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1.
Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy and adverse clinical outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Karimi, A, Sayehmiri, K, Vaismoradi, M, Dianatinasab, M, Daliri, S
Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2024;(1):2288224
Abstract
Background: Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy has been recognised as a significant risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the association between vaginal bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy and clinical adverse effects using a systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods: Databases of Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed (including Medline), Cochrane Library and Science Direct were searched until June of 2023. Data analysis using statistical test fixed- and random-effects models in the meta-analysis, Cochran and meta-regression. The quality of the eligible studies was assessed by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale checklist (NOS).Results: A total of 46 relevant studies, with a sample size of 1,554,141 were entered into the meta-analysis. Vaginal bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth (OR: 1.8, CI 95%: 1.6-2.0), low birth weight (LBW; OR: 2.0, CI 95%: 1.5-2.6), premature rupture of membranes (PROMs; OR: 2.3, CI 95%: 1.8-3.0), abortion (OR: 4.3, CI 95%: 2.0-9.0), stillbirth (OR: 2.5, CI 95%: 1.2-5.0), placental abruption (OR: 2.2, CI 95%: 1.4-3.3) and placenta previa (OR: 1.9, CI 95%: 1.5-2.4).Conclusions: Vaginal bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with preterm birth, LBW, PROMs, miscarriage, stillbirth, placental abruption and placenta previa. Therefore, physicians or midwives need to be aware of the possibility of these consequences and manage them when they occur.
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2.
The effect of macronutrient and micronutrient supplements on COVID-19: an umbrella review.
SeyedAlinaghi, S, Shahidi, R, Mojdeganlou, H, Akhtaran, FK, Maroufi, SF, Maroufi, SP, Mirzapour, P, Karimi, A, Khodaei, S, Pour, MM, et al
Journal of health, population, and nutrition. 2024;(1):16
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS A healthy diet play an important role in the prevention and even treatment of various diseases. Proper nutrition plays an important role in boosting of immune system. These include the consumption of macronutrients such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and also micronutrients including vitamins. Here, we aimed to systematically review the effects of macronutrients and micronutrients on the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. METHODS We searched the databases of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science on December 23, 2023. The records were downloaded into an EndNote file, the duplicates were removed, and the studies underwent a two-phase screening process based on their title/abstracts and full texts. The included articles were screened and underwent inclusion and exclusion criteria. We included the English systematic reviews and meta-analyses that concurred with the aim of our study. The selected articles were assessed by Cochrane's Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews for the quality check. The data of the eligible studies were extracted in a pre-designed word table and were used for the qualitative synthesis. RESULTS A total of 28 reviews were included in this study. Most studies have shown that micronutrients are effective in morbidity and mortality controlling in viral respiratory infections such as COVID-19 but some studies have shown that micronutrients are sometimes not effective in controlling severity. On the other hand, calcifediol was by far the most successful agent in reducing intensive care needs and mortality between studies. CONCLUSION Individuals without malnutrition had a reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe disease. The administration of Vitamin D is effective in reducing the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 patients. Patients with vitamin D deficiency were more prone to experience severe infection, and they were at higher risk of morbidities and mortality. Other micronutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B, and Zinc also showed some benefits in patients with COVID-19. Vitamin C showed no efficacy in COVID-19 management even in intravenous form or in high doses.
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3.
The role of piRNAs in predicting and prognosing in cancer: a focus on piRNA-823 (a systematic review and meta-analysis).
Taghizadeh, M, Jafari-Koshki, T, Jafarlou, V, Raeisi, M, Alizadeh, L, Roosta, Y, Matin, S, Jabari, R, Sur, D, Karimi, A
BMC cancer. 2024;(1):484
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This article examines the potential of using liquid biopsy with piRNAs to study cancer survival outcomes. While previous studies have explored the relationship between piRNA expression and cancer patient outcomes, a comprehensive investigation is still lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature. METHODS We searched major online databases up to February 2024 to identify articles reporting on the role of piRNA in cancer patient survival outcomes. Our meta-analysis used a random-effects model to pool hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and assess the prognostic value of deregulated piRNA-823. For survival analysis, the Kaplan-Meier method and COX analysis were used. RESULTS Out of 6104 articles screened, 20 met our inclusion criteria. Our analysis revealed that dysregulated piRNA expression is associated with cancer patient survival outcomes. Specifically, our meta-analysis found that overexpression of piR-823 is significantly linked with poorer overall survival in patients with colorectal cancer and renal cell cancer (HR: 3.82, 95% CI = [1.81, 8.04], I2 = 70%). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that various piRNAs may play a role in cancer survival outcomes and that piRNA-823 in particular holds promise as a prognostic biomarker for multiple human cancers. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Our systematic review and meta-analysis of piRNA-823 has important implications for cancer survivors. Our findings suggest that piRNA-823 can be used as a prognostic biomarker for predicting cancer recurrence and survival rates. This information can help clinicians develop personalized treatment plans for cancer survivors, which can improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of recurrence.
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4.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis for COVID-19: A Systematic Review.
SeyedAlinaghi, S, Karimi, A, Pashaei, Z, Shobeiri, P, Janfaza, N, Behnezhad, F, Ghasemzadeh, A, Barzegary, A, Arjmand, G, Noroozi, A, et al
Infectious disorders drug targets. 2023;(5):e130423215723
Abstract
INTRODUCTION SARS-CoV-2 cause pneumonia can spread across the lung and lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in severe cases. Post-exposure prophylaxis has shown great potential to prevent the transmission of some viral infections; however, such results for COVID-19 are still inconclusive. METHODS Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically review the resources that utilized postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for COVID-19 and the possible clinical benefits of such drugs. An organized search of relevant literature was done using the keywords and search queries on public databases of Cochrane, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus from December 2019 to August 23, 2021. Original resources that had the inclusion criteria were included after two-phase title/abstract and full-text screenings. This review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analysis (PRISMA) statement. RESULTS Out of 841 retrieved records 17 resources were appropriate to include in the systematic review. Hydroxychloroquine with a daily dose of 400-800 mg and a duration of 5-14 days was the most frequently used agent for PEP. Chloroquine was recommended to use to control treatment in patients with mild to severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Other agents like Lopinavir-ritonavir (LPV/r), angiotensinconverting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), Vitamin D, arbidol, thymosin drugs, and Xin guan no.1 (XG.1, a Chinese formula medicine) have also been applied in some studies. CONCLUSION Current evidence demonstrated no established clinical benefits of any drug as PEP in individuals with COVID-19. However, scarce indication occurs for the beneficial effects of some agents, but more studies are needed to explore such effects.
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5.
Postbiotics as the new frontier in food and pharmaceutical research.
Sabahi, S, Homayouni Rad, A, Aghebati-Maleki, L, Sangtarash, N, Ozma, MA, Karimi, A, Hosseini, H, Abbasi, A
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. 2023;(26):8375-8402
Abstract
Food is the essential need of human life and has nutrients that support growth and health. Gastrointestinal tract microbiota involves valuable microorganisms that develop therapeutic effects and are characterized as probiotics. The investigations on appropriate probiotic strains have led to the characterization of specific metabolic byproducts of probiotics named postbiotics. The probiotics must maintain their survival against inappropriate lethal conditions of the processing, storage, distribution, preparation, and digestion system so that they can exhibit their most health effects. Conversely, probiotic metabolites (postbiotics) have successfully overcome these unfavorable conditions and may be an appropriate alternative to probiotics. Due to their specific chemical structure, safe profile, long shelf-life, and the fact that they contain various signaling molecules, postbiotics may have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antihypertensive properties, inhibiting abnormal cell proliferation and antioxidative activities. Consequently, present scientific literature approves that postbiotics can mimic the fundamental and clinical role of probiotics, and due to their unique characteristics, they can be applied in an oral delivery system (pharmaceutical/functional foods), as a preharvest food safety hurdle, to promote the shelf-life of food products and develop novel functional foods or/and for developing health benefits, and therapeutic aims. This review addresses the latest postbiotic applications with regard to pharmaceutical formulations and commercial food-based products. Potential postbiotic applications in the promotion of host health status, prevention of disease, and complementary treatment are also reviewed.
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6.
A comprehensive insight into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of action of resveratrol on complications of sepsis a systematic review.
Vajdi, M, Sefidmooye Azar, P, Mahmoodpoor, A, Dashti, F, Sanaie, S, Kiani Chalmardi, F, Karimi, A
Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2023;(9):3780-3808
Abstract
Sepsis and septic shock are still one of the most important medical challenges. Sepsis is an extreme and uncontrolled response of the innate immune system to invading pathogenesis. Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxytrans-stilbene), is a phenolic and non-flavonoid compound naturally produced by some plants and fruits. The object of the current study is to systematically review the impacts of resveratrol and its mechanisms of function in the management of sepsis and its related complications. The guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statements were applied to perform the study (PROSPERO CRD42021289357). We searched Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, ProQuest, and Scopus databases up to January 2023 by using the relevant keywords. Study criteria were met by 72 out of 1415 articles screened. The results of this systematic review depict that resveratrol can reduces the complications of sepsis by affecting inflammatory pathways, oxidative stress, and modulating immune responses. Future human randomized clinical trials are necessary due to the promising therapeutic effects of resveratrol on sepsis complications and the lack of clinical trials in this regard.
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7.
Effects of synbiotics supplementation on anthropometric and lipid profile parameters: Finding from an umbrella meta-analysis.
Musazadeh, V, Mohammadi Anilou, M, Vajdi, M, Karimi, A, Sedgh Ahrabi, S, Dehghan, P
Frontiers in nutrition. 2023;:1121541
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been carried out to assess the impact of synbiotics on lipid profiles and anthropometric parameters. In this regard, an umbrella meta-analysis was performed to provide a more accurate view of the overall impacts of synbiotic supplementation on lipid profile and anthropometric parameters. METHODS Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for this study from inception to January 2022. A random-effects model was applied to evaluate the effects of synbiotic supplementation on lipid profile and anthropometric parameters. The methodological quality of eligible articles was evaluated using the AMSTAR2 questionnaire. The GRADE approach was used to evaluate the overall certainty of the evidence in the meta-analyses. RESULTS Meta-analyses of 17 studies revealed significant decreases in body mass index (BMI) (ES: -0.13 kg/m2; 95% CI: -0.19, -0.06, p < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.870), BW (ES: -1.30 kg; 95% CI: -2.19, -0.41, p = 0.004, I2 = 88.9%, p < 0.001), waist circumference (WC) (ES: -1.80 cm; 95% CI: -3.26, -0.34, p = 0.016, I2 = 94.1%, p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (ES: -2.81 mg/dl; 95% CI: -3.90, -1.72, p < 0.001, I2 = 95.1%, p < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC) (ES = -2.24 mg/dl; 95% CI: -3.18, -1.30, p < 0.001, I2 = 94.5%, p < 0.001), and triglyceride (TG) (ES: -0.43 mg/dl; 95% CI: -0.79, -0.07, p = 0.019, I2 = 78.0%, p < 0.001) but not high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (ES: 0.23 mg/dl; 95% CI: -0.11, 0.56, p = 0.193, I2 = 45.2%, p = 0.051) following synbiotic supplementation. DISCUSSION The present umbrella meta-analysis suggests synbiotic supplementation can slightly improve lipid profile and anthropometric indices and might be a therapeutic option for obesity and its related disorders. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42022304376.
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8.
Effects of luteolin on sepsis: A comprehensive systematic review.
Vajdi, M, Karimi, A, Karimi, M, Abbasalizad Farhangi, M, Askari, G
Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. 2023;:154734
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sepsis and septic shock are the main causes of mortality and complications in intensive care units all over the world. Luteolin is thought to have a significant role as a free radical scavenger, an anti-inflammatory agent, and an immune system modulator. The object of this review is to conduct a systematic review of the effects of luteolin and its mechanisms of action in the treatment of sepsis and its complications. METHOD The investigation was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines (PROSPERO CRD42022321023). We searched Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, ProQuest, and Scopus databases up to January 2023 by using the relevant keywords. RESULTS Out of 1,395 records screened, 33 articles met the study criteria. In the collected papers, the main reported findings are that luteolin can affect inflammation-initiating pathways such as toll-like receptors and high mobility group box-1 and reduces the expression of genes that produce inflammatory cytokines, such as the Nod receptor protein-3, and nuclear factor kappa-light chain-enhancer of activated B cells. Luteolin also reduces the overactivity of macrophages, neutrophil extracellular traps and lymphocytes by regulating the immune response. CONCLUSION Most studies revealed luteolin's positive benefits on sepsis through several pathways. Luteolin showed the capacity to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, control immunological response, and prevent organ damage (in vivo studies) during sepsis. Large-scale in vivo experiments are necessary to elucidate its potential impacts on sepsis.
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9.
The effects of whey protein on blood pressure: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Vajdi, M, Musazadeh, V, Zareei, M, Adeli, S, Karimi, A, Hojjati, A, Darzi, M, Shoorei, H, Abbasalizad Farhangi, M
Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD. 2023;(9):1633-1646
Abstract
AIMS: This systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis was conducted to summarize data from available clinical trials on the effects of whey protein (WP) supplementation on blood pressure (BP) in adults. DATA SYNTHESIS A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, Embase, and SCOPUS from inception to October 2022. Weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess pooled effect sizes. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Cochran's Q test and I2. Subgroup analysis was performed to assess potential sources of heterogeneity. The dose-response relationship was assessed using fractional polynomial modeling. Of the 2,840 records, 18 studies with 1,177 subjects were included. Pooled analysis showed that whey protein supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (WMD: -1.54 mmHg; 95% CI: -2.85 to -0.23, p = 0.021), with significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 64.2%, p < 0.001), but not for diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (WMD: -0.27 mmHg; 95% CI: -1.14, 0.59, p = 0.534) with high heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 64.8%, p < 0.001). However, WP supplementation significantly reduced DBP at a dose of ˃30 g/day, in RCTs that used WP isolate powder for their intervention, in sample sizes ≤100, in studies with an intervention duration of ≤10 weeks, and in those studies that were conducted in patients with hypertension and had participants with a BMI of 25-30 kg/m2. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis demonstrated that WP intake significantly reduced SBP levels. Further large-scale studies are needed to specify the exact mechanism, and optimal dosage of WP supplementation to obtain a beneficial effect on BP.
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10.
Anti-Glycolytic Drugs in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Systemic and Locoregional Options.
Pourbaghi, M, Haghani, L, Zhao, K, Karimi, A, Marinelli, B, Erinjeri, JP, Geschwind, JH, Yarmohammadi, H
Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.). 2023;(7):6609-6622
Abstract
Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Locoregional therapies, including transarterial embolization (TAE: bland embolization), chemoembolization (TACE), and radioembolization, have demonstrated survival benefits when treating patients with unresectable HCC. TAE and TACE occlude the tumor's arterial supply, causing hypoxia and nutritional deprivation and ultimately resulting in tumor necrosis. Embolization blocks the aerobic metabolic pathway. However, tumors, including HCC, use the "Warburg effect" and survive hypoxia from embolization. An adaptation to hypoxia through the Warburg effect, which was first described in 1956, is when the cancer cells switch to glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen. Hence, this is also known as aerobic glycolysis. In this article, the adaptation mechanisms of HCC, including glycolysis, are discussed, and anti-glycolytic treatments, including systemic and locoregional options that have been previously reported or have the potential to be utilized in the treatment of HCC, are reviewed.