diabetes mellitus (DM). Despite growing interest, data from Middle Eastern populations are limited. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of diabetes and explore its relationship with H. pylori infection. This analytical cross-sectional study included 383 patients with histologically confirmed H. pylori infection admitted to a tertiary care center in the North of Iran, between March 2021 and March 2023. Demographic records, diabetes status, fasting blood glucose (FBS), and gastritis severity were extracted from medical archives. Diabetes was defined using international diagnostic criteria. Among the 383 patients, 90 (23.5%) had diabetes. Diabetic patients were significantly older than non-diabetics (63.5 ± 10.8 vs. 56.3 ± 17.8 years, p<0.001), and diabetes prevalence increased with age, reaching 36.7% in patients ≥70 years. FBS was markedly higher in diabetic patients compared with non-diabetics (173.8 ± 48.5 vs. 100.6 ± 14.4 mg/dL, p<0.001). No significant association was observed between diabetes and gender (p=0.059) or gastritis severity (p=0.692). Duration of diabetes did not differ significantly across gastritis grades (p=0.352). Nearly one-quarter of patients with H. pylori infection in Northern Iran had diabetes, with older age and higher FBS significantly associated with its presence. Our analysis did not reveal a significant link between diabetes and the histological severity of gastritis. These results underscore the necessity for prospective research to elucidate the causal mechanisms linking H. pylori infection and diabetes.
Molecular mechanism linking sleep disturbances to neurodegenaration
Sleep disturbances are increasingly recognized as both early indicators and potential contributors to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Disrupted sleep compromises glymphatic clearance and synaptic homeostasis, promoting the accumulation of neurotoxic proteins such as amyloid-β, tau, and α-synuclein. Concurrently, irregular sleep patterns and circadian rhythm disturbances activate neuroinflammatory pathways, including microglial activation, NF-κB signaling, and the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, thereby accelerating neuronal damage. Additional mechanisms, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and imbalances in neurotransmitter systems including orexin and melatonin, further reinforce the bidirectional relationship between sleep impairment and neurodegeneration. Despite these insights, critical gaps remain, particularly the absence of reliable biomarkers for simultaneously assessing sleep quality, neuroinflammation, and disease progression, as well as limited research on disorders beyond Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Therapeutic strategies show promise, ranging from pharmacological interventions targeting inflammatory pathways to non-pharmacological approaches such as chronotherapy, light therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. Emerging modalities, including RNA-based therapies targeting pathogenic proteins and artificial intelligence (AI) for early detection and personalized treatment of sleep abnormalities, offer novel opportunities for intervention. This narrative review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying sleep disturbances in neurodegenerative diseases, identifies critical gaps in current research, and discusses emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating sleep-related neurodegeneration.
COVID-19 in patients with preexisting liver disease: Clinical features and outcomes from northern Iran
People living with chronic liver disease (CLD) may experience more severe consequences when infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, information from Middle Eastern populations is still limited. The present research examined the presentation and outcomes of COVID-19 among patients with underlying liver disorders in Northern Iran. To achieve this, a retrospective cross-sectional review was carried out in a major referral hospital between March 2020 and March 2023. Adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 and documented preexisting liver disease were included. Demographic, clinical, and outcome data were extracted and analyzed. Among 83 identified patients, common symptoms were myalgia (59%), cough (56.6%), and respiratory distress (49.4%). Hypoxemia (25.3%) was significantly associated with mortality (47.4% vs. 18.8%, P = 0.017). Altered consciousness also predicted poor outcomes (31.6% vs. 9.4%, P = 0.016). COVID-19 patients with preexisting liver disease had increased risk of adverse outcomes, with hypoxemia and altered mental status serving as key mortality predictors. Early recognition and tailored management are essential for this vulnerable group.
Epigenetic markers as predictors of neurodegeneration in long COVID survivors
Effect of anticoagulant therapy on the severity symptoms of hospitalized patients with COVID-19
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with a hypercoagulable state, contributing to disease severity and increased mortality. Thrombotic complications, including venous thromboembolism (VTE) and microvascular thrombosis, have been frequently reported in hospitalized patients. So, the study aimed to evaluate the effect of anticoagulant therapy on the severity of symptoms and clinical outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. An analytical retrospective, single-center study was conducted on hospitalized adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters, including age, hospitalization duration, ICU stay, ventilation, and biochemical markers, were compared across severity groups in patients <18 years. All patients received anticoagulation therapy according to hospital guidelines for at least one week, with exclusions for prior anticoagulant use, thrombosis, or incomplete records. Patients receiving anticoagulant therapy, particularly low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), showed a significant reduction in disease severity, ICU admission rates, and in-hospital mortality compared to those not receiving anticoagulation (P <0.05). The incidence of thrombotic events was also lower among anticoagulated patients. However, bleeding complications were observed in a small proportion of patients, emphasizing the need for individualized risk assessment. Anticoagulant therapy, especially LMWH, may reduce the severity and improve clinical outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Despite its benefits, anticoagulation should be carefully administered based on thrombotic and bleeding risks. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings and to establish evidence-based protocols for anticoagulant use in COVID-19 treatment.
Vitamin D status and ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients: A case-control study in northern Iran
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a major contributor to illness and death among patients in intensive care units (ICUs). While vitamin D deficiency is known to compromise immune defenses and elevate the risk of infections, its specific association with VAP has yet to be clearly established. So, we aimed to evaluate vitamin D in patients with VAP admitted to the ICU. In this case-control study, 141 ICU patients from two hospitals in northern Iran were enrolled. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured within 48 hours of ICU admission. VAP diagnosis was based on clinical and microbiological criteria ≥48 hours after mechanical ventilation. Demographic data, laboratory parameters, and mechanical ventilation duration were recorded. Vitamin D insufficiency was present in 73.7% of patients. The mean serum vitamin D level did not differ significantly between VAP and non-VAP groups; however, sufficiency was nearly twice as common in the non-VAP group. Multivariate analysis identified elevated white blood cell count (OR = 2 per 1000 cells/µL, p < 0.001) and reduced platelet count (OR = 0.98, p = 0.005) as independent predictors of VAP, while vitamin D status was not statistically significant. Vitamin D deficiency is highly predominant in ICU patients but was not an independent predictor of VAP in this study. Nevertheless, the observed trend toward higher vitamin D sufficiency in non-VAP patients, along with previous evidence, suggests potential benefits of supplementation. Larger randomized controlled trials are warranted to clarify its preventive role in VAP.
Targeted mechanisms and novel therapeutic strategies against extended-spectrum beta-lactamases: From precise detection to intelligent management of bacterial resistance
Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are enzymes that resist beta-lactam antibiotics, including penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems, and are produced by a variety of bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Since ESBLs are often plasmid-borne, antibiotic resistance can spread across bacteria due to their ease of transfer. The intricate structure of ESBLs changes based on the type of bacterium that produces them. However, they all share a beta-lactamase core structure. ESBLs act by hydrolyzing the beta-lactam ring of antibiotics thereby rendering them ineffective. Detection of ESBL-producing bacteria is very important for effective treatment of infections. These enzymes can be identified through various diagnostic methods, such as phenotypic tests and molecular assays. The most common diagnostic method is an antimicrobial susceptibility test, which involves testing bacterial sensitivity to different antibiotics. Furthermore, the use of molecular testing techniques like polymerase chain reaction is growing in the identification of ESBLs. This paper provides a summary of ESBLs, including their structure, function, and diagnostic methods. Thus, it is critical to comprehend ESBLs in order to create therapies that effectively address illnesses brought on by bacteria that produce ESBL.
Cinnamomum verum (Cinnamon): A promising natural alternative for urinary tract infection treatment
Copyright (c) 2024 The Author(s) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Evaluation of prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of Wolbachia pipientis isolated from Dirofilaria immitis of canids in northern Iran
Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, two mosquito-borne filarial nematodes, are the primary causes of subcutaneous and cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis in humans and canines. Wolbachia pipientis infection is widespread among arthropods and nematodes globally. One safe, cost-effective, and efficient way to avoid dirofilariasis infections is to eradicate Wolbachia. So, herein we determined the prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of W. pipientis strains isolated from D. immitis of canids in northern Iran. A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study from March 2019 to April 2020 in Guilan province, north of Iran, was conducted. Sampling consisted of 32 road-killed carnivores (12 Canis familiaris and 20 Canis aureus) were gathered and necropsied for this study. The 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene was the basis for the molecular analysis. D. immitis infection was discovered in 7/20 (35%) of the jackals and 9/12 (75%) of the dogs. The W. pipientis infection was present in all 16 of the infected dogs and jackals. In this study, 16S rRNA sequences had 100% similarity with previously submitted W. pipientis sequences from the USA, Russia, Myanmar, and Italy. This paper hopes to provide a new vision for further studies on the symbiotic relationship between D. immitis and Wolbachia, providing an advance in the therapeutic and diagnostic approach. There is no report of molecular identification for Wolbachia spp. isolated from D. immitis in northern Iran. So, to fill this study gap, herein we determined the prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of W. pipientis strains isolated from D. immitis of canids in northern Iran.
Sub-minimal inhibitory concentrations of fluoroquinolones in the environment: A trigger for the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria
Fluoroquinolones represent a significant class of antimicrobial agents. These compounds are effective in the treatment of various enteric infections in veterinary medicine. The primary bacterial targets of quinolones are topoisomerase IV and DNA gyrase, enzymes essential for DNA replication and repair. A major public health concern is the potential transmission of fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria from livestock to humans. The development of antimicrobial resistance in both animals and humans is interconnected. Multiple observational studies and randomized trials have established an association between the use of antibiotics in food animals and the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Fluoroquinolones induce DNA damage, leading to DNA strand breaks that activate the SOS response and various DNA repair pathways. The SOS system, a key component of the DNA repair machinery, plays a critical role in cell cycle regulation. Activation of this system initiates a cascade of signals within bacteria, resulting in enhanced pathogenicity. Through these signaling pathways, bacteria have evolved diverse mechanisms such as pathogenicity islands, biofilm formation, and toxin production. The presence of residual fluoroquinolones in livestock environments and animal production systems following veterinary use is associated with increased bacterial virulence. This review focuses on the impact of fluoroquinolone exposure at sub-minimal inhibitory concentrations on bacterial virulence and pathogenicity.
A decade of wild mushroom poisoning: Clinical and laboratory insights from Northern Iran
Wild mushroom poisoning remains a significant public health concern in regions where foraging is common. Limited long-term data exist for northern Iran, despite its high-risk ecological and cultural context. The present study aims to characterize the clinical and laboratory features of patients hospitalized for mushroom poisoning over a ten-year period in northern Iran. This descriptive cross-sectional study reviewed all cases of confirmed wild mushroom poisoning admitted to the Toxicology Department of Razi Hospital, Rasht, Iran, from March 2012 to March 2022. Data on demographics, medical history, exposure characteristics, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, and outcomes were collected from hospital records and analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 165 patients were included (mean age 44.57 ± 16.02 years; 50.9% male). Housewives (43.0%) and self-employed individuals (29.1%) were the most affected occupational groups. Most patients (60.6%) resided in urban areas. The mean time from ingestion to hospital presentation was 9.01 ± 10.71 hours. Vomiting (90.9%) and nausea (73.3%) were the most frequent symptoms. Laboratory tests showed variable hepatic involvement, with mean AST and ALT levels of 45.72 ± 94.95 U/L and 44.02 ± 93.30 U/L, respectively. The mean length of hospital stay was 1.93 ± 1.45 days. Four patients (2.4%) died, 97.6% recovered and were discharged. Wild mushroom poisoning in northern Iran affects a wide demographic spectrum and is characterized predominantly by early gastrointestinal symptoms. Although most patients recover, the potential for severe hepatotoxicity and mortality underscores the need for preventive education, and careful inpatient monitoring to detect delayed complications.