Prognostic significance of lung diffusion capacity and spirometric parameters in relation to hemodynamic status in heart transplant candidates

Introduction: Investigations have described a correlation between the severity of heart failure and the severity of pulmonary function abnormalities. In this study, we investigated the association of resting spirometric parameters, lung diffusion for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and the transfer coefficient (KCO) with hemodynamic variables and outcomes in a cohort of heart transplant candidates. Material and methods: Between January 2018 and January 2020, a total of 100 patients with advanced heart failure who were scheduled for right heart catheterization (RHC) as a pre-transplant evaluation measure were enrolled. Spirometry and DLCO were performed in all patients within 24 hours of their RHC. All selected patients were followed for a median (IQR) time of 6 (2–12) months. The end points of interest were heart failure-related mortality and a combined event involving HF-related mortality, heart transplantation (HTX), and need for the placement of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD).Results: Among 846 patients scheduled for RHC, a total of 100 patients (25% female) with a mean (SD) age of 38.5 (12.8) were enrolled. There was a significant correlation between FEV1/FVC and CVP (r = –0.22, p = 0.02), PCWP (r = –0.4, p < 0.001), mPAP (r = –0.45, p < 0.001), and PVR (r = –0.32, p = 0.001). The cardiac output correlated with DLCO (r = 0.3, p = 0.008). Spirometry parameters, DLCO parameters, and hemodynamic parameters did not correlate with the combined event. Among the several variables, only PVR had an independent association with the combined event.Conclusion: Both mechanical and gas diffusion parameters of the lung were not associated with outcomes in the homogeneous group of heart transplant candidates

Evaluating the association between gingival crevicular blood glucose levels and finger capillary blood glucose levels according to periodontal status

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between gingival crevicular blood glucose levels (GCBG) and finger capillary blood glucose levels (FCBG) according to the periodontal status of patients. Materials and methods In this case–control study, 80 patients were divided into 4 groups according to their periodontal status. In these patients, an area of the maxillary gingiva with the highest probing depth was selected for blood sampling. Blood glucose obtained from this area and the right fingertip was measured with a glucometer. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient with a significance threshold of 0.05. Results The groups studied were matched in regard to their sex and age (P > 0.05). The average FCBG and GCBG were not significantly different according to periodontal status (P > 0.05). The correlation between the FCBG and the GCBG showed a significant positive correlation in the total number of participants (P < 0.05, r = 0.531). Conclusion The study observed a positive association between GCBG and FCBG. However, the relationship with periodontal status appeared to be relatively weak. Further research may be needed to determine the potential efficacy of GCBG in diabetes screening during periodontal examinations. Clinical relevance: Most patients with diabetes do not have proper periodontal health, so it may be helpful to screen for diabetes during periodontal examinations

The challenges of managing childhood fever by parents referred to health centers in Bushehr

Background: Fever is one of the most common reasons for which parents of infants and young children seek medical care. This study aimed to understand the problems of parents in the care and management of febrile children in depth and ultimately provide ways to resolve this issue. Materials & Methods: The present study is a descriptive exploratory research (a kind of mix method design) with the aim of examining the problems of managing fever in children by their parents. The study population was parents of children referred to health centers in Bushehr. The study sample was purposively selected. Data collection included semi-structured interviews, demographic information and empowering questionnaire. The qualitative data were analyzed based on directed content analysis. The quantitative data was analyzed using the SPSS software (version 19) and descriptive and analytical statistics at a significance level of 0.05. Results: In the qualitative study, coding and condensing data from interviews determined in six categories, including: the need for awareness, preparedness for coping, acting independently performance of effective care, sense of control and management positions and satisfaction. The mean and standard deviation of the scores of knowledge, attitude and practice of parents were, 6.65&plusmn;1.58, 11.87&plusmn;3.41 and 55.44&plusmn;5.97, respectively. In addition, scores of empowering in terms of some demographic characteristics showed significant correlation. Conclusion: The need for basic information about how to manage fever and also need to empowering mothers in such a way to be prepared enough to cope with fever were presents in most of participants&rsquo; interviews. It is recommended that health workers provide the parents more complete education by empowerment models to reach satisfactory abilities in managing their children,s fever

Adjuvant pomegranate juice intake improves the inflammatory status of hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A randomized and placebo-controlled trial

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pomegranate juice intake on the inflammatory status and complete blood count in hospitalized Covid-19 patients. Methods: This randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled trial included 48 patients with two parallel arms. In addition to the standard care provided at the hospital, the patients consumed 500 mL of whole pomegranate juice (PJ) daily or a placebo for 14 days. Inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)) and complete blood count were determined at baseline and after the 14 days of intervention. Results: At the end of the intervention, a significant decreased was observed in primary outcomes [mean difference (95 %CI)] including IL-6 [5.24(0.87–9.61)], CRP [23.19(11.93–34.44)] and ESR [10.52(1.54–19.50)] in the PJ group vs. before the intervention. In addition, significant changes were also observed in the some of the secondary outcomes, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, platelets-to-lymphocyte(PLR) and neutrophils-to-lymphocyte (NLR) ratios (p < 0.05) in the PJ group compared to before the intervention. At the end of the intervention period, the mean change of IL-6 [− 7.09(−12.21 to − 1.96)], white blood cells [− 3.09(− 6.14 to − 0.05)], neutrophils [− 9.12(−18.08 to −0.15)], lymphocyte [7.05(0.17–13.92)], platelets [− 94.54(− 139.33 to − 49.75)], PLR [− 15.99(− 29.31 to − 2.67)], blood oxygen saturation [1.75(0.13–3.37)] and MCV [0.31(− 0.25 to 0.88)] levels were significantly different between groups while no difference was observed between the two groups in other blood indices. Conclusion: Our results suggest that pomegranate juice intake might slightly improve the inflammatory status and CBC outcomes of COVID-19 patients and it may be beneficial