Showing 15 results for Coronavirus
Ali Ganji, Ghasem Mosayebi, Mohsen Khaki, Ali Ghazavi,
Volume 23, Issue 1 (3-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: COVID-19, a viral respiratory illness. In this review, we discuss issues such as the genetic structure, pathogenic mechanism, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of COVID-19 based on the latest findings.
Materials and Methods: The Medline was searched for terms such as “Coronavirus” ،“ COVID-19” and “Respiratory infection”.
Findings: In December 2019, the unprecedented outbreak of pneumonia with unknown etiology began in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The cause was a new coronavirus, named COVID-19 by the WHO. This virus has high transmissibility and affects the lower respiratory tract. Research into the mechanism and treatment of COVID-19 is under way, and new information is being provided every day, some of which are contradictory. COVID-19 is a serious and dangerous infectious disease and a significant threat to the health of the world's population, and should be prevented from spreading rapidly.
Conclusion: Because the exact mechanisms of the disease have not been fully elucidated and specific drug or vaccine have not yet been developed for it, control is mainly based on the interruption of the transmission cycle.
Ayatollah Fathi, Solmaz Sadeghi, Ali Akbar Maleki Rad, Hossein Rostami, Karim Abdolmohammadi,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Anxiety is one of the clinical signs of viral diseases such as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which can threaten the immune system. This study aims to investigate the effect of health-promoting lifestyle and psychological well-being on COVID-19-induced anxiety in non-medical students
Methods & Materials: This is an analytical/correlational study conducted on 307 non-medical students of Islamic Azad University in Tabriz, Iran, who were participated voluntarily in the study. They completed the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale developed by Alipour et al. (2019), Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being (SPWB), and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) developed by Walker et al. (1987). The collected data were analyzed in SPSS v. 20 software by using the stepwise regression analysis
Ethical Considerations: This research conducted based on the Ethical Committee of University of Tabriz (TABRIZU.REC.1399.018).
Results: Two SPWB components of “personal growth” and “positive relations with others” were able to predict the COVID-19-induced anxiety, which together explained 72% of anxiety variance in students. Moreover, two HPLP components of “spiritual growth” and “responsibility” could predict the COVID-19-induced anxiety and together explained 9% of the anxiety variance.
Conclusion: Promoting personal and spiritual growth, having positive relations with others, and responsibility can significantly reduce the anxiety induced by the COVID-19.
Mohammad Parastesh, Jalil Moradi,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has reduced the physical activity of people worldwide. The purpose of this study is to provide a practical guide for performing physical activities at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods & Materials: The study was conducted by using library method and reviewing the books and articles on home-based physical activity, to provide a scientific basis for performing physical activity at home. In this regard, various physical activities with and without equipment at homes were examined.
Ethical Considerations: This article is a review article with no human or animal sample.
Results: Home-based practical suggestions for staying active and cope with its physical and psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic were reported walking or running on a treadmill, the use of stationary bikes, and body weight resistance exercise, in addition to aerobic exercise.
Conclusion: This proposed physical activity programs can be used during the pandemic at home by people with sedentary lifestyle.
Mehrdad Nasrollahzadeh Sabet, Mohammad Foad Heidari, Mohammad Khanalipour, Saadat Allah Ghaffari, Milad Jafari Ashiani, Sajjad Biglari, Emran Esmaeilzadeh,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Since late 2019, with the emergence of a new type of coronavirus that causes a new respiratory disease called COVID-19, there have been many concerns about the spread of this disease and how to deal with it. Due to the ability of the virus to be transmitted rapidly, diagnosing the infected individuals in the early stages for isolating them is critical. This study aims to evaluate the reliability of Computed Tomography (CT) scan in diagnosing COVID-19.
Methods & Materials: Participants were 212 patients admitted to hospital with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. Demographic information, medical history, symptoms, and the chest CT scan results were collected and analyzed. Finally, the power of CT scans in the diagnosis of this disease was compared with the Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) molecular test.
Ethical Considerations: This study received ethical approval from the ethics committee of AJA University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.AJAUMS.REC.1399.091).
Results: The sensitivity of CT scan in the diagnosis of COVID-19 was relatively high, but its false-positive results were also high.
Conclusion: CT scan is a relatively sensitive method for diagnosing COVID-19, but caution should be made due to its high false-positive results which can lead to increased financial burden on the health system.
Zhilla Heydarpoor, Leila Valizadeh,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In the current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there have been many concerns about the transmission of the virus from the mother to the infant. This is more important due to the need for the management of breastfeeding. This study aims to review the latest studies on breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods & Materials: This is a review study on articles about breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic published from December 2019 to May 2020. The search was conducted in SID, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Ovid, and MagIran databases using the keywords:New coronavirus, COVID-19, breast milk, and breastfeeding
Ethical Considerations: All ethical principles in writing this article have been observed according to the instructions of the National Ethics Committee and the COPE regulations.
Results: So far, there is no evidence of COVID-19 virus in breast milk or its transmission through breastfeeding. All mothers with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should continue to breastfeed their infants in accordance with the hygiene and respiratory precautions.
Conclusion: Breastfeeding protects the baby against infectious diseases. Given that the studies reported the absence of COVID-19 virus in breast milk are very limited, this study can help mothers manage breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since there are still many unknowns of this emerging disease, more studies are needed on managing breastfeeding in this pandemic.
Mozhgan Hashemieh,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In December 2019, the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first identified in Wuhan, China, and then spread rapidly around the world, such that the World Health Organization reported it as a pandemic. This study aims to review the epidemiological findings, transmission methods, clinical manifestations, radiological symptoms, prognosis and treatment of COVID-19 in children, as well as the differences caused by the virus between children and adults.
Methods & Materials: The search was conducted in databases such as PubMod, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar using the keywords “COVID-19”, “Coronavirus”, “Children”, and “Pandemic”.
Ethical Considerations: Ethical principles have been observed in accordance with the guidelines of the National Ethics Committee and the COPE regulations.
Results: Most of the data related to COVID-19 are related to the course of this disease in adults and related information for children is limited. Most findings suggested that the course of the disease is milder in children and the infection caused by the virus has a better prognosis in children. Due to the mild clinical symptoms in children, many of them are not diagnosed in the early stages of the infection. With the increase in the number of cases worldwide, the prevalence of this disease in children is certainly increasing.
Conclusion: COVID-19 has milder clinical symptoms and a better prognosis in children. Today, no vaccine or antiviral drug has been developed for this disease; hence, prevention is the best solution.
Niloofar Agharezaee, Flora Forouzesh,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause disease in humans and animals. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus. The World Health Organization has declared this infectious disease as a global pandemic.
Objective: This study aims to review the latest research advances in genetics, pathogenicity, and clinical features of COVID-19, as well as current therapies to combat this disease.
Methods & Materials: This is a systematic review study on articles published from 2010 to 2020 by searching in reputable databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect.
Ethical Considerations: Ethical principles have been observed in accordance with the guidelines of the National Ethics Committee and the COPE regulations.
Results: Examining the genome and genetic studies of the virus, it can be said that there are many similarities between different coronavirus types, but there are differences in their genomic and phenotypic structures that can affect their pathogenesis. Re-use of existing therapeutic drugs, previously designed for other infections and viral pathologies is currently the only practical approach to fight COVID-19. The tests for SARS-CoV-2 genome-specific vaccines and the therapeutic antibodies are currently being tested, but they require a long-term process and complete safety testing.
Conclusion: Rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is the basis of disease control. There is currently no specific antiviral drug approved for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, preventive measures are necessary to stop and control the spread of COVID-19, according to genetic studies and the obtaining knowledge of the molecular mechanism of this virus.
Amir Hossein Ahmadi Hekmatikar, Mahdieh Molanouri Shamsi,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), as a viral disease, has increasingly highlighted the need for lifelong exercise due to its immunological and physiological effects is necessary on health. In this review study, while examining the effects of moderate-intensity exercise on the physiological and immunological responses associated with COVID-19, appropriate exercise patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic are presented.
Methods & Materials: In this study, the search was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, ISC, PubMed, Google Scholar, MagIran, and Noor databases on related articles using the following keywords: coronavirus, COVID-19, exercise and coronavirus, exercise and immune system, high-intensity exercise and immune system.
Ethical Considerations: All ethical principles in writing this article have been observed according to the instructions of the National Ethics Committee and the COPE regulations.
Results: Moderate-intensity exercise can help boost the function of the immune system. On the other hand, high-intensity exercise can have negative effects on the immune system, which can be a bad strategy increasing the risk of infectious diseases.
Results Moderate-intensity exercise can help boost the function of the immune system. On the other hand, high-intensity exercise can have negative effects on the immune system, which can be a bad strategy increasing the risk of infectious diseases.
Conclusion: Due to the onset of the second wave of COVID-19 in the world, it is recommended to continue to exercise at home observing the hygiene rules (maintaining humidity and disinfecting environmental surfaces) and using appropriate intensity and duration.
Mohammad Rahmanian, Ali Reza Kamali, Hadi Mosalanezhad, Mahdi Foroughian, Navid Kalani, Naser Hatami, Mohammad Heidarnezhad, Esmaeal Rayatdoost, Samaneh Abiri,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The recent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has caused a lot of stress and anxiety in the world. Given that health care workers are at the forefront of fighting against COVID-19, they are the first to be exposed to this disease.
Methods & Materials: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 402 medical and administrative staff working in hospitals and health centers affiliated to Jahrom University of Medical Sciences in 2020. Data collection tools were a demographic form and the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS).
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Vice-Chancellor for Research of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.JUMS.REC.1399.046).
Results: The mean score of psychological symptoms of anxiety in the medical staff (46.91) was higher than in the administrative staff (42.63). Its physical symptoms were also higher in the clinical staff (12.80) compared to the administrative staff (10.94). There was a significant difference between the clinical and administrative staff in terms of anxiety (P=0.030).
Conclusion: Medical staff has higher psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety compared to the non-medical staff during the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, in order to reduce the anxiety of medical staff, health policymakers should take the necessary measures to take care of this group.
Mehrdad Nasrollahzadeh Sabet, Mohammad Khanalipour, Milad Gholami, Abdolazim Sarli, Arefeh Rahimi Khorrami, Emran Esmaeilzadeh,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The new Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak initiated from China in late December 2019, has posed a great global health threat. Since patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are at high risk of COVID-19, this study aims to investigate the prevalence, severity, clinical manifestations, and mortality rate in COVID-19 patients with underlying diseases compared to those without underlying diseases.
Methods & Materials: This study was performed on 1408 patients with COVID-19 admitted to Golestan, Hajar, Khanevadeh and Besat hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Required data including disease prevalence, severity, clinical manifestations and mortality rate in patients with and without underlying diseases were collected and then analyzed using statistical tests in SPSS software, considering a significance level of P<0.05.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the AJA University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.AJAUMS.REC.1399.091). Ethical principles have been observed in accordance with the guidelines of the National Ethics Committee and the COPE regulations.
Results: Patients were 912 men (64.8%) and 496 women (35.2%) aged 18-98 years (Mean age= 57.8 years). Results reported that 27% of patients were intubated and 21.9% were died. Blood oxygen level in 53.7% of patients was less than 93 mg/dL; 36.1% had a history of hypertension, 24.1% had a history of diabetes, and 21.7% had a history of cardiovascular disease.
Conclusion: The severity, clinical manifestations, and mortality rate of COVID-19 patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and hypertension are significantly different compared to those without underlying diseases.
Seyedeh Sara Azadeh, Hoda Keshmiri Neghab,
Volume 24, Issue 5 (11-2021)
Abstract
In December 2019, a new type of coronavirus called COVID-19 was identified as an unknown cause of pneumonia in Wuhan, China. The pandemic virus was transmitted to humans from a type of seafood that could spread significantly among humans in a short time. Clinical signs of coronaviruses include fever, severe sweating, cough, pneumonia, and a weakened immune system, with acute cases leading to death. One of the most important coronavirus receptors in the host cell is the angiotensin 2 converting enzyme. It is noteworthy that the patient’s recovery process increases during the inhibition of angiotensin 2 converter enzyme. Therefore, the administration of drugs that inhibit this enzyme can be effective in recovering a patient with coronavirus. Flavonoids are one the inhibitors of the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is abundant in fruits and vegetables. Fistula, a type of flavonoid known in nature as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of many, can be effective in the treatment of coronavirus by inhibiting the enzyme converter angiotensin 2.
Ebrahim Rahbar Karbasdehi, Fatemeh Rahbar Karbasdehi,
Volume 24, Issue 5 (11-2021)
Abstract
Dear Editor
Since December 2019, the coronavirus has affected all aspects of our lives worldwide. This deadly crisis, for which no health care system was fully prepared, has created enormous pressures on health care delivery and has directly and indirectly affected the treatment of many common diseases. Cancer patients are a vulnerable group in the current epidemic due to their immunodeficiency status due to cancer and various anti-cancer therapies [1]. Research shows that cancer patients are at greater risk for more severe infections and subsequent complications, especially if surgery or chemotherapy is given in the month before the coronavirus infection [2]. These conditions have led to a significant increase in coronavirus mortality in cancer patients [3].
Fatemeh Mohammadi, Maryam Nikrou, Kimia Sadeghi, Farid Askarifard, Mohammad Sayyadi,
Volume 25, Issue 2 (5-2022)
Abstract
Background and Aim Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disorder that can affect many body systems, including the hemostatic system. In this study, we aim to investigate the role of hemostatic system and the blood coagulation in COVID-19.
Methods & Materials In this review study, the articles were searched using the keywords COVID-19, Respiratory infection, and Coagulopathy in Google Scholar, PubMed, Google Springer and Science Direct databases.
Ethical Considerations Ethical principles in writing this article were observed in accordance with the guidelines of the National Ethics Committee and the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
Results Many changes in the coagulation profile of infected patients were reported, including changes in the platelet count, fibrinogen/fibrin degradation product, D-Dimer, fibrinogen, prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time. With the increase in the number of patients with COVID-19, several studies found out the occurrence of thrombosis and coagulopathy in patients.
Conclusion Due to the increase in the occurrence of coagulation disorders in patients with COVID-19, the administration of anticoagulants is needed for their treatment; it can play an effective role in improving the prognosis of patients.
Dr Majid Gholami-Ahangaran, Dr Maryam Karimi-Dehkordi,
Volume 26, Issue 1 (4-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: Coronaviruses are mainly the cause of respiratory disease in humans, and among the known species, the coronaviruses that cause SARS, MERS, and Covid 19 cause severe respiratory disease. So far, no specific treatment has been found for these diseases. Considering the beneficial effects of medicinal plants as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, the use of herbal compounds can be effective in mild infection of coronaviruses.
Methods: PubMed database was used to search for articles containing the terms coronavirus, SARS, MERS, as well as human and herbal medicine. The inclusion criteria were all full articles with the mentioned keywords and the exclusion criteria were summary articles and articles presented in conferences. A total of 36 articles on human coronaviruses were found. Most of the studies were about SARS (SARS-CoV) with 26 articles (72.22%). Two articles (5.55%) were found about Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and only one article (2.77%) about MERS (MERS-CoV). It should be noted that one study included SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV and six studies (16.66%) also investigated SARS, MERS and Covid-19 at the same time. Ethical principles have been respected in writing the article, according to the instructions of the National Ethics Committee and COPE regulations.
Results: Some medicinal plants have been identified with effective antiviral activity against SARS, MERS, and Covid-19 coronaviruses, including green tea, cinnamon, licorice, cure, sage, chives, rhubarb, nettle, and blackberry. Considering that these medicinal plants have already been used with different therapeutic effects in the human medicinal pharmacopoeia, it is recommended to conduct clinical trials on humans in order to achieve an effective dose against common human coronaviruses.
Conclusions: Although some medicinal plants have been recommended for use in the treatment of coronavirus respiratory syndrome in humans, the effects of these plants on other biological factors have not been studied, until now. It is necessary to evaluate their side effects simoultaneous with clinical trials and confirming the effectiveness of these compounds.
Fateme Halalkhor, Ameneh Poorrahim, Marefat Siahkouhian,
Volume 26, Issue 5 (12-2023)
Abstract
Background and purpose: Anti-cytokine considerations in covid-19 patients can play a significant role in preventing death, therefore, physical activity by reducing risk factors, as well as saffron with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, are considered as anti-cytokine solutions. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of saffron supplementation and endurance training on the concentration of interleukin-6, interleukin-10 and cysteine in outpatients with coronavirus.
Materials and methods: The statistical population of this research is outpatients with coronavirus, 36 of whom were randomly selected. Cytokines and cysteine were measured using a special kit and ELISA method. The research hypotheses were checked using SPSS software at a significance level of P<0.05 using ANOVA test with repeated measurements with between-group factor.
Results: The results showed that endurance activity and saffron supplementation caused a significant decrease in IL-6 levels and the ratio of interleukin 6 to interleukin 10 (P≥0.05). Also, endurance activity along with saffron supplementation caused a significant increase in serum L-cysteine concentration (P=0.035). The results showed that there is no interaction effect between the measurement stages and the group, as well as intra-group and inter-group differences in interleukin-10 variables (P=0.511).
Conclusion: The levels of IL-6 and IL-10 decrease due to saffron supplementation and endurance training, and the amount of cysteine increases, which helps the recovery of covid-19 patients.