The effects of curcumin on weight loss among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and objective: The current systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was carried out to assess the influence of curcumin intake on weight among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders. Methods: We searched the following databases up until January 2018: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The relevant data were extracted and evaluated for quality of the studies in accordance with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were pooled using the inverse variance method and expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95 confidence intervals (95 CI). Results: Eighteen articles (21 studies) that comprised a total of 1,604 individuals were finally included in the meta-analysis. Curcumin intake significantly reduced body mass index (BMI) (SMD �0.37; 95 CI, �0.61, �0.13; P < 0.01), weight (SMD �0.23; 95 CI, �0.39, �0.06; P < 0.01), waist-circumference (WC) (SMD �0.25; 95 CI, �0.44, �0.05; P = 0.01), leptin levels (SMD �0.97; 95 CI, �1.18, �0.75; P < 0.001) and increased adiponectin levels (SMD 1.05; 95 CI, 0.23, 1.87; P = 0.01). We found no significant effect of curcumin intake on hip ratio (HR) (SMD �0.17; 95 CI, �0.42, 0.08; P = 0.18). Conclusions: Overall, we have found that curcumin intake among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders was correlated with a significant reduction in BMI, weight, WC, and leptin, and a significant increase in adiponectin levels, but did not affect HR. Copyright © 2019 Akbari, Lankarani, Tabrizi, Ghayour-Mobarhan, Peymani, Ferns, Ghaderi and Asemi. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms

The effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on mental health parameters and C-reactive protein: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Background: The findings of trials investigating the effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) supplementation on depression, anxiety, and C-reactive protein (CRP) are inconsistent. The current meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was carried out to assess the effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) administration on mental health parameters and CRP levels. Methods: Two independent authors systematically searched online databases including EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception until 30th July 2019. Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was applied to assess the methodological quality of included trials. The heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using Cochrane's Q test and I-square (I2) statistic. Data were pooled using a random-effects model and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as the overall effect size. Results: Twenty one trials were included in this meta-analysis. Consumption of saffron resulted in a significant reduction in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (11 studies with 12 effect size) (WMD: �4.86; 95 CI: �6.58, �3.14), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) (5 studies) (WMD: �5.29; 95 CI: �8.27, �2.31) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores (3 studies with 4 effect size) (WMD: �2.22; 95 CI: �2.73, �1.72). Saffron intake did not affect Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-D), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS-A) scores and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Conclusions: This meta-analysis demonstrated that saffron intake significantly reduced BDI, BAI and PSQI scores, but did not affect HDRS-D, HARS-A scores and CRP levels. © 2019 Elsevier Lt

Synthesis and characterization of nickel molybdate nano-powders in the presence of carboxymethyl cellulose as a new capping agent and its application on electrochemical determination of ethanol

Nickel molybdate (NiMoO4) nanopowders were prepared by a new method in low temperature. For the first time, we used carboxymethyl cellulose as a new capping agent in synthesis procedure. The formed nickel molybdate products have been characterized by means of UV�vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). Glassy carbon electrode modified with NiMoO4 nanopowders was prepared and used for oxidation of ethanol and methanol. The study of the different scan rates indicates a diffusional process for oxidation of ethanol. The detection limit obtained for ethanol was also 3.8 mM. © 2019 by CEE (Center of Excellence in Electrochemistry)

Time estimation and beta segregation: An EEG study and graph theoretical approach

Elucidation of the neural correlates of time perception constitutes an important research topic in cognitive neuroscience. The focus to date has been on durations in the millisecond to seconds range, but here we used electroencephalography (EEG) to examine brain functional connectivity during much longer durations (i.e., 15 min). For this purpose, we conducted an initial exploratory experiment followed by a confirmatory experiment. Our results showed that those participants who overestimated time exhibited lower activity of beta (18�30 Hz) at several electrode sites. Furthermore, graph theoretical analysis indicated significant differences in the beta range (15�30 Hz) between those that overestimated and underestimated time. Participants who underestimated time showed higher clustering coefficient compared to those that overestimated time. We discuss our results in terms of two aspects. FFT results, as a linear approach, are discussed within localized/dedicated models (i.e., scalar timing model). Second, non-localized properties of psychological interval timing (as emphasized by intrinsic models) are addressed and discussed based on results derived from graph theory. Results suggested that although beta amplitude in central regions (related to activity of BG-thalamocortical pathway as a dedicated module) is important in relation to timing mechanisms, the properties of functional activity of brain networks; such as the segregation of beta network, are also crucial for time perception. These results may suggest subjective time may be created by vector units instead of scalar ticks. © 2018 Ghaderi et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited

The effects of Vitamin D supplementation on withdrawal symptoms and the expression of inflammatory cytokines and insulin in patients under methadone maintenance treatment: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background: Hypovitaminosis D may be related to some metabolic vulnerable, including metabolic disorders associated with inflammatory cytokines and insulin resistance in subjects undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Objectives: This study aimed to determine the impact of vitamin D intake on withdrawal symptoms and genetic response related to inflammatory cytokines and insulin in patients treated with MMT. Methods: This investigation was performed on 40 subjects under MMT to consume either 50,000 IU vitamin D supplements (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) every 2 weeks for 12 weeks, between April and June 2017 in Kashan, Iran. The clinical opiate withdrawal symptoms (COWS) were evaluated to examine withdrawal scale and gene expression at baseline and after the a 3-month intervention. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS 18 with Fisher's exact test, t-test, chi-square, and ANCOVA. Also, P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The results of our study showed that compared with the placebo, taking vitamin D downregulated interleukin-1 (IL-1) expression (P = 0.01) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients under MMT. In addition, consuming vitamin D increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) expression (P = 0.01). Administration of vitamin D did not change COWS and IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression. Conclusions: According to the results of the present study, vitamin D can be recommended as an adjunct to MMT which may elevate the quality of life and decrease methadone side effects. Copyright © 2020, Author(s). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits copy and redistribute the material just in noncommercial usages, provided the original work is properly cited

The effects of Vitamin D supplementation on withdrawal symptoms and the expression of inflammatory cytokines and insulin in patients under methadone maintenance treatment: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background: Hypovitaminosis D may be related to some metabolic vulnerable, including metabolic disorders associated with inflammatory cytokines and insulin resistance in subjects undergoing methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Objectives: This study aimed to determine the impact of vitamin D intake on withdrawal symptoms and genetic response related to inflammatory cytokines and insulin in patients treated with MMT. Methods: This investigation was performed on 40 subjects under MMT to consume either 50,000 IU vitamin D supplements (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) every 2 weeks for 12 weeks, between April and June 2017 in Kashan, Iran. The clinical opiate withdrawal symptoms (COWS) were evaluated to examine withdrawal scale and gene expression at baseline and after the a 3-month intervention. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS 18 with Fisher's exact test, t-test, chi-square, and ANCOVA. Also, P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The results of our study showed that compared with the placebo, taking vitamin D downregulated interleukin-1 (IL-1) expression (P = 0.01) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients under MMT. In addition, consuming vitamin D increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) expression (P = 0.01). Administration of vitamin D did not change COWS and IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression. Conclusions: According to the results of the present study, vitamin D can be recommended as an adjunct to MMT which may elevate the quality of life and decrease methadone side effects. Copyright © 2020, Author(s). This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits copy and redistribute the material just in noncommercial usages, provided the original work is properly cited

Time estimation and beta segregation: An EEG study and graph theoretical approach

Elucidation of the neural correlates of time perception constitutes an important research topic in cognitive neuroscience. The focus to date has been on durations in the millisecond to seconds range, but here we used electroencephalography (EEG) to examine brain functional connectivity during much longer durations (i.e., 15 min). For this purpose, we conducted an initial exploratory experiment followed by a confirmatory experiment. Our results showed that those participants who overestimated time exhibited lower activity of beta (18�30 Hz) at several electrode sites. Furthermore, graph theoretical analysis indicated significant differences in the beta range (15�30 Hz) between those that overestimated and underestimated time. Participants who underestimated time showed higher clustering coefficient compared to those that overestimated time. We discuss our results in terms of two aspects. FFT results, as a linear approach, are discussed within localized/dedicated models (i.e., scalar timing model). Second, non-localized properties of psychological interval timing (as emphasized by intrinsic models) are addressed and discussed based on results derived from graph theory. Results suggested that although beta amplitude in central regions (related to activity of BG-thalamocortical pathway as a dedicated module) is important in relation to timing mechanisms, the properties of functional activity of brain networks; such as the segregation of beta network, are also crucial for time perception. These results may suggest subjective time may be created by vector units instead of scalar ticks. © 2018 Ghaderi et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited

The effects of crocin on psychological parameters in patients under methadone maintenance treatment: A randomized clinical trial

Background: Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) might be associated with the symptoms of depression and anxiety, sleep disturbances and sexual dysfunctions. This study was designed to determine the effects of crocin on psychological parameters in patients under MMT. Methods: Patients under MMT were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either 30 mg/day crocin (2 plus crocin tablet, 15 mg BID) (n = 25) or placebo (2 tablets per day, 15 mg BID) (n = 25), one hour after taking food, for 8 weeks. Psychological parameters were evaluated at baseline and end of the trial to determine related associations between crocin and patients' mental health status. Results: After 8-week intervention, crocin significantly decreased Beck Depression Inventory (b - 6.66; 95 CI, - 9.88, - 3.45; P < 0.0001), Beck Anxiety Inventory (b - 4.35; 95 CI, - 5.94, - 2.75; P < 0.0001), general health questionnaire (b - 4.45; 95 CI, - 7.68, - 1.22; P = 0.008) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (b - 2.73; 95 CI, - 3.74, - 1.73; P < 0.0001) in patients under MMT, compared with the placebo. Crocin also significantly improved International Index of Erectile Functions (b 4.98; 95 CI, 2.08, 7.88; P = 0.001) rather than placebo. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that taking crocin for 8 weeks by patients under MMT had beneficial effects on their mental health status. Crocin can be recommended as an adjunct to methadone in opioid withdrawal protocols because of the ability to improve the quality of life and decrease opioids side effects in these patients. This trial was registered in the Iranian website for clinical trials registry as http://www.irct.ir: IRCT2017110537243N1. Clinical trial registration number: www.irct.ir: http://www.irct.ir: IRCT2017110537243N1. © 2019 The Author(s)

The effects of vitamin D supplementation on mental health, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with psychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: In the current meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the effects of vitamin D supplementation on mental health, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with psychiatric disorders are assessed. Methods: The following databases were search up to March 2019: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The quality of the relevant extracted data was assessed according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were pooled by the use of the inverse variance method and expressed as mean difference with 95 Confidence Intervals (95 CI). Results: Eleven effect sizes from nine studies were included in the final analyses. A pooled analysis of 9 effect sizes showed a significant reduction in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score following supplementation with vitamin D weighted mean difference (WMD): -3.91; 95% CI: -5.15 -2.66), I 2 = 85.9%. Combining data from two available studies on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) also revealed a significant reduction in this score following the intervention (WMD: -1.78; 95% CI: -2.28, -1.28). In addition, there were significant increase in glutathione (GSH) through 3 studies (WMD: 180.70; 95% CI: 6.76, 354.64), and in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) through 3 studies (WMD: 90.09; 95% CI: 56.36, 123.82) after vitamin D supplementation. Combining data from five studies, we found a significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations after vitamin D supplementation (WMD: -1.74; 95% CI: -2.82, -0.66). Conclusions: Overall, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that taking vitamin D supplements among patients with psychiatric disorders had beneficial effects on BDI, PSQI, GSH, TAC and CRP levels, but did not affect other biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. © 2019 Elsevier Inc

Clinical and metabolic response to vitamin D plus probiotic in schizophrenia patients

Background: This study determined the effects of a novel combination of vitamin D and probiotic on metabolic and clinical symptoms in chronic schizophrenia. Methods: This trial was conducted among 60 patients with chronic schizophrenia to receive either 50,000 IU vitamin D3 every 2 weeks plus 8 � 10 9 CFU/day probiotic (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Results: Vitamin D and probiotic co-supplementation was associated with a significant improvement in the general (- 3.1 ± 4.7 vs. + 0.3 ± 3.9, P = 0.004) and total PANSS scores (- 7.4 ± 8.7 vs. -1.9 ± 7.5, P = 0.01). Vitamin D and probiotic co-supplementation also significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (+ 51.1 ± 129.7 vs. -20.7 ± 53.3 mmol/L, P = 0.007), and significantly decreased malondialdehyde (- 0.3 ± 0.9 vs. + 0.2 ± 0.4 μmol/L, P = 0.01) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (- 2.3 ± 3.0 vs. -0.3 ± 0.8 mg/L, P = 0.001) compared with the placebo. Moreover, taking vitamin D plus probiotic significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose (- 7.0 ± 9.9 vs. -0.2 ± 9.9 mg/dL, P = 0.01), insulin concentrations (- 2.7 ± 2.3 vs. + 0.4 ± 2.0 μIU/mL, P &lt; 0.001), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance (- 0.8 ± 0.7 vs. + 0.1 ± 0.7, P &lt; 0.001), triglycerides (- 7.8 ± 25.2 vs. + 10.1 ± 30.8 mg/dL, P = 0.01) and total cholesterol levels (- 4.9 ± 15.0 vs. + 5.9 ± 19.5 mg/dL, P = 0.04) and total-/HDL-cholesterol ratio (- 0.1 ± 0.6 vs. + 0.3 ± 0.8, P = 0.04). Conclusion: Probiotic and vitamin D for 12 weeks to chronic schizophrenia had beneficial effects on the general and total PANSS score, and metabolic profiles. Trial Registration: This study was retrospectively registered in the Iranian website (www.irct.ir) for clinical trials registration (http://www.irct.ir: IRCT2017072333551N2). 07-31-2017 2 © 2019 The Author(s)