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Background: Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) treated with methylphenidate may lose their appetite and body weight. In this study, an attempt was to compare the effects of folic acid with cyproheptadine on appetite, weight, and symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity in children with ADHD who are taking methylphenidate. Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial performed on 7-12 year old children who were diagnosed with ADHD, treated with methylphenidate, and complained of appetite loss. In the first visit, anthropometric measurements were performed and then mothers completed the ADHD rating scale, Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children, and visual analogue scale for appetite. Then, the participants were randomly assigned to receive either cyproheptadine (4 mg/day), or folic acid (1 mg/day). All assessments were repeated after 8 weeks. Results: Twenty-four children in the cyproheptadine group and 23 in the folic acid group (19 boys in each group) completed the study and statistical analyses were performed. The hyperactivity score significantly decreased in the folic acid group compared with the cyproheptadine group (p=0.035). However, the change in attention deficiency scores between groups was not significant. During the study, only girls in the folic acid group had significant body weight increase in contrast to other subgroups. Conclusion: Improving hyperactivity symptoms in the folic acid group along with better growth especially in girls reveals the clinical superiority of folic acid over cyproheptadine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background.Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are injuries and disorders that affect the body’s movement and musculoskeletal system. Awkward postures represent one of the major ergonomic risk factors that cause WMSDs among sonographers while working with an ultrasound transducer. This study aimed to design and evaluate a new holder for the ultrasound transducer.Materials and methods.In the first phase a new holder was designed for the transducer, considering design principles. Evaluation of the new holder was then carried out by electrogoniometry and a locally perceived discomfort (LPD) scale.Results.The application of design principles to the new holder resulted in an improvement of wrist posture and comfort. Wrist angles in extension, flexion, radial deviation and ulnar deviation were lower with utilization of the new holder. The severity of discomfort based on the LPD method in the two modes of work with and without the new holder was reported with values of 1.3 and 1.8, respectively (p < 0.05).Conclusion.Overall, this study indicated that applying ergonomics design principles was effective in minimizing wrist deviation and increasing comfort while working with the new holder. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: Compulsive or binge eating is a kind of disturbed eating behavior, which is mostly observed among dieting women, and is integrated with appetite disorder, and uncontrolled eating of plenty of junk food. The Compulsive Eating Scale (CES) created first by Kagan & Squires in 1984, is an eight-item self-reporting instrument that is made to measure the severity of binge eating disorder. The aim of this study was to provide the reliability and validity of the Persian version of Compulsive Eating Scale (CES) among overweight and obese women in Iran. Method: One hundred and twenty six (N = 126) overweight and obese women consented to participate in this study. We estimated the anthropometric indices, including body weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, a total body fat percentage, and visceral fat level with body analyzer all in standard situations. Then, the participants completed the CES. Next, to assess concurrent validity, Beck Depression Inventory, Spielberger anxiety scale, appetite visual analogue rating scale, Food Craving questionnaire, Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18, and Restraint eating visual analogue rating scale were performed simultaneously. To assess test-retest reliability, CES was repeated for all the participants two weeks later. Moreover, we reported the internal consistency and factor analysis of this questionnaire. Furthermore, we estimated the concurrent correlation of CES with logically relevant questionnaires and body composition and anthropometric indices. Results: Based on the reliability analysis and factor analysis of the principal component by Varimax rotation, we extracted two factors: eating because of negative feelings, and overeating. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) of the CES was 0.85 (Cronbach alpha of the factors was 0.85, and 0.74, respectively). The test-retest correlation of the CES was 0.89. Also, the split-half reliability of the questionnaire was established with the correlation coefficient between Sets I and II. The correlation was 0.85. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary support for the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the CES. This instrument would be helpful in measuring the clinical practice and research studies of obesity, appetite and eating disorders reliably and validly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to compare lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes activity in Type 2 diabetes patients with good or weak glycemic control. METHODS: In this case-control study, 62 Type 2 diabetic patients with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) between 6 and 8 were enrolled as the controlled group and 55 patients with HbA1c > 8 were selected as an uncontrolled group. Patients were all referred to Iranian Diabetes Association in Tehran, Iran, from 2010 onward. Groups were chosen by convenience sampling and were matched based on age, sex and duration of disease. Demographic questionnaire, two 24-hour food recall, HbA1c, insulin, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase were measured in blood samples. Data were analyzed by Food Processor II and SPSS software. RESULTS: A mean daily consumption of energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fat was not significantly different between two groups. MDA in the uncontrolled group was significantly higher than controlled group (2.03 ± 0.88 vs. 1.65 ± 1.01 nmol/ml; P = 0.030). A mean SOD was slightly higher in the uncontrolled group comparing to the control group (843.3 ± 101.9 vs. 828.0 ± 127.3 U/g Hb; P = 0.400). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that MDA as a lipid peroxidation indicator is higher in uncontrolled diabetes probably due to chronic high blood sugar followed by higher oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brewer's yeast may have beneficial effects on insulin receptors because of itsglucose tolerance factor in diabetic patients. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of brewer's yeast supplementation on glycemic indices in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: In a randomized double blind controlled clinical trial, 84 adults (21 men and 63 women) aged 46.3 ± 6.1 years old with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited and divided randomly into two groups: Supplement group receiving brewer's yeast (six 300mg tablets/day, total 1800 mg) and control group receiving placebo (six 300mg tablets/day) for 12 weeks. Body weight, height, body mass index, food consumption (based on 24h food record), fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycosylated hemoglobin, insulin sensitivity, and insulin resistance were measured before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 18.0). Results: The changes in FBS, glycosylated hemoglobin, and insulin sensitivity were significantly different between the two groups during the study (respectively P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.02 independent sample t test). There was a significant difference in FBS, glycosylated hemoglobin, and insulin sensitivity at the end of the study between the two groups after removing the effects of baseline values (respectively P = 0.002, P < 0.001, P = 0.02, analysis of covariance). Changes in body mass index, 24h food record, insulin resistance were not significant. Conclusions: Dietary supplementation with brewe>s yeast besides the usual treatment of diabetes can ameliorate blood glucose variables in type 2 diabetes mellitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder in humans, and its incidence is increasing rapidly worldwide. Although polyunsaturated fatty acids have beneficial effects on diabetes mellitus, previous data regarding the possible positive effects of n-3 fatty acids on glycaemic indices were inconclusive. We conducted a double-blind randomised clinical trial to determine the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, on overweight patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods: This double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial was conducted on a total of 67 overweight patients with T2DM for a duration of three months. Of these 67 patients, 32 received 2 g purified EPA daily, while 35 received a placebo of 2 g corn oil daily. The patients' fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum insulin, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and insulin sensitivity indices were assessed.Results: After three months of EPA supplementation, the group that received EPA showed significant decreases in FPG (p < 0.001), HbA1c (p = 0.01) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (p = 0.032), when compared to the placebo group. EPA supplementation resulted in decreased serum insulin levels, with the levels between the EPA and placebo groups showing a significant difference (p = 0.004).Conclusion: The results of our study indicate that EPA supplementation could improve insulin sensitivity. It was able to decrease serum insulin, FPG, HbA1c and HOMA-IR. EPA could have beneficial effects on glycaemic indices in patients with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biliary cirrhosis is a chronic disease marked by the progressive destructtion of liver. There is no known cure for this disease; however, medications may slow its progression. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of quercetin as a plant derived flavonoid on the hepatic injury reduction of biliary cirrhotic rats. Methods: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 6-7 months were randomized into three groups of ten each. One group served as control (sham operated), while the other two groups underwent a complete bile-duct ligation (BDL). Four weeks after the operation, serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine amino-transferase (ALT), and aspartate amino-transferase (AST) were measured in two BDL groups to confirm the occurrence of cirrhosis. Then one of the BDL groups received placebo and the other one injected intraperitoneally with 50mg/kg of quercetin once a day for a period of four weeks. At the end of the study, hepatic enzymes and serum bilirubin were measured again. Liver species were tested for histological characteristics. Results: Quercetin could decrease serum level of bilirubin (7.4±0.9 vs. 8.9±1.6 mg/dL; P<0.05), ALP (1387±76.9 vs. 2273±65.3 IU/L; P<0.001) and ALT (601.9±38.1 vs. 644.8±37.4 IU/L; P<0.05) compared to cirrhotic group. AST was higher in cirrhotic groups compared to control both in the 4th and 8th week. However, the difference between BDL and BDL+Q groups was not statistically significant. Quercetin decreased ALT/AST ratio, as an indicator of liver damage. No significant histological changes were observed in quercetin group. Conclusion: These data suggest that although quercetin did not change histological characteristics of liver, it could significantly decrease bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and alanine amino-transferase, indicating less liver injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: It is postulated that ritalin may adversely affect sleep, appetite, weight and growth of some children with ADHD. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate melatonin supplementation effects on dietary intake, growth and development of children with ADHD treated with ritalin through circadian cycle modification and appetite mechanisms . Method: After obtaining consent from parents, 50 children aged 7-12 with combined form of AD/HD were randomly divided into two groups based on gender blocks: one received melatonin (3 or 6 mg based on weight) combined with ritalin (1mg/kg) and the other took placebo combined with ritalin (1mg/kg) in a double blind randomized clinical trial. Three-day food record, and standard weight and height of children were evaluated prior to the treatment and 8 weeks after the treatment. Children's appetite and sleep were evaluated in weeks 0, 2, 4 and 8. Hypotheses were then analyzed using SPSS17. Results: Paired sample t-test showed significant changes in sleep latency (23.15±15.25 vs. 17.96±11.66; p=0.047) and total sleep disturbance score (48.84±13.42 vs. 41.30±9.67; p=0.000) before and after melatonin administration, respectively. However, appetite and food intake did not change significantly during the study. Sleep duration and appetite were significantly correlated in melatonin group (Pearson r=0.971, p=0.029). Mean height (138.28±16.24 vs. 141.35±16.78; P=0.000) and weight (36.73±17.82 vs. 38.97±17.93; P=0.005) were significantly increased in melatonin treated children before and after the trial . Conclusion: Administration of melatonin along with ritalin improves height and weight growth of children. These effects may be attributed to circadian cycle modification, increasing sleep duration and the consequent more growth hormone release during sleep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine melatonin effects on sleep patterns, symptoms of hyperactivity and attention deficiency in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: Children with age range of 7-12 years who had a combined form of ADHD were randomly divided in to 2 groups according to gender blocks. One group took melatonin (3 or 6mg) combined with methylphenidate (Ritalin) (1mg/kg), and the other group took placebo combined with methylphenidate (1mg/kg). ADHD rating scale and sleep patterns questionnaires were completed. Research hypotheses were assessed at the baseline, the second, fourth and eighth weeks after the treatment. Results: The mean sleep latency and total sleep disturbance scores were reduced in melatonin group, while the scores increased in the placebo group (p≥0.05). Data analysis, using ANOVA with repeated measures, did not show any statistically significant differences between the two groups in ADHD scores. Conclusion: Administration of melatonin along with methylphenidate can partially improve symptoms of sleep disturbance. However, it does not seem to reduce attention deficiency and hyperactivity behavior of children with ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: Fatty acids may affect the expression of genes, and this process is influenced by sex hormones. Cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), so this study was aimed to assess the association of erythrocyte membrane fatty acids with three cytokines and markers of hepatic injury in NAFLD patients and to explore whether these associations were the same in both sexes. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 62 consecutive patients (32 men and 30 women) with NAFLD during the study period. Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were measured in a fasting serum sample, and Fibroscan was conducted for each individual. Gas chromatography was used to measure erythrocyte membrane fatty acids. Univariate and multiple linear regressions were used to analyze data. Results: In men, IL-6 had a significant (P<0.05) positive association with total ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). In women, TNF-α had a significant positive association with total ω-3 (P<0.05) and ω-6 (P<0.01) PUFAs, IL-6 had a significant (P<0.05) positive association with total monounsaturated fatty acids and MCP-1 had a significant positive association with total trans-fatty acids (P<0.05). No significant associations were observed between erythrocyte membrane fatty acids and liver enzymes or Fibroscan report in both sexes. In this study, women were significantly older than men [51 (42.75-55) vs 35.5 (29-52), P<0.01], so the associations were adjusted for age and other confounders. Interpretation & conclusions: Erythrocyte membrane fatty acid profile was not associated with serum liver enzymes or Fibroscan reports in NAFLD patients, but it had significant associations with serum TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1 and these associations were probably sex dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Nephrotic syndrome is a chronic disease especially common in the childhood and adolescence. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals have significant role in the pathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of soy protein and genistein (main isoflavone of soybean) on renal antioxidant status of nephrotic rats., Methods: This study was done for 8 weeks on 40 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into four groups of 10 rats each. Study groups included: 1-Control, 2-Nephrotic syndrome, 3-Nephrotic syndrome+soy protein diet and 4-Nephrotic syndrome+soy protein diet+genistein. Urine protein and urine creatinine were measured. After homogenization of kidney, total antioxidant capacities (TAC), activities of catalase enzyme, the concentration of malondialdehydes (MDA) and carbolynated proteins were determined spectrophotometrically. Pathological examination was done on kidneys with light microscope. Cell viability was evaluated with MTT assay on WEHI-164 fibro sarcoma cell line. The MMP2 enzyme activity was evaluated in different concentrations of genistein., Results: Total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased in soy genistein. Catalase activity was significantly increased in soy and soy genistein groups. Protein carbonyl and MDA were significantly lower in soy and soy genistein groups. The scores of pathological examination showed significant improvement in soy and soy genistein groups. Genistein decreased the proliferation of the WEHI-164 fibrosarcoma cell line., Conclusion: It seems that soy protein decreases kidney damages in nephrotic syndrome. Adding genistein to soy protein causes improvements in antioxidant status of kidney tissue. Genistein decreases proliferation of cell.