Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) supplements improve quality of life and appetite in atherosclerosis patients: A randomized clinical trial

Background

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of the cardiovascular disease. Saffron is a traditional food that affects many diseases and disorders. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the effects of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on quality of life (QOL) and appetite in patients with atherosclerosis.

Materials and Methods

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 63 participants with atherosclerosis were recruited from Emam Sajjad Hospital, Valiasr Hospital, and Zafaranieyh Clinic in Tehran, Iran. The participants were divided randomly into two groups. Participants received 100 mg/d saffron or placebo capsule for 6 weeks. QOL and appetite levels were measured by the McNew QOL questionnaire, and visual analog scale questionnaire, respectively. Furthermore, anthropometric indices of participants were measured before and after the intervention.

Results

Statistical analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference between atherosclerosis patients who received placebo and those who consumed saffron in terms of the physical domain (P = 0.008) and social domain (P = 0.012) of QOL. In the saffron group increased score in Total score Macnew (P < 0.001), physical domain (P = 0.025), and social domain (P < 0.001) was significant after the intervention. Moreover, the consumption of saffron did not significantly affect emotional domains of QOL, and appetite levels.

Conclusion

Saffron may be considered as a novel agent in patients with atherosclerosis to improve the QOL. A great deal of further research will be needed to critically validate the efficacy of saffron and its mechanisms in atherosclerosis.

The interplay between fasting, gut microbiota, and lipid profile

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the consequence of Ramadan fasting on gut bacterium (Bacteroides and Firmicutes), serum concentration for butyrate, and lipid profile.

METHODS

Thirty healthy subjects were enlisted and investigated two times (before and at the end of Ramadan). Fasting blood samples were obtained for measuring fasting blood sugar (FBS) and lipid profile and serum butyrate concentration. Anthropometrics variables were measured before and after Ramadan for all 30 subjects. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, targeting the genome of Bacteroides and Firmicutes was performed to determine its presence in the stool samples. Food intake was assessed by a 3-day food record before and after Ramadan. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS ver.13 and Minitab ver.17. P < 0.05 considered the level of significance.

RESULTS

The study results showed that serum levels of butyrate significantly increase during the month from 0.23 ± 0.02 mM to 0.46 ± 0.03 mM (P < 0.05). The gut Bacteroides and Firmicutes increased by 21 and 13 percent after Ramadan compared to before (P < 0.05). The increment in Bacteroides occurred in both sexes, but Firmicutes significantly increased only in women. Food intake was decreased during Ramadan. Ramadan fasting caused significant reduction in BMI from 25.72 ± 0.58 kg/m2to 25.25 ± 0.55 kg/m² (P < 0.05). Serum levels of LDL, HDL, LDL/HDL ratio, and total cholesterol significantly decreased during Ramadan (P < 0.05). However, the decrease in FBS and TG level were not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

It can be stated that the promotion of Bacteroides and Firmicutes in the gut might play a crucial role in health promotion. However, more research is needed to achieve a definite conclusion.

Plant-based diets and risk of disease mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

We aimed to examine the association between adherence to plant-based diets (PBDs) and the risk of mortality among the general population. Relevant investigations were identified through PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and ISI Web of Knowledge. Data were pooled using a random-effects or a fixed-effects model. Twelve prospective cohort studies with 42,697 deaths among 508,861 participants were included. The hazard ratios (HRs) for the highest compared to the lowest category of adherence to the PBDs were 0.90 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82, 0.99; I² = 91%, n = 12) for all-cause and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.70, 0.86; I² = 36%, n = 8) for coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality. Among PBDs subtypes, there was an inverse association between healthy plant-based 0.92 (95% CI: 0.88, 0.96; I² = 0%, n = 2), Pesco-vegetarian 0.81 (95% CI: 0.70, 0.92; I² = 0%, n = 2), and Pro-vegetarian 0.74 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.88; I² = 61.2%, n = 2) diets and the risk of all-cause mortality. A vegetarian diet was also associated with lower risk of mortality due to cardiovascular 0.92 (95% CI: 0.85, 0.99; I² = 0%, n = 5) and CHD 0.76 (95% CI: 0.68, 0.85; I² = 35%, n = 7). Our findings show the potential protective role of PBDs against chronic disease mortality. As there were certain limitations in some of the studies included in this systematic review and meta-analysis, further research is necessary to confirm our findings.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Honey Gel and Clotrimazole Cream in the Treatment of Vaginal Candidiasis Signs: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Due to the increasing resistance to synthetic antifungal drugs, the use of drugs with a natural origin, with low side effects and low prices is a priority. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of topical honey gel and clotrimazole cream in treatment of signs of vaginal candidiasis. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the topical use of honey and clotrimazole in the signs of vulvovaginal candidiasis in clinics and medical centers in Tabriz. The study was performed on 106 non-pregnant women (18 to 45 years old) who had clinical signs of candidiasis. Patients were randomly divided into two groups receiving honey gel and clotrimazole vaginal cream (53 people per group). Each group was treated for 8 days. Before, 4, and 8 days after the intervention, patients recorded the sings of disease and possible side effects of drugs using a researcher-made questionnaire. The results were analyzed using SPSS software ver. 22. Inter-group comparison was carried out using McNemar, Cochran Q and independent t tests. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: sults: In the three evaluation periods, a significant reduction in the sings was observed compared to the before starting of treatment regimes. The results of the cultures were similar and there was no significant difference between the two honey gel and clotrimazole cream groups. Conclusion: Our results may suggest that honey gel could have promising benefits in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis as the main drug or as an adjunct to other antifungal drugs.

Pro- and prebiotic effects on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is related to inflammation and oxidative stress. Probiotics and prebiotics are considered anti-inflammatory and antioxidative factors. In this study, we evaluated the effects of probiotic and/or prebiotic on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in patients with NAFLD.

METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN

Seventy-five NAFLD subjects were divided into four groups. The first group received a pro-biotic capsule of Bifidobacterium longum (B.L) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L.A) (2 × 107 CFU/day), the second group received prebiotic (10 g/day inulin), the third group received pro-biotic and prebiotic, and the fourth group received placebo, for three months. Anthropometric, inflammatory and oxidative/ anti-oxidative indices were measured in all patients before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

We showed that consumption of pro- and/or prebiotic compared to placebo is able to significantly decrease body weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, tumour necrosis factor-α and increase serum levels of total antioxidant capacity in patients with NAFLD (p<0.01). There were not any significant differences between probiotic, prebiotic and co-administration of them on the mentioned parameters. Co-administration of pro- and prebiotic caused significant decrease of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) compared to the placebo and other groups (p<0.01). Interlekin-6 and malondialdehyde were not significantly different among groups at the end of study.

CONCLUSIONS

Probiotic or/and prebiotic supplementation can be effective for improvement of some anthropometric, inflammatory and oxidative indices in patients with NAFLD. Co-administration of pro- and prebiotic is more effective than probiotic and prebiotic alone in modifying hs-CRP in patients with NAFLD.

Effects of green coffee extract supplementation on level of chemerin, malondialdehyde, nutritional and metabolic status in patients with metabolic syndrome

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of green coffee extract on anthropometric index and lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, chemerin and malondialdehyde on subjects with metabolic syndrome.

Design/methodology/approach

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in Sheikh Al Raise Clinic from September 2016 to March 2017. The participants were randomly divided into green coffee group and placebo group. Green coffee group (n = 24) received green coffee extract (GCE), while placebo group (n = 24) took cellulose as a placebo, two capsules (400 mg) two times each day for eight weeks. The anthropometric index and lipid profile, fasting blood sugar, chemerin and malondialdehyde were measured at the beginning of the study and after eight weeks of treatment with GCE. Blood samples were collected before and after eight weeks of supplementation.

Findings

Significant weight loss, from 84.80 ± 2.12 kg to 80.94 ± 2.10 kg (ptime = 0.030, pGC = 0.007), as well as decreases in body mass index (ptime = 0.034, pGC = 0.006) were detected in the green coffee group after eight weeks. Also, the green coffee group has significant lower (pgroup = 0.029, ptime = 0.013) malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to the placebo group, and there was a significant difference between two groups at the insulin level and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (ptime = 0.001, pgroup = 0.048), (ptime = 0.012, pgroup = 0.007). However, there was no significant difference in lipid profile, fasting blood sugar and serum chemerin between two groups after eight weeks of supplementation.

Originality/value

This paper showed the statistical difference in body weight, malondialdehyde, insulin and insulin resistance after eight weeks of treatment. GCE might be associated to reduction in the carbohydrate absorption and the enhancement of lipid metabolism.

Occupational fatigue and mental health complaints among 8-hour shift workers of petrochemical industries in Iran

BACKGROUND

Shift working is unavoidable in many industries with continual material processing such as petrochemical plants. So, the adverse effects of shift working on workers should be seriously considered.

OBJECTIVE

This cross-sectional study evaluated occupational fatigue and mental health complaints and their relationship in rotating 8-hour shift workers.

METHOD

In this study, 287 shift workers participated. The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) were used to evaluate the level of fatigue and mental health, respectively.

RESULT

A relatively high prevalence of mental health complaints (particularly social dysfunction) and fatigue (especially general fatigue) were found among the study population. In general, 43.4% of participants reported a mental health problem. A moderate correlation was found between fatigue and mental health (r = 0.58). The stepwise regression model revealed that fatigue was significantly related only to "anxiety and insomnia" and "severe depression".

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that the 8 h shift workers in studied areas are exposed to a considerable risk of mental health and fatigue. So, improving the ergonomics and health aspects of the workplace is recommended to reduce related risk factors.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses' Perceptions and Knowledge of Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program: A Multicenter Study

Background

The newborn individualized developmental care and assessment program (NIDCAP) is a new multifaceted approach, which is developmentally and functionally supportive of health especially in premature newborns at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This study is designed for assessing the knowledge and perception of nurses as the most important members of the multidisciplinary team of NIDCAP about this program.

Materials and Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 nurses working in the NICUs of Alzahra, Taleghani, and Children hospitals affiliated to the educational and treatment centers of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences as well as 29 Bahman Hospital affiliated to Tabriz Social Security Organization in 2016 using census sampling method. Three questionnaires were employed to collect demographic data and to explore the nurses' perceptions and knowledge of the NIDCAP program.

Results

Findings of the study indicated that the mean (SD) nurses' knowledge and perception scores for NIDCAP were 71.83 (1.64) and 76.80 (0.79), respectively. In the terms of knowledge, significant differences were found with regard to being married (t = -2.39, p < 0.019), having an MSc degree (t = -2.14, p = 0.034), and employment experience (t = -3.38, p = 0.001). However, there was no significant relationship between perception and demographic variables (p > 0.05), nor was there any significant relationship between perception and knowledge (p = 0.275).

Conclusions

The results of this study showed that the majority of nurses participating in the study had high knowledge about NIDCAP.

Predictors of short-term mortality after acute stroke in East Azerbaijan province, 2014

Introduction: Stroke is one of the important causes of death and disability in Iran. This study aimed to examine the factors influencing the short-term mortality of stroke in Northwest of Iran. Methods: Study population were all patients with confirming the diagnosis of the first-ever stroke who were hospitalized in two referral teaching hospitals from October 2013 to March 2015. They were followed up to 30 days after onset of stroke. A neurology year three resident was responsible for extracting the clinical data and assessment of stroke severity on admission using National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and information about risk factors and socio-demographic factors were collected using face to face interview. Data were analysed using Cox proportional regression by STATA software version 14. Results: A total of 1036 consecutive patients with first-ever stroke were included in this study. Of them, 228 patients (22%) died within 30 days after stroke accordance. Advanced age was significantly associated with a hazard for early mortality (HR=1.05 95% CI 1.09-1.04), the inverse was true for education level; mortality decreased as the education level increased; it was 25.7 percent among illiterate and 14.3 among patients with higher education. The NIHSS score on admission for 30-days mortality and hemorrhagic stroke were associated with HR=1.11 (95% CI 1.09-1.13) and HR= 1.65 (95% CI 1.15-2.36) respectively. Conclusion: Advanced age, stroke subtype and high NIHSS score are the independent predictors of early mortality in this study. This provides important implications for the clinicians to target the high-risk patients for the specific therapies and management strategies.

Effectiveness of self-management program on arthritis symptoms among older women: A randomized controlled trial study

We aimed to determine the effectiveness of a self-management program amongst older women with rheumatoid arthritis. The intervention group (n = 40) received a six-week arthritis self-management program. Assessments were recorded prior to and after the program using a demographic questionnaire, Visual Analogue Scale, Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale, and self- reported questions regarding mobility. Significant improvements in self-efficacy for functional ability and pain management were found in the intervention group compared to those before the intervention and the control group. Our trial indicates that the program used in conjunction with exercise interventions for aged patients may lead to benefits perceived self-efficacy.

Comparison of the Effect of Plastic Cover and Blanket on Body Temperature of Preterm Infants Hospitalized in NICU: Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction: Preterm infants are unable to regulate their body temperature and there are insufficient research evidences on different kinds of covers for hospitalized preterm infants; therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of comparing the effects of plastic and blanket covers on the body temperature of preterm infants under radiant warmer.

Methods: This randomized cross-over clinical trial was carried out upon 80 infants with the gestational age of 28-30 weeks and birth weight of 800- 1250 gr who were in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on the second day of their hospitalization. The study lasted for two days. In group 1, the plastic cover was used during the first day of the study while the blankets were used during the second day. Infants’ heads were kept out of the cover and coated with a hat. In group 2, the plastic cover was used during the first day of the study while the blanket was used during second day. Digital thermometer was used to measure infants’ axillary temperature. The data was analyzed using SPSS ver 13 and MiniTab software. Descriptive statistics, (Mean (SE), 95%CI) and inferential statistics (Repeated measurement and ANCOVA tests) were used.

Results: The mean body temperature of the infants in the group covered with the plastic was calculated to be higher and the warmer was set on low temperature.

Conclusion: Using plastic cover during the first few days of hospitalization in NICU resulted in regulation of preterm infants’ body temperature.

Comparison of the efficacy of honey gel and clotrimazole cream in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis symptoms: a randomized clinical trial

Background

Reproductive tract infection is a global health problem among women, particularly in East Asia. Accordingly, researchers are seeking drugs with fewer side effects, compared to chemical agents. In this regard, the antifungal properties of honey have been confirmed.

Objective

This study was conducted to examine the effects of vaginal honey gel and clotrimazole cream on symptoms of candidiasis in 2014–2015.

Methods

This single-blind clinical trial was conducted on 106 patients with clinical complaints and positive cultures. The study was conducted in Tabriz clinics and health centers during 2014–2015. The participants were randomly divided into clotrimazole cream and honey gel groups (n, 53 per group) and were assessed both pretreatment and post treatment (before, 4 and 8 days after treatment). The results were analyzed and compared in IBM-SPSS version 22, using McNemar’s test, Cochran’s Q test, generalized mixed model, and independent-samples t-test. The significance level was set at 0.05.

Results

At all 3 time intervals, significant reductions were observed in vaginal symptoms, compared to pretreatment due to the use of honey gel and clotrimazole cream (p<0.001). On the other hand, the culture results were similar, and there was no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Honey was effective in the treatment of candidiasis symptoms and could be used as an alternative or adjuvant for other antifungal drugs in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis symptoms.

Clinical Trial Registration

This study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (http://www.irct.ir) with the registration code IRCT201604144317N9.

Funding

The authors received no financial support for the research.

Latent and Asymptomatic Toxocara Infection among Young Population in Northwest Iran: The Necessity of Informing People as a Potential Health Risk

Objectives. This study was designed to determine the frequency of anti-Toxocara antibodies in youngsters aging from 2 to 20 years in northwest Iran. Materials and Methods. 397 samples were taken randomly almost equally from four locations in Urmia, west Azerbaijan, during August 2014 to September 2015. Anti-Toxocara IgG antibody assays were done on sera by using ELISA kit (IBL, Germany). In order to prevent cross-reaction, the samples of the patients who are infected with other parasites in stool exam, especially Ascarididae family, were also excluded. SPSS 16.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results. 12 (3%) of the serum samples were positive for anti-Toxocara IgG. According to the Chi-square analysis, risk factors such as mother's educational level, keeping dogs or cats as pets, and history of coughing were related to Toxocara infection (P < 0.05). There was no relationship between toxocariasis and gender, history of onychophagy, pica, fever, abdominal pain, and anorexia; however, we found a significant relationship between Toxocara infection and chronic coughing (P = 0.045). Conclusion. Toxocariasis in northwest Iran can be considered as a public health problem. This study may also help to increase the awareness about this infection.

Fatigue and Psychological Distress: A Case Study Among Shift Workers of an Iranian Petrochemical Plant, During 2013, in Bushehr

Background:

Shift work is a well-recognized occupational health hazard in both industrialized and industrially developing countries. Prolonged working time, day/night shift rotation, circadian rhythm and sleep disorders, family and social problems are the most important features of shift working, which have serious complications.

Objectives:

The present study evaluated the fatigue and psychological distress and their relationship among shift workers, in a petrochemical plant (Southern Pars gas field) in Southwest Iran.

Materials and Methods:

In this cross-sectional field study, 400 shift workers from a plant were involved, with participation rate of 72.5% (290 persons). The multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI-20) and general health questionnaire (GHQ-28) were used to evaluate the level of fatigue and psychological distress, respectively.

Results:

The results showed that the fatigue and psychological distress (particularly social dysfunction, anxiety and insomnia) are frequent among 12-hour shift workers (the total MFI and total GHQ scores were 42.68 ± 17.88 and 34.66 ± 18.56). A relatively strong positive correlation was found between fatigue and psychological distress (r = 0.62). The results of the stepwise regression model indicated that the psychological distress was significantly related only to general fatigue, mental fatigue and reduced motivation, whereas it was not to the physical fatigue and reduced activity.

Conclusions:

The study findings highlight the importance of the mental aspect of fatigue in this working group. These results have possible implications for workers’ health and well-being and for the design of shift work systems, for industrial workers.

Demographic Factors and their Relation to Fatigue and Mental Disorders in 12-Hour Petrochemical Shift Workers

BACKGROUND

Shift workers may be exposed to fatigue and mental disorders due to various work-related risk factors. This study evaluated the impact of demographic characteristics on fatigue and mental disorders among 12-hour shift workers in petrochemical industries.

METHODS

This study was conducted among 290 shift workers of Pardis Petrochemical Company in Iran. Data were collected using a general questionnaire for the demographic characteristic as well as multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI-20) and general health questionnaire (GHQ-28).

RESULTS

Married workers were less likely to suffer from reduced activity levels (P< 0.027), depression (P< 0.032) and mental disorders (P< 0.040). Social dysfunction score (P< 0.029) and mental disorders (P< 0.048) decreased with shift work experience. Shift workers with non-academic education less likely to suffer from reduced activity levels (P< 0.000) and mental fatigue (P< 0.028).

CONCLUSION

Despite the significant difference between the variables, this study showed a weak effect of individual and occupational demographic characteristics on fatigue and mental disorders.

Effects of magnesium sulfate on the clinical course and GCS of patients with a severe diffuse axonal injury

Background:

Previous studies have shown that magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) administered in a patient with a diffuse axonal injury (DAI) can serve as a useful neuroprotective agent. The present study was conducted to examine whether magnesium sulfate has a therapeutic efficacy and safety in patients with a severe diffuse axonal injury.

Methods:

Adult patients admitted within 1 hour of a closed Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with a severe diffuse axonal injury that met eligibility criteria were randomly selected and divided into two groups. Our treatment guidelines consisted of an initial loading dose of 50 mg/kg magnesium sulfate and then 50 mg/kg QID (quarter in die) up to 24 hours after the trauma. The outcome measures were mortality, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, and motor function scores which were assessed up to 2 months post-trauma.

Results:

Magnesium showed a significant positive effect on GCS score at 2 months post-trauma (P=0.03). Motor functioning scores of patients in the MgSO4 group were higher than those in the control group but this was not statistically significant (P equal to 0.51).

Conclusions:

Findings of the present study demonstrated that administration of magnesium sulfate following severe DAI can have neuroprotective effect.

Keywords:

Severe diffuse axonal injury, Magnesium sulfate, Outcome

Honey and apoptosis in human gastric mucosa

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in the world. Honey is a complex mixture of special biological active constituents. Honey possesses antioxidant and antitumor properties. Nutritional studies have indicated that consumption of honey modulates the risk of developing gastric cancer. On the other hand, apoptosis has been reported to play a decisive role in precancerous changes. Our chief study was conducted to assess the relationship between consumption of honey and apoptosis in human gastric mucosa.

METHOD

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 98 subjects over 18 years old, referred to two hospitals in Tabriz, Iran. Subjects were undergone an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, 62 subjects were finally enrolled. Honey consumption was assessed by a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and apoptosis was detected by TUNEL technique. We tested polynomial curve to find the best fit between honey consumption and apoptosis.

RESULTS

A positive relation between honey consumption and apoptosis was found (P=0.024). Our results indicated that the final and the best fit curve was: apoptosis = 1.714+1.648(honey amount) - 0.533(honey amount)2 +1.833×10-5(honey amount)7.

CONCLUSION

Honey consumption had positive effects on gastric cancer by inducing apoptosis in gastric mucosa.

Nutritional status of children hospitalized in Tabriz Paediatric Hospital, Islamic Republic of Iran, 2008

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of children consecutively admitted as inpatients to Tabriz Paediatric Hospital in the north-west of the Islamic Republic of Iran between June and August 2008. A total of 140 children aged 2-12 years were included. Patients' weight, height and triceps skinfold thickness (TSFT) were measured, and nutritional status was evaluated. Evaluation of weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height and TSFT showed that 48.6%, 30.7%, 32.2% and 14.3% of the patients, respectively, were malnourished. Malnutrition among hospitalized children is worthy of attention, and effective strategies for systematic screening and treatment of malnutrition need to be developed and implemented.