Evaluation of adropin level and insulin resistance in non-alcoholic fatty liver patients: a meta-analysis of studies.

Objective: The recently discovered protein adropin is a highly conserved polypeptide that plays critical functions in energy homeostasis, metabolic processes, fat metabolism, and insulin resistance. On the other hand, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a medical condition that causes the buildup of fat in the liver cells in individuals who consume little or no alcohol. The frequency of NAFLD is rising globally, and it is frequently linked to obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Apolipoprotein E Genetic Variant and Blood Lipid Responses to Plant Sterols: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of Clinical Trials.

Plant sterols/stanols are effective cholesterol-lowering agents. However, it is unclear whether the apolipoprotein E () genetic variants influence it. We investigated whether genetic variants modulate the responses of blood lipids to dietary intervention plant sterols/stanols in adults and if the intervention dose and duration, as well as the age and status of participants, influence this effect.

Are we ready yet for digital transformation? Virtual versus on-campus OSCE as assessment tools in pharmacy education. A randomized controlled head-to-head comparative assessment.

Background: The global COVID-19 pandemic has influenced pharmacy education including learning, assessment, and exams. In the UAE, pharmacy instructors have adapted several innovative teaching methods to strive for quality learning outcomes. The current trial presented a head-to-head comparative assessment between on-campus versus virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) with examiners' and students' perspectives.

Association of obesity with COVID-19 diseases severity and mortality: A meta-analysis of studies.

Background: The literature on COVID-19 infection is growing every single day, and evidence of presence or absence of association between obesity and COVID-19 adverse outcomes should be revisited. Therefore, this study summarizes the pooled association of obesity with COVID-19 adverse outcomes and mortality.

Methods: We searched PubMed and Science direct databases using specific terms and defined criteria.

Associations of pre-existing cardiovascular morbidity with severity and the fatality rate in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of pre-existing cardiovascular comorbidities, including hypertension and coronary heart disease, with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity and mortality.

Methods: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus were searched between January 1, 2020, and July 18, 2020, to identify eligible studies. Random-effect models were used to estimate the pooled event rates of pre-existing cardiovascular disease comorbidities and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of disease severity and mortality associated with the exposures of interest.