Probiotic capsules could improve pulmonary function and quality of life in patients with cystic fibrosis - Iranian Journal of Pediatrics Vol.23 No.6

This is our second consecutive post on the Iranian Journal of Pediatrics. We will continue our posts on the journal in the next few weeks. Vol.23 no.6 was updated in July. 

This issue includes "Clinical Profile of Snake Bite in Children in Rural India" by Kshirsagar et al. As a result of a high rate of snake bite cases being reported, Kshirsagar et al. conducted a study on the frequency of snake bites and how they are treated in Maharashtra, India. 162 patients that had a snake bite less than 15 years ago were used for this study, in which their case records were examined for age, sex, complications and outcomes among other factors. The results indicated that 98 of the patients with snake bites were male. The results also indicated that in more than 90% of cases, the snake bites were vasculotoxic, and that in more than 9% of cases, the snake bites were neuroparalytic. More than 51% of cases occurred from July to September.

This issue also includes "Effects of Probiotics on Quality of Life in Children with Cystic Fibrosis; A Randomized Controlled Trial" by Jafari et al. This study aimed to examine the effects of probiotics in young children with cystic fibrosis, since probiotics have indicated to improve ntestinal and pulmonary functions. 37 children ages 2-12 with cystic fibrosis were put into two groups. One group was given probiotic capsules for one month and the other was given placebo capsules. The results indicated that pulmonary exacerbation was significantly reduced in the group that took probiotic capsules. The study concluded that probiotic capsules could improve pulmonary function and improve the quality of life in patients, particularly children, with cystic fibrosis.

For the complete results of these studies and other articles from this issue, click here.

Total antioxidant capacity increased in smokers who took fish oil supplements -- Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition Vol.31 No.3

This is our second consecutive post on the Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition. Today we are featuring vol.31 no.3. 

This issue includes "Protective Effect of Fish Oil Supplementation on DNA Damage Induced by Cigarette Smoking" by Ghorbanihaghjo et al. This study examines the influence of fish oil supplements on 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine and total antioxidant capacity of 40 healthy male smokers. Half of the smokers were given fish oil supplements to take once a day for three months, and the other half were given a placebo to take once a day for three months. 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine and total antioxidant capacity of each person was taken through blood samples before and after the intervention. The results indicated that 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine significantly decreased and total antioxidant capacity was increased in the group taking fish oil supplements after three months. The study concludes that fish oil supplements can help increase antioxidant capacity.

This issue also includes "Food Insecurity and Its Sociodemographic Correlates among Afghan Immigrants in Iran" by Omidvar et al. This study examines the prevalence of food insecurity and sociodemographic determinants among Afghan immigrants in the cities of Mashad and Tehran in Iran. 310 females participated in a qualitative questionnaire. A locally-adapted Household Food Insecurity Access Scale was used to measure food security. 60% reported to have moderate-to-severe food insecurity. 37% faced mild food insecurity, while 23% reported to be food secure. Food insecurity was more prevalent in Mashad than Tehran, and relatively high among Afghan immigrants overall.

For the complete results of these studies and other studies from this article, click here.