The effects of nutrition bio-shield superfood powder on immune system function: A clinical trial study among patients with COVID-19.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Nutrition Bio-shield Superfood (NBS) powder on the immune system function and clinical manifestations in patients with COVID-19. We compare the effects of NBS powder on the immune system function and clinical manifestations among two different groups: 1) intervention group receiving standard treatment scheduled according to treatment guidelines plus NBS powder, and 2) control group receiving only the same standard treatment. The serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, IL-17, IFNγ, and TNFα were determined after four weeks of treatment by specific ELISA kits according to the manufacturer's instructions. Finally, the level of immune system stimulation and inflammatory markers were compared at baseline and after intervention in both groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 22). A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was set as significant. A total of 47 patients with COVID-19 (24 patients in the intervention group and 23 patients in the control group) were included in this study. Results showed that the differences in the mean decrease of IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α in the intervention group in comparison to the control group were 0.93, 10.28, and 8.11 pg/ml, respectively (P<0.001). On the other hand, there was no difference in IL-17, IFNγ, monocytes, eosinophil, and other inflammatory indices between the intervention and control groups. Although NBS powder was able to significantly decrease the levels of some proinflammatory cytokines in patients with COVID-19, however, it is noteworthy that the course of the disease was to large part unaffected by NBS power and there was a reduction independent of treatment. The present study indicates that NBS powder could provide a beneficial anti-inflammatory effect in patients with COVID-19. Hence, NBS in treating patients with COVID-19 shows promise as an adjuvant to the current standard antiviral treatment of such patients. Clinical Trial Registration: https://www.irct.ir, identifier IRCT20200426047206N1.

Upper trapezius fatigue in carpet weaving: the impact of a repetitive task cycle.

INTRODUCTION: Shoulder disorders are one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders among carpet weavers. The most important cause of these disorders is muscle fatigue. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of carpet weaving characteristics on upper trapezius (UTr) muscle fatigue during a task cycle. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, 9 women and 3 men participated. During an 80-min cycle of carpet weaving, a times-series model was applied to assess electromyography amplitude and frequency changes. RESULT: According to the joint analysis of electromyogram spectrum and amplitude method, the participants experienced 0% force decrease, 0.9% recovery, 18% force increase and 72% fatigue in the left UTr. Furthermore, the rates of force decrease, recovery, force increase and fatigue in the right UTr were 18%, 18%, 18% and 45%, respectively. Fatigue in the right and the left UTr was reported to be the dominant state during one carpet weaving task cycle. CONCLUSION: Task cycle appears to have a significant impact on UTr fatigue in participants, and UTr fatigue can be considered a serious risk factor in shoulder musculoskeletal disorders. Hence, further studies should focus on better workstations and work-rest periods during various subtasks.

The Impact of Aerobic Exercise on Quality of Life in Women with Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The women with breast cancer experience high rates of morbidity due to different treatments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of aerobic exercise in the quality of life (QoL) among women suffering from breast cancer in Hamadan, western Iran. METHODS: Participants who had consummated the eligibility criteria were randomly assigned in exercise group (n=30) and control group (n=30). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. The mean age was 42.70 ±9.6 and 43.50 ±8.60 yr old in exercise and control groups, respectively. The quality of life was assessed by two widely used standard questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-BR23). The exercise group received supervised exercise 2 days per week for 10 weeks. Through two stages (before and after intervention) these groups were evaluated. Analyzing the data was performed by SPSS/20.0, using t-test, chi-squared and ANCOVA. P<0.05 was regarded as significant level. RESULTS: The global health status QoL, based on EORTC QLQ-C30, developed significantly in the exercise group (48.76±24.96 vs. 81.79±16.34) in comparison with the controls (47.75 ±15.73 vs. 52.88 ±14.51) (P<0.001). The exercise intervention was associated with substantial development in total score of functions and symptoms of QoL using EORTC QLQ-BR23 (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The statistically and clinically crucial developments were indicated in functions and symptoms of QoL in response to exercise in breast cancer women.

Predictive Factors of Regular Physical Activity among Middle-Aged Women in the West of Iran, Hamadan: Application of PRECEDE Model.

BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity is important for midlife women. Models and theories help better understanding this behavior among middle-aged women and better planning for change behavior in target group. This study aimed to investigate predictive factors of regular physical activity among middle-aged women based on PRECEDE model as a theoretical framework. METHODS: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 866 middle-aged women of Hamadan City western Iran, recruited with a proportional stratified sampling method in 2015. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire including questions on demographic characteristics and PRECEDE model constructs and IPAQ questionnaire. Data were then analyzed by SPSS-16 and AMOS-16 using the Pearson correlation test and the pathway analysis method. RESULTS: Overall, 57% of middle-aged women were inactive (light level) or not sufficiently active. With SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) analysis, knowledge b=0.84, P<0.001, attitude b=0.799, P<0.001, self-efficacy b=0.633, P<0.001 as predisposing factor and social support as reinforcing factor b=0.2, P<0.001 were the most important predictors for physical activity among middle-aged women in Hamadan. CONCLUSIONS: The framework of the PRECEDE model is useful in understanding regular physical activity among middle-aged women. Furthermore, results showed the importance of predisposing and reinforcing factors when planning educational interventions.