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Objectives: This study sought to identify the potential effect of Islamic-Spiritual care and how it is delivered in treating depression and improving the quality of life (QoL) of patients with heart disease. Methods: This systematic review is reported based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. We searched using relevant keywords through PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Springer Link, and Academic Search Complete. Articles with an experimental or cohort design were included, without date restrictions. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist, and data synthesis used thematic analysis. Results: The analysis included 6 of the 47 identified studies. All studies were conducted in Iran, and a small number had a low risk of bias. The intervention was given through an Islamic teaching strategy, indicating the potential to reduce depression and improve QoL. Moreover, the learning core consists of belief and surrender in God's providence, strengthened meaning and life's purposes, worship, and skills to overcome obstacles. Conclusions: The interventions had the potential to treat depression and improve the QoL. However, a further study considering the risks of bias and involving a larger patient population with other Muslim backgrounds is necessary.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the spiritual health status of Iranian patients with cardiovascular diseases. A literature search was conducted in national (MagIran and Scientific Information Database) and international (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science/ISI) databases from inception to December 2021. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled score of spiritual health. Based on the eligibility criteria, 22 articles were selected for the final analysis. The pooled score of spiritual health in Iranian patients with cardiovascular diseases was 61% (95% confidence interval: 54%–68%). In subgroup analysis, the pooled score in patients with heart failure was higher than other patients (67% vs. 58%). Publication bias was not significant (p = 0.554). Results indicated that the spiritual health of Iranian patients with cardiovascular diseases was moderate. Therefore, it is recommended that proper training be provided to these patients to enhance their adaptation to the complications of cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast Cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers in the world, including in Iran. Chemotherapy as one of the basic treatments for BC leads to many side effects such as fatigue. This study aimed to examine the effect of a combined exercise program on the intensity of fatigue in patients with BC undergoing chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial study was conducted on 64 patients with BC undergoing chemotherapy referring to the Seyyed al-Shoada and the Al-Zahra clinics from January to April 2022. Eligible patients who met inclusion criteria were recruited by the convenience sampling and then assigned randomly to intervention and control groups. The combined exercise program in the intervention group was done for 8 weeks as three sessions a week (34 sessions) each for 35-40 min. Piper's Fatigue Scale was completed for both groups before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: The results showed that the mean score of fatigue intensity in both control and intervention groups had a statistically significant difference after the intervention (p = 0.004). The mean fatigue intensity score in the intervention group decreased significantly from mean (SD) 8.17 (1.88) to 5.56 (1.74). Conclusions: Based on the results, a combined exercise program can reduce fatigue in patients with BC. Therefore, nurses can utilize exercise programs and practices as a subset of complementary medicine alongside other treatment methods, which can effectively promote cancer patients' quality of life by reducing their fatigue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic component of metabolic syndrome. Despite the beneficial health effects of cardamom on dyslipidemia, hepatomegaly, and fasting hyperglycemia, no previous human study has been conducted on the efficacy of cardamom in NAFLD. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of green cardamom (GC) on serum Sirtuin-1 (Sirt1), inflammatory factors, and liver enzymes in overweight or obese NAFLD patients. Methods: The recruitment of subjects was conducted at the polyclinic of the central hospital of National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), Tehran. Eighty-seven patients who participated were divided randomly into two groups according to the ultrasonography and eligibility criteria as cardamom (n = 43) or placebo (n = 44). The intervention involves taking two 500 mg capsules three times per day with meals for 3 months. General characteristics, dietary intake and physical activity status, weight and height were determined. In addition, serum Sirt1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), high sensitive c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) were measured. The degree of fatty liver was determined at beginning and end of the study. Results: In comparison with placebo, GC significantly increased Sirt1 and decreased hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, ALT, and the degree of fatty liver (P < 0.05). The differences in weight, BMI, and AST were not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: GC supplementation could improve some biomarkers related to fatty liver including inflammation, ALT, and Sirt1 in overweight/obese NAFLD patients. Further trials on cardamom's potential are suggested. Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT2015121317254N4. Registered 27/12/2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]