The association between thyroid function and insulin resistance as measured by the metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR): insights from NHANES 2007-2012.

Background: Altered thyroid function has been linked to insulin resistance (IR), but its relationship with the Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR), a novel non-insulin-based index of IR, remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between thyroid function status and METS-IR in a U.S.

Depression among keratoconus patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Keratoconus (KC) is a chronic corneal disease that typically presents in early adulthood, and may potentially result in poor mental health in affected individuals. The evidence regarding the association of depression with KC is controversial. Hence, we investigated the association between depression and KC via a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Opportunistic screening of osteoporosis by CT scan compared to DXA: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The efficacy of opportunistic osteoporosis screening with computed tomography (CT) scans obtained for other indications has not yet been implemented by the current guidelines. We aimed to compile available evidence on the efficacy of osteoporosis screening with CT scans obtained for other indications compared with dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Studies comparing the diagnostic performance of the CT scan with the DXA published before 2023 were retrieved.

Carotid intima media thickness and glomerular filtration rate: a baseline analysis of the PolyIran-L trial.

Background: The relationship between kidney and vascular health is acknowledged, but detailed information is still missing. This study examines the relationship of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and carotid intima media thickness, providing insights into the association between atherosclerosis and kidney function.

Methods: Participants older than 50 years of age who were part of the PolyIran-L study, a trial nested in the Golestan Cohort Study, were included.

Latent class analysis of hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality among COVID-19 patients in Iran.

Identifying COVID-19 patients' clinical phenotypes based on characteristics and comorbidities, as well as their differences, helps in terms of clinical care and potential crises. Our goal is to use Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to identify COVID-19 patient profiles based on demographics, symptoms, and comorbidities, and evaluate their correlation with ICU admission, hospitalization duration, and mortality in a cross-sectional study. We included hospitalized patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 tests in two referral hospitals in the south of Iran between January 2020 and July 2021.

Polypharmacy and medication usage patterns in hypertensive patients: Findings from the Pars Cohort Study.

Polypharmacy, defined here as the concomitant use of five or more medications, is a significant health issue, particularly affecting individuals with chronic diseases like hypertension (HTN). To compare individuals with and without HTN in term of polypharmacy, and to investigate correlates of polypharmacy and medication use patterns in individuals with HTN in southwest Iran. This cross-sectional study used the baseline data of 9270 participants of the Pars Cohort Study (PCS) with a mean age of 52.

How Similar Are Drug Data and Disease Self-report? Estimating the Prevalence of Chronic Diseases in Less Developed Settings.

Background: Drug data has been used to estimate the prevalence of chronic diseases. Disease registries and annual surveys are lacking, especially in less-developed regions. At the same time, insurance drug data and self-reports of medications are easily accessible and inexpensive.

The medication usage pattern and prevalence of polypharmacy among patients with sickle cell disease: a population-based study in southern Iran.

Background: Due to the numerous complications associated with sickle cell disease (SCD), patients often receive a variety of medications alongside their SCD treatment. However, a notable gap exists in the current literature regarding medication use patterns among them. This study aimed to investigate medication usage patterns in patients with SCD.

Prevalence and Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components Among Waterpipe Users.

Objectives: To determine the associations between waterpipe use, duration, and intensity of use with prevalence and incidence of metabolic syndrome and its components (increased waist circumference, triglycerides, fasting glucose, blood pressure and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol).

Methods: We conducted cross-sectional and prospective analyses using data from the Pars Cohort Study in southern Iran, encompassing 9,264 participants at the baseline, and 5,002 randomly selected in a repeated follow-up. We used multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, education, wealth score, physical activity and cigarette pack-years to report odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Evidence-based practice in traditional persian medicine (TPM): a stakeholder and social network analysis.

Background: The utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is experiencing a global surge, accompanied by the adoption of national CAM policies in numerous countries. Traditional Persian medicine (TPM) is highly used as CAM in Iran, and the ongoing scientific evaluation of its interventions and the implementation of evidence-based medicine (EBM) encounters various barriers. Therefore, comprehending the characteristics and interactions of stakeholders is pivotal in advancing EBM within TPM policies.

Prognosis of Methanol Poisoning in a Developing Setting.

Background: Methanol-poisoning can be a challenging cause of mortality. Identifying the epidemiological, clinical, and para-clinical determinants of outcome in methanol-poisoning patients could be a step forward to its management.

Methods: In this hospital-based cohort study, 123 methanol-poisoning patients were included.

Antineoplastic agents associated with neutropenic enterocolitis in patients with malignancy: A quantitative safety signal analysis.

Background: The use of certain chemotherapy agents is associated with the development of a condition called "chemotherapy-associated neutropenic enterocolitis" (CANE).

Objective: To determine the risk of CANE associated with the use of each antineoplastic agent.

Methods: The FDA FAERS database of spontaneous adverse reactions was searched for the occurrence of the MedDRA preferred term "neutropenic colitis.

Worldwide association of the gender inequality with the incidence and mortality of cervical, ovarian, endometrial, and breast cancers.

Background: There is a huge disparity in cancer incidence and mortality around the globe. A considerable share of this disparity can be explained by human development. Particularly in many less developed countries, women have been hindered in their human development.

Efficacy and safety of aniseed powder for treating gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Gastrointestinal symptoms are prevalent amongst patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and may be associated with an increased risk of disease severity. This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of aniseed ( L.) powder as an add-on therapy to standard care for treating gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by adults with an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Gender inequality and burden of orofacial clefts in the Eastern Mediterranean region: findings from global burden of disease study 1990-2019.

Background: Gender inequality may be associated with the burden of orofacial clefts (OFCs), particularly in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). To investigate the OFCs' burden and its association with gender inequality in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR).

Methods: Country-specific data on the OFCs' prevalence and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2019 were gathered from the Global Burden of Disease database by age and gender.

Botulinum Toxin Injection for the Treatment of Third, Fourth, and Sixth Nerve Palsy: A Meta-Analysis.

The efficacy of botulinum toxin injection for the treatment of third, fourth, and sixth nerve palsy was evaluated. PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched. Data about the duration of palsy (acute vs chronic), cause of the palsy, type of toxin used, mean dose, and other background characteristics were collected.

Polypharmacy and pattern of medication use among patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: results from Pars Cohort study.

Background: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common chronic condition. Its chronic nature may affect the pattern of medication use. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, associated factors, and patterns of polypharmacy and medication use among GERD patients in southwestern Iran.

Correlates of malnutrition in patients with heart failure: the role of social support.

Aims: Heart failure (HF) is a major public health challenge. Malnutrition has a significant effect on HF prognosis. Understanding the impact of social and clinical factors on the risk of malnutrition is necessary because it may aid in improving the health status of HF patients.