Adherence to the nordic diet is associated with anxiety, stress, and depression in recovered COVID-19 patients, a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Follow-up of COVID-19 recovered patients to discover important adverse effects on other organs is required. The psychological health of COVID-19 patients may be affected after recovery.

AIM

We aimed to evaluate the association between adherence to the Nordic diet (ND) and psychological symptoms caused by COVID-19 after recovery.

METHOD

Dietary data on 246 qualified adults (123 cases and 123 controls). The dietary intake in this case-control study was calculated by a reliable and valid food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) were used to analyze participant's anxiety, stress, depression, sleep quality, insomnia, and quality of life of participants.

RESULTS

There was a significant inverse relationship between total anxiety, stress, and depression scores and the intake of whole grains (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant inverse association between depression and fruit intake (P < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was found between insomnia and sleep quality and the intake of root vegetables (P < 0.05). In the multinomial-regression model, a significant association between the Nordic diet and anxiety, stress, and depression was found only in the case group (OR = 0.719, 95% CI 0.563-0.918, p-value = 0.008; OR = 0.755, 95% CI 0.609-0.934, P-value = 0.010, and, OR = 0.759, 95% CI 0.602-0.956, P-value = 0.019 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Adherence to the Nordic diet might reduce anxiety, stress, and depression in recovered COVID-19 patients.

A large population-based study on the prevalence of electrocardiographic abnormalities: A result of Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorder cohort study

BACKGROUND

Twelve-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is a common and inexpensive tool for the diagnostic workup of patients with suspected cardiovascular disease, both in clinical and epidemiological settings. The present study was designed to evaluate ECG abnormalities in Mashhad population.

METHODS

ECGs were taken as part of MASHAD cohort study (phase1) and were coded according to the Minnesota coding criteria. Data were analyzed using SPSS.

RESULTS

Total 9035 ECGs were available for final analysis including 3615 (40.0%) male and 5420 (60.0%) female. Among ECG abnormalities precordial Q wave, major T-wave abnormalities, inferior Q wave, sinus bradycardia, and left axis deviation were the most prevalent abnormalities. The frequency of precordial and inferior Q wave, inferior QS pattern, major and minor ST abnormalities, major and minor T abnormalities, Wolff-Parkinson-White and Brugada pattern, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, left axis deviation, ST elevation, and tall T wave were significantly different between two genders. Moreover, the frequency of Q wave in precordial and aVL leads, QS pattern in precordial and inferior leads, major and minor T-wave abnormalities, Wolff-Parkinson-White, atrial fibrillation, sinus bradycardia, left axis deviation, and ST elevation were significantly different in different age groups. A comparison of the heart rate, P-wave duration, and QRS duration between men and women indicated that there was a significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Our finding indicated that the prevalence ECG abnormalities are different between men and women and also it varied in different age groups.

Adherence to dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet in relation to psychological function in recovered COVID-19 patients: a case–control study

Background

Follow-up of patients after recovery from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and identifying the adverse effects of the disease in other organs is necessary. Psychiatric symptoms can persist after patients recover from the infection.

Aim

We aimed to examine the adherence to the dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) diet in relation to psychological function in individuals who have recovered from COVID-19.

Method

This case–control study was conducted on 246 eligible adults (123 cases and 123 controls). A valid and reliable food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to determine dietary intake. Depression, anxiety and stress, insomnia, sleep quality, and quality of life of participants were evaluated using DASS, Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and SF-36 questionnaires, respectively.

Results

There was a significant inverse correlation between total depression score with vegetables, depression, anxiety, and stress score and dietary intake of nuts, legumes, and whole grains (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between stress scores and the intake of red and processed meat (P < 0.05). In multivariate-adjusted regression model, a significant association was found between adherence to DASH diet and depression and stress only in case group (OR = 0.7863, 95% CI 0.746–0.997, p = 0.046 and OR = 0.876, 95% CI 0.771–0.995, p = 0.042, respectively).

Conclusion

Adherence to a DASH diet might be associated with depression and stress reduction in recovered COVID-19 patients.

[Giant schwannoma of musculocutaneous nerve (a case report)]

Schwannoma is a tumor that develops from nerve sheath. The authors report an original observation of a giant schwannoma developed in the arm depending on the musculocutaneous nerve. The diagnosis was based on MRI appearance. Confirmation of the diagnosis was made by histological examination. Surgical treatment was resection, taking care preserving adjacent nerve fibers. This allowed recovery without any sequela. Recurrence rate and potential for malignant transformation of this type of tumor is low.

[Fingers amputation following snakebite: a report of three cases]

The amputation of the finger complicating an ophidian bite is rare. It is due to virulence of the venom, its concentration in a small volume of tissue and use of a tourniquet. Support of the victim seeks to save his life and function of his(her) hand. Antivenin immunotherapy is the only specific treatment for ophidian envenimation. It is indicated in case of general signs showing a serious bite, but also if local signs could lead to loss of limb function. The authors report three cases of snakebite complicated by amputation of a finger.

Evaluation of diagnostic efficacy of serum sTfR assay in iron-deficiency anemia and Beta-thalassemia trait in Shafa hospital, Ahvaz, Iran 2010

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Soluble form of transferrin receptor (TFR) called soluble TFR (sTfR) is shed mainly from the erythroid precursors and with a slower rate from other tissues into the plasma. This process of release is intensified in situations characterized with a some degree of erythroid hyperplasia or body iron stores depletion, such as seen in beta-thalassemia trait (betaTT) and iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), respectively. Therefore, the employement of sTfR assay as a diagnostic tool for differentiating IDA from betaTT in case of co-existence of these two clinical entities seems to be questionable. In this work we decided to study the above-mentioned dilemma in our geographical area, south of Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Whole blood (5 ml) and serum samples (2 ml) were collected from 30 patients with IDA, 30 individuals with betaTT and 30 apparently healthy cases as control group. Complete blood count (CBC) was done by blood analyzer and serum iron, serum ferritin and serum sTfR were assayed by biochemical, immunological (chemiluminescence) and Elisa Kit, respectively.

RESULTS

Serum ferritin concentration in IDA group was significantly lower than the concentration seen in betaTT: 6.93 ± 4.16 vs 47.40+/=32.33 microg/ml. The findings for sTfR serum concentration in IDA group (3.25+/=1.60 microg/ml) and betaTT group (1.86+/=0.36 microg/ml) showed a significant difference between IDA and the control group (p < 0.001), with some overlap between IDA and betaTT groups. Serum ferritin concentration and serum sTfR concentration in the control group were (65.60 ± 58.53 microg/dl) and (1.51+/=0.22 microg/ml), respectively. The sTfR/ferritin ratio clearly showed a diagnostic superiority to ferritin assay in IDA diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The observed overlap in serum stfR concentrations between IDA and betaTT groups makes the sTfR assay unefficient tool for a differential diagnosis between IDA and betaTT in the early stages of IDA. An higher diagnostic potential was observed in the advanced stage of iron deficiency anemia. Calculated ratio of serum sTfR/ferritin showed the diagnostic superiority to ferritin assay alone in IDA diagnosis.

[Diffuse tenosenovial giant cell tumor of the wrist revealed by carpal tunnel syndrome: report of a case]

Giant cell tumour of tendon sheath is a benign proliferative lesion of synovial origin that may affect the joints, bursae and tendon sheaths. It is the second most common soft tissue tumor of the hand after ganglion cyst. The localised (nodular) form is the most common. However, the less-common diffuse-type giant cell tumour is usually located in the peri-articular soft tissue. The authors report the case of a giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath arising from the carpal tunnel of the wrist in a 42-year-old woman. The patient presented a mild carpal tunnel syndrome and a mid-palmar swelling. We present an unusual localization of giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath, causing carpal tunnel syndrome.

Evaluation of plasma activity level of anticoagulant proteins in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Shafa hospital Ahwaz 2010

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancy as associated with various coagulation abnormalities such as hemorrhage and thrombosis. This study was designed to investigate the distribution pattern of plasma activity level of anticoagulant protein such as proteins C and S, antithrombin, activated protein C resistance (APCR-V) and D-dimer in patients with ALL.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied thirty patients with confirmed ALL admitted in Shafa Hospital Hematology-Oncology and Thalassemia-Hemoglobinopathy Research Center and thirty normal (age and sex matched) subjects as control group. Proteins C and S, antithrombin, APCR-V were measured by coagulation analyzer and D-dimer analysed with Asserachrom D-Di enzyme immunoassay kit in patients and control group.

RESULTS

The mean activity levels of protein C (p = 0.017) and antithrombin (p = 0.014) were significantly lower in patient to group compared to the control group. However, the patient group had significantly elevated mean levels of protein S (p = 0.004) and D-dimer (p = 0.0001) compared to the control grup. About 3% of patients had APCR-V. There was no significant difference in APCR-V found between patient and control group (p = 0.674).

CONCLUSIONS

The hypercoagulability in ALL patients may attribute to the low levels of protein C and antithrombin and the high level of protein S and D-dimer. According to our findings, the use of suitable anticoagulant therapy as a prophylactic measure can be proposed.

Unusual presentation of a rare tumor of the dorsal surface of the foot

Calcifying aponeurotic fibroma (CAF) was originally described by Keasbey in 1953 as juvenile aponeurotic fibroma, most commonly occurring in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet in children and adolescents. It usually presents as a firm, painless mass without preceding trauma. We report a case of this rare condition with an unusual presentation in a 60-year-old woman affecting the dorsal surface of the foot. It is a relatively benign condition with a good prognosis following complete surgical excision. It may have a slightly increased incidence in males. The accurate diagnosis is based only on histology but it is essential to differentiate it from other sinister lesions such as fibrosarcoma that may lead to amputation.

Economic and Managerial Analysis of Effective Managerial Strategies on Prevention from Ketosis in Transition Period in Shahroud Commercial Dairy Farms

The purpose of this research is to study any effects of managerial strategies on prevention of ketosis metabolic disorder in transition period in Shahroud commercial dairy farms. For this purpose, a questionnaire was prepared in order to obtain required information about the performance of these managerial strategies, performance costs, involvement situation with disorders relying upon clinical signs and treatment and health records, producing and economic situation, and fertility rate and its costs. The considered managerial guidelines include body condition score management or type evaluation in transition period, increase in dry matter intake close to parturition, using propylene glycol, using niacin, and high-quality feeding (the importance of feed quality) in transition period. Finally and upon arrangement of data, it was possible to study any effects of mentioned managerial strategies on related variants through multiple linear regressions. Furthermore, in order to study any relation among variables, we considered Pearson correlation coefficients as well. Finally, it was revealed that any application of managerial strategies for prevention from Ketosis in transition period has a significant effect in betterment of managerial and economic parameters.

Effect of diltiazem on retention and retrieval of memory in young and aged mice

Diltiazem (DTZ) is widely used in the prophylaxis of hypertension and treatment of angina. The effects of DTZ and other calcium channel blockers on memory have been discussed with several procedures and different theories have been suggested. In the present study, the effect of DTZ on retention and retrieval of memory in young and aged mice was investigated by using the passive avoidance apparatus. For this purpose, after weighting, coding and classifying the mice, they were grouped as follow: test group received electric shock plus DTZ (10 and 30 mg kg(-1), i.p.), blank group received electric shock plus normal saline and control group received only electric shock. In all three groups delay time of leaving the platform for both retention and retrieval test of memory was measured. DTZ was administered immediately after receiving electric shock in the retention test, but in retrieval test DTZ was administered 24 h after receiving electric shock. The results indicated that 30 mg kg(-1) of DTZ impaired retention and retrieval of young mice memory. The 30 mg kg(-1) of DTZ enhanced retention while 10 and 30 mg kg(-1) of it improved retrieval of aged mice memory.

[Juxta articular myxoma of the wrist: a case report]

Juxta articular myxomas are rare tumors. The treatment is surgical with a high recurrence rate. A location proximal to the wrist joint is exceptional. We report a case of juxta articular myxoma of the wrist in a 30-year-old patient, with no recurrence four months after surgical excision.

Prevalence of asthma among schoolchildren in Ahvaz, Islamic Republic of Iran

The prevalence of asthma was determined in a random sample of schoolchildren in Ahvaz city, southwest Islamic Republic of Iran, based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC) protocol. The prevalence of ever wheeze and current wheeze was 11.1% and 7.4% among 1410 children aged 6-7 years (parent-reported) and 17.7% and 10.3% among 1450 children aged 13-14 years (self-reported). The prevalence of ever asthma was significantly higher among 13-14-year-olds (9.8%) than 6-7-year-olds (6.8%) but no significant difference was found between males and females in either age group. Comparisons are made with other Iranian cities and international data.

Epidemiology of hospitalized burn patients in Taleghani Hospital during 2003-2007

AIM

The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology of burn injuries refered to Taleghani Burn hospital, Ahvaz and to provide information necessary for planning and implementing an effective prevention program.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The medical records of 6082 consecutive admissions for burn injury treated at Taleghani burn hospital over a five-year period (August 2003 to August 2007) were reviewed.

RESULTS

Our results shows that hospital stay in female was significantly longer than in male (p < 0.05). A positive significant correlation was observed between duration of hospital stay and %TBSA (chi2, p < 0.05). Of the 6082 patients, 486 deaths were recorded. The overall mortality rate of hospitalized burns patients was 8%. Mortality rate in female was higher than in male (p < 0.05). Our data showed E. coli in urine culture and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in blood and wound culture was the predominant isolated bacteria.

CONCLUSION

This study provides an inclusive overview of hospitalized burn patients at Taleghani burn hospital. Prevention programs for reducing the risk of burns are needed. Furthermore, high %TBSA and mortality and the presence of multi-drugs resistant bacteria are major worrying problems in our hospital (Tab. 5, Fig. 2, Ref. 27).

[Bipolar dislocation of the forearm]

The authors report the case of a 23 year old patient, who presented the following combination of injuries after a fall, namely a divergent dislocation of the elbow, a fracture of the radial head, a fracture of the ulna and a perilunate dislocation with scaphoid fracture. The entire injury thus represented a bipolar dislocation of the forearm. The emergency management consisted of a closed reduction of the elbow together with osteosynthesis of the ulna, internal fixation of the scaphoid with a compression screw, and scaphocapitate K wiring. After 26 months, the function of the elbow was satisfactory, and the range of motion of the wrist was from 50 degrees of flexion to 40 degrees of extension. Satisfactory healing of the scaphoid was observed. This combination of injuries has only rarely been reported in the literature.

[Ewing's sarcoma of the hand: a case report]

Ewing's sarcoma of the hand is rare. This tumor was first described in 1921, since then, only a few cases with hand involvement have been reported. We report a case of Ewing's sarcoma of the left hand, presenting as a swelling of the hand gradually enlarging over six months. Plain radiographs showed marked osteolysis of the second, third and fourth metacarpals. Histological confirmation was made following biopsy. Despite amputation and post-operative chemotherapy, death occurred two months later due marrow aplasia.

[Aseptic osteonecrosis of the femoral head in thalassemia minor: a case report]

We report a case of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head in a 14-year-old black adolescent with thalassemia minor disclosed by physical examination and blood tests. No other anomaly could be identified. Despite the very probably secondary nature of the aseptic osteonecrosis of the femoral head and the absence of any other etiology, it is highly difficult to demonstrate the causal effect of thalassemia minor. We reviewed the literature and discuss the pathogenesis of this association.

La luxation carpométacarpienne antérieure complète des doigts. À propos d'un cas

Anterior carpometacarpal dislocation are rare injuries. The anterior type is exceptional. Mr A.T 18 years old, male, student, right-handed, without pathological medical history. He was admitted in emergency after a fall of a motorbike (unknown mechanism) for a closed left hand injury; examination revealed a total impaired mobility and an important swelling of the hand without vasculonervous disorders. X-ray revealed a pure anterior dislocation of the five carpometacarpal joints. The patient was operated on in emergency using both anterior and posterior approach, which allowed to reduce the dislocation. It was maintained by K-wires. An antebrachiopalmar cast was applied for six weeks. One year later, the result obtained was considered excellent.

[Cubital tunnel syndrome and heterotopic ossification. Eight case reports]

INTRODUCTION

The occurrence of cubital tunnel syndrome during heterotopic ossification is infrequent. Entrapment of the nerve requires early decompression whereas definitive elbow release is often delayed to reduce the risk of recurrence of periarticular ossification. The pathophysiology and treatment of these two conditions are discussed.

METHOD

The authors report a retrospective study of eight men (average age 37 years), all with previous head injury. The nerve entrapment was severe in two cases, moderate in four and mild in two. The elbow was ankylosed with a mean flexion deformity of 96 degrees (77 degrees-123 degrees). Management consisted of early decompression and neurolysis with anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve. In four cases elbow release was postponed until maturation of the ossification.

RESULTS

The neurolysis results were assessed according to the score of KLEIMAN modified by TEOH. They were excellent in two cases, good in five and bad in one.

DISCUSSION

Entrapment of the ulnar nerve in the context of heterotopic ossification seems related to compression and tension on the ulnar nerve. The compression may be due to prolonged pressure of the medial edge of the elbow on the bed of the nerve, or to a periarticular bony bridge and the initial inflammatory reaction of the heterotopic ossification. Ulnar nerve tension seems to be due to prolonged flexion of the elbow joint and to movements of the shoulder and the wrist, on either side of the ankyrozed elbow. Treatment should be by early decompression of the nerve and we recommend, in addition, anterior transposition to reduce the tension on the nerve. The elbow release can be combined with the neurolysis or delayed according to the state of activity of the heterotopic ossification.

[Hand trauma from table saw: best prevention]

OBJECTIVE

Trauma to the hand from a circular saw table is a common occurrence in developing countries. It tends to occur in young people, leading to psychologic- and socio-economic disability and loss.

METHOD AND RESULTS

In this series of 834 patients. The mean age was 25 years. The left hand was involved in 88%. The authors report on the epidemiologic features of these lesions. These accidents are correlated with postprandial somnolence. The most frequent causes are absence of security systems and heterogeneity of the wood.

DISCUSSION

The authors emphasize the importance of information for workers, using consciousness raising campaigns. They also stress the necessity of improvement of the conditions of work. Professional formation must be mandatory for young woodworkers and the laws concerning utilization of dangerous machines must be rigorously enforced, in order to lower the incidence of these accidents.

[Lateral dislocation of the elbow: pathophysiological and therapeutic analysis]

Lateral dislocation of the elbow is exceptional, and its pure form even more so. We report a case of lateral dislocation of the elbow observed in a 65-year-old woman following a fall on the medial aspect of the elbow in the flexion position. Reduction could not be achieved because of the anconeus muscle interposition. Analysis of the mechanism involved and the displacements observed enabled to propose a reduction manoeuvre using gentle traction on the elbow with extension and progressive supination of the forearm, pushing the olecranon backward then pulling it medialy. This enabled avoiding incarceration of the nerve bundle or capsulo-ligamentary structures.

[Ossifying parosteal lipoma of the rib: a case report]

Ossifying parosteal lipoma is an uncommon form of parosteal lipoma. We report an exceptional rib localization where hyperosteosis probably arose from contact between the lipoma and the periosteum. Foci of metaplastic cartilage undergoing chondral ossification within the adipose tissue suggest a possible mixed origin.

Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase activity of the AdhE protein of Escherichia coli is inhibited by intermediates in ubiquinone synthesis

Defects in the acd gene (which may be allelic to ubiH) result in the inactivation of the coenzyme A-linked acetaldehyde dehydrogenase activity of the multifunctional AdhE protein of Escherichia coli. This activity is restored by addition of ubiquinone-0 to cell extracts. However, the alcohol dehydrogenase activity of the AdhE protein is not decreased by an acd mutation. Abolition of ubiquinone biosynthesis by mutation of ubiA or ubiF does not affect either the acetaldehyde dehydrogenase or the alcohol dehydrogenase activity of AdhE. Guaiacol (2-methoxyphenol), which resembles the intermediate that builds up in ubiH mutants, except in lacking the octaprenyl side-chain, was found to inhibit ethanol metabolism in vivo, presumably via inhibition of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. In vitro assays confirmed that guaiacol inhibited acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. This suggests that the acetaldehyde dehydrogenase activity of AdhE is specifically inhibited by intermediates of ubiquinone synthesis that accumulate in acd mutants and that this inhibition may be relieved by ubiquinone.

Determinants of partial participation in the immunization programmes in Iran

Results of 45 cluster sample surveys to evaluate the immunization coverage in Iran during 1986 is reported. Overall, 55% of children between the ages of 12-23 months have complete immunization. Apart from mothers' knowledge and motivations, residence in the rural areas and utilization of antenatal care show positive association with immunization coverage. On the other hand, maternal tetanus immunization, hospital delivery and education of birth attendants for deliveries outside hospital, and the sex of the child do not seem to be associated with the child's immunization status. These and other results are discussed.

Variation in yield and lethality of venoms from Iranian snakes

The dangerous venomous terrestrial snakes of Iran belong to three groups: the Elapidae (cobras); the Viperinae (true vipers); the Crotalinae (pit vipers). Geographical distribution of each species was determined. Studies on the venoms extracted from the following Iranian snakes, Oxus cobra, Naja naja oxiana, Levantine viper (Afyi), Vipera lebetina, Carpet viper, Echis carinatus, Persian horned viper, Pseudocerastes persicus, Latifii viper, Vipera latifii, Mountain viper, Vipera xanthina and Caucasus pit viper (Agkistrodon halys), indicated that the yield of venom varies in each species. Venoms were compared for their lethality (i.v. LD50 in mice) and their rate of production. The antigenic components of the venoms were compared with their antisera by gel diffusion tests. To obtain the best results from antivenom treatment, the serum should be made against the venom of the local population of snakes or, at least, the commercial antivenom should be controlled for potency by testing with local reference venom.