BACKGROUND Previous studies have reported contrasting results about the effects of ECT on serotonin levels. We wanted to investigate the therapeutic effects of ECT on plasma serotonin levels in patients with major depressive disorder. METHODS In this cohort study, 36 patients with MDD were allocated to ECT group (n=21) and Non-ECT group (n=15). Plasma serotonin levels of the ECT group were measured before ECT, 15 minutes and 2-, 6-, and 24-hours, 16-and 30-days after treatment. In the Non-ECT group, measurement of serotonin was performed before drug therapy, 16 days and 30 days after drug therapy. Data was analysed with SPSS-16 using independent t-test, and repeated with ANOVA at a significance level of p ≤0.050.

Aim: To assess the association serum levels of selenium (Se) and copper (Cu) with symptoms and IgG immune response to SARS-CoV-2. Patients & methods/materials: Blood samples and nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from 126 COVID-19 patients with mild and severe symptoms. The serum levels of Cu and Se were measured by atomic-absorption spectrophotometry. Results & conclusion: Mean Se was higher in patients with mild symptoms and IgG nonresponders, whereas mean Cu was higher in patients with severe symptoms and IgG responders. The Cu/Se ratio was lower in patients with no IgG responses to infection and mild symptoms versus IgG responders with severe symptoms. These results suggest the Cu/Se ratio as a nutritional biomarker of severity and IgG immune response in COVID-19 patients.

Background: The relationship between strong immune response to infections and trace elements such as selenium (Se) and copper (Cu) is well documented. Furthermore, Se and Cu behave as negative and positive acute phase reactants under infectious conditions, respectively. Since SARS-CoV-2 causes systemic inflammation, this study was conducted to evaluate the association of Se and Cu serum levels with symptoms and immune response to SARS-CoV-2, and then assess the Cu/Se ratio in this matter.Methods: Blood samples and nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from 126 SARS-CoV-2 participants with mild and severe clinical symptoms. The SARS-CoV-2 infection and immune response to the virus were confirmed by RT-PCR and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, respectively. The measurement of Se and Cu serum levels were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and colorimetric assay, respectively. Finally, data were analyzed and a P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The mean Se levels were higher in patients with mild symptoms (108.73 ± 5.38 μg/L, P-value = 0.0012) and IgG non-responders (110.33 ± 3.38 μg/L, P-value < 0.001), whereas, the mean Cu was higher in participants with severe symptoms (111.055 ± 11.98 μg/dL, P-value = 0.045) and IgG responders (112 ± 9.98 μg/dL, P-value = 0.0058). The Cu/Se ratio was lower (ratio < 1) in participants with no immune responses to infection and mild symptoms versus immune responder patients with severe symptoms (P-value < 0.001).Conclusion: Our results suggest that Cu/Se ratio may be considered as a nutritional biomarker of severity and immune response in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients.

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) have a high risk of catching SARS-CoV-2 infection. Seroprevalence studies can provide related data on HCWs with a history of infections. Despite numerous seroepidemiological reports of COVID-19 in different groups, there are no such reports for HCWs working in Rafsanjan City, Iran. This study aimed to determine the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among HCWs. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 295 participants, including healthcare personnel and administrative staff. The SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody was measured by the ELISA method, and the obtained data were analyzed with the Chi-square test and logistic regression. A P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The previous exposure to COVID-19 was higher in HCWs than in administrative department staff. Fifteen out of 130 (11.5%) participants had experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection without any symptoms. The results of logistic regression indicated that traveling (OR: 018, 95% CI: 0.08–0.74, P=0.001), occupation (OR: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.01–0.94, P<0.05), history of respiratory problems (OR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.01–1.94, P<0.05), and major clinical signs (OR: 8.09, 95% CI: 3.7-17.66, P<0.001) are important factors which affect SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. Conclusion: Our results indicated an occupational risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs. Because some HCWs are asymptomatic, their communication, such as traveling, must be controlled, and it is necessary to ensure the safety of HCWs and reduce their transfer to the community and patients.

BackgroundMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), derived from various tissues, have served as a promising source of cells in clinic and regenerative medicine. Umbilical cord-Wharton's jelly (WJ-MSCs)-derived MSCs exhibit advantages over those from adult tissues, such as no ethical concerns, shorter population doubling time, broad differentiation potential, readily available non-invasive source, prolonged maintenance of stemness properties. Material and methodsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of MRI (1.5 T, 10 min) on stemness gene expression patterns (OCT-4, SOX-2, NANOG) of WJ-MSCs. In addition, we assessed cell viability, growth kinetics and apoptosis of WJ-MSCs after MRI treatment. ResultsThe quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) data showed that transcript levels of SOX-2, NANOG in MRI-treated WJ-MSCs were increased 32-and 213-fold, respectively.MTT assay was performed at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-treatment and the viability was not signi cantly difference between two groups. The doubling time of MRI group was markedly higher than control group.In addition, the colony formation ability of WJ-MSCs after MRI treatment signi cantly increased. Furthermore, no change in apoptosis was seen before or after MRI treatment. ConclusionsOur results suggest the use of MRI can improve quality of MSCs and may enhance the e cacy of mesenchymal stem cell-based therapies.