Determinants of Non-Acceptance of the COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy in Pregnant and Postpartum Women: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: The rate of COVID-19 vaccination hesitation among Iranian pregnant women is around 50%. The objective of the present study was to determine the reasons for the refusal of COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant and postpartum women. Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 304 pregnant and postpartum women in the comprehensive health centers of Yazd, Iran, between October 2022 and April 2023. Researchers collected the data of unvaccinated women through phone calls using a validated questionnaire. Data was collected using a questionnaire consisting of baseline characteristics and reasons for refusing vaccination. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data using SPSS version 22. Results: The mean age of the pregnant and postpartum women participating in this study was 28.31 ± 6.47 years. The most common reasons for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine included fear of harming the fetus (32.2%), fear of side effects in the mother (25.7%), disbelief in COVID-19 disease and vaccine (13.8%), lack of information about the vaccine (12.8%), and negative opinions of the media and society (12.8%). Less common reasons included husband's disagreement (8.2%), history of COVID-19 infection (6.9%), gynecologists' disagreement (6.3%), history of infertility (5.9%), and underlying disease (3.3%). Astonishingly, among participants who did not inject a booster dose of the vaccine, 76% reported they didn't receive any training and recommendation on booster dose injection from health providers. Conclusion: Findings highlight that the most common reasons for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine were fear of harming the fetus and fear of side effects in the mother.

Association of IL-6 -174G > C Polymorphism with Susceptibility to Childhood Sepsis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BackgroundThis meta-analysis evaluates the correlation between the IL-6 -174 G > C polymorphism and susceptibility of childhood sepsis. Methods: We searched PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, CNKI, SID, SciELO databases until December 30, 2019 to identify all eligible studies. Results: A total of 17 studies with 1,287 cases and 2,482 controls were identified. Pooled data revealed that there was no significant association between the IL-6 -174 G > C polymorphism and risk childhood sepsis in the overall population. When stratified analysis was carried out by age group of cases, no associations were found in neonates and pediatrics. However, in ethnicity-based subgroups, a significant association was found in Caucasians and Africans. Conclusions: There was no significant association of the IL-6 -174G > C polymorphism with susceptibility to sepsis in childhood overall, but there was an association with the Caucasian and African ethnic subgroups.

Cancer and Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Comorbidity, Mechanical Ventilation, and Death Risk.

BACKGROUND: The presence of comorbidity poses a major clinical challenge in the care and treatment of COVID-19 patients. Moreover, having one or more comorbidities could be a life-threatening situation in COVID-19 patients. Cancer is substantially associated with significant morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients. However, there is not sufficient data to conclude that cancer patients have a higher risk of COVID-19 infection. In this study, we reviewed cancer comorbidity and risk of mechanical ventilation or death in patients with confirmed COVID-19. METHODS: A comprehensive systematic search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and CNKI, to find articles published until August 01, 2020. All relevant case series, case reports, systematic and narrative reviews, meta-analyses, and prospective and retrospective studies that reported clinical characteristics and epidemiological information of cancer patients infected with COVID-19 were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 12 cohort studies exclusively on cancer patients with confirmed COVID-19 were selected. CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings of this study, cancer was not among the most prevalent underlying diseases in patients with confirmed COVID-19. Moreover, cancer patients infected with COVID-19 had the lowest risk of mechanical ventilation or death than the non-cancer infected patients.

The Risk and Prevalence of COVID-19 Infection in Colorectal Cancer Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cancer might be at an increased risk of infection with COVID-19 and a more severe disease course. However, different tumor types have differing susceptibility to the infection and COVID-19 phenotypes. Thus, the risk and prevalence of COVID-19 is not uniform across the different tumor types. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate the risk and prevalence of COVID-19 infection in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed up to July 25, 2020, thorough PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, CNKI, CBM, China Science, Wan Fang, and SciELO databases. The risk of COVID-19 infection in CRC patients was performed based on the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS: A total of six studies with 204 different cancer patients with COVID-19 and 92 CRC infected patients with COVID-19 were selected. Our results showed that the prevalence of COVID-19 infection in CRC patients was 45.1% in the global population. The pooled data showed that there is no a significant risk of infection with COVID-19 in CRC patients in the global population (OR = 0.261, 95% CI 0.099-0.533, p = 0.082). However, when subgroup analysis was performed based on country of origin, we found a significant correlation in Chinese CRC patients (OR = 0.221, 95% CI 0.146-0.319, p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study results revealed that Chinese CRC patients harbored a higher risk of COVID-19 infection. However, more multicenter, larger sample sizes and high-quality studies are required to verify this meta-analysis result.

Clinical efficacy of convalescent plasma for treatment of COVID-19 infections: Results of a multicenter clinical study.

Since Dec. 2019 the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has infected millions and claimed life of several hundred thousand worldwide. However, so far no approved vaccine or drug therapy is available for treatment of virus infection. Convalescent plasma has been considered a potential modality for COVID-19 infection. One hundred eighty-nine COVID-19 positive patients including 115 patients in plasma therapy group and 74 patients in control group, registered in the hospitals with confirmed COVID-19 infection, entered this multi-center clinical study. Comparison of outcomes including all-cause mortality, total hospitalization days and patients' need for intubation between the two patient groups shows that total of 98 (98.2 %) of patients who received convalescent plasma were discharged from hospital which is substantially higher compared to 56 (78.7 %) patients in control group. Length of hospitalization days was significantly lower (9.54 days) in convalescent plasma group compared with that of control group (12.88 days). Only 8 patients (7%) in convalescent plasma group required intubation while that was 20 % in control group. This clinical study provides strong evidence to support the efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy in COVID-19 patients and recommends this treatment for management of these patients. Clinical efficacy, immediate availability and potential cost effectiveness could be considered as main advantages of convalescent plasma therapy.

Association of XPG rs17655G>C and XPF rs1799801T>C Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma: Evidence from a Case-Control Study, Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have evaluated associations of XPG rs17655G>C and XPF rs1799801T>C polymorphisms with a risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). However, their results thus remained inconsistent or even contradictory. Thus, the aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate association of XPG rs17655G>C and XPF rs1799801T>C polymorphism with a risk of CMM. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO and CNKI databases up to October 15, 2019 to identify relevant studies. Moreover, a case-control study was conducted to evaluate association of XPF rs1799801T>C with CMM risk in the Iranian population. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) values were used to estimate the strength of the associations. RESULTS: Total of 12 studies including 9 studies with 5,362 cases and 7,195 controls on XPG rs17655G>C and 3 studies with 803 CMM cases and 737 controls on XPF rs1799801T>C were selected. Pooled data revealed that XPF rs1799801T>C polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of CMM under the heterozygote model (CT vs. TT: OR = 1.313; 95% CI 1.062-1.624; P = 0.012). However, XPG rs17655G>C polymorphism was not significantly associated with the risk of CMM in the overall population and by ethnicity. The subgroup analysis showed a significant association between XPG rs17655G>C polymorphism and CMM in polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragments length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) group of studies. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis result revealed that XPF rs1799801T>C polymorphism may be a risk factor for developing of CMM. However, our pooled data inconsistence with the previous meta-analyses revealed that XPG rs17655G>C polymorphism was not associated with the risk of CMM.

Association of PAI-1 rs1799889 Polymorphism with Susceptibility to Ischemic Stroke: a Huge Meta-Analysis based on 44 Studies.

BACKGROUND: the PAI-1 rs1799889 polymorphism has been reported to be associated with susceptibility to ischemic stroke. However, the results of previous studies have been inconsistent or controversial. Hence, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association of PAI-1 rs1799889 polymorphism with ischemic stroke risk. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SciELO, CNKI, and CBD databases up to November 05, 2019. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to access the strength of this association in fixed- or random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 44 case-control studies with 8,620 cases and 10,260 controls were selected. Pooled data showed a significant association between PAI-1 rs1799889 polymorphism and ischemic stroke risk in the overall populations (GG vs. AA: OR = 0.791, 95% CI 0.633-0.988, p = 0.039; GA vs. AA: OR = 0.807, 95% CI 0.683-0.953, p = 0.012; and GG+GA vs. AA: OR = 0.795, 95% CI 0.637-0.993, p = 0.043). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity revealed a significant association in Asian and Mixed populations, but not in Caucasians. Moreover, stratified analysis by country of origin revealed an increased risk of ischemic stroke in Chinese populations, but not among Dutch (Netherlands) and Swedish. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis result suggested that PAI-1 rs1799889 polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, especially in Asian and Mixed populations.

Association of catechol-O-methyltranferase 472G>A (Val158Met) polymorphism with susceptibility to fibromyalgia syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Several lines of research have suggested that the 472G > A (Val158Met) polymorphism at Catechol-O-methyltranferase (COMT) gene is implicated in the pathophysiology of FMS. Here, we have evaluated the association of COMT 472G > A polymorphism with risk of FMS. METHODS: In this study 250 patients with FMS and 250 healthy controls were evaluated for COMT 472G > A polymorphism by RFLP-PCR assay. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the allele and genotype frequencies of COMT 472G > A polymorphism between FMS cases and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that the COMT 472G > A polymorphism may not be risk factor for development of FMS.

ASSOCIATION OF MMP-7 -181A>G POLYMORPHISM WITH COLORECTAL CANCER AND GASTRIC CANCER SUSCEPTIBILITY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.

INTRODUCTION: The matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) gene -181A>G polymorphism has been reported to be associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) and gastric cancer (GC) susceptibility, yet the results of these previous results have been inconsistent or controversial. AIM: To elaborate a meta-analysis to assess the association of -181A>G polymorphism of MMP-7 with CRC and GC risk. METHODS: Published literature evaluating the association from PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and other databases were retrieved up to April 25, 2018. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random- or fixed-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 19 case-control studies, which included eleven studies on CRC (2,169 CRC cases and 2,346 controls) and eight studies on GC (1,545 GC cases and 2,366 controls) were identified. There was a significant association between MMP-7 -181A>G polymorphism and GC risk under the homozygote model (GG vs. AA: OR=1.672, 95% CI 1.161-2.409, p=0.006) and the recessive model (GG vs. GA+AA: OR=1.672, 95% CI 1.319-2.554, p=0.001), but not with CRC. By subgroup analysis based on ethnicity, an increased risk of CRC and GC was found only among Asians. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests that MMP-7 -181A>G polymorphisms is associated with GC risk, but not with CRC. However, our results clearly showed that the MMP-7 -181A>G polymorphism significantly increased the risk of CRC only in Asians.

Association of MTHFR C677T and A1298C Polymorphisms with Glaucoma Risk: a Systematic Review Meta-Analysis based 42 Case-Control Studies.

Aim: Several epidemiological studies have been performed to explore the association of MTHFR polymorphisms with glaucoma risk. However, the results were inconsistent or even inconclusive. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association of MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms with glaucoma risk. Methods: A comprehensive literature search on PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and CNKI databases was performed to find all eligible studies up to January 30, 2019. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of such association. Results: A total of 42 case-control studies including 33 studies for MTHFR C677T and nine studies for A1298C polymorphism were selected. Pooled results showed that there was no significant association between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and glaucoma risk. Similarly, no associations were found in subgroup analysis based on ethnicity and glaucoma type. However, there was a significant association between the A1298C polymorphism and the increased risk of glaucoma under heterozygote model (OR=0.765, 95% CI=0.626-0.935, P=0.009). Moreover, the significant association between MTHFR A1298C polymorphism and glaucoma were found by ethnicity and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Conclusions: The present meta-analysis revealed that MTHFR A1298C polymorphism is significantly associated with the increased risk of glaucoma, but not MTHFR C677T polymorphism.

Association of Promoter Region Polymorphisms of IL-10 Gene with Susceptibility to Lung Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: Epidemiological studies have suggested that the promoter region polymorphisms of interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene may be associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. However, those studies results are controversial. Thus, a comprehensive meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the association of promoter region polymorphisms of IL-10 gene with susceptibility to lung cancer. Methods: a comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, and CNKI databases was performed to find all eligible studies up to September 15, 2018. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of such association. Results: A total number of 19 case-control studies with 4084 cases and 6,131 controls were selected. The overall meta-analysis results showed that the -592A>C polymorphism was significantly associated with lung cancer risk under four genetic models, i.e., allele (CT vs. TT: OR= 1.17, 95% CI 1.01-1.35, p=0.02), homozygote (CC vs. AA: OR= 1.64, 95% CI 1.29-2.02, p≤0.001), heterozygote (CA vs. AA: OR= 1.26, 95% CI 1.06-1.50, p≤0.001), and dominant (CC+CA vs. AA: OR= 1.31, 95% CI 1.11-1.54, p=0.001). However, there was no significant association between -819T>C and -1082A>G polymorphisms of IL-10 and lung cancer risk. Similarly, subgroup analyses by ethnicity detected significant association between IL-10 -592A>C and lung cancer among Asians and Caucasians. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggests that the IL-10 -592A>C polymorphism might be risk factor for lung cancer, especially among Asian and Caucasians. In contrast, the IL-10 -819T>C and -1082A>G polymorphisms are not significantly associated with increased risk of lung cancer.

ASSOCIATION OF TNF- α-308G>A POLYMORPHISM WITH SUSCEPTIBILITY TO CELIAC DISEASE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence to show that TNF-α -308G>A polymorphism may be a risk factor for celiac disease, but the results are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: Thus, we aimed to perform a meta-analysis involving published studies up to January 2019 to elucidate the association. METHODS: To assess the effect of TNF-α -308G>A polymorphism on celiac disease susceptibility, we searched PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases to identify eligible studies, without restriction. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the susceptibility to celiac disease. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies with 1147 cases and 1774 controls were selected for this meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that TNF-α -308G>A polymorphism was associated with increased risk of celiac disease (A vs G: OR=2.077, 95% CI=1.468-2.939, P=≤0.001; AA vs GG: OR=8.512, 95% CI=3.740-19.373, P=≤0.001; AA+AG vs GG: OR=1.869, 95% CI=1.161-3.008, P=0.010; and AA+AG vs GG: OR=4.773, 95% CI=3.181-7.162, P≤0.001). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity also revealed significant association in Caucasians. In addition, there was a significant association between TNF-α -308G>A polymorphism and celiac disease risk in Italy, Spain and PCR-FRLP group studies. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis suggests that the TNF-α -308G>A polymorphism plays an important role in celiac disease susceptibility. However, our results are still needed to strengthen by further studies in different ethnicities and larger sample sizes.

Association of GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTM3, and GSTP1 Genes Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Osteosarcoma: a Case- Control Study and Meta-Analysis

Background: Some studies have investigated the association of GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTM3, and GSTP1 polymorphisms with susceptibility to osteosarcoma; however, these studies results are inconsistent and inconclusive. In order to drive a more precise estimation, the present case-control study and meta-analysis was performed to investigate association of GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTM3, and GSTP1 polymorphisms with osteosarcoma. Methods: Eligible articles were identified by a search of several electronic databases for the period up to May 5, 2018. Odds ratios were pooled using either fixed-effects or random effects models. Results: Finally, a total of 24 case-control studies with 2,405 osteosarcoma cases and 3,293 controls were included in the present meta-analysis. Overall, significantly increased osteosarcoma risk was found when all studies were pooled into the meta-analysis of GSTT1 (Null vs. Present: OR= 1.247 95% CI 1.020-1.524, P= 0.031) and GSTP1 polymorphism (B vs. A: OR= 8.899 95% CI 2.722-29.094, P≤0.001). In the stratified, significantly increased osteosarcoma risk was observed for GSTT1 polymorphism among Asians (Null vs. Present: OR= 1.300 95% CI 1.034-1.635, P= 0.025), but not among Caucasians. Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrated that GSTP1 and GSTT1 null genotype are associated with the risk of osteosarcoma. Future large welldesigned epidemiological studies are warranted to validate our results.

Association of tnf- α-308g>a polymorphism with susceptibility to celiac disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Associação do polimorfismo TNF-α -308G>A com susceptibilidade para doença celíaca: uma revisão sistemática e metanálise

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence to show that TNF-α -308G>A polymorphism may be a risk factor for celiac disease, but the results are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: Thus, we aimed to perform a meta-analysis involving published studies up to January 2019 to elucidate the association. METHODS: To assess the effect of TNF-α -308G>A polymorphism on celiac disease susceptibility, we searched PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases to identify eligible studies, without restriction. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the susceptibility to celiac disease. RESULTS: A total of 11 studies with 1147 cases and 1774 controls were selected for this meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that TNF-α -308G>A polymorphism was associated with increased risk of celiac disease (A vs G: OR=2.077, 95% CI=1.468-2.939, P=≤0.001; AA vs GG: OR=8.512, 95% CI=3.740-19.373, P=≤0.001; AA+AG vs GG: OR=1.869, 95% CI=1.161-3.008, P=0.010; and AA+AG vs GG: OR=4.773, 95% CI=3.181-7.162, P≤0.001). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity also revealed significant association in Caucasians. In addition, there was a significant association between TNF-α -308G>A polymorphism and celiac disease risk in Italy, Spain and PCR-FRLP group studies. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis suggests that the TNF-α -308G>A polymorphism plays an important role in celiac disease susceptibility. However, our results are still needed to strengthen by further studies in different ethnicities and larger sample sizes.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Há evidências crescentes para mostrar que o TNF-α-308G>A polimorfismo pode ser um fator de risco para a doença celíaca, mas os resultados são inconsistentes. OBJETIVO: Por isto objetivou-se realizar uma meta-análise envolvendo estudos publicados até janeiro de 2019 para elucidar esta associação. MÉTODOS: Para avaliar o efeito do TNF-α-308G>A polimorfismo na suscetibilidade da doença celíaca, pesquisou-se os bancos de dados do PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge e Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) para identificar estudos elegíveis, sem restrições. Para avaliar a suscetibilidade à doença celíaca, foram utilizadas os odds ratio sumários (ORs) e os intervalos de confiança de 95% (ICs). RESULTADOS: Um total de 11 estudos com 1147 casos e 1774 controles foram selecionados para esta meta-análise. Os resultados agrupados indicaram que o TNF-α-308G>A polimorfismo associou-se ao aumento do risco de doença celíaca (A vs G: OR=2,077; 95% IC=1,468-2,939; P=≤0,001; AA vs GG: OR=8,512; 95% IC=3,740-19,373; P=≤0,001; AA+AG vs GG: OR=1,869; 95% IC=1,161-3,008; P=0,010; e AA+AG vs GG: OR=4,773; 95% IC=3,181-7,162; P≤0,001). A análise de subgrupos por etnia também revelou associação significativa em caucasianos. Além, havia uma associação significativa entre o TNF-α-308G>A um polimorfismo e o risco do doença celíaca na Italia, na Espanha e em estudos do grupo do PCR-FRLP. CONCLUSÃO: Nossa meta-análise sugere que o TNF-α-308G>A polimorfismo desempenha um papel importante na suscetibilidade da doença celíaca. No entanto, nossos resultados necessitam de mais dados e de serem fortalecidos por outros estudos em diferentes etnias e tamanhos amostrais maiores.

Association of mmp-7 -181A>G polymorphism with colorectal cancer and gastric cancer susceptibility: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Associação do polimorfismo mmp-7 -181a>G com câncer colorretal e suscetibilidade ao câncer gástrico: revisão sistemática e metanálise

ABSTRACT Introduction: The matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) gene -181A>G polymorphism has been reported to be associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) and gastric cancer (GC) susceptibility, yet the results of these previous results have been inconsistent or controversial. Aim: To elaborate a meta-analysis to assess the association of -181A>G polymorphism of MMP-7 with CRC and GC risk. Methods: Published literature evaluating the association from PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and other databases were retrieved up to April 25, 2018. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random- or fixed-effects model. Results: A total of 19 case-control studies, which included eleven studies on CRC (2,169 CRC cases and 2,346 controls) and eight studies on GC (1,545 GC cases and 2,366 controls) were identified. There was a significant association between MMP-7 -181A>G polymorphism and GC risk under the homozygote model (GG vs. AA: OR=1.672, 95% CI 1.161-2.409, p=0.006) and the recessive model (GG vs. GA+AA: OR=1.672, 95% CI 1.319-2.554, p=0.001), but not with CRC. By subgroup analysis based on ethnicity, an increased risk of CRC and GC was found only among Asians. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that MMP-7 -181A>G polymorphisms is associated with GC risk, but not with CRC. However, our results clearly showed that the MMP-7 -181A>G polymorphism significantly increased the risk of CRC only in Asians.

RESUMO Introdução: O polimorfismo da matriz metaloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) -181A>G tem sido relatado como associado à suscetibilidade dos cânceres colorretal (CRC) e gástrico (GC), mas os resultados desses estudos anteriores foram inconsistentes ou controversos. Objetivo: Elaborar metanálise para avaliar a associação do polimorfismo -181A> G da MMP-7 com o risco de CRC e GC. Métodos: Revisão da literatura publicada avaliando essa associação no PubMed, Web of Science, Google Acadêmico e outras bases de dados até 25 de abril de 2018. Odds ratio (OR) e o intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC) foram calculados usando dados aleatórios ou modelo de efeitos fixos. Resultados: Um total de 19 estudos caso-controle, que incluíram 11 trabalhos sobre CRC (2.169 casos de CCR e 2.346 controles) e oito sobre GC (1.545 casos de GC e 2.366 controles) foram identificados. Houve associação significativa entre o polimorfismo MMP-7 -181A>G e o risco de GC sob o modelo homozigoto (GG vs. AA: OR=1,672, IC 95% 1,161-2,409, p=0,006) e o modelo recessivo (GG vs. GA + AA: OR=1,672, IC 95% 1,319-2,554, p=0,001), mas não com CRC. Por análise de subgrupos com base na etnia, um risco aumentado de CRC e GC foi encontrado apenas entre os asiáticos. Conclusões: Esta metanálise sugere que os polimorfismos MMP-7 -181A>G estão associados ao risco de GC, mas não ao CRC. No entanto, estes resultados mostraram claramente que o polimorfismo MMP-7 -181A>G aumentou significativamente o risco de CRC apenas em asiáticos.

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism is Associated with Breast Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis

Background: A number of case-control studies were conducted to investigate the association of angiotensin converting enzyme insertion/deletion (ACE I/D) polymorphism with breast cancer. But the results remain controversial. This meta-analysis aims to comprehensively evaluate the association of ACE I/D polymorphism with breast cancer. Method: A comprehensive literature search on PubMed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS and ISI Web of Knowledge databases for studies published up to June 01, 2018 was performed. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Publication bias of literatures was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's test. Results: A total of 20 studies including 2846 breast cancer cases 9,299 controls meeting the predefined criteria were involved in the meta-analysis. Overall, the ACE I/D polymorphisms was significantly associated with breast cancer under the allele model (I vs. D: OR= 0.803, 95% CI 0.647-0.996, p=0.046), the homozygote model (II vs. DD: OR= 0.662, 95% CI 0.462-0.947, p=0.024), the heterozygote model (ID vs. DD: OR= 0.707, 95% CI 0.528-0.946, p=0.020), the dominant model (II+ID vs. DD: OR= 0.691, 95% CI 0.507-0.941, p=0.019). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, a significant association was found among Asian and Caucasian populations, but not among mixed populations. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that ACE I/D polymorphism may be associated with increased risk of breast cancer, especially among Asian and Caucasians. However, well-designed studies with larger sample size and more ethnic groups are needed to further validate the results.

Medication Errors in Patients with Enteral Feeding Tubes in the Intensive Care Unit.

OBJECTIVE: Most patients admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICU) have problems in using oral medication or ingesting solid forms of drugs. Selecting the most suitable dosage form in such patients is a challenge. The current study was conducted to assess the frequency and types of errors of oral medication administration in patients with enteral feeding tubes or suffering swallowing problems. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in the ICU of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd, Iran. Patients were assessed for the incidence and types of medication errors occurring in the process of preparation and administration of oral medicines. FINDINGS: Ninety-four patients were involved in this study and 10,250 administrations were observed. Totally, 4753 errors occurred among the studied patients. The most commonly used drugs were pantoprazole tablet, piracetam syrup, and losartan tablet. A total of 128 different types of drugs and nine different oral pharmaceutical preparations were prescribed for the patients. Forty-one (35.34%) out of 116 different solid drugs (except effervescent tablets and powders) could be substituted by liquid or injectable forms. The most common error was the wrong time of administration. Errors of wrong dose preparation and administration accounted for 24.04% and 25.31% of all errors, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this study, at least three-fourth of the patients experienced medication errors. The occurrence of these errors can greatly impair the quality of the patients' pharmacotherapy, and more attention should be paid to this issue.

The Effect of Brushing with a Soft Toothbrush and Distilled Water on the Incidence of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in the Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common nosocomial infection, which results in longer hospitalization, increased treatment costs, and higher mortality rates. One major cause of VAP is colonization and microaspiration of oropharyngeal secretions following the formation of dental plaque, which is due to poor oral hygiene and failure to mechanically remove these microorganisms from the teeth. This study was conducted to determine the effect of brushing teeth with distilled water on the incidence of VAP in patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 168 intubated patients, who had at least 20 teeth were randomly assigned to two groups. In the experimental group, the patients' teeth were brushed twice a day with a children's toothbrush and distilled water in addition to the routine oral care. The clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) was used to diagnose VAP. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 software. RESULTS: A total of 38.6% of the patients in each group developed VAP. There was a significant difference in incidence of VAP on day five between the two groups (P<0.05). The incidence of VAP had a significant relationship with smoking (P<0.001), underlying diseases (P<0.001), duration of hospitalization (P=0.002), and age (P<0.001). Enterobacter was the most common microorganism identified in both groups. CONCLUSION: According to our results, tooth brushing twice daily with distilled water reduced the incidence of VAP in patients admitted to the ICU. Therefore, it is recommended that nurses caring for ventilator-dependent patients brush the patients' teeth with distilled water as a part of their routine oral care.

The effect of intravenous magnesium sulfate infusion on reduction of pain after abdominal hysterectomy under general anesthesia: a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Post-surgical pain is a physiological response to tissue trauma that produces unpleasant physiological effects with manifestations on various organic systems. OBJECTIVE: According to the effect of magnesium sulfate on the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, this study examined the effect of magnesium sulfate on the reduction of pain and the mean amount of narcotics consumed by patients after abdominal hysterectomies. METHODS: This double-blind clinical trial study was performed on 60 patients who had undergone abdominal hysterectomies in Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd, Iran, from 2013 to 2015. The patients were divided randomly into two groups of 30 members each. All of the patients received 2 mg of Midazolam and 2 mcg/kg of Fentanyl as the induction of anesthesia with propofol (2-2.5 mg/kg) and Atracurium 0.5 mg/kg was conducted. All of the patients received 5 mg of intravenous morphine 30 min after induction of anesthesia. Afterwards, the study group received 50 mg/kg of magnesium sulfate in 500 cm(3) of Ringer's serum during the 20 minutes, and 500 cm(3) of Ringer's serum was administered to the members of the placebo group. Visual analogue scale VAS scores were evaluated to reach the minimum difference of 0.8 in mean pain score. RESULTS: The results of this study indicated that the mean pain scores immediately after surgery and at 1, 2, 6, and 12 hr after surgery were lower in the study group than in the placebo group. The mean value of narcotic consumption at all measured time points was higher in the placebo group. No significant differences were found between two groups concerning drug complications. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that the intravenous injection of magnesium sulfate can reduce pain, reduce morphine consumption, and reduce the side effects of morphine in patients after surgery. FUNDING: This study was funded by Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered at the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th) with the registration ID: TCTR20160308001.

Comparison the efficacy of herbal mouthwash with chlorhexidine on gingival index of intubated patients in Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: Intubated patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are not able to take care of their mouth health, so they are at risk of bacterial colonization and dental plaques formation that can lead to systemic diseases such as pneumonia and gingivitis. AIMS: In randomized, double-blind clinical study, the efficacy of natural herbal mouthwash containing Salvadora persica ethanol extract and Aloe vera gel was compared with chlorhexidine on gingival index (GI) of intubated patients in ICU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-six intubated patients (18-64 years old with mean age 40.35 ± 13.2) in ICU were admitted to this study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: (1) Herbal mouthwash and (2) chlorhexidine solution. Before the intervention, the GIs was measured by modified GI device into two groups. The mouth was rinsed by mouthwashes every 2-3 h for 4 days. 2 h after the last intervention, GIs were determined. RESULTS: Along with mechanical methods, herbal mouthwash in reducing GI was statistically significant than that of chlorhexidine (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study introduce a new botanical extract mouthwash with dominant healing effects on GI (1.5 ± 0.6) higher than that of synthetic mouthwash, chlorhexidine (2.31 ± 0.73).