Association Between Smoking and Lipid Profile in Men Aged 35 to 70 Years: Dose-Response Analysis.

Dyslipidemia is linked to various health complications, including cardiovascular disease and inflammation. This study aimed to assess the association between smoking and lipid profile in the Tabari cohort population. Data from the Tabari Cohort Study involving 4,149 men were analyzed. A standardized questionnaire collected smoking history, while blood samples measured lipid levels and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Statistical analysis utilized chi-square tests and logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders. The prevalence of smoking was 893 (21.52%; urban: 20.6%, mountainous: 23.8%, significant level: .024). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) among smokers 1.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25-1.77, p < .001) was the same as non-smokers. The adjusted OR of high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in men with 1 to 10, 11 to 20, and more than 20 cigarettes per day was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.73-1.25), 1.30 (95% CI: 0.99-1.71), and 2.64 (95% CI: 1.32-5.27) and low HDL was equal to 1.34 (95% CI: 1.06-1.68), 1.61 (95% CI: 1.26-2.05), and 2.24 (95% CI: 1.13-4.42) compared with non-smokers, respectively. The study findings indicate that smoking is associated with lower HDL levels, even after adjusting for potential confounders. The odds of low HDL and high LDL increases with higher smoking intensity. The low HDL and high LDL levels in individuals smoking over 20 cigarettes/day, respectively, show a 2.24-fold and a 2.64-fold increased odds compared to non-smokers. These findings highlight the importance of smoking cessation in relation to lipid profiles and related health risks.

The frequency of asthma and its related factors: results of the enrolment phase of Tabari cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: A large portion of the world's population has asthma. This study aimed to ascertain asthma prevalence and related factors in the Tabari cohort study (TCS). METHODS: The TCS included 10,255 35-70-year-olds from urban and mountainous Sari (northern Iran) between June 2015 and November 2017. Education, occupation, domicile, socioeconomic position, history of psychiatric disorders, smoking (including hookah smoking), opium usage, and daily physical activity level were determined. RESULTS: The final analysis included 9939 individuals. The asthma rate was 7.4%. Multiple factors increased asthma risk, according to statistical analysis. These factors included being female (OR, 1.337; 95% CI, 1.142-1.565), retired (OR, 1.553; 95% CI, 1.205-2.002), living in the city (OR, 1.268; 95% CI, 1.083-1.484), using opioids (OR, 1.689; 95% CI, 1.299-2.197), having lower socioeconomic status (SES) (OR, 0.723; 95% CI, 0.579-0.903), history of psychiatric disorders (OR, 2.313; 95% CI, 1.826-2.930), and aged 60-70 (OR, 2.325; 95% CI, 1.765-3.064), and BMI above 30 kg/m2 (OR, 1.499; 95% CI, 1.220-1.841). Several factors increased asthma probability in multivariate regression analysis. These factors include being female (OR = 1.389, p = 0.015), ages between 60 and 70 (OR = 2.034, p < 0.001), using opioids (OR = 1.940, p < 0.001), lower SES (OR = 0.738, p = 0.012), history of psychiatric disorders (OR = 2.035, p < 0.001), BMI above 30 kg/m2 (OR = 1.518, p < 0.001), and being a smoker (OR = 1.337, p = 0.056). CONCLUSION: This study has identified that the prevalence of asthma in the Tabari cohort group is high. In addition, it was demonstrated that various factors are related to asthma.

Association between perceived stress and cardio-metabolic risk factors: preliminary results of NURSE (Nursing Unacquainted Related Stress Etiologies) study.

Objective: Stress is known as a conventional risk factor of cardiovascular disease. Nurses work in stressful environment and could be one of the target populations to be assessed for cardio metabolic risk factor. This study aimed to identify the association between perceived stress and cardio-metabolic risk factors in nurses who are prone for various metabolic diseases. Method: In this cross-sectional study, nurses from five different educational hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Science attended the study. A self-administered questionnaire as well as Perceived Stress scale were completed. All anthropometric indices and blood pressure were measured. After 10-12 hours of fasting, venous blood samples were taken and level of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood sugar and insulin level were determined. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and a p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In total 273 nurses were recruited in this study. The mean age of participants was 35.01 ± 0.399 years old. The mean of perceived stress was 15.55 ± 5.04 with the minimum of 3 and maximum of 30. There was no significant association between perceived stress and cardio-metabolic risk factors. Results showed that there was a negative association between perceived stress and insulin level only in nurses who worked rotationally (ß = - 0.195, p = 0.048). This association remained significant after adjustment for age and sex (ß = - 0.181, P = 0.041). Conclusion: Finding of the current study showed that negative association between perceived stress and insulin level and there is no significant association between stress and cardio-metabolic risk factors in nurses.

Comparing Vitamin D Level Between Patients with Psoriasis and Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is nowadays regarded as a systemic inflammatory disorder. Among the topicals, vitamin D derivates are often applied on the skin for their anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory properties. Vitamin D serum levels in psoriasis (PsO) patients are still debated and an eventual depletion may offer the rational to integrate anti-psoriatic therapies with oral vitamin D. Then, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the current evidence towards serum vitamin D level in PsO. METHODS: We searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, ScienceDirect and Science Information Database (SID) using the terms "Vitamin D" and "Psoriasis" including manuscripts in English, Italian and Persian. Duplications were excluded using EndNote software and records were screened by title, abstract and full-text. Quality assessment of studies was assessed using Newcastle Ottawa Checklist (NOS). Psoriasis odds ratio (OR) and mean serum vitamin D levels were calculated and displayed in Forest-plots. Heterogeneity indexes were evaluated using I2 and Q. Sensitivity analysis and publication biases were also considered. RESULTS: From 3006 records extracted, after removing duplicates and analyzing full texts we finally included 19 manuscripts involving a total of 1387 PsO cases and 6939 controls. PsO patients exhibited a substantial odds ratio (3.07, 95% CI: 1.56-6.04) for lower serum vitamin D levels compared to the control group. Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) of vitamin D in PsO versus controls was -0.92 (-1.33 to -0.51). CONCLUSION: Psoriatic patients displayed higher risk to have a vitamin D deficiency. Interventional studies to verify the preventive value are mandatory.

The association between early menarche and higher-risk cardiometabolic profile: a dose-response analysis of the Tabari cohort at enrollment phase.

Objectives: The association between age at menarche and higher-risk cardiometabolic factors is controversial and more strands of evidence are required. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of early menarche on cardiometabolic profile in a large-scale cohort population. Study design: Data collected in the enrollment phase of the Tabari cohort study were utilized for the present study. We analyzed data from 6,103 women aged 35-70 years. Logistic regression and dose-response (trend) analyses were used to investigate the effect of early menarche on prevalence of diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, high waist circumference (WC), high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and high waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Results: The results of the adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that women who experienced early menarche had significantly higher odds of obesity (odds ratio: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.36-1.99, P for trend <0.001), high WC (odds ratio: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.07-1.67, P for trend = 0.035), high WHR (odds ratio: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05-1.66, P for trend = 0.057), and high WHtR (odds ratio: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.22-2.74, P for trend = 0.006) compared to those aged ≥14 at menarche. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was also higher among women who experienced early menarche than in women aged ≥14 at menarche (79.9% vs. 76.6%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.098). Additionally, each year of earlier menarche was significantly associated with an increase in the chance of diabetes (by 5%), obesity (10%), high WC (5%), and high WHtR (13%). Conclusion: The present study showed that early menarche is a strong predictor for later development of obesity and diabetes, and for high WC, WHR, and WHtR. Among all factors examined, age at menarche had the greatest predictive power for WHtR. As an age-dependent anthropometric index for central obesity, WHtR is more suitable as an index for identification of individuals with increased cardiometabolic risk.

Comparing mental health status and COVID-19 event impact between survivors and the general population during the second wave of the pandemic in Iran.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has to date overwhelmed the survivors and the general population. The present study aimed to compare the mental health status and the COVID-19 event impact between the survivors and the general population in Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran. DESIGN: A web-based cross-sectional survey was used. METHODS: This study was performed using convenience sampling. RESULTS: In total, 1,766 participants were included in this study. The findings revealed that the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity in both outpatient and hospitalized groups was significantly higher than that in the general population. Besides, the levels of anxiety and depression in the group receiving inpatient care and treatment had significantly elevated than those in the general population. CONCLUSION: Given the high prevalence rate of mental disorders, healthcare professionals are recommended to plan for various interventions and support services to boost community mental health status.

Sleep profile status based on substance use, lipids and demographic variables in Tabari cohort study.

Background: This study aims to investigate the situation of sleep profile and its related factors in the Tabari Cohort Tabari (TCS) population. Methods: The information of 10255 of the Tabari cohort population in the enrolment phase was used in this study. The sleep profile data was collected and recorded by trained questioners. The sleep duration in day & night, the time interval between going bed and falling asleep, continuous use of sedatives, involuntary nap, limb hypermobility during sleep and shift working were determined for each person. Data analysis was performed by independent T test and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: Mean, standard deviation, median, minimum and maximum of sleep duration in this population were 7.6, 1.6, 7.5, 0.5 and 17 h. Frequency of sleeping less than 6 h, 6-10 h and more than 10 h were 1168(11.4%), 8463(82.5%) and 624(6.1%) respectively. Prevalence of sleeping more than 10 h among men and women were 5% and 6.8% respectively (P < 0.001). Prevalence of sedative routine use among men and women were 4.7% and 9.6% respectively (P < 0.001). There were significant relationships between sleep duration and area residence, age group (P < 0.001), education level (P < 0.001), socioeconomic level (P < 0.001), triglyceride (P = 0.002), HDL-cholesterol (P = 0.013) and Cholesterol total (P = 0.021). There was a negative correlation between age and sleep duration (r = -0.062, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The results showed the association of the quality and quantity of sleep with personal, social, environmental and biological factors such as gender, age, economic status, educational status, and lipid profile. Therefore without proper intervention, the incidence of outcomes associated with these risk factors can be predicted in TCS In later years.

Association between liver enzymes and metabolic syndrome: results of the enrollment phase of Tabari cohort.

BACKGROUND: The association between liver enzymes and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been evaluated in several studies with different results. The purpose of this study is to determine the association between the serum levels of these liver enzymes and MetS in Tabari cohort population. METHOD: In this case-control study, data collected from the enrolment phase of the Tabari cohort population have been used. MetS was defined based on IDF (international diabetes federation) standards. Then, 476 patients with MetS (case group) and 476 age-sex matched controls were selected randomly. RESULTS: Mean aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were higher in case group than control group (20.59 vs. 19.99 respectively, p = 0.339 and 24.64 vs. 20.16 respectively, p < 0.001). The chance of having MetS, high triglyceride, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) was significantly higher in people with ALT ≥ 40 (1.63, 2.35, and 2.02, respectively). The chance of having MetS in people with AST ≥ 40 was 1.45 times higher than that among those with normal AST level (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that there is an association between liver enzymes and MetS as well as some of its components. Liver enzymes, especially ALT, can be used as an early indicator of MetS in the at risk population.

Association between White Blood Cells Count and Diabetes Mellitus in Tabari Cohort Study: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: White Blood Cells (WBC) can be a useful marker to predict diabetes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between WBC count with type 2 diabetes in a large-scaled population-based cohort study. METHODS: In the present study we used a subset of data collected in enrolment phase of Tabari cohort study. Participants with fasting blood glucose ≥126 or those who report as having diabetes or taking glucose-lowering medications were selected as case group (1765 participants) and control group included participants who did not report as having diabetes (1765 participants) and they randomly selected from the baseline population. Hematology indices were measured for all participants using Celltac Alpha MEK-6510 K. Chi-squared and independent t-test were used to compare categorical and continuous variables, respectively. RESULTS: The mean of WBC in diabetic patients and control group was 6.89 ± 1.67 and 6.37 ± 1.49 respectively (P ≤ 0.001). The odds of diabetes based on WBC count in crud model was 1.23 [CI 95% 1.181.28] and after adjustment for all possible confounding factor was 1.17 [CI 95% 1.111.23]. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the present study showed a significant association between WBC count and diabetes. This association remained significant after adjustment for all possible confounders.

Vitamin D status and disability among patients with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Association between the serum vitamin D level and disability of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) has been investigated during several researches. However, these studies reported different results. The current study aims to estimate the correlation between the concentrations of 25 (OH) vitamin D and the level of disability among MS patients. Using Mesh and non-Mesh terms related to MS, disability level and vitamin D, different data banks were searched. Required information was extracted from the selected eligible primary articles. Stata version 11 software was applied for combining the primary correlation coefficients using random effect model. The effect of MS type and patients' age was assessed using meta-regression models. Sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the role of each primary study in the pooled estimate. Egger test was applied to find any publication bias. Of 14 eligible studies, the total correlation coefficient (95% confidence interval) between 25 (OH) vitamin D level and disability in both sexes as well as among female was estimated as of -0.29 (-0.40, -0.17) and -0.35 (-0.46, -0.24) respectively. Two articles carried out among male did not report significant results. Our meta-analysis showed a significant negative correlation between 25 (OH) vitamin D level and disability of MS patients so that the disability reduces with increasing the 25 (OH) vitamin D level.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome using international diabetes federation, National Cholesterol Education Panel- Adult Treatment Panel III and Iranian criteria: results of Tabari cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is defined by co-incidence of multiple metabolic disorders such as central obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL, hyperglycemia and high blood pressure, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome using Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP-III), International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Iranian criteria in large-scaled population based cohort study and to determine the concordance between these criteria. METHODS: In the present study all information collected in Tabari cohort study(TCS) were utilized. These information were collected using a structural questionnaire and taking blood samples from all the participants. Blood pressure and anthropometric indices were measured for all participants by trained practitioners. Categorical variables were compared using chi-square test. In addition, the quantitative variables were compared between the two the groups using independent t-test. Kappa coefficient was estimated to show the agreement between the results of the three criteria. RESULTS: The prevalences of Metabolic syndrome were 41.10%(CI 95%:40.10-42.02), 44.60%(CI 95%:43.61-45.54), and 30.80% (CI 95%:29.89-31.69) based on ATPIII, international IDF and IDF Iranian criteria respectively. The Kappa agreement coefficients between Iranian IDF with ATPIII definition and international IDF were estimated as 61.80% and 71.20% in the total population respectively. CONCLUSION: Kappa coefficient showed that the Iranian IDF had a good agreement with International IDF and an intermediate agreement with the ATP-III. Considering more emphasis of international and Iranian IDF on waist circumference (WC), a better agreement between these two criteria is plausible. Regarding the high prevalence of abdominal obesity among Iranian population, applying these criteria to identify high risk persons might be helpful.

Association between gravidity and risk of metabolic syndrome: Results of Tabari cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association of gravidity and age at first pregnancy with metabolic syndrome in a large-scale, population-based cohort study in Iran. METHODS: The present secondary analysis was conducted on a subset of the population (5739 women with at least one pregnancy) enrolled in the Tabari cohort study. Reproductive history was collected using a structured questionnaire. The relationship of gravidity and age at first pregnancy with metabolic syndrome and its components was analyzed using the logistic regression model. RESULTS: The results showed that after adjustment for confounding variables, the odds of having metabolic syndrome was not significantly associated with age at first pregnancy (P = 0.269) and gravidity (P = 0.504). However, there was an association between hypertension and age at first pregnancy (OR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.12-0.82; P = 0.03). Additionally, waist circumference was also associated with gravidity (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.37-3.35). CONCLUSION: As the findings indicated, age at first pregnancy and gravidity were not associated with the odds of having metabolic syndrome. However, a relationship was found between first pregnancy at the age of >35 years and the decreased risk of hypertension. Gravidity was also found to be a dose-dependent risk factor for increased waist circumference.

Prevalence of self-reported coronary heart disease and its associated risk factors in Tabari cohort population.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors are increasing in developing countries. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-reported CHD and evaluate the role of various risk factors on its prevalence in the Tabari cohort study (TCS) population. METHODS: The enrollment phase of TCS was performed between June 2015 and November 2017. In the current study, data were derived from information collecting from the enrollment phase of TCS. In the enrollment phase, 10,255 individuals aged 35-70 living in urban and mountainous areas of Sari (northern part of Iran) were entered into the study. Educational level, socioeconomic and marital status, history of smoking, opium and alcohol abuse/addiction, level of daily physical activity, indices of obesity, and traditional risk factors of the participants were determined. RESULTS: The prevalence of CHD was measured at 9.2%. Older individuals (P<0.001), people with a body mass index≥30kg/m2 (P<0.001), diabetics (P<0.001), and hypertensive (P<0.001) have been shown to have an increased risk for CHD compared with participants of without CHD. Furthermore, the CHD was more prevalent in individuals with higher waist circumference (P<0.001), higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P<0.001), lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P<0.001), and a higher waist to hip ratio (P<0.001). In addition, individuals with low socioeconomic status, illiterate people, and opium users had a higher prevalence of CHD (P<0.001). The results of the multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the probability of CHD among individuals who had 8-10 risk factors was estimated at 8.41 (95% confidence interval: 5.75-12.31) times higher than those with less than 3 risk factors. CONCLUSION: According to the results of the present study, it seems that the prevalence of CHD in the Iranian population is relatively high.

Age of Natural Menopause and Related Factors among the Tabari Cohort.

OBJECTIVES: The age of menopause is affected by several factors. In this study we aimed to identify the age of natural menopause and its related factors in a large-scale population-based cohort in Iran. METHODS: In this study, a subset of data collected during the enrollment phase of the Tabari cohort study was utilized. Reproductive history and other related data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were obtained from all participants. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, independent t test, and ANOVA as well as a multivariate linear regression model. RESULTS: Among participants of the Tabari cohort, 2,753 were menopausal women. The mean age of natural and induced menopause was 49.2 ± 4.7 and 43.2 ± 6.4 years, respectively (P = 0.001). The number of pregnancies, duration of breastfeeding, level of education, residency, presence of thyroid disease, and body mass index affected the age of menopause. After adjustments for confounding variables, the number of pregnancies remained significantly associated with late menopause. CONCLUSIONS: The age of natural menopause in this study was similar to that in other studies, and the number of pregnancies was positively associated with the age of menopause after adjustments for confounding variables.

Enrolment Phase Results of the Tabari Cohort Study: Comparing Family History, Lipids and Anthropometric Profiles Among Diabetic Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Different factors are responsible for the silent epidemic of diabetes mellitus in developing and developed countries. This study aimed to determine the role of demographic factors, lipid profile, family history (the estimation of genetic association) and anthropometric factors on diabetes onset. METHODS: Data from the enrolment phase of the Tabari Cohort study was applied for this study and included 10,255 participants aged between 35-70 years. Anthropometric variables were measured by trained staff using standard tools. Blood specimens were collected for lipid profile and blood glucose measurements. Data analyses were performed using SPSS version 24, with univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was estimated to be 17.2% in the cohort population, 15.6% in men, and 18.3% in women. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for age groups 40-49, 50-59 and over 60 were 2.58 (2.20-3.69), 5.80 (4.51-7.48) and 8.72 (6.67-11.39), respectively. In addition, the odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for 2 (or more), and 1 affected family member were 4.12 (3.55-4.90) and 2.34 (2.07-2.65), respectively. Triglyceride concentrations more than 500, and abnormal high-density lipoprotein levels increased the odds of diabetes mellitus by 3.29- and 1.18-fold, respectively. CONCLUSION: The current study showed that old age and a family history were strong predictors for diabetes mellitus.

Normal values of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio among Iranian population: Results of Tabari cohort.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have a prognostic value in several types of diseases such as cancers and they vary in different races. So, we aimed to evaluate the normal range of these markers among healthy people to determine the normal value in Iranian population. METHODS: In the present study, cross-sectional data of population-based cohort study named "Tabari cohort study" was utilized. In the first phase of Tabari cohort, 10255 participants aged 35-70 years from urban and rural areas of Sari, Mazandaran, Iran entered into the study. The study included a questionnaire survey and blood collection. Blood samples were collected after 12 hours fasting from all participants during the study. Hematological indices were measured for all samples using Celltac Alpha MEK-6510 K (Tokyo, Japan). RESULTS: After sample exclusion, 2212 healthy subjects of Tabari's normal cohort population were investigated. The mean age of the samples was 47.9±9.29 years. The mean of NLR, LMR, PLR were 1.70±0.70, 11.15±3.14 and 117.05±47.73, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our investigation provides preliminary reference values for NLR, LMR, and PMR among Iranian population that can be used for disease progress in various clinical procedures.

Tabari Cohort Profile and Preliminary Results in Urban Areas and Mountainous Regions of Mazandaran, Iran.

BACKGROUND: The Tabari cohort study (TCS), part of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN (PERSIAN), is a large longitudinal prospective cohort designed to better understand the risk factors associated with major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across two urban and mountainous regions in north of Iran. METHODS: The enrollment phase of TCS started in June 2015 and ended in November 2017. During this phase, individuals aged 35-70 years from urban and mountainous regions of Sari township (Mazandaran province) were invited to the cohort center by health volunteers (urban regions) and Behvarz (mountainous areas) using census information. Data was collected based on the PERSIAN cohort study protocols. Hypertension was defind as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg or history of diagnosis with hypertension or taking antihypertensive medications among participants free from cardiovascular diseases. Diabetes was defined as fasting blood sugar ≥126 mg/dL or a history of diagnosis or taking glucoselowering medications among all participants. RESULTS: A total of 10,255 participants were enrolled in TCS, 59.5% of whom were female. Among the total population, 7,012 participants were urban residents (68.4%). The prevalence of daily smoking in the total population was 9.1%. Body mass index in 75.9% of participants was ≥25 kg/m2. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid disorders were 22.2%, 17.2%, and 10.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The Tabari cohort is different from other cohorts in terms of levels of risk factors associated with NCDs. This study has certain important strengths including its population-based design and large sample size that provides a valid platform for conducting future investigations and trials. A biobank that has been designed to store blood, nail, hair and urine samples for future research is another strength of this study. Researchers who are interested in using the information can refer to the following web page: http://persiancohort.com.

Comparison of EMLA and Diclofenac on Reduction of Pain and Phlebitis Caused by Peripheral IV Catheter: A Randomized-Controlled Trial Study.

Peripheral venous catheters (PVC) are often used to provide hydration, medications, and blood products when the length of therapy is expected to be less than 1 week. Pain and phlebitis are frequent complications of PVC. Diclofenac and EMLA have been used to minimize these adverse effects; however, conflicting results have been reported regarding which has better outcomes. This double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of EMLA and Diclofenac (TDP) in attenuating PVC pain and phlebitis. The inpatient setting was chosen because of the higher frequency of PVC insertions, allowing for a sufficient sample size. One hundred fifty-four subjects were randomly assigned to three groups: EMLA patch (n = 61), a TDP patch (n = 50), or a patch with lubricant gel (n = 46) as a placebo. The pain was measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Phlebitis was examined based on Boxter criteria in intervals of 6, 12, 18, 24, and 48 hours after PVC insertion. The mean score of VAS was 41.86 ± 22.49 for the control, 39.40 ± 21.60 for TDP, and 38.77 ± 23.28 for the EMLA group, with no significant differences in pain severity between the three groups. The rate of phlebitis in the group with EMLA was significantly higher than the other two groups at 6, 12, and 18 hours (p = 0.02, p = 0.003 and p = 0.04, respectively). In all interval times, the rate of phlebitis in the TDP group was significantly lower than the other groups. Compared with men, women experienced higher rate of phlebitis and intensity of PVC pain. EMLA and TDP had similar analgesic effects, but phlebitis was less frequently observed with TDP, suggesting TDP as a potential medication for reducing pain and phlebitis before PVC insertion.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among Iranian pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis is a great public health concern due to its capacity for prenatal transmission. Serologic studies have reported various estimates for seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among Iranian pregnant women. Estimation of the pooled prevalence of this infection is necessary for policy-making. AIMS: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Iranian pregnant women using systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: We searched national and international databases to identify relevant studies. To enhance the search sensitivity, we evaluated all references and interviewed relevant researchers and research centres. The final studies for meta-analysis were selected according to the quality assessment as well as inclusion/exclusion criteria. Because of the heterogeneity of the primary results, random effects models were used to estimate the pooled prevalence of T. gondii. We included 43 studies with a total sample size of 22 644 in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: The pooled seroprevalence of overall toxoplasma infection, IgG antibody and IgM antibody was estimated at 41.3% (95% CI: 35.8-46.8), 39.2% (95% CI: 33.3-45.1) and 4.0% (95% CI: 3.1-4.9) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that a considerable proportion of Iranian pregnant women are at high risk for toxoplasmosis.

Prevalence of familial multiple sclerosis in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Familial history of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been considered as one of the etiologic factors of MS by several studies. It is valuable to combine the results of these studies. The aim of this study is to estimate the pooled prevalence of familial MS in Iran using meta-analysis. Methods: Using relevant keywords, national and international databanks were searched. Considering the significant heterogeneity between the results, random effect model was utilized to estimate the pooled prevalence of familial MS using Stata software. Results: After screening the selected articles, 15 studies with total sample size of 6248 (from 60 to 1718) were identified eligible for final meta-analysis. Overall prevalence of familial MS in Iran was estimated as of 11.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.7-14.1]. Point prevalence varied between 3.3% and 26.7%. Conclusion: Our study showed that the familial prevalence of MS among Iranian people is relatively high. More studies are warranted to investigate the effect of familial history as a risk factor for MS.