scholarly journals A Study of the Association of Serum Zinc and Selenium Levels with the Severity of Asthma in Iranian Children

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsen Ebraimi ◽  
Majid Siahpoor ◽  
Mohammed Hassan Hamrah ◽  
Bagher Pahlavanzade
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Regression ◽  
Serum Zinc ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Asthma Patients ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Iranian Children

Abstract Background: Asthma is the most common respiratory disease among children with a growing prevalence worldwide. In addition to their multiple roles in human body, zinc and selenium have anti-inflammatory properties which is due to their presence in the structure of antioxidant enzymes namely superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Lack of these elements in the body can cause airway inflammation in asthma patients.Methods: In the present case-control study, 50 asthmatic and 50 non-asthmatic children aged 5-15 years were selected at Taleghani Hospital of Gorgan using convenience sampling. The levels of zinc and selenium were determined in blood samples by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. T-test, Man-Whitney, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple regression were used in this study. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS statistical software version 16 at a significance level of 0.05.Results: The case and control groups were similar in terms of demographic variables. The mean±sd level of zinc was 46.78±8.93 in the case group, and 50±7.8 in the control group (p= 0.07). The mean±sd level of selenium was 62.78±11.46 in the case group, and 67.86±7.87 in the control group (p= 0.038). The comparison of individuals in the control group and those with different degrees of asthma revealed a significant difference in the mean levels of zinc (p= 0.003) and selenium (p= 0.009). According to the multiple regression analysis, individuals with severe asthma had lower levels of zinc and selenium than the control group.Conclusions: The present study indicated that the levels of zinc and selenium were lower in individuals with asthma than in healthy individuals; and the mean levels of zinc and selenium sharply decreased with increase in the severity of asthma.

Effects of Relationship Enrichment Training on Improving Marital Satisfaction of Infertile Couples: A Randomized Control Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyedeh Zahra Masoumi ◽  
Khodayar Oshvandi ◽  
Masoumeh Rostami-Moez ◽  
Arezoo Shayan ◽  
Farideh Kazemi
Keyword(s):  
Marital Satisfaction ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Infertile Couples ◽  
Relationship Enrichment

Background: Infertility can cause low marital satisfaction. Marital satisfaction has an important effect on infertile couples’ health. Objective: This study aimed to assess the effect of relationship enrichment training on improving the marital satisfaction of infertile couples. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 50 infertile couples in the infertility center of Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan, Iran in 2018. Participants were matched for demographic characteristics and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups (each group had 25 couples). Informed consent was obtained from all participants. The Enrich Marital Satisfaction questionnaire and demographic information were used to collect data before the study and two months after the intervention. Two trained midwifery students taught only the intervention group the relationship enrichment topics in seven sessions (each session = 90 minutes). The data were analyzed by SPSS Statistics version 21 using analysis of covariance, independent t-test, chi-square, and Mann–Whitney. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: There was no significant difference in demographic and obstetric information between the two groups (p >0.05). The mean of marital satisfaction in the intervention group significantly increased among women and men from 151.00 ±28.61 to 154.88 ±22.62 and from 152.56 ±27.33 to 159.24 ±22.14, respectively, (p <0.001). Conversely, the mean of marital satisfaction decreased among women and men from 158.13 ±13.86 to 146.25 ±19.53 and from 164.25 ±17.00 to 153.17 ±27.50 in the control group (p=0.02). Conclusion: Relationship enrichment training can be effective in promoting the marital satisfaction of infertile couples. Registration number: The National Center for Strategic Research in medical education, No. 960185.

scholarly journals Comparison of Salivary Alpha-Amylase, Sialic Acid, and pH in Pregnant and Nonpregnant Subjects

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masoomeh Shirzaiy ◽  
Zohreh Dalirsani
Keyword(s):  
Sialic Acid ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Third Trimester ◽  
The Third ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Salivary Ph ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Objectives During pregnancy, systemic physiological alterations lead to some changes in the oral cavity, which could prepare the mouth environment for oral and dental problems. This study was aimed to investigate salivary α-amylase, sialic acid levels, and pH levels in pregnant and nonpregnant females. Materials and Methods In this analytical, case–control study, unstimulated saliva samples were collected with spiting method from 35 pregnant women (case group) and 35 nonpregnant women (control group) and transferred to the laboratory to assess salivary α-amylase, sialic acid, and pH levels. Data were analyzed by SPSS (version: 19) software through statistical methods of independent t-test and analysis of variance. Results The mean sialic acid levels were 2.285 ± 1.230 mg/dL in pregnant and 2.744 ± 1.326 in nonpregnant women without any significant difference (p = 0.138). The mean salivary α-amylase concentrations were 2.461 ± 1.869 U/L and 2.439 ± 2.058 U/L, respectively, in pregnant and nonpregnant women, with no significant difference (p = 0.963).The mean salivary pH in nonpregnant women was significantly more than that in pregnant women (7.845 ± 0.430 and 6.868 ± 0.413, respectively) (p < 0.001). Also, the mean salivary pH levels in pregnant women were 7.474 ± 0.420 in the first trimester, 6.868 ± 0.413 in the second trimester, and 6.568 ± 0.387 in the third trimester, which were significantly different (p < 0.001). Conclusion Salivary sialic acid and α-amylase levels among pregnant women were no different from those of other subjects. During pregnancy, the salivary pH significantly reduced, and the mean salivary pH during pregnancy had a decreasing trend from the first trimester to the third trimester.

scholarly journals Effect of Oxytocin on the Body Weight of Male Rabbits

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 263-272
Author(s):  
Areej A. Mohammed ◽  
Aisha F. Bonaama ◽  
Souad A. M. Moftah ◽  
Ameerah T. Ramadhan ◽  
Abdulsalam M. A. Bolhaj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dose Group ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Time Spent Feeding ◽  
Mean Time ◽  
Different Doses ◽  
Food Consumed

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of two different doses of oxytocin on weight. Adult male rabbits (15) were weighed and provided with food twice daily for 3 weeks to determine the amount of food consumed daily and the time spent feeding by each rabbit.  After 3 weeks the rabbits were weighed and divided randomly into 3groups: the control group, the low dose group, and the high dose group. The animals were injected daily for 3 weeks. During that time the amount of food consumed and the time spent feeding in both periods were determined. After the end of the treatment period the rabbits were weighed, and sacrificed. The results of this study showed that before treatment the rabbits consumed more food in the evening period than they did in the afternoon period. The mean time spent feeding in the evening period was slightly higher than that spent in the afternoon period; however, this difference was not statistically significant. After treatment, there was still significant difference between the means of the consumed food in the afternoon and the evening period for the control group. The mean amounts of food consumed in both periods by the treated groups were slightly reduced, but this reduction was not statistically significant. Furthermore, the mean time spent feeding in the evening period was slightly higher than that of the afternoon period for the 3 groups; however, these differences were not significant. The mean weight of the control group was slightly increased after treatment with the hormone; and the mean weights of the treated groups were slightly reduced after treatment. However, changes in body weighs were not statistically significant.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Fracture Admitted to Khatam Al-Anbia Hospital in Zahedan

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mansour Karajibani ◽  
Farzaneh Montazerifar ◽  
Faezeh Kazemi ◽  
Ali Reza Dashipour
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Antioxidant Activities ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stress Markers ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Markers Of Oxidative Stress ◽  
The Mean

Background: Caused by an imbalance in the body’s oxidant and antioxidant status, oxidative stress can give rise to tissue damage and exacerbation of many diseases. Objectives: This study investigated the oxidative stress markers in patients with fractures and healthy subjects. Methods: In a cross-sectional case-control study, 40 patients with fractures admitted to an orthopedic ward and 40 healthy, non-fractured patients were selected using convenience sampling. Serum was analyzed for oxidant and antioxidant activities based on standard methods. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There was a significant difference in mean TAC between the case (748.2 ± 302.83 μmol/L) and control (984.90 ± 207.02 μmol/L) groups (P = 0.003). The mean MDA was 16.61 ± 4.16 µmol/L in the case group and 18.45 ± 5.43 µmol/L in the control group (P = 0.09). The mean SOD was 63.41 ± 16.67 U/g Hb in the case group and 58.54 ± 21.83 U/g Hb in the control group (P = 0.2). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of BMI and other variables. Conclusions: A significant difference existed in TAC between the two groups, which indicated increased oxidative stress in patients. However, oxidative stress could occur before and after undergoing fractures. The results suggested a slight, but not significant, difference between the two groups in the SOD and MDA scores. More conclusive results are required to determine the enzymatic and non-enzymatic markers of oxidative stress in larger sample sizes and during different stages of treatment.

scholarly journals Nutritional Assessment and Serum Zinc Level in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akma Morshed ◽  
Ikram Soma ◽  
TR Choudhury ◽  
Shahnoor Islam ◽  
Md Salim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia ◽  
Lymphoblastic Leukaemia ◽  
Serum Zinc ◽  
Zinc Level ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Serum Zinc Level ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Height For Age

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a common malignancy in children which may cause significant nutritional problem as well as micronutrient deficiency like zinc. These deficiencies ultimately affect the outcome of the patient.Objective: The present study was done to identify the relationship of height, weight and serum zinc with acute lymphocytic leukemia in pediatric patients.Methods: This observational study was carried out in the Department of Pediatric Haematology and Oncology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka over a period of one year from July 2013 to June 2014. All children ranging from 1-10 years with newly diagnosed acute lymphocytic leukaemia were enrolled as case. An equal number of healthy children of similar age and sex were also included as control. The outcome measures were weight for height (wasting) and height for age (stunting) in children 5 or below 5 years of age and BMI in children > 5 years of age. The serum zinc level was also studied as a measure of micronutrient status.Result: Majority (80%) of the cases and 60% of the controls were 5 or < 5 years old. The mean ages of the children of cases and controls were almost similar (4.2 ± 2.3 vs. 4.8 ± 1.8 years, p >0.05). The groups were significantly different in terms of sex with male children being more prone to develop leukaemia than the females (p <0.05). Anaemia was invariably present. Majority (83.3%) of the children in the case group was wasted (weight for height Z-score lie below -2SD) as opposed 22.2% in the control group (p < 0.001). About 37% the children in the case group were stunted (height for age Z-score lies -2SD) as opposed to 16.7% in the control group (p< 0.05). The mean BMI was significantly lower in the case group than that in the control group (8.8 ± 2.7 vs. 17.1 ± 1.8, p < 0.001). Serum zinc level was also significantly lower in the former group than that in the latter group (0.7 ± 0.1 vs. 1.5 ± 0.5 mg/dl, p< 0.05).Conclusion: A good number leukaemia patients present with wasting and stunting and low BMI. Serum zinc level is significantly reduced which, in turn, may hamper various enzymatic functions in the body thereby reducing growth.Bangladesh J Child Health 2016; VOL 40 (1) :12-16

scholarly journals The Effect of Moringa Leaf Capsule on the Hemoglobin Levels in Young Women at Smp Sabbihisma Padang

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wiwi Sartika ◽  
Herwati . ◽  
Yossi Suryarinilsih
Keyword(s):  
Young Women ◽  
Junior High School ◽  
The Body ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Control Group Design ◽  
Learning Abilities ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After

In adolescents, the iron not only functions as energy metabolism in the body but also helps to improve learning achievement. Iron deficiency can lead to fatigue, and the concentration, memory and learning abilities can be disrupted. It can also lead to anemia, especially in young women. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of leaf moringa capsules on the hemoglobin levels in adolescent girls in Sabbihisma Junior High School. This research used a quasi method of pretest and posttest experiment with control group design. The sample of the study were 32 people, 16 cases (moringa leaf capsule) and 16 control groups. Data collection was done through observation and laboratory examination of hemoglobin levels before and after treatment. The data were tested with paired sample t-test. The results showed that there was a significant difference in female hemoglobin levels in the case group with p = 0,000, while the control group was not significant with p = 0,091.

scholarly journals Comparison of the Effectiveness of Chelleh Daghi Herbal Ointment and Piroxicam Gel on Ankle Sprains

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 450-461
Author(s):  
Alireza Amani ◽  
◽  
Ali Kamali ◽  
Bahman Sadeghi ◽  
Ali Reza Sistani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Joint Inflammation ◽  
Ankle Injuries ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Ankle Sprains ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Background and Aim: Ankle injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries in sports, accounting for 10% to 15% of all injuries. Since controlling pain and inflammation in ankle sprains is one of the main goals of treatment, we decided to compare the therapeutic effects of Cheleh daghi Herbal ointment with a common therapeutic gel such as piroxicam. Methods & Materials: This study was performed as a double-blinded clinical trial for 6 months from January 2019 to August 2019. After referral, all patients completed the consent form, and the patientchr('39')s details and study variables were recorded by the evaluator in the research form. To measure joint inflammation, we measured the ankle with a meter tape in the ankle area (cm) and recorded. A goniometer was also used to measure the degree of ankle movements. The symptoms of ankle ecchymosis were also checked by physical examination and observation and recorded in the checklist. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS V. 18 using statistical tests (the Mann-Whitney U test, the Chi-square, and the independent t-test). Ethical Considerations: The Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences approved the study (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1396.55) and registered by the Clinical Trial (Code: IRCT2017071720258N53). Results: The Mean±SD age in the control group was 34.2±8.6 years, and in the case group was 35.4±8.9 years. There was no statistically significant difference according to the Mann-Whitney U test (P<0.05). Also, the Mean±SD height in the control group was 1.7±0.12 m and in the case group was 1.72±0.11 m. The results also showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups studied before and after the intervention regarding the mean indicators of pain, swelling, and inflammation around the joints (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of our study showed that Cheleh daghi Herbal ointment for 3 weeks could be more effective in reducing local pain and inflammation than piroxicam gel treatment.

scholarly journals Vitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone Status in Female Garment Workers: A Case-Control Study in Bangladesh

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shakil Mahmood ◽  
Matiur Rahman ◽  
Subrata Kumar Biswas ◽  
Shaikh Nazmus Saqueeb ◽  
Shiblee Zaman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Serum Vitamin D ◽  
Garment Workers ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Mean

Despite the abundant sunlight, vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in South Asian countries including Bangladesh. Information on vitamin D level is insufficient in adults particularly in female garment workers in Bangladesh. This study was designed to evaluate the status of vitamin D, parathormone (PTH), calcium, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) among the female garment workers in Bangladesh. Blood samples were collected from female garment workers (n=40, case group) and general female workers (n=40, control group) in Dhaka. Serum vitamin D, PTH, calcium, and ALP were measured by chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay. The mean level of vitamin D was significantly (p<0.001) lower in case (14.2±2.6 ng/mL) than in the control (22.4±2.4 ng/mL) group. No significant difference was found at mean of PTH and calcium between case (33.9±17.2 pg/mL;9.1±0.6 mg/dL, resp.) and control (35.9±16.3 pg/mL;9.3±0.6 mg/dL, resp.) group. The mean ALP in case (117.2±14.4 U/L) group was significantly (p<0.001) higher than the control group (80.5±30.6 U/L). Overall, PTH level did not show significant correlation with vitamin D. However, calcium and ALP levels showed a significant positive (p<0.05) and negative (p<0.001) correlation with vitamin D, respectively. This study indicates a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the female garment workers in Bangladesh.

scholarly journals The Effect of Teaching Clinical Skills Through Social Networks on Nursing Students’ Clinical Skills in Crisis Handling: A Quasi- Experimental Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Zaman-hosieni ◽  
Mohamad hasan Mirtajaddini ◽  
Roghayeh Mehdipour-Rabori
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Nursing Education ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background: When a crisis occurs, nurses are at the forefront of providing care to patients in emergency rooms. The need for skilled nurses is increasing due to the crises and disasters that are occurring around the world. The aim of the study was to determine whether teaching clinical skills through social networks can affect nursing students’ clinical skills in crisis handling.Methods: This study was done in Iran in 2021. One hundred nursing students were selected by simple random sampling and divided into control and intervention groups. Nursing clinical skills in crisis questionnaires were used before and after intervention in two groups. Distance learning through social networks was done for a month. SPSS version 15 was used for data analysis. The significance level was 0.05.Results: There was no significant difference between the control and intervention groups before the intervention (P >0.05). The mean score of clinical skills in the control group increased from 60.82 before the study to 62.75 after the study, which was not statistically significant (P >0.05). The mean clinical skills of the intervention group increased from 58.02 before the intervention to 82.52 after the intervention, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001).Conclusions: This study showed nurses’ clinical skills are low during crises. Education through social networks can improve them and should be part of nursing education. The application of this low-cost and inexpensive method is recommended for improving clinical skills in nursing.

scholarly journals The effect of gamma radiation on plasma levels of zinc and selenium in nuclear medicine staff

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-56
Author(s):  
Mahdiyeh Mirnam Niha ◽  
Mehdi Salehi Barough
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Medicine ◽  
Gamma Radiation ◽  
Graphite Furnace ◽  
Serum Zinc ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Background and aims: Gamma radiation is widely being used in medical-imaging centers. The aim of this study was to measure possible alterations in serum zinc and selenium levels among nuclear medicine staff. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 30 nuclear medicine staff as well as on 10 individuals as the control group. Blood samples (20 mL) were obtained from the participants and the serum specimens were isolated by centrifugation at 4000 rpm for 7 minutes. The samples were then used for measurement of zinc and selenium levels. Zinc and selenium levels were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) with a graphite furnace. The mean serum levels of zinc and selenium were compared using SPSS. Results: The mean level of zinc in the radiated group (70.91±14.46 μmol/L) was significantly lower than that in the control group (89.75±17.35 μmol/L) (P=0.002). A negative significant correlation was found between the duration of exposure to radiation and zinc levels (P=0.005). Furthermore, a negative significant relationship was observed between the mean radiation dose after 5 years and zinc concentration (P=0.019). Non-significant difference was found in the mean level of selenium between control (1.71±0.35 μmol/L) and radiation (2.13±1.12 μmol/L) groups. Furthermore, no significant correlation was found between selenium level and exposure time. Conclusion: Based on the results, declined level of zinc can be considered as one of the possible mechanisms caused by gamma radiation on cells which may be associated with oxidative damage. Therefore, zinc therapy can be helpful for those who work at medical radiation centers; however, it merits further studies.

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