Repository of Research and Investigative Information Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
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The association between meat consumption and polycystic ovary syndrome in Iranian women: a case-control study
No full textBACKGROUND: In light of the observed association between nutritional factors and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in recent decades, the present study was conducted to investigate the association between the consumption of various types of meat and PCOS in Iranian women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This frequency-matched case-control study included 108 women with newly diagnosed PCOS and 108 age and body-mass-index-matched women without PCOS, as a control group, who were referred to the Yazd Diabetes Clinic and Khatam Clinic between January 2018 and March 2019. The validated 178-item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the usual dietary intake. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between meat consumption and PCOS. RESULTS: The findings of this study showed, the individuals in the third tertile of red meat intake, had higher odds of PCOS in the crude model (Odds Ratio (OR) = 4.29; 95 Confidence Interval (CI), 2.13-8.64; P-value = 0.001) compared with those in the first tertile. These results remained significant after adjustments for energy intake, marital status, physical activity, education, pregnancy history and chronic disease history (OR = 3.87; 95 CI, 1.78-8.40; P-value = 0.001). Higher consumption of red meat increased the risk of PCOS by 3.87 times. Furthermore, higher consumption of processed meats increased the risk of PCOS by 2.15 times (OR = 2.15; 95 CI, 1.05-4.39; P-value and trend = 0.035). We did not find an association between other types of meat consumption and PCOS. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that a higher consumption of red and processed meat is associated with a higher risk of PCOS, whereas no significant correlation was found between the consumption of poultry, fish, and organ meat and PCOS. However, more studies are needed to support these findings in the future
Comment on: Aetiology-specific inflammation patterns in patients and rat models of compensated cirrhosis
No full textCOVID-19 Vaccination and Cardiovascular Events: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Multivariate Meta-Analysis of Preventive Benefits and Risks
No full textBACKGROUND: To provide a detailed understanding and apply a comprehensive strategy, this study examines the association between COVID-19 vaccination and cardiovascular events. We conducted a Bayesian multivariate meta-analysis using summary data across multiple outcomes including myocardial infarction, stroke, arrhythmia, and CAD, considering potential dependencies in the data. Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods were detected for easy implementation of the Bayesian approach. Also, the sensitivity analysis of the model was done by using different priors. METHODS: Fifteen studies were included in the systematic review, with eleven studies comparing the results between the vaccine group and the unvaccinated group. Additionally, six studies were used for further analysis to compare mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna). RESULTS: Bayesian meta-analysis revealed a link between vaccines and CAD risk (OR, 1.70; 95 CrI: 1.11-2.57), particularly after BNT162b2 (OR, 1.64; 95 CrI: 1.06-2.55) and second dose (OR, 3.44; 95 CrI: 1.99-5.98). No increased risk of heart attack, arrhythmia, or stroke was observed post-COVID-19 vaccination. As the only noteworthy point, a protective effect on stroke (OR, 0.19; 95 CrI: 0.10-0.39) and myocardial infarction (OR, 0.003; 95 CrI: 0.001-0.006) was observed after the third dose of the vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary analysis showed no notable disparity in cardiovascular outcomes between BNT162b2 and mRNA vaccines. The association of COVID-19 vaccination with the risk of coronary artery disease should be considered in future vaccine technologies for the next pandemic
Pediatric endophthalmitis-associated penetrating ocular trauma: A single-center retrospective study
No full textBACKGROUND: Penetrating ocular trauma is a severe form of eye injury in children. The purpose of this study is to describe the clinico-epidemiological features of endophthalmitis-associated penetrating ocular trauma in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study, the medical records of children diagnosed with endophthalmitis-associated ocular penetrating trauma were reviewed during the 5-year study period. RESULTS: From 375 cases of children with penetrating ocular injuries, 13 cases (3.5) of endophthalmitis following penetrative ocular trauma were identified. The patients' ages ranged from 4 to 18 years. The majority of children were male (69.2) in preschool age. The most common source of penetration was wood, which accounted for 5 of 13 cases (38.5), followed by knife and then wire. An intraocular foreign body was detected in three cases of endophthalmitis. Most patients had visual acuity of hand motion or count fingers. CONCLUSIONS: Most open-globe injuries and associated endophthalmitis in this study are related to accidental events. More consideration should be taken in attempting to prevent perforating ocular injuries and the consequence of endophthalmitis in children
Relationship between sympathetic skin response and RR interval variation with the prognosis of Guillain-Barre syndrome patients
No full textBACKGROUND: Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an inflammatory disorder causing severe disability and death. The sympathetic skin response (SSR) and RR interval variability are non-invasive tests that measure autonomic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of SSR and RR interval variation with prognosis in patients with GBS in Isfahan, Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed 32 patients with GBS in Iran between 2023 and 2024. Patients underwent EMG-NCV during their hospitalization, measuring SSR and RR interval variation. Patients' GBS disability scores were calculated and recorded on the day of hospital discharge and one month after. Gender distribution, types of GBS, intubation status, length of ICU and ward stay, GBS disability scores, and plasmapheresis volume are also compared. RESULTS: In 19 patients (59.3), both SSR and RR interval variability were abnormal. There were no statistically significant differences between patients with and without autonomic dysfunction (AD) for the variables compared. There were no significant differences between groups with normal and abnormal SSR and between groups with normal and abnormal RR interval variation. Age and intubation status significantly affect GBS disability scores at discharge and one month after discharge, while gender does not significantly impact any outcomes. Many variables, such as age, gender, type of GBS, intubation status, and lengths of stay, do not show significant differences between the compared groups based on AD, SSR, and RR interval variability. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the lack of correlation between AD, SSR, and RR interval variation in patients with GBS
Maxillary Second Molar with Five Root Canals and a Root-Like Enamel Pearl: A Rare Case Report
No full textPermanent maxillary second molars' root canal treatment due to their root configurations complexity and high root canal systems variations, are one of the most problematic teeth. Accordingly, clinicians should consider unusual canal morphology to reduce the rate of missed canals. A thirty-year-old female was referred for root canal treatment of her maxillary right second molar tooth with obvious recurrent caries under restoration and necrotic pulp. Pre-operative radiographs showed the unusual morphology and cone-beam computed tomography was ordered for precise evaluation of the root canal anatomy. The principal aim of this paper is to report a five-root canals maxillary second molar, with two palatal root canals and a palatal root-like enamel pearl canal
Efficacy and empathy of AI chatbots in answering frequently asked questions on oral oncology
No full textOBJECTIVES: Artificial intelligence chatbots have demonstrated feasibility and efficacy in improving health outcomes. In this study, responses from 5 different publicly available AI chatbots-Bing, GPT-3.5, GPT-4, Google Bard, and Claude-to frequently asked questions related to oral cancer were evaluated. STUDY DESIGN: Relevant patient-related frequently asked questions about oral cancer were obtained from two main sources: public health websites and social media platforms. From these sources, 20 oral cancer-related questions were selected. Four board-certified specialists in oral medicine/oral and maxillofacial pathology assessed the answers using modified version of the global quality score on a 5-point Likert scale. Additionally, readability was measured using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level and Flesch Reading Ease scores. Responses were also assessed for empathy using a validated 5-point scale. RESULTS: Specialists ranked GPT-4 with highest total score of 17.3 +/- 1.5, while Bing received the lowest at 14.9 +/- 2.2. Bard had the highest Flesch Reading Ease score of 62 +/- 7; and ChatGPT-3.5 and Claude received the lowest scores (more challenging readability). GPT-4 and Bard emerged as the most superior chatbots in terms of empathy and accurate citations on patient-related frequently asked questions pertaining to oral cancer. GPT-4 had highest overall quality, whereas Bing showed the lowest level of quality, empathy, and accuracy for citations. CONCLUSION: GPT-4 demonstrated the highest quality responses to frequently asked questions pertaining to oral cancer. Although impressive in their ability to guide patients on common oral cancer topics, most chatbots did not perform well when assessed for empathy or citation accuracy
Differential effects of beta-hydroxybutyrate and alpha-ketoglutarate on HCT-116 colorectal cancer cell viability under normoxic and hypoxic low-glucose conditions: exploring the role of SRC, HIF1alpha, ACAT1, and SIRT2 genes
No full textRecent therapeutic strategies have highlighted the potential of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and alpha-ketoglutarate (alpha-KG) as effective anticancer agents, particularly for colon cancer. These metabolites can modulate cellular metabolism and induce epigenetic changes, inhibiting tumor growth. Nonetheless, certain cancer cells may utilize ketone bodies, like BHB as nutrient sources under hypoxic conditions, potentially reducing treatment efficacy. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for optimizing cancer therapies. This study evaluated the effects of BHB and alpha-KG on HCT-116 colorectal cancer cell viability under normoxic and low-glucose hypoxic conditions. HCT-116 cell lines were treated with different doses of BHB and alpha-KG in normoxic and low-glucose hypoxic conditions, and then cell viability was assessed by the MTT assay. Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of SRC, hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha), acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase 1 (ACAT1), and sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) genes were determined using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (q RT-PCR). BHB significantly increased the proliferation of HCT-116 colon cancer cells under low-glucose hypoxic conditions, while alpha-KG maintained cell viability in normoxic conditions but not in hypoxia. BHB treatment reduced SIRT2 mRNA levels and increased ACAT1, SRC, and HIF-1alpha expression. Conversely, alpha-KG decreased ACAT1, SRC, and HIF-1alpha expression and increased SIRT2 levels in normoxia but could not reverse gene expression during hypoxia. Our study demonstrated that BHB and alpha-KG exhibited complex interactions with colon cancer cell viability under varying oxygen and glucose conditions. While BHB promoted cell proliferation in hypoxic environments, alpha-KG showed protective effects in normoxic conditions. This research contributed to the growing body of evidence supporting the role of metabolic modulators in cancer therapy and emphasized the importance of understanding tumor microenvironments to optimize treatment outcomes. However, the need for further research into the metabolic pathways is underscored to enhance therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment
Sexual function and related predictors in male with multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: a case-control study
No full textBACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction (SF) is a prevalent and distressing comorbidity in males with multiple sclerosis (MwMS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (MwNMOSD). AIMS: This study aimed to assess the SF in MwMS and MwNMOSD in comparison to male healthy controls (HCs) and identify its associated predictors. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted from February 2023 to January 2024 at the MS clinic of Kashani Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. Participants included 49 MwMS, 27 MwNMOSD, and 40 HCs. Demographic, clinical, and psychological data were collected, and SF was evaluated by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Linear regression was used to assess relationships between variables. OUTCOMES: SF was significantly worse in the MwMS and MwNMOSD compared to the HCs. RESULTS: SF was significantly lower in MwMS and MwNMOSD compared to HCs. In MwMS, significant independent predictors of SF included partner's education (B = -2.7, P = .003), anxiety (B = -0.6, P = .003), and depression (B = -0.3, P = .026). In MwNMOSD, significant independent predictors of SF were EDSS (B = -5.7, P = .007) and anxiety (B = -1, P = .002). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Controlling risk factors such as depression and anxiety can improve SF of MwMS to a significant extent. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Despite limitations like the cross-sectional design and exclusion of certain variables, our study identifies significant associations between sexual dysfunction and various risk factors in MwMS and MwNMOSD, emphasizing the need for future longitudinal research. CONCLUSION: MwMS and MwNMOSD exhibited worse SF than HCs. Multiple factors have been identified as independent predictors of SF within these patient groups
Empagliflozin Ameliorates the Oxidative Stress Profile in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction: Results of a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study
No full textINTRODUCTION: In the present study, we evaluated the impact of empagliflozin on serum levels of oxidative stress parameters in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) who also suffer from heart failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF). METHODS: In this prospective, single-center clinical trial, 80 patients with T2DM and HFrEF, stabilized on guideline-directed heart failure therapy and classified as New York Heart Association functional (NYHA) functional classes II or III, were randomized to receive either empagliflozin (10 mg/daily) or a matching placebo for a duration of 12 weeks. Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), along with the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were measured at baseline and after the 12-week treatment period. RESULTS: The baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of the randomized patients were comparable across the study groups. As anticipated, empagliflozin demonstrated a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) compared to the placebo after 12 weeks of treatment. Additionally, in comparison to the placebo, empagliflozin significantly increased the antioxidant capacity by elevating serum activity of SOD and GPx, while reducing oxidative damage, as evidenced by diminished MDA levels. Empagliflozin-treated patients also experienced greater improvement in their NYHA functional classes by week 12, though no significant changes in Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) were observed. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study shed light on the potential mechanisms through which SGLT2 inhibitors exert their beneficial effects on clinical outcomes in diabetic patients with HFrEF. This provides compelling evidence supporting the cardio-protective of SGLT2 inhibitors in this patient population. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The trial was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/72825, identifier code: IRCT20120215009014N484). Registration date: 2022-09-30