Arch Iran Med
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The pathogenesis of the COVID19 pandemic, that has killed one million nine hundred people and infected more the 90 million until end of 2020, has been studied by many researchers. Here, we try to explain its biological behavior based on our recent autopsy information and review of literature. ⋯ Our histopathological studies suggest that the main focus of the viral damage is the endothelial cells (endotheliopathica) in involved organs. Also, our findings suggest that degeneration of leukocytes occurs at the site of inflammation and release of cytokines (leukocytoclastica) resulting in a cytokine storm.
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Neurodevelopmental and intellectual impairments are extremely heterogeneous disorders caused by a diverse variety of genes involved in different molecular pathways and networks. Genetic alterations in cilia, highly-conserved organelles with sensorineural and signal transduction roles can compromise their proper functions and lead to so-called "ciliopathies" featuring intellectual disability (ID) or neurodevelopmental disorders as frequent clinical manifestations. Here, we report several Iranian families affected with ID and other ciliopathy-associated features carrying known and novel variants in two ciliary genes; CEP104 and CEP290. ⋯ We emphasize on the clinical variability and pleiotropic phenotypes due to variants of these genes. In conclusion, our findings support the pivotal role of these genes resulting in cognitive and neurodevelopmental features.
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Case Reports
Evaluating Vertical Transmission of COVID-19 from Mothers to Neonates: An Iranian Case Series of 8 Patients.
The coronavirus epidemic first broke out in China in 2019 and spread around the world. Not only the signs, symptoms, and outcomes of the coronavirus in neonates, but also its vertical transmission risks are still unknown. This case series presents eight neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 and two neonates with this infection.