The effects of swimming training at different temperatures along with cinnamon supplementation on liver enzymes and thyroid hormones in diabetic rats.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of swimming (S) training in water at 5°C (S5C) and 35°C (S35C) along with cinnamon (Cin) supplementationon liver enzymes and thyroid hormones in streptozotocin (STZ(-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental trial, 48 diabetic rats (55 mg/kg STZ) were divided into (1) diabetic control (CD), (2) S5C, (3) S5C+Cin, (4) S35C, (5) S35C+Cin and (6) Cin groups.Eight rats were placed in the healthy control (HC) group to evaluate the effects of diabetes induction on the research variables. Swimming training was performed at 5±2°C and 35±2°C for eight weeks, 3 days a week.For Cin supplementation, 200 mg/kg/day of the aqueous extract of cinnamon was dissolved in the animals drinking water. One-way analysis of variance with Tukey's post- hoc test in Graphpad Prism software was used to analyze the findings. Results: S5C and S35C significantly increased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)(p≤0.05). TSH levels in the S35C group were higher than the S5C group (p≥0.05); ALT levels in the S5C group were lower than the S35C group (p≥0.05). Also, Cin decreased AST and ALT levels (p≥0.05), while S35C+Cin decreased T3, ALP and ALT and S5C+Cin decreased ALP (p≥0.05). Conclusion: It seems that training at different temperatures and consumption of cinnamon synergistically lead to improvement of liver enzymes and modulation of thyroid hormones. However, the effect of training in cold water and its impact on thyroid hormones is still unknown and needs further research.

Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Persian Version of the Harris Hip Score.

Background: The Harris hip score (HHS), a self-administered questionnaire, is widely used to evaluate hip pathology affecting health-related quality of life and physical function. This study's purpose was HHS translation to Persian (HHS-Pr) and validation in patients with different hip pathologies. Methods: Translation and cultural adaptation followed existing guidelines. Hip pathology patients (n = 151) completed the HHS, 12-Item Health Survey, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC). Criterion validity was determined from comparisons between the HHS measures and the different corresponding WOMAC domains. Internal consistency used Cronbach's alpha (α), content validity the "content validity index," and floor/ceiling effect the end-range 15%. Test-retest reliability used the intraclass correlation coefficient (subsample n = 30) at 3-7 days that compared baseline with a repeated measure. Measurement precision and change sensitivity used longitudinal assessment (subgroup n = 30) from the standard error of the measurement and minimal detectable change. Results: Cross-cultural adaptation required minor wording changes. The mean HHS-Pr was 57.77 ± 19.69. Criterion validity was significant with the WOMAC (r = -0.76) and 12-Item Health Survey Physical Component Summary (r = 0.47). Internal consistency was high before (α = 0.75) and after standardization (α = 0.86). Content validity was satisfactory (content validity index = 0.88). No floor/ceiling effects were found. Test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.85) was excellent, as was standard error of the measurement (raw score = 5.8) and minimal detectable change (raw score = 11.4). Conclusions: The HHS-Pr demonstrated adequate validity, reliability, and sensitivity to change. These psychometric properties sufficiently measure functional status in patients with hip pathologies in a Persian-speaking population.

A population study on factors associated with unintentional falls among Iranian older adults.

INTRODUCTION: Falls among older adults are a significant cause of disability, injury, and death worldwide. The high incidence of falls in older adults, combined with the increased susceptibility to injury of the older adult population, leads to severe global health issues. Further studies are needed to comprehensively evaluate the typical personal and environmental risk factors of falls in the Iranian elderly population. Future preventive strategies and intervention programs will be based on these findings. The study determined the risk factors associated with unintentional falls among a representative sample of older adults living in Tehran, the capital city of Iran. METHODS: The study design was cross-sectional. The target population was men/women aged 65 years and over from the general population living in 22 different districts of Tehran who were selected by stratified random sampling. The researchers gathered the data using validated questionnaires and observations. The informed consent was obtained from all participants before starting the interview. Multivariate logistic regression analysis examined the association between falls occurring during the past 12 months with demographics/ socioeconomics and fall-related predictor factors. RESULTS: The risk of falls was higher in women (47.0%) and those aged ≥ 75 years (44.1%). Older adults who were married had their fall risk reduced by 36.4% compared with other types of marital status. Older adults who were illiterate (48.1%), housewives (47.0%), and always had concerns about living expenses (53.9%) tended significantly to have a higher risk of falls. Moreover, participants who live with their family were less likely to fall than those who live alone (36.5% vs. 40.4%). Persons with safe homes were less likely to experience falls than persons with unsafe homes (30.9% vs. 41.4%). The logistic regression analysis showed that the female gender, being worried about living expenses, home safety, functional behavior, and function factors, were independently associated with the risk of falls during the past 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that a wide range of intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors contributed to injurious falls; based on the literature, some are preventable. The present data may be helpful as a starting point and guide future efforts for health providers and policymakers to allocate additional resources and develop proper falls prevention or intervention programs at the community level.

Dietary sodium to potassium ratio is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events: a longitudinal follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: The current prospective cohort study aimed to explore the potential associations between dietary sodium (Na), potassium (K), and sodium-to-potassium (Na-to-K) ratio with an incidence risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among Iranian adults. METHODS: The participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (men and women aged 30-84 years, n = 2050), free of CVD at baseline (2006-2008) were included. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and incident CVD (i.e., coronary heart disease, stroke, and CVD mortality) were documented up to March 2018. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) regarding the association between dietary Na, K, and Na-to-K ratio with CVD events. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 10.6 years, 10.14% of participants experienced CVD outcomes. A 41% increased risk of CVD in relation to each increase in 1000 mg/d of Na intake. In the fully-adjusted model, higher Na intake (> 4143 versus < 3049 mg/d) was significantly related to the increased risk of CVD (HR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.06-3.74). Independent of the well-known risk factors, a 56% reduced risk of CVD was observed in the participants with a higher dietary K intake (HR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.20-0.94). A Higher Na-to-K ratio was associated with an increased risk of CVD (HR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.13-3.52). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the Na-to-K ratio might independently predict future risk of CVD events in adults.

Effects of Selenium and/or N-Acetyl-Cysteine Supplementation on Nonthyroidal Illness Syndrome in Hemodialysis Patients: A Factorial Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Nonthyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) is common in hemodialysis patients (HPs). However, limited clinical trials have been conducted in this field. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Se and/or N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) on NTIS parameters in HPs. METHODS: In this factorial randomized controlled trial, 68 HPs were divided into four groups: group A received placebo of Se and NAC, group B received 600 µg per day of NAC and placebo of Se, group C received 200 µg of Se per day and placebo of NAC and group D received 200 µg of selenium and 600 µg of NAC per day for 12 weeks. Blood samples were taken at baseline and after 12 weeks to assess free tri-iodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and reverse T3 (rT3) concentrations. RESULTS: Our finding demonstrated that rT3 levels were decreased in B, C, and D groups and increased nearly to baseline levels in the A group after 12 weeks, with a marked difference between the groups (p < 0.001) based on ANOVA. Although there were no significant differences in FT3 (p = 0.39), FT4 (p = 0.76), and TSH (p = 0.71) between the groups at the end of the trial. CONCLUSION: This trial showed that Se and/or NAC exert beneficial effects on rT3 levels in HPs. However, long-term clinical trials with a larger sample size using more appropriate biomarkers are recommended to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Se and/or NAC in HPs.

The effect of date palm on sexual function in infertile couples: a double-blind controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Infertility has a significant impact on the sexual function of couples. The use of herbal medicine has been highly important throughout the history of medicine. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of date palm on sexual function of infertile couples. RESULTS: The present study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted on infertile women and their husbands who referred to infertility clinics in Iran in 2019. The intervention group was given a palm date capsule and the control group was given a placebo. Data were collected through female sexual function index and International Index of Erectile Function. The total score of sexual function of females in the intervention group increased significantly from 21.06 ± 2.58 to 27.31 ± 2.59 (P < 0.0001). Also, other areas of sexual function in females (arousal, orgasm, lubrication, pain during intercourse, satisfaction) in the intervention group showed a significant increase compared to females in the control group, which was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). All areas of male sexual function (erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction) significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.0001). The present study revealed that 1-month consumption of date palm has a positive impact on the sexual function of infertile couples. Trial registration The trial was retrospectively registered in the Iranian registry of clinical trials at 2020-10-07 ( https://www.irct.ir/trial/51339 ; registration number: IRCT20200925048834N1).

The impact of myofascial release and stretching techniques on the clinical outcomes of migraine headache: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Migraine patients often have painful trigger points, especially in the area of head and neck. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of myofascial release and stretching techniques in the management of migraine headache. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial study on 40 migraine patients. The subjects in the experimental group received three sessions with a duration of 20 min per session techniques. Databases were analyzed using 2 × 3 repeated-measures analyses of variance (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Experimental group showed a significant reduction in pain intensity (P < 0.001) and the neck disability index score (P < 0.001) and an increase in cervical range of motion (P < 0.001) in all time points after the intervention as compared with baseline and control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Myofascial release and stretching techniques were effective in improving symptoms in patients with migraine headache.

Soy intake is associated with lowering blood pressure in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Soy has several beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, results of clinical trial studies are equivocal. Thus, the present study sought to discern the efficacy of soy intake on blood pressure. METHODS: The search process was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, to ascertain studies investigating the efficacy of soy intake on blood pressure in adults, published up to June 2020. A random-effects model was applied to pool mean difference and 95 % confidence interval (CI). Begg's and Egger's methods were conducted to assess publication bias. RESULTS: Pooled effects from 17 effect sizes revealed a significant improvement in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (-1.70; -3.34 to -0.06 mmHg; I2 = 45.4 %) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (-1.27; -2.36 to -0.19 mmHg, I2 = 43.9 %) following soy consumption, in comparison with controls. Subgroup analysis demonstrated a reduction in both SBP and DBP in younger participants with lower baseline DBP and intervention durations of <16 weeks. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that soy intake is associated with an ameliorating effect on blood pressure in adults.

Assessment of premature menopause on the sexual function and quality of life in women.

INTRODUCTION: Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) is characterized by ending menstruation in women under 40 years of age. It has a significant effect on women's sexuality and mental health and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the sexual function and quality of life of premature menopausal women. METHODS: This study was a case-control study on 132 people (66 women with a diagnosis of POF and 66 women of reproductive age with normal ovarian function) who were matched in terms of the age, presenting to Women's Clinic in Jahrom in 2019. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire were used to collect data. p < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean score of sexual function in premature menopausal women was 21.35 ± 4.82 and in non-menopausal women was 25.4 ± 6.61 (OR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.04-0.28). All areas of sexual function; desires disorder (OR = 0.21 95% CI = 0.07-0.56), Arousal disorder(OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.08-0.93), orgasm disorder (OR = 0.36 95% CI = 0.16-0.80), lubrication disorder (OR = 0.21 95% CI= 0.05-0.78), satisfaction disorder (OR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.04-0.28) and quality of life domains: physical health (OR = 0.4 95%CI = 0.06-0.3), mental health (OR = 0.28 95% CI = 0.06-0.1), environmental health (OR = 0.22 95%CI = 0.04-0.6) and social health (OR = 0.28 95%CI = 0.01-0.2) saw a decrease in the premature menopausal women group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that premature menopausal women are found to be weaker than the control group in all areas of sexual function and quality of life. Among the areas of sexual function, such as libido, arousal, satisfaction, and pain have the most impact on quality of life. Therefore, based on the results from improving sexual function, this issue can improve the quality of life.

Did Iranians change their eating behavior following COVID-19 outbreak?

BACKGROUND: Significant lifestyle changes have been reported after COVID-19 outbreak. The present study aimed at investigating changes in dietary habits in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in an Iranian population sample. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the dietary habits of Iranian adults were assessed before and during the COVID-19 outbreak. Consumption of different food groups such as meats, dairy, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts was assessed using a digital questionnaire which was shared on social media platforms. For the statistical analysis, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used. RESULTS: In this online survey, 1553 questionnaires were completed. The results showed that the reported consumption of protein-rich foods increased (P < 0.05), but fish and dairy consumption showed a significant reduction (P = 0.006 and <0.001, respectively). There was a significant reduction in reported fast-food consumption (P < 0.001). Fruits and vegetables (P < 0.001), natural fruit juices (P < 0.001), and water (P < 0.001) were consumed more frequently. Individuals also consumed more vitamin and mineral supplements (P < 0.001) including those containing Vitamin D. CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, participants reported a significant change in their dietary habits and intake of supplements. Higher intakes of meats, protein-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, and nutritional supplements and lower intakes of fish, dairy, and fast foods were reported.

Does zinc with and without iron co-supplementation have effect on motor and mental development of children? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Effects of zinc with and without iron co-supplementation on child development are uncertain therefore the aims of this systematic review were to explore whether supplementation with zinc alone and zinc with iron in children aged 0-5 years old have beneficial or adverse effects on their mental and motor development. METHOD: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus until July 2020 and included randomized controlled trials, which assessed effects of zinc supplementation with and without iron in children less than 5 years old on mental and motor development. Data were pooled by random effects model and the Standardized Mean Differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence interval were estimated. The heterogeneity was assessed by I2. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies with 11,559 participants were eligible to be included in this systematic review. Meta-analysis was conducted with eight articles that used Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development II. We concluded that zinc alone and zinc with iron co-supplementation do not have beneficial or adverse effect on child mental and motor development at 6 and 12 months of age with low to moderate quality of the evidence. Furthermore, Zinc supplementation does not have any long term effect on child development in preschool and school age children. CONCLUSION: Most included studies did not show the efficacy of zinc with and without iron co-supplementation on child mental and motor development up to 9 years old age. Further Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) need to be taken into considerations the context-based differences between countries with special focus on socio-economic differences.

Effects of dry needling on symptomatic hallux valgus: A randomized single blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to determine the short and medium effects of dry needling (DN) on myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in individuals with symptomatic hallux valgus (SHV). METHODS: A total of 30 female volunteers, aged 25-60, with hallux valgus (HV) were randomly divided into two groups: DN group (n = 15) and control group (n = 15) who received sham dry needling. The outcome measures were pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS), Foot Function Index (FFI), hallux valgus angle (HVA), and first metatarsophalangeal joint radiography. RESULTS: At the end of the intervention, the HVA showed a significant decrease in the case group (P < 0.001); however, statistically no significant difference was found in the pain intensity and foot function between the two groups (P > 0.05). These findings were maintained for a week and a month during follow-ups. CONCLUSION: According to the findings, dry needling can be recommended for improving first metatarsophalangeal joint alignment in the mild to moderate SHV individuals.

Magnitude, symmetry and attenuation of upper body accelerations during walking in women: The role of age, fall history and walking surface.

OBJECTIVES: The present experiment examined the role of age and fall history in upper body accelerations when walking on an even and on an uneven surface. STUDY DESIGN: An observational cross-sectional study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The magnitude (root mean square [RMS]), symmetry (harmonic ratio) and attenuation (attenuation coefficient) of upper body accelerations were quantified as primary outcomes; gait spatiotemporal parameters were measured as secondary outcomes. METHODS: Twenty young adults (mean ± SD age: 29.00 ± 4.51 yrs), 20 older non-fallers (66.60 ± 5.43 yrs) and 20 older fallers (68.55 ± 4.86 yrs) walked on an even and on an uneven surface, while wearing four accelerometers attached to the forehead, pelvis, right and left shanks. RESULTS: Older fallers exhibited increased RMS acceleration in the mediolateral direction at the pelvis level compared with young adults when walking on the even surface (0.18 ± 0.04 vs. 0.14 ± 0.02, respectively), whereas walking on an uneven surface was associated with reduced magnitude of acceleration in older fallers (0.19 ± 0.04) compared with non-fallers (0.23 ± 0.04) and young adults (0.22 ± 0.03). Among other changes, walking on the uneven surface diminished pelvis-to-head attenuation in the mediolateral direction in older fallers (38.07 ± 14.51) compared with non-fallers (50.96 ± 11.03) and young adults (62.62 ± 8.21; all ps<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Reduced mediolateral accelerations in older fallers when walking on the uneven surface can be interpreted as a compensatory mechanism to preserve stability through increased body stiffness. Reduced postural flexibility in the frontal plane compromises the central role of the trunk in minimizing the impact of gait-related oscillations to the head, as evidenced by reduced mediolateral attenuation in older fallers.

Adding Temporomandibular joint treatments to routine physiotherapy for patients with non-specific chronic neck pain: A randomized clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: Neck Pain can be related to the disorders of other adjacent areas such as the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). This study aimed to investigate whether there is value in adding TMJ treatments to routine physiotherapy in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain compared with a control group. METHODS: A randomized, single-blind, clinical study desined including two groups of patients. Group A (20 people) received routine physiotherapy for neck pain and group B (20 people) received TMJ manual therapy plus exercise therapy in addition to routine physiotherapy for neck pain. The Treatment program included six sessions for two days a week over a period of 21 days. Assessments were performed during the first session, in the last session and one month after treatment as a follow-up. Outcome measures included neck range of motion (ROM), neck disability index (NDI) and visual analogue scale (VAS). Before starting the study, the reliability of methods for measuring neck ROM was evaluated. RESULTS: Participants were 21 women and 19 men. Initially, a pilot study was carried out on the 40 volunteers to assess the reliability of the measurement methods, and the results were acceptable. With both the control group and the intervention group, the indexes showed significant improvement (p < 0.001), although the intervention group showed more improvement (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This result means adding treatments of TMJ to routine neck physiotherapy can magnify the effect of the intervention, a significant change still in evidence at follow up. Moreover, given the clinically important differences, our results for VAS and NDI were acceptable.

Multi-session anodal transcranial direct current stimulation enhances lower extremity functional performance in healthy older adults.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 5 days of anodal-transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) on lower extremity functional performance in healthy elderly people. This was a randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled study whereby 32 healthy older individuals participated in two groups. The intervention group received 20 min of a-tDCS (1 mA) over the M1 on five consecutive days. The sham group received the same stimulation, but the tDCS device was turned off after 30 s of stimulation. Participants were asked to perform the Timed Up and Go (TUG), 30-s Chair Stand Test (30-s CST), and a Modified Figure of Eight Walk Test (MFEWT) on the first day before tDCS application, immediately, 30 min, and 1 week after the last session of stimulation. Results of the a-tDCS group showed that most of the test values had significant changes in post-test assessments compared to the pre-test (p < 0.05). When comparing the anodal and sham tDCS groups, the results showed a significant improvement in TUG and time-MFEWT immediately after (p = 0.02, p = 0.01), 30 min after (p = 0.04, p = 0.01) and 1 week after the last session of stimulation (p = 0.01, p = 0.01). Improvements in performance of the 30-s CST and the number of steps-MFEWT were not significant, except at 1 week after the last session for the steps-MFEWT (p = 0.04). The application of 20 min a-tDCS over the M1 for 5 consecutive days improves lower extremity functional performance in the healthy older participants.

Effects of Dry Needling Technique Into Trigger Points of the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle in Migraine Headache: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the effect of dry needling into trigger points of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in migraine headache patients. DESIGN: Forty subjects with a migraine headache, originating from myofacial trigger points into the sternocleidomastoid muscle (20 subjects in dry needling group and 20 subjects in control group) volunteered to participate in this study. The subjects in the treatment group received three sessions of dry needling in the myofascial trigger point region. Headache frequency, headache intensity, headache duration, drug consumption, muscle thickness, pressure pain threshold, and cervical range of motion were assessed before, immediately after intervention, and at 1-mo follow-up period. In addition, this article was extracted from Iranian Register of Clinical Trials Number IRCT20171219037956N1. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significant reduction in the headache parameters immediately after the intervention and at 1-mo follow-up, as compared with the control group. The pressure pain threshold of sternocleidomastoid muscle, cervical range of motion, and muscle thickness significantly increased in the dry needling group in comparison with the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The application of dry needling technique caused an improvement in symptoms of migraine patients. Therefore, this technique may be prescribed for treating migraine patients with myofacial trigger points in the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Effect of Propolis Intake on Serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) Levels in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: Propolis is a natural Product and the antioxidant properties of Propolis appear to be principally responsible for its therapeutic effects. However, several studies have shown the positive effect of Propolis on the reduction the levels of inflammatory markers; some others have revealed non-significant impacts on them. Hence, the present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of Propolis intake on C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). METHODS: The systematic search was undertaken in scientific databases that included: PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science to find studies assessing the effects of Propolis on CRP and TNF-α up to December 2019. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were pooled using a random-effects model. Potential publication bias was tested using Egger's test. RESULTS: Six studies comprising 406 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to controls, Propolis intake significantly reduced serum TNF-α (SMD = -0.48, 95 % CI = [-0.69, -0.26], P < 0.0001, I2 = 66.9 %) and CRP (SMD = -0.38, 95 % CI = [-0.68, -0.07], P = 0.01, I2 = 44.4 %) levels. No evidence of publication bias was found in the meta-analyses. CONCLUSION: The present study concluded in the statistically and clinically reduction of serum CRP and TNF-α levels following Propolis intake.

The effects of consecutive sessions of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the primary motor cortex on hand function in healthy older adults.

BACKGROUND: With advancing age, changes in the central nervous system may lead to motor functional deficits. Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques are suggested to help modifying brain function. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of using multi session anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (a-tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) on the hand function in healthy older adults. METHOD: In this randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled study 32 participants received active or sham a-tDCS (1 mA, 20 min, for five consecutive days) and performed the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT) on the first day before tDCS application, immediately (T1), 30 min (T2), and one week after the last session (5th day) (T3) of the stimulation. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement for PPT (p < 0.05) in a-tDCS group at all post-test values except for PPT for left hand (PPTL) at T1. Compared to the sham group, the results indicated significant improvement in all PPT subtests (P < 0.05), except for PPTL at T1, PPT for both hands at T2 and PPT assembly at T3 in a-tDCS group. CONCLUSION: The current findings suggest a-tDCS can be considered as a promising stand-alone technique in the intervention of the age-related decline of manual dexterity for improving hand function.

The effects of ginger supplementation on markers of inflammatory and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

The present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of ginger supplementation on markers of inflammatory and oxidative stress. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched to identify relevant clinical trials evaluating the effects of ginger on serum CRP (C-reactive protein), TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-alpha), IL-6 (interleukin-6), PGE2 (prostaglandin E2), TAC (total antioxidant capacity), and MDA (malondialdehyde) from inception up to September 2019. Mean difference and 95% confidence intervals were pooled using a random-effects model. Potential publication bias was assessed using visual inspection of funnel plot and Egger's weighted regression tests. After excluding irrelevant records, 20 full-text articles that included 25 separate studies were included to the meta-analysis. Pooled results of this study indicated a statistically significant effect of ginger on serum CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, TAC, and MDA levels following ginger supplementation in compared to the controls. Also, the effects of ginger on serum PGE2 was marginally significant. Moreover, the high heterogeneity was disappeared in subgroup analysis performed by age, duration, dosage, and quality. This current analysis indicates that ginger supplementation has a significant effects on serum inflammatory and oxidative stress markers.

The effects of curcumin supplementation on liver function, metabolic profile and body composition in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide. Curcumin is the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic and also anti-hyperlipidemia agent and uses as herbal medicine for treating liver diseases. OBJECTIVE: The present systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of curcumin supplementation on metabolic markers and anthropometric parameters in patients with (NAFLD). METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were systematically searched to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of curcumin supplementation on the arms of this study in patients with NAFLD up to September 2019. Mean difference (MD) was pooled using a random effects model. Potential publication bias was assessed using Egger's weighted regression tests. RESULTS: After excluding irrelevant records, 9 RCTs included in this meta-analysis. Pooled results of included studies indicated a significant reduction in alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), serum total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), fasting blood sugar (FBS), HOMA-IR, serum insulin and waist circumference (WC), but not in serum triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), HbA1c, body weight and body mass index (BMI) following curcumin supplementation. Additionally, age- and baseline TC-based subgroup analysis indicated a significant reduction in TG and also duration- and dosage-based showed a significant change in BMI. CONCLUSION: The current study revealed that curcumin supplementation has favorable effect on metabolic markers and anthropometric parameters in patients with NAFLD.