Background We aimed to determine the characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes associated with readmission in COVID-19 patients. Methods PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched to retrieve articles on readmitted COVID-19 patients, available up to September 25, 2021. All studies comparing characteristics of readmitted and non-readmitted COVID-19 patients were included. We also included articles reporting the reasons for readmission in COVID-19 patients. Data were pooled and meta-analyzed using random or fixed-effect models, as appropriate. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the place and duration of readmission. Results Our meta-analysis included 4823 readmitted and 63,413 non-readmitted COVID-19 patients. The re-hospitalization rate was calculated at 9.3% with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [5.5%–15.4%], mostly associated with respiratory or cardiac complications (48% and 14%, respectively). Comorbidities including cerebrovascular disease (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.812; 95% CI [1.547–2.121]), cardiovascular (2.173 [1.545–3.057]), hypertension (1.608 [1.319–1.960]), ischemic heart disease (1.998 [1.495–2.670]), heart failure (2.556 [1.980–3.300]), diabetes (1.588 [1.443–1.747]), cancer (1.817 [1.526–2.162]), kidney disease (2.083 [1.498–2.897]), chronic pulmonary disease (1.601 [1.438–1.783]), as well as older age (1.525 [1.175–1.978]), male sex (1.155 [1.041–1.282]), and white race (1.263 [1.044–1.528]) were significantly associated with higher readmission rates ( P < 0.05 for all instances). The mortality rate was significantly lower in readmitted patients (OR = 0.530 [0.329–0.855], P = 0.009). Conclusions Male sex, white race, comorbidities, and older age were associated with a higher risk of readmission among previously admitted COVID-19 patients. These factors can help clinicians and policy-makers predict, and conceivably reduce the risk of readmission in COVID-19 patients.

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a unique corneal stromal laser ablation method that uses an excimer laser to reach beneath corneal dome-shaped tissues. In contrast, surface ablation methods, such as photorefractive keratectomy, include removing epithelium and cutting off the Bowman’s layer and the stromal tissue of the anterior corneal surface. Dry eye disease (DED) is the most common complication after LASIK. DED is a typical multi-factor disorder of the tear function and ocular surface that occurs when the eyes fail to produce efficient or adequate volumes of tears to moisturize the eyes. DED influences quality of life and visual perception, as symptoms often interfere with daily activities such as reading, writing, or using video display monitors. Generally, DED brings about discomfort, symptoms of visual disturbance, focal or global tear film instability with possible harm to the ocular surface, the increased osmolarity of the tear film, and subacute inflammation of the ocular surface. Almost all patients develop a degree of dryness in the postoperative period. Detection of preoperative DED and committed examination and treatment in the preoperative period, and continuing treatments postoperatively lead to rapid healing, fewer complications, and improved visual outcomes. To improve patient comfort and surgical outcomes, early treatment is required. Therefore, in this study, we aim to comprehensively review studies on the management and current treatment options for post-LASIK DED.

Cancer is responsible for the death of millions of people all around the world. Among the large group of cancers, the prevalence of breast cancer is highest in women. Therapeutic interventions, including removal surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy which is largely used, may cause adverse effects on the quality of patients’ life. This fact has encouraged researchers to find natural substances such as honey to overcome harmful effects. Nowadays, honey is recommended for plenty of abnormalities because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Various studies have been conducted to explore the anticancer benefits of different types of honey from different origins. In this review, we are going to summarize in-vitro, animal, and human studies on the anti-breast cancer potential of honey.

Objectives Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease in the world, becoming more prevalent with increasing age, and causes a significant burden on individuals and society. So far, several factors have been identified in association with OA of the knee joint. Age is the most crucial uncontrollable risk factor for OA. There are conflicting results regarding the relationship between patellofemoral joint orientation and OA. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between patellofemoral joint alignment and OA evidence. Material and methods A total of 277 MRIs performed at Imam Reza Hospital during the first half of 2017 were included. Patients were divided into two groups, under 50 years old and over 50 years old. Femoral sulcus angle (SA) and depth (SD), lateral patellar displacement (LPD), tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TTTG), lateral patellofemoral angle (LPFA), and Insall-Salvati index were measured in axial and sagittal images. The morphology of the patellofemoral articular cartilage was evaluated and the grade of joint damage was determined. P -value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results Significant correlations between SA ( p -value = 0.01), SD ( p -value < 0.001), Insall-Salvati index ( p -value < 0.001), LPD ( p -value = 0.02) values and OA in patients less than 50 years old were observed. A weak correlation was observed between SD and Insall-Salvati index values with increasing grade of articular cartilage damage ( r = 0.21 and r = 0.21, respectively). Conclusions Patellofemoral joint asymmetry in the younger people was significantly associated with joint cartilage damage and premature patellofemoral joint OA. Joint misalignment by stressing the articular cartilage causes joint cartilage changes that may be congenital or due to bone injuries such as trauma and surgery.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one the leading causes of death in the world. Obesity is known as one of the essential risk factors for CVDs. According to the available literature, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) are strongly associated with CVDs. This study aims to evaluate the relation between SAT and VAT with other predictors of CVDs, using ultrasound. The present study was conducted in 2018 using the data extracted from a cohort study that was carried out among the staff and faculty members of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS). The study group consisted of 797 males and 950 females. The data on anthropometric and biochemical measurements were extracted from the cohort. An ultrasound test was performed to measure the visceral and subcutaneous fat tissue, and IBM SPSS 26 was used to analyze the data. Our findings show that there is a major correlation between VAT and age, weight, waist circumference, and triglycerides. Also, there was a significant association between abdomen circumference, waist circumference, and triglycerides with SAT. The current study highlights the importance of monitoring changes in adipose tissue diameter due to its close connection with CVD risk factors