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Characteristics of Hospitalized Pediatric Patients Following Traumatic Open Globe Injuries; a Cross-sectional Study
No full textIntroduction: One of the main causes of acquired blindness and impairment in children is ocular trauma. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pediatric patients hospitalized with open globe injuries (OGI). Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on children diagnosed with OGI at a referral Hospital affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, from 2014 to 2018. Results: 375 OGI medical records were detected during the study period. The common culprits for OGI in boys were knives (21.3), wood (19.7), metal bodies (12.2), and glass (11.8). In girls, the common causes were knives (28.7), glass (24.3), pencils (11.3), and wood (10.4). Boys had a greater rate of Intraocular foreign body (IOFB) (p= 0.052) but had lower odds of blindness compared to girls (OR=0.48; 95 CI: (0.24, 0.98); p = 0.04). Patients with corneal lacerations had lower chances of long-term admission than those with corneal and scleral lacerations (OR= 0.35, 95 CI: (0.17, 0.69); p = 0.02). Conclusion: Most pediatric OGIs occur in boys. knives were the principal culprit for OGI, followed by glass and wood. Boys had a greater IOFB rate but lower blindness odds than girls
New method to induce neurotrophin gene expression in human adipose-derived stem cells in vitro
No full textRosemary leaf extract, a well-known medicinal plant, can induce neurotrophin gene expression and proliferation in stem cells. Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) with high proliferation and differentiation capacity are easily accessible and can be extracted with the least damage. This study evaluated the effect of rosemary extract (RE) on neurotrophin gene expression at 48 h postinduction in hASCs. hASCs were isolated from healthy female donors, aged 28-35 years, who had undergone abdominal liposuction. Passage-4 stem cells were cultured and treated with different doses of RE (from 30 to 70 μg/ml) containing 40% carnosic acid for 48 h. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to check the expression of neurotrophin genes. The expression of NTF3, NTF4, and nerve growth factor genes in cells treated with 40-60 μg/ml and the expression of GDNF in cells treated with 50-70 μg/ml of RE for 48 h showed a significant increase compared to cells cultured in serum-containing medium. However, different doses of RE showed no effect on brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene expression in the treated cells. RE (50, 60 μg/ml) leads to an increase of neurotrophin gene expression in hASCs as compared to routine cell culture. Hence, this protocol can be used to prepare ideal cell sources for cell therapy
Role of Non-coding RNAs in the Response of Glioblastoma to Temozolomide
No full textChemotherapy and radiotherapy are widely used in clinical practice across the globe as cancer treatments. Intrinsic or acquired chemoresistance poses a significant problem for medical practitioners and researchers, causing tumor recurrence and metastasis. The most dangerous kind of malignant brain tumor is called glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) that often recurs following surgery. The most often used medication for treating GBM is temozolomide chemotherapy; however, most patients eventually become resistant. Researchers are studying preclinical models that accurately reflect human disease and can be used to speed up drug development to overcome chemoresistance in GBM. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been shown to be substantial in regulating tumor development and facilitating treatment resistance in several cancers, such as GBM. In this work, we mentioned the mechanisms of how different ncRNAs (microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, circular RNAs) can regulate temozolomide chemosensitivity in GBM. We also address the role of these ncRNAs encapsulated inside secreted exosomes
The Association between Dietary Acid Load and Non-Communicable Diseases: A Cohort Study in Shahrekord
No full textBackground and aim: It has recently been suggested that acid-base imbalances may play a role in some types of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between dietary acid load and common non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1800 participants were enrolled in a cohort study in Shahrekord. Data were collected using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The potential renal acid load (PRAL) was calculated using the intestinal absorption of five nutrients including protein, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium. The association of dietary acid load with NCDs was investigated in two models. Then, the raw model was adjusted by including calorie intake and age; after adjusting the effect of the two variables, the association between dietary acid load and the studied NCDs was not statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 51.49±9.27 years, and 941 (52.27%) of them were female. Mean±SD acid load score was -6.88±23.23. The results showed that there was a significant association between dietary acid load and age (P=0.005), weight (P=0.0001), waist circumference (P=0.016), hip circumference (P=0.0001), waist-to-hip ratio (P=0.01), body mass index (P=0.004), and triglyceride (P=0.012). In the raw model, a significant association was observed between dietary acid load and hypertension (OR=0.57, 0.39–0.8). Conclusion: In this study, no significant association was observed between dietary acid load and NCDs, but the variable was associated with weight and body mass index as the most important risk factors for NCDs
The Effect of CagA Virulence Factor of H. Pylori on the Expression of Embryonic stem cell Transcription Factors in Gastric Tissues of Patients with Gastritis
No full textThe Prevalence of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use among Infertile Patients: A Global Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textThere is a significant increase in the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by infertile patients. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of CAM use by infertile patients. This review was conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The required data were obtained by searching English databases (PubMed and Web of Science) as well as Google Scholar as an additional source of records. We included cross-sectional studies published in English journals up to March 2023 that examined the prevalence of CAM use among infertile patients in different countries. The retrieved articles were independently assessed by two reviewers. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion with the intent to reach a consensus. We reviewed 1192 documents. From these, 29 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The results of meta-analysis conducted on 32, 804 infertile patients showed a prevalence rate of CAM use between 26.3% 95% confidence interval (CI): 21.7%-31.3%] and 96.1% (95% CI: 95.7%-96.5%) in various countries. The pooled prevalence rate calculated by the random effects model showed that, overall, 54% (95% CI: 46%-61%) of both infertile women and men used CAM, whereas 55% (95% CI: 47%-67%) of infertile women and 29% (95% CI: 17%-41%) of infertile men reported treatment with CAM. More than half of the infertile patients used CAM. Therefore, healthcare practitioners need to be aware of this practice to better provide care for infertile patients. Further studies should examine the reasons for CAM use by infertile patients
Anti-Cancer Effects of Soy Isoflavones against Cancer by Radiosensitizing Properties: A Systematic Review
No full textBackground It is necessary to investigate the targets and pathways on which soy isoflavones act as radiosensitizers for their future use and their potential therapeutic effects.Objectives This systematic review aims to discuss and highlight future perspectives on the radiosensitizing effects of soy isoflavones against cancer cells.Methods We thoroughly searched multiple databases, such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus. We aimed to find studies investigating the effectiveness of soy isoflavones in increasing the sensitivity of different types of cancer to radiation treatment. We extracted data according to the study's aim, and the studies' outcomes were reviewed.Results The radiosensitizing effects of soy isoflavones are related to the accumulation of intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), reducing Glutathione (GSH), Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1). They also induce cancer cell apoptosis through inhibited Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B), apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor-1 (APE1/Ref-1) and HIF-1 alpha, upregulation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP) and improve cytochrome c, upregulation Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), inhibited B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-xL) and activation of caspase-3 and -8. Moreover, by inhibiting p21, increased phosphorylation of p53 and PARP-1-dependent ATP depletion caused DNA damage and impaired DNA repair. Soy isoflavones also arrest the cell cycle by interfering with the G2/M checkpoint.Conclusion In vivo and in vitro studies indicated that soy isoflavones enhanced radiotherapy effects on cancer cells with protective effects on healthy cells. Also, clinical studies reported safe and satisfactory properties of soy isoflavones along with radiotherapy in cancer treatment
The Association between Statins Intake and Risk of Post Stroke Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textAim: This research aimed to examine the relationship between the intake of statins and the risk of post-stroke pneumonia in a systematic review and meta-analysis study. Methods: An extensive search of published articles on March 21st, 2023, was done in several databases, like Web of Science (ISI), PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) checklist was employed to evaluate the quality of observational studies. Statistical tests (Chi-square test and I2) and graphical techniques (Forest plot) were used to determine whether heterogeneity existed in the meta-analysis studies. Funnel plots and Begg and Egger's tests were used to assess the publication bias. Results: Seven studies (5 cohort and 2 case-control studies) were retrieved to examine the association between statins and post-stroke pneumonia. The sample size of the studies compiled in the meta-analysis was obtained to be 68,966 participants. Meta-analysis demonstrated that the overall odds of post-stroke pneumonia in the statin group was equal to 0.87 (95% CI: 0.67 – 1.13; p-value 0.458). Subgroup analysis indicated that the odds of post-stroke pneumonia in the statin group was equal to 0.93 (95% CI: 0.73-1.18; p-value = 0.558) in the cohort studies, and equal to 0.92 (95% CI: 0.37-2.26; p-value = 0.857) in the case-control studies. The examination of the association between the intake of statins and post-stroke pneumonia showed no evidence of publication bias (Begg's test, p-value = 0.368; Eggers test, p-value = 0.282). Conclusion: In this study, no relationship has been observed between receiving statins and the risk of post-stroke pneumonia
Sertraline in depressed patients with or at risk for coronary heart disese: a systemic review
No full textBackground and Aims: Depression is a prevalent comorbidity among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). While recent studies have hinted at a possible association between CHD and antidepressant medications like sertraline, the existing evidence remains inconclusive. To investigate this potential link, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus for relevant articles published up to March 2023. After a thorough screening of titles and abstracts, 12 studies were included in our review. Results: The included studies, spanningfrom 1999 to 2021, comprised 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one pilot study. A total of 2767 participants with major depressive disorder and a history of cardiovascular disease or at risk for such events were included. The majority of these studies demonstrated improvements in mood status among patients treated with serotonin-targeting antidepressants and a reduced risk of cardiovascular events, as measured by various outcomes. While some cardiac adverse effects were observed with serotonin treatment, these did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence supporting the beneficial effects of serotonin-targeting antidepressants for both depressive symptoms and the prevention of coronary adverse outcomes. These results highlight the potential value of serotonin-based treatments for depression in high-risk populations
Efficacy of Anti-VEGF Drugs Based Combination Therapies in Recurrent Glioblastoma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textBackground: Recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (rGBM) has a grim prognosis with current therapies offering no survival benefit. Several combination therapies involving anti-VEGF agents have been studied with mixed results.
Methods: A systematic search was performed using five electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, ISI, Embase, and the Cochrane Library without language limitations. The primary outcome of interest was progression free survival (PFS). Secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS), objective response ratio (ORR), and grade ≥ 3 adverse events. Estimates for PFS, OS were calculated as random effects hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the generic inverse variance method. Estimates for ORR, grade ≥ 3 adverse events were calculated using a random-effects risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the Mantel-Haenszel method.
Results: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and a total of 1994 patients have been included in the analysis. There was no statistically significant improvement in PFS (HR 0.84; 95% CI (0.68, 1.03); I2=81%), OS (HR 0.99; 95% CI (0.88, 1.12); I2=0%), ORR (RR 1.36; 95% CI (0.96, 1.92); I2=61%) in the combination therapy group when compared to the control group. Significantly higher grade ≥ 3 adverse events (RR 1.30; 95% CI (1.14, 1.48); I2=47%) were seen in the combination therapy when compared to the control group.
Conclusion: Our analysis showed that the use of combination therapy with anti-VEGF agents did not offer any benefit in PFS, OS, or ORR. In contrast, it had significantly higher grade 3-5 adverse events. Further studies are needed to identify effective therapies in rGBM that can improve survival.
Keywords: Anti-angiogenic therapy; Bevacizumab; GBM; Survival outcomes; Vascular endothelial growth factors; rGBM