Golestan University

Sex-specific associations of ACE2 variants with COVID-19 hospitalization, viral load, and mortality: an Iranian hospital-based case-control study

Abstract Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 ( ACE2 ) is the cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2, and its genetic polymorphisms may influence COVID-19 susceptibility. This hospital-based case-control study investigated the association between three ACE2 SNPs (rs2285666, rs4646127, rs971...

Self-efficacy of oral health in pregnant women in Bojnurd, Iran: a cross-sectional study

Maintaining good oral and dental health during pregnancy is a key factor in supporting the overall health of both mother and baby. Enhancing oral and dental self-care behaviors within the community requires an understanding of the underlying factors that influence decision-making...

Trend analysis of breast cancer screening in Golestan province’s family physician program: performance evaluation for women aged 30–69

In the ranking of cancer incidence for the year, female breast cancer was the most common cancer in the north-east region of Iran. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the trend of breast cancer screening within Golestan province’s Family Physician Program. This repeated...

A new metaheuristic optimization algorithm based on COVID-19: mathematical model and application to pandemic control

Abstract This paper introduces the COVID-19 optimization algorithm (COA), a novel metaheuristic inspired by the dynamical processes of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, including viral transmission, quarantine measures, recovery, and mutation. COA models the search for optimal solutions t...

Prevalence and root canal configuration of C-shaped canals in mandibular first and second molars: a retrospective cross-sectional CBCT study in a northern Iranian population

Abstract Background C-shaped canal systems show marked anatomical variation along the root and can complicate cleaning, shaping, and obturation. This study estimated their patient- and tooth-level prevalence and described their cross-sectional configurations in mandibular first a...

Treatment-associated changes in SESN2, NFATC1, and NRF2 gene expression in rheumatoid arthritis: a comparative study of newly diagnosed and DMARD-treated patients

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by uncontrolled joint inflammation and progressive structural damage in the joints. Sestrin 2 ( SESN2 ) and nuclear factor erythroid-related 2 ( NRF2 ) acts as critical regulators of cellular redox homeostasis and...

Association between preoperative hypoalbuminemia and postoperative complications in spinal fusion surgery: an approach- and spinal level-stratified meta-analysis

While hypoalbuminemia is recognized as a risk factor for adverse postoperative outcomes in various surgeries, its specific impact on spinal fusion outcomes has not been systematically synthesized. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between preoperative hypoalbum...

Diffusion tensor tractography of the corpus callosum in major depressive disorder: a case-control study

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common and disabling psychiatric disorder that has been associated with alterations in white-matter microstructure, including abnormalities of the corpus callosum. This study aimed to compare the brain tracts of the corpus callosum using diffu...