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Effect of Foeniculum vulgare essence on symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Get PDFBackground: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of ovulatory infertility with an endocrine origin. An alternative therapy for PCOS is complementary medicine (CM), with herbal medicine becoming the most popular during the past ten years. The fennel plant (Foeniculum Vulgare Mill) belongs to the flowering plant of the fennel Apiaceae family. It is a medicinal plant that is commonly recommended by practitioners of Iranian traditional medicine for ovarian or unknown infertility in women because it has an estrogenic effect. The effects of fennel (FOEVU: Foeniculum vulgareMill essence of fennel seeds) on PCOS has yet to be investigated. Therefore, the main objective of our study was to investigate and evaluate the effects of fennel essential oil capsules on PCOS symptoms. Subjects and methods: This study was a double-blinded, randomized controlled study. Our subjects were thirty female students who were selected from the age range of 20�35 and met the Rotterdam diagnostic criteria for PCOS. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: fennel (study) and placebo (control). The ultrasonography assessments, body mass index, biochemical, and hirsutism variables were measured individually before and after three months usage of the fennel and placebo as our main outcome measurements. The comparison between the quantitative data obtained for the two studied groups was carried out using the Man-Whitney and chi-square tests. Results: The comparison of menstruation cycle, hirsutism, BMI, biochemical, and ultrasonography measurements revealed that the interventions did not cause significant differences in the two groups, except in the dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and ovarian volume (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Fennel was not effective in alleviating the ovarian cyst symptoms in polycystic women but since the sample size calculation in our small study was based on very large effect sizes, the study might not be powered enough to detect smaller effects. © 2019 Elsevier Gmb
Association between general sense of mastery and income in White- and African-American adults
Get PDFBackground: Some research has shown that general sense of mastery (i.e., sense of control over the forces that impact one's life) does not have universal causes and consequences in racial groups. For instance, sense of mastery better predicts depression and mortality for non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs) than that of African-Americans (AAs). Objectives:The objective of this study was to test the heterogeneity in the association between the sense of mastery and income by race in a nationally representative sample of NHW and AA adults. Methods:This study included a total of 3570 AA and 891 NHW adults who were enrolled to the National Survey of American Life. Variables included race/ethnicity, age, gender, socioeconomic status (SES and household income), and sense of mastery. Linear regression models were applied in the overall sample and also by race.Results: Overall, high sense of mastery was associated with high household income. In race-specific models, higher levels of sense of mastery were associated with high household income in AAs but not NHWs. Conclusions: Racial differences exist in how sense of mastery and income are correlated. It is not clear whether high income generates more sense of mastery for AAs or high sense of mastery is more essential for generating high income for AAs. Policy makers and clinicians should be aware that SES and sense of mastery are differently linked in AAs and NHWs
The effects of time use training on the level of stress among the mothers of female children with intellectual disabilities
Get PDFBackground:The parents of children with intellectual disabilities may have problems in effective use of their time and hence, suffer from varying levels of stress. Objectives:This study aimed to evaluate the effects of time use training on stress among the mothers of female children with intellectual disabilities. Methods: In this experimental study, eighty mothers of school-age female children with intellectual disabilities were selected through cluster random sampling from two schools in the west of Tehran, Iran. They were randomly allocated either to a control or an intervention group. A six-hour time use training workshop was held for participants in the intervention group, while their counterparts in the control group did not receive any time use training. Data on participants' time use and stress were collected before and six weeks after the intervention using the Mothers' Time Use Questionnaire and the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress, respectively. The Chi-square, paired-sample t, and independent-samples t tests were used for data analysis. Results: The mean score of time management quality in the intervention group significantly increased from 42.10 ± 6.46 to 46.80 ± 6.98 (P = 0.003) and the mean score of stress in this group significantly reduced from 29.3 ± 4.46 to 26.38 ± 5.67 (P = 0.007). However, none of these mean scores significantly changed in the control group (P > 0.05). Conclusion:The mothers of children with intellectual disability may benefit from time use training programs
Photosensitizer effects of MWCNTs-COOH particles on CT26 fibroblastic cells exposed to laser irradiation
Get PDFIn the current study, photosensitizer effect of carboxylate multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-COOH) on CT26 fibroblastic cells following near infrared (NIR) irradiation was quantized in photo-thermal therapy (PTT). Moreover, it was tried to achieve optimal dose of MWCNTs-COOH and laser exposure time. Characterizations of MWCNTs-COOH were scrutinized using scanner electron microscope (SEM), spectrophotometer, and particle size analyzer. The seeded CT26 cells were treated with nontoxic concentrations of MWCNTs-COOH and then irradiated. Finally, viability () of the CT26 cells was determined using MTT assay. The findings revealed that 10, 50, and 80 μg/mL of MWCNTs-COOH have remarkable photosensitizer effects on CT26 cancerous cell lines against NIR irradiation (2.5 W/cm2). It was shown that using the 80 μg/mL concentration of MWCNTs-COOH against 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 s of NIR irradiation and also, 10 and 50 μg/mL concentration of MWCNTs-COOH against 180, 240, and 300 s of NIR irradiation can lead to significant decrease in mean cell viability () by more than 50. According to the obtained data, it seems that using the PPT with MWCNTs-COOH, as adjunct therapy in CT26 fibroblastic cells, can help to increase therapeutic ratio of main modalities of cancer treatment such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery
Single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the management of fibrinopurulent empyema: The experience of a single institution
No full textBACKGROUND: Acute thoracic empyema requires appropriate diagnosis of the disease stage and on time management. The best time of surgical intervention and treatment options of the fibrinopurulent stage empyema is not precisely determined. This study aimed at assessing the effect of a single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), as the first option thorough previous chest tube incision, on management of acute thoracic empyema in the fibrinopurulent stage.
METHODS: This cross-sectional, prospective, study was performed on 62 patients with fibrinopurulent empyema, who were non-responsive to chest tube drainage and antibiotic therapy, during February 2014 to September 2018. VATS was performed earlier than the course of medical management time (MMT), 12±3 days, thorough previously planned tube thoracostomy incision (5 th intercostal space) in majority of patients as the opening work. Then, the results were compared with possible published related studies at the same stage but in conventional (12-21 days) MMT time.
RESULTS: From a total of 62 patients, 52 were males. The age range was 14-80 years. The median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days. The fever and dyspnea reduced after the operation. In majority of the patients, lung was expanded after the VATS but pleural thickening resolved during a follow-up period of 90±15 days. No intraoperative complications were observed. Morbidity rates were acceptable. Also, two conversions were performed, and two death cases occurred due to comorbidity. Pleural tissue diagnosis showed no malignancy, tuberculosis in two cases, and the necrotic tissue in remainder.
CONCLUSIONS: The single-port VATS in the treatment of fibrinopurulent empyema as a first option is a highly effective approach and has better outcome in during 12±3days after MMT. Proper selected initial chest tube incision could be used as the opening work incision in VATS. © 2019 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDIC
The effects of statin use on inflammatory markers among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Get PDFCurrent evidence suggests that statin use decreases the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) through reducing LDL cholesterol and decreasing inflammation. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is usually associated with increased inflammatory markers and increased risk of CVD. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of statin use on inflammatory markers including C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) among patients with MetS and related disorders. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science databases, and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) through April 2018. Three independent investigators evaluated study eligibilities, extracted data, and assessed study quality using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool and Jadad's quality scales. Heterogeneity was determined using Cochran's Q statistic and I-square (I 2 ) test. Based on the heterogeneity results, we pooled data using random-effect or fixed effect models presented as standardized mean differences (SMD) and corresponding 95 confidence intervals (CI). One hundred thirteen RCTs (19,644 patients) were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled results using random effects model showed that statin use statistically significantly decreased CRP level (SMD= -0.97; 95 CI, -1.10, -0.85; P < 0.001; I 2 : 95.1), TNF-α (SMD= -1.88; 95 CI, -2.40, -1.38; P < 0.001; I 2 : 97.2), IL-6 (SMD= -1.67; 95 CI, -1.98, -1.34; P < 0.001; I 2 : 96.5), and IL-1 concentrations (SMD= -8.35; 95 CI, -10.49, -6.22; P < 0.001; I 2 : 98.4) among patients with MetS and related disorders. Our meta-analysis showed beneficial effects of statin use on reducing inflammatory markers in patients with MetS and related disorders. © 2018 Elsevier Lt
Prenatal exposure to diesel exhaust particles causes anxiety, spatial memory disorders with alters expression of hippocampal pro-inflammatory cytokines and NMDA receptor subunits in adult male mice offspring
Get PDFAir pollution by Diesel exhaust (DE) consists of gaseous compounds and diesel exhaust particles (DEPs). Previous studies show associations between prenatal exposure to diesel exhaust affects the central nervous system (CNS). However, there was not reported that these effects were caused by gaseous compounds, diesel exhaust particles, or both. A limited number of studies in rodent models have shown that exposure to DEPs can result in CNS. Here, we explored the effects of prenatal exposure to DEPs on anxiety and learning and memory in NMRI mice male offspring. Three groups of pregnant mice were exposed to 350�400 μg DEPs/m 3 for 2, 4 and 6 h daily in a closed system room. We examined anxiety and learning and memory in 8-to-9-week-old male offspring using the Elevated plus maze and Morris water maze (MWM) test. Hippocampi were isolated after the behavioral tests and measured pro-inflammatory cytokines and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor expression by quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Mice exposed to DEPs in utero showed de�cits in the Elevated plus maze and Morris water maze test. In addition, DEPs exposed mice exhibited decreased hippocampal NR2A and NR3B expression. Taken together, our data suggest that maternal DEP exposure is associated with anxiety, disrupts learning and memory and reduction hippocampal NR2A and NR3B expression in male offspring. © 201
Melatonin, a toll-like receptor inhibitor: Current status and future perspectives
No full textToll-like receptors (TLRs) are crucial activators of inflammatory responses, they are considered immune receptors. TLRs are of fundamental importance in the pathophysiology of disorders related to inflammation including neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Melatonin is a beneficial agent in the treatment of inflammatory and immune disorders. Melatonin is potent anti-inflammatory hormone that regulates various molecular pathways. Withal, limited studies have evaluated the inhibitory role of melatonin on TLRs. This review summarizes the current knowledge related to the effects of melatonin on TLRs in some common inflammatory and immunity disorders. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Mental health and cognitive function responses to quetiapine in patients with methamphetamine abuse under methadone maintenance treatment
Get PDFBackground: Patients with methamphetamine (MA) abuse under methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) are susceptible to several complications including cognitive disturbance and mental health disorder. This trial was designed to determine the impacts of quetiapine administration on cognitive function and mental health scale in patients with MA abuse under MMT. Methods: This study was carried out in 60 MA abusers under MMT. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either 100 mg quetiapine (n = 30) or control (n = 30) daily for 8 weeks. Cognitive function and mental health scale were taken at baseline and post-treatment to evaluate relevant variables. Results: Quetiapine significantly decreased depression (b -3.94; 95 CI, -7.73, -0.16; P = 0.04) and sleep disorder (b -2.18; 95 CI, -2.89, -1.47; P < 0.001). Also, quetiapine administration resulted in a significant reduction in Iowa Gambling Task (b -2.70; 95 CI, -4.69, -0.71; P = 0.009), and significant increases in Verbal Fluency Test (b 3.04; 95 CI, 1.24, 4.85; P = 0.001), Reverse Digit Span (b 2.80; 95 CI, 2.13, 3.47; P = 0.001) compared with the placebo. Conclusion: Overall, taking 100 mg quetiapine daily for 8 weeks by patients MA abuse in MMT had favorable effects on some of cognitive functions and mental health parameters. © 2019 Elsevier B.V
The effects of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation on gene expression related to inflammation, insulin and lipid in patients with Parkinson's disease: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Get PDFObjective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation on gene expression related to inflammation, insulin and lipid in subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD). Patients and methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed in 40 subjects with PD. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups to take either 1000 mg/day of omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed oil plus 400 IU/day of vitamin E supplements or placebo (n = 20 each group) for 12 weeks. Gene expression related to inflammation, insulin and lipid were quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of PD patients with RT-PCR method. Results: After the 12-week intervention, compared with the placebo, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation downregulated gene expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (P = 0.002) in PBMC of subjects with PD. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation upregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) (P = 0.03), and downregulated oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) (P = 0.002) in PBMC of subjects with PD compared with the placebo. We did not observe any significant effect of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation on gene expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-8 in PBMC of patients with PD. Conclusions: Overall, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E co-supplementation for 12 weeks in PD patients significantly improved gene expression of TNF-α PPAR-γ and LDLR, but did not affect IL-1 and IL-8. © 2018 Elsevier B.V