Search

Context: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is progressing considerably worldwide. Identifying the risk factors of NAFLD is a critical step in preventing its progression. Methods: In November 2022, two independent researchers studied seven databases, including PubMed, ISI/WoS, ProQuest, Scopus, SID, Magiran, and Google Scholar, and reference list of relevant articles, searching studies that assessed NAFLD risk factors in the Iranian adult population. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed by Cochran’s test and its composition using I2 statistics. A random-effects model was used when heterogeneity was observed; otherwise, a fixed-effects model was applied. Egger’s regression test and Trim-and-Fill analysis were used to assess publication bias. Comprehensive Meta-analysis software (version 3) was used for the analyses of the present study. Results: The results of this study showed significant associations between NAFLD with age (n = 15, odds ratio (OR) = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.79 - 2.51), body mass index (n = 46, OR = 5.00, 95% CI: 3.34 - 7.49), waist circumference (n = 20, OR = 6.37, 95% CI: 3.25 - 12.48), waist-to-hip ratio (n = 17, OR = 4.72, 95% CI: 3.93 - 5.66), total cholesterol (n = 39, OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.52 - 2.13), high-density lipoprotein (n = 37, OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.44 - 0.65), low-density lipoprotein (n = 31, OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.38 - 2.05), triglyceride (n = 31, OR = 3.21, 95% CI: 2.67 - 3.87), alanine aminotransferase (n = 26, OR = 4.06, 95% CI: 2.94 - 5.62), aspartate aminotransferase (n = 27, OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.50 - 3.12), hypertension (n = 13, OR = 2.53, 95% CI: 2.32 - 2.77), systolic blood pressure (n = 13, OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.53 - 2.18), diastolic blood pressure (n = 14, OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.48 - 2.20), fasting blood sugar (n = 31, OR = 2.91, 95% CI: 2.11- 4.01), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (n = 5, OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.48 - 2.59), diabetes mellitus (n = 15, OR = 3.04, 95% CI: 2.46 - 3.75), metabolic syndrome (n = 10, OR = 3.56, 95% CI: 2.79 - 4.55), and physical activity (n = 11, OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.24 - 0.43) (P < 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, several factors are significantly associated with NAFLD. However, anthropometric indices had the strongest relationship with NAFLD in the Iranian adult population.

Background: Hematuria is one of the most common symptoms in nephrology and urology. Due to the lack of extensive meta-analysis studies on the epidemiology of hematuria in Iran, this study was conducted to determine the epidemiological status of hematuria in Iran. Methods: In Sep 2020, researchers studied six international databases such as PubMed, ISI/WOS, ProQuest, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar for English papers and Iranian databases (SID and MagIran) for Persian papers. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist was used to review and control the quality of articles. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed by Cochran's test and its composition using I2 statistics. Results: After several screening phase, the number of 25 article included to the final analysis. The prevalence of hematuria in the general population and children, in Iran were estimated at 16.4% (95% CI, - 0.05-37.9) and 1.6% (95% CI, 0.9-2.3) respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of women to men in the prevalence of hematuria in the general population 1.74, 95% CI: 1.20-2.52, P=0.003, patients with beta-thalassemia major 2.02, 95% CI: 1.11-3.65, P=0.020, children 2.61, 95% CI: 1.19-5.71, P=0.016, the elderly 1.50, 95% CI: 1.15-1.94, P=0.002, and taxi drivers 3.73, 95% CI: 2.58-5.38, P

Objectives The incidence of larynx cancer (LaC) from different areas of Iran were reported. Nevertheless, there is no available systematic reviews in this regard. Therefore, the present systematic review carried out to estimate the incidence rate of LaC among Iranian people. Method This systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) in October 2017. A search was concluded using Medline/PubMed, Embase, ISI web of knowledge, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google scholar for international papers and four national databases (Scientific Information Database, MagIran, IranMedex, and IranDoc) for Persian papers. The incidence rate of LaC was calculated using random effect model. Result An aggregate of 166 papers were retrieved in the primary search of the databases. Further screening and advanced refinement of the retrieved studies produced 13 studies totally. The age-standardized rate (ASR) of LaC was 2.70, 95% CI (1.86–3.53) and 0.46, 95% CI (0.31–0.61) in males and females, respectively. Conclusion In comparison to other parts of the world, the incidence of LaC was lower in Iran. Afterwards, further studies are necessary to outline the exact incidence rate and the trend of LaC in Iran.

Objective: Cervix Cancer (CC) is one of the major health problems among Iranian women and elsewhere around the world. Considering the importance of this cancer, the present study was conducted to determine the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of CC in Iran. Methods: A search was conducted using international databases (Medline/PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, Embase and ISI/ web of knowledge), and national databases (Scientific Information Database, MagIran, IranMedex, and IranDoc). This systematic review was carried out according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) check list in 2018. Thereafter, Persian and English language papers referring to the ASIR and ASMR of CC in Iran were included. Data were independently extracted by two reviewers. The Joanna Briggs checklist was carried out to evaluate the quality of studies. Result: A total of 522 papers were obtained in the initial search of the databases, and 25 articles were included to the review by further refinement and screening. Based on the random-effect model, the ASIR and ASMR of CC in Iran was 2.14 per 100000, 95% CI (1.89 to 2.38) and 0.93 per 100000, 95% CI (0.81 to 1.05), respectively. Conclusion: The incidence and mortality of CC in Iran was lower than other parts of the world. It should be noted that because of the high heterogeneity of the results of this study, we must judge with caution regarding the results.

Hepatocellular carcinoma or liver cancer (LC) is one of most important cancer around the world. There are several reports about LC incidence from various Iranian locations with conflicting results. The present study aimed to accomplish a systematic review to estimate the accurate incidence rate of LC among Iranian people. This systematic review was performed based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist in 2018. A literature search was conducted using international databases (Medline/PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar) for English papers and national databases (Scientific Information Database, MagIran, IranMedex, and IranDoc) for Persian papers which estimated incidence rate of LC in any geographical area of Iran. The incidence rate of LC was calculated using random effect model. Of 171 papers in the primary searches, 15 studies were included by advanced screening and refinement. The age-standardized rate (ASR) of LC was 1.66 (95% CI 1.49–1.83) for males and 1.25 (95% CI 1.12–1.38) for females. The incidence rate of LC in Iran was lower in comparison to other countries. Afterwards, more studies are necessary to outline the accurate incidence rate and the trend of LC among Iranian population.

Objective: Testicular cancer (TC), although it is one of the most unusual cancers, seems to be increasing. There is no accurate information on the incidence of this cancer in Iran. The present study is conducted to evaluate the incidence rates of TC in Iran. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on all published studies of TC incidence using Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar and four Iranian databases (Scientific Information Database, MagIran, IranMedex and IranDoc) until June 2018. This systematic review was done according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Result: The database searching yielded 132 potentially relevant studies. A total of 11 studies were included in the study. The results of the random-effects model were demonstrated that the age-standardised rate (ASR) of TC was 1.13, 95% confidence interval (0.97–1.29) among Iranian males. Conclusion: ASR for TC in Iran is lower than the world average; however, it has a higher incidence than other Asian countries.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Survival rates are among the most important factors in quality control and assessment of treatment protocols. This study was aimed to assess the survival rate of colorectal cancer in Eastern Mediterranean Region Countries. In the present study we comprehensively searched 6 international databases including PubMed/Medline, ProQuest, Scopus, Embase, Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar for published articles until November 2018. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Form for Cohort Studies was applied to evaluate the quality of included studies. The heterogeneity of papers was assessed with the Cochran Test and I-Square statistics. Meta-regression test was performed based on publication year, sample size and Human Development Index (HDI) of each study. Among the total of 1023 titles found in the systematic search, 43 studies were eligible to be included in the present meta-analysis. According to the results, the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year survival rate of patients with Colorectal Cancer was 88.07% (95% CI, 83.22-92.92), 70.67% (95% CI, 66.40-74.93) and, 57.26% (95% CI, 50.43-64.10); respectively. Furthermore, Meta-regressions did not show significant correlations between survival rate and year, sample size or Human Development Index. Survival rates, especially the 5-year survival rate in the EMRO were less than European countries and the USA. Documented and comprehensive evidence-based findings of the present meta-analysis can be used to enhance policies and outcomes of different medical areas including prophylaxis, treatment and health related objectives in colorectal cancer.

Background: Prostate cancer is one of the most common health issues among men, especially older men. In recent years, incidences of prostate cancer is increasing. Objective: The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive estimate of the survival of prostate cancer in Asian countries. Methods: We searched five international databases including Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Knowledge and ProQuest until June 1, 2018. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment was used to evaluate the quality of selected papers. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019117044). Results: A total of 714 titles were retrieved. Thirty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Based on the random-effect model one-year, five-year and ten-year survival rate of prostate cancer were 81% (95% CI 77.8–84.2), 61.9% (95% CI 59.5–64.3) and 36.2% (95% CI 9.2–63.2) respectively. Survival rates based on HDI level for five-year were 30.07, 43.43 and 70.84 percent for medium, high and very high levels, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results of our study, the prostate cancer survival rate in Asian countries is relatively lower than in Europe and North America.

Background: Esophageal Cancer (EC) is the eighth most common cancer in terms of incidence. Despite various studies, there is no general estimate of EC incidence in Iran. Therefore, the present study is conducted to evaluate the incidence rates of EC in Iran. Method: A systematic search was conducted on all published studies of EC incidence using Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of sciences, Google scholar, and four Iranian databases (Scientific Information Database, MagIran, IranMedex, and IranDoc) until November 2017. This systematic review was done according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). Result: The database, grey literature searches, and hand searching yielded 346 potentially relevant studies. A total of 22 studies were included. The results of the random effect model were demonstrated the age-standardized rate (ASR) of EC was 25.05, 95% CI (20.84 to 29.26) among males and 22.93 95 % CI (18.97-26.88) among females. Conclusion: In comparison to other geographical locations, the incidence of EC is higher in Iran. However, organized system for collecting data of cancer is required to specify the incidence and trend of EC in Iran.

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the main problems of public health around the world. As a consequence, survival rates are one of the most salient indicators for assessing the quality of cancer control and treatment programs. Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the survival rate of breast cancer in the Eastern Mediterranean region at different periods of time. Methods: Medline/PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, Embase, Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar databases until February 1, 2018. All observational studies (cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort) referring to the survival of breast cancer were included in the study. The heterogeneity and its value were examined by Cochran test and I2 statistics, respectively. Analysis of subgroups performed was based on geographical area and Human Development Index (HDI), using Stata 12 software. Findings: A total of 58 papers were analyzed. Based on a random effect model, the survival rates of breast cancer in different periods—1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10 years—were estimated at 93.9, 85, 79.8, 72.6, 69.2, 62.1 and 55.5 percent, respectively. The highest 10-year survival rate was in Iran (59.2%), and the lowest was observed in Bahrain (45%). Conclusions: Evidence suggests that about half of the patients in this area would die before 10 years survival, which is different from more developed countries. Also, high survival rates are associated with high human development index, which can help health policy-makers to better predict the outcomes of patients.

Hepatocellular carcinoma or Liver cancer (LC) is the sixth most common cancer and the fourth cause of death worldwide in 2018. There has not been a comprehensive study on the survival rate of patients with LC in Asia yet. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the survival rate of patients with LC in Asian countries. The methodology of the present study is based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) statement. The researchers searched five international databases including Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Knowledge and ProQuest until July 1, 2018. We also searched Google Scholar for detecting grey literature. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Form was used to evaluate the quality of selected papers. A total of 1425 titles were retrieved. 63 studies met the inclusion criteria. Based on the random-effect model one-year, three-year and five-year survival rate of LC were 34.8 % (95 % CI; 30.3-39.3), 19 % (95 % CI ; 18.2-21.8) and 18.1 % (95 % CI ;16.1-20.1) respectively. According to the results of our study, the LC survival rate in Asian countries is relatively lower than in Europe and North America.

Background: Childhood cancer (ChC) is very rare and occurs between birth and 14 years of age. There are several reports about ChC incidence from various regions of Iran, but with conflicting results. The present study aimed to do a systematic review to estimate the accurate incidence rate of ChC among Iranian people. Materials and Methods: This systematic review was performed based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist in 2018. A literature search was conducted using international databases (Medline/PubMed, Scopus, ISI/Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar) for English papers, and national databases (Scientific Information Database, MagIran, IranMedex, and IranDoc) for Persian papers which estimated the incidence rate of ChC in any geographical location in Iran. The incidence rate of ChC was calculated using random-effect model. Results: Out of 157 papers in the primary searches, 12 studies were included by advanced screening and refinement. The crude incidence rate (CIR) of ChC in 0-14 years was 16.8 per 100,000 (95% CI: 9.04-24.56) for boys and 16.56 per 100,000 (95% CI: 10.51-22.62) for girls. Conclusion: The incidence of ChC in Iran is higher compared to other parts of the world. Considering this issue, holding some interventional programs on tackling potential risk factors, including air pollution, in different regions of Iran is suggested.

Background Currently, two models of artificial neural network (ANN) and logistic regression (LR) are known as models that extensively used in medical sciences. The aim of this study was to compare the ANN and LR models in prediction of Health-related outcomes in traumatic patients using a systematic review. Methods The study was planned and conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist. A literature search of published studies was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of knowledge, Scopus, and Google Scholar in May 2018. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists was used for assessing the quality of the included articles. Results The literature searches yielded 326 potentially relevant studies from the primary searches. Overall, the review included 10 unique studies. The results of this study showed that the area under curve (AUC) for the ANN was 0.91, (95% CI 0.89–0.83) and 0.89, (95% CI 0.87–90) for the LR in random effect model. The accuracy rate for ANN and LR in random effect models were 90.5, (95% CI, 87.6–94.2) and 83.2, (95% CI 75.1–91.2), respectively. Conclusion The results of our study showed that ANN has better performance than LR in predicting the terminal outcomes of traumatic patients in both the AUC and accuracy rate. Using an ANN to predict the final implications of trauma patients can provide more accurate clinical decisions.

Background: Brain tumours (BTs) constitute approximately 88% of all central nervous system tumours. The present study aimed to determine the age-standardised rate (ASR) of BTs in Iran. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted on all studies of BTs incidence using Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar and Web of Sciences as international databases and Scientific Information Database, MagIran, IranMedex and IranDoc as Iranian databases until April 2018. This systematic review was done based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Results: The primary search yielded 312 relevant studies. A total of 17 studies were included after more detailed retrieval. The results of the random-effect model were demonstrated the ASR of BTs was 4.16 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.20–5.12) for males and 3.40 (95% CI, 2.67–4.13) for females. Conclusion: The incidence of BTs is lower in Iran compared to other parts of the world. The incidence of nervous system cancers is increasing base on region, geographical, and economic conditions in Iran. Hence, training programmes can be considered to reduce the risk factors, complications of nervous system cancers and early diagnosis of nervous tumors.