Novelty in Biomedicine

Background: COVID-19 vaccination is the most effective strategy to control the pandemic; however, concerns regarding vaccine-related adverse effects remain, particularly among healthcare workers who were prioritized for vaccination. In Iran, several COVID-19 vaccines with different platforms have been administered, and comparative safety data are limited. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the frequency and severity of adverse effects following administration of Sinopharm, Sputnik V, and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines among healthcare workers in Iran.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 among Iranian healthcare workers who received COVID-19 vaccines through official healthcare organizations. Data were collected using a validated, researcher-designed online questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics and vaccine-related adverse effects after the first and second doses. Adverse effects were categorized by type and severity (mild, moderate, severe). Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Comparisons were performed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests.

Results: A total of 456 participants were included (55% female, 45% male). Sinopharm was associated with the lowest frequency and severity of adverse effects, while AstraZeneca showed the highest frequency across both doses. Injection-site pain, fatigue, fever, headache, myalgia, and chills were the most commonly reported adverse effects. Adverse effects were generally more frequent after the first dose than the second. Women experienced significantly higher frequencies and greater severity of adverse effects compared to men. Serious adverse events were rare and no vaccine-related deaths were reported.

Conclusion: Among the three COVID-19 vaccines evaluated, Sinopharm demonstrated the most favorable safety profile, whereas AstraZeneca was associated with a higher frequency and severity of adverse effects. Most adverse effects were mild to moderate and self-limiting. These findings may help improve public confidence in vaccination programs and guide future vaccine safety monitoring.

Background: Respiratory tract infections are a leading cause of morbidity among hospitalized patients, with antimicrobial resistance increasingly complicating treatment decisions. This study aimed to determine the distribution and antimicrobial resistance patterns of respiratory pathogens isolated from intensive care unit (ICU) patients at a tertiary care hospital in Tehran, Iran.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed sputum samples collected between April 1, 2024 and March 1, 2025, at a tertiary care hospital in Tehran, Iran. Bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed using standard microbiological methods according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results: A total of 114 ICU patients were included, with a mean age of 74.5 years. Gram-negative bacteria predominated (85.1%), with the most common pathogens being Acinetobacter baumannii (50 isolates, 43.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (26 isolates, 22.8%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16 isolates, 14.0%). A. baumannii exhibited 100% resistance to imipenem, meropenem, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin, with 95.7% resistance to amikacin and 97.1% to ceftazidime. K. pneumoniae showed 91.7% resistance to imipenem, 100% to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and aztreonam, and 64.0% resistance to amikacin. P. aeruginosa demonstrated 87.5% resistance to imipenem and ciprofloxacin, 83.3% to ceftazidime, and 50.0% to amikacin. Colistin remained active against 97-100% of isolates across all three pathogens.

Conclusion: This study documents high levels of antimicrobial resistance among the predominant respiratory pathogens, particularly A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae, with carbapenem and cephalosporin resistance exceeding 90% in most cases. These findings highlight the urgent need for robust antimicrobial stewardship programs, enhanced infection control measures, and continuous surveillance to preserve remaining therapeutic options and prevent further spread of resistant organisms in hospital settings.

Background: As a widespread global health concern, obesity frequently results in cardiovascular complications. Bariatric surgery has emerged as an effective intervention for managing severe obesity in cases where conventional weight-loss methods have proven unsuccessful. This investigation aimed to evaluate alterations in left atrial (LA) mechanical activity, atrial strain parameters, and diastolic function following bariatric surgery.

Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental longitudinal study, patients scheduled for bariatric procedures at Imam Hossein Hospital (Tehran, Iran) between March 2021 and March 2022 were enrolled. Comprehensive echocardiographic assessments were performed pre- and post-operatively, followed by detailed statistical evaluation.

Results: The study cohort comprised 22 individuals with a mean age of 40.27 ± 9.79 years, predominantly female (72.2%). A substantial reduction in mean body mass index was documented, decreasing from 43.68 ± 5.17 kg/m² to 36.09 ± 4.94 kg/m² (p < 0.001). Among comorbidities, diabetes mellitus was most prevalent (31.8%). Postoperative assessments revealed significant reductions in multiple cardiac parameters (p < 0.05), including left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions, right ventricular diastolic diameter, LA dimensions, atrial volume, and pericardial adipose tissue. Concurrently, significant improvements were observed in septal and lateral É values, alongside enhanced LA reservoir and conduit functions (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The results demonstrate that bariatric surgery produces favorable modifications in diastolic performance and left atrial dynamics. Additionally, the procedure positively influences functional parameters of both ventricular chambers.

Background: Subacromial space narrowing often leads to shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS), a debilitating upper extremity disorder. Given the scarcity of research on coracohumeral ligament (CHL) thickness and its clinico-radiological correlations in affected individuals, this study aimed to evaluate CHL thickness and identify its contributing factors in patients diagnosed with SIS.

Materials and Methods: All patients with SIS referred to Taleghani Hospital (Iran, Tehran) in 2025 were evaluated in a cross-sectional study. Patients underwent shoulder sonographic evaluations in terms of the CHL thickness, and its relationship with clinical and radiological parameters was assessed. The significance level was considered to be less than 0.05.

Results: The study population comprised 81 patients (mean age 49±14 years; 54.6% male). The mean CHL thickness was 1.62 ± 1.17 mm. Statistical analysis revealed that increased CHL thickness significantly correlated with reduced active range of motion in both seated and supine positions (r: -0.277, P: 0.018; and r: -0.244, P: 0.038, respectively). Similarly, significant negative correlations were found between CHL thickness and both pain intensity during stress (r: -0.279, P: 0.017) and scapular dyskinesia (r= -0.285, P: 0.014). CHL thickness showed a strong positive correlation with both proximal and distal coracoacromial ligament thickness (r: 0.412 and 0.553, respectively; both P-values: 0.00). No significant associations were observed with radiographic or MRI findings.

Conclusion: CHL thickness was associated with several clinical manifestations of SIS and may serve as a useful sonographic parameter during patient evaluation. Further controlled studies are needed to establish its diagnostic value.

Background: COVID-19 has had a massive burden on all the people in the world. Health care workers, as the pioneers of the fight with this disease, are the most susceptible to its morbidity and mortality, and their protection is one major priority of every health care organization and World Health Organization (WHO). In this study, risk factors and infection rate in health care workers (HCW) with regard to compliance with standard precautions were studied.

Materials and Methods: A total of 200 health care workers of a hospital enrolled in this study. Epidemiologic and professional information (sex, age, job, travel, contact with patients, use of protective facilities) were recorded in a predesigned questionnaire. SARS CO-V2 antibodies (IgG and IgM) were evaluated by the ELISA sandwich method, indicating infection. Results were analyzed by SPSS 27.

Results: In this study on 200 HCWs, 68% (136) of subjects were female and 32% (64) were male. 92 (46%) HCWs were seropositive with no sex difference. There was no significant difference in seropositivity based on job (medical and nonmedical), history of travel, and contact with patients at home or hospital. Also, contact with patients’ aerosols and use of their belongings had no significant effect on seropositivity of HCWs. There was no difference in the use of protective equipment in both seropositive and seronegative and two-sex groups. But use of gloves, gowns, and glass by medical workers was significantly more than non-medicals.

Conclusion: The burden of this disease is great for health care workers. Notification and compliance with standard precautions (SPs) are essential health subjects for both HCWs and patients. We need more education and encouragement for more compliance with standard precautions until recognition of the epidemiology and pathology of new emerging infectious diseases.

Background and Aim: Since SARS-CoV-2 emerged in 2019, individuals with cancer have been particularly vulnerable due to immunosuppression. Although the acute pandemic phase has ended, the virus remains endemic, making it important to assess the safety and immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines in this high-risk population. Understanding vaccine responses in cancer patients can help guide post-COVID-era strategies, including booster policies, treatment scheduling, and mitigation of long-term COVID-19 complications in oncology care.

Materials and Methods: A systematic search of PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus was conducted using the terms “SARS-CoV-2,” “COVID-19,” “malignancy,” “cancer,” “tumor,” and “vaccine.” Eligible studies reported safety or effectiveness outcomes of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with solid or hematologic malignancies.

Results: Vaccination elicited measurable immune responses in most patients, with seroconversion rates generally higher in solid tumors compared with hematological malignancies. Booster doses substantially improved antibody responses across all cancer populations. Vaccines were generally well tolerated, with common adverse effects including local reactions, fatigue, and myalgia, while serious vaccine-related complications were rare. Breakthrough infections and severe COVID-19 were uncommon

Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination is safe and induces immune responses in the majority of patients with cancer. Booster doses enhance immunity across all patient groups. Vaccination remains a key strategy to protect cancer patients, support treatment continuity, and reduce COVID-19–related complications. Further research is needed to assess long-term immunity, responses to different vaccine platforms, and efficacy across cancer treatments.

Background: Olfactory groove meningiomas (OGMs) are slow-growing, relatively rare and benign brain tumors that account for about 4–13% of all intracranial meningiomas. They can be demonstrated with variety of symptoms but often present with anosmia, headaches, visual disturbances, and personality changes. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice, with various approaches described. We present a case of huge OGM that resected totally through a bilateral subfrontal approach without orbital osteotomy.

Cases Report: A 62-year-old man with chronic headache, anosmia, and progressive personality changes over five years presented with an episode of generalized seizure and was found to have a large anterior cranial fossa mass on CT (Computed Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), compatible with an olfactory groove meningioma. The patient underwent a bicoronal subfrontal craniotomy without orbital osteotomies. Intraoperative steps included cranialization of the frontal sinus, devascularization of the tumor, and careful extracapsular dissection under microscopic guidance. Gross total resection (Simpson Grade I) was achieved without intraoperative complications. The optic chiasm and anterior cerebral arteries were preserved. Postoperative imaging confirmed complete resection, and the patient’s neurological symptoms improved significantly.

Conclusion: The bicoronal subfrontal approach provides adequate exposure and allows safe gross total resection of large OGMs without the need for orbital osteotomies in this patient. This technique minimizes operative time and blood loss along with preserving normal anatomy of orbital rim and orbital roof while achieving favorable surgical and clinical outcomes in our case. Hence further studies are needed to assess applicability of these findings for resection of large olfactory groove meningioma without orbital osteotomy.