Sara Saki

All Publications

• Iranian females report more severe symptoms on the SNOT-22: A cross-sectional population-based study. American journal of otolaryngology Nikakhlagh, S., Saki, N., Cheraghian, B., Rahimi, Z., Saki, S., Tabibzadeh, S. M. 2025; 46 (4): 104631

  Abstract

  Rhinosinusitis encompasses a group of conditions characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses, impacting the quality of life for those affected. This study was designed to assess the quality of life in the general population using the SNOT-22 questionnaire. This study was designed to assess quality of life among the general population using the SNOT-22 questionnaire, which is a tool for measuring quality of life related to rhinological issues.This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted as part of the baseline assessment for the Hoveyzeh cohort study, focusing on adults aged 35-70 in southwest Iran. Data related to socioeconomic factors, demographic characteristics, and anthropometric measurements were gathered. Subsequently, a random sample of 1324 individuals participated in the study, completing the Self-reported SNOT-22 questionnaire.The mean age of 1324 participants was 49.92 ± 8.97 years, and about 60 % were women. The average SNOT-22 score was 7.84 ± 10.78. Approximately 34 % of the participants had an abnormal score on the SNOT-22 questionnaire. These participants were assessed for domains related to nasal, otologic, sleep and emotional symptoms. The most common issues reported were sneezing, dizziness or vertigo, waking up tired, and feelings of sadness, respectively. We observed that the odds of having an abnormal SNOT-22 scores were 62 % higher in women compared to men.Our results revealed a relatively higher prevalence of abnormal SNOT-22 scores, especially among women. Therefore, designing and implementing therapeutic and educational interventions for these people seems necessary.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.amjoto.2025.104631

  View details for PubMedID 40286777

• Evaluation of dyslipidemia based on ATP III guideline in adults in Southwest Iran: a population-based study. Scientific reports Cheraghian, B., Saki, N., Sarvandian, S., Hashemi, S. J., Hosseini, S. A., Saki, S., Rahimi, Z. 2025; 15 (1): 9463

  Abstract

  Dyslipidemia is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of dyslipidemia and its associated risk factors in the southwest region of Iran. This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 9846 participants aged 35 to 70 in southwest Iran. Data was collected on socioeconomic factors, demographic characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory tests, anthropometric measurements, and lifestyle variables. The criteria for dyslipidemia were based on the ATP III classification. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to control for potential confounders. Results showed that the overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 43.5%, with abnormal levels of HDL, LDL, TC, and TG at 17.9, 21.8, 36.2, and 44%, respectively. The multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that males (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.74-2.14), individuals with abnormal waist circumference (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.67-2.12), those with low physical activity (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.15-1.46), smokers (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05-1.31), rich people (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.04-1.36), and patients with hypertension (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05-1.27) had higher odds of dyslipidemia. Our findings suggest that dyslipidemia is a complex condition that is influenced by various biological and lifestyle factors. Different prevention and treatment strategies may be necessary for various population subgroups.

  View details for DOI 10.1038/s41598-025-90141-w

  View details for PubMedID 40108216

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC11923123

• Contribution of genetic variants in the development of familial premature coronary artery disease in a cohort of cardiac patients. Clinical genetics Mehvari, S., Karimian Fathi, N., Saki, S., Asadnezhad, M., Arzhangi, S., Ghodratpour, F., Mohseni, M., Zare Ashrafi, F., Sadeghian, S., Boroumand, M., Shokohizadeh, F., Rostami, E., Boroumand, R., Najafipour, R., Malekzadeh, R., Riazalhosseini, Y., Akbari, M., Lathrop, M., Najmabadi, H., Hosseini, K., Kahrizi, K. 2024; 105 (6): 611-619

  Abstract

  Coronary artery disease (CAD), the most prevalent cardiovascular disease, is the leading cause of death worldwide. Heritable factors play a significant role in the pathogenesis of CAD. It has been proposed that approximately one-third of patients with CAD have a positive family history, and individuals with such history are at ~1.5-fold increased risk of CAD in their lifespans. Accordingly, the long-recognized familial clustering of CAD is a strong risk factor for this disease. Our study aimed to identify candidate genetic variants contributing to CAD by studying a cohort of 60 large Iranian families with at least two members in different generations afflicted with premature CAD (PCAD), defined as established disease at ≤45 years in men and ≤55 years in women. Exome sequencing was performed for a subset of the affected individuals, followed by prioritization and Sanger sequencing of candidate variants in all available family members. Subsequently, apparently healthy carriers of potential risk variants underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), followed by co-segregation analysis of the combined data. Putative causal variants were identified in seven genes, ABCG8, CD36, CYP27A1, PIK3C2G, RASSF9, RYR2, and ZFYVE21, co-segregating with familial PCAD in seven unrelated families. Among these, PIK3C2G, RASSF9, and ZFYVE21 are novel candidate CAD susceptibility genes. Our findings indicate that rare variants in genes identified in this study are involved in CAD development.

  View details for DOI 10.1111/cge.14491

  View details for PubMedID 38308583

• Microstructural Changes in the Brainstem Auditory Pathway in Children With Hearing Loss. Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology Moon, P. K., Ward, K. M., Din, T. F., Saki, S., Cheng, A. G., Yeom, K. W., Ahmad, I. N. 2024; 45 (3): e170-e176

  Abstract

  To assess the utility of diffusion tensor imaging of the auditory pathway in children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).Retrospective cohort study.A single academic tertiary children's hospital.Sixteen pediatric patients with bilateral SNHL of at least moderate severity in the poorer ear (eight male; mean age, 5.3 ± 4.9 yrs). Controls consisted of age- and sex-matched children with normal hearing who were imaged for nonotologic, non-neurologic medical concerns and found to have normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Three Tesla MRI scanners were used for diffusion tensor imaging.Quantitative diffusion tensor metrics were extracted from the superior olivary nucleus (SON), inferior colliculus (IC), and ipsilateral fiber tracts between the SON and IC delineated by tractography.We identified differences in fractional anisotropy of the SON between the SNHL cohort and controls (0.377 ± 0.056 vs. 0.422 ± 0.052; p = 0.009), but not in the IC. There were no differences in the mean diffusivity (MD) values in the IC and SON. Among younger children (≤5 yrs), MD was decreased in the SNHL cohort compared with controls in the IC (0.918 ± 0.051 vs. 1.120 ± 0.142; p < 0.001). However, among older children (>5 yrs), there were no differences in MD (1.124 ± 0.198 vs. 0.997 ± 0.103; p = 0.119). There were no differences in MD or fractional anisotropy in the white matter fibers of the IC-SON tract.Our results suggest abnormal neural tracts along the central auditory pathway among children with SNHL. Longitudinal studies should assess the prognostic value of these MRI-based findings for assessing long-term outcomes and determining intervention efficacy.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004129

  View details for PubMedID 38361295

• 483 Radiographic Changes in the Auditory Pathway to Predict Outcomes of Children with Hearing Loss Journal of Clinical and Translational Science Ahmad, I., Moon, P., Ward, K., Din, T., Saki, S., Cheng, A., Yeom, K. 2024; 5: 142-143
• Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on surgery for indeterminate thyroid nodules (THYCOVID): a retrospective, international, multicentre, cross-sectional study. The lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology Medas, F., Dobrinja, C., Al-Suhaimi, E. A., Altmeier, J., Anajar, S., Arikan, A. E., Azaryan, I., Bains, L., Basili, G., Bolukbasi, H., Bononi, M., Borumandi, F., Bozan, M. B., Brenta, G., Brunaud, L., Brunner, M., Buemi, A., Canu, G. L., Cappellacci, F., Cartwright, S. B., Castells Fusté, I., Cavalheiro, B., Cavallaro, G., Chala, A., Chan, S. Y., Chaplin, J., Cheema, M. S., Chiapponi, C., Chiofalo, M. G., Chrysos, E., D'Amore, A., de Cillia, M., De Crea, C., de Manzini, N., de Matos, L. L., De Pasquale, L., Del Rio, P., Demarchi, M. S., Dhiwakar, M., Donatini, G., Dora, J. M., D'Orazi, V., Doulatram Gamgaram, V. K., Eismontas, V., Kabiri, E. H., El Malki, H. O., Elzahaby, I., Enciu, O., Eskander, A., Feroci, F., Figueroa-Bohorquez, D., Filis, D., François, G., Frías-Fernández, P., Gamboa-Dominguez, A., Genc, V., Giordano, D., Gómez-Pedraza, A., Graceffa, G., Griffin, J., Guerreiro, S. C., Gupta, K., Gupta, K. K., Gurrado, A., Hajiioannou, J., Hakala, T., Harahap, W. A., Hargitai, L., Hartl, D., Hellmann, A., Hlozek, J., Hoang, V. T., Iacobone, M., Innaro, N., Ioannidis, O., Jang, J. H., Xavier-Junior, J. C., Jovanovic, M., Kaderli, R. M., Kakamad, F., Kaliszewski, K., Karamanliev, M., Katoh, H., Košec, A., Kovacevic, B., Kowalski, L. P., Králik, R., Yadav, S. K., Kumorová, A., Lampridis, S., Lasithiotakis, K., Leclere, J. C., Leong, E. K., Leow, M. K., Lim, J. Y., Lino-Silva, L. S., Liu, S. Y., Llorach, N. P., Lombardi, C. P., López-Gómez, J., Lori, E., Quintanilla-Dieck, L., Lucchini, R., Madani, A., Manatakis, D., Markovic, I., Materazzi, G., Mazeh, H., Mercante, G., Meyer-Rochow, G. Y., Mihaljevic, O., Miller, J. A., Minuto, M., Monacelli, M., Mulita, F., Mullineris, B., Muñoz-de-Nova, J. L., Muradás Girardi, F., Nader, S., Napadon, T., Nastos, C., Offi, C., Ronen, O., Oragano, L., Orois, A., Pan, Y., Panagiotidis, E., Panchangam, R. B., Papavramidis, T., Parida, P. K., Paspala, A., Pérez, Ò. V., Petrovic, S., Raffaelli, M., Ramacciotti, C. F., Ratia Gimenez, T., Rivo Vázquez, Á., Roh, J. L., Rossi, L., Sanabria, A., Santeerapharp, A., Semenov, A., Seneviratne, S., Serdar, A., Sheahan, P., Sheppard, S. C., Slotcavage, R. L., Smaxwil, C., Kim, S. Y., Sorrenti, S., Spartalis, E., Sriphrapradang, C., Testini, M., Turk, Y., Tzikos, G., Vabalayte, K., Vargas-Osorio, K., Vázquez Rentería, R. S., Velázquez-Fernández, D., Vithana, S. M., Yücel, L., Yulian, E. D., Zahradnikova, P., Zarogoulidis, P., Ziablitskaia, E., Zolotoukho, A., Calò, P. G. 2023; 11 (6): 402-413

  Abstract

  Since its outbreak in early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has diverted resources from non-urgent and elective procedures, leading to diagnosis and treatment delays, with an increased number of neoplasms at advanced stages worldwide. The aims of this study were to quantify the reduction in surgical activity for indeterminate thyroid nodules during the COVID-19 pandemic; and to evaluate whether delays in surgery led to an increased occurrence of aggressive tumours.In this retrospective, international, cross-sectional study, centres were invited to participate in June 22, 2022; each centre joining the study was asked to provide data from medical records on all surgical thyroidectomies consecutively performed from Jan 1, 2019, to Dec 31, 2021. Patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules were divided into three groups according to when they underwent surgery: from Jan 1, 2019, to Feb 29, 2020 (global prepandemic phase), from March 1, 2020, to May 31, 2021 (pandemic escalation phase), and from June 1 to Dec 31, 2021 (pandemic decrease phase). The main outcomes were, for each phase, the number of surgeries for indeterminate thyroid nodules, and in patients with a postoperative diagnosis of thyroid cancers, the occurrence of tumours larger than 10 mm, extrathyroidal extension, lymph node metastases, vascular invasion, distant metastases, and tumours at high risk of structural disease recurrence. Univariate analysis was used to compare the probability of aggressive thyroid features between the first and third study phases. The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05178186.Data from 157 centres (n=49 countries) on 87 467 patients who underwent surgery for benign and malignant thyroid disease were collected, of whom 22 974 patients (18 052 [78·6%] female patients and 4922 [21·4%] male patients) received surgery for indeterminate thyroid nodules. We observed a significant reduction in surgery for indeterminate thyroid nodules during the pandemic escalation phase (median monthly surgeries per centre, 1·4 [IQR 0·6-3·4]) compared with the prepandemic phase (2·0 [0·9-3·7]; p<0·0001) and pandemic decrease phase (2·3 [1·0-5·0]; p<0·0001). Compared with the prepandemic phase, in the pandemic decrease phase we observed an increased occurrence of thyroid tumours larger than 10 mm (2554 [69·0%] of 3704 vs 1515 [71·5%] of 2119; OR 1·1 [95% CI 1·0-1·3]; p=0·042), lymph node metastases (343 [9·3%] vs 264 [12·5%]; OR 1·4 [1·2-1·7]; p=0·0001), and tumours at high risk of structural disease recurrence (203 [5·7%] of 3584 vs 155 [7·7%] of 2006; OR 1·4 [1·1-1·7]; p=0·0039).Our study suggests that the reduction in surgical activity for indeterminate thyroid nodules during the COVID-19 pandemic period could have led to an increased occurrence of aggressive thyroid tumours. However, other compelling hypotheses, including increased selection of patients with aggressive malignancies during this period, should be considered. We suggest that surgery for indeterminate thyroid nodules should no longer be postponed even in future instances of pandemic escalation.None.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/S2213-8587(23)00094-3

  View details for PubMedID 37127041

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10147315

• The Impact of Cochlear Implantation on Sound Quality and Quality of Life in Postlingually Deaf Adults: A Prospective Study Egyptian Journal of Ear, Nose, Throat and Allied Sciences Bayat, A., Saki, N., Bahadori Birgani, R., Bagheripour, H., Nikakhlagh, S., Mirmomeni, G., Saki, S. 2023 ; 24 (24): 1-6
• Hoveyzeh Ear Cohort Study in Southwest Iran: A Pilot Study AUDITORY AND VESTIBULAR RESEARCH Saki, N., Cheraghian, B., Zarandi, M., Nemati, S., Rahimi, Z., Rahim, F., Poustchi, H., Saki, S., Nikakhlagh, S., Bayat, A. 2023; 32 (4): 334-343

  View details for DOI 10.18502/avr.v32i4.13597

  View details for Web of Science ID 001080339800009

• Can Video Head Impulse Test Determine the Early Effect of Cochlear Implantation on the Semicircular Canals Function? AUDITORY AND VESTIBULAR RESEARCH Kardooni, M., Ahmadi, R., Malehi, A., Kiani, A., Saki, S. 2022; 31 (4): 282-288

  View details for DOI 10.18502/avr.v31i4.10732

  View details for Web of Science ID 000904892700005

• Cochlear implantation in an adult woman with Takayasu's arteritis: a case report AUDITORY AND VESTIBULAR RESEARCH Bayat, A., Daneshi, A., Karimi, M., Saki, S., Saki, N. 2021; 30 (4): 309-313

  View details for DOI 10.18502/avr.v30i4.7454

  View details for Web of Science ID 000904878200012

• Assessment of Genetic Aspects of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver and Premature Cardiovascular Events. Middle East journal of digestive diseases Saki, S., Saki, N., Poustchi, H., Malekzadeh, R. 2020; 12 (2): 65-88

  Abstract

  Recent evidence has demonstrated a strong interplay and multifaceted relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the major cause of death in patients with NAFLD. NAFLD also has strong associations with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. In this comprehensive review, we aimed to overview the primary environmental and genetic risk factors of NAFLD, and CVD and also focus on the genetic aspects of these two disorders. NAFLD and CVD are both heterogeneous diseases with common genetic and molecular pathways. We have searched for the latest published articles regarding this matter and tried to provide an overview of recent insights into the genetic aspects of NAFLD and CVD. The common genetic and molecular pathways involved in NAFLD and CVD are insulin resistance (IR), subclinical inflammation, oxidative stress, and atherogenic dyslipidemia. According to an investigation, the exact associations between genomic characteristics of NAFLD and CVD and casual relationships are not fully determined. Different gene polymorphisms have been identified as the genetic components of the NAFLDCVD association. Some of the most documented ones of these gene polymorphisms are patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3), transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2), hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase 13 (HSD17B13), adiponectin-encoding gene (ADIPOQ), apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), leptin receptor (LEPR), sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), membrane-bound O-acyltransferase domain-containing 7 (MBOAT7), and mutation in DYRK1B that substitutes cysteine for arginine at position 102 in kinase-like domain. Further cohort studies with a significant sample size using advanced genomic assessments and next-generation sequencing techniques are needed to shed more light on genetic associations between NAFLD and CVD.

  View details for DOI 10.34172/mejdd.2020.166

  View details for PubMedID 32626560

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC7320986

• Unusual presentation of foreign body aspiration in adult Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Education and Research Saki, S., Norouzi, S. 2020; 10: 154-157
• An unusual long standing bronchial foreign body (Case report of thumbtack) Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Education and Research Norouzi, S., Saki, S., Mohammadi, I. 2019
• Evaluating the thyroid function in pediatric nephrotic syndrome: A study conducted in Ahvaz, Iran International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research & Allied Sciences Ebadi, A., Shirali, S., Daneghian, S., Saki, S. 2016; 5 (2)
• The first step toward improving cochlear implant insertion using a New Technique called Slide Method (Motasaddi Method) International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research & Allied Sciences Motasaddi Zarandy, M., Saki, S., Saki, N. 2016; 5 (2): 110-113
• The effectiveness of methadone maintenance treatment in the reduction of anxiety and depression among drug-related prisoners Jundishapur J Health Sci Momtaz, A., Hatami, H., Noorzadeh, M., Saiah Bargard, M., Saki, S., Shirazi Beheshti, S. 2014; 6 (4)

  View details for DOI 10.5812/jjhs.23475

• Prevalence of otomycosis in Khouzestan Province, south-west Iran. The Journal of laryngology and otology Saki, N., Rafiei, A., Nikakhlagh, S., Amirrajab, N., Saki, S. 2013; 127 (1): 25-7

  Abstract

  This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of otomycosis and aetiological agents in Khouzestan province, south-west Iran.This cross-sectional study examined and cultured 881 swabs from suspected external otitis cases, collected from throughout Khouzestan province. Fungal agents were identified by slide culture and complementary tests when necessary.The mean patient age was 37 years. The 20-39 year age group had the highest prevalence of otomycosis: 293 cases, comprising 162 (55.3 per cent) women and 131 (44.7 per cent) men. The seasonal distribution of cases was: summer, 44.7 per cent; autumn, 28.7 per cent; winter, 14.7 per cent; and spring, 11.9 per cent. The fungal agents isolated were Aspergillus niger (67.2 per cent), Aspergillus flavus (13 per cent), Candida albicans (11.6 per cent), Aspergillus fumigatus (6.2 per cent) and penicillium species (2 per cent).Fungal otomycosis is still one of the most important external ear diseases. In this study in south-west Iran, Aspergillus niger was the predominant aetiological agent. However, clinicians should be cautious of candidal otomycosis, which has a lower rate of incidence but is more prevalent among 20-39 year olds.

  View details for DOI 10.1017/S0022215112002277

  View details for PubMedID 23164073

• The Zinc Sulphate as a treatment modality in the patients suffering from Tinnitus Apadana Journal of Clinical Research Nikakhlagh, S., Saki, S., Saki, M., Karimi, M. 2012; 1 (2)
• The Effect of Radiation Therapy to the Neck on the Quality of Voice jundishapur scientific medical journal Majlessi, M., Nikakhlagh, S., Saki, N., Najarzadeh, M., Saki, S. 2012; 11 (5)
• Incidence of etiologic factors in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck in ahvaz Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Nikakhlagh, S., Saki, N., Sartipipor, A., Saki, S. 2012; 24 (67): 85