Challenges of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Meningitis: Current Treatments and the Role of Glutathione as an Adjunct Therapy.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) poses a significant global health threat, especially when it involves the central nervous system (CNS). Tuberculous meningitis (TBM), a severe manifestation of TB, is linked to high mortality rates and long-term neurological complications, further exacerbated by drug resistance and immune evasion mechanisms employed by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Although pulmonary TB remains the primary focus of research, MDR-TBM introduces unique challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes.

Flow-diverting stents in the management of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the indications and therapeutic efficacy of flow-diverting stents (FDSs) in the management of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECAAs) and dissections.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 18 patients treated for ECAAs with an FDS between 2010 and 2024. Patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, procedural details, and clinical and radiologic follow-up outcomes were extracted from medical records.

Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Risk of Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with rising incidence in resource-limited settings. Research suggests an increased risk of lung cancer in individuals with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), but the association needs further clarification. This systematic review aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of this relationship.

Acute cardiovascular effects of electronic cigarettes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Electronic cigarette (EC) is widely advertised as a safe alternative to traditional cigarette (TC). We aimed to investigate the cardiovascular effect of EC with/without nicotine compared with TC. We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL for randomized controlled trials that compared the effect of different smoking modalities on cardiovascular function up to 1 October 2024.

Risk of tuberculosis disease in patients receiving TNF-α antagonist therapy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) risk associated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) antagonist therapy in patients with autoimmune diseases is a significant concern. This study aims to evaluate the risk of TB disease associated with TNF-α antagonist therapy.

Methods: An extensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane CENTRAL databases was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing TB disease risk in patients receiving TNF-α antagonist therapy available until November 1, 2024.

Intranasal esketamine for patients with major depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

A large number of people worldwide grapple with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and a significant portion of them confront resistance to conventional antidepressant treatments. Esketamine, an innovative intervention, has garnered attention due to its rapid-acting antidepressant effects. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of esketamine in individuals with MDD and Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD).

Upadacitinib and Cardiovascular Adverse Events in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Upadacitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor used in rheumatoid arthritis treatment, has prompted safety concerns due to potential cardiovascular adverse events. However, current evidence does not provide a definitive conclusion.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive systematic review of the literature up until March 15, 2024, utilizing databases like PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL.

Traumatic Dental Injuries' Prevalence across Diverse Healthcare Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) are a global public health concern, impacting individuals of various age groups. This systematic review aimed to consolidate current evidence on TDI prevalence, providing insights for improved management and prevention strategies.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases for studies published between January 1, 2000, and July 1, 2024.

Impact of hypertension and lipid profile on cardiac function in an Iranian teaching hospital: A cross-sectional analysis.

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a significant global health challenge and affect diverse populations. For conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke prevalence, understanding the multifaceted factors contributing to CVDs is crucial. Hypertension and dyslipidemia, which are established risk factors, require further exploration, particularly in terms of their individual impact on cardiac function.

Strain-specific effects of probiotics on depression and anxiety: a meta-analysis.

Introduction: Depression and anxiety are pervasive mental health disorders with substantial global burdens. Probiotics, live microorganisms known for their health benefits, have emerged as a potential therapeutic intervention for these conditions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the strain-specific effects of probiotics on relieving depressive and anxiety symptoms while elucidating underlying mechanisms.

Recent advances in ionic thermoelectric systems and theoretical modelling.

Converting waste heat from solar radiation and industrial processes into useable electricity remains a challenge due to limitations of traditional thermoelectrics. Ionic thermoelectric (i-TE) materials offer a compelling alternative to traditional thermoelectrics due to their excellent ionic thermopower, low thermal conductivity, and abundant material options. This review categorizes i-TE materials into thermally diffusive and thermogalvanic types, with an emphasis on the former due to its superior thermopower.

Medical education during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: an umbrella review.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected many aspects of lifestyle and medical education during the recent years. We aimed to determine the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on medical education to provide an overview of systematic reviews on it.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, and medRxiv, with the following keywords: "SARS-CoV-2," "COVID-19," "Medical Education," "E-learning," "Distance Education," "Online Learning," "Virtual Education," "systematic review," and "meta-analysis," up to 15 April 2023.

Impact of Obesity on Cardiac Volumes and Left Ventricular Diameter: A Cross-Sectional Study in an Iranian Heart Center.

Introduction: Obesity, a pressing global health issue worldwide, contributes to risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, creating an unfavorable cardiovascular environment and increasing the likelihood of adverse cardiac events. His study aims to assess the impact of obesity on various cardiovascular parameters.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted at a Heart Center, focusing on adults admitted for suspected heart diseases.

Delamanid and bedaquiline resistance patterns in in Iran: A cross-sectional analysis.

Introduction: The surge of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) in Iran poses a significant challenge to global healthcare. The introduction of delamanid (DLM) and bedaquiline (BDQ), two potent antimycobacterial drugs, marks a crucial advance. Nevertheless, as resistance in is on the rise in Iran and resistance to these newer medications is emerging, investigations in this field are of utmost importance.

Dietary supplementations to mitigate the cardiopulmonary effects of air pollution toxicity: A systematic review of clinical trials.

Background: There is a consistent association between exposure to air pollution and elevated rates of cardiopulmonary illnesses. As public health activities emphasize the paramount need to reduce exposure, it is crucial to examine strategies like the antioxidant diet that could potentially protect individuals who are unavoidably exposed.

Methods: A systematic search was performed in PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.

Synthesis of PEDOT/CNTs Thermoelectric Thin Films with a High Power Factor.

In this study, we have improved the power factor of conductive polymer nanocomposites by combining layer-by-layer assembly with electrochemical deposition to produce flexible thermoelectric materials based on PEDOT/carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-films. To produce films based on CNTs and PEDOT, a dual approach has been employed: (i) the layer-by-layer method has been utilized for constructing the CNTs layer and (ii) electrochemical polymerization has been used in the synthesis of the conducting polymer. Moreover, the thermoelectric properties were optimized by controlling the experimental conditions including the number of deposition cycles and electropolymerizing time.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Iran: a multicenter study.

The worldwide incidence of multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is rapidly increasing, and it has emerged as a pressing public health issue in Iran. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of up-to-date research on the prevalence of MDR-TB in individuals with pulmonary TB in the country. In this cross-sectional study, we gathered a total of 1216 respiratory samples, each corresponding to a unique patient, from five distinct regional TB laboratories in Iran.

Emerging Challenges in Bloodstream Infections: Insights from Coagulase Typing, Toxin Genes, and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns.

Background: The incidence of complications and mortality associated with () bloodstream infections has been increasing significantly, particularly in developing countries where control strategies against this virulent pathogen and its resistance to antibacterial agents are insufficient. The aim of this study was to investigate coagulase typing, the prevalence of toxin genes, and the antibiotic resistance profile of isolated from bloodstream infections.

Methods: Antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined by the disk diffusion method.

Implications and Mechanisms of Antiviral Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria: A Systematic Review.

Background: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are among the most important strains of probiotics. Some are normal flora of human mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal system, skin, urinary tract, and genitalia. There is evidence suggesting that LAB has an antiviral effect on viral infections.

Ezetimibe and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Individuals diagnosed with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACD) are exposed to an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels has been established as an effective approach to mitigate these risks. However, a comprehensive and up-to-date meta-analysis investigating the LDL-C-lowering effectiveness and the impact on coronary atherosclerotic plaque compositions of Ezetimibe has been lacking.

Influenza vaccination and major cardiovascular risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials studies.

Cardiovascular events remain a substantial global health concern, necessitating innovative strategies for prevention. This study aims to assess the potential impact of influenza vaccination on major cardiovascular events. A search of the medical English literature was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane CENTRAL up to 1 August 2023.