Comparing the effectiveness of music therapy and alpha-theta neuro-feedback training on anxiety and depression among patients with chronic irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND: Non-pharmaceutical interventions are a promising area of research in psychiatry. Traditional treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) lacked notable efficacy. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of music therapy (MT) and alpha-theta neurofeedback training (NFT) on anxiety and depression symptoms among patients with IBS.METHODS: Patients with IBS, based on ROME III criteria, and high level of anxiety or depression symptoms were randomly assigned into three groups: (A) music, (B) alpha-theta training, and (C) control. In intervention groups, participants received ten 30-minute sessions of either music or alpha-theta NFT. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was administered for all patients before and after the training period. Thirty-three patients completed the study. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to compare changes in HADS scores among the three study groups.RESULTS: There was a significant main effect of HADS scores (F1,18 = 17.79, P < 0.001) in the responses of MT group. Significant decreases were observed in HADS scores from pre-intervention to post-intervention tests in MT group comparing to control group. The MT accounted for 49 percent of variance in HADS scores. There was also a significant main effect of HADS scores (F1,20 = 17.79, P < 0.010) in the responses of NFT group. HADS scores from pre-intervention to post-intervention tests in alpha-theta NFT group comparing to control group showed significant decreases, too. In addition, MT and alpha-theta NFT did not show any significant difference in somatic symptoms scores between pretest and posttest among patients with IBS.CONCLUSION: This study showed that MT and alpha-theta NFT significantly alleviated anxiety and depression level among patients with IBS

Comparing the effectiveness of music therapy and alpha-theta neuro-feedback training on anxiety and depression among patients with chronic irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND: Non-pharmaceutical interventions are a promising area of research in psychiatry. Traditional treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) lacked notable efficacy. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of music therapy (MT) and alpha-theta neurofeedback training (NFT) on anxiety and depression symptoms among patients with IBS. METHODS: Patients with IBS, based on ROME III criteria, and high level of anxiety or depression symptoms were randomly assigned into three groups: (A) music, (B) alpha-theta training, and (C) control. In intervention groups, participants received ten 30-minute sessions of either music or alpha-theta NFT. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was administered for all patients before and after the training period. Thirty-three patients completed the study. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to compare changes in HADS scores among the three study groups. RESULTS: There was a significant main effect of HADS scores (F1,18 = 17.79, P < 0.001) in the responses of MT group. Significant decreases were observed in HADS scores from pre-intervention to post-intervention tests in MT group comparing to control group. The MT accounted for 49 percent of variance in HADS scores. There was also a significant main effect of HADS scores (F1,20 = 17.79, P < 0.010) in the responses of NFT group. HADS scores from pre-intervention to post-intervention tests in alpha-theta NFT group comparing to control group showed significant decreases, too. In addition, MT and alpha-theta NFT did not show any significant difference in somatic symptoms scores between pretest and posttest among patients with IBS. CONCLUSION: This study showed that MT and alpha-theta NFT significantly alleviated anxiety and depression level among patients with IBS

Normal values of neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio, lymphocytes/monocytes ratio and platelets/lymphocytes ratio among Iranian population: Results of Tabari cohort

Background: Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have a prognostic value in several types of diseases such as cancers and they vary in different races. So, we aimed to evaluate the normal range of these markers among healthy people to determine the normal value in Iranian population. Methods: In the present study, cross-sectional data of population-based cohort study named &#8220;Tabari cohort study&#8221; was utilized. In the first phase of Tabari cohort, 10255 participants aged 35-70 years from urban and rural areas of Sari, Mazandaran, Iran entered into the study. The study included a questionnaire survey and blood collection. Blood samples were collected after 12 hours fasting from all participants during the study. Hematological indices were measured for all samples using Celltac Alpha&#160;MEK-6510 K (Tokyo, Japan). Results: After sample exclusion, 2212 healthy subjects of Tabari's normal cohort population were investigated. The mean age of the samples was 47.9&#177;9.29 years. The mean of NLR, LMR, PLR were 1.70&#177;0.70, 11.15&#177;3.14 and 117.05&#177;47.73, respectively. Conclusion: Our investigation provides preliminary reference values for NLR, LMR, and PMR among Iranian population that can be used for disease progress in various clinical procedures

Novel Mutations of ATP7B Gene in Iranian Patients with Wilson&apos;s Disease

Abstract Background: Wilson&apos;s disease is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by toxic accumulation of copper in liver and brain. The disorder is caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene, encoding a copper transporting P-type ATPase. Characterization of the spectrum of mutations in this gene is important both for diagnosis and genetic counseling of the families. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 30 definitely diagnosed patients (ages ranging from 3 to 33). Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples. All the exons of the gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction using specified primers for each exon. The amplification products were then analyzed by direct automated sequencing. Results: 87% of our patients had liver problems while 47% of suffered from neurological problems. In this study we will report the spectrum of mutation found among Iranian families, which are mainly different from other reports. Conclusion: By performing the present study, some new mutations in ATP7B gene, Del C 3696(1232) and S1369L were identified for the first time in Wilson&apos;s disease patients

Ginger in gastrointestinal disorders: A systematic review of clinical trials

Ginger, the rhizome of Zingiber officinale, which is used as a spice globally has a long history of medicinal use that stimulates investigators to assess its potential roles as an adjuvant therapy or alternative medicine in a range of diseases. Anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and antiulcer effects of ginger have been proven in many scientific studies, and some of the ancient applications of ginger as a home remedy has been confirmed in human. In this review, we summarized the current evidence on the effects of ginger consumption on gastrointestinal disorders based on clinical trials. Our data indicate that divided lower daily dosage of 1500 mg ginger is beneficial for nausea relief. Because of limited number of studies on some other gastrointestinal disorders, the results may not be as much powered as to find significant results. Therefore, more extensive and well‐controlled human studies of ginger or its standard extracts are required to demonstrate its efficacy as a gastroprotective agent. Dose‐finding studies should be undertaken to accurately determine the effective dose and preparation of ginger in further clinical trials protocol

Novel mutations in ATP7B gene of Wilson\'s disease in Iranian patients

Bacground: Wilson's disease is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by toxic accumulation of copper in liver and brain. The disorder is caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene, encoding a copper transporting P-type ATPase. Characterization of the spectrum of mutations in this gene is important both for diagnosis and genetic counseling of the families.Materials and Methods: We enrolled 30 definitely diagnosed patients (ages ranging from 3 to 33). Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples. All the exons of the gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction using specified primers for each exon. The amplification products were then analyzed by direct automated sequencing. Results: 87% of our patients had liver problems while 47% of suffered from neurological problems. In this study we will report the spectrum of mutation found among Iranian families, which are mainly different from other reports. Conclusion: By performing the present study, some new mutations in ATP7B gene, Del C 3696(1232) and S1369L were identified for the first time in Wilson's disease patients

Prevalence and risk factors of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms in Mazandaran, North of Iran: A Tabari cohort study

Background: Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a very common complaint. It is a major health concern and there is paucity of information about the epidemiology of the disease and its risk factors in Iran, especially Mazandaran province (North of Iran). This study aimed at investigating the prevalence of regurgitation and the factors associated with this condition in Tabari cohort study. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that analyzed data from Tabari cohort study. Information including the presence and frequency of heartburn and regurgitation, demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, occupational history, history of chronic illnesses, history of alcohol and cigarette consumption were recorded. Results: The prevalence of GERD symptoms were 27.6% (20.4% in men, and 32.4% in women, p=0.0001). The frequency of typical symptoms was significantly higher in women than that in men. The risk of developing GERD symptoms were 1.7 times higher in women (p=0.0001). The highest prevalence of GERD symptoms was found in urban areas (41.8%, p=0.0001), in people with low educational levels (48%, p=0.0001), and in participants with history of depression symptoms (36.2%, p=0.0001). The prevalence of GERD symptoms was significantly high in individuals with higher BMI (29.5%, p=0.006), greater waist to hip ratio (29.1%, p=0.0001, p=0.0001), and high waist circumference (31.7%, p=0.0001). Conclusion: This study showed gender, region of residence, educational level, and depression symptoms as the main risk factors for developing GERD symptoms

Short term effects of ginger on quality of life, disease activity index, inflammatory and oxidative stress factors in ulcerative colitis

Background: Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are the two essential factors determining ulcerative colitis (UC) onset and severity status. In present study, we aimed to investigate short-term effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) as a well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent on the quality of life, disease activity index and some of inflammatory and oxidative stress factors in patients with active mild to moderate UC. Methods: This study was a double blind placebo controlled randomized clinical trial conducted in nutrition and diet therapy clinic of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran, from October 2017 to June 2018. Forty-six patients with active mild to moderate UC daily consumed four capsules of 500 mg dried ginger powder or similar placebo through eating their meals for 6 weeks. Before and after intervention, we analyzed patient´s scores of disease activity index, by simple clinical colitis activity index questionnaire (SCCAIQ) as well as their quality of life using inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire-9 (IBDQ-9). We also measured serum concentrations of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), high sensitive (hs)-CRP and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in fasted blood samples of each participant. Additionally, anthropometric and dietary intake values of energy, macro/micronutrients and minerals of all of participants were assessed at the same time. Results: While the mean of anthropometric measures and dietary intake values remained unchanged during the study, MDA level decreased in ginger group (P=0.04) compared with placebo group. Additionally, ginger supplementation successfully lowered serum levels of TNF-α and disease activity index after 6 weeks of intervention compared with baseline in ginger consumer group, however the increase of quality of life score was not statistically significant in mentioned group versus baseline values. No significant change in other study outcomes was observed at the end of 6 weeks within and between groups. Conclusion: Our data indicates that two grams per day supplementation with dried ginger powder can reduce oxidative stress level of patients with active mild to moderate UC

Ендоскопічні дані та наслідки кровотечі з верхніх відділів шлунково-кишкового тракту в пацієнтів у північній частині Ірану, яких направили у відділення невідкладної допомоги

Gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the reasons that patients referred to the emergency department. In the majority of these patients, the bleeding stops spontaneously but some of them are high risk patients who may experience complications and may need endoscopic and surgical treatment. Mismanagement of these cases leads to high mortality. Different studies evaluated the causes of Upper GI bleeding but there is not any information about the distribution of these reasons in north of Iran.Methods and material. This prospective study included patients with history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding between January 2017 and December 2018. A total of 224 patients underwent endoscopy for UGIB and the data were studied. Follow up was done for occurrence of re-bleeding or mortality.Results. Our study revealed that the most common cause of upper GI bleeding was duodenal ulcer and gastric ulcer. Antrum was the main anatomical site for gastric ulcer. After the 15 days follow up in 17 (6.8 %) patients mortality existed and rebleeding was found in 11 (4.4 %) patients and the need for surgery in 3 (1.2 %) patients.Conclusions. Like many parts of the world the most common source of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in our study was peptic ulcer diseases. Our study revealed that despite all diagnostic and treatment procedures still there is mortality (6.8 % mortality existed) due to GI bleeding. Желудочно-кишечные кровотечения – одна из причин, по которой пациенты обращаются в отделение неотложной помощи. У большинства кровотечение прекращается самостоятельно, но некоторые из них являются пациентами высокого риска, у которых могут возникнуть осложнения и, возможно, потребуется эндоскопическое и хирургическое лечение. Неправильное ведение в этих случаях приводит к высокой смертности. Различные исследования оценивали причины кровотечений из верхней части желудочно-кишечного тракта, но нет информации о распространении этих причин на севере Ирана.Материалы и методы. Проспективное исследование включало пациентов с анамнезом желудочно-кишечного кровотечения в период с января 2017 по декабрь 2018 г. Изучили данные 224 пациентов, прошедших эндоскопию по поводу желудочно-кишечного кровотечения. Последующее исследование касалось возникновения повторного кровотечения или смертности.Результаты. Установили, что наиболее частой причиной кровотечений из верхней части желудочно-кишечного тракта были язва двенадцатиперстной кишки и язва желудка. Антрум – основной анатомический участок при язвенной болезни желудка. После 15 дней зафиксировали 17 (6,8 %) летальных исходов, у 11 (3,4 %) пациентов обнаружено повторное кровотечение, у 3 (1,2 %) – необходимость хирургического вмешательства.Выводы. Как и во многих странах мира, наиболее распространенным источником кровотечений из верхних отделов желудочно-кишечного тракта в нашем исследовании были язвенные болезни. Исследование показало, что, несмотря на все диагностические и лечебные процедуры, все еще существует смертность (6,8 %) от кровотечений в желудочно-кишечном тракте.Шлунково-кишкові кровотечі є однією з причин, через яку пацієнти звертаються у відділення невідкладної допомоги. У більшості цих осіб кровотеча припиняється самостійно, але деякі з них є пацієнтами високого ризику, в них можуть виникнути ускладнення і, можливо, буде необхідне ендоскопічне та хірургічне лікування. Неправильне ведення в цих випадках призводить до високої смертності. Різні дослідження оцінювали причини кровотеч із верхньої частини шлунково-кишкового тракту, але немає інформації щодо поширення цих причин на півночі Ірану.Матеріали та методи. Проспективне дослідження включало пацієнтів з анамнезом шлунково-кишкової кровотечі в період від січня 2017 до грудня 2018 р. Вивчили дані 224 пацієнтів, яким виконали ендоскопію з приводу шлунково-кишкової кровотечі. Надалі здійснили дослідження щодо виникнення повторної кровотечі або смертності.Результати. З’ясували, що найбільш частою причиною кровотеч із верхньої частини шлунково-кишкового тракту були виразка дванадцятипалої кишки та виразка шлунка. Антрум – основна анатомічна ділянка при виразковій хворобі шлунка. Після 15 днів спостереження зафіксували 17 (6,8 %) летальних випадків, у 11 (3,4 %) пацієнтів виявили повторну кровотечу, у 3 (1,2 %) – необхідність хірургічного втручання.Висновки. Як і в багатьох країнах світу, найбільш поширеним джерелом кровотеч із верхніх відділів шлунково-кишкового тракту у виконаному дослідженні були виразкові хвороби. З’ясували, що, незважаючи на всі діагностичні й лікувальні процедури, все ще є смертність (6,8 %) від кровотеч у шлунково-кишковому тракті.