Successful heart transplantation from a COVID-19-positive donor: A clinical case report.

Key Clinical Message: Despite the acceptable results in patients receiving organs from COVID-19-positive donors, more extensive studies over a longer period are still needed for more accurate conclusions.

Abstract: Organ transplantation is a major concern during the current COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. The use of COVID-19-positive organ donors has raised widespread concerns in the field of transplantation.

Invasive aspergillosis in liver transplant recipients, an infectious complication with low incidence but significant mortality.

Background: Infections, including invasive fungal infections (IFIs), are among the leading causes of mortality in liver transplant recipients during the first year post-transplantation.

Aim: To investigate the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, risk factors, treatment outcomes, and mortality rate of post-liver transplantation invasive aspergillosis (IA).

Methods: In this case-control study, 22 patients with IA were identified by reviewing the archived and electronic medical records of 850 patients who received liver transplants at the Imam Khomeini Hospital complex in Tehran, Iran, between 2014 and 2019.

Effect of famotidine on cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions induced in post-COVID-19 infection: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study.

Objectives: This is an investigation of the efficacy and safety of famotidine, a selective histamine H2 receptor antagonist, on improvement of cognitive impairment, depression and anxiety symptoms developing post-COVID-19, in a 12-week, randomized controlled trial.

Methods: A total of 50 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and a score ≤ 23 on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) test or a score ≤ 22 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were randomly assigned to either the famotidine (40 mg twice daily) or the placebo group. Changes in MMSE scores at weeks 6 and 12 were the primary outcome, while changes in other scales were the secondary outcomes.

Bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax as a late complication of COVID-19, a clinical case report.

Key Clinical Message: Bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax and sudden dyspnea can occur as late complication in patients with COVID-19 even without any history of mechanical ventilation usage.

Abstract: Bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax can occur as a late complication in patients with COVID-19, even without any history of mechanical ventilation. Here, we present a patient with mild COVID-19 pneumonia with a left massive pneumothorax in the third week of hospitalization and the addition of a right pneumothorax.

The comparison of clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients with COVID-19: A case-control study.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with significant morbidity and mortality. We reported and compared the clinical and para-clinical findings of immunocompromised and immunocompetent COVID-19 patients in a case-control study at the Imam Khomeini hospital in Tehran, Iran.

Methods: In this study, 107 immunocompromised COVID-19 patients were recruited as the case group, and 107 immunocompetent COVID-19 patients as the control group.

Does the rubella immunoglobulin G affect the severity of COVID- 19? : Rubella immunoglobulin G and COVID- 19.

Objective & Aim: The coronavirus disease, so far (COVID-19) has brought about millions of infections and fatalities throughout the world. Our aim was to determine the correlation between rubella IGG titers with the severity COVID-19.  MATERIALS & METHODS: This study was conducted among COVID-19 confirmed patients over 18 years of age.

Rapid Detection Test for COVID-19 among Healthcare Workers and the Role of Personal Protective Equipment.

Background: In this study, we assessed the prevalence of positive rapid detection test (RDT) among healthcare workers (HCWs) and evaluated the role of personal protective equipment (PPE) and knowledge of the pandemic.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted between August 2020 and October 2020 in a tertiary referral center (Tehran, Iran), we enrolled 117 physicians, nurses, and other HCWs (OHCWs)-aides, helpers, and medical waste handlers-regularly working in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) wards. The RDT kit was utilized to reveal recent infection; data on demographics, PPE use and availability, and knowledge of the pandemic was collected through pre-defined questionnaires.

Comparing efficacy and safety of tocilizumab and methylprednisolone in the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19.

Objectives: This study was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of methylprednisolone and tocilizumab in the treatment of patients with severe COVID-19.

Methods: During a prospective cohort study, hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 received intravenous methylprednisolone (250-500 mg daily up to three doses), weight-based tocilizumab (maximum 800 mg, one or two doses as daily interval) or dexamethasone (8 mg daily). The primary outcome was time to onset of clinical response.

Efficacy of a multiple-indication antiviral herbal drug (Saliravira®) for COVID-19 outpatients: A pre-clinical and randomized clinical trial study.

Background: The scientific researches on COVID-19 pandemic topics are headed to an explosion of scientific literature. Despite these global efforts, the efficient treatment of patients is an in-progress challenge. Based on a meta-study of published shreds of evidence about compounds and their botanic sources in the last six decades, a novel multiple-indication herbal compound (Saliravira®) has been developed.

Inflawell improves neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and shortens hospitalization in patients with moderate COVID-19, in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Aims: COVID-19 is a significant global threat to public health. Despite the availability of vaccines and anti-viral drugs, there is an urgent need for alternative treatments to help prevent and/or manage COVID-19 symptoms and the underlying dysregulated immune response. We hypothesized that administration of Inflawell syrup, a Boswellia extract formulation enriched for boswellic acids (BAs), can reduce the excessive or persistent inflammation and thereby prevent disease progression.

The role of saliva PCR assay in the diagnosis of COVID-19.

Introduction: The introduction of a self-collection sampling method with less discomfort would be of great benefit in reducing the risk of medical provider's contamination and patient's acceptance. The aim of the present study was to investigate saliva samples' diagnostic performance for the COVID-19 RT-PCR test compared to pharyngeal swabs.

Methodology: From individuals referred to a medical center with presentations compatible with COVID-19 who were eligible for molecular diagnostic tests, 80 cases were selected.

The outcome of using intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in critically ill COVID-19 patients': a retrospective, multi-centric cohort study.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, different treatments have been used in critically ill patients. Using intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been suggested in various studies as an effective option. Our study aims to access the efficacy of IVIG in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Comparing efficacy and safety of different doses of dexamethasone in the treatment of COVID-19: a three-arm randomized clinical trial.

Background And Objectives: Corticosteroids are commonly used in the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The goals of the present study were to compare the efficacy and safety of different doses of dexamethasone in the treatment of patients with a diagnosis of moderate to severe COVID-19.

Methods: Hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of moderate to severe COVID-19 were assigned to intravenous low-dose (8 mg once daily), intermediate-dose (8 mg twice daily) or high-dose (8 mg thrice daily) dexamethasone for up to 10 days or until hospital discharge.

The piriformis abscess: a case-based review.

This study reports a 43 years-old man diagnosed with piriformis pyomyositis. A literature review was conducted by searching MEDLINE via Pubmed for English language case reports, published from 8 December 2019 to 20 January 2020. Patients' symptoms, laboratory tests, imaging, treatment, and other comorbidities were evaluated.

Evaluation of latent tuberculosis infection in liver transplant recipients.

Background And Objectives: Tuberculosis is one of the main reasons for mortality in liver transplant recipients. Since Iran is considered as a tuberculosis-endemic country, the present study aims to evaluate the outcome of latent tuberculosis infection in transplant recipients after liver transplantation.

Materials And Methods: The present analytical cross-sectional study was performed on transplanted patients in Imam Khomeini Complex Hospital in Tehran Iran from 2006 to 2016.

Distinguishing repeated polymerase chain reaction positivity from re-infections in COVID-19.

Background: Possibility of reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 changes our view on herd immunity and vaccination and can impact worldwide quarantine policies. We performed real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) follow-up studies on recovered patients to assess possible development of reinfections and re-positivity.

Methods: During a 6-month period, 202 PCR-confirmed recovering COVID-19 patients entered this study.

Molecular identification and antibiotic resistance pattern of actinomycetes isolates among immunocompromised patients in Iran, emerging of new infections.

Recent advancements in DNA-based approaches have led to the identification of uncommon and rare bacterial pathogens. In this study, by utilizing a DNA-based approach, a total of 1043 clinical specimens were processed for the identification of actinobacteria targeting the 16S rRNA and gyrB genes. Drug susceptibility testing was also conducted using micro-broth dilution and PCR.

Predictors of the prolonged recovery period in COVID-19 patients: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The clinical course of COVID-19 may vary significantly. The presence of comorbidities prolongs the recovery time. The recovery in patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms might take 10 days, while in those with a critical illness or immunocompromised status could take 15 days.

Safety and effectiveness of high-dose vitamin C in patients with COVID-19: a randomized open-label clinical trial.

Background: Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble nutrient that functions as a key antioxidant and has been proven to be effective for boosting immunity. In this study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of adding high-dose intravenous vitamin C (HDIVC) to the regimens for patients with severe COVID-19 disease.

Methods: An open-label, randomized, and controlled trial was conducted on patients with severe COVID-19 infection.

Constrictive Pericarditis Associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Case Report.

Background: Since December 2019, there has been an increasing number of patients infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) around the world. As of March 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic.

Case Presentation: To our best knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection presenting with constrictive pericarditis, possibly from the COVID infection.

COVID-19 Treatment Success After Repeat Courses of Azithromycin: A Report of Three Cases.

Background: Azithromycin has been considered as a possible therapeutic agent for COVID-19 patients. However, there is limited data on its efficacy.

Case Presentation: We describe three patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who did not respond to the initial treatment but improved dramatically upon adding azithromycin with a successful outcome.