Efficacy of Nanocurcumin as an Add-On Treatment for Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Curcumin is a polyphenol derivative of the Curcuma longa rhizome, with potential antioxidant, anticancer, antidepressant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. This compound can be prepared as biodegradable polymer nanoparticles, called nanocurcumin, to improve its solubility, stability, half-life, and bioavailability. Aim: We explored nanocurcumin's effect on the clinical manifestations of patients hospitalized with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Methods: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial involved 76 COVID-19 patients admitted to Ali-Asghar Hospital from December 2021 to March 2022. All patients received standard coronavirus treatment as per national guidelines. In addition, four times a day for two weeks, the curcumin group received 40 mg of nanocurcumin, while the control group received a placebo. Clinical manifestations were examined and recorded by the associate doctors working in the department. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v. 21. Results: Thirty-nine people from the control group and 29 from the curcumin group completed the study. At baseline, the groups were comparable in age, gender, body mass index, hospitalization duration, and background diseases. The mean age of patients in the control and treatment groups was 53.9 ± 11.9 and 54.6 ± 13.4, respectively. Compared with the placebo, nanocurcumin minimized coughs (P=0.036), fatigue (P=0.0001), myalgia (P=0.027), oxygen demand (P=0.036), oxygen usage (P=0.05), and respiratory rate (P < 0.0001). By discharge, the curcumin group had a significantly greater increase in SPO2 than the control group (P=0.006). Conclusions: This preliminary study suggests that nanocurcumin has a potentiating anti-inflammatory effect when combined with standard COVID-19 treatment, helping the recovery from the acute inflammatory phase of the disease in hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate disease severity. This trial is registered with Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20211126053183N1 (registered while recruiting on 13/12/2021).

Individual genetic variability mainly of Proinflammatory cytokines, cytokine receptors, and toll-like receptors dictates pathophysiology of COVID-19 disease.

Innate and acquired immunity responses are crucial for viral infection elimination. However, genetic variations in coding genes may exacerbate the inflammation or initiate devastating cytokine storms which poses severe respiratory conditions in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Host genetic variations in particular those related to the immune responses determine the patients' susceptibility and COVID-19 severity and pathophysiology. Gene polymorphisms such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interferons, TNF, IL1, IL4, IL6, IL7, IL10, and IL17 predispose patients to the severe form of COVID-19 or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2). These variations mainly alter the gene expression and cause a severe response by B cells, T cells, monocytes, neutrophils, and natural killer cells participating in a cytokine storm. Moreover, cytokines and chemokines SNPs are associated with the severity of COVID-19 and clinical outcomes depending on the corresponding effect. Additionally, genetic variations in genes encoding toll-like receptors (TLRs) mainly TLR3, TLR7, and TLR9 have been related to the COVID-19 severe respiratory symptoms. The specific relation of these mutations with the novel variants of concern (VOCs) infection remains to be elucidated. Genetic variations mainly within genes encoding proinflammatory cytokines, cytokine receptors, and TLRs predispose patients to COVID-19 disease severity. Understanding host immune gene variations associated with the SARS-COV-2 infection opens insights to control the pathophysiology of emerging viral infections.

Evaluation of Nutritional Status of Intensive Care Unit COVID-19 Patients Based on the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 Score.

Background: Patients with COVID-19 are susceptible to malnutrition, which is particularly concerning among critically ill patients. We evaluated the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) score in such patients and determined its relationship with the hospitalization outcome. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) of Shahid Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, between February and March 2021. We assessed the nutritional status using NRS-2002 and determined disease severity with the APACHE II index. Demographic information, weight, height, clinical signs, previous illness, medications, biochemical test results, and history of anorexia and weight loss were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18. Results: The mean age of 100 patients was 55.36 ± 18.86 years. According to NRS-2002, 30%, 29%, and 41% of patients were at low risk, moderate risk, and high risk of malnutrition, respectively. Age and BUN increased significantly with NRS-2002, while albumin and hematocrit followed the opposite trend (P < 0.001). Patients who died had lower albumin and hematocrit levels but higher age, NRS-2002 scores, and BUN/creatinine levels than those who recovered. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that for every unit increase in the NRS-2002 score, the odds of mortality increased by 354% (OR: 4.54, CI: 1.48, 13.95, P=0.008). Conclusion: NRS-2002 is a valuable prognostic tool for critically ill COVID-19 patients, with each unit's rise in the score being associated with a 354% rise in the odds of mortality. Increased malnutrition risk was linked with higher age and BUN and lower albumin and hematocrit levels.

Hemodynamic Changes after Continuing or Omitting Regular Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors before Cataract Surgery: A Comparative Study.

AIMS: In this study, we aimed to appraise the effects of interrupting (discontinuing) vs. continuing Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEIs) on the hemodynamic changes of patients during and after cataract surgery. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients aged 40-70 years, American society of anesthesiologist (ASA) class II, taking ACEI/ARB medications, who were admitted to Khalili hospital (Shiraz, South of Iran) for cataract surgery, were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups for continuing or withdrawing the use of ACEI/ARBs. Group 1 included the patients who continued ACEI/ARB administration, and group 2 included those who discontinued them before surgery. In the operating room, relevant demographic information was collected in addition to the data on patients' basic clinical status, including heart rate and blood pressure, before induction of anesthesia, during, and after that. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 21, and p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Any significant differences were not revealed in demographic variables (age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, Myocardial infarction, Smoking, and duration of drug therapy) between the two groups. Time effect was significant (p<0.001) for systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate, and interaction between time*group was not significant (p = 0.431, p = 0.566, and p = 0.355) for systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate. However, the group effect wasn't significant (p=0.701, p=0.663, and p=0.669) for systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate. CONCLUSION: It seems that in some minor surgeries, such as cataract surgery, withdrawal or continuation of ACEIs/ARBs have no significant effect on the hypotension and heart rate of patients during orafter an operation.

The Effect of Melatonin on the Serum Level of Interleukin 6 and Interleukin 9 in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiopulmonary bypass has been recognized as one of the main causes of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, leading to post-operative complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of melatonin on the serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-9 in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. METHODS: Forty-four patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery were randomly allocated into two study groups of melatonin (n = 23) and placebo (n = 21). Patients in the melatonin group received two melatonin tablet, 5 mg daily for 3 days before surgery, 10 mg tablet (two doses of 5 mg) 1 h before induction of anesthesia and finally, 10 mg melatonin tablet in the intensive care unit, placebo group patients received placebo at the same time periods. Serum levels of IL-9 and IL-6 were measured as baseline (T1), before induction of anesthesia (T2), 6 and 24 h after off pump (T3, T4). Data were analyzed using SPSS 23 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). RESULTS: The mean serum level of IL-6 was significantly lower in the melatonin group at T3 and T4 (p ＜ 0.05). Also, in both groups, serum levels of IL-6 in T3 showed a significant increase compared to T1. Serum levels of IL-9 had no significant difference between the two groups at T1, T2, T3, and T4. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that pre-operative melatonin administration could modify inflammatory cytokines secretion such as IL-6 while it has no significant effect on the serum levels of IL- 9. Neither of the changes was clinically significant.

The Effect of Chamomile Cream on Episiotomy Pain in Primiparous Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Episiotomy is a surgical incision made in the perineum to enlarge it. Perineal pain is the most common complaint of mothers after episiotomy. Chamomile extract has been proposed as a sedative in traditional medicine. This study was conducted to assess the effect of chamomile cream on the pain after episiotomy. Methods: This triple blind clinical trial was performed on 114 eligible women at Ommolbanin Hospital in Mashhad, Iran in 2014.They were randomly assigned to two groups using random blocks. After delivery, mothers in the intervention group used 0.5 g of prescribed chamomile while the control group used placebo cream on the stitch twice a day lasting ten days. Episiotomy pain was evaluated before intervention and 12 hours after episiotomy repair and also on the first, seventh, tenth and fourteenth day after delivery by McGill pain questionnaire. Data was analyzed by SPSS ver.13. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups before the intervention, 12 hours and the first day after delivery. However, a significant difference was found on the seventh, tenth and fourteenth day after delivery. McGill mean (SD) score on the seventh, tenth and fourteenth in experimental group was 11.36 (5.04), 4.44 (3.43) and 7.16 (4.10) respectively. It was reported 14.88 (7.34), 7.41(4.92) and 9.96 (4.81) in placebo group, respectively. Conclusion: Chamomile cream can be used to reduce episiotomy pain in Primiparous us women.

Antioxidant supplements and semen parameters: An evidence based review.

Many studies have focused on male infertility. There is limited evidence about the influence of nutrition on quality of semen. Approximately, 30-80% of infertility cases are caused by oxidative stress and decreased level of seminal total antioxidant capacity. This study was aimed to review the effects of oral antioxidant supplements on improving major semen parameters such as sperm concentration, motility, morphology, DNA damage, and fertility rate. Data were extracted from PubMed and Google scholar database by using the terms "antioxidant", "multivitamin", "carnitine", "CoQ10", "vitamin C", "vitamin E", "zinc", "folic acid", "N-acetyl cysteine" and "selenium" combined with "male infertility", "semen", and "sperm" to generate a set of relevant citations. Supplements such as CoQ10 and alpha-tocopherol significantly improve sperm count. Also, carnitine has positive effects on sperm motility and morphology. Simultaneous administration of vitamin E and vitamin C reduces the sperm DNA damage. However, in some studies, one or more factors have not changed substantially. In most of the studies, antioxidant supplementation improved the number, motility, morphology and sometimes DNA integrity of sperm. The present study showed that antioxidant supplements, especially a combination of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and CoQ10 intake can effectively improve semen parameters in infertile men.

Effects of Oral L-Carnitine Supplementation on Leptin and Adiponectin Levels and Body Weight of Hemodialysis Patients: a Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Carnitine supplementation may improve the general health and quality of life of hemodialysis patients by improving adipokines levels. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of L-carnitine supplementation on leptin levels, adiponectin levels, and body weight of hemodialysis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty hemodialysis patients were randomly divided into the carnitine group, who received oral L-carnitine, 1 g/L for 3 months, and the control group. Anthropometric measurements and serum levels of adipokines were measured at baseline and at the end of the intervention. RESULTS: Forty-two participants completed the study. Serum leptin concentrations decreased after 12 weeks of the intervention in both groups, but these changes were not significant. The mean change of leptin concentration were, -1.7 ± 19.0 µg/mL and -7.1 ± 20.0 µg/mL in the carnitine group and the control group, respectively (P = .39). The mean adiponectin levels at baseline and after the intervention were 8.6 ± 11.19 µg/mL and 9.8 ± 4.1 µg/mL in the carnitine group (P = .67) and 5.0 ± 2.5 µg/mL and 11.2 ± 5.4 µg/mL in the control group, respectively (P  < .001). Serum adiponectin levels increased significantly in the control group only. The decrease in body mass index was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that a daily supplementation of 1000 mg oral syrup of L-carnitine for 12 weeks did not affect leptin and adiponectin levels or the body weight or body mass index of hemodialysis patients.

Ultrasound for Localization of Central Venous Catheter: A Good Alternative to Chest X-Ray?

BACKGROUND: Chest radiography after central venous catheter (CVC) insertion is the main method of verifying the catheter location. Despite the widespread use of radiography for detecting catheter position, x-ray may not always be readily available, especially in the operating room. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and chest radiography for detecting the correct location of CVCs. METHODS: One hundred sixteen consecutive patients with indications for CVC before cardiac surgery were enrolled in this observational study. After catheter insertion, CEUS was performed. Portable radiography was obtained postoperatively in the intensive care unit. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were determined by comparing the ultrasonography results with radiographic findings as a reference standard. RESULTS: Chest radiography revealed 16 CVC misplacements: two cases of intravascular and 14 cases of right atrium (RA) misplacement. CEUS detected 11 true catheter malpositionings in the RA, while it could not recognize seven catheter placements correctly. CEUS showed two false RA misplacements and five falsely correct CVC positions. A sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 69% were achieved for CEUS in detecting CVC misplacements. Positive and negative predictive values were 95% and 85%, respectively. The interrater agreement (kappa) between CEUS and radiography was 0.72 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite close concordance between ultrasonography and chest radiography, CEUS is not a suitable alternative for standard chest radiography in detecting CVC location; however, considering its high sensitivity and acceptable specificity in our study, its usefulness as a triage method for detecting CVC location on a real-time basis in the operating room cannot be ignored.