The publication name of International Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences has changed to “Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences" and the new issue has been released in January 2020 under the new title.

The news related to the articles published in this issue are as follows:
Effect of a significant deficiency in some antioxidants on semen parameters in cases of male infertility in Diyala Province, Iraq: Biologists from Iraq examined the effect of a significant deficiency in some antioxidants on semen parameters in cases of male infertility in Diyala Province, Iraq. They measured the levels of serum ascorbate, tocopherol, selenium, and zinc in 47 infertile men and 21 healthy men, and compared them with the sperm count, motility, and morphology. They found that the deficiency of antioxidants was associated with a decrease in semen quality and suggested that increasing antioxidant levels may help improve male infertility.
Spectrum of gastrointestinal malignancies in a rural tertiary care center: Gastroenterologists from India investigated the spectrum of gastrointestinal malignancies in a rural tertiary care center. They studied 1000 patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer and reported the type, location, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment outcomes. They found that stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, and small bowel cancer were the most common types of gastrointestinal cancer, and Helicobacter pylori infection, family history, smoking, and alcohol consumption were the main risk factors. They concluded that gastrointestinal cancers in rural areas have different patterns and prevalence compared to urban areas, and they require prevention and early detection strategies.
C-Reactive protein and chest x-ray morphology in COVID-19 patients: Pathologists from India examined the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation marker, and chest x-ray morphology in COVID-19 patients. They studied 100 patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection and measured the serum levels of CRP and their chest radiographic findings. They found that the CRP levels were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy individuals and were associated with the severity and extent of lung damage. They suggested that CRP can be used as a simple and cost-effective marker for the diagnosis, monitoring, and prediction of COVID-19 patients.
Formulation of a broad-spectrum nanoemulsion from thymus vulgaris essential oil with enhanced antimicrobial activity against problematic gram-negative bacteria and fungi: Microbiologists from India developed a nanoemulsion with a broad spectrum of thymus vulgaris (thyme) essential oil, which exhibited increased antimicrobial activity against problematic gram-negative bacteria and fungi. They evaluated the properties of the nanoemulsion using physicochemical methods and measured its antimicrobial activity against several antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains and fungi. They found that the nanoemulsion had good stability, small particle size, high transparency, and antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microorganisms. Despite the presence of essential oil, it had low toxicity.
Estimation of Morphometric Variations in Greater Sciatic Notch of Human Hip Bones: An Anatomical Study: Researchers from India measured the differences between male and female skull bones based on the shape and size of the greater sciatic notch, a bony indentation behind the ear. They used a statistical method to quantify these variations. They found that this indentation is larger and more angled in males, and it can be used with high accuracy to determine the sex of unidentified bones.
A comparison of the Effects of Low and High Doses of Corticosteroids on Recovery of the Patients with Covid-19: Physicians from Iran compared the effects of low and high doses of corticosteroids on the recovery of patients with COVID-19. They studied 100 hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 infection and divided them into two groups: one group receiving low dose (1 to 1.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day) and another group receiving high dose (5 to 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day) of corticosteroids. They compared the outcomes of mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and duration of hospitalization between the two groups. They found that high-dose corticosteroid administration was associated with increased mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, development of ARDS, and longer hospitalization time. They recommended caution against the use of high-dose corticosteroids in the treatment of severe COVID-19 patients.
Platelet Indices in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients: Researchers from Iran investigated the relationship between platelet indices and other factors in determining the risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The results showed that platelet count did not show significant changes or relation with ACS patients, while mean platelet volume (MPV) was not significantly higher in the myocardial infarction (MI) group compared to the unstable angina (UA) group. However, higher MPV values were associated with a higher mortality rate. Elevated platelet distribution width (PDW) was significantly correlated with both MI groups and mortality, suggesting its potential as a prognostic factor for ACS.