Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis Mimicking Temporal Arteritis.

This case represents the first diagnosis of pachymeningitis due to granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) in an elderly Iranian man who initially presented with persistent daily headaches. PCR tests of cerebrospinal fluid for tuberculosis, brucellosis, and fungal infections all yielded negative results. Given the pachymeningitis pattern observed on brain MRI and the absence of infectious and lymphoma diseases, along with positive anti-PR3 and proteinuria (793 mg in a 24-h urine sample), a diagnosis of GPA was established. The patient was treated with five doses of pulse methylprednisolone and one dose of pulse cyclophosphamide (1 g). Additionally, prednisolone 60 mg daily, monthly pulse cyclophosphamide, a daily calcium-D tablet, and alendronate 70 mg weekly were prescribed. Subsequently, the patient's headaches, hearing loss, and vision loss were completely resolved. GPA should be considered in older individuals with persistent daily headaches, especially when pachymeningitis is evident. The use of contrast-enhanced brain MRI is an essential diagnostic tool in such cases.

Amelioration of inflammation through reduction of oxidative stress in rheumatoid arthritis by treating fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) with DMF-loaded PLGA nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory condition, and Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is known for inducing antioxidant enzymes and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) contribute to joint damage by releasing interleukins (IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8) in response to ROS. Given ROS's impact on FLS acquiring an invasive phenotype, our study explored the effects of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles containing DMF on the expression of the HO-1 enzyme and the inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8 in FLS cells. METHODS: In this study, we evaluated and compared the impact of Free-DMF and PLGA-DMF, on the gene expression of the HO-1 and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-8) in FLS cells derived from 13 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. qRT-PCR method was used to quantify the gene expression levels. RESULTS: PLGA-DMF nanoparticles demonstrated a significant increase in HO-1 expression and a significant decrease in IL-1ß gene expression. Also, a significant decrease in IL-6 gene expression was seen under the effect of Free-DMF. These results indicate the potential effectiveness of PLGA-DMF nanoparticles in reducing inflammation and improving rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. DISCUSSION: According to the findings, PLGA-DMF nanoparticles are expected to be effective in reducing inflammation and improving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Also, further studies on other factors affected by oxidative stress such as cell invasion factors and survival factors after the effect of PLGA-DMF nanoparticle are recommended.

Comparative Investigation of Laryngeal Palpation Scale Between Primary and Secondary Muscle Tension Dysphonia.

OBJECTIVES: Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) is a condition that is often assessed through palpation examination. The laryngeal palpation scale (LPS) is a reliable and valid tool developed to evaluate patients with MTD. MTD is classified into primary (without tissue reactions) and secondary (with tissue reactions). Primary MTD is caused by muscle hyperfunction, while maladaptive compensation typically leads to secondary MTD. The objective of this study was to compare the LPS scores between primary and secondary MTD. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional analytical comparative study. It included 39 participants (10 men and 29 women) who were divided into two groups: primary MTD and secondary MTD with mass lesions (20 with primary MTD and 19 with secondary MTD). Each type of MTD was diagnosed by a qualified otolaryngologist. The participants were assessed using the LPS, which comprises 45 variables evaluated across three subscales. RESULTS: The results of the current study showed that there is a difference between the primary MTD and secondary MTD in the subscale of patients with symptomatic complaints of the item pain at rest/speaking (Pv = 0.001) and pain level (Pv = 0.019) and the subscale of palpation the item cricothyroid (left) in dynamic conditions (tenderness; Pv = 0.013). In other LPS items, no difference was observed between primary MTD and secondary MTD in all three subscales (Pv ≥ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The LPS scores for pain items during rest/speaking and the pain level, as well as the left cricothyroid (tenderness) item, were different between the primary MTD and secondary MTD groups. However, the other LPS items did not show any difference between the primary MTD and secondary MTD groups. Further investigation on palpation findings with LPS in larger samples in both groups and with objective measurements such as electromyography are recommended.

Depression, anxiety, and quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem disorder that can affect multiple organs; psychiatric manifestations including depression and anxiety are commonly seen in SLE. The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress, and assess the quality of life (QOL) in patients with SLE and also evaluate associated risk factors. Material and methods: In this cross-sectional study, adult patients with SLE were identified through our institution's SLE data registry. Participants were evaluated with three questionnaires: Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-42), General Health Ouestionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), and World Health Organization quality of life instrument short form (WHO-QOL BREF). Results: A total of 222 patients were included in the study, 203 (91%) of whom were female and 19 were male (9%). Participants had a mean age of 35.6 ±9.5 years. According to DASS-42 questionnaire, 22.1%, 28.7% and 20.3% of patients had varying degrees of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. Based on GHQ-28 questionnaire, 137 (62%) of patients reported some degree of distress. Quality of life score was 12.8, 13, 14.3, and 13.9 in physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental health, respectively. Conclusions: We found that depression, anxiety, and stress are common in patients with SLE, and quality of life is significantly affected. A high percentage of patients with SLE deal with some degree of distress. Routine evaluation of the quality of life and psychological disturbances is recommended in patients with SLE. Non-pharmacological interventions as well as specialist referral should be considered in patients with anxiety, depression, or stress.

COVID-19 infection: a possible induction factor for development of autoimmune diseases?

Following the global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, the importance of investigation of the pathogenesis and immunological characteristics of COVID-19 became quite clear. Currently, there are reports indicating that COVID-19 is able to induce autoimmune responses. Abnormal immune reactions are a cornerstone in the pathogenicity of both conditions. Detection of autoantibodies in COVID-19 patients may suggest a link between COVID-19 and autoimmunity. In this study, we focused on the similarities and possible differences between COVID-19 and autoimmune disorders to explore the relationship between them. Comparing the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 infection with autoimmune conditions revealed significant immunological properties of COVID-19 including the presence of several autoantibodies, autoimmunity-related cytokines, and cellular activities that could be useful in future clinical studies aiming at managing this pandemic.

Effect of L-carnitine supplementation on lipid accumulation product and cardiovascular indices in women with overweight/obesity who have knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis is associated with obesity, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. It has been hypothesized that L-carnitine can improve cardiovascular risk factors. We aimed to investigate the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on lipid accumulation product (LAP) and atherogenic indices in women with overweight/obesity who have knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, seventy-six women with overweight/obesity who had knee osteoarthritis were assigned into the intervention group and control group for 12 weeks. The intervention group received 1000 mg/day L-carnitine as capsule, and the control group received placebo. The primary outcomes were LAP, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), atherogenic coefficient (AC) and Castelli risk index II (CRI-II). RESULTS: We found no significant difference between the groups in baseline values of LAP, AIP, AC and CRI-II. After the intervention, a significant reduction in LAP was observed in intervention group compared to the control group (- 11.05 (- 28.24 to 0.40) vs. - 5.82 (- 24.44 to 2.68); P = 0.03). However, there was no significant difference between two groups in AIP (- 0.05 ± 0.16 vs. - 0.01 ± 0.13; P = 0.19), AC (- 0.40 ± 0.81 vs. - 0.30 ± 0.67; P = 0.67) and CRI-II (- 0.20 ± 0.76 vs. - 0.21 ± 0.47; P = 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: L-carnitine supplementation for 12 weeks can improve LAP, but it has no effect on cardiovascular outcomes. To reach a definitive conclusion, further clinical trials with larger sample sizes and higher dosages of L-carnitine are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered on 27/4/2017 at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT2017011932026N2.

Exploring the Challenges of Afghan Refugee Women Facing COVID-19: A Qualitative Study in Iran.

Objective: Afghan refugee women in Iran confront many problems in dealing with COVID-19 due to their fragile conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the challenges of Afghan refugee women in the face of COVID-19 in Iran with a qualitative approach. Methods: The present study was conducted with a qualitative approach among Afghan refugee women in Iran. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face and telephone interviews and were saturated with 30 women. Both targeted and snowball sampling were used. Data were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis and Graneheim and Lundman method. Guba and Lincoln criteria were observed to evaluate the quality of research results. Results: 143 primary codes, 12 subcategories and five main categories were obtained from data analysis. The main categories include little knowledge and information (limited access to information resources, incomplete knowledge about COVID-19), family challenges (intensified experience of violence and conflict in the family, problems related to childbirth and pregnancy), socio-economic challenges (exacerbation of economic problems, high-risk living conditions, social isolation, limited support of social and health organizations), health issues (problems related to treatment, injustice in providing services and facilities) and problems after the death of a COVID-19 patient (burial challenges for immigrants; lack of funeral rites). Conclusion: Afghan refugee women in Iran are very vulnerable facing COVID-19 due to their fragile conditions. Social and health institutions and organizations need to provide more support to these women so that they can protect their health and that of their families against COVID-19 and the damage caused by it.

Exploring the reasons for women to engage in sex work in Tehran, Iran: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Sex work is a growing phenomenon triggered by a number of causes. The current study uses a qualitative method to investigate the reasons why women participate in sex work in Tehran. METHODS: The statistical population consisted of all female sex workers in Tehran, Iran, from which 22 individuals were chosen via snowball sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted for data gathering, and traditional content analysis was used for data analysis. Graneheim and Lundman's method was utilized to evaluate the data, and Guba and Lincoln's criteria were employed to determine the research's strength and transferability. RESULTS: The results of the data analysis were divided into five categories (or themes) and 19 subcategories. The categories were familial instability, societal pressure, consumerism, social insecurity, and a meek and inefficient personality. CONCLUSION: Sex work may be avoided by raising women's social status, providing greater economic assistance, making society safer, particularly in workplaces, improving intra-family connections, boosting self-esteem and self-efficacy, and teaching them how to deal with life's issues.

Epidemiology of musculoskeletal symptoms, rheumatologic disorders, and disability in the Zoroastrian population in Yazd, Iran: a WHO-ILAR COPCORD study (stage 1).

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints, rheumatologic diseases, and disability among the Zoroastrian population in Iran. METHODS: The city of Yazd, in central Iran was selected for this study, with the highest population of Zoroastrians in Iran. Subjects were selected by cluster sampling of 9 neighborhoods populated with Zoroastrians. Subjects ≥15 years old were interviewed by trained interviewers in their houses. The validated Farsi translation of Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Disease (COPCORD) Core Questionnaire (CCQ) was used for this study. Subjects with musculoskeletal complaints (pain, stiffness and/or swelling) were examined by a rheumatologist. Laboratory tests and radiographic exams were performed when deemed necessary. RESULTS: Two-thousand subjects were interviewed during a 12-month period, of which 956 were male, and 1044 were female. The mean age was 41.1 ± 18.3 years (95%CI: 40.3-41.9). 36.9% of the subjects had university-level education. In the 7 days prior to the interview, 27.6% of the subjects had musculoskeletal complaints, with the knee, dorsolumbar spine, and shoulder being the most common sites of complaints. The most common rheumatologic diagnoses were osteoarthritis (21.5%) and low back pain (10.3%). Rheumatoid arthritis was diagnosed in 1.2% of the subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiology of musculoskeletal complaints and rheumatologic disorders was inconsistent with previous COPCORD studies in Iran, with a lower prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints in general, lower rates of Behçet and lupus, and a higher prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis. The findings of this study can be for development of better prevention, screening, and treatment programs for the vulnerable population of Zoroastrians in Iran.

The effect of L-Carnitine supplementation on clinical symptoms, C-reactive protein and malondialdehyde in obese women with knee osteoarthritis: a double blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUNDS: L-carnitine decreases oxidation and inflammation by reducing the fatty acid in plasma and using oxygen in ATP synthesis. As such, knee osteoarthritis (KOA) can be improved by reducing apoptotic chondrocytes. This study was designed to compare the effect of L-carnitine supplementation and low-calorie diet on improving KOA among obese women. We further investigated the effect of L- carnitine on improvement of KOA in obese women on low calorie diet. METHODS: To conduct the study, 76 obese women with KOA were randomly assigned into two low-calorie diet groups: the first received 1000 mg of LCG and the second took the placebo (PLG) (n = 38). Anthropometry indices, body composition, lipid profile, C-reactive Protein (CRP), Malondialdehyde (MDA), and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) were assessed at the baseline condition and after 12 weeks. RESULTS: The mean change of body mass index (BMI) (- 1.21 ± 0.84 vs. -0.79 ± 0.70; P = 0.02) and weight (- 2.76 ± 1.69 vs. -1.95 ± 1.73; P = 0.05) were significant in the LCG compared with the PLG. Likewise, LCG compared to the PLG showed insignificant improvement in waist circumference (WC) (- 5.65 ± 5.85 vs. -3.64 ± 3.37; P = 0.08). Total cholesterol (P = 0.02), MDA (P = 0.03), fat mass (P = 0.03) and visceral fat (P = 0.001) only showed decreased levels in LCG in comparison to the baseline condition. There was no significant difference between LCG and PLG, in the mean changes of hip circumference, visceral fat, free fat mass, fat mass, lipid profiles, CRP, MDA as well as stiffness, physical function, decrease of pain and total scores (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The 12-week L-carnitine supplementation could improve BMI, but had no significant effect on other anthropometric and body composition measures as well as clinical symptoms, CRP, MDA, and lipid profile in women with KOA. Further trials with higher doses and longer durations are required. IRCT registration number: IRCT2017011932026N2. Registration date: 2017-04-27.

Health-care access and utilization among individuals with low back pain in Iran: a WHO-ILAR COPCORD study.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a major contributor to chronic pain and disability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate health-care access and utilization among patients with LBP in Iran. We also sought to study the pattern and characteristics of care-utilization behavior in these patients. METHODS: Data from the Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) were used for this study. Three cities (Zahedan, Sanandaj, Yazd) were selected to represent the Iranian population, with different socioeconomic status and ethnic, cultural, and religious background. Demographic data, acute or chronic LBP, disability index, and utilizing care from conventional medicine (CM), allied health providers (AHP), and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) providers were recorded. RESULTS: Of 9101 patients, 38.6% reported LBP. Only 3.3% did not utilize care of any kind, 66.7% referred to CM providers, 20.8% to AHP, and 9.2% to CAM care. Health-care utilization was higher in female patients, older age, higher education, and higher disability index. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate a high rate of health-care utilization among patients with LBP in Iran. CM is the most prevalent health-care resource sought by patients. These findings could be used as a framework in developing more efficient health-care programs according to the needs of specific populations.

Genetic intraspecific diversity of Meloidogyne javanica parasitizing vegetables in southern Iran.

In order to investigate different species of root-knot nematodes associated with vegetable production in southern regions of Iran, 37 populations of the most predominant species, Meloidogyne javanica, were recovered. Morphological and morphometric studies were carried on the characters of females, males, J2s and perineal patterns. Species-specific Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) primers confirmed morphological studies, and all these populations produced specific band in 670 bp using Fjav and Rjav primers. Genetic diversity of different populations was studied by Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers implementing 10 primers for each approach. Results revealed a relatively low genetic diversity (the percentage of polymorphic bands were 19.08 and 24.60 for ISSR and RAPD, respectively). The analyses of molecular variance indicated that the variation resulted from genotypic variations within region and variances among regions are 81% and 19% for RAPD, and 86% and 14% for ISSR, respectively. On the other hand, F ST and Nm values are 0.140 and 1.535 for ISSR while these values are 0.188 and 1.079 for RAPD. So it can be concluded that there is a great deal of gene flow between populations due to the movement of plant material contaminated with nematodes, which results in high mixing between populations. ISSR and RAPD datasets failed to group populations according to their geographic region. There were no pathotypes or other intraspecific biological entities observed in the species.In order to investigate different species of root-knot nematodes associated with vegetable production in southern regions of Iran, 37 populations of the most predominant species, Meloidogyne javanica, were recovered. Morphological and morphometric studies were carried on the characters of females, males, J2s and perineal patterns. Species-specific Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) primers confirmed morphological studies, and all these populations produced specific band in 670 bp using Fjav and Rjav primers. Genetic diversity of different populations was studied by Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers implementing 10 primers for each approach. Results revealed a relatively low genetic diversity (the percentage of polymorphic bands were 19.08 and 24.60 for ISSR and RAPD, respectively). The analyses of molecular variance indicated that the variation resulted from genotypic variations within region and variances among regions are 81% and 19% for RAPD, and 86% and 14% for ISSR, respectively. On the other hand, F ST and Nm values are 0.140 and 1.535 for ISSR while these values are 0.188 and 1.079 for RAPD. So it can be concluded that there is a great deal of gene flow between populations due to the movement of plant material contaminated with nematodes, which results in high mixing between populations. ISSR and RAPD datasets failed to group populations according to their geographic region. There were no pathotypes or other intraspecific biological entities observed in the species.

Corrigendum to "Current Status of Sodium Bicarbonate in Coronary Angiography: An Updated Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2015/690308.].

Effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment on clinical signs of rheumatoid arthritis.

Background: Several studies have shown the association between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and some similarities in the pathogenesis of these two diseases but clinical trials which have evaluated the effect of periodontal therapy on clinical signs of active RA are scarce, particularly in Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment on the improvement of clinical signs of patients with RA. Methods: Fifty-six patients with active RA and generalized moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis were selected and divided into case (periodontal treatment) and control (without periodontal treatment) groups. Periodontal parameters and RA disease activity scores (DAS28 index) were compared at 6- and 12-week intervals. Results: In the case group, a significant reduction in all the periodontal indices was observed 6 weeks after treatment. At the 12-week evaluation, periodontal indices showed a significant reduction in comparison with baseline and a little increase in comparison with 6-week interval. Six weeks after treatment, DAS28 decreased significantly in the case group (P<0.05). DAS28 also decreased at 12-week interval but its reduction was not significant in comparison with 6-week interval. DAS28 in the case group at 12-week interval was significantly less than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Since periodontal care as a part of treatment protocol in RA patients can be effective in improving clinical signs, the recall intervals are better to be 3 months or shorter.

Comparative Diagnostic Performance of Ultrasonography and 99mTc-Sestamibi Scintigraphy for Parathyroid Adenoma in Primary Hyperparathyroidism; Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis

Objective: Ultrasonography (US) and parathyroid scintigraphy (PS) with 99mTc-MIBI are common methods for preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas but there discrepancies exist with regard to diagnostic accuracy. The aim of the study was to compare PS and US for localization of parathyroid adenoma with a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. Methods: Pub Med, Scopus (EMbase), Web of Science and the reference lists of all included studies were searched up to 1st January 2016. The search strategy was according PICO characteristics. Heterogeneity between the studies was accounted by P < 0.1. Point estimates were pooled estimate of sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of SPECT and ultrasonography with 99% confidence intervals (CIs) by pooling available data. Data analysis was performed using Meta-DiSc software (version 1.4). Results: Among 188 studies and after deletion of duplicated studies (75), a total of 113 titles and abstracts were studied. From these, 12 studies were selected. The meta-analysis determined a pooled sensitivity for scintigraphy of 83% [99% confidence interval (CI) 96.358 -97.412] and for ultra-sonography of 80% [99% confidence interval (CI) 76-83]. Similar results for specificity were also obtained for both approache. Conclusion: According this meta- analysis, there were no significant differences between the two methods in terms of sensitivity and specificity. There were overlaps in 99% confidence intervals. Also features of the two methods are similar.

Strategies Preventing Contrast-Induced Nephropathy After Coronary Angiography: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of 125 Randomized Controlled Trials.

This systematic review with meta-analysis sought to determine the strength of evidence for the effects of hydration (sodium bicarbonate [SB] and normal saline [NS]), supplementations ( N-acetylcysteine [NAC] and vitamin C), and some common drugs (adenosine antagonists [AAs], statins, loop diuretics, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors [ACEIs]) on the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and requirement for hemodialysis after coronary angiography. After screening, a total of 125 trials that reported outcomes were identified. Pooled analysis indicated beneficial effects of SB versus NS (odds ratio [OR] = 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56-0.94; P = .01), NAC (OR = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.70-0.88; P = .001), vitamin C (OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.45-0.89; P = .01), statins (OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.35-0.57; P = .001), AA (OR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.14-0.47; P = .001), loop diuretics (OR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.33-2.85; P = .9), and ACEI (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 0.69-1.61; P = .8). Overall, hydration with SB, use of supplements, such as NAC and vitamin C, and administration of statins and AA should always be considered for the prevention of CIN after coronary angiography.

The relationship of multiple sclerosis and cerebral developmental venous anomaly with an advantageous role in the multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

Background: There is a suggestion for a role of abnormal cranial venous drainage in the etiopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Moreover, it seems that cerebral developmental venous anomaly (DVA), a cerebrovascular malformation, is frequently seen in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of MS patients. This study is set out to evaluate the relationship between MS and cerebral DVA, with its possible role in the MS diagnosis. Methods: We compared MRI of 172 MS patients and of 172 age- and sex-matched subjects without MS. Then, we recorded and analyzed the presence, number, and location of developmental venous anomalies. Results: Frequency of DVA did not have a significant statistical difference (P = 0.148) in subjects with MS (12.21%) and without MS (7.55%). Moreover, a difference of anatomic distribution of supratentorial developmental venous anomalies was not statistically significant (P = 0.690, for juxtacortical, P = 0.510 for subcortical, and P = 0.420 for periventricular DVAs) in two groups. Conclusion: Our investigation does not provide supporting evidence for a relationship between etiopathogenesis of MS and DVA. Furthermore, it may not be possible to use cerebral DVA as ancillary MRI finding to make MS diagnosis simpler and more accurate.

Association of lipid profile with bone mineral density in postmenopausal women in Yazd province.

BACKGROUND: Low bone mass is a major health problem in postmenopausal women. There is no general agreement regarding relationship between serum level of lipids and bone mineral density. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to investigate the association between lipid profile and bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women in Yazd, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 170 women aged between 50 and 70 years old with menopause for at least one year from Yazd, Iran, between March 2013 to September 2013. Association of lipid profile and BMD were measured in all study participants. RESULTS: Among our participants 73 cases had lumbar osteoporosis, 17 cases had femoral osteoporosis and 80 cases did n't have osteoporosis. After controlling for body mass index, there were no correlations between serum level of lipids and bone mineral density of femur and lumbar bones. CONCLUSION: No significant association between serum level of lipids and BMD of femur and lumbar was found in postmenopausal women.

Effect of Ginger Supplementation on Proinflammatory Cytokines in Older Patients with Osteoarthritis: Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

There is limited evidence that ginger powder consumption can relieve pain and inflammation due to specific anti-inflammatory phytochemical constitutents. This study investigates the effect of ginger supplementation on proinflammatory factors in participants (n = 120) of a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled 3-month clinical trial investigating knee osteoarthritis. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the ginger group (GG) or the placebo group (PG). Administered daily for 3 months, participants in the GG intervention received capsules containing 500 mg of ginger powder, while PG participants received capsules filled with 500 mg starch. Serum samples collected at baseline and 3 months were analyzed for serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß). At baseline, proinflammatory cytokine concentrations did not differ by group. However, at 3 months, both cytokines decreased in the GG relative to the PG. The results of this study indicate that ginger supplementation may have a promising benefits for knee osteoarthritis and may, therefore, may warrant further study.