Patients with the HIV infection are at high risk for developing depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of antidepressant effects of minocycline on HIV patients with depression. Forty-six HIV patients, with mild-to-moderate depression and a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) up to 18, participated in a parallel, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial and underwent 6 weeks of treatment with either minocycline (100 mg twice daily) or placebo in the same manner. Patients were assessed using HDRS at baseline and at weeks 3 and 6. The primary outcome measure was to evaluate the efficacy of minocycline in improving depressive symptoms. General linear model repeated measures showed significant effect for time × treatment interaction on the HDRS score during the trial course [F(2, 88)=7.50, P=0.001]. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding adverse events. No serious adverse event was reported. The administration of 100 mg minocycline twice daily seems to be safe and effective in improving depressive symptoms in HIV/AIDS patients with mild-to-moderate depression.

In patients with COVID‐19, certain medical conditions could result in poorer clinical outcomes. However, the prognostic role of hypothyroidism in COVID‐19 is still unknown. In the present retrospective study, we estimated the prevalence of hypothyroidism in COVID‐19 admitted patients in Tehran, Iran. Among 390 COVID‐19 admitted patients, 21 hypothyroid cases (5.4%) were found, in which nearly 90% were aged 50 years and older. Regarding the effect of hypothyroidism on COVID‐19 mortality, 60 (15.3%) of total patients and 4 (19%) of hypothyroid patients died, and no significant difference was found between the two groups.

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection is spreading worldwide, and there are many reports of acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by this infection. However, asymptomatic lung involvement has not been reported. We hereby present the case of a 44-year-old health-care worker, who was found to be infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus after a CT-scan performed for an unrelated condition revealed a lesion in the lung field compatible with COVID-19 infection. His condition deteriorated initially, but eventually improved with supportive treatment and the compassionate use of antivirals and antimalarials and is now in a stable condition.