The effect of scenario-based training versus video training on nurse anesthesia students' basic life support knowledge and skill of cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a quasi-experimental comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Performing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is an extremely intricate skill whose success depends largely on the level of knowledge and skill of Anesthesiology students. Therefore, this research was conducted to compare the effect of the scenario-based training method as opposed to video training method on nurse anesthesia students' BLS (Basic Life Support) knowledge and skills. METHODS: This randomized quasi-experimental study involved 45 nurse anesthesia students of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran in 2022-2023. The practical room of the university formed the research environment. The participants were randomly divided into three groups of scenario-based training, video training, and control. Data were collected by a knowledge questionnaire and a BLS skill assessment checklist before and after the intervention. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the students' scores of BLS knowledge and skill before and after the educational intervention in both SG (scenario group) (p < 0.001) and VG (video group) (p = 0.008) (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed in this regard in the CG (control group) (p = 0.37) (p = 0.16). Also, the mean scores of BLS knowledge and skills in the SG were higher than those in the VG (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Given the beneficial impact of scenario-based education on fostering active participation, critical thinking, utilization of intellectual abilities, and learner creativity, it appears that this approach holds an advantage over video training, particularly when it comes to teaching crucial subjects like Basic Life Support.

Role of self-management program based on 5A nursing model in quality of life among patients undergoing hemodialysis: a Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Various nursing models are usually employed to achieve self-management and improve the quality of life in chronic conditions. Given its person-based characteristics, the 5 A nursing model can improve the quality of life of hemodialysis patients. PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the role of a self-management program based on the 5 A nursing model in the quality of life of patients undergoing hemodialysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted on hemodialysis patients in Iran. Random sampling was adopted to assign 60 patients to intervention and control groups. After the participants completed a demographic questionnaire and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form (KDQOL-SF), routine measures were taken in the control group. However, the 5 A nursing model was implemented in the intervention group for three months. The self-care program was executed in face-to-face sessions or via phone calls and SMSs. After three months, the quality of life was measured again in both groups. FINDINGS: There were significant differences after the intervention between the intervention and control groups in specific dimensions of quality of life, such as cognitive functions, symptoms, sleep, dialysis, social support, and renal complications (P < 0.05). The two groups also had significant differences in the general scores of quality of life (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The 5 A self-management intervention as a person-based model could improve self-care in hemodialysis patients. Nurses can implement this model to mitigate care costs, enhance interventions, and improve patients' quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20211103052955N1; 19/11/2021).

Effect of Chamomile Vaginal Gel on the Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a common complaint among postmenopausal women, which is largely because of the genitourinary syndrome in these women (GSM). AIM: Considering the phytoestrogenic effects of chamomile, the present study was primarily aimed to investigate the effect of chamomile vaginal gel on the sexual function of postmenopausal women. The side effects of these drugs were evaluated as a secondary outcome of the study. METHODS: This randomized double-blind clinical trial and placebo-controlled study was conducted on postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction (FSFI ≤26.55). To this aim, 96 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 32 each) including women receiving (i) chamomile vaginal gel 5%, (ii) conjugated estrogen vaginal cream, and (iii) placebo vaginal gel, for 12 weeks (ie, every night in the first 2 weeks, and 2 nights per week in the next 10 weeks, each night 1 g was used). The sexual function was measured using female sexual function index (FSFI) before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed by chi-square, one-way ANOVA, descriptive statistics, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and paired t test using SPSS software version 22. P < .05 was considered statistically significant. OUTCOMES: The main study outcome measure was evaluate the effects of vaginal administration of chamomile gel in comparison with conjugated estrogen cream and placebo gel on postmenopausal FSD using the FSFI. RESULTS: The findings showed that chamomile vaginal gel in compared to placebo vaginal gel caused a significant improvement in all six sexual function domains and the total FSFI score (effect size = +2.9 [95% CI, +2.1 to +3.6], P < .001). Also, there was no significant difference between the chamomile vaginal gel and conjugated estrogen vaginal cream groups in terms of the total score and all sub-domains of sexual function with the exception of orgasm (effect size = +0.13 [95% CI, -0.36 to +0.63], P = .02) and sexual satisfaction (effect size = 0 [95% CI, -0.49 to +0.49], P = .04). Two women in the chamomile group and one in the placebo group experienced a burning sensation (P = .345). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This treatment can be considered as a treatment option for postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction who have contraindications to the use of hormone therapy. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This study is the first study to investigate the effectiveness of chamomile vaginal gel on sexual function in postmenopausal women. However, in this study, treatment duration was 12 weeks and no follow up was performed beyond this time CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, the use of vaginal chamomile gel improved sexual function in postmenopausal women. Bosak Z, Iravani M, Moghimipour E, et al. Effect of Chamomile Vaginal Gel on the Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. J Sex Med 2022;19:983-994.

Effects of long-term administration of Multi-Strain Probiotic on circulating levels of BDNF, NGF, IL-6 and mental health in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Mental disorders is one of the main causes of disability and lower life expectancy among patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The present trial aimed to examine the efficacy of multi-strain probiotic supplementation on circulating levels of BDNF, NGF, IL-6 and mental health in patients with MS.Methods: This trial was conducted among 70 patients with MS that referred to the MS Association. Patients were randomized into intervention and control groups to receive 2 multi-strain probiotic capsules or placebo, daily for six months. Serum BDNF, NGF and IL-6 was measured by ELISA kits. Mental health parameters were assessed by valid questionnaires in the baseline and end of the study.Results: Of the 70 patients enrolled in this study, 65 subjects were included in the final analysis. From baseline to 6 months, probiotic supplementation resulted in a significant increase in BDNF and a significant reduction in the IL-6 levels (P < 0.001). Our findings revealed that probiotic supplementation compared to placebo caused a significant improvement in the general health questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) (-5.31 ± 4.62 vs. -1.81 ± 4.23; P = 0.002), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) (-4.81 ± 0.79 vs. -1.90 ± 0.96; P = 0.001), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) (-3.81 ± 6.56 vs. 0.24 ± 5.44; P = 0.007) and Pain Rating Index (PRI) (-3.15 ± 4.51 vs. -0.09 ± 3.67; P = 0.004). However, we not found any significant difference between the two groups in other factors (P > 0.05).Conclusion: Overall, six months of probiotic supplementation resulted in greater improvement in mental health parameters.

The effect of oat bran consumption on gestational diabetes: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes is the most common medical complication in pregnancy, and it has many side effects for the mother and the fetus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oat bran consumption on gestational diabetes. METHODS: This study is a randomized clinical trial that was performed on 112 women with gestational diabetes treated with diet. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of 56. Participants in both groups were given a diet for gestational diabetes. In addition to the diet, the intervention group received 30 g of oat bran daily for 4 weeks at lunch and dinner. Tests of fasting blood glucose and two-hour postprandial (2hpp) glucose were taken from both groups: before the intervention, and 2 and 4 weeks after the start of the intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software (version 22) using independent t-test, as well as Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of mean blood glucose before the intervention, while 2 and 4 weeks after the intervention, mean fasting blood glucose and two-hour postprandial (2hpp) glucose decreased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, the addition of oat bran to the standard diet for pregnant women with gestational diabetes reduced fasting blood glucose and two-hour postprandial (2hpp) glucose. More detailed studies with higher sample sizes are recommended to prove the effectiveness of this valuable dietary supplement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT registration number: IRCT20191220045828N1 . Registration date: 2020-04-18. Registered while recruiting.

Effects of the Consumption of Probiotic Yogurt Containing Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 on the Levels of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli in Saliva of Students with Initial Stages of Dental Caries: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Dental caries, caused by oral microbiota, is one of the most common human diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of consumption of probiotic yogurt containing Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 on salivary Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli in students with initial stages of dental caries. In this double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, 66 students (18-30 years) with initial stages of dental caries were selected and randomly assigned into 2 groups: the intervention group received 300 g/day of probiotic yogurt and the control group received 300 g/day of conventional yogurt for 2 weeks. An unstimulated fasting saliva sample was collected pre- and post-intervention. Bacterial counting was performed for salivary S. mutans and lactobacilli. A significant reduction in salivary S. mutans and lactobacillus counts was observed in the intervention group compared to their baseline and compared to the control group. In conclusion, it is suggested that the consumption of probiotic yogurt containing B. lactis Bb12 may modify the oral biofilm.

Cinnamon Consumption Improves Clinical Symptoms and Inflammatory Markers in Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of cinnamon on disease activity, serum levels of some inflammatory markers, and cardiovascular risk factors in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, 36 women with RA were randomly divided to 2 groups, receiving 4 capsules of either 500 mg cinnamon powder or placebo daily for 8 weeks. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profile, liver enzymes, serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), blood pressure, and clinical symptoms were determined at baseline and end of the week 8. RESULTS: At the end of the study, there was a significant decrease of serum levels of CRP (p < 0.001) and TNF-α (p < 0.001) in the cinnamon group as compared to the placebo group. Diastolic blood pressure was also significantly lower in the intervention group compared with the control group (p = 0.017). Compared with placebo, cinnamon intake significantly reduced the Disease Activity Score (DAS-28) (p < 0.001), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (p < 0.001), and tender (TJC) (p < 0.001) and swollen joints (SJC) (p < 0.001) counts. No significant changes were observed for FBS, lipid profile, liver enzymes, or ESR. CONCLUSION: Cinnamon supplementation can be a safe and potential adjunct treatment to improve inflammation and clinical symptoms in patients with RA.

Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of androgenetic (male-patterned) alopecia: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been proposed as an effective treatment for different diseases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of PRP in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, 19 men with AGA were recruited among whom 17 men completed the trial. At the beginning, 2 square-shaped areas of 2.5 × 2.5 centimeters, at least 3 cm apart from each other were selected on the scalp of each patient as case and control sites. Then, 1.5 ml of PRP was injected in the case site, while in the control site the same amount of normal saline was injected. These were injected in 2 sessions, 1 month apart. The terminal and vellus hairs were counted in each square at the beginning of the study, and then 1, 3, and 6 months after the first injection. RESULTS: In the case squares, the mean number of terminal and vellus hairs was 87 and 43 at the beginning and 85 and 42, respectively, at the end of six months. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the PRP was not effective in treating AGA of grade 4-6.

A comparative study of the mini-punch grafting and hair follicle transplantation in the treatment of refractory and stable vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Some vitiligo lesions are resistant to all medical treatments. OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the efficacy of hair follicle transplantation and mini-punch grafting for the treatment of refractory vitiligo lesions. METHODS: A total of 25 patients with stable and resistant vitiligo participated in the study. In each patient, a resistant vitiligo patch was divided into 2 equal parts. One part was treated with hair follicle transplantation and the other part with mini-punch grafting. Postsurgically, the recipient areas were exposed to narrowband ultraviolet B twice a week for 6 months. The diameter of the repigmentation around each graft was measured monthly. RESULTS: At the end of the sixth month, 68% of follicle grafts, and 72% of mini-punch grafts, had repigmentation. The mean diameter of repigmentation around follicle grafts was 5 ± 1.7 mm and around punch grafts was 5.3 ± 1.6 mm. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups statistically (P = .18). LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and short time of follow-up are limitations. CONCLUSIONS: Because the results of the 2 methods are not statistically different and mini-punch grafting is much easier to do than follicular transplantation, we recommend mini-punch grafting to treat drug-resistant vitiligo.

The Effect of Using the Community of Inquiry Model on the Quality of Distance Learning of the Airways Management among Anesthesia Nursing Students.

Introduction: Distance education as a training method is used today to train nurses around the world. This study aimed to determine the impact of using the community of inquiry model on the quality of distance learning of airway management among anesthesia nurse students. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test post-test design conducted at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected by census, and they were second, third, and fourth-year nurse anesthesia students (n=66). The participants were assigned to intervention and control groups (n=33 each) based on the table of random numbers. Given the three dimensions of the community of inquiry model, interventions were carried out in terms of social, teaching, and cognitive dimensions to increase social presence, teaching presence, and cognitive presence. Data collection tools included a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Independent T-test, paired T-test, ANCOVA, and Chi-square in SPSS software, version 16. Results: The results showed that the promotion of each of the three elements of the community of inquiry model had a significant effect on the quality of distance learning of airway management. Moreover, the mean scores of these elements were significantly different (P<0.001) in the intervention and control groups [teaching presence (3.742±0.453 vs. 2.573±0.241), social presence (2.245±0.488 vs. 1.434±0.297), and cognitive presence (3.421±0.569 vs. 2.369±0.223)]. Conclusion: The community of inquiry is a practical and effective framework for the better design and implementation of distance education courses. Therefore, nursing educators and course designers are strongly recommended to use this framework in nursing education.

The Efficiency of the Health Belief Model in Predicting the Preventive Behaviors of Pregnant Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Iran.

This study examined the efficiency of the health belief model in understanding preventive behaviors of pregnant women in Iran. A cross-sectional descriptive-analytical methodology study was conducted of pregnant women who were referred to a healthcare center in 2021. The data were the responses to a questionnaire designed for this study. The data were analyzed with SPSS 24 software, Amos 22 software, correlation tests, regression analysis, and independent t tests. In terms of the health belief model, pregnant women with high perceived susceptibility showed the highest vaccination rate, while those with high perceived barriers had the lowest. The model predicted 20% variance in the preventive behavior from COVID-19, with perceived susceptibility and cues to action being the strongest and weakest predictors of behavior, respectively. The conclusion of the study was that the health belief model was an appropriate model to guide the care of pregnant women.

The effect of magnesium supplementation and weight loss on liver enzymes in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: There have been few studies to examine the effect of magnesium (Mg) supplementation on liver enzymes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Mg supplementation and weight loss on liver enzymes, lipid profile, and fasting blood sugar in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. Ultrasonography was used to diagnose fatty liver in patients with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≥ 40 U/L and without other hepatic diseases. A total of 68 participants (18-59 years) with NAFLD were randomly divided into two groups to receive either Mg supplement (350 mg elemental Mg per day) or placebo for 90 days. At baseline and at the end of the intervention serum ALT, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol (TCHO), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), blood sugar and serum insulin, and Mg levels were measured in fasting state. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and insulin resistance (IR) were calculated using Friedewald formula and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), respectively. All participants received lifestyle recommendations including low calorie diet and physical activity. RESULTS: Significant decreases within the intervention and placebo groups were observed in ALT (57.00 (25) to 41.82 ± 19.40 U/L, P = 0.000; 68.50 ± 26.96 to 40.17 ± 19.40 U/L, P = 0.000 in Mg and placebo groups, respectively). Similar significant decreases were observed in AST and fasting serum insulin within the study groups. The decrease in weight was also significant in both groups (91.05 ± 13.77 to 87.60 ± 14.37 kg and 94.59 ± 16.85 to 91.45 ± 16.39 kg in Mg and placebo groups, respectively). LDL-C and TCHO were decreased significantly in placebo group but not in the intervention group. Serum Mg was increased significantly in the intervention group. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two study groups at baseline and after intervention. CONCLUSION: According to the findings of this study, Mg supplement does not affect liver enzymes but weight loss may have an important role in improving fatty liver disease.

The Effect of Thai Massage on the Severity of Pain in Patients with Unstable Angina: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Chest pain is an unpleasant and the most common symptom in patients suffering from unstable angina. This study was implemented to investigate the effect of Thai massage on severity of pain in patients with unstable angina. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial that carried out on 70 patients with unstable angina who had been hospitalized in hospital affiliated to Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. The participants were allocated randomly to either the intervention (n=35) or control group (n=35) between August 1, 2016 and April 30, 2017. The patients in the intervention group received routine care beside and Thai massage with the duration of 30 minutes in two consecutive days. The patients in the control group received routine care. The intensity of pain was assessed by using the numeric rating scale, five minutes before and immediately, 15, 30 and 60 minutes after the intervention. The independent t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analysis data through SPSS 13. Results: After the intervention, the severity of pain was significantly diminished by about four measurement points (P=0.001) with the linear pattern of pain reduction. Nonetheless, in the control group, no statistically significant difference in the intensity of pain was found. Conclusion: This study showed that Thai massage as non-invasive approach, concomitant with standard nursing care, has the potential to decrease chest pain. Nurses should be taught about pain relief methods for improving the quality of patient care.

The Impact of Maternal Position in Labor on Occiput-Posterior Position of Fetus and Pregnancy Outcomes in Pregnant Women Without Epidural Analgesia.

Objective: Fetal occiput posterior (OP) position is associated with more maternal and neonatal complications. This study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal position during labor on fetal OP position and pregnancy outcomes. Materials and methods: This randomized clinical trial study included 180 primigravida women in labor with a single fetus and approved OP position. Participants were randomly allocated into three groups: semi-prone position (n=45), knee-chest position (n=45), and supine position (n=90). All participants were placed in the defined positions 15-30 min in labor until delivery. Data collected using Visual Analogue Scale and researcher made checklist. The ANOVA, Tukey post hoc, and the chi-square test were used to analyze. Results: Among all participants who had OP, after intervention 16.3% in the semi-prone position, 14/3 % in the knee-chest position, and 33.7% of the control groups remained with OP at birth (X3=7/87, P=0.019). The rate of natural delivery was significantly higher in the semi-prone position and knee-chest position. The duration of active phase of labor and low back pain were significantly reduced in the semi-prone and knee-chest position compared to the control groups (P<0.05). There were no differences in the duration of the third stage of labor, APGAR score, and the rate of neonatal addition to neonatal intensive care unit, using oxytocin, and perineal tears (P>0.05). Conclusion: The semi-prone and knee-chest positions increase the spontaneous rotation of occiput to the anterior position, vaginal delivery rates as well as a reduction in duration of active phase of labor and low back pain after delivery.

The assessment of suture spacing on the esthetic and functional outcomes of skin closures in different age groups.

Background and Aims: Dermatological surgeons must master the factors affecting wound healing. Suturing is the most common method of wound closure. One of the significant factors in suturing that affects wound healing and cosmetic results is the distance between sutures, which has been studied very little to date. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of simple interrupted suture with a distance of 2 and 5 mm on the esthetic and functional results of suture closure in different age groups. Methods: In patients with two skin lesions, one wound was sutured with a distance of 2 mm and the other with a distance of 5 mm, and the wounds were evaluated 1 and 3 months after the operation using the POSAS scale. Results: Patients' opinions indicate that, in the suture intervals of 2- and 5-mm and at 1 and 3 months, the average was lower in the younger group than it was in the older group and also, as per the physician's opinion, the average in the age group under 50 years was significantly lower than that in the age group over 50 years. Conclusions: According to the results of the present study, a suture of 2-mm and a suture of 5-mm would result in different esthetic and functional outcomes depending on the patient's age. The average in the age group less than 50 years was significantly lower than that of the age group greater than 50 years.

Improvement of the clinical skills of nurse anesthesia students using mini-clinical evaluation exercises in Iran: a randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of a mini-clinical evaluation exercise (CEX) assessment on improving the clinical skills of nurse anesthesia students at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. METHODS: This study started on November 1, 2022, and ended on December 1, 2022. It was conducted among 50 nurse anesthesia students divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group's clinical skills were evaluated 4 times using the mini-CEX method. In contrast, the same skills were evaluated in the control group based on the conventional method­that is, general supervision by the instructor during the internship and a summative evaluation based on a checklist at the end of the course. The intervention group students also filled out a questionnaire to measure their satisfaction with the miniCEX method. RESULTS: The mean score of the students in both the control and intervention groups increased significantly on the post-test (P<0.0001), but the improvement in the scores of the intervention group was significantly greater compared with the control group (P<0.0001). The overall mean score for satisfaction in the intervention group was 76.3 out of a maximum of 95. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study showed that using mini-CEX as a formative evaluation method to evaluate clinical skills had a significant effect on the improvement of nurse anesthesia students' clinical skills, and they had a very favorable opinion about this evaluation method.

The relationship between self-care, spiritual well-being and coping strategies in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in the world. The most important underlying cause of death in diabetic patients is the lack of self-care and management. However, there is little known about the influence of coping strategies and spiritual well-being (SWB) on self-care in diabetic patients. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-care activities with coping strategies and spiritual well-being (SWB) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, we selected 236 patients with T2DM referred to the diabetes hospital clinics in the southwest of Iran. Inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with T2DM, with the age group ranging 20-80 years, literate, not suffering from severe and debilitating complications of diabetes and lacking acute psychological illness. Exclusion criteria included refusing to complete questionnaires and cognitive or emotional impairment. Instruments include the demographic questionnaire, Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities, Lazarus and Folkman's Coping Strategies Questionnaire and the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS; developed by Paloutzian and Ellison). To examine the relationship between variables, the Pearson correlation and multiple stepwise regression analysis were used. Results: The findings of this study on 236 patients with T2DM (53.25 ± 10.91) including 76 (32.2%) males and 160 (67.8%) females showed the majority of participants were female, the age group was between 41 and 60 years (68.22%), had a Diploma (63.98%), were insured (63.55%) and had a moderate economic situation (55.93%). There was a direct and significant correlation between self-care activities and coping strategies (r = 0.163, p < 0.05), and only a problem-focused coping strategy was considered as a predictor variable of self-care (p < 0.01). There was a direct and significant correlation between self-care and SWB (r = 0.385, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that there is a significant relationship between self-care and the problem-focused dimension of coping strategies and SWB in patients with T2DM.

The effect of auriculotherapy on improving sleep quality in postmenopausal women aged 45-60 years: A clinical trial study.

BACKGROUND: Menopause is one of the developmental stages of women. One of the most common problems during this period is sleep disorders. Sleep disorders can affect the quality of life of these people. To improve sleep disorders, auriculotherapy has received less attention due to its low cost and effectiveness, and side effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of auriculotherapy on improving sleep quality in postmenopausal women aged 45-60 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a clinical trial study that was performed on 82 postmenopausal women aged 45-60 years under the auspices of health centers in Mahshahr city, Iran from 2021-2022. Women with inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups (intervention and control). The intervention group underwent auriculotherapy for 4 weeks. The St. Petersburg Sleep Quality Questionnaire was completed by both groups at the beginning and 4 weeks after the start of the intervention. Finally, the data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22 and independent t-test, paired t-test and Chi-square test. RESULTS: At the beginning of the study, both groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic variables. The results of data analysis using independent t-test showed that before the intervention, mental quality (P = 0.513), length of incubation period (P = 0.285), sleep duration (P = 0.121), sleep efficiency (P = 0.513), sleep disorders (P = 0.685), use of sleeping pills (P = 0.530), daily functioning (P = 0.60), and overall sleep quality score (P = 0.30) in the control and intervention groups were not statistically significant. However, comparing the mean scores after the intervention in the control and intervention groups showed that mental quality (P < 0.001), incubation period (P < 0.001), sleep duration (P < 0.001), sleep efficiency (P < 0.001), sleep disorders (P < 0.001), use of hypnotics (P = 0.002), daily functioning (P = 0.001), overall sleep quality score (P < 0.001), sleep duration (P = 0.822), sleep efficiency (P = 0.889), sleep disorders (P = 0.889), use of sleeping pills (P = 1.00), daily performance (P = 0.767), overall sleep quality score (P = 0.69) were statistically significant between the two groups. In-group comparison using paired t-test in the control group showed that mental quality (P = 0128), length of the incubation period (P = 1.00), and before and after the intervention did not differ significantly in the mean scores. However, a within-group comparison in the intervention group showed that mental quality (P < 0.001), incubation period (P < 0.001), sleep duration (P < 0.001), sleep efficiency (P < 0.001), sleep disorders (P = 0.003), use of sleeping pills (P = 0.007), daily functioning (P < 0.001), and overall sleep quality score (P < 0.001) before and after the intervention had a significant difference in the mean scores. CONCLUSION: The results showed that auriculotherapy has significant effectiveness in improving the quality of sleep, and its dimensions and can be used as an effective method in this area that can be implemented at a low cost and easily. According to reports from participants and previous studies in this field, auriculotherapy did not have any side effects and can be used as a safe way to improve sleep quality.

Riboflavin status and its association with serum hs-CRP levels among clinical nurses with depression.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of present study was to assess the relationship between the dietary intake and blood status of riboflavin and the prevalence of systemic inflammation among both depressed and nondepressed nurses. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on 98 female clinical nurses (45 depressed and 53 nondepressed subjects). Depression status was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory. We assessed dietary intake of riboflavin using 3-day 24-hour recalls. The serum concentrations of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were also measured. Riboflavin status was assessed as the erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity coefficient (EGRAC). RESULTS: Marginal riboflavin deficiency was more prevalent in depressed subjects (P = 0.028). The results of the dietary intake and status of riboflavin were classified to 3 tertiles of serum hs-CRP levels. In both nondepressed and depressed subjects, there was no significant difference between hs-CRP tertiles in dietary intakes of riboflavin, EGRAC, or riboflavin deficiencies. CONCLUSION: This study showed a higher prevalence of marginal riboflavin deficiency in depressed subjects. We found no association between dietary intake and status of riboflavin with low-grade systematic inflammation in nondepressed and depressed clinical nurses.

The Effect of Pyridoxine Hydrochloride Supplementation on Leptin, Adiponectin, Glycemic Indices, and Anthropometric Indices in Obese and Overweight Women.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally. Among several methods for treating obesity, the use of dietary supplements is common recently. One supplement that can help in this regard might be vitamin B6 in high doses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of pyridoxine hydrochloride supplementation on anthropometric indices, body composition, visceral adiposity index (VAI), and metabolic status in obese and overweight women. In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 44 obese and overweight women aged 18-50 years were selected and divided randomly into 2 groups: an intervention group (receiving 80 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride supplement for 8 weeks) and a control group (receiving placebo for 8 weeks). In the pyridoxine hydrochloride group, weight (p = 0.03), body mass index (p = 0.023), fat mass (p = 0.003), waist circumference (p = 0.005), VAI (p = 0.001), fasting insulin, insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance; HOMA-IR), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides (TG) and leptin (p < 0.001) decreased whereas adiponectin (p < 0.001) increased in comparison to the baseline values. There was a significant difference in fat mass, VAI, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and TG between pyridoxine hydrochloride and control groups following intervention in adjusted models (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that vitamin B6 supplementation may be effective in reducing BMI and improving body composition and biochemical factors associated with obesity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Identifier: IRCT20181002041206N1.