Alterations in the Course of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Following Liver Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to systematically review and pool data regarding the alterations in the clinical course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) following liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: Relevant prospective and retrospective observational studies were identified by searching databases and gray literature through December 2020. Random-effects models were used to calculate the pooled frequency of IBD patients with disease course alterations ("improved," "unchanged," or "aggravated") after LT and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Twenty-five studies met our inclusion criteria, reporting the outcomes in 2 or 3 categories. In the analysis of studies with 3-category outcomes (n = 13), the pooled frequencies of patients with improved, unchanged, or aggravated IBD course after LT were 29.4% (95% CI, 16.9% to 41.9%), 51.4% (95% CI, 45.5% to 57.3%), and 25.2% (95% CI, 15.6% to 34.8%), respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed that patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), younger age at LT, or shorter duration of follow-up were more likely to have an improved disease course. Moreover, higher IBD exacerbation estimates were observed in studies with a low risk of bias. In the analysis of studies with 2-category outcomes (n = 12), the pooled frequencies of patients with improved/unchanged or aggravated IBD course were 73.6% (95% CI, 62.2% to 85.0%) and 24.1% (95% CI, 15.1% to 33.2%), respectively. The cumulative incidence of an exacerbated IBD course following LT was 0.22 (95% CI, 0.16-0.29; P < .001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that IBD activity remains unchanged (or improved/unchanged) in most IBD patients following LT. Furthermore, IBD type, age, and follow-up length can influence the IBD course after LT.

Our meta-analysis revealed that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) activity remained "unchanged" (or "improved/unchanged") in most IBD patients following liver transplantation. IBD type, age, and follow-up length could influence the IBD course after liver transplantation.

QUS characteristics in Normal Population: a Mini Review and our experience.

Objectives: Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) is a bone densitometry method that is less expensive and more portable than DXA. It is also noninvasive. QUS parameters include speed of sound (SOS), broad band ultrasound attenuation (BUA), and stiffness index (SI). This study defined normal values of QUS parameters in Iranian men and women. Methods: QUS of heels measured in 258 Iranian men and women, aged 20-76 y/o. They were participants of Iranian Multicenter Osteoporosis study (IMOS), selected by randomized sampling. QUS device was an Achilles+ (GE-Lunar) device. Results: Percentiles of SI (2.5%, 50%, and 97.5%) determined. We found a good agreement between the Iranian reference values and western reference (used by device) value in defining normal and osteoporotic people (κ = 0.875). Conclusion: Results from this study suggest that QUS of the heel may be a good method for diagnosis of low bone mass in different regions.

Immunophenotypic and functional analysis of lymphocyte subsets in common variable immunodeficiency patients without monogenic defects.

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is accompanied by various lymphocyte abnormalities believed to be mostly responsible for disease features in patients with no diagnosed monogenic defects. Here, we evaluated the association of B and T lymphocyte abnormalities with the incidence of CVID. Twenty-six genetically unsolved CVID patients were examined for B and T lymphocyte subsets by flow cytometry and CD4+ T-cell proliferation by carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) test. We detected a reduction in total, naive, memory B cells and plasmablasts, and also total, naive, central memory and regulatory CD4+ T cells, besides naive CD8+ T cells. There was an increase in CD21low and transitional B cells, effector memory (EM) and terminally differentiated effector memory (TEMRA ) CD4+ T-cell subsets as well as total, EM, TEMRA , activated and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells among non-monogenic CVID patients. CD4+ T-cell proliferation response was reduced regarding both division index and percent divided. In conclusion, regarding the similarity of lymphocyte abnormalities between patients without genetic defects and those with monogenic defects, genetic mutations are not responsible for these specific lymphocyte changes. However, the novel correlations observed between lymphocyte alterations among genetically unsolved CVID patients may serve as a guide to predict the potential of future CVID development for hypogammaglobulinemia children.

Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism with the occurrence of low bone density, osteopenia, and osteoporosis in patients with type 2 diabetes.

PURPOSE: This study aims to analyze the association between VDR gene polymorphism and the occurrence of "low bone density (LBD)/osteopenia/osteoporosis" or LBDOO in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients among a clustered population in northwest of Iran. The studied VDR gene polymorphism included ApaI (rs7975232), BsmI (rs1544410), FokI (rs2228570), EcoRV (rs4516035) and, TaqI (rs731236). METHODS: In this population-based cross-sectional study, patients with T2D were identified within a group of 1266 participants based on self-report of diabetes, history of diabetes medication, and recorded laboratory data. Separately for each polymorphism and gender, crude and adjusted (age, BMI) odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for participants with T2D through logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of T2D was 16.41% in people residing in the city of Sanandaj in 2011. Of the participants with T2D, 13.92% and 81.29% had osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency, respectively. In women, the tt genotype of the TaqI gene significantly decreased the risk of LBDOO versus the Tt genotype, after adjusting for BMI and age (adjusted OR:0.18, CI95%: 0.03-0.97). Conversely, the EE genotype of the EcoRV gene enhanced the risk of LBDOO versus the Ee genotype (adjusted OR:7.64, CI95%: 2.03-28.72). CONCLUSION: The polymorphism of both TaqI and EcoRV genes was associated with the risk of LBDOO in women with T2D. This is the first time a study has highlighted this effect for the polymorphism of the EcoRV gene; we believe that this study would serve as a basis for future studies.

Lymphocytes subsets in correlation with clinical profile in CVID patients without monogenic defects.

Objectives: Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patients experience clinical manifestations rather than recurrent respiratory infections including autoimmunity, enteropathy, and lymphoproliferation. We evaluated the correlation of lymphocyte subpopulations with such manifestations.Methods: Twenty-six genetically unsolved CVID patients were subdivided into four phenotypes: infection only (IO), autoimmunity (AI), chronic enteropathy (CE), and lymphoproliferative disorders (LP) and examined for lymphocyte subsets by flow cytometry and TCD4+ proliferation by Carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) test.Results: We detected reduced memory B and increased total, effector memory (EM), cytotoxic, and activated TCD8+ in IO, AI and CE, decreased plasmablasts, total and naive TCD4+, Regulatory TCD4+ (Treg) and naive TCD8+ in IO and CE, elevated CD21low B and terminally differentiated effector memory (TEMRA) TCD8+ in IO and AI, increased helper T (Th2) and Th17 in IO, decreased Th1 in AI and defective total and naive B and central memory (CM) TCD4+ in CE. IO showed reduced TCD4+ proliferation response.Conclusions: In genetically unsolved CVID patients, increased Th2 and Th17 and reduced Treg is associated with IO, increased CD21low B and TEMRA TCD8+ and reduced Th1 is contributed to AI and reduced total and naive B, CM TCD4+ and naive TCD8+ and expanded total TCD8+ is correlated with CE.

Transitional immature regulatory B cells and regulatory cytokines can discriminate chronic antibody-mediated rejection from stable graft function.

BACKGROUND: The balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses of the immune system has been demonstrated to determine the fate of transplanted allografts. Here we analyzed CD19+CD24hiCD38hi immature transitional regulatory B (TRB) cells, as well as the gene and protein levels of interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß in the three separate groups, include of stable transplanted subjects, chronic antibody-mediated rejection (cAMR) patients, and healthy individuals. METHOD: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from stable subjects (n = 36), cAMR patients (n = 36) and healthy controls (n = 18) were isolated. Flowcytometry was performed for CD19, CD24, and CD38 surface markers. ELISA and quantitative real-time PCR were performed for IL-10 and TGF-ß cytokines. RESULT: The percentages of immature TRB cells were significantly decrease in cAMR patients (0.98%) versus stable recipients (2.81%) and healthy subjects (4.03%) (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Total lymphocytes, circulating B cells, memory and mature subsets of B cells did not show any significant difference between the groups. TGF-ß mRNA was 3-fold upregulated in the cAMR group compared to stable patients (P < 0.001.), but without significant alteration at the protein level. Also, long-term survival renal transplant recipients had a higher protein but not mRNA levels of IL-10 than short-term survival renal transplant recipients. CONCLUSION: It seems that immature TRB cell subpopulation might be a crucial regulator of immune system response and plays an important role in determining the transplantation outcome. Furthermore, immunosuppressive IL-10 and TGF-ß cytokines might act as a double sword and can exhibit either pathogenic or protective effects against allograft.

Prediction of postnatal abnormal coiling of the umbilical cord in gestational diabetes mellitus: a diagnostic accuracy study.

Objective: To investigate whether evaluations of antenatal umbilical coiling index (aUCI) could predict postnatal umbilical coiling index (UCI) (pUCI) in people with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) compared with normal pregnancy independent of maternal demographic and reproductive characteristics.Method: In this prospective study, 105 women with normal pregnancy, and 117 women with pregnancy complicated by GDM were recruited. Ultrasound scan of umbilical cord was performed at 18-23 and 37-41 weeks of gestation (WG). Evaluation of pUCI, as the reference standard, was performed within 24 hours after delivery.Findings: There was no significant relationship between aUCI and maternal demographic and reproductive characteristics. The mean for pUCI was 0.21 ± 0.12 in the GDM group, and 0.21 ± 0.09 in the normal pregnancy (p = .61). In the GDM group, a significant association was found between aUCI and pUCI categories (p = .004). The area under curve (AUC) was less than 0.5 for hypocoiling in both groups. For hypercoiling it was 0.84 ± 0.04 in the GDM group and 0.75 ± 0.06 in the normal pregnancy group (18-23 WG). In the GDM group the cutoff points that predict hypercoiling were 0.28 (18-23WG), and 0.21 (37-41WG). These were 0.35 (18-23WG), and 0.33 (37-41WG) in the normal pregnancy group. Diagnostic accuracy analysis revealed that in the GDM group, the sensitivity and specificity of hypercoiling for prediction of pUCI were 0.94 and 0.70 respectively at 18-23 WG.Conclusions: Antenatal hypercoiling at the second trimester of pregnancy strongly predict postnatal hypercoiling in pregnancies complicated by GDM.

Prevalence of Malnutrition Among Elderly People in Iran: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition occurs following a decrease or an imbalance in the absorption of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals because of numerous factors. Thus, it has serious and life-threatening consequences. To plan for this issue, we need information on the burden of this problem. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of malnutrition among elderly people in Iran. METHODS: For the purpose of this study, papers, including original articles, theses, and conference proceedings on the prevalence of malnutrition among people aged 60 years and above, and have been published in national and international journals until September 2018 will be included without any language limitation. The following keywords along with their synonyms in Persian will be used in the literature search: malnutrition, elderly, and Iran. At first, the screening process will be conducted based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, the full text of the remaining articles will be read carefully, and eligible articles will be selected according to the objectives of the study. Next, the methodological quality of the selected papers will be reviewed, and the required information will be extracted from those with acceptable quality. Finally, a meta-analysis will be performed using the Stata software (version 14) when optimum criteria are met. It should be noted that all stages of screening, selection, quality assessment of primary studies, and data extraction will be performed by two reviewers independently. RESULTS: This review is ongoing and will be completed at the end of 2019. CONCLUSIONS: This review aims to provide comprehensive evidence about the prevalence of malnutrition among elderly people in Iran. This can help Iranian health managers and policy makers make informed decisions for preventing malnutrition and promoting the health status of elderly people. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42018115358; https://tinyurl.com/y28su47m. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/15334.

The Effect of Vitamin D Supplements on Clinical and Para-Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: Protocol for a Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease, which has a wide range of effects on patients. There are controversies regarding the role of vitamin D in clinical and laboratory improvements in MS patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review protocol is to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin D supplements on relapse rate, gadolinium-enhancing lesions of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and cytokine profiles. METHODS: We will search PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Ovid, ProQuest, American College of Physicians Journal Club database, Health Technology Assessment Database (The Cochrane Collaboration), and National Health System Economic Evaluation Database (The Cochrane Collaboration) and gray literature including reference of included studies and conference abstracts. Clinical trials reporting the effect of any doses of vitamin D on relapse rate, gadolinium-enhancing lesions of MRI, and cytokine profiles will be included. In total, 2 independent researchers will independently assess the studies, extract data, and evaluate the quality of primary studies. RESULTS: This systematic review was started in September 2017 and the process is continuing. The included articles are evaluated and researchers are going to extract the data. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this will be the first comprehensive systematic review aiming to assess the effect of vitamin D supplements on clinical and para-clinical outcomes in patients with multiple sclerosis. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/12045.

Defining loneliness in older adults: protocol for a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Socialization is an important part of the healthy aging process, but natural changes in the lifestyle and health of older people increased risk of loneliness. However, loneliness is not well defined and might differ in different cultures and settings. The main objective of this systematic review is to summarize literature on the topic and propose a definition that might help aging research and practice in the future. METHODS: Eight databases including PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Proquest, and Age Line bibliographic will be run individually to retrieve relevant literature on loneliness among elderly population using subject headings and appropriate MeSH terms. Inclusion and exclusion criteria will be developed and refined by the research team. Two reviewers will participate in each search stage including abstract/title and full text screening, data extraction, and appraisal. We will restrict our search to articles published in the English language biomedical journal between 2000 and 2017. The protocol adheres to the standards recommended by the PRISMA-P. DISCUSSION: The results of this systematic review can present a more accurate definition of loneliness for researchers who aim at conducting new primary and secondary studies on this subject. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: CRD42017058729.

Quadriceps architecture in individuals with patellofemoral pain: a systematic review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to identify differences in quadriceps architectural parameters between healthy individuals and those with patellofemoral pain (PFP). INTRODUCTION: Patellofemoral pain is one of the most common causes of knee pain among physically active populations. Muscular imbalance may play an important role in patellar malalignment or patellar maltracking. A systematic review will clarify the possible architectural changes of quadriceps muscles in persons with PFP. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Eligible observational studies will include individuals younger than 50 years who have been diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral PFP. The comparator will be the contralateral, asymptomatic limb of the individual with PFP or a healthy matched subject. Studies that include measurement of quadriceps muscle size as the primary outcome will be considered. Studies in which participants had coexisting pathology, a history of lower limb surgery or injury, or pain originating from other joints will be excluded. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE (NLM), Scopus, Embase, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Web of Science and CINAHL databases and multiple gray literature sources will be searched. Studies published since 1 January 1990 will be considered; there will be no language restriction. Retrieval of full-text studies, assessment of methodological quality and data extraction will be performed independently by two reviewers. If possible, meta-analyses will be performed, and a Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Summary of Findings presented.

Self-Monitoring by Traffic Light Color Coding Versus Usual Care on Outcomes of Patients With Heart Failure Reduced Ejection Fraction: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with heart failure (HF) reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) have symptoms that are more severe and experience a higher rate of hospitalization compared with HF preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients. However, symptom recognition cannot be made by patients based on current approaches. This problem is a barrier to effective self-care that needs to be improved by new self-monitoring instruments and strategies. OBJECTIVE: This study describes a protocol for the self-monitoring daily diaries of weight and shortness of breath (SOB) based on the traffic light system (TLS). The primary objective is to compare the self-care between the intervention and control group. Comparison of HF knowledge, HF quality of life (HFQOL), and all-cause hospitalization between the 2 groups are the secondary objectives. METHODS: A single-blind randomized controlled trial is being conducted at the HF clinic at Tehran Heart Center (Tehran, Iran). Sixty-eight adult patients of both genders will be enrolled during admission to HF clinic. Eligible subjects will be assigned to either the intervention or control group by a block balanced randomization method. Baseline surveys will be conducted before random allocation. Participants in the intervention group will receive an integrated package consisting of (1) HF self-care education by an Australian Heart Foundation booklet on HF, (2) regular home self-monitoring of weight and SOB, and (3) scheduled call follow-ups for 3 months. Patients in the control group will receive no intervention and they only complete monthly surveys. RESULTS: This study is ongoing and is expected to be completed by the end of 2018. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first trial with new self-monitoring instruments in Iran as a low and middle-income country. If the findings show a positive effect, the package will be applied in different regions with the same health care status. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT2017021032476N1; https://en.irct.ir/trial/25296?revision=25296 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/73DLICQL8). INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/9209.

Physical activity equivalent labeling vs. calorie labeling: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Many countries are trying to identify strategies to control obesity. Nutrition labeling is a policy that could lead to healthy food choices by providing information to consumers. Calorie labeling, for example, could lead to consumers choosing lower calorie foods. However, its effectiveness has been limited. Recently, physical activity equivalent labeling (i.e., displaying calories in terms of estimated amount of physical activity to burn calories) has been proposed as an alternative to the calorie-only label. The aim of this review was to identify and evaluate the published literature comparing effects on health behavior between physical activity equivalent labeling and calorie-only labeling. METHOD: We searched the following databases: Pubmed/medline, Scopus, Web of science, Agris, Cochrane library, Google Scholar. We also searched along with reference lists of included articles. Articles that were published between 1 January 2000 and 31 October 2016 were eligible for inclusion provided they reported on studies that examined the effects of both types of labeling and included at least one outcome of interest. Mean and standard deviations of the included results were combined using a fixed-effect model. The difference in calories purchased between people exposed to physical activity labeling and calorie-only labeling was calculated as weighted mean difference by using a fixed-effect model. RESULT: The difference of calories ordered between physical activity label and calorie label groups was not statistically significant (SMD: -0.03; 95% CI: -0.13, 0.07). The difference of calories ordered between physical activity label and calorie label according to real vs unreal (e.g. web-based) condition was 65 Kcal fewer in real-world settings. CONCLUSION: Physical activity calorie equivalent labeling in minutes does not significantly reduce calories ordered compared to calorie-only labeling.

Antenatal umbilical coiling index in gestational diabetes mellitus and non-gestational diabetes pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Umbilical cord abnormalities increase fetal morbidity and mortality. This study was designed to compare antenatal umbilical coiling index (aUCI) in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and non-gestational diabetes mellitus (non-GDM) pregnancy, considering uncertainties about the best time to perform antenatal ultrasonography scan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 246 parturients were included, 123 with GDM and 123 with non-GDM pregnancy. Gestational diabetes was confirmed at 24-28 weeks of gestation (WG) using one-step strategy. An anatomical ultrasound survey of placenta and umbilical cord was performed at 18-23 as well as 37-41 weeks of gestational age. RESULTS: At 18-23 WG, the frequency distribution (10th, 90th percentiles, mean ± SD) of the aUCI in the GDM and non-GDM groups were (0.13,0.66,0.32 ± 0.19) and (0.18,0.74, 0.4 ± 0.31) respectively. These values were (0.12,0.4, 0.25 ± 0.11) in the GDM group at 37-41 WG and (0.17,0.43, 0.29 ± 0.11) in the non-GDM group. A significant relationship was detected between UCI value and GDM/non-GDM groups at both antenatal evaluations (18-23 WG; P = 0.002, 37-41WG; P < 0.001). A significant association at 18-23 WG was found between GDM/non-GDM groups and aUCI categorization (hypocoiling <10th, normocoiling 10th-90th and hypercoiling >90th) (P = 0.001). However, hypocoiling were significantly more frequent in GDM than non-GDM in both antenatal evaluations (P < 0.001, P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Antenatal UCI in pregnancy complicated by GDM were lower in comparison with non-GDM pregnancy. The most abnormal pattern of coiling in gestational diabetes was hypocoiling in both trimesters. In addition, 18-23 WG is the best time to perform ultrasound scan to detect aUCI and umbilical cord pattern.

Association between low bone mass and the serum RANKL and OPG in patients with nephrolithiasis.

BACKGROUND: Nephrolithiasis is a risk factor for Osteopenia and osteoporosis. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) regulate bone remodeling and osteoclastogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the relation between serum OPG, RANKL concentration, and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with kidney stone disease. METHODS: Forty-four nephrolithiasis patients with either low bone mass or normal BMD (considered control group) were enrolled in this study. BMD was measured at lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femoral neck by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The serum OPG and RANKL were determined using the ELISA method. RESULTS: The median levels of serum OPG were significantly higher in nephrolithiasis patients with low bone mass compared to the nephrolithiasis patients with normal BMD (3.9 pmol/l versus 3.1 pmol/l; P = 0.03), respectively. Negative correlation was detected between bone densities of femoral neck and OPG in patients with nephrolithiasis (r = -.0344, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The present study showed that high serum fasting OPG levels may be indicative of femoral neck BMD in patients with nephrolithiasis.

Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Reference Values and the Peak Muscle Mass to Identify Sarcopenia among Iranian Healthy Population.

BACKGROUND: Sacopenia is a common problem in elderly with the adverse outcomes. The objective of this study was to estimate the peak appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and age of its attainment by sex among the Iranian population. METHODS: A total of 691 men and women aged 18-94 years participated in this cross-sectional, population-based study in Bushehr, Iran. ASM was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Cutoff points for men and women were established considering two standard deviations (SDs) below the mean values of the skeletal muscle index (SMI) for young reference groups. The relationship between ASM and age was described by the second-degree regression models. Two SDs below the mean SMIs of reference groups were as cutoff values of low muscle mass in Iranian population. RESULTS: The peak ASM values were 21.35 ± 0.12 Kg and 13.68 ± 0.10 Kg, and the age at peak ASM were 26 (24-28) years and 34 (33-35) years for men and women, respectively. Mean and SD of SMI in those ages were 7.01 ± 0.02 Kg/m2 and 5.44 ± 0.02 Kg/m2 among men and women, respectively. Calculated cutoff values of low muscle mass among the Iranian population were 7.0 Kg/m2 and 5.4 Kg/m2 among men and women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Iranian reference values of SMI for both genders were similar to Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia recommendation and lower than the United States and European values. Further studies from different nations and the Middle East countries are needed to obtain reference values for populations, enabling the researchers for comparison and also more valid reports on sarcopenia prevalence.

Effect of spinal orthoses and postural taping on balance, gait and quality of life in older people with thoracic hyperkyphosis: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Thoracic hyperkyphosis is one of the most common spinal disorders in older people, creating impairment, postural instability, gait disorders and a reduced quality of life. The use of spinal orthoses and/or postural taping may be feasible conservative interventions, but their efficacy is uncertain. The aim of this review is therefore to investigate the effectiveness of spinal orthoses and taping on the balance and gait of older people with hyperkyphosis. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will include randomised controlled trials and clinical trial studies which assess the efficacy of spinal orthoses and taping using the WHO International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) outcome measures in older people with hyperkyphosis of the thoracic spine. A search will be performed in PubMed, SCOPUS, ISI Web of Knowledge, CENTRAL, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PEDro, REHAB DATA and RECAL databases with no restriction of language. Two independent reviewers will perform the study selection and data extraction. Quality assessment will be implemented using modified Down and Black checklists. Publication bias and data synthesis will be assessed by funnel plots, Begg's and Egger's tests, and plots using STATA software V.12.1 version. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: No ethical issues are predicted. These findings will be published in a peer reviewed journal and presented at national and international conferences. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42016045880.

Safety and efficacy of hematopoietic and mesanchymal stem cell therapy for treatment of T1DM: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Insulin standard treatment of T1DM cannot cure the patients as different chronic complications occurred subsequently. Investigations on a curative treatment in T1DM propose cell replacement or maintenance instead of exogenous insulin therapy, but different dimensions of this novel treatment are not clarified. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will include all clinical trials which have evaluated the efficacy MSC or HSC transplantation in T1DM treatment; electronically search bibliographic databases, country registration data banks, and gray literatures; and hand-search two key journals, two experts' article, and references of the included articles with no language restriction. Primary outcome is the extent of reduction in insulin requirement and secondary outcomes are safety of MSC and HSC therapy, effect of this therapy on diabetic parameters, effect of the rout of transplantation and origin of the MSC or HSC on efficacy of treatment, studies heterogeneity and potential reasons of it. Heterogeneity and its severity will be calculated with Q Cochrane test, P value, and I2 index. STATA software version 12 will be used for meta-analysis. PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42016047176. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: We will publish the systematic review in a peer review journal; as it presents an analysis of published literature, the study does not require ethical approval. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY: This systematic review and meta-analysis will investigate the efficacy of MSC and HSC transplantation in T1DM treatment with no language restriction. Also we will evaluate gray literatures after hand searching. This protocol is prepared according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P). Two reviewers will evaluate screened full texts, extract data, and asses risk of bias of eligible primary studies independently. As there is the possibility that we miss some unpublished primary studies due to negative results, we will use funnel plot to detect this and correct it with fill and trim method.

Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (the PERSIAN Cohort Study): Rationale, Objectives, and Design.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for 76% of deaths in Iran, and this number is on the rise, in parallel with global rates. Many risk factors associated with NCDs are preventable; however, it is first necessary to conduct observational studies to identify relevant risk factors and the most appropriate approach to controlling them. Iran is a multiethnic country; therefore, in 2014 the Ministry of Health and Medical Education launched a nationwide cohort study-Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN)-in order to identify the most prevalent NCDs among Iran's ethnic groups and to investigate effective methods of prevention. The PERSIAN study consists of 4 population-based cohorts; the adult component (the PERSIAN Cohort Study), described in this article, is a prospective cohort study including 180,000 persons aged 35-70 years from 18 distinct areas of Iran. Upon joining the cohort, participants respond to interviewer-administered questionnaires. Blood, urine, hair, and nail samples are collected and stored. To ensure consistency, centrally purchased equipment is sent to all sites, and the same team trains all personnel. Routine visits and quality assurance/control measures are taken to ensure protocol adherence. Participants are followed for 15 years postenrollment. The PERSIAN study is currently in the enrollment phase; cohort profiles will soon emerge.