Diagnostic Indicators of ECG for Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon; a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Currently, epicardial coronary angiography is still the only diagnostic tool for Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon (CSFP). This study aimed to systematically review studies that compared Electrocardiogram (ECG) findings between patients with and without CSFP. Methods: Using relevant key terms, we systematically searched MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science to find relevant studies up to February 5th, 2023. Effect sizes in each study were calculated as mean differences and crude odds ratio; then, random-effect models using inverse variance and Mantel-Haenszel methods were used to pool standardized mean differences (SMD) and crude odds ratios, respectively. Results: Thirty-two eligible articles with a total sample size of 3,937 patients (2,069 with CSFP) were included. CSFP patients had higher P-wave maximum (Pmax) (SMD: 1.02 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29 - 1.76); p=0.006) and P-dispersion (Pd) (SMD: 1.63 (95% CI: 0.99 - 2.27); p<0.001) compared to the control group. CSFP group also showed significantly longer QT wave maximum duration (SMD: 0.69 (95% CI: 0.33 - 1.06); p<0.001), uncorrected QTd (SMD: 1.89(95% CI: 0.67 - 3.11); p=0.002), and corrected dispersion (QTcd) (SMD: 1.63 (95% CI: 1.09 - 2.17), p<0.001). The frontal QRS-T angle was significantly higher in the CSFP group in comparison with the control group (SMD: 1.18 (95% CI: 0.31 - 2.04; p=0.007). While CSFP patients had a significantly higher T-peak to T-end (Tp-e) (SMD:1.71 (95% CI: 0.91, 2.52), p<0.001), no significant difference was noted between groups in terms of Tp-e to QT (p=0.16) and corrected QT ratios (p=0.07). Conclusion: Our findings suggest several ECG parameters, such as P max, Pd, QT, QTc, QTd, QTcd, Tp-e, and frontal QRS-T angle, may be prolonged in CSFP patients, and they could be employed as diagnostic indicators of CSFP before angiography

Short-term and long-term mate preference in men and women in an Iranian population.

Mate preference in short-term relationships and long-term ones may depend on many physical, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. In this study, 178 students (81 females) in sports and 153 engineering students (64 females) answered the systemizing quotient (SQ) and empathizing quotient (EQ) questionnaires and had their digit ratio measured. They rated their preferred mate on 12 black-line drawing body figures varying in body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) for short-term and long-term relationships. Men relative to women preferred lower WHR and BMI for mate selection for both short-term and long-term relationships. BMI and WHR preference in men is independent of each other, but has a negative correlation in women. For men, digit ratio was inversely associated with BMI (p = 0.039, B = - 0.154) preference in a short-term relationship, and EQ was inversely associated with WHR preference in a long-term relationship (p = 0.045, B = - 0.164). Furthermore, men and women in sports, compared to engineering students, preferred higher (p = 0.009, B = 0.201) and lower BMI (p = 0.034, B = - 0.182) for short-term relationships, respectively. Women were more consistent in their preferences for short-term and long-term relationships relative to men. Both biological factors and social/experiential factors contribute to mate preferences in men while in women, mostly social/experiential factors contribute to them

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affects the Definition of a Condition? A commentary on the diagnostic process of Autism Spectrum Disorder

NON

Sex hormone therapy in Multiple Sclerosis: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials

Background In spite of the observed immunomodulatory properties of different sex hormones on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in different investigations, to date, there has been no study to systematically review the documents to add more powerful data to the field. Objectives Therefore, in this paper we aim to systematically review clinical and randomized controlled trials (RCT) assessing the effect of sex hormone therapies on individuals with MS. Design A comprehensive search of electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus was conducted. Clinical trials and RCTs that assessed the impact of sex hormones on individuals with MS were selected and included in the systematic review. Data sources and methods In the final phase of the search strategy, 9 papers reached the criteria for entering in the systematic review. Two independent reviewers extracted the relevant data from each article according to the standardized data extraction form. Two reviewers also assessed the quality of each study independently using PEDro scale. Results We categorized three different classifications of outcomes including clinical, MRI, and immune system findings and put each measured outcome in the category which matched best. Conclusion In conclusion, the existed investigations on the effect of sex hormones on inflammatory and neurodegenerative components of MS are promising particularly in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)

Datasheet1_Utility of electrocardiogram to predict the occurrence of the no-reflow phenomenon in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI): a systematic review and meta-analysis.docx

BackgroundThe no-reflow phenomenon affects about one out of five patients undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI). As the prolonged no-reflow phenomenon is linked with unfavorable outcomes, making early recognition is crucial for effective management and improved clinical outcomes in these patients. Our review study aimed to determine whether electrocardiogram (ECG) findings before PCI could serve as predictors for the occurrence of the no-reflow phenomenon.Methods and materialsWe systematically searched MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase to identify relevant studies. The random-effect model using inverse variance and Mantel-Haenszel methods were used to pool the standardized mean differences (SMD) and odds ratios (OR), respectively.ResultSixteen eligible articles (1,473 cases and 4,264 controls) were included in this study. Based on our meta-analysis of baseline ECG findings, the no-reflow group compared to the control group significantly had a higher frequency of fragmented QRS complexes (fQRS) (OR (95% CI): 1.35 (0.32–2.38), P-value = 0.01), and Q-waves (OR (95% CI): 1.97 (1.01–2.94), P-value ConclusionOur findings suggest that prolonged QRSD, delayed RWPT, higher fQRS prevalence, and the presence of a Q wave on baseline ECG may predict the occurrence of the no-reflow phenomenon in patients undergoing PPCI.</p