Investigating the effect of combined use of selenium and Myo-inositol supplements on thyroid function and autoimmune characteristics in thyroid disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to systematically review the effect of selenium and inositol combination on thyroid function, autoimmune characteristics in thyroid diseases. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: To identify eligible studies, a systematic search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Science-Direct, CINHAL, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Psychinfo, Cochrane, ProQuest, and Web of Science were searched using the main concepts, and all English-written articles that were published between 2007 and 2022 and had an available full text were examined. RESULTS: The data analysis of this research revealed that after the simultaneous use of selenium and inositol supplements, the level of Triiodothyronine(T3) increased by 0.105 in patients with thyroid disorders although this increase was not significant (P-value: 0.228). The level of Thyroxine (T4) significantly increased by 0.06 (P-value: 0.04). Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPOAb) titer decreased by 119.36%, which was not significant (P-value: 0.070). Finally, the level of Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) decreased by 1.45%, which was a significant change (P-value: 0.001). CONCLUSION: It was observed that simultaneous use of selenium and inositol supplements did not change the T3 and TPOAb titer levels; however, it leads to a decrease in TSH and increase in T4 levels. Further studies are required due to the limited number of studies.

The effect of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy in type II diabetes mellitus patients: A clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most threatening complications of diabetes and a leading cause of visual loss in working-age population. Although exercise is beneficial in diabetes, previous studies have showed contradictory and inconclusive results on how it effects DR. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. MATERIALS & METHODS: In this before-after clinical trial, 40 patients with diabetic retinopathy were enrolled by convenient sampling method in Shahid Labbafinejad Hospital in Tehran during 2021-2022. Before the intervention, central macular thickness (CMT, microns) measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fasting blood sugar (FBS, mg/dl) were obtained. Then, patients took part in a 12-week moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (3 sessions per week, each session 45 min). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. RESULTS: Out of 40 examined patients, 21 (52.5 %) were male and 19 (47.5 %) were female. The mean age of the patients was 50.8 years. The mean rank of FBS (mg/dl) significantly decreased from 21.12 before the exercise to 8.75 after the exercise (p < 0.001). Also, the mean rank of CMT (microns) showed a significant decrease from 21.11 before the intervention to 16.20 after the exercise (p < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between patients' age and FBS (mg/dl) before (rho = 0.457, p = 0.003) and after (rho = 0.365, p = 0.021) the intervention. Also, a significant positive correlation was found between patients' age and CMT (microns) before (rho = 0.525, p = 0.001) and after (rho = 0.461, p = 0.003) moderate exercise. CONCLUSION: Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise leads to lower FBS (mg/dl) and CMT (microns) in patients with diabetic retinopathy, so it may be beneficial for diabetic patients to avoid sedentary lifestyle.

Anti-tumor effects of PEGylated-nanoliposomes containing ginger extract in colorectal cancer-bearing mice.

Objectives: This study aimed to develop a nanoliposomal formulation containing ginger ethanolic extract with a higher therapeutic effect for cancer treatment. Materials and Methods: The present study aimed to prepare PEGylated nanoliposomal ginger through the thin film hydration method plus extrusion. Physicochemical characteristics were evaluated, and the toxicity of the prepared liposomes was assessed using the MTT assay. In addition, tumor size was monitored in colorectal cancer-bearing mice. Also, the anticancer effects of liposomal ginger were evaluated by gene expression assay of Bax and Bcl-2 and cytokines including TNF-α, TGF-ß, and IFN-γ by Real-time PCR. Also, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and regulatory T lymphocytes (Treg cells) were counted in spleen and tumor tissue by flow cytometry assay. Results: The nanoliposomes' particle size and polydispersity index (PDI) were 94.95 nm and 0.246 nm, respectively. High encapsulation capacity (80 %) confirmed the technique's efficiency, and the release rate of the extract was 85% at pH 6.5. In addition, this study showed that liposomal ginger at 100 mg/kg/day enhanced the expression of Bax (P<0.05) and IFN-γ (P<0.01) compared with ginger extract in the mouse model. Also, the number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and CTLs cell count in tumor tissue showed a significant increase in the LipGin group compared with the Gin group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Results indicated that the liposomal ginger enhanced the antitumor activity; therefore, the prepared liposomal ginger can be used in future clinical trials.

Supplementation of n-3 fatty acid and ruminal undegradable to degradable protein ratio in young lambs raised under heat condition: effects on growth performance and urinary purine derivatives.

The present study evaluated the effect of supplementation alpha-linolenic fatty acid source (ALA) with different rumen undegradable to degradable protein ratios [low ratio (LR) = 26:74; high ratio (HR) = 36:64 based on CP%] on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal score, animal feeding behavior, and urinary purine derivatives (PD) in young lambs during hot season. Forty 10-day-old lambs (averaging body weight of 7.9 ± 0.8 kg) were used in a completely randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement as following treatments (10 lambs/treatment): (1) no n-3 FA supplementation with LR diet (NALA-LR), (2) no ALA supplementation with HR diet (NALA-HR), (3) supplementation of ALA with LR diet (ALA-LR), and (4) supplementation of ALA with HR diet (ALA-HR). Results showed that ALA supplementation slightly increased feed efficiency (FE; tendency, P = 0.076), improved fecal score (P = 0.045), and reduced rectal temperature (tendency, P = 0.064) during pre-weaning period. The HR diets improved average daily gain (ADG; P < 0.01), wither height (post-weaning; P = 0.015), and final BW (P = 0.048) compared with LR diets. The greatest ADG (pre-weaning; P = 0.012), structural growth, and the lowest urinary nitrogen exertion (P = 0.043) were found in the ALA-HR treatment. No change was found for ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestibility, and animal behavior in lambs fed different experimental treatments. In summary, results indicated that concurrent feeding of ALA and high dietary RUP:RDP ratio can be recommendable that is likely due to more efficient nitrogen utilization when young lambs are raised during hot season. HIGHLIGHTS: • The interaction of n-3 FA and nitrogen was evaluated in pre-weaning lambs raised under heat condition. • Supplementation of n-3 FA increased FE and improved fecal score in heat-exposed lambs during pre-weaning period. • The high RUP:RDP ratio improved skeletal growth during post-weaning period. • Concurrent feeding of n-3 FA and high dietary RUP:RDP ratio is recommendable in young lambs raised during hot season.

Effects of pomegranate supplement on menopausal symptoms and quality of life in menopausal women: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Menopausal symptoms have negative effects on the aspects of quality of life and impose a high cost on the health system. In traditional Persian medicine, pomegranate is recommended to alleviate menopausal symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was performed among 78 healthy women. Participants were interviewed three times: Before receiving the supplement/placebo, after completing the treatment, and after 3 weeks with no intervention. They filled out the demographic information sheet, modified-Kupperman index, and Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaires. RESULTS: The mean scores of the modified-Kupperman index and MENQOL characteristics before and after the treatment and after the follow-up period were significantly different between pomegranate and placebo groups in both modified-Kupperman and MENQOL scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that 4 weeks' treatment with the pomegranate supplement significantly ameliorates the irritating symptoms of menopause and improves the quality of life in menopausal women even after 4 weeks' medicine deprivation.

Introduction: Hot and Cold Theory, the Path Towards Personalized Medicine.

In traditional medicines, the concept of "hot and cold theory" or temperament evolved based on thousands of years of precise observation of individuals' differences to provide efficacious personalized treatments. Based on the hot and cold theory, human body organs have extensive interactions forming a complex system in a dynamic equilibrium named temperament, Dosha, constitution, or Mizaj. This equilibrium is different between individuals and is affected by genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Deviation from this balance state on the coldness-hotness spectrum can predispose one to various diseases. The goal of prevention and treatment is to maintain or revive the body system's status towards that person's original equilibrium.

Hot and Cold Theory: Evidence in Systems Biology.

Systems biology is an emerging discipline in the post-genomic era, increasingly have been applied in bioscience and molecular medicine. The aim of this research field is a systems-level understanding of biological phenomena. In the same vein, a holistic approach to the classification of wellbeing and treatment of illnesses has been applied in traditional medicines. This chapter summarizes available research on biological differences between hot and cold in multiple traditional medicines by integrating modern biomedical data and concept-rich traditional medicines. In general, inflammation, immune-related pathways and higher metabolism are reported in hot individuals. While, lower metabolism have been observed in cold  people. The interdisciplinary nature of systems biology studies can provide better insights into traditional medicines' physiopathology, fill the gap between traditional medicines and modern biological language, and facilitate drug discovery and individualized treatments.

Hot and Cold Theory: Future Perspective.

Temperament or "hot and cold" theory is a common fundamental concept in folk and traditional medicines practiced worldwide which describes the individual differences in a spectrum along a so-called hotness-coldness axis. Unfortunately, this concept has been ignored by conventional medicine following the trends toward reductionism. Despite this, there are many recent studies in different fields as discussed in previous chapters, that are supporting the efficacy of this holistic personalized approach in health maintenance, disease prevention and treatment. Systems biology studies, innovative modified clinical trials and whole system research are among our tools to investigate the physiopathology and effectiveness of this concept in clinical practice and may pave our way toward personalized medicine in future.

The influence of parathyroidectomy on cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We aim to determine whether parathyroidectomy (PTX) can change cardiometabolic risk factors including serum lipids, glycemic parameters, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, C reactive protein (CRP), and body mass index (BMI). METHODS: MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles published till June 2020. Fixed-effect or random-effects models were used to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CI for outcomes where applicable. RESULTS: In total, 34 studies were eligible to be included in the current meta-analysis. Our results indicated no favorable change in serum triglyceride (n = 13, WMD = -0.06, 95% CI: -0.15, 0.03 mmol/L), total cholesterol (n = 15, WMD = 0.01, 95% CI: -0.14, 0.16 mmol/L), LDL-C (n = 10, WMD = -0.01, 95% CI: -0.17, 0.19 mmol/L), HDL-C (n = 10, WMD = 0.03, 95% CI: -0.001, 0.06 mmol/L), and CRP (n = 5, WMD = 0.82, 95% CI: -0.01, 1.64 mg/L) after PTX in PHPT patients. However, glucose (n = 24, WMD = -0.16, 95% CI: -0.26, -0.06 mmol/L), serum insulin (n = 12, WMD = -1.11, 95% CI: -1.73, -0.49 µIU/mL), systolic (n = 17, WMD = -10.14, 95% CI: -12.27, -8.01 mmHg), and diastolic (n = 16, WMD = -5.21, 95% CI: -7.0, -3.43 mmHg) blood pressures were decreased after PTX, whilst a significant increase was observed in BMI (n = 13, WMD = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.51 kg/m2). CONCLUSIONS: PTX could improve glycemic parameters and blood pressure, without any significant change in serum lipoproteins and CRP.

Evaluation of Uterine Temperament in Iranian Infertile Women using a Quantitative Instrument for Uterine Temperament Detection.

BACKGROUND: The temperament is a basic concept of maintaining health in Traditional Persian Medicine. The two main grouping of temperament is hot/cold and wet/dry. Many female disorders include infertilities are diagnosed and treated based on the dystemperament therapies. This report describes design of a questionnaire for uterine temperament detection and its use to evaluate the uterine temperament of a population of infertile women. METHODS: The uterine temperament parameters derived from main textbooks were used to design a questionnaire which its validity and reliability was proven by statistical methods. The questionnaire was then used to detect the uterine temperament of 54 infertile females. Also full history and physical exam and vaginal sonography was performed in the 3rd day of the menstrual cycle for all study participants. RESULTS: The mean age was 30.92 ± 5.53 years old. Mean uterine temperament score was 3.21 ± 0.53 for hotness and 4.28 ± 1 for wetness. Mean general body temperament was 138.88 ± 17.61. The general body temperament hotness/coldness was significantly correlated with the uterus hotness/coldness (r = 0.0842); while the wetness/dryness temperament of the body and uterus were not correlated. Moreover, uterus temperament was not correlated with the size of the uterus and ovaries in sonography, but pelvic width was correlated with hot uterine temperament (r = 0.354, P = 0.0145). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, the most prevalent achieved temperament was cold and wet in patients with infertility complaint. Moreover, the hot/cold temperament of body and pelvic width were correlated with uterus temperament. This may propose new prevention and also treatment methods in the field of infertility, which needs to be further evaluated.

Investigation of Relationship between Family Social Support and the Level of Stigma Perceived by PLWHA in Iran.

This study is aimed to investigate the relationship between family social support and the level of stigma perceived by people living with HIV (PLWHA). The methodology is cross-sectional and the sample population includes 163 individuals (54% males, 46% females) who were randomly selected from the counseling centers for behavioral disorders of Medical Sciences of Tehran University. The average age of the sample was 37.48 ± 10.29 years old and the main cause of HIV infection was the sexual intercourse with spouse/non-spouse. The results of this study indicate that there is a significant and inverse relationship between general social stigma with the duration of HIV infection (r = -0.31, P < .05). There is also a positive and significant relationship between the general family social support and its subscales (information support, seeking support, instrumental support) with the duration of the infectious disease (r = +0.20, P < .05), which means that with increasing duration of the disease, the level of family social support increases. The general social stigma score with the general family social support showed a significant correlation (inverse) (r = -0.43, P < .05). It seems that the design and implementation of appropriate psychosocial interventions to increase family social support and reduce social stigma associated with HIV/AIDS are important in Iranian society and societies that are family-oriented and the family institution continues its protective and supportive functions.

Fixed bed study of nitrate removal from water by protonated cross-linked chitosan supported by biomass-derived carbon particles.

In this study, a green adsorbent was synthesized for the removal of nitrate ions from water. The adsorbent consisted of carbonaceous particles with high specific surface area (1,240 m2 g-1) and porosity derived from pyrolysis of cornelian cherry stone and modified by protonated cross-linked chitosan. The adsorbent was characterized using various techniques like SEM, FTIR, BJH and zeta potential measurements. Dynamic behavior of the adsorbent in the nitrate adsorption was studied in a packed bed system at various operating conditions and in the presence of other competing anions (PO43-, HCO3-, SO42-). Based on the error analysis, the optimum operating conditions were considered at flow rate of 3.8 mL min-1, bed depth of 10 cm and nitrate concentration of 75 mg L-1. The kinetics of the adsorption process was studied using Adams-Bohart and Thomas models and the qmax was calculated to be about 12.4 mg g-1 at neutral pH and room temperature. Furthermore, the relationship between the bed height and the breakthrough time was described by bed depth service time (BDST) model. The experimental results suggested that the adsorbent possessed significant ability in nitrate removal from water due to the desired chemistry of the biopolymer and the excellent textural properties of the carbon support.

Corrigendum to "Medicinal Properties and Active Constituents of Dracocephalum kotschyi and Its Significance in Iran: A Systematic Review".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2019/9465309.].

Medicinal Properties and Active Constituents of Dracocephalum kotschyi and Its Significance in Iran: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: Dracocephalum has over 60 species and is found mainly in the temperate regions of Asia and Europe. One of these species, i.e., Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss, is known to have a number of medicinal properties and active ingredients in many parts of the world. Despite being an endemic wild-flowering plant of great importance, the plant is currently considered endangered in Iran. Besides, there is paucity of information on the significance of the medicinal properties and active constituents of D. kotschyi among the Iranian people. On that account a systematic review of studies reporting on the medicinal properties and active ingredients and its significance to human and animal health was conducted and the existing knowledge gaps were identified. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used in the search for published articles on medicinal properties and active ingredients of D. kotschyi and its significance on humans and animals in Iran. The search was confined to scientific articles from repositories of popular data bases and search engines among them PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, SpringerLink, and Scopus. The search narrowed down on scientific journals, books, and book chapters focusing on the medicinal properties of D. kotschyi in Iran for the period between 1970 and 2018. RESULTS: A total of 1158 scientific articles were sourced from the various databases, out of which 38 met the search criteria and qualified for this review. The studies were conducted in only 9 of the 31 provinces of Iran, with a large proportion in Isfahan province, central Iran. The studies showed that all plant parts (roots, aerial parts, flowers, and leaves) had active constituents. Essential oils and aerial plant parts were the main components studied. Nevertheless, the most frequently reported constituents were xanthomicrol, limonene, luteolin, geranial, apigenin, and calycopterin. A number of medicinal properties were reported among them antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancerous, antinociceptive, antihyperlipidemic, antispasmodic, cytotoxic, and immunomodulatory effects. The plant was also reported to be a remedy for inflammatory pain, headaches, congestion, liver disorders, ulcer, fever, renal pain, dyspepsia, stomach ache, abdominal pain, joints pains, muscle spasm, congestion, bloating, and wound healing effects, among others. CONCLUSION: This review has shown that D. kotschyi is an important medicinal plant with a large number of active constituents and great potential to safeguard human and animal health in Iran. However, over utilization of the D. kotschyi plant is already endangering its existence. Nevertheless, more studies need be conducted across the country.

Proton pump inhibitors use and change in bone mineral density.

OBJECTIVE: Limited data are available reporting the effect of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use on changes in bone mineral density (BMD). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between PPI use and BMD. METHODS: The current cross-sectional study included 80 patients (31 male and 49 female) aged 20-45 years old without history of hip fracture with a follow-up of at least 2 years. The study was carried out in 40 daily PPI users and 40 PPI non-users. Femur and posterior-anterior spine BMD were quantified by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in all participants. The relationship between use of PPI and BMD was tested by multivariate linear regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, BMI and serum vitamin D levels. RESULTS: Our study demonstrated that mean femoral T-scores were significant between PPI and non-user groups (-0.44 ± 1.11 vs. +0.19 ± 0.95, P = 0.007). In addition, the frequency of femoral osteoporosis and osteopenia in the exposed group was significantly more in the control group (P = 0.04). Mean femoral Z-scores, lumbar spine T-score and lumbar spine Z-score were not statistically different between PPI and non-user groups. The linear regression analysis revealed that there was no association between PPI and non-users, and lumbar spine T-score. CONCLUSION: Overall, the results of this study showed that PPI use in subjects without risk factors of osteoporosis determined by the femoral T-score compared with the control group was associated with increased risk of developing osteoporosis and osteopenia in the femur bones.

A neuropsychiatric complication of oligomenorrhea according to iranian traditional medicine.

Oligomenorrhea, a prevalent disease with serious complications, has been declared in the Avicenna traditional medicine in detail. Avicenna in his famous book, Cannon of Medicine, presents a syndrome termed 'uterine strangulation', as a complication of menstrual bleeding cessation and lack of sexual satisfaction. We have explained this syndrome from both traditional and conventional medicine viewpoints to propose a new hypothesis for diagnosis and treatment of women with oligomenorrhea and systemic signs/symptoms admitting to clinics for further evaluation. This hypothesis definitely needs to be further assessed and confirmed by strong clinical trials.

Coagulation and fibrinolytic protein kinetics in cardiopulmonary bypass.

The development of Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) catopulted the field of cardiothoracic surgery into a new dimension--one that changed the lives of individuals with congenital and acquired heart disease worldwide. Despite its contributions, CPB has clear limitations and creates unique challenges for clinicians and patients alike, stemming from profound hemostatic pertubations and accompanying risk for bleeding and possibly thrombotic complications.

Anticoagulant therapy during cardiopulmonary bypass.

The prothrombotic and hemostatic-altering environment that characterizes cardiac surgery in general and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in particular is unparalleled in medicine, causing, in an alarming number of patients, both thrombotic and hemorrhagic events. Fundamentally, the primary objective of anticoagulant therapy during CPB is to prevent thrombin generation and its attendant prothrombotic, proinflammatory, and vascular effects. Though anticoagulation with unfractionated heparin has been the standard of care for more than a half-century for patients undergoing cardiac surgery, inherent limitations, and an unfavorable safety profile will increasingly stimulate the investigation and development of more safe and effective therapies.