The role of endothelial growth factor and tear levels in diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes.

Purpose: To evaluate the tear level of VEGF and the quantity of tear film in type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods: Thirty patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR group) and 30 patients with no DR (NDR group), and 30 healthy subjects with age and gender matching were enrolled in this prospective comparative study. The tear samples were collected using the Schirmer strips, and the amount of moisture absorbed by the strips was used to determine the quantitative level of the tear film.

Multiple strains causing oral infection in COVID-19 patients under corticosteroids and antibiotic therapy: An observational study.

Introduction: The occurrence of oral candidiasis (OC) is expected in patients with COVID-19, especially those with moderate to severe forms of infection who are hospitalized and may be on long-term use of broad-spectrum antibiotics or prolonged corticosteroid therapy. We aimed to characterize clinical conditions, the prevalence profile of species, and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with OC.

Methods: In this observational study, oral samples were obtained from COVID-19 patients suspected of OC admitted to Razi teaching hospital.

The effect of ACE inhibitors and ARBs on outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Background: Contradictory opinions exist regarding the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in patients with hypertension, which is the most common comorbidity associated with COVID-19. Herein, the effects of ACEIs and ARBs on outcomes of COVID-19 patients were evaluated.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the outcomes of COVID-19 patients were compared between patients who received pretreatment ACEIs or ARBs and those who did not.