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Efficacy and Mechanisms of Silybum Marianum, Silymarin, and Silibinin on Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis Symptoms: A Systematic Review
No full textBackground: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are the most common forms of skeletal disease worldwide. Objective: The current systematic review investigated the mechanisms of Silybum marianum, silymarin, and silibinin on RA and OA symptoms. Methods: The PRISMA 2020 statement was used for reporting Items in this systematic review. The result was a list of five databases, including Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus. After determining the inclusion and exclusion criteria, of 437 records identified, 21 studies were eligible. The data were extracted from the studies and imported into an Excel form, and finally, the effects, outcomes, and associated mechanisms were surveyed. Results: Silybum marianum and its main constituents revealed immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties in humans and laboratory animals. Moreover, they protect the joints against the cartilage matrix's hypocellularity and fibrillation, reduce synovitis, and inhibit degeneration of aggrecan and collagen-II in human chondrocytes. They also, through reducing inflammatory cytokines, show an analgesic effect. Although silymarin and silibinin have low absorption, their bioavailability can be increased with nanoparticles. Conclusion: In experimental studies, Silybum marianum, silymarin, and silibinin revealed promising effects on RA and OA symptoms. However, more clinical studies are needed in this field to obtain reliable results and clinical administration of these compounds
Psychometric properties of women’s sexual performance index on their cardiovascular health in Asian countries: A systematic review
No full textIntroduction & Background: Sexual dysfunction is a common disease in Asian countries. These countries are facing women’s sexual issues that can affect their cardiovascular health. This study aims to assess the reliability and validity of all the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) versions on their cardiovascular health in Asian Countries. Methods: The Main Outcome Measure is the evidence of a measurement property, and the quality of evidence based on the COSMIN guidelines. Results: 10 studies were included. FSFI has excellent internal consistency, appreciable test-retest reliability, and high discriminate, concurrent, and converge validity. Most studies supported six, five, and three-factor models. The six-factor model was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis in a sample of menopausal women (P<0.001). Conclusion: The FSFI, as a reliable scale, could evaluate the female sexual function among the general population and specific medical conditions (such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and cervical cance
Comparative Evaluation of Direct Laryngoscopy Versus GlideScope for the Purpose of Laryngoscopy Management and Intubation in Candidates of Cesarean Delivery with General Anesthesia
No full textBackground: The present study aimed at comparing the hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and initiation of intubation with either direct or video-assisted laryngoscopy. Materials and Methods: This double-blind clinical trial was performed on 90 pregnant women candidates for cesarean section under general anesthesia. The participants were divided into two groups. In the first group, intubation was performed using direct Macintosh laryngoscope (MCL group). The second group underwent intubation using the GlideScope video laryngoscope (GSL group). Then, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), the percentage of the saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2), the time-to-intubation (TTI), and the number of intubation attempts were recorded. Results: SBP, DBP, and MAP in the MCL group were significantly higher than GSL group 1, 3, and 5 min after laryngoscopy (P < 0.05). HR in the MCL group with the mean of 118.44 ± 15.53 bpm was significantly higher than that the GSL group with the mean of 110.11 ± 16.68 bpm only 3 min after laryngoscopy (P = 0.016). The TTI in the MCL group was significantly longer than that of the GSL group (12.80 ± 1.86 vs. 10.15 ± 2.61; P = 0.001). The frequency of the first intubation attempt in the GSL group with 91.1% was significantly higher than that the MCL group with 84.4% (P = 0.003). Conclusion: It seems that the GSL technique is a better choice to conduct laryngoscopy with more success in intubation and a higher stability of the patients’ hemodynamic status
Investigating the Relationship between Cadmium Exposure and the Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis
No full textBackground: Cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, experienced a surge in production during the 20th century due to the rise of nickel-cadmium batteries, metal plating, and plastic stabilizers. Exposure to cadmium primarily occurs through the consumption of contaminated food, such as vegetables and grains, as well as drinking water or inhaling polluted air. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between cadmium exposure and the incidence of prostate cancer using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. Methods: This research involved searching and retrieving observational and experimental studies conducted until May 2022 from various databases, including ISI Web of Science, Cochrane, Science Direct, Scopus, Pub-Med, and Google Scholar. Data analysis was performed using Stata 15 statistical software. Results: The initial search yielded 794 articles, which were subsequently reduced to 427 articles after eliminat-ing duplicates. Following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 16 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The odds ratio of prostate cancer compared to the first quartile of exposure in the second quartile was 1.03 (0.95-1.12), in the third quartile it was 1.12 (0.99-1.26) and in the fourth quartile of exposure was equal to 1.16 (0.79-1.70). Regarding the investigation of the probability of the occurrence of publication bias, the results of Begg's and Egger's tests were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Although exposure to cadmium leads to an increase in the chance of prostate cancer, this chance increase was not statistically significant
Enhancing the quality attributes of mint medicinal plant (Mentha spicata L.) through simultaneous combined ozone and infrared drying
No full textMedicinal plants are widely used in various traditional and modern medical methods due to their therapeutic properties. Drying is a common method used to preserve the biochemical compounds of medicinal plants. Still, conventional drying methods can lead to the loss of active compounds due to exposure to high temperatures. This research aimed to design and construct an ozone generator for use in a combined dryer and evaluate the ozone, temperature, and hot air flow rate on the quality properties of mint (Mentha spicata L.). Drying experiments were conducted at varying temperatures, air flow speeds, and ozone levels. Results indicated that increasing temperature reduced total phenol and flavonoid content while increasing antioxidant capacity. Higher airflow speed positively influenced total phenol, total flavonoid content and antioxidant potency but reduced drying time. Ozone exposure increased total phenol, flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and had minimal effect on drying time. Optimization revealed that a temperature of 52.47°C, air flow rate of 1.5 m/s, and 90.37% ozone concentration yielded favorable outcomes, including enhanced phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant power, and decreased energy consumption. Compared to other drying methods, the proposed ozone-enhanced method proved superior in preserving bioactive compounds and maintaining a reasonable drying time. Overall, the research highlights the potential of ozone-assisted drying for optimizing the quality of medicinal plants during preservation. Practical Application: The paper introduces a novel and efficient method for preserving the quality of medicinal mint. By concurrently applying ozone and infrared drying techniques, this approach aims to capitalize on their synergistic effects in maintaining the plant's beneficial compounds. Ozone acts as a natural antimicrobial agent, preserving the plant's integrity, while infrared drying expedites the process without compromising the phytochemical profile. This innovative method not only ensures microbial safety and extended shelf life but also enhances the mint's aroma, flavor, and nutrient retention. The practical application of this combined technique holds promise for pharmaceutical and herbal industries, providing a valuable approach for optimizing the drying process and preserving the medicinal attributes of Mentha spicata L
Everything Midwives Need to Know about Postpartum Women's Health Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Updated Evidence Review and Practical Guide
No full textClinical practices vary significantly between countries, so healthcare providers must be aware of the differences in recommendations among guidelines to give the best care possible. It is up to the clinician to decide whether and to what extent to follow guidelines, based on each patient's special situation. This study aimed to review the updated evidence regarding practical aspects required for midwives to do postpartum care for mothers and newborns during COVID-19. The relevant guidelines in English were searched through databases including Cochrane Library, PubMed, EBSCO, and Sco-pus, from December 2019 to May 17, 2022, using keywords of ‘puerperium ‘, ‘newborn ‘, ‘2019-nCoV’ ‘SARS-CoV-2‘, ‘coronavirus ‘, and ‘guideline‘. Recommendation reports of WHO, FIGO, RCOG, UNFPA, CDC, and APA were also searched. Out of the 40 guidelines retrieved, 15 met the inclusion criteria. Postnatal care is divided into two general categories: maternal and neonatal care. The principles of postpartum care for maternal consisted of maternal assessment, venous thromboem-bolism prophylaxis, postnatal visits schedule, visitor restriction, vaccination, and postnatal mental support. Also, care for the neonatal included newborn assessment, visitation in the neonatal intensive-care units, breastfeeding, vaccination, circumcision, the decision for location and the separation of the newborn and mother, and discharge. During the COVID-19 pandemic, midwives and other maternal care professionals faced issues due to discrepancies between the guidelines of various global organizations. By obtaining recommendations and guidance and keeping up with the latest data, midwives can help women and their newborns get the best care possible
Sexual function and related predictors in male with multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: a case–control study
No full textBackground Sexual dysfunction (SF) is a prevalent and distressing comorbidity in males with multiple sclerosis (MwMS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (MwNMOSD).Aims This study aimed to assess the SF in MwMS and MwNMOSD in comparison to male healthy controls (HCs) and identify its associated predictors.Methods This case-control study was conducted from February 2023 to January 2024 at the MS clinic of Kashani Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. Participants included 49 MwMS, 27 MwNMOSD, and 40 HCs. Demographic, clinical, and psychological data were collected, and SF was evaluated by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Linear regression was used to assess relationships between variables.Outcomes SF was significantly worse in the MwMS and MwNMOSD compared to the HCs.Results SF was significantly lower in MwMS and MwNMOSD compared to HCs. In MwMS, significant independent predictors of SF included partner's education (B = -2.7, P = .003), anxiety (B = -0.6, P = .003), and depression (B = -0.3, P = .026). In MwNMOSD, significant independent predictors of SF were EDSS (B = -5.7, P = .007) and anxiety (B = -1, P = .002).Clinical Implications Controlling risk factors such as depression and anxiety can improve SF of MwMS to a significant extent.Strengths and Limitations Despite limitations like the cross-sectional design and exclusion of certain variables, our study identifies significant associations between sexual dysfunction and various risk factors in MwMS and MwNMOSD, emphasizing the need for future longitudinal research.Conclusion MwMS and MwNMOSD exhibited worse SF than HCs. Multiple factors have been identified as independent predictors of SF within these patient groups
Two distinct psychological concepts: Diabetes depression and diabetes burnout profiles
No full textBACKGROUND:Diabetes burnout represents a unique experience that shares some similarities with other psychological concepts. Differentiating diabetes burnout from depression symptoms is a challenging issue. This study aims to examine diabetes burnout profiles and their association with depression.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted in Iran in 2023. Individuals with type 2 diabetes over 18 years old (N = 1300) were recruited through convenience sampling. Data collection was conducted through demographic information, Personal Health Questionnaire Depression Scale (PHQ), and Diabetes Burnout Scale (DBS). Unsupervised clustering methods were utilized to determine the optimal number of profiles.RESULTS:Five burnout profiles were found (fully burned-out, overextended, exhausted, on the threshold of burnout, and not-burned-out(. The mean burnout score increases as we move from the not-burned-out profile to the fully burned-out profile. The mean depression score was 7.04. Some individuals (n = 124) who were not-burned-out still experience different depression levels. As depression levels increase, burnout levels also tend to increase. It is noteworthy that while depressed individuals are also burned-out, not all individuals experiencing burnout are necessarily depressed. This is a crucial finding in distinguishing between these concepts.CONCLUSION:Addressing burnout based on profiles could be more effective for individuals with diabetes. It is a foundation for further exploring the development of diabetes burnout profiles over time and its relationship with diabetes management and outcomes
Cervical Spondylosis Severity and Its Correlation with Clinical Parameters and Cervical Lesions in Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional MRI Study
No full textBackground: The co-occurrence of multiple sclerosis (MS) and cervical spondylosis (CS) may not only intensify symptoms but also complicate the management of these disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred modality for detecting spinal cord lesions; however, there is limited evidence assessing myelopathy in concurrent CS and MS. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the association between CS and its effects on the spinal cord, as well as their impact on enhancing MS cervical lesions. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 104 MS patients between 2019 and 2021. Data collected included age, gender, duration and phenotype of MS, and the Extended Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Magnetic resonance imaging images were obtained and analyzed for the presence of cervical spondylosis and demyelinated cervical plaques (active/inactive). Multiple sclerosis plaques were evaluated based on their extension, enhancement, and cervical location. Cervical spondylosis was categorized into four grades using the Muhle scale. Additionally, the spinal cord cross-sectional area (SC - CSA) was measured at the C2 - C3 cervical spine level. Results: The severity of cervical spondylosis was associated with older age (P-value < 0.001), longer duration of MS (P-value = 0.04), more severe EDSS scores (P-value = 0.03), and a lower C2 - C3 CS-CSA (P-value < 0.001). However, no significant associations were found with gender (P-value = 0.90), MS plaques activity (P-value = 0.25), or extension (P-value = 0.13). Conclusions: The study findings indicate that the severity of CS is associated with age, MS duration, EDSS, and the C2 - C3 cervical spine cross-sectional area. However, the study did not find evidence supporting a relationship between CS and the extension or activity of MS plaques
The Therapeutic Effect of Shirvan Herbal Ointment on Human Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Compared with Glucantime
No full textBackground: 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