Circulating mannose-binding lectin in diabetic patients and risk of vascular complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Recent studies have confirmed the involvement of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) in the pathogenesis of vascular complications in individuals with diabetes. Due to the discrepancy between the results of studies, a meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate MBL levels in patients with diabetes and its vascular complications.

Methods: We reviewed all observational studies published in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science Core Collection databases to identify relevant studies up to 1 April 2024.

Modification macrophage to foam cells in atherosclerosis disease: some factors stimulate or inhibit this process.

Background: Atherosclerosis is an arterial blood vessel disease that begins and progresses by turning macrophages into foam cells. Uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), cholesterol esterification and cholesterol efflux are the most important factors in the formation of foam cells and play an important role in atherosclerosis.

Methods: The present study is based on the data obtained from the PubMed database (1961-2024) using the MeSH search terms "Atherosclerosis", "Macrophages" and "Foam cells".

A closer look at Galectin-3: its association with gestational diabetes mellitus revealed by systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents a significant metabolic disorder that affects pregnant women worldwide and has negative consequences for both the mother and her offspring. This research aims to investigate the relation between circulating levels of Galectin-3 and the incidence of GDM, and to evaluate its potential as a biomarker for monitoring and early detection of the disease.

Methods: A thorough search of the literature has been performed using databases such as Scopus, Web of science, Embase, Cochrane Library and PubMed.

Evaluation of diabetes care parameters in patients with diabetes: A population-based cross-sectional study in Khuzestan province (southwest of Iran).

Background: Diabetes is becoming a worldwide concern. Optimal diabetes control reduces diabetes complications.

Objectives: We aimed to measure the principal diabetes care parameters to recognize the main deficits in care for patients with diabetes in the region.

Which dietary patterns fend off nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? A systematic review of observational and interventional studies.

Background: The global burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has significantly risen over the past decade. Dietary intake strongly influences its development and should be a component of any prevention and treatment plan strategy. Dietary pattern analysis enables the investigation of the overall diet and permits the consideration of interactions and cumulative effects of dietary components.

Microplastics and nanoplastics in tea: Sources, characteristics and potential impacts.

Recent scientific studies have raised concerns about the presence and potential impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in tea-based drinks. This review critically examines publications relating to MNPs in tea, with focus on the type of sample involved, methods and techniques employed to isolate and identify MNPs, and the main qualitative and quantitative findings. Sources of MNPs in tea include production water, plastic packaging and contaminated tea leaves but the most important source is teabags when steeped in boiling water.

Dietary patterns and premature coronary artery disease: result from the Iran premature coronary artery disease (IPAD) study.

Background: Premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) is one of the major health concerns leading to considerable death and disabilities. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of dietary patterns with risk of PCAD.

Methods: Iran premature coronary diseases (IPAD) is a case-control study consists of 3159 participants.

Association of plant and animal protein intake with sleep quality and quality of life in hemodialysis patients: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

Background: The current study aimed to evaluate the association between the intake of plant-based protein, animal-based protein, total protein, and the ratio of plant to animal protein with sleep quality and quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 479 adult patients undergoing dialysis for a minimum of 3 months were included. The dietary intake was calculated using information from a validated 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire.

Comparison of dry needling with exercise and exercise alone on spasticity, range of motion, and function of post-stroke chronic spastic patients.

Introduction: Stroke is a common cause of disability and death in adults, with spasticity being a common post-stroke complication that can significantly affect patients' quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the impact of exercise therapy alone versus exercise therapy combined with dry needling on clinical outcomes in patients with chronic spasticity after stroke.

Methods: Forty patients were randomly assigned to either a control or intervention group.

Diagnostic significance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: a meta-analysis.

Background: We aimed to determine the association of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched from the establishment of the database to May 5, 2022 to find the relevant studies.

Comprehensive assessment of COVID-19 case fatality rate and influential factors in Khuzestan Province, Iran: a two-year study.

Background: The emergence of a new pandemic SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) resulted in a high mortality rate across the world. This study sought to comprehensively analyze the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) associated with COVID-19 in the Khuzestan province of Iran". The primary objective was to discern patterns and determinants influencing CFR, shedding light on the evolving impact of the pandemic on morbidity and mortality.

The emerging roles of neuroactive components produced by gut microbiota.

Background: As a multifunctional ecosystem, the human digestive system contains a complex network of microorganisms, collectively known as gut microbiota. This consortium composed of more than 10 microorganisms and Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are the dominant microbes. Gut microbiota is increasingly recognized for its critical role in physiological processes beyond digestion.

Evaluation of NKT Cell Percentage and Function and Its Relationship with Serum IFN-γ and Vitamin D Levels in Women with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion and Recurrent Implantation Failure.

Background: Mothers experiencing recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) along with repeated implantation failures (RIF) could potentially have abnormalities in their immune systems. Vitamin D is known as a crucial immunomodulatory agent. This study aimed to assess the ratio of Natural Killer T-cells (NKTs) and the correlation between this ratio with serum vitamin D levels among women with RSA and RIF.

Effects of resveratrol supplementation on inflammatory markers, fatigue scale, fasting blood sugar and lipid profile in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Objectives: Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in grapes, has been studied extensively for its potential benefits on metabolic markers and inflammation. While promising results have been observed in animal studies and some human trials, the overall evidence is mixed. Moreover, elevated inflammatory markers have been closely linked to more severe symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Optimizing Multiparametric MRI Protocols for Prostate Cancer Detection: A Comprehensive Assessment Aligned with PI-RADS Guidelines.

Background And Aim: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) is recognized as the most indicative method for diagnosing prostate cancer. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive evaluation aligned with the Prostate Imaging and Reporting Data System (PI-RADS) guidelines, offering an in-depth insight into the various MRI sequences used in a standard mpMRI protocol. Additionally, it outlines the critical technical requirements necessary to perform a standard mpMRI examination of the prostate, as defined by the PI-RADS specifications.

Formulation and Evaluation of Valproic Acid Microemulsions for Enhanced Transfollicular Delivery in Guinea Pig Skin.

Background: Valproic acid (VPA) is used to treat various neurological and psychiatric conditions. While oral VPA can cause hair loss, topical application has shown potential for hair regeneration. This study aimed to develop and evaluate microemulsion (ME) formulations of VPA for enhanced transfollicular delivery.

A Novel Approach Based on Integrating Radiomics, Bone Morphometry and Hounsfield Unit-Derived From Routine Chest CT for Bone Mineral Density Assessment.

Rationale And Objectives: The purpose of this study is the feasibility of using radiomics features, bone morphometry features (BM), and Hounsfield unit (HU) values obtained from routine chest computed tomography (CT) for assessing bone mineral density (BMD) status.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 120 patients who underwent routine chest CT and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry examinations within a month. Whole thoracic vertebral bodies from routine chest CT images were segmented using the GrowCut semi-automatic segmentation method, and radiomics features, BM features, and HU values were extracted.

Study of the economic consequences and phthalate emission caused by centralized and decentralized patterns of infectious waste management.

The development of health services of hospitals in developing countries has led to a significant increase in the production of infectious waste, which has important economic and environmental consequences. Therefore, reducing pollutant leakage caused by disinfection and reducing infectious waste management costs are important in achieving sustainable development goals in hospital management. In this study, the centralized and decentralized patterns of infectious waste management were studied in three hospitals in Behbahan, Iran.

Evaluating the Therapeutic Effect of Sofosbuvir in Outpatients with COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has engendered scores of deaths worldwide. Just as the development of varying procedures during the pandemic has helped inhibit the disease, none is considered a definitive treatment protocol for this problem, as each induces some clinical complications pertinent to the disease. This study thus assessed the early use of sofosbuvir in outpatients with mild COVID-19.

The Incidence of Myocardial Infarction after Vaccination against COVID-19: a Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

Background: Vaccines were developed to stop the pandemic stage of COVID-19. A wide range of adverse effects, including vascular complications, has been reported after vaccination. Up to now, various studies have reported different rates of myocardial infarction (MI) after COVID-19 vaccination.