scholarly journals Effect of Raja Yoga Meditation on the Distress and Anxiety Levels of Women with Breast Cancer

Religions ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 590
Author(s):  
Raquel Vilanova Araújo ◽  
Ana Fátima Carvalho Fernandes ◽  
Regina Célia Vilanova Campelo ◽  
Renan Alves Silva ◽  
Inez Sampaio Nery
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Vital Signs ◽  
Educational Activity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Specialized Center ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
Yoga Meditation

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Raja yoga meditation on the level of distress and anxiety in women with breast cancer. Method: A randomized, controlled, clinical trial was carried out in a specialized center between February and December 2019. The patients in the intervention group (n = 25) participated in four group meditation sessions for one month, and the participants in the control group (n = 25) were exposed to an educational activity for the same period and frequency. Cohen’s d was used to evaluate the effect size. Results: A significant reduction in the level of distress and anxiety was found in the intervention group (p < 0.001). The effect of meditation was average in reducing distress, anxiety, depression, and vital signs. There was also an average effect on the increase in saturation of peripheral oxygen (SPO2). Conclusion: The practice of meditation reduced distress and anxiety more effectively than the usual care practices.

scholarly journals Omega-3 in The Treatment of Mood and Sleep Disorders Induced by Hormone Therapy in Women with Breast Cancer: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Behzad Nourosi ◽  
Erfan Naghsh ◽  
Sahar Esmaeil zadeh ◽  
Valiollah Mehrzad ◽  
Ali Darakhshandeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Hormone Therapy ◽  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Falling Asleep

Abstract Purpose This study was performed to investigate the effect of omega-3 on the treatment of mood and sleep disorder induced by menopausal complications due to hormone therapy in patients with breast cancer. Methods A placebo, double-blind and controlled trial was designed in oncology-hematology outpatient’s clinic of Omid Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. First, sixty patients were screened by hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) for any baseline mood disorders and then divided into either intervention group who had received 2 grams’ omega-3 daily for 4 weeks or identical placebo. Then, the patients were considered to assess by center for epidemiological studies-depression scale (CES-D), profile of mood states (POMS), and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) questionnaires at the baseline and after 4-week follow-up. Results Findings showed that the mean scores of CES-D (P = 0.002), POMS (P = 0.03), and PSQI (P = 0.04) were significantly lower in the intervention group than the control group. In the intervention group, mean scores of CES-D (P <0.001), POMS (P <0.001), and PSQI (P = 0.003) were significantly lower in post-intervention than pre-intervention. Mean changes in scores of CES-D (P = 0.01), POMS (P = 0.001), and PSQI (P = 0.02) were significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group. Conclusion Our findings revealed that omega-3 supplementation have the potential to reduce mood disorders as well as to improve sleep quality in terms of subjective sleep quality, delay in falling asleep, sleep delay, and sleep disturbance in patients with breast cancer.

scholarly journals Impact of Jollab on Blood Parameters in Patients with Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 1972
Author(s):  
Bahareh Ahadi ◽  
Mehdi Pasalar ◽  
Hamid Reza Mirzaei ◽  
Reyhaneh Gharehgozlou ◽  
Ali Tavakoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Blood Cell ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Blood Parameters ◽  
Herbal Remedies ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Cell Parameters ◽  
Chemotherapy Drugs

Background: In cancer patients, a prominent side effect of chemotherapy drugs is bone marrow suppression, which leads to decreased blood cell production. Herbal remedies and natural substances such as honey may fulfill a role in relieving this complication. The present study aimed to determine the efficiency of Jollab (a honey-based syrup) in the prevention of pancytopenia in female patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: In a pilot double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 70 patients were examined in terms of leukocyte count, platelet count, and hemoglobin level at the Shohaday-e Tajrish Cancer Clinic (Tehran, Iran) in 2020. The intervention group consumed 10 ml of Jollab syrup three times a day for four weeks, while the control group took a placebo with the same prescription. The independent sample t-test and chi-squared test were used for data analysis in this trial. Results: Our data revealed that the total number of leukocytes, hemoglobin levels, and platelet counts have no significant differences between the two groups at the end of the study, but significant changes were discovered for hemoglobin and platelet levels in intragroup analysis for both intervention and placebo groups. Conclusion: Although the use of Jollab was not found to be effective in augmenting the levels of blood cell parameters in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy, future studies of higher quality may demonstrate its supportive role provided the present limitations are addressed. [GMJ.2021;10:e1972]

The Impact of the Theory-Based Training on Beliefs of Women towards Breast Cancer Screening Behaviors

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-235
Author(s):  
Alireza Didarloo ◽  
Leila Mokhtary ◽  
Hamid-Reza Khalkhali ◽  
Soheila Ahangarzadeh-Rezaei
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Screening ◽  
Breast Cancer Screening ◽  
Health Beliefs ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Belief Model ◽  
Screening Behaviors

Background: Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer among women that is fatal if not diagnosed and treated in due time. Health beliefs play an important role in people's willingness to engage in health-promoting behaviors. Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the effects of the health belief model (HBM)-based training intervention on women’s health beliefs towards breast cancer screening behaviors. Methods: The study of educational intervention was conducted on women referred to healthcare centers. The sample was selected by convenient sampling and randomly assigned to control and intervention groups of 50 subjects. The intervention group received the theory-based training intervention, but the control group received only the routine care. Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS) was used for collecting the study data. Data analysis was performed using independent t-test, paired t-test, Chi-squared test, and correlation coefficient in SPSS software version 16.00. Results: The mean age of the subjects for control and intervention groups was 39.06±9.78, 38.32±8.27, respectively. Overall, 38%, 12% and 13%of the subjects reported breast selfexamination behavior, mammography and clinical breast examinations, respectively. Before the intervention program, the overall mean score of health beliefs in groups of control and intervention was 160.82±23.28, and 159.14±20.61, respectively. After educational intervention, the overall mean score of beliefs in the intervention group changed from 159.14±20.61 to 195.26±24.42, and it was statistically significant (p<0.001). In the control group, after the intervention, no significant changes were observed in the mean score of total health beliefs and were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Among the variables of the HBM, women's perceived self-efficacy toward breast selfexamination experienced the most positive change after an educational intervention. Conclusion: Our results indicated that HBM-based training significantly improved women’s beliefs toward breast cancer screening behaviors. It is suggested that trainers in the healthcare system use these educational approaches to promote people’s beliefs toward breast cancer and its screening methods.

scholarly journals The effect of oat bran consumption on gestational diabetes: a randomized controlled clinical trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zahra Barati ◽  
Mina Iravani ◽  
Majid Karandish ◽  
Mohammad Hosein Haghighizadeh ◽  
Sara Masihi
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Fasting Blood Glucose ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Standard Diet ◽  
Oat Bran ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Gestational diabetes is the most common medical complication in pregnancy, and it has many side effects for the mother and the fetus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oat bran consumption on gestational diabetes. Methods This study is a randomized clinical trial that was performed on 112 women with gestational diabetes treated with diet. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of 56. Participants in both groups were given a diet for gestational diabetes. In addition to the diet, the intervention group received 30 g of oat bran daily for 4 weeks at lunch and dinner. Tests of fasting blood glucose and two-hour postprandial (2hpp) glucose were taken from both groups: before the intervention, and 2 and 4 weeks after the start of the intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software (version 22) using independent t-test, as well as Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of mean blood glucose before the intervention, while 2 and 4 weeks after the intervention, mean fasting blood glucose and two-hour postprandial (2hpp) glucose decreased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion Based on the results of this study, the addition of oat bran to the standard diet for pregnant women with gestational diabetes reduced fasting blood glucose and two-hour postprandial (2hpp) glucose. More detailed studies with higher sample sizes are recommended to prove the effectiveness of this valuable dietary supplement. Trial registration IRCT registration number:IRCT20191220045828N1. Registration date: 2020-04-18. Registered while recruiting.

scholarly journals The effect of vitamin D and magnesium supplementation on the mental health status of attention-deficit hyperactive children: a randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mostafa Hemamy ◽  
Naseh Pahlavani ◽  
Alireza Amanollahi ◽  
Sheikh Mohammed Shriful Islam ◽  
Jenna McVicar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Magnesium Supplementation ◽  
Children With Adhd

Abstract Background Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by varying severity in attention deficit and hyperactivity. Studies have shown deficiencies in the serum level of magnesium and vitamin D in people with ADHD. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of vitamin D and magnesium supplementation on mental health in children with ADHD. Methods We conducted a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 66 children with ADHD. Participants were randomly allocated to receive both vitamin D (50,000 IU/week) plus magnesium (6 mg/kg/day) supplements (n = 33) or placebos (n = 33) for 8-weeks. Strengths and difficulties questionnaire was used to evaluate children’s mental health at baseline and the end of the study. Results After eight weeks of intervention, the serum levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 and magnesium increased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group. Also, children receiving vitamin D plus magnesium showed a significant reduction in emotional problems (p = 0.001), conduct problems (p = 0.002), peer problems (p = 0.001), prosocial score (p = 0.007), total difficulties (p = 0.001), externalizing score (p = 0.001), and internalizing score (p = 0.001) compared with children treated with the placebo. Conclusion Vitamin D (50,000 IU/week) and magnesium (6 mg/kg/day) co-supplementation for a duration of 8-weeks could improve the behavioral function and mental health of children with ADHD. However, further well-designed studies with a larger sample size are needed. Trial registration IRCT2016030326886N1.

A randomized trial of the effect of peer education on the sexual quality of life in patients with myocardial infarction

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Abbasi ◽  
Hossein Ebrahimi ◽  
Hossein Bagheri ◽  
Mohammad Hasan Basirinezhad ◽  
Seyedmohammad Mirhosseini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Peer Education ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Sexual Quality Of Life ◽  
Significant Difference

AbstractBackgroundOne of the factors associated with readmission is inappropriate sexual activity after myocardial infarction (MI). This study aimed to assess the effect of peer education on the sexual quality of life (SQOL) in patients with MI.MethodsIn this randomized controlled clinical trial, 70 patients with MI meeting the inclusion criteria were assigned to experimental or control groups using block randomization. Peer education for the intervention group was provided on the third day after MI. Education sessions lasted from 90 to 120 minutes. Data were collected using demographic, sexual quality of life-female (SQOL-F), and sexual quality of life-male (SQOL-M) questionnaires during the fourth week after MI.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the two groups before the intervention in terms of demographic and SQOL. The mean of SQOL in the peer education group was significantly higher than the control group at the 4-week follow-up.ConclusionsAccording to the results, using peer education is recommended for the sexual health care professionals.

scholarly journals Effects of exercise in breast cancer patients: implications of the trials within cohorts (TwiCs) design in the UMBRELLA Fit trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roxanne Gal ◽  
Evelyn M. Monninkhof ◽  
Carla H. van Gils ◽  
Rolf H. H. Groenwold ◽  
Sjoerd G. Elias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Beneficial Effect ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Physical Fatigue ◽  
Trials Within Cohorts

Abstract Purpose The Trials within Cohorts (TwiCs) design aims to overcome problems faced in conventional RCTs. We evaluated the TwiCs design when estimating the effect of exercise on quality of life (QoL) and fatigue in inactive breast cancer survivors. Methods UMBRELLA Fit was conducted within the prospective UMBRELLA breast cancer cohort. Patients provided consent for future randomization at cohort entry. We randomized inactive patients 12–18 months after cohort enrollment. The intervention group (n = 130) was offered a 12-week supervised exercise intervention. The control group (n = 130) was not informed and received usual care. Six-month exercise effects on QoL and fatigue as measured in the cohort were analyzed with intention-to-treat (ITT), instrumental variable (IV), and propensity scores (PS) analyses. Results Fifty-two percent (n = 68) of inactive patients accepted the intervention. Physical activity increased in patients in the intervention group, but not in the control group. We found no benefit of exercise for dimensions of QoL (ITT difference global QoL: 0.8, 95% CI = − 2.2; 3.8) and fatigue, except for a small beneficial effect on physical fatigue (ITT difference: − 1.1, 95% CI = − 1.8; − 0.3; IV: − 1.9, 95% CI = − 3.3; − 0.5, PS: − 1.2, 95% CI = − 2.3; − 0.2). Conclusion TwiCs gave insight into exercise intervention acceptance: about half of inactive breast cancer survivors accepted the offer and increased physical activity levels. The offer resulted in no improvement on QoL, and a small beneficial effect on physical fatigue. Trial registration Netherlands Trial Register (NTR5482/NL.52062.041.15), date of registration: December 07, 2015.

scholarly journals Hybrid Tele and In-Clinic Occupation Based Intervention to Improve Women’s Daily Participation after Breast Cancer: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5966
Author(s):  
Khawla Loubani ◽  
Rachel Kizony ◽  
Uzi Milman ◽  
Naomi Schreuer
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Performance Measure ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Emotional Symptoms ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Secondary Outcomes

Background: Women after breast cancer (BC) cope with decreased daily participation and quality of life (QOL) due to physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. This study examined a hybrid occupation-based intervention, Managing Participation with Breast Cancer (MaP-BC), to improve daily participation in their meaningful activities. Methods: Thirty-five women after BC phase were randomly allocated to the MaP-BC intervention (n = 18) or control (n = 17) group (standard care only). Assessments were administered at baseline (T1), 6-week (T2), and 12-week (T3) post-T1. Main outcome: perceived performance and performance-satisfaction with meaningful activities according to the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Secondary outcomes: retained activity levels (Activity Card Sort), QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast), cognitive abilities (Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function), and upper-extremity functioning (Disability of Arm, Shoulder, Hand). Results showed significant interaction (group x time) effects for the primary outcome in performance, F(2,66) = 29.54, p = 0.001, ɳP2 = 0.472, and satisfaction, F(2,66) = 37.15, p = 0.000, ɳP2 = 0.530. The intervention group improved more in performance, t = 5.51, p = 0.0001, d = 1.298, and satisfaction, t = −5.32, p = 0.0001, d = 1.254, than the control group between T1 and T2. Secondary outcomes demonstrated within-group improvements. Conclusion: MaP-BC, a comprehensive occupation-based hybrid intervention tailored to women’s functional daily needs after BC, improved participation in meaningful activities within a short period.

scholarly journals Efficacy and safety of oral hydroxyurea in transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia: a protocol for randomised double-blind controlled clinical trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. e041958
Author(s):  
Nirmani Yasara ◽  
Nethmi Wickramarathne ◽  
Chamila Mettananda ◽  
Aresha Manamperi ◽  
Anuja Premawardhena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Primary Outcome Measure ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Fetal Haemoglobin

IntroductionDespite being one of the first diseases to be genetically characterised, β-thalassaemia remains a disorder without a cure in a majority of patients. Most patients with β-thalassaemia receive only supportive treatment and therefore have a poor quality of life and shorter life spans. Hydroxyurea, which has shown to induce fetal haemoglobin synthesis in human erythroid cells, is currently recommended for the treatment of sickle cell disease. However, its clinical usefulness in transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia is unclear. Here, we present a protocol for a randomised double-blind controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral hydroxyurea in transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia.Methods and analysisThis single-centre randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial is conducted at the Thalassaemia Centre of Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama, Sri Lanka. Adult and adolescent patients with haematologically and genetically confirmed transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia are enrolled and randomised into the intervention or control group. The intervention group receives oral hydroxyurea 10–20 mg/kg daily for 6 months, while the control group receives a placebo which is identical in size, shape and colour to hydroxyurea without its active ingredient. Transfused blood volume, pretransfusion haemoglobin level, fetal haemoglobin percentage and adverse effects of treatment are monitored during treatment and 6 months post-treatment. Cessation or reduction of blood transfusions during the treatment period will be the primary outcome measure. The statistical analysis will be based on intention to treat.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya (P/116/05/2018) and the trial is approved by the National Medicinal Regulatory Authority of Sri Lanka. Results of the trial will be disseminated in scientific publications in reputed journals.Trial registration numberSLCTR/2018/024; Pre-results.

scholarly journals The Effects of Tocotrienol-Rich Vitamin E (Tocovid) on Diabetic Neuropathy: A Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1522
Author(s):  
Yeek Tat Ng ◽  
Sonia Chew Wen Phang ◽  
Gerald Chen Jie Tan ◽  
En Yng Ng ◽  
Nevein Philip Botross Henien ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin E ◽  
Nerve Conduction ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Serum Biomarkers ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Chronic Hyperglycemia ◽  
Conduction Velocities

Chronic hyperglycemia increases oxidative stress, activates inflammatory pathways and reduces nerve growth factor (NGF) among diabetic patients, which contribute to development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Tocotrienol-Rich Vitamin E (Tocovid) possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which are postulated to target these pathogeneses in order to ameliorate DPN. This study aims to evaluate the effects of Tocovid on nerve conduction parameters and serum biomarkers among diabetic patients. This multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 80 eligible participants. The intervention group (n = 39) was randomly allocated to receive 200 mg of Tocovid twice a day, and the control group (n = 41) received placebo twice a day. At the end of eight weeks, the nerve conduction parameters, as assessed by nerve conduction study, as well as serum biomarkers (NGF, malondialdehyde, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 and thromboxane B2) were compared between the two groups. Compared to placebo, Tocovid significantly improves the nerve conduction velocities of all nerves (+1.25 m/s, interquartile range [IQR] 3.35, p < 0.001, median nerve; +1.60 m/s, IQR 1.80, p < 0.001, sural nerve; +0.75 m/s, IQR 2.25, p < 0.001, tibial nerve). Meanwhile, the levels of serum NGF were significantly higher in the Tocovid group as compared to placebo at eight weeks post-intervention. Participants receiving Tocovid illustrated highly significant improvement in terms of nerve conduction velocities for all nerves tested after eight weeks of supplementation. In addition, Tocovid supplementation elevated the levels of serum NGF, in which its increase is postulated to reflect enhanced neuronal functions. This novel finding suggests that Tocovid could be a disease-modifying agent targeting serum NGF to improve nerve conduction velocities.

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