Correction to: Effect of selenium supplementation on antioxidant markers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (Hormones, (2019), 18, 4, (451-462), 10.1007/s42000-019-00143-3)

The original version of this article, published on 10 December 2019 contained a mistake. © 2020, Hellenic Endocrine Society

Clinical outcomes and electrolyte balance factors in complex cardiac operations in adults; del nido versus custodiol cardioplegia solutions: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Background: Cardioplegia is used for protection of myocardium during cardiac operations. Del Nido (DN) and Custodiol cardioplegia solutions are used for prolonged protection of the myocardium during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Custodiol cardioplegia (CC) solution is gaining popularity for myocardial protection during cardiopulmonary bypass. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of Custodiol with another cardioplegia solution, Del Nido, on myocardial protection during cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: In a randomized controlled clinical trial, forty patients were randomly allocated to DN and Custodiol (CC) groups. Patients in both groups received a normal anesthesia protocol. For cardioplegia, in the DN group, the DN solution was administered every 90 minutes by the antegrade route. In the Custodiol group, the Custodiol solution was administered in the same way at the beginning of the cardioplegia. Demographic information, blood chemistry parameters and other related perioperative and postoperative clinical indices were recorded. Results: Frequency of female patients was 14/21 (66.66) in the DN and 12/19 (63.15) in the CC group (P = 0.816), age was 57.14 ± 12.48 years in the DN and 59.47 ± 11.96 years in the CC group (P = 0.551), weight was 70.95 ± 9.56 kilograms in the DN and 69.63 ± 7.64 kilograms in the CC group (P = 0.635), CPB time was103.19 ± 23.43 minutes in the DN versus 97.36 ± 16.7 minutes in the CC group (P = 0.376), and cross-clamp time was 73.76 ± 19.66 minutes in the DN and 83.95 ± 16.14 minutes in the CC group (P = 0.083). Blood chemistry and blood gas analysis revealed a similar trend between the two groups in these parameters (P > 0.05) except for higher sodium levels after cardioplegia (P = 0.016) and end of CPB (P = 0.002), potassium levels after cardioplegia (P = 0.029), and bicarbonate anions at the end of bypass (P = 0.03) in the custodiol group. Conclusions: In conclusion, CC and DN offer effective myocardial protection during cardiopulmonary bypass. It is recommended to restrict the use of CC in patients susceptible to electrolyte disturbances. © 2018, Author(s)

Health-related quality of life according to the socioeconomic status of living areas in Iranian children and adolescents: Weight disorders survey

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become a major concern in the field of children�s health research. We assessed HRQoL among Iranian children and adolescents according to the socioeconomic status (SES) of their living region. Methods: Via multistage cluster sampling from rural and urban school students aged 6 to 18 years, this nationwide study was conducted from 2011 to 2012. HRQoL was assessed using the adolescent core version of the Pediatric Quality of Life questionnaire. Through survey data analysis methods, the data were compared according to the SES of the living region, sex, and the living area. Results: Overall, 23043 students participated in the survey (participation rate=92.2). The mean age of the participants was 12.55±3.31 years. Boys accounted for 50.8 of the study population, and 73.4 were from urban areas. At national level, the mean of the HRQoL total score was 81.7 (95 CI: 81.3 to 82.1) with a mean of 83.5 (95 CI: 83.0 to 84.1) for the boys and 79.8 (95 CI: 79.1 to 80.5) for the girls. The highest and the lowest scores, respectively, belonged to social functioning (90.0 95% CI: 89.7 to 90.3) and emotional functioning (78.2 95% CI: 77.7 to 78.7). The highest total HRQoL score belonged to the second highest SES region of the country (mean=83.1; 95% CI: 82.5 to 83.7). The association between total HRQoL and the score of all the subscales and SES in the living area was statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that in the children and adolescents, SES was associated with HRQoL. Accordingly, HRQoL and the related SES differences should be considered one of the priorities in health research and health policy. © 2019, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Epigenetic control of atherosclerosis via DNA methylation: A new therapeutic target?

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which lipid-laden plaques are developed inside the vessel walls of arteries. The immune system is activated, resulting in inflammation and oxidative stress. Endothelial cells (ECs) are activated, arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) proliferate, macrophages are activated, and foam cells are developed, leading to dysfunctional ECs. Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs are involved in the modulation of genes that play distinct roles in several aspects of cell biology and physiology, hence linking environmental stimuli to gene regulation. Recent research has investigated the involvement of DNA methylation in the etiopathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and several studies have documented the role of this mechanism in various aspects of the disease. Regulation of DNA methylation plays a critical role in the integrity of ECs, SMC proliferation and formation of atherosclerotic lesions. In this review, we seek to clarify the role of DNA methylation in the development of atherosclerosis through different mechanisms. © 2020 Elsevier Inc

Determinants of life satisfaction in Iranian children and adolescents: the CASPIAN-IV study

Background: Life satisfaction (LS) in children and adolescents is important because of its effects on their school performance and the future adulthood life. In this multicentric study, we examined some determinants of LS in the pediatric age group. Method: This multicentric study was a part of the fourth national school-based surveillance program in Iran (2011�2012). It was conducted among 14,880 children and adolescents, aged 6�18 years, living in 30 provinces in Iran. We used the questionnaire of the World Health Organization on Global School-based Health Survey (WHO-GSHS), which was translated to Persian and validated in Iranian children and adolescents. LS was defined by a single question: �Generally, which score between 0 (the worst) to 10 (the best) do you feel well describes your life at the moment?� The score of six and above was considered as satisfied. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the determinants of LS. Results: In total, 13,486 students completed the study (response rate 90.6). Overall, 86.7, 78.19, and 71.44 of students were satisfied with their life in elementary, middle, and high schools. Students in middle school (OR 0.83; 95 CI 0.73, 0.96) and high schools (OR 0.63; 95 CI 0.54, 0.72) were less satisfied with their life. Students with moderate (OR 1.36; 95 CI 1.20, 1.54) and good (OR 1.66; 95 CI 1.44, 1.91) socioeconomic status were more satisfied than those with low status. Those who consulted with one (OR 1.56; 95 CI 1.34, 1.81) or both (OR 2.22; 95 CI 1.89, 2.60) of their parents were more satisfied with their life. Students who felt being accepted by their peers were 1.34 (95 CI 1.18, 1.52) times more satisfied with their life. Other associated variables were weekly (OR 1.3; 95 CI 1.12, 1.572) or daily (OR 1.6; 95 CI 01.12, 1.57) fruit consumption, moderate (OR 1.14; 95 CI 1.01, 1.29) and high (OR 1.1; 95 CI 1.02, 1.347) physical activity, good self-rated health (OR 2.11; 95 CI 1.88, 2.37), and daily tooth brushing (OR 1.31; 95 CI 1.18, 1.46). Students with anxiety (OR 0.73; 95 CI 0.65, 0.82) and depression (OR 0.73; 95 CI 0.58, 0.74) were less satisfied with their life. Conclusion: Some demographic and lifestyle factors, including higher socioeconomic status, consultation with parents, healthy dietary, and physical activity habits, were associated with higher LS in children and adolescents. Then, interventions that focus on improving lifestyle factors and parents� support could increase LS among children and adolescents. © 2017 Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Healt

TBX18 transcription factor overexpression in human-induced pluripotent stem cells increases their differentiation into pacemaker-like cells

Background: The discovery of gene- and cell-based strategies has opened a new area to investigate novel approaches for the treatment of many conditions caused by cardiac cell failure. The TBX18 (T-box 18) transcription factor is considered as a prominent factor in the sinoatrial node (SAN) formation during the embryonic development. In this in vitro study, the effect of TBX18 gene expression on human-induced pluripotent-stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPS-CMs) to induce pacemaker-like cells was examined. Methods: The human-dermal-fibroblast-derived iPSCs were transfected using chemical, physical, and Lentiviral methods of TBX18 gene delivery during differentiation into cardiomyocytes (CMs). After the differentiation process through small-molecule-based temporal modulation of the Wnt signaling pathway, the hiPSC-CMs were analyzed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence, whole-cell patch-clamp recording, and western blotting to investigate the accuracy of differentiation and identify the effect exerted by TBX18. Results: The hiPS-CMs showed spontaneous beating and expressed specific markers of cardiac cells. The lentiviral-mediated TBX18 delivery was the most efficient method for transfection. The results showed the increment in Connexin 43 expression among untransfected hiPS-CMs, whereas this protein was significantly downregulated followed by TBX18 overexpression. TBX18-hiPSCMs were detected with pacemaker cell features. Conclusions: It was demonstrated that the TBX18 gene is able to conduct hiPSCs to differentiate into pacemaker-like cells. The TBX18 gene delivery seems to have the potential for the development of biological pacemakers; however, more investigations are still needed to assess its usefulness to fix arrhythmic conditions with SAN failure basis. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Functional biological pacemaker generation by T-Box18 protein expression via stem cell and viral delivery approaches in a murine model of complete heart block

Despite recent advances in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmia, the available options are still limited and associated with some complications. Induction of biological pacemakers via Tbx18 gene insertion in the heart tissue has been suggested as a promising therapeutic strategy for cardiac arrhythmia. Following a previous in vitro study reporting the production of Tbx18-expressing human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPS-CMs), we aimed to investigate the efficacy of these engineered cells to generate pacemaker rhythms in a murine model of complete heart block. We also attempted to generate a functional pacemaker by Tbx18 overexpression in native cardiac cells of rat heart. The hiPSC-derived pacemaker cells were produced by lentiviral delivery of Tbx18 gene to stem cells during a small molecule-based differentiation process. In the present study, 16 male albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned to Tbx18-lentivirus (n = 4) and Tbx18-pacemaker cells (n = 4) administered via injection into the left ventricular anterolateral wall. The control rats received GFP-lentiviruses (n = 4) and GFP-pacemaker cells (n = 4). Fourteen days after the injection, the rats were sacrificed and analyzed by electrocardiography (ECG) recording using a Langendorff-perfused heart model following complete heart block induced by hypokalemia and crashing. Immunofluorescence staining was used to investigate the expression of Tbx18, HCN4 and connexin 43 (Cx43) proteins in Tbx18-delivered cells of heart tissues. The heart rate was significantly reduced after complete heart block in all of the experimental rats (P < 0.05). Heart beating in the Tbx18-transduced hearts was slower compared with rats receiving Tbx18-pacemaker cells (P = 0.04). The duration of ventricular fibrillation (VF) was higher in the lentiviral Tbx18 group compared with the GFP-injected controls (P = 0.02) and the Tbx18-pacemaker cell group (P = 0.02). The ECG recording data showed spontaneous pacemaker rhythms in both intervention groups with signal propagation in Tbx18-transduced ventricles. Immunostaining results confirmed the overexpression of HCN4 and downregulation of Cx43 as a result of the expression of the Tbx18 gene and spontaneously contracting myocyte formation. We confirmed the formation of a functional pacemaker after introduction of Tbx18 via cell and gene therapy strategies. Although the pacemaker activity was better in gene-received hearts since there were longer VF duration and signal propagation from the injection site, more data should be gathered from the long-term activity of such pacemakers in different hosts. © 201

Hepatitis B virus infection in Iranian hemodialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in hemodialysis patients and its associated adverse health consequences are a worldwide health priority. This systematic review aimed to provide evidence on HBV infection in Iranian hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods. Through a comprehensive systematic review of literature, which led to meta-analysis of findings, we estimated the pooled prevalence of HBV infection in Iranian hemodialysis patients. The main international electronic data sources were MEDLINE, Institute of Scientific Information, and Scopus. We also search several Persian-language databases. All cross-sectional and analytical studies conducted in Iran concerning HBV infection were included irrespective of date and language. Results. Of 602 publications retrieved from literature search, 66 met the inclusion criteria, and 36 were eligible for including in the study. The prevalence rate varied from zero to 9.75 across different provinces. The national prevalence of HBV was reported between 2.1 and 18.2. Significant heterogeneity was found between reported prevalence rates (I2 = 83.5, P &lt; .001), as a result of which, we used random effect analysis. Results of meta-analysis showed that the estimated pooled prevalence was 4 (95 confidence interval, 3.3 to 4.7). Conclusions. To our knowledge, this was the first comprehensive systematic review of HBV infection in the hemodialysis patients of Iran. Results could be useful for informed health policy making and planning further studies in this field. © 2018, Iranian Society of Nephrology. All rights reserved

Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors has been increasing worldwide. The results of reported studies on the effects of zinc supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors are unequivocal. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors. A systematic search was conducted through international databases (PubMed/Medline, Institute of Scientific Information, and Scopus) until December 2018 to include all randomized controlled trials (RCT), quasi-RCT, and controlled clinical trials which assessed the effect of zinc supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors including lipid profile, glycemic indices, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices. Random- or fixed-effects meta-analysis method was used to estimate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95 confidence interval (CI). A total of 20 studies were included in the meta-analysis, which included a total of 1141 participants in the intervention group. Meta-analysis showed that zinc supplementation significantly decreased plasma levels of triglyceride (SMD � 0.66, 95 CI � 1.27, � 0.06), very-low-density lipoprotein (SMD � 1.59, 95 CI � 2.86, � 0.31), and total cholesterol (SMD � 0.65, 95 CI � 1.15, � 0.15). Similarly, zinc supplementation significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (SMD � 0.52, 95 CI � 0.96, � 0.07) and HbA1c (SMD � 0.64, 95 CI � 1.27, � 0.02). The effects of zinc supplementation on blood pressure and anthropometric indices were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Zinc supplements had beneficial effects on glycemic indices and lipid profile. Thus, it appeared that zinc supplementation might be associated with a decrease in cardiometabolic risk factors contributing to a reduction in risk of atherosclerosis. © 2019, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature