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Evaluating the effect of a herb on the control of blood glucose and insulin-resistance in patients with advanced type 2 diabetes (a double-blind clinical trial)
Get PDFBackground: Different benefits of various herbal medicines in decreasing blood sugar have been reported in different clinical trials so far. Considering the growing tendency toward these combinations and the booming market, inappropriate advice is growing accordingly. Hence, it is necessary to evaluate the effects and possible complications of such combinations on health status and blood glucose control. Methods: Two 38-subject groups were formed and a 12-week treatment program was administered for both groups. The inclusion criteria were failure to control blood glucose with two oral medicines, unwillingness to inject insulin. The medicine was prepared in capsules by Booali Company. Each capsule weighed 750 mg and contained nettle leaf 20 (w/w), berry leaf 10 (w/w), onion and garlic 20 (w/w), fenugreek seed 20 (w/w), walnut leaf 20 (w/w), and cinnamon bark 10 (w/w) all in powder. Results: At the beginning of the study, there was no significant difference between the subjects regarding the evaluated parameters, but after the intervention, the level of glucose was significantly lower in fasting (P=0.0001) and 2-hour postprandial (P=0.002) levels. The level of glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (P=0.0001) also decreased from 0.33±9.72 to 0.20±8.39 . Finally, the level of insulin resistance reduced from 1.9±4.1 to 1.4±2.6 (P=0.001) after consuming herbal medicine. Conclusion: According to the results of the current study, the herbal combination was effective in controlling blood sugar, and considering the reduction of HbA1c by 1.31 , it seems that the herbal combination is an effective medicine to treat diabetes. © 2020 Babol University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved
Improvement of Rat Sperm Chromatin Integrity and Spermatogenesis with Omega 3 following Bleomycin, Etoposide and Cisplatin Treatment
No full textThe objective of this study is to examine the effects of omega 3 treatment on rat sperm chromatin condensation, DNA damage and spermatogenesis after bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin (BEP) treatment. In this experimental study, 40 male rats were divided into four groups: Control, BEP, Omega 3 and BEP + Omega 3. Sperm chromatin condensation and DNA damage were assessed using aniline blue and acridine orange staining, respectively. Results show that the mean percentage of sperms with excessive histone and DNA damage was significantly increased in the BEP group after 9 weeks as compared to control group (p�0.001). While, in the BEP + Omega 3 group, the mean percentage of sperm with excessive histone and DNA damage was decreased significantly compared with BEP group (p�0.001). The testicular histomorphometric analysis indicated that omega 3 has a significant effect on the mean number of spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, leydig cells and testicular histology properties following BEP treatment. The mean count of aforementioned cells significantly increased after omega 3 treatment compared with the BEP group (p�0.001). Our data indicated omega 3 may be had beneficial effect for improving chromatin condensation, DNA damage during spermatogenesis and testicular histomorphic properties following BEP treatment. © 2020, © 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
Modulation of Th17 Proliferation and IL-17A Gene Expression by Acetylated Form of Apigenin in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
No full textThe presence of Th17 cells in CNS lesion of MS patients due to their inflammatory cytokines secretion is in line with the deterioration of the disease. Currently, the use of natural compounds with anti-inflammatory properties such as flavonoids have been considered to reduce inflammation in these patients, but the remaining issue is how deliver these compounds to the site of inflammation. Acetylation is a way to better uptake compound by cells and cross through cellular layers with tight junctions. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro effects of the Apigenin 3-Acetate on Th17 cells of MS patients and compare its efficacy with Apigenin and Methyl Prednisolone Acetate. IC50 for Apigenin 3-Acetate, and Methyl Prednisolone Acetate were determined using three healthy volunteers. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of five MS patients were isolated and co-cultured with a selected dose of Apigenin, Apigenin 3-Acetate, and Methyl Prednisolone Acetate for 48 hr, and then theproliferation of Th17 cells in isolated PBMCs was assessed by flow cytometry. The levels of RAR-related orphan receptor (RORC) and IL-17A expression were also determined by quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that Apigenin 3-Acetate inhibited Th17 cells proliferation (P value: 0.018) at 80 µM concentration after 48 hr. Additionally, IL-17A gene expression significantly (P value� 0.0001) inhibited by Apigenin, Apigenin 3-Acetate and Methyl Prednisolone Acetate in 80 µM, 80 µM and 2.5 µM (selected dose in IC50 determination) respectively These results demonstrate that Acetate increases anti-inflammatory effects of Apigenin on Th17 cells. © 2020, © 2020 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
The global prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among operating room personnel: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textObjectives: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most important occupational problems. However, there has also been no worldwide review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of MSDs among operation room personnel. The present study aimed to investigate and estimate the prevalence of MSDs among operating room personnel using a systematic review and meta-analysis study. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in 2019. The researchers searched Medline/PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Embase, and Google Scholar. Studies classified by categories of country and populations. In order to determine and control the quality assessment of articles, researchers use the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Results: A total of 111 articles from databases were found. Final screening included 12 into statistical analysis. Based on the random-effect model, the prevalence of MSDs in neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists & hands, upper back, lower back, hip, knees, and ankles & feet was 53.66 (CI 95: 43.30�64.02), 55.63 (CI 95: 43.90�67.36), 23.01 (CI 95: 14.75�31.27), 38.79 (CI 95: 21.95�55.62), 44.20 (CI 95: 27.80�60.59), 61.48 (CI 95: 44.33�78.64), 26.56 (CI 95: 10.40�42.72), 43.43 (CI 95: 23.80�63.06), and 57.06 (CI 95: 48.25�65.87), respectively. Based on the results of meta-regression, there was no statistically significant relationship between prevalence of MSDs and mean of age, and year of study. Conclusion: The study results revealed the high prevalence of MSDs, specifically in lower back among the operating room personnel. Considering the difficult conditions of working in the operating room, MSDs and particularly back pain are unpreventable. © 2020 INDIACLE
Therapeutic potentials of curcumin in the treatment of non-small-cell lung carcinoma
No full textNon-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is one of the most lethal malignancies that include more than 80 of lung cancer cases worldwide. During the past decades, plants and plant-derived products have attracted great interest in the treatment of various human diseases. Curcumin, the turmeric isolated natural phenolic compound, has shown a promising chemo-preventive and anticancer agent. Numerous studies have shown that curcumin delays the initiation and progression of NSCLC by affecting a wide range of molecular targets and cell signalling pathways including NF-kB, Akt, MAPKS, BCL-2, ROS and microRNAs (miRNAs). However, the poor oral bioavailability and low chemical stability of curcumin remain as major challenges in the utilisation of this compound as a therapeutic agent. Different analogs of curcumin and new delivery systems (e.g., micelles, nanoparticles and liposomes) provided promising solutions to overcome these obstacles and improve curcumin pharmacokinetic profile. The present review focuses on current reported studies about anti-NSCLC effects of curcumin. NSCLC involved miRNAs whose expression is regulated by curcumin has also been discussed. Furthermore, recent researches on the use of curcumin analogs and delivery systems to enhance the curcumin benefits in NSCLC are also described. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Melatonin supplementation and the effects on clinical and metabolic status in Parkinson's disease: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
No full textObjective: This study was performed to evaluate the impact of melatonin supplementation on clinical and metabolic profiles in people with Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted among 60 patients with PD. Participants were randomly divided into two groups to intake either 10 mg melatonin (two melatonin capsules, 5 mg each) (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) once a day, 1 h before bedtime for 12 weeks. Results: Melatonin supplementation significantly reduced the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part I score (β �2.33; 95 CI, �3.57, �1.09; P < 0.001), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (β �1.82; 95 CI, �3.36, �0.27; P = 0.02), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (β �3.32; 95 CI, �5.23, �1.41; P = 0.001) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) (β �2.22; 95 CI, �3.84, �0.60; P = 0.008) compared with the placebo treatment. Compared with the placebo, melatonin supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (β �0.94 mg/L; 95 CI, �1.55, �0.32; P = 0.003) and a significant elevation in plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (β 108.09 mmol/L; 95 CI, 78.21, 137.97; P < 0.001) and total glutathione (GSH) levels (β 77.08 μmol/L; 95 CI, 44.29, 109.86; P < 0.001). Additionally, consuming melatonin significantly decreased serum insulin levels (β �1.79 μIU/mL; 95 CI, �3.12, �0.46; P = 0.009), homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (β �0.47; 95 CI, �0.80, �0.13; P = 0.007), total- (β �13.16 mg/dL; 95 CI, �25.14, �1.17; P = 0.03) and LDL- (β �10.44 mg/dL; 95 CI, �20.55, �0.34; P = 0.04) compared with the placebo. Conclusions: Overall, melatonin supplementation for 12 weeks to patients with PD had favorable effects on the UPDRS part I score, PSQI, BDI, BAI, hs-CRP, TAC, GSH, insulin levels, HOMA-IR, total-, LDL-cholesterol, and gene expression of TNF-α, PPAR-γ and LDLR, but did not affect other metabolic profiles. © 2020 Elsevier B.V
The effects of guided imagery on test anxiety among the 1st-year nursing students: A randomized clinical trial
Get PDFBackground: Many students suffer from test anxiety (TA). Some nonpharmacological therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, have been proposed for TA management. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of guided imagery (GI) on TA among the 1st year nursing students. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on forty nursing students conveniently recruited from the Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran. Participants were randomly allocated to either a control (n = 20) or an intervention (n = 20) group. In the intervention group, participants were provided with a 30-min GI audio file to listen to once daily in the evening for 1 week. Students' TA was measured both before and after the intervention, i.e., before their physiology midterm examination and before their physiology final examination. The data were analyzed through the Chi-square, paired-sample t, and independent sample t-tests. Results: The study was completed with 38 students. The intervention and the control groups did not differ significantly from each other respecting the pretest mean score of TA (50.50 ± 13.90 vs. 44.94 ± 7.34; P= 0.13). However, the posttest mean score of TA in the intervention group was significantly less than the control group (33.90 ± 14.39 vs. 42.83 ± 13.56; P= 0.05). Although the mean score of TA did not significantly change in the control group (P = 0.55), it significantly reduced in the intervention group (P = 0.003). Conclusion: Thirty-minute GI performed once daily for 1 week is effective in reducing TA among nursing students
Epidemiologic characteristics of injuries among 1-5 year-old children in Hamadan Province: Analysis of 4523 hospitalized children over a 6-year period
Get PDFBackground: Unintentional injuries are one of the major causes of death in Iranian children. Information on epidemiological pattern of injury among one-to 5-year-old children is limited in Hamadan. The aim of this study was to clarify the person, space and time pattern of injury among 1-5 year-old children in Hamadan Province. Methods: All registered incidence cases of injury among 1-5 year-old children in Hamadan Province from March 2009 to March 2015 were included in this cross-sectional study. We analyzed the data on county, gender, age category, type of injury, season and outcome of injury. Temporal trend was explored using time series regression with accounting autocorrelation, seasonality, and short-term variation. Results: This study included 4523 injury cases. During the studied period, urban residents and boys had a higher number of injuries. Motor vehicle-related injuries were the most common type of injury. A seasonality pattern was found so that most of the cases were occurred in summer months. The lowest and highest incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were occurred in January 2011 (IRR = 0.61 with 95 confidence interval CI: 0.31, 1.18) and May 2014 and August 2013 (IRR = 6.78 with 95% CI: 4.38, 10.51), respectively. Conclusion: In Hamadan Province, childhood injury has a variation in person, place, and time pattern, as some groups such as boys and urban residents among 1-5 year-old children are at a higher risk for the incidence of injury. Therefore, it is recommended that health service managers and health policymakers devote more healthcare and resources to the high-risk groups
Humeral shaft fractures treated by closed retrograde intramedullary Kirschner wire fixation
Get PDFContext: Flexible intramedullary nails have been reported to provide a stable humeral fixation with satisfactory results in terms of union and complications. In this study, Kirschner wire (K-wire) was used to achieve a closed intramedullary fixation of humeral shaft fractures. Subjects and Methods: This study included forty cases of the displaced diaphyseal fracture of the humerus based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study was done at Kasturba Hospital, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (MGIMS), Sevagram, between the periods January 2003 and November 2006. All the cases were operated after clinical evaluation. The final evaluation of the result was done by Qidwai's clinical and radiological criteria. Results: A total of forty cases were available for the study. K-wire of different sizes was used; the average duration of surgery was 45.3 ± 7.2 min. The average time taken for radiological union was 12.1 ± 1.9 weeks. The patients were analyzed by Qidwai's criteria and had excellent result in 30 (83.3) cases, good in 4 (11.1) cases, and poor in 2 (5.6) cases. Three patients were lost to follow-up, and one patient was died due to medical illness. Conclusion: Intramedullary K-wire fixation is a satisfactory, safe, simple, minimally invasive technique and cost-effective treatment for humeral shaft fractures. It gives elastic mobility and stability
A fuzzy analytic hierarchy process-TOPSIS framework for prioritizing emergency in a petrochemical industry
Get PDFBackground: Petrochemical industry has experienced a variety of accidents and the number of emergency situation in this industry is high. Therefore, prioritizing these situations is important. The aim of this study was to determine the effective criteria for the selection of emergency scenario and prioritize them for corrective actions. Subjects and Methods: Delphi technique was used to determine and prioritize the appropriate criteria for the selection of high-risk emergency scenarios. Then, the weights of selected criteria were obtained using fuzzy hierarchical analysis and finally, using the fuzzy TOPSIS technique, the criteria for emergency scenarios were prioritized for corrective actions. Results: The most important criteria for the selection of dangerous emergencies included the amount of loss, damage, and probability. According to the weight of these criteria, emergency situations were prioritized. The most important emergencies included fire in the chemical storage, hydrogen leakage at the cylinder fitting in the Alfin unit, and extreme gas leakage in one of the power plant turbines. Conclusions: Using this approach, high-priority emergencies can be identified, and it is suggested that planning for controlling these situations and preventing crises should be prioritized by managers