Despite the rising trend for applying platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in the management of various types of scars, there is no convincing evidence supporting its use. This motivated us to review the randomized clinical trials that examine the effectiveness and safety of PRP, alone or in combination with other methods, for the management of atrophic or hypertrophic/keloidal scars. The Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched until September 1st, 2020. Thirteen clinical trials were enrolled in the meta‐analysis, and 10 more were reviewed for their results. The random effect meta‐analysis method was used to assess the effect size of each outcome for each treatment type, and I2 was used to calculate the statistical heterogeneity between the studies. Patients treated with PRP experienced an overall response rate of 23%, comparable to the results seen with laser or micro‐needling (22% and 23%, respectively) When used alone, moderate improvement was the most frequently observed degree of response with PRP (36%) whereas, when added to laser or micro‐needling, most patients experienced marked (33%, 43%, respectively) or excellent (32% and 23%, respectively) results. Concerning the hypertrophic/keloid scars, the only study meeting the required criteria reported a better improvement and fewer adverse effects when PRP was added to the intralesional corticosteroids. Platelet‐rich plasma appears to be a safe and effective treatment for various types of atrophic scars. In addition, when added to ablative lasers or micro‐needling, it seems to considerably add to the efficacy of treatment and reduce the side effects.

IntroductionColorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancers among Iranian people. The study of spatio-temporal distribution of disease has an important role in the design of disease prevention programmes. The purpose of the current study was to describe the spatio-temporal distribution of CRC in the Iranian military community as a sample of the Iranian population.MethodsIn the current ecological study, all registered cancer cases in the Iranian military community during the period 2007–2016 were considered. To identify hotspots, Getis-Ord Gi statistics were used. All analyses were performed using ArcGIS 10.5 and Excel 2010.ResultsThe highest incidences of CRC in 2007–2008, 2009–2010 and 2011–2012 were recorded in Kermanshah province. The highest incidences of CRC in 2013–2014 were seen in Kermanshah, Ghilan, Tehran and North Khorasan. In 2007–2008 and 2009–2010, hotspots were detected in West Azarbayjan. In 2011–2012, hotspots were detected in Zanjan and Qazvin. In 2013–2014, a hotspot was detected in Qazvin. Finally, West Azerbaijan was the hotspot for CRC in 2015–2016.ConclusionsThe incidence of CRC in men was higher than in women. Also it appeared that North and North West Iran were risk areas for this disease, and so these areas should be considered in the design of disease prevention programme for this cancer type. Additionally, the determination of individual risk factors in the aforementioned geographical areas can play an important role in the prevention of this type of cancer.

Objectives: The association of comorbidity diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension with the severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been repeatedly assessed. However, less research has specifically addressed the elderly. This study aimed to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics and evaluate the relationship between comorbidities, and the rates of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 in the elderly. Methods & Materials: This retrospective study was conducted in elderly patients with COVID-19 admitted to Baharloo Hospital. Demographic information, types of underlying diseases, and need for hospitalization in the ICU or death in hospital among the hospitalized patients from March 2020 to July 2020 was extracted from the COVID-19 hospital database. The logistic regression model was used to estimate the Odds Ratio (OR), as a separate measure of the association between the research variables’ outcomes (death & hospitalization outcomes in the ICU). Results: A total of 522 elderly patients were included in the study. Approximately 77% (n=422) of the elderly survived and 23% (n=100) died. The study participants’ mean±SD age was 72.55±8.44 years. besides, and about 54%(n=281) were males. Logistic regression model results suggested that the odds of death in the study participants with ≥2 underlying diseases equaled 1.69 (OR=1.69, 95%CI: 0.97-2.91, P=0.04). Moreover, the odds of ICU hospitalization in them was 2.26 (OR=2.26, 95%CI: 1.34-3.81, P=0.002) time higher than their counterparts who did not have underlying diseases, i.e., statistically significant. Conclusion: Our results are expected to impact preventive interventions and take a more targeted approach to prioritize older patients with risk factors, rather than adopting calendar age policies as a general indicator for risk assessment.

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Abstract Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to description of the epidemiological features and hotspot of COVID-19 in Isfahan province of Iran.Method: In this descriptive, retrospective cohort, multicenter study, all patients admitted to one of the hospitals or health networks of Isfahan province from 3rd February to 13th June 2020 due to RT-PCR (Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) test were enrolled to study. Trained staff followed up participants for two weeks by a Telephone number, and the outcome was recorded.Result: Up to 13 June, 41,498 patients recruited and their data were analyzed; the incidence of COVID-19 was 27.5% (95% CI: 27.1, 28.2). Among the participants with the positive test, 93.2% of them, treated by outpatient basis or discharged, 2.1% were hospitalized, and the case fatality rate (CFR) was 4.8%. Khansar and Aradestan was the hotspot of COVID-19 and had the highest incidence among cities of Isfahan province. Najafabad, Khomeinishahr, and Shahinshahr&Meymeh had the highest imported cases of COVID-19 to the capital of Isfahan province, Isfahan city. Also, Charmahal & Bakhtiari, Khuzestan, and Fars provinces had the highest number of imported cases from other provinces to Isfahan city. We found that 77.3% of intra-province imported cases and about 83% of inter-province cases were imported after reducing lockdown.conclusion:The incidence and fatality of COVID-19 in Isfahan province is alarming. Inter-city and inter-provincial unnecessary travels have a high impact on the transmission and spread of the COVID-19. Applying more restrictions will prevent this from happening. It is advised to restrict the inter cities travels again by policy makers for the benefit of public health.