This study provides a systematic review of the literature on the association between noise pollution during pregnancy and congenital malformations, including neural tube defects, orofacial clefts, cardiac defects, and hearing dysfunction. The search used the keywords “noise pollution during pregnancy” and “congenital issues.” Two independent investigators extracted studies from Web of Science, Medline (PubMed), Embase, and Scopus through July 2024. After removing duplicates, a systematic review of 11 studies and a meta-analysis of 9 studies were conducted, involving 1,522,346 participants. The review followed PRISMA guidelines and utilized the JBI critical appraisal checklist. Data were extracted in Excel and analyzed using STATA 17. Noise pollution during pregnancy was significantly associated with congenital anomalies (OR = 1.68, 95

Background: Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential in intensive care units, especially when caring for patients with severe respiratory infections. At the same time, prolonged use of respirators, gloves, gowns, and face shields, together with frequent hand hygiene, can irritate the skin and weaken the skin barrier. These reactions may affect comfort during long shifts and make continued PPE use more difficult. Objective: This study evaluated the prevalence, clinical characteristics, morphology, symptoms, and anatomical distribution of PPE-associated skin lesions among ICU healthcare workers. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included physicians and nurses working in respiratory infection ICUs of governmental hospitals affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Demographic and occupational data were collected using a structured questionnaire. All participants were examined by board-certified dermatologists, and lesion type, morphology, symptoms, and anatomical distribution were recorded. Results: Among 68 ICU healthcare workers, 61 participants (89.7%; 95% CI, 80.0–95.8) had at least one PPE-associated skin lesion. Clinically diagnosed contact dermatitis was the most frequent diagnosis (77.9%), followed by acne (10.3%) and eczema (7.4%). Erythema was the most frequent morphological finding (70.6%), pruritus was the most frequently reported symptom (88.2%), and the hands were the most commonly affected anatomical site (83.8%). Conclusion: PPE-associated skin lesions were common in this regional ICU cohort. Clinically diagnosed contact dermatitis, pruritus, erythema, and hand involvement were the predominant findings. Because the cross-sectional design does not establish causality, these findings should be interpreted as clinically probable occupational associations and require confirmation in larger longitudinal studies.

A BSTRACT Objective: The objective is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding 1% topical cetirizine to 5% topical minoxidil compared with topical minoxidil alone in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Methods: In this single-blind randomized clinical trial, 62 patients with AGA were allocated to receive either topical minoxidil 5% twice daily (monotherapy group, n = 31) or topical minoxidil 5% twice daily plus topical cetirizine 1% once daily (adjunctive therapy group, n = 31) for 16 weeks. Primary outcomes included changes in hair density and hair diameter scores. Secondary outcomes were global photography score, patient satisfaction, and treatment-related adverse events. Findings: Both groups demonstrated improvement from baseline in hair density and hair diameter scores after 16 weeks of treatment. However, no significant differences were observed between groups in hair density score (0.65 ± 0.61 vs. 0.68 ± 0.60, P = 0.987), hair diameter score (1.29 ± 0.59 vs. 1.39 ± 0.62, P = 0.628), or global photography score (1.00 ± 0.68 vs. 1.06 ± 0.57, P = 0.697). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the adjunctive therapy group than in the monotherapy group (1.82 ± 1.07 vs. 1.13 ± 0.85, P = 0.004). Two cases of local irritation were reported in the monotherapy group, whereas no adverse events were reported in the adjunctive therapy group. Conclusion: The addition of 1% topical cetirizine to topical minoxidil did not result in superior objective hair-growth outcomes compared with minoxidil alone. Although patient satisfaction was higher among patients receiving adjunctive cetirizine, this finding may be attributable to factors other than a direct pharmacologic effect. Further double-blind, vehicle-controlled studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to clarify the role of topical cetirizine in the management of AGA.

Cancer remains the foremost cause of mortality worldwide. Additionally, malnutrition frequently occurs among cancer patients and constitutes a significant factor contributing to adverse clinical outcomes and poor prognosis in this population. The present systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of severe malnutrition in cancer patients. This study was conducted based on data extracted from previous published studies reporting the prevalence of malnutrition in cancer patients. Statistical analysis of collected data was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (v.2). Systematic searching was applied based on MeSH keywords in medical databases of ScienceDirect, Embase, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science (WoS), MagIran, SID, and Google Scholar (by December 2024). Following the elimination of duplicate articles, further evaluation was applied through the assessment of Titles and Abstract. Then, the eligibility assessment was performed based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria by two reviewers, independently. The information extracted from Citation Management Software of EndNote was also added. In order to achieve the highest number of eligible articles, the references of all relevant studies were reviewed, manually. Totally, 19 eligible studies were selected for data extraction and meta-analysis. According to the Random Effect Model, the prevalence of severe malnutrition among cancer patients was reported 19.3

BACKGROUND:Rosacea is an inflammatory and chronic skin condition that may be affected by many factors. The purpose of this study is to compare the level of vitamin D in two groups of cases (suffering from rosacea) and controls (healthy). METHODS:This case-control study was conducted in 2022 on 62 patients referred to Sedigheh Tahereh dermatology clinic, Isfahan, Iran. The criteria for entering the case group are to have rosacea based on the updated phenotype-based diagnosis and classification system. Demographic variables such as age and gender as well as vitamin D levels were recorded for both case and control groups. RESULTS:The mean of vitamin D level among patients with rosacea (29.9 ± 2.95) was higher than the control group (24.5 ± 2.14), but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the mean of vitamin D level between rosacea patients and controls in gender or severity subgroups. CONCLUSION:There is no significant difference in vitamin D levels between patients with rosacea and healthy individuals.

Background: Low Back Pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders in the world. About 10–15% of LBP patients develop chronic symptoms. Proprioceptive deficiency is one of the possible mechanisms for LBP chronicity, and females are more susceptible than males. We can use an unstable sitting balance or Wobble Board Training (WBT) for proprioceptive training of low back. Lumbar postural control is separated from lower limb postural control in this position. So, we aimed to study the effect of proprioceptive exercises in a sitting position on LBP patients, as it wasn’t specified in this position until now. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 40 women with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain (CNSLBP) and a mean age of 40.37 ± 4.79 were randomly allocated into the control or intervention group subsequently after checking the inclusion criteria. Participants in the control group were treated with Conventional Physical Therapy (CPT), and participants in the intervention group were treated with CPT + WBT in the sitting position. Pain and disability index were evaluated in both groups before treatment, immediately, and 4 weeks after treatment. Results: The results show that the pain and disability index improved after treatment in both groups, but the intervention is not significantly effective on either the pain (P = 0.81) or the disability index (P = 0.15). Conclusion: WBT in a sitting position is not significantly effective in treating women with CNSLBP.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are highly prevalent among the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Prognostic value of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in patients with asymptomatic ESRD is less conclusive. This study was an observational study to evaluate correlation of first admitted cTnI level with early and late (during 6 months) hospitalization and mortality of ESRD patient admitted due to non-acute coronary and non-heart failure causes in ESRD patients. Materials and Methods: In this prospective observational study, 460 dialysis patients without overt CVD who were admitted at two university hospital were included and followed during 6 months. Patients’ demographic information and laboratory investigations including cTnI level and cause of admission were recorded. The association between cTnI level with in-hospital and late mortality was evaluated. Results: cTnI level was higher in female (35.9%), hemodialysis patients (28.1%), and patients with permanent catheter vascular access (29.4%). There were significant differences in level of triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol between patients with normal and abnormal cTnI levels (P < 0.05). Patients with abnormal cTnI levels had higher level of TG and LDL cholesterol and lower level of HDL cholesterol. cTnI levels were associated with higher in-hospital and 6-month follow-up mortality rate. In logistic regression analysis, only female gender (odds ratio [OR] =1.89, confidence interval [CI] =1.22–3.076) and TG (OR = 1.007, CI = 1.003–1.01) were positively and HDL cholesterol level (OR = 0.994, CI = 0.98–0.99) was negatively associated with increased cTnI level. cTnI level was associated with early (OR = 4.81, CI = 1.64–14.89) and late (OR = 4.31, CI = 1.61–10.96) mortality. Conclusion: Although in this study, cTnI level is not directly associated with cardiovascular disorders and admission and readmission causes, it is a strong predictor of early and late mortality.

Background: In the leishmaniasis parasitic infection, parasite escapes from the immune system of host or prevents macrophage apoptosis. It seems generating transgenic parasites to express proapoptotic proteins can accelerate the apoptosis of infected macrophage and prevent Leishmania differentiation. Hence, we investigated the efficacy of transgenic L. tropica expressing mLLO-BAX-SMAC in expediting macrophage apoptosis. Methods: This study was performed at the Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (2022 to 2023), Isfahan, Iran. mLLO-Bax-Smac coding sequence cloned in the pLexyNeo2 was entered into the L. tropica genome using homologous recombination. PCR, Western blot, and hemolysis tests were used to confirm integration accuracy. In addition, the apoptosis percentage of transgenic L. tropica- infected macrophages was assayed by flow-cytometry. Results: The proper integration of the mLLO-Bax-Smac fragment into the 18srRNA locus of L. tropica and mLLO -BAX-SMAC fusion protein expression was approved. Furthermore, results of flow cytometry showed the mean percentage of apoptosis among the groups is different and transgenic L. tropica leads to a decrease in the apoptosis time of infected macrophages compared to the wild type of Leishmania and to an increase in the immune system response. Conclusion: The data suggest the transgenic L. tropica can be used as an experimental model to expedite apoptosis of Leishmania-infected macrophage.

Background:Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) infection is caused by the Leishmania major (L. major) parasite and affects 1.5 to 2 million people worldwide each year. Although research into vaccines and antiparasitic drugs has been somewhat successful, their adverse effects include high toxicity, prolonged regeneration, and scarring. This has highlighted the importance of research to replace natural products with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, such as vegetable extracts and oils. Since, the anti-leishmaniasis effect of each of the components of Shirvan herbal ointment (aloe vera, Brazembel, Nigella sativa, propolis, lavender, and olive oil) has been separately studied and confirmed, it seems that the combination of these components can have an increasing anti-leishmanial effect to treat CL. Therefore, this study investigated the therapeutic impact of Shirvan herbal ointment on Iranian patients with leishmaniasis in comparison with glucantime (meglumine). Materials and Methods:Sixty patients with leishmaniasis were divided into the control and test groups. The control and test groups received intralesional glucantime and Shirvan herbal cream (two times daily), respectively. Results:The size mean of the lesion was 51.5 ± 32.5 before and 11.11 ± 16.28 after treatment in the control group and 50.8 ± 31.2 before and 0.0 ± 0.0 after treatment in the test group. In addition, the period mean of treatment was 43.9 ± 14.4 days and 30.5 ± 7.4 days in the control and test groups, respectively. There was a significant difference in lesion size between the two groups after treatment. Conclusion:Data suggested that Shirvan herbal ointment can be an alternative drug in the treatment of human CL.

Hair loss, which is known as telogen effluvium (TE), was reported in COVID-19 patients both during and after their recovery.

BackgroundChronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is a common disorder in people of active ages and significantly affects their quality of life. Different structures in the lumbar area can cause LBP. The lumbar muscle disorders, including the psoas major (PM) muscles, have an essential role in LBP. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been introduced as a safe and useful instrument for investigating the morphological properties of skeletal muscle. In general, PM morphology changes may be one reason for the pain and disability experienced in CNLBP patients. Thus, this study aimed to assess the relationship among the PM's Cross-sectional area (CSA), medial-lateral (ML), and anterior-posterior (AP) diameters, with disability index and pain score in patients with CNLBP.MethodOne hundred twenty patients with CNLBP (60 men and 60 women) participated in this cross-sectional study. Axial MRIs were obtained from L3/L4 and L4/L5 disc levels. Then, patients filled out Rolland Morris Disability Questionnaires, demographic data forms, and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Image J software was used to analyze the images. Using Linear Regression and the Pearson test, the correlation between muscle CSA and diameters, as well as data obtained from questionnaires and NPRS, was analyzed.ResultsResults from the statistical analysis showed no statistically significant relationship among morphological characteristics of the psoas major muscle in L3/L4 and L4/L5 disc levels with disability index and pain score (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThere is no significant relationship between the PM morphological characteristics and disability index and pain score. Therefore, muscle CSA and diameters are insufficient to determine the cause of CNLBP.

Background Appropriate treatment reduces the severity and duration of relapses in demyelinating diseases of Central Nervous System (CNS). If high-dose corticosteroids treatment fails, therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is considered as a rescue treatment. Objectives This study aimed to investigate early clinical response and complications of TPE and prognostic factors in CNS demyelinating relapses. Design This prospective observational study was designed in a tertiary center during one year. Methods All adult patients diagnosed corticosteroid-resistant Multiple Sclerosis (MS), NeuroMyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD), idiotypic Transverse Myelitis or Clinical Isolated Syndrome relapses, were eligible. Clinical response is defined based on Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) at discharge. Clinical and laboratory complications recorded. Results Seventy-two patients were analyzed which 58.3% patients were female. MS was diagnosed for 61.1% of cases. Thirty-five patients (48.6%) responded and the mean differences of EDSS significantly decreased 0.60 score (CI95%:0.44-.77). Electrolyte imbalances and thrombocytopenia occurred in 80.6% and 55.6% of cases respectively and 40.3% of patients had systemic reactions. However, 26.4% patients experienced moderate to severe complications. In patients with moderate to severe disability, responders were younger (MD: 8.42 years, CI95%: 1.67-15.17) and had lower EDSS score at admission (median:6, IQR: 5.5-6 against 7.5 IQR: 6.5-8). The risk of failure was higher in active progressive MS patients compared with RRMS patients (OR: 6.06, CI 95%:1.37-26.76). Patients with thrombocytopenia were hospitalized more than others (MD: 1.5 days, CI 95%: 0-3). Females were more prone to hypokalemia and systemic reactions (OR: 3.11, CI 95%:1.17-8.24 and OR: 6.67, CI 95%:2.14-20.81 respectively). Conclusion The most common indication of TPE was corticosteroid-resistant severe MS relapses. About half of the patients presented an early clinical response. Lower disability, younger age and RRMS diagnosis are prognostic factors of better response. One out of four patients experienced moderate to severe complications, mainly electrolyte imbalances and systemic reactions. Appropriate interventions against these complications should be considered during TPE, especially in females.

BackgroundHand eczema (HE) is a common and heterogeneous condition. It has a wide range of etiologies and clinical manifestations. In this study the efficacy of triamcinolone 0.1% cream and sulfur 2% creams was compared in treating patients with HE.MethodsThis randomized, triple-blind clinical trial was performed on 70 patients with HE (including 70 right and 70 left hands). In this study, two creams were used including triamcinolone 0.1% and sulfur 2.0%. Patients were treated with these creams twice a day (once in every 12 h) for 4 weeks. Follow-up was 4 weeks after treatment. Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI), itching, dryness, burning sensation, and erythema scores were collected three times during the study and compared between treatment regimens.ResultsFindings showed that both triamcinolone (0.1%) and sulfur (2.0%) creams could significantly reduce the scores of HECSI, itching, dryness, burning sensation, and erythema, and the therapeutic effects lasted for at least 4 weeks after cessation of topical treatment.ConclusionTopical sulfur cream (2.0%) is as effective as triamcinolone (0.1%) cream in treatment of HE without any prominent adverse reactions.

This research was conducted with the aim of designing a strategic extension-education theoretical model for agricultural waste management to sustain agricultural development in Mazandaran Province. The statistical population of this study included experts, gardeners, and farmers in Mazandaran Province, among whom 30 people were selected using the purposeful sampling method and snowball technique. A semi-structured interview was conducted to collect research data. The data collection process continued until the theoretical saturation level. A qualitative data analysis was performed using MAXQDA12 software. Analyzing this model showed that factors affecting agricultural waste generation consisted of five categories as, respectively, farming practice, market and transportation, processing procedures, agricultural and natural and support policies, based on their impact factors. In addition, 12 factors within these categories affected the establishment of agricultural waste management extension education were identified. Based on their impact factors in the model, these categories included class participation, food processing industry development and expansion, general knowledge and information about agricultural waste, appropriate farming practice education, educational workshop participation, farm visits, farmers and gardeners education, listening to the radio and TV educational programs, group discussion participation, transfer of new applied waste management technologies, and contact with agricultural extension agents, respectively. Therefore, it is highly recommended to put in action the theoretical model provided in this research for the sake of agricultural development in Mazandaran, Iran.

Background: Small bowel length measurements and estimation have high clinical importance, especially in bariatric surgeries to prevent postoperation malnutrition. This study aimed to investigate the possible correlation between demographic and anthropometric factors with small bowel length. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 150 patients that were candidates of abdominal surgeries. Anthropometric factors including age, gender, weight, height, body mass index, right wrist and waist circumstance, length of the right hand 2nd and 4th fingers and 2nd to 4th finger ratio, and length of the right hemithorax were obtained. Whole length of the small bowel was measured during surgery from the ligament of Treitz to the ileocecal junction between the mesenteric and antimesenteric border of the intestine. Results: The mean small bowel length was 5.45 ± 1.62 meters and significantly lower in women compared to men (P = 0.003) and had a significant direct relationship with height (r = 0.3, P < 0.001), an inverse relationship to 2nd to 4th finger ratio (= −0.34, P < 0.001). There were the same correlations between small intestine length with height and the 2nd to 4th finger ratio in open surgeries (P < 0.05). There was a correlation between age (r = 0.33, P = 0.032), weight (r= −0.60, P, 0.001), waist circumstance (r = −0.43, P = 0.004), and length of the right hemithorax (r = −0.47, P = 0.001). Conclusions: Using demographic and anthropometric factors, we could predict the small bowel length. These results could be further used in bariatric surgeries to avoid possible malnutrition.

Background:Rosacea is a skin chronic inflammation with an unknown cause and cure. Environmental and genetic factors could not entirely explain the disease pathogenesis. Recently, infections like Chlamydia pneumoniae are of more attention in the rosacea progression. This study investigated the relationship between the C. pneumoniae seropositivity and the rosacea disorder. Materials and Methods:We aimed at a cohort of 100 patients with the rosacea disorder (60 active and 40 inactive) and from 100 sex- and age-matched healthy controls in Isfahan and determined the immunoglobulin M (IgM)/IgG antibodies titers to C. pneumoniae in the serum using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The groups were compared using the analysis of variance procedure at the significant level of P < 0.05, statistically. Results:The mean of IgG in the controls was significantly higher than the levels in both the active and the inactive rosacea patients (p < 0.022). Also, the titer of serum IgM to C. pneumoniae in the controls was different, compared with the active (p < 0.019) and the inactive (p < 0.02) rosacea patients. In addition, the median titer of serum IgG (not IgM) to C. pneumoniae in the females with the inactive rosacea disorder was lower than the active rosacea disorder (p < 0.019) and controls women (p < 0.008). Furthermore, the serum level of IgG or IgM to C. pneumoniae in the controls males was higher than the males with the rosacea disorder (p < 0.05) and (p < 0.02), alternatively. Conclusion:C. pneumoniae seropositivity in the rosacea patients and controls was insignificant.

Striae alba, as an unsettling skin complication, has the potential to threaten the physical appearance and psychological health of individuals. So far, dermatologists’ endeavors have been futile in finding an ideal treatment. This study evaluated microneedling as a novel treatment modality for striae alba scars. Microneedling was implemented in 1–3 sessions in 2-week intervals among patients with striae alba lesions. The lesions were photographed before and 3 months after the treatment, while all side effects were recorded. Two non-involved dermatologists and a patient self-report based on a visual analog score scale were utilized to evaluate the clinical improvement of striae scars. The complication rate among the 32 patients was 25%, which consisted of seven (21.9%) cases of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and one case (3.1%) of skin infection. The average improvement score among the patients in our study based on their self-report was 5.3 ± 1.3. (Range 4–8), while based on physician evaluation was 5.6 ± 1.2 (range 3.5–8). There was a significant association between lower age and higher self-report scores. Also, the improvement of lesions was more significant in skin type 3 compared to 2, based on physician assessment. In this study, MN was effective in ameliorating SA scars and was observed to induce better clinical satisfaction in younger patients and breast lesions. The studies concerning the use of MN in treating SA have yielded much attention lately, and they have denoted the relatively low cost of MN, its capability to be utilized over vast treatment areas, and its safety in that regard. Further research regarding the comparison of MN’s efficacy in solo use versus implementing it as an adjuvant modality should be carried out.

Thaddeus Metz has tried to show that the meaning in life, like morality and happiness, is one of the normative categories of life and emphasizes the distinction between the meaning in life and happiness. According to Metz's definition, happiness consists of "positive experiences" and pleasure is basically connected with happiness. Why is happiness different from meaningfulness and what are their differences? These are the main questions that this article addresses. By searching in Metz's works, we can provide some witnesses and reasons why Metz makes a distinction between happiness and meaningfulness. According to Metz's view, happiness is related to the animal realm of the individual, while meaningfulness is related to the human realm, so that although pleasure can increase happiness, but it will not necessarily lead to meaningfulness increase. He makes six distinctions between happiness and meaningfulness: 1. The source of meaning is "relational", but the source of happiness is "intrinsic"; 2. The bearer of meaning is "action", but the bearer of happiness is "sensation"; 3. The greater impact of happiness from “luck” than meaningfulness; 4. The desire to "continue" the state of happiness, wanting "esteem" to be meaningful; 5. The possibility of happiness, only "during the lifetime" in contrast to the possibility of meaningfulness "posthumously"; 6. bias towards the future v lack of bias. Although Metz has mentioned six important distinctions between happiness and meaning, his statement is not comprehensive and other distinctions can be added to Metz's list.

In recent years, interest in Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) as a major indicator of clinical efficacy and treatment outcome in patients of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) has grown significantly. This study aimed to determine the contributing factors affecting the quality of life (QoL) of ESRD patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). A cross-sectional study was conducted on PD patients presented at PD centres of Al-Zahra and Noor hospitals in Isfahan, Iran, from May to August 2019. A total of 173 patients having peritoneal dialysis for more than 3 months filled the validated 36-item short-form health survey questionnaire (SF-36). Baseline demographic details and dialysis-related factors were collected from patients’ medical records. The overall QoL score of patients was 50.28 ± 20.87. Male patients had a higher QoL score than female patients (58.18 in males, compared to 48.18 in females; P = 0.04). A significant association between frequency of dialysis and quality of life was observed, where three sessions of dialysis per day yielded the highest quality of life (QoL score = 59.62; P = 0.047). A significant positive correlation was discovered between QoL score and residual renal function (P = 0.013). In addition, a higher QoL score was observed in self-employed patients (60.95), compared to housewives (46.49) (P = 0.001). QoL assessment should be included as an integral part of patient follow-up to evaluate treatment outcomes and implement possible interventions to improve patient’s quality of life.

ObjectiveThe genome-wide association studies (GWAS) analysis, the most successful technique for discovering disease-related genetic variation, has some statistical concerns, including multiple testing, the correlation among variants (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) based on linkage disequilibrium and omitting the important variants when fitting the model with just one variant. To eliminate these problems in a small sample-size study, we used a sparse Bayesian learning model for finding bipolar disorder (BD) genetic variants.MethodsThis study used the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium data set, including 1998 BD cases and 1500 control samples, and after quality control, 380,628 variants were analysed. In this GWAS, a Bayesian logistic model with hierarchical shrinkage spike and slab priors was used, with all variants considered simultaneously in one model. In order to decrease the computational burden, an alternative inferential method, Bayesian variational inference, has been used.ResultsThirteen variants were selected as associated with BD. The three of them (rs7572953, rs1378850 and rs4148944) were reported in previous GWAS. Eight of which were related to hemogram parameters, such as lymphocyte percentage, plateletcrit and haemoglobin concentration. Among selected related genes, GABPA, ELF3 and JAM2 were enriched in the platelet-derived growth factor pathway. These three genes, along with APP, ARL8A, CDH23 and GPR37L1, could be differential diagnostic variants for BD.ConclusionsBy reducing the statistical restrictions of GWAS analysis, the application of the Bayesian variational spike and slab models can offer insight into the genetic link with BD even with a small sample size. To uncover related variations with other traits, this model needs to be further examined.