Search

Introduction: Gabapentin is an antiepileptic drug that alleviates neuropathic pain. Its oral use reduces the intensity of pruritus in patients receiving chronic dialysis therapy. However, it could lead to toxicity because of the patients' renal deficiency. In this study, we assessed the use of gabapentin topical in treating pruritus in dialysis patients. Methods: This randomized, triple‐blinded trial was performed on 80 patients divided into two groups randomly (40 in each group). In intervention group, 92.5% of the patients were on hemodialysis. Patients in intervention and control groups were provided with 5% gabapentin and placebo topical creams every 2 weeks for a month. Both Visual Analog Scale and 12‐item Pruritus Severity Score questionnaire were used to evaluate itching intensity and score before treatment, a month, and 2 months after starting treatment in both groups. In addition, the effect of itching on quality of life was investigated with the same questionnaire. Findings: Eighty patients (40 in each group) participated in our study. No complication was found in our intervention group. Itching score significantly decreased after a month and 2 months of follow‐up in intervention group (p < 0.001). Discussion: Our results showed that 5% gabapentin topical cream can be effective in reducing itching in different areas of the body. None of our patients reported complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The imperative for sustainable energy development has become increasingly evident, primarily due to the finite nature of fossil fuel reserves and the associated environmental apprehensions. In light of these concerns, biodiesel emerges as a compelling alternative. Its key attributes include renewability, reduced emissions, and the ability to be produced from a variety of sources, rendering it a promising candidate in addressing these energy and environmental challenges. Biodiesel holds significant promise as an energy source due to its lower environmental impact compared to traditional diesel fuels. This alternative fuel is non-toxic, safe, and biodegradable, primarily derived from renewable biological feedstocks like used cooking oils, making it an affordable and sustainable resource. This paper provides a comprehensive review encompassing biodiesel properties, feedstock options, diverse production techniques, catalyst variations, and the challenges associated with biodiesel production. Furthermore, this study delves into the evolution of biodiesel conversion processes and innovative approaches to enhance scalability. Detailed examinations of pivotal factors influencing transesterification, including catalyst weight percentage, temperature, alcohol-to-oil molar ratio, and reaction duration, are presented. Ultimately, this review concludes with future perspectives and suggestions. It emphasizes the importance of judiciously selecting catalysts, feedstock materials, and production methodologies to develop cost-effective, energy-efficient biodiesel solutions with reduced environmental impact and enhanced operational efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Apnea testing is mandatory to confirm brain death; however, it is unsafe for patients who have substantial hypoxemia without ventilator support. We used a new modified apnea test without the need to disconnect the patient from the ventilator in the present study and compared the outcomes and complications of the new method to the widely used old method. Materials and Methods: The current study was conducted on people suspected of having brain death. Both the old and new apnea tests were carried out on the same individual. In the new modified method, instead of hyperventilating and then separating the brain death from the ventilator, the induced hypercapnia method was used, and instead of performing repeated arterial blood gas (ABG), the target ETCO2 was obtained, and at the time of the target ETCO2, ABG was also checked followed by comparing ETCO2 with PaCO2. Results: Thirty patients, including 25 (83.3%) males and 5 (16.75%) females, were included in the study. The results showed significant improvement in terms of O2 saturation and heart rate (HR) using the new modified apnea test compared to the common test. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and the frequency of complications were improved in the new modified test. Conclusion: The modified apnea test produced better results in terms of O2 saturation, HR, and other clinical factors, while it does not require disconnection from the ventilator and repeated ABG assessment. Therefore, it can be used to successfully diagnose brain death in high-risk individuals suffering from severe hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to systematically review the effect of selenium and inositol combination on thyroid function, autoimmune characteristics in thyroid diseases. To identify eligible studies, a systematic search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Science-Direct, CINHAL, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Psychinfo, Cochrane, ProQuest, and Web of Science were searched using the main concepts, and all English-written articles that were published between 2007 and 2022 and had an available full text were examined. The data analysis of this research revealed that after the simultaneous use of selenium and inositol supplements, the level of Triiodothyronine(T3) increased by 0.105 in patients with thyroid disorders although this increase was not significant (P-value: 0.228). The level of Thyroxine (T4) significantly increased by 0.06 (P-value: 0.04). Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPOAb) titer decreased by 119.36%, which was not significant (P-value: 0.070). Finally, the level of Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) decreased by 1.45%, which was a significant change (P-value: 0.001). It was observed that simultaneous use of selenium and inositol supplements did not change the T3 and TPOAb titer levels; however, it leads to a decrease in TSH and increase in T4 levels. Further studies are required due to the limited number of studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regarding the importance of the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and higher consumption of salt among the Iranian population than the level recommended by the World Health Organization, the aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the salt mentioned in the traffic light labelling of nuts and seeds. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of 53 packaged nuts and seeds, including 7, 8, 9, 9, 10, and 10 samples of pumpkin, pistachios, almond, sunflower, peanut, and watermelon nuts and seeds, respectively, with traffic light labelling, were randomly purchased from several local markets in Isfahan, Iran. The amount of sodium was measured by the inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy technique and then multiplied by 2.5 to achieve the amount of salt. Results: Varying levels of traffic light labeling value accuracy were observed in most of the samples. In the almond, pistachio, peanut, and watermelon groups, the average amount of laboratory value had a statistically significant difference with the label value (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the salt content of 82% of the studied samples had discrepancies with the values stated on the traffic light labelling. The presentation of an accurate amount of salt content is essential for promoting healthy eating habits and enabling individuals to make informed choices about their diet. It is recommended that regulatory authorities should review labelling guidelines and enforce stricter compliance to ensure accurate representation of salt content on packaged foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The stress of surgery itself results in metabolic disturbance. Few studies have mentioned how to manage the metabolic profile of diabetic patients after discharge from the hospital. The present study aimed to determine the effect of home care on metabolic profile and blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients who underwent general surgeries. Methods: Seventy type 2 diabetic patients who were undergoing surgery were assigned to the intervention and control groups via blocking order. The intervention group received a 3-month home care with an interprofessional team approach. The levels of fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterols, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were measured before and three months after the intervention in both groups. In the control group, only routine care was performed in the postsurgery period. Data were entered in SPSS software version 23 and were analyzed. Results: There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups for background characteristics. Systolic blood pressure (P < .001), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.005), lipid profile (P = 0.001) [except for triglycerides level], fasting blood glucose (P = .001), and HbA1c (P = .003) decreased significantly in the intervention group. After controlling baseline data by applying analysis of covariance, a significant increase in HDL-c (P = .032) was seen. Also, the difference between the mean percentage of variations in HbA1c levels between intervention and control groups was significant. Conclusions: Our study showed improvement in HbA1c and HDL-c levels with home care programs in patients with diabetes who underwent general surgeries. More studies with longer follow-ups are necessarily addressing the effects of home care on other metabolic parameters in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Disturbed biochemical factors have been observed in viral infections including SARS, Ebola virus, and now COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the association between Calcium axis' derangements and hospital duration, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and death in patients with COVID-19. Methods: 428 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were included in this study. On the first day of admission, the patients were extensively evaluated for biochemical and hormonal factors and followed up until discharge/death. The association between hyperphosphatemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hypocalcemia and major outcomes, including hospital duration, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and death, was investigated by logistic regression analysis. Results: Hyperphosphatemia and hypoalbuminemia were present in 27 (6.3%) and 59 (13.8%) cases, respectively in the study population. The results of the present study reveal the relation of these factors with worse outcomes in COVID-19 patients; such as hospital duration, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and death. On the other hand, high frequency of hypocalcemia (59.1%, 253 subject) has no significant influence on the mentioned outcomes (All P values were greater than 0.05). Conclusions: Poor outcomes were associated with hyperphosphatemia and hypoalbuminemia. It seems that we should evaluate the patients for derangements of phosphate, albumin, and calcium and try to treat them for all COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]