Relationship between Depression and Constipation: Results from a Large Cross-sectional Study in Adults / 대한소화기학회지

Background/Aims@#Accumulating evidence based on a few studies suggests a relationship between depression and functional constipation. This study examined whether depression is associated with a higher risk of functional constipation and whether it is gender specific. @*Methods@#This cross-sectional study was carried out on 3,362 adults aged 18-55 years. In this study, functional gastrointestinal symptoms were determined using an Iranian reliable and valid version of the modified Rome III questionnaire. The Iranian validated version of the hospital anxiety and depression scale was used to evaluate the psychological health. Scores of eight or more on the depression subscale in the questionnaire were considered the presence of depression. Simple and multiple binary logistic regression were used for data analysis. @*Results@#The mean±SD age of participants was 36.29±7.87 years, and 58.5% were female. The prevalence of depression and constipation in the study sample was 28.6% and 23.9%, respectively. In the full adjusted model, in the total sample, depressed people showed a significantly higher risk of constipation; adjusted OR (AOR), 1.69 (95% CI, 1.37-2.09). Although a significant association was observed between depression and constipation in both genders, the association was stronger in men than women (AOR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.50, 3.63 vs. AOR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.21, 1.99). @*Conclusions@#These study findings showed that depressed people are at a significantly higher risk of being affected by constipation. The current study findings justify the importance of mental health evaluations in all patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders, particularly among constipated individuals.

Determinants of depression in non-cardiac chest pain patients: a cross sectional study

Background@#Non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) is a common patient complaint imposing great costs on the healthcare system. It is associated with psychological factors such as depression. The aim of the present study is determining depression predictors in NCCP patients. @*Methods@#The participants of this cross-sectional study were 361 NCCP patients. Patients filled out questionnaires concerning their sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors (severity of pain, type D personality, somatization, cardiac anxiety, fear of body sensations, and depression). @*Results@#Based on multiple ordinal logistic regression, lack of physical activity (odds ratio [OR], 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-2.87), sleep quality (OR, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.15-7.69), being a smoker (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 2.41-4.03), present pain intensity (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.05-1.11), type D personality (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.47- 4.03), and somatization (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.15-1.3) were significant predictors of depression in NCCP patients. Additionally, multiple linear regression showed that being unmarried (β = 1.51, P = 0.008), lack of physical activity (β = 1.22, P = 0.015), sleep quality (β = 2.26, P = 0.022), present pain intensity (β = 0.07, P = 0.045), type D personality (β = 1.87, P < 0.001), somatization (β = 0.45, P < 0.001), and fear of bodily sensation (β = 0.04, P = 0.032) increased significantly depression scores in NCCP patients. @*Conclusions@#Physicians should consider the predictors of depression in NCCP patients which can lead to receiving effective psychological consultations and reducing the costs and ineffectual referrals to medical centers.

Determinants of depression in non-cardiac chest pain patients: a cross sectional study

Background@#Non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) is a common patient complaint imposing great costs on the healthcare system. It is associated with psychological factors such as depression. The aim of the present study is determining depression predictors in NCCP patients. @*Methods@#The participants of this cross-sectional study were 361 NCCP patients. Patients filled out questionnaires concerning their sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors (severity of pain, type D personality, somatization, cardiac anxiety, fear of body sensations, and depression). @*Results@#Based on multiple ordinal logistic regression, lack of physical activity (odds ratio [OR], 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-2.87), sleep quality (OR, 2.98; 95% CI, 1.15-7.69), being a smoker (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 2.41-4.03), present pain intensity (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.05-1.11), type D personality (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.47- 4.03), and somatization (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.15-1.3) were significant predictors of depression in NCCP patients. Additionally, multiple linear regression showed that being unmarried (β = 1.51, P = 0.008), lack of physical activity (β = 1.22, P = 0.015), sleep quality (β = 2.26, P = 0.022), present pain intensity (β = 0.07, P = 0.045), type D personality (β = 1.87, P < 0.001), somatization (β = 0.45, P < 0.001), and fear of bodily sensation (β = 0.04, P = 0.032) increased significantly depression scores in NCCP patients. @*Conclusions@#Physicians should consider the predictors of depression in NCCP patients which can lead to receiving effective psychological consultations and reducing the costs and ineffectual referrals to medical centers.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors of hypertension among adults: a cross-sectional study in Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#Hypertension (HTN) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Considering the importance of this disease for public health, this study was designed in order to determine the prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors of HTN in the Iranian adult population.@*METHODS@#This cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,107 residents of Isfahan, Iran. Samples were selected through multi-stage random cluster sampling in 2015-2016. The outcome variable was HTN, determined by measuring blood pressure in the right arm via a digital arm blood pressure monitor. Awareness, treatment, and control of HTN were assessed by a validated and reliable researcher-developed questionnaire. Other demographic and clinical variables were assessed via a demographic questionnaire.@*RESULTS@#The overall prevalence of HTN was 17.3% (18.9 and 15.5% in men and women, respectively). The prevalence of HTN increased in both genders with age. The prevalence of awareness of HTN among people with HTN was 69.2%, of whom 92.4 and 59.9% were taking medication for HTN and had controlled HTN, respectively. Logistic regression identified age, body mass index, having diabetes and hyperlipidemia, and a positive family history of HTN as determinants of awareness of HTN.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results showed that HTN was highly prevalent in the community, especially in men and in middle-aged and older adults. Approximately 30.8% of patients were unaware of their disease, and there was less awareness among younger adults. Despite the high frequency of taking medication to treat HTN, it was uncontrolled in more than 40.1% of patients. Health policy-makers should therefore consider appropriate preventive and therapeutic strategies for these high-risk groups.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors of hypertension among adults: a cross-sectional study in Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Hypertension (HTN) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Considering the importance of this disease for public health, this study was designed in order to determine the prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors of HTN in the Iranian adult population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,107 residents of Isfahan, Iran. Samples were selected through multi-stage random cluster sampling in 2015-2016. The outcome variable was HTN, determined by measuring blood pressure in the right arm via a digital arm blood pressure monitor. Awareness, treatment, and control of HTN were assessed by a validated and reliable researcher-developed questionnaire. Other demographic and clinical variables were assessed via a demographic questionnaire. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HTN was 17.3% (18.9 and 15.5% in men and women, respectively). The prevalence of HTN increased in both genders with age. The prevalence of awareness of HTN among people with HTN was 69.2%, of whom 92.4 and 59.9% were taking medication for HTN and had controlled HTN, respectively. Logistic regression identified age, body mass index, having diabetes and hyperlipidemia, and a positive family history of HTN as determinants of awareness of HTN. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that HTN was highly prevalent in the community, especially in men and in middle-aged and older adults. Approximately 30.8% of patients were unaware of their disease, and there was less awareness among younger adults. Despite the high frequency of taking medication to treat HTN, it was uncontrolled in more than 40.1% of patients. Health policy-makers should therefore consider appropriate preventive and therapeutic strategies for these high-risk groups.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors of hypertension among adults: a cross-sectional study in Iran / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Hypertension (HTN) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Considering the importance of this disease for public health, this study was designed in order to determine the prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors of HTN in the Iranian adult population.METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,107 residents of Isfahan, Iran. Samples were selected through multi-stage random cluster sampling in 2015-2016. The outcome variable was HTN, determined by measuring blood pressure in the right arm via a digital arm blood pressure monitor. Awareness, treatment, and control of HTN were assessed by a validated and reliable researcher-developed questionnaire. Other demographic and clinical variables were assessed via a demographic questionnaire.RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HTN was 17.3% (18.9 and 15.5% in men and women, respectively). The prevalence of HTN increased in both genders with age. The prevalence of awareness of HTN among people with HTN was 69.2%, of whom 92.4 and 59.9% were taking medication for HTN and had controlled HTN, respectively. Logistic regression identified age, body mass index, having diabetes and hyperlipidemia, and a positive family history of HTN as determinants of awareness of HTN.CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that HTN was highly prevalent in the community, especially in men and in middle-aged and older adults. Approximately 30.8% of patients were unaware of their disease, and there was less awareness among younger adults. Despite the high frequency of taking medication to treat HTN, it was uncontrolled in more than 40.1% of patients. Health policy-makers should therefore consider appropriate preventive and therapeutic strategies for these high-risk groups.

Screening questionnaires for obstructive sleep apnea: an updated systematic review

Obstructive sleep apnea [OSA] is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder and is associated with significant morbidity. We sought to present an updated systematic review of the literature on the accuracy of screening questionnaires for OSA against polysomnography [PSG] as the reference test. Using the main databases [including Medline, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Scopus] we used a combination of relevant keywords to filter studies published between January 2010 and April 2017. Population-based studies evaluating the accuracy of screening questionnaires for OSA against PSG were included in the review. Thirty-nine studies comprising 18 068 subjects were included. Four screening questionnaires for OSA had been validated in selected studies including the Berlin questionnaire [BQ], STOP-Bang Questionnaire [SBQ], STOP Questionnaire [SQ], and Epworth Sleepiness Scale [ESS]. The sensitivity of SBQ in detecting mild [apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] >/= 5 events/hour] and severe [AHI >/= 30 events/hour] OSA was higher compared to other screening questionnaires [range from 81.08% to 97.55% and 69.2% to 98.7%, respectively]. However, SQ had the highest sensitivity in predicting moderate OSA [AHI >/= 15 events/hour; range = 41.3% to 100%]. SQ and SBQ are reliable tools for screening OSA among sleep clinic patients. Although further validation studies on the screening abilities of these questionnaires on general populations are required

Comparision of satiety index in low-fat yogurt and bread regiments in healthy adults

Background and Objective: Obesity is a major healthy problem wordwide. The incidence andseverity of obesity is incrased in recent years. Satiety is described as a blocker of receiving more food after the end of eating. Satiety index [SI] is considered as index for measerment of ablity of food for losing of hungry and making satiety for more than 2 houres. This study was done to determine satiety index of low-fat yogurt [1.5%] and white bread in healthy adults with normal body mass index

Methods: This quasi - experimental study was conducted on 30 healthy adults with normal body mass index for two consecutive days. In the first day, each subject was consumed 90 grams white bread and in the second day, each subject was consumed 526 grams of 1.5% low-fat yogurt within 15 minutes. The satiety of low-fat yogurt and white bread based on VAS and LIKERT scales was measeared. Cronbach's alpha was determined 0.98 for satiety of white bread and 0.947 for low-fat yogurt

Results: Satiety index of low-fat yogurt was 136.66+/-1.46 in compared to white bread [SI=100]. The level of satiety after 120 minutes of consumption of white bread and low-fat yogurt were not significant based on the VAS scale, but according to the LIKERT scale, low-fat yogurt [1.60+/-0.43] significantly increased the Satiety index [P<0.05]

Conclusion: The satiety index of low-fat yogurt in adults with normal body weight was 136.66% compared to white bread that showed higher satiety of low-fat yogurt compared to white bread

Single nucleotide polymorphism rs696 in miR449a binding site of NFKBIA gene is correlated with risk of colorectal cancer

Aim: In present study we have elucidated the role of 2758 A>G [rs696], in the recognition site of miR449a in the 3' UTR of NFKB inhibitor alpha [NFKBIA] gene, in development of sporadic colorectal cancer

Background: Colorectal cancer [CRC] is rated as second cause of cancer death. Genetic determinants are considered as driving forces in development of sporadic CRC. Single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs], are attributed as the main genetic factor in cancers susceptibility. MicroRNAs, are key players in post-translational gene regulation by binding to their specific recognition sequences located at 3' untranslated region [UTR] of mRNAs

Methods: A case.control study using 143 CRC patients and 137 noncancerous counterparts were undertaken in order to determine rs696 genotypes using polymerase chain reaction. restriction fragment length polymorphism [PCR.RFLP] method

Results: There was a significant difference for the genotype frequencies of rs696 between patients and controls. The frequencies of GG, AG, AA genotypes in the control group were 38.7, 45.3, and 16.1 %, respectively, and the genotype frequencies in case group were 19.6, 40.6, and 39.9 %, respectively

Conclusion: Our results suggest significant correlation between rs696 polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk

Somatic Complaints Are Significantly Associated with Chronic Uninvestigated Dyspepsia and Its Symptoms: A Large Cross-sectional Population Based Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Somatization may influence persistence and severity of symptoms in gastrointestinal diseases. Some studies suggest that somatization is associated with chronic uninvestigated dyspepsia (CUD); however, the association is unclear. We aimed to determine the association between the profiles of somatic complaints with CUD and its symptoms. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study conducted on 4763 Iranian adults, somatic complaints were assessed using a comprehensive 31-items questionnaire. Patients with CUD were identified by the Rome III diagnostic criteria. Profiles of somatic complaints were derived from factor analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between extracted profiles with CUD and its symptoms. RESULTS: CUD, bothersome postprandial fullness, early satiation, and epigastric pain or burning was identified in 723 (15.2%), 384 (8.1%), 302 (6.3%), and 371 (7.8%) of the study population. The frequency of all 31 somatic complaints was significantly higher in patients with CUD compared with controls (P < 0.001), and the most frequent was severe fatigue (45.1%). The profiles of somatic complaints were extracted in 4 domains, including “psychological”, “gastrointestinal”, “neuro-skeletal”, and “pharyngeal-respiratory”. The psychological (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.44–1.54), gastrointestinal (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 2.09–2.37), neuro-skeletal (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.44–1.59), and pharyngeal-respiratory (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.94–2.25) profiles were significantly associated with greater odds of CUD. CONCLUSIONS: CUD and its symptoms are strongly associated with higher levels of somatic complaints and their related extracted profiles. This perhaps explains that why it can be difficult to treat, however further prospective investigations are required to confirm these associations.

effect of neutral oligosaccharides on reducing the incidence of necrotizing

Necrotizing enterocolitis [NEC] is one of the most destructive diseases associated with conditions of neonatal prematurity. Supplementation with enteral prebiotics may reduce the incidence of NEC, especially in infants who fed exclusively with breast-milk. Therefore, we compared the efficacy and safety of enteral supplementation of a prebiotic mixture [short chain galacto-oligosaccharides/long chain fructooligosaccharides [SCGOS/LCFOS]] versus no intervention on incidence of NEC in preterm infants. In a single-center randomized control trial 75 preterm infants [birth weight [BW]

Effect of low-fat milk consumption compared to apple juice and water on the energy intake among 10-12-year-old obese boys: a three-way cross-over clinical trial

Appetite lowering characteristics of dairy have attracted scientists to look for its effect on energy intake particularly among children. In the present study, we tried to assess the effect of low-fat milk on total and short-term energy intake among obese boys in a randomized three-way cross-over clinical trial. A total of 34 obese 10-12-year-old boys were randomized to consume three beverages [low-fat milk, apple juice, or water] with a fixed energy breakfast for two consecutive days, 1 week apart. Ad libitumlunch was provided for subjects 5 h later. The energy intake from breakfast till lunch and total energy intake on intervention days, and 2 days after intervention were compared. Generalized linear model repeated measures procedure in which test beverages were considered as repeated factors. Energy intake from breakfast till lunch was lower when low-fat milk consumption was included in the breakfast compared with water and apple juice [adjusted mean +/- standard error: Low-fat milk = 1484.33 +/- 15.30 Kcal, apple juice = 1543.39 +/- 20.70 Kcal, water = 1606.6 +/- 19.94 Kcal; P < 0.05]. The energy intake on a day before interventions, total energy intake on intervention days, and 2 days after intervention was not statistically different between intervention periods [P > 0.05]. One serving of low-fat milk might affect the energy intake in a short-term period. The possible effect of frequent consumption of dairy products on long-term energy intake among children is needed to be examined

effects of probiotic supplementation on markers of blood lipids, and blood pressure in patients with prediabetes: a randomized clinical trial

Prediabetes is a high-risk condition for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The growing prevalence of diabetes emphasizes on the necessity of concentrating on various strategies to prediabetes prevention and management. Probiotics as a group of functional foods might exert antidiabetic effects. This study aimed to assess the effects of probiotic administration on blood lipid profile and blood pressure in patients with prediabetes. This randomized controlled trial consisted of 60 prediabetic patients, aged 25-65 years old, that were randomly assigned to the intervention [receiving 500 mg probiotic capsules, n = 30] or control group [receiving placebo, n = 30] for 8-week period. Demographic and anthropometric data were collected at baseline. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after 8 weeks for biochemical measurements. Blood pressure was measured at the baseline an after 8 weeks of intervention. Data regarding dietary intakes and physical activity were also collected during the study. We used SPSS software version 16 [SPSS Inc. Chicago, USA] for data analyzing. Probiotic supplementation did not contribute to significant changes in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein [LDL]-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein [HDL]-cholesterol, Triglycerides [TG], TG/LDL and LDL/HDL ratios, after 8 weeks. After adjusting for potential confounders, HDL cholesterol reduced significantly in the placebo group compared with probiotic group. Percent change in systolic blood pressure was significantly different in the probiotic group in comparison with a placebo group [-3.10 +/- 2.22 vs. 3.24 +/- 1.96, P = 0.01], although this significance did not exist anymore after adjusting for confounders [P > 0.05]. Our study showed that probiotics did not have significant effects on lipid markers although they had positive effects on systolic blood pressure

Initial treatment of respiratory distress syndrome with nasal intermittent mandatory ventilation versus nasal continuous positive airway pressure: a randomized controlled trial

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome [RDS] in premature infants who survived and its complications are a common problem. Due to high morbidity and mechanical ventilation [MV] nowadays researchers in interested minimizing MV. To determine, in very low birth weight [BW] preterm neonates with RDS, if initial treatment with nasal intermittent mandatory ventilation [early NIMV] compared with early nasal continuous positive airway pressure [early NCPAP] obtains more favorable outcomes in terms of the duration of treatment, and the need for endotracheal tube ventilation. In this single-center randomized control trial study, infants [BW 30%. Primary outcomes were failure of noninvasive respiratory support, that is, the need for MV in the first 48 h of life and for the duration of noninvasive respiratory support in each group. 98 infants were enrolled [44 in the NIMV and 54 in the NCPAP group]. The Preventive power of MV of NIMV usage [95.5%] was not lower than the NCPAP [98.1%] strength [hazard ratio: 0.21 [95% confidence interval: 0.02-2.66]; P: 0.23]. The duration of noninvasive respiratory support in the NIMV group was significantly shorter than NCPAP [the median [range] was 24 [18.00-48.00] h versus 48.00 [22.00-120.00] h in NIMV versus NCPAP groups; P < 0.001]. Similarly, the duration of dependency on oxygen was less, for NIMV [the median [range] was 96.00 [41.00-504.00] h versus144.00 [70.00-1130.00] h in NIMV versus NCPAP groups; P: 0.009]. Interestingly, time to full enteral feeds and length of hospital stay were more favorable in the NIMV versus the NCPAP group

Effect of honey vinegar syrup on blood sugar and lipid profile in healthy subjects

The impact of honey or vinegar on several metabolic abnormalities has been studied separately, a mixture of these two ingredients known as honey vinegar syrup [HVS] has not been investigated previously so far. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of HVS consumption [Iranian's traditional syrup] on glycemic parameters and lipid profiles in healthy individuals. We conducted a 4-week, randomized, controlled, parallel study consisting of two groups of nonobese healthy volunteers. All subjects were asked to stay on their normal diet. Intervention group [n = 36] received a cup of HVS daily in the evening snack for 4-week [250 cc syrup contains 21.66 g honey vinegar]. Assessments of fasting blood sugar [FBS], insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR], total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] were conducted at the baseline and after 4-week of study. We observed no significant effect of HVS on FBS, HOMA-IR, LDL-C and TG. A significant effect of HVS was found on increasing fasting insulin and HOMA-IR and reduction in TC level only in intervention group [DELTA =3.39 P = 0.01, DELTA =1.65 P = 0.03, DELTA = -9.43 P = 0.005, respectively]. Changes of FBS, TG and LDL-C were 1.83 mg/dl, -1.53 mg/dl and - 3.99 mg/dl respectively in the intervention group. These changes were not significant. An unfavorable and significant reduction in HDL-C level was also observed between two groups [DELTA = -4.82 P < 0.001 in the intervention group]. Honey vinegar syrup increased fasting insulin level and decreased TC level in the intervention group. HVS had an unfavorable effect on HDL-C level. Further prospective investigations are warranted to confirm these findings

Evaluation of peripheral arterial disease in prediabetes

The prevalence of prediabetes in the world continues to increase. These patients have elevated the risk of atherosclerosis. The current study was designed to assess the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease [PAD] and its related risk factors in prediabetes patients. This was the case-control study in which 135 adults in three groups: Diabetes, prediabetes, and normal were studied. We evaluated the prevalence of PAD through the measurement of ankle-brachial index [ABI]. All the patients were interviewed about demographic and medical data, including age, sex, disease duration, body mass index, hypertension [HTN], fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1C [HbA1C], lipid profile, and medication use. The prevalence of PAD in diabetes patients was higher than the normal group [8.5%vs. 0.0%] [P < 0.05], but the differences between prediabetes compared with diabetes and normal group were not significant. The mean level of ABI in normal, prediabetes, and diabetes group was [1.11 +/- 0.11], [1.09 +/- 0.12], and [1.05 +/- 0.03] respectively [P < 0.1]. There were marginally significant differences of ABI observed between the normal group and the diabetes group. The observed differences between groups in the ABI were significant after adjusting the effects of age and sex [P < 0.05]. There was an association observed between ABI and HbAlC in diabetes patients [r= 0.249, P < 0.01] and a significant association seen between PAD and HTN in the prediabetes group [P < 0.01]. Peripheral arterial disease is common in asymptomatic diabetes and prediabetes patients. Management of hypertensive prediabetes patients and early detection of PAD in this group as well as in asymptomatic patients is important

eccentric torque production capacity of the ankle, knee, and hip muscle groups in patients with unilateral chronic ankle instability

The aim of this study was to investigate eccentric torque production capacity of the ankle, knee, and hip muscle groups in patients with unilateral chronic ankle instability [C AI] as compared to healthy matched controls. In this case-control study, 40 participants [20 with CAl ;and 20 controls] were recruited based on convenient non-probability sampling. The average peak torque to body weight [APT/PW] ratio of reciprocal eecentric contraction of ankle dorsi flexor/plantar flexor, ankle exertor/invertor, knee flexor/extensor, hip flexor/extensor and hip abductor/adductor was determined using an isokinetic dynamometer. All subjects participated in two separate sessions with a rest interval of 48 to 72 hours, in each testing session, the torque production capacity of the ankle, knee, and hip muscle groups of only one lower limb was measured. At first, 3 repetitions of maximal eccentric-eccentric contraction were performed for the reciprocal muscles of a joint in a given movement direction. Then, the same procedure of practice and testing trials was repeated for the next randomly-ordered muscle group or joint of the same limb. There was no significant interaction of group [CAI and healthy controls] by limb [injured and non-injured] for any muscle groups. Main effect of limb was not significant. Main effect of group was only significant for eccentric torque production capacity of ankle dorsi flexor and hip flexor muscle groups. The APT/BW ratio of these muscles was significantly lower in the CAI group than the healthy controls [P<0.05]. CAI is associated with eccentric strength deficit of ankle dorsi flexor and hip flexor muscles as indicated by reduction in torque production capacity of these muscles compared to healthy controls. This strength deficit appeared to exist in both the injured and non-injured limbs of the patients

Does quercetin improve cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory biomarkers in women with type 2 diabetes: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Quercetin has been distributed in a wide range of foods, but some of its known effects in vitro, are not proven in human studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was evaluation of the effects of quercetin intake on cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory biomarkers in women with type 2 diabetes. This double-blind randomized clinical trial was carried out on 72 women for 10 weeks. Subjects were assigned to quercetin and placebo groups using a permutated block randomization of size two. Quercetin was given to participants as a 500 mg capsule daily. Biochemical variables were measured at baseline and at the end of the study, and changes were compared using appropriate statistical methods. Compared with placebo, quercetin intake decreased systolic blood pressure significantly [-8.8 +/- 9.3 vs. -3.5 +/- 11.7, P = 0.04]. Although changes in diastolic blood pressure between the groups was not significant [P = 0.19], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C] was significantly decreased in both groups while changes in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], triglycerides [TG] and ratio of TG/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C were not significant between and within groups. Quercetin supplementation significantly reduced the serum concentration of tumor necrosis factor- alpha [TNF- alpha] and interleukin-6 [IL-6] [P = 0.01 and P < 0.0001, respectively]; however, the mean changes in serum levels of IL-6, TNF- alpha, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein were not significant between the groups. Quercetin supplementation reduced systolic blood pressure significantly but had no effect on other cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory biomarkers. Considering the biological effects of quercetin in vitro, we need more studies with a stronger design and sample size with different doses of quercetin

effects of quercetin supplementation on body composition, exercise performance and muscle damage indices in athletes

Flavonoids comprise a large group of plant metabolites, 6,000 of which have been identified to date. Some studies have shown the increased aerobic performance and maximal oxygen consumption [VO[2max]] and therefore fitness following quercetin intake as a result of elevated number of intracellular mitochondria caused by the flavonoid. This double-blind clinical trial comprised 60 male students having an athletic history of at least 3 years. Body composition, exercise performance, and some blood biomarkers were analyzed. The individuals were selected by convenient sampling, and then were assigned into four groups of equal number by using permuted block randomization. The first to fourth groups received a 500 mg supplemental quercetin capsule plus a 250 mg vitamin C pill, a 500 mg supplemental quercetin capsule plus a 250 mg placebo vitamin C pill, a 500 mg placebo quercetin capsule plus a 250 mg vitamin C pill, and a 500 mg placebo quercetin capsule plus a 250 mg placebo vitamin C pill, respectively, daily for 8 weeks. The participants were asked to continue their routine diet and physical activity during the study and they were monitored through phone calls or text messages. Lean body mass, total body water, basal metabolic rate, and total energy expenditure increased significantly in the quercetin group after intervention. On the other hand, VO[2max] increased in the "quercetin" and "quercetin + vitamin C" groups following the intervention, non-significantly. Our findings suggest that supplementation with quercetin in athletes may improve some indices of performance