Feasibility study of developing puffed snack from trimmed part of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)

Incorporation of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) meat in extruded puffed corn-fish snack was studied. Fish protein concentrate (FPC) was produced by liquid-solid extraction. Ethanol and isopropanol were used as the solvents. FPC extraction efficiency of 19.5% and 9.5% (w/w) were obtained based on fish meat and whole fish respectively. Protein content of isopropanol extracted FPC (93.3%±0.4) significantly (P<0.05) was higher than ethanol extracted (92.5%±0.3) FPC. On the contrary fat contents were 0.17%±0.4 and 0.65%±0.11 respectively. Puffed corn-fish snack with 2 and 4% FPC as well as 5, 10, 15, and 20% minced fish meat in corn grits was extruded by a single screw extruder. The best formula was evaluated at 15% fish meat and 85% corn grits in the snack base, considering higher protein content, higher consumer acceptability, higher expansion ratio and lower fish smell. Six month storage stability “same as control” was obtained considering chemical, microbial and sensory evaluation according to standard of Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran; when Metalized Biaxillary-Oriented Poly Propylene was used as the packaging material. Incorporation of abdominal muscles (8% of whole fish body which obtained from trimming of fish fillets) on corn-fish snack was not feasible due to low-protein (11.7±0.1 i.e. 34% less than fish meat) and high-fat (14.2±0.1 i.e. 550% higher than fish meat) contents

Effect of sevelamer on serum phosphorus levels in chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis patients; a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Hyperphosphatemia is an independent risk factor for mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of Sevelamer on serum phosphorus levels in CKD and hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: The data were obtained after searching the international databases of Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Google Scholar search engine until February 28, 2023. The heterogeneity of articles was assessed using the I2 index. The data were analyzed in STATA 14, and P values < 0.05 were considered significant. Findings: A total of 22 articles were assessed with a total sample size of 3221. Sevelamer reduced calcium levels in CKD and hemodialysis patients compared with those in the comparison group (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.67; 95% CI: -1.23, -0.11); however, sevelamer had no significant effect on serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels (SMD: 0.07; 95% CI: -0.39, 0.54) and Ca × P product (SMD: -0.20; 95% CI: -0.41, 0). A significant decrease in serum phosphorus level was observed in patients who had taken sevelamer for a maximum of 12 weeks compared with the comparison group (SMD: -0.27; 95% CI: -0.54, -0.01); however, no significant decrease in serum phosphorus level was observed in patients who had taken sevelamer for more than 12 weeks. A significant decrease in serum phosphorus level was observed in sevelamer users compared to placebo group members (SMD: -0.36; 95% CI: -0.68, -0.05). Conclusion: The administration of sevelamer reduced serum phosphorus levels in CKD and hemodialysis patients compared with those in the placebo group in the short term. Therefore, physicians are recommended to prescribe sevelamer for a maximum period of three months. Registration: This study has been compiled based on the PRISMA checklist, and its protocol was registered on the PROSPERO website (ID: CRD42023406804)

Empowerment and self-efficacy in patients with chronic disease; a systematic review study

Introduction: It is crucial for patients with chronic disease to learn the skills they need to manage their illnesses, which is called empowerment. Objectives: This review study aimed to evaluate the need for empowerment and self-efficacy in patients with chronic disease. Methods: The keywords were looked up in articles published between 2014 and 2023 using electronic databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the search engine Google scholar. All obtained pertinent papers and books were analyzed based on the search method and the established criteria, and all redundant and unrelated items were excluded. Results: Results showed that empowerment and self-efficacy were conducted as a technique or strategy to guide patients and caregivers. An empowerment and self-efficacy model can promote quality of life (QoL) in chronic disease patients. Despite empowerment being beneficial for patients with chronic illnesses in previous studies, it should also be implemented for patients with other diseases. Conclusion: Given this literature results, the empowerment and self-efficacy model can improve the QoL in patients with chronic illnesses. Registration: This study has been compiled based on the PRISMA checklist, and its protocol was registered on the PROSPERO website (ID: CRD42023417639)