Comparing the Effect of Local Application of Peppermint and Cold Compresses on the Severity of Pain from Venipuncture in Dialysis Patients: A Parallel Randomized Clinical Trial Study.

Pain at the injection site is one of the most common complaints in the clinic and is the most important symptom affecting the quality of life of hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effect and compare the topical application of peppermint and cold compresses on the intensity of pain caused by the insertion of a needle into the fistula of HD patients. In this parallel randomized clinical trial, 99 HD patients were assigned to three groups receiving peppermint, a cold compress, or a control using six blocks. For the peppermint group, 20 min before the needle's insertion, a peppermint gel was used; for the cold compress group, an ice pack was used; and for the control group, the usual method was applied. The patients' pain was assessed with the Visual Analog Scale immediately after the needle's insertion. The results showed that after the intervention, the mean and standard deviation of the pain score in the intervention groups receiving peppermint (4.81 ± 1.13) or a cold compress (4.78 ± 1.13) were significantly less than those of the control group (8.42 ± 1.22) (P <0.001), but there was no statistically significant difference between the peppermint group and the cold compress group (P = 0.91). The use of peppermint, which is a cheap and uncomplicated herbal medicine, and a cold compress, which is easy to use and available, is recommended to reduce the severity of pain caused by venipuncture in HD patients.

Evaluation of Date Extract on Nerve Conduction Velocity in Male Rats.

Introduction: Neuropathy is a condition in which the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is disordered. Studying the effects of antioxidants on the performance improvement of this system is vital. This study aimed to investigate the effects of date extract on Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV), Distal Motor Latency (DML), and wave height of the sciatic nerve in male rats. Methods: This laboratory study used 24 male Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g, divided into the test and control groups. The test group received 10% date extract daily, at 4 mL/kg of body weight, for three weeks. In the beginning, nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV), Distal Motor Latency (DML), and wave height of the sciatic nerve were examined in all animals and reexamined for NCV three weeks later. P-values lower than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Sciatic NCV and wave height were significantly increased; however, compared to the control group, DML of the knee significantly declined in the test group. Conclusion: The compositions of date extract accelerate electrical signal transmission. Highlights: Irreparable damages to the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) are major problems in societies.Different therapeutic methods have been adopted for peripheral nerve repair.According to FAO, the production and use of dates are rising.Dates are used in traditional medicine for curing hoarseness, paralysis, backache, and rheumatic pains. Plain Language Summary: Dates are highly important in our nutrition. There have been studies on the positive antioxidative effects of date extract in preventing diabetic neuropathy. Dates are used in traditional medicine for curing hoarseness, paralysis, backache, and rheumatic pains, among others. The importance of dates is derived from their rich compositions of carbohydrates, salts and minerals, dietary fiber, vitamins, fatty acids, amino acids, and proteins. Different therapeutic methods have been adopted for PNS, still, 50% of these damages become permanent and cause disability. Date palms are in the palm family native to Iran, and found in relatively tropical regions.Dates are used in traditional medicine for curing hoarseness, paralysis, backache, and rheumatic pains, among others. In short, the compositions of date extract accelerate electrical signal transmission.

The effects of Lavender and Chamomile essential oil inhalation aromatherapy on depression, anxiety and stress in older community-dwelling people: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Considering the prevalence of mental health problems in older adults, this study aims to investigate the effect of inhalation aromatherapy using lavender and chamomile essential oils on depression, anxiety, and stress of community-dwelling older people. METHODS: A three-armed, parallel, randomized, and controlled trial design was used in this study. 183 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to three groups (n = 61): the lavender, chamomile, and control groups. The participants in the experimental groups inhaled three drops of 1.5% lavender and chamomile essential oils for 30 nights. The participants in the control group inhaled only distilled water in a similar fashion. Data were collected using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress-Scale (DASS) at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and one month after the intervention. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, one-way ANOVA, and repeated measures ANOVA were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement occurred in depression, anxiety, and stress levels immediately and one month after the intervention in lavender and chamomile groups compared to the control group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Inhalation aromatherapy with both lavender and chamomile essential oils helped decrease depression, anxiety, and stress levels in community-dwelling older adults.

The effect of zinc supplementation on fatigue among elderly community dwellers: A parallel clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Fatigue is one of the most common complaints of the elderly. This study was conducted to assess the effect of zinc supplements on fatigue among the elderly. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 150 elderly aged ≥60 years who were recruited from the health centers (Kashan, Iran) with a convenience sampling method. Participants were allocated to intervention and control groups by block randomization. Participants in the intervention group received a daily dose of 30 mg of zinc supplement for 70 days; meanwhile, in the control group, no intervention was performed. The level of fatigue was measured by the multidimensional fatigue inventory before and after the intervention. Both groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic variables, fatigue, and serum zinc level before the intervention. The significance level was considered as 0.05 in all tests. RESULTS: Zinc supplementation significantly reduced fatigue (mean difference: -10.41 vs 1.37, P < .001) and increased serum zinc level (mean difference: 14.22, vs -0.57, P < .001) compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Consumption of zinc supplements for the elderly is recommended to overcome fatigue.

The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Amnesia in Patients Undergoing Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the oldest procedure among the early biological treatments introduced in psychiatry. However, the most debated and treatment-limiting adverse effect of ECT is amnesia. Therefore, due to the restriction of the use of drugs to manage amnesia in patients undergoing ECT, the present study investigated the effect of reflexology on amnesia. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 68 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received foot reflexology with olive oil 20 minutes a day for 3 days, while the control group was given a gentle foot rub with olive oil 20 minutes a day for 3 days. The amnesia rate of all patients was measured by the Galveston Orientation and Amnesia Test (GOAT) 30 minutes after the end of ECT. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 11.5 and t-test, chi-squared test, and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The results showed that reflexology significantly increased recalling scores in the intervention group compared to the control group. Foot reflexology seems to be effective in managing amnesia in patients after ECT. Conclusion: Foot reflexology, as a relatively simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive technique with few side effects, can be used to manage amnesia in patients after ECT.

Electromagnetic radiation: a new charming actor in hematopoiesis?

INTRODUCTION: Electromagnetic waves play indispensable roles in life. Many studies addressed the outcomes of Electromagnetic field (EMF) on various biological functions such as cell proliferation, gene expression, epigenetic alterations, genotoxic, and carcinogenic effects, and its therapeutic applications in medicine. The impact of EMF on bone marrow (BM) is of high importance; however, EMF effects on BM hematopoiesis are not well understood. AREAS COVERED: Publications in English were searched in ISI Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar with no restriction on publication date. A literature review has been conducted on the consequences of EMF exposure on BM non-hematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and the application of these waves in regenerative medicine. Human blood cells such as lymphocytes, red blood cells and their precursors are altered qualitatively and quantitatively following electromagnetic radiation. Therefore, studying the impact of EMF on related signaling pathways in hematopoiesis and hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) differentiation could give a better insight into its efficacy on hematopoiesis and its potential therapeutic usage. EXPERT OPINION: In this review, authors evaluated the possible biologic consequences of EMF on the hematopoiesis process in addition to its probable application in the treatment of hematologic disorders.

The Effect of Aromatherapy Massage With Lavender and Citrus Aurantium Essential Oil on Quality of Life of Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis: A Parallel Randomized Clinical Trial Study.

CONTEXT: Poor quality of life is a major problem in hemodialysis patients. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess the effect of aromatherapy massage on hemodialysis patients' quality of life. METHODS: In this parallel randomized clinical trial study, 105 hemodialysis patients who meet the inclusion criteria were assessed and assigned into intervention and control groups using block randomization. Participants in the intervention groups received aromatherapy massage with Lavender essential oil or Citrus Aurantium essential oil for four weeks (three times per week). For the control group, only foot massage was performed. The level of quality of life was measured by the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36) before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics (analysis of variance, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests). RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the mean score of quality of life in the Lavender essential oil group and Citrus Aurantium essential oil group with the control group after intervention. However, there was no significant difference between the mean score of quality of life in the Lavender essential oil group and Citrus Aurantium essential oil group after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, both aromatherapy massages have positive effects on the quality of life of hemodialysis patients. Therefore, nurses are advised to use these aromatherapy massages to improve the quality of life of hemodialysis patients.

A randomized trial of the effect of peer education on the sexual quality of life in patients with myocardial infarction.

Background One of the factors associated with readmission is inappropriate sexual activity after myocardial infarction (MI). This study aimed to assess the effect of peer education on the sexual quality of life (SQOL) in patients with MI. Methods In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 70 patients with MI meeting the inclusion criteria were assigned to experimental or control groups using block randomization. Peer education for the intervention group was provided on the third day after MI. Education sessions lasted from 90 to 120 minutes. Data were collected using demographic, sexual quality of life-female (SQOL-F), and sexual quality of life-male (SQOL-M) questionnaires during the fourth week after MI. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups before the intervention in terms of demographic and SQOL. The mean of SQOL in the peer education group was significantly higher than the control group at the 4-week follow-up. Conclusions According to the results, using peer education is recommended for the sexual health care professionals.

The effects of omega-3 on the sleep quality of patients with uremic pruritus undergoing hemodialysis: a randomized crossover study.

OBJECTIVES: Information on sleep quality and its effective factors in the patients undergoing hemodialysis are important factors in future planning for improving sleep quality and ultimately the quality of life in these patients. The present study investigated the effect of omega-3 on the sleep quality of hemodialysis patients. METHODS: The 52 hemodialysis patients were randomized into two groups and underwent two different treatment modes (A and B). The first group was given omega-3 and cetirizine and the second group only received cetirizine for six weeks. After one week wash out, the study was followed by crossover treatment in both groups for six weeks. Sleep quality and pruritus severity were evaluated in patients before the intervention and at the end of each treatment period using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Yosipovitch Itch Questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that majority of the patients (94.2%) had poor sleep quality (sleep score > 5 based on the questionnaire) and 5.8% of the patients had favorable sleep quality (sleep score < 5). Repeated measures ANOVA showed that sleep quality scores were different in two groups in phases 0, I and II (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sleep quality improved in both modes but more improvement was observed in mode A. Therefore, omega-3 fatty acids can be used as a suitable method for improving sleep quality in hemodialysis patients.

Comparing the effects of cold compress and Xyla-p cream on hemodynamic changes in hemodialysis patients during venipuncture.

Background The vital signs reflect the physiological state of patients in various clinical conditions. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of cold compress and Xyla-P cream on hemodynamical changes during venipuncture in hemodialysis patients. Methods and Material In this clinical trial study, 50 patients under hemodialysis were selected by simple random sampling. The patients were then randomly assigned to either Xyla-P cream, cold compress or placebo groups. The vital signs (blood pressure and pulse) were measured upon two intermittent hemodialysis sessions before and after venipuncture. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results The mean alternation in systolic blood pressure was significantly different comparing the placebo and cold compress groups before and after intervention (p<0.001). However, the difference was not significant between the Xyla-P cream group and either placebo (p=0.402) or ice compress (p=0.698) groups. The difference of the mean diastolic blood pressure was significant comparing the placebo group with either the Xyla-P cream group (p=0.003) or cold compress group (p<0.001) before and after intervention. In addition, there was a significant difference in the mean number of heartbeats comparing the control group with either the Xyla-P cream group (p<0.001) or cold compress group (p<0.001) before and after the intervention. Conclusions Considering the beneficial effects of ice compress and the Xyla-P cream on reduction of cardiovascular parameters, it is recommended to use these methods in hemodialysis patients during venipuncture.

Parental attitude toward children's mental disorders and its relationship with help seeking behaviors.

Background The purpose of the study was to assess parent's attitudes toward mental illness in children and its relationship with help seeking behaviors. Method This cross-sectional study was conducted in a pediatric psychiatric clinic of under affiliation of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2016-2017. All children's parents or guardians who referred for the first time to the clinics were the study population. Convenient sampling was applied and 400 subjects were included by survey method. The data collection tool for this study included a form for demographic data, a questionnaire for assessing parents' attitude toward the causes, behavioral demonstrations and treatment of mental disorders in children, and finally a checklist to determine help seeking behaviors. Descriptive and inferential statistics was applied with SPSS software version 16 for data analysis. Results Of the parents, 93.7% had a good attitude toward mental illness in the three studied realms. Of the parents, 56.25% referred to official sources of help. The results of this research showed that there was a significant difference between the mean scores of parents' attitude (sum of the three areas) in terms of child's gender, parents' marital status, father's job, father's education, and mother's education and there was a significant relationship between help seeking behavior of parents just with fathers' education level (p<0.05). Conclusions The results showed that parents had a good attitude toward their children's mental disorders. However, it should not be overlooked that nearly half of the parents were still referring to unofficial sources of assistance.

A Qualitative Study on Cancer Care Burden: Experiences of Iranian Family Caregivers.

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of Iranian family caregivers with regard to the burden of caregiving. This is in the context of illuminating and identifying the experiences of family members from different contextual perspectives. In this qualitative study, purposive sampling was conducted in 2016. Data were collected using semistructured interviews and were analyzed using content analysis. Data analysis identified 4 categories and 8 subcategories: (1) burnout (physical problems and psychoemotional stress), (2) role conflict (balancing caring roles and family responsibilities; failure in professional or educational roles), (3) health system tensions (inadequate support from health professionals; ignorance of family members in health structure), and (4) social challenges of cancer (economic burden; taboo of cancer). In conclusion, nurses need to provide individualized support and counseling that address the sources of burden. This highlights the benefit of training health care professionals to provide culturally sensitive support based on family caregivers' needs and circumstances.

Effect of foot reflexology and slow stroke back massage on the severity of fatigue in patients undergoing hemodialysis: A semi-experimental study.

Background Fatigue is one of the most disturbing and the most common symptoms reported by patients dialyzed. There are methods available on complementary and alternative medicine, through which nurses can help patients to promote their health. Reflexology is a treatment which has a long history and is considered as one of the most popular and the most widespread methods of alternative medicine. In this study, the effects of foot reflexology and slow stroke back massage on the severity of fatigue in patients treated with hemodialysis were measured. Methods This is a quasi-experimental study that performed on 52 patients chosen from Imam Khomeini dialysis center in Zabol and divided into control and intervention groups by randomize allocation method. Required information collected from a demographic and fatigue severity questionnaire. After completing questionnaires by the study subjects, foot massage and slow stroke back massage was performed during three weeks, two sessions each week (5 sessions in total). At the end of intervention data of two groups was collected. Data was analyzed using independent sample t-Test, Chi-squared test, Fisher exact test, oneway ANOVA with repeated measures and Bonferroni test by SPSS software version 21. Results The mean [±SD] fatigue in patients with foot reflexology massage and slow stroke back massage reflect on the 53.61[±10.12] and 52.20 [±10.37], and the differences were not significant, but after the intervention, fatigue in the group receiving foot reflexology massage was reduced significantly compared to slow stroke back massage group (p<0.0001). Conclusions The result of this study showed that reflexology massage is a safe and economical nursing intervention for decreasing fatigue in hemodialysis patients.

Going Forward Lightening the Shadow of Cancer: Experiences of Family Caregivers Toward Empowerment.

This qualitative study was conducted to explore the empowerment experiences of family caregivers of patients with cancer. Empowerment consisted of 3 main categories: (1) seeking tranquility with the help of religious beliefs, (2) developing a positive attitude, and (3) restoring control over the situation. Results may help nurses for planning spiritual and supportive care.

High-speed microjets issue from bursting oil gland reservoirs of citrus fruit.

The rupture of oil gland reservoirs housed near the outer surface of the citrus exocarp is a common experience to the discerning citrus consumer and bartenders the world over. These reservoirs often rupture outwardly in response to bending the peel, which compresses the soft material surrounding the reservoirs, the albedo, increasing fluid pressure in the reservoir. Ultimately, fluid pressure exceeds the failure strength of the outermost membrane, the flavedo. The ensuing high-velocity discharge of oil and exhaustive emptying of oil gland reservoirs creates a method for jetting small quantities of the aromatic oil. We compare this jetting behavior across five citrus hybrids through high-speed videography. The jetting oil undergoes an extreme acceleration to reach velocities in excess of 10 m/s. Through material characterization and finite element simulations, we rationalize the combination of tuned material properties and geometries enabling the internal reservoir pressures that produce explosive dispersal, finding the composite structure of the citrus peel is critical for microjet production.

Despair of Treatment: A Qualitative Study of Cirrhotic Patients' Perception of Treatment.

Cirrhotic patients are exposed to illness progression and life-threatening side effects. The nature of the disease, its incurability, limitations of liver transplantation, and the intensity of threatening conditions lead to psychological distress for the patients and change in their perception of the treatment. To provide holistic care, it is necessary to clarify the patient's perception of the treatment. The aim of this study was to clarify cirrhotic patients' perception of their treatment. This qualitative study was carried out through a content analysis approach. The participants were 15 cirrhotic patients. Data were collected via semistructured, in-depth interviews and analyzed on the basis of the Granheme and Landman method. Despair of treatment was revealed through four categories: (1) disease perception (quiet start and quiet death, living in an aggravating limitation, intensifying threatening conditions), (2) self-perception (living in the shadow of death, loss of self, preferring family to oneself), (3) perception of treatment (difficulty of treatment compliance, believed to be incurable, treatment conditioned to die, treatment limitation), and (4) spirituality-religion (destiny and divine test, asking God instead of doctors). The study shows that despair of treatment is considered as one of the main concerns of cirrhotic patients. Nurses should program their surveillance to support patients effectively based on the study findings.

Evaluation of the Effects of Charged Amino Acids on Uncontrolled Seizures.

Introduction. Epilepsy is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system. The prevalence of epilepsy throughout the world is 0.5 to 1%, and the same rate is 7.8 per 1000 in Kerman. Almost 20 to 30% of epileptic patients do not respond properly to common medications. The present study investigated patients who did not respond to common and, even in some cases, adjuvant therapies, with two seizures or more per week, regardless of the type of the inflicted epilepsy. Methodology. The participants of the present double-blind study were randomly selected into three 10-member groups of uncontrolled epileptic patients (arginine, glutamic acid, and lysine). The patients used amino acid powder dissolved in water (three times the daily need) every day for two weeks before breakfast. The number of seizures was recorded one week prior to commencing amino acid use, as well as the first and the second weeks subsequent to use. Results. A total of 32 patients were studied in three groups. The decline rates of seizures were 53%, 41%, and 13%, and the P value was 0.013, 0.027, and 0.720, respectively. Conclusion. Administration of the charged amino acids, arginine, and glutamic acid can decrease the seizures of patients suffering from uncontrolled epilepsy.

The effect of spiritual and religious group psychotherapy on suicidal ideation in depressed patients: a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Suicide is a great economical, social and public health problem. It is prevalent worldwide and has a lot of negative effects on individuals, families and society. Depression is often prelude to Suicide. An important part of the treatment of the mentally ill patients is spiritual-religious psychotherapy which should be done after physical treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of spiritual and religious group psychotherapy on suicidal ideation in depressed patients. METHODS: 51 depressed patients with suicidal ideation from Razi hospital (Tabriz, Iran) participated in this clinical trial. To collect Data questionnaire was used which included demographic and Beck Suicide Scale Ideation. Experimental group participated in 10 sessions of group psychotherapy. Each section lasted 1 hour. Two weeks after the last section post test was done. Statistical software SPSS ver 13 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: RESULTS of independent t-test revealed no difference between two groups in terms of suicidal ideation before intervention but after study there is a statistical difference. Also the results of ANCOVA test showed a significant relationship between spiritual group therapy and decrease in suicidal ideation, so that this intervention can make 57% of variance in suicidal ideation of experimental group. CONCLUSION: Regarding positive effect of spiritual and religious group psychotherapy on decreasing suicidal ideation of depressed patients, we suggest this intervention to be held in Psychiatric Wards and also more study on depression and other psychiatric patients with greater sample size would be helpful.