A comprehensive insight into potential roles of Nigella sativa on diseases by targeting AMP-activated protein kinase: a review

ObjectivesNigella sativa (NS) is a known medicinal herb with numerous therapeutic effects such as antidiabetic, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. It has been indicated that NS can regulate cellular metabolism by adjusting transduction signaling pathways. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is one of the main physiological processes, such as energy hemostasis, cellular metabolism, and autophagy regulators. Herb-derived medicines have always been considered as one of the main AMPK activators, and surprisingly recent data has demonstrated that it can be a target for NS and its derivatives.Evidence acquisitionThe literature search was conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, ProQuest, and Google Scholar electronic resources. Published articles up to September 2020 were considered, and those of which investigated Nigella sativa effects on the AMPK pathway after meeting the inclusion criteria were included.ResultsThe search was performed on several online databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest, and Google Scholar from inception until January 2020. Among the initial search, 245 studies were found. After removing duplicated data and meeting the inclusion criteria, only 14 studies were selected. They included the effects of NS and its bioactive compounds as anti-hyperglycemic (n = 5), on liver function (n = 4), cancers (n = 3), and on Neuroinflammation and Atherosclerosis (n = 2). Most of the included studies are animals or in-vitro investigations.ConclusionIn this review, we discuss the latest findings on the molecular mechanism of NS effecting the AMPK signaling pathway. We also focus on the therapeutic effects of NS, including the prevention and treatment of metabolic and pro-inflammatory disease by targeting the AMPK pathway.Graphical abstract     

Fuzzy Logic Modeling of Factors Affecting Musculoskeletal Disorders in a Steel Factory in Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to model associated factors affecting musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), using fuzzy logic in a steel factory in Iran.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on steel industry workers. A 6-part questionnaire was used, consisting of demographic characteristics, occupational stress, work–family conflict, general health, occupational postures, and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Pearson correlation was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of MSDs for 270 participants in the studied factory was 94.8%. Job stress, work–family conflict, general health, and work posture had a statistically significant relationship with MSDs (P < .05). The fuzzy model demonstrated 23.8% predictability for the actual data of the study. The defuzzification data had significant correlation with real data of MSDs.ConclusionsThe results of this study provided a new perspective about associated factors affecting MSDs and demonstrate that fuzzy logic can be used as a possible tool for evaluating MSDs.     

Effect of hydroxychloroquine on treatment and recurrence of acute brucellosis: a single-blind,randomized clinical trial

Brucellosis is associated with a high recurrence rate and requires more than one course of standard treatment; therefore, more research is required to find more effective treatments that lead to prompt recovery, and reduce the relapse of disease. This single-blind, randomized study was designed to evaluate the effect of the standard treatment for brucellosis in combination with hydroxychloroquine.A total of 177 patients with acute brucellosis were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: doxycycline-streptomycin (DS) and doxycycline-streptomycin-hydroxychloroquine (DSH). Clinical symptoms and signs, serological tests, and side effects of therapy were compared between the two groups during the treatment course and at three and six months after the end of drug therapy. Of the 177 patients, with a mean age of 40.5?±?16.9 years, 66.1% were males. The mean duration of clinical signs prior to admission was 43.4?±?41.1 days. Appropriate clinical responses, relapse, treatment failure, and adverse drug reactions were seen in 98.9%, 1.2%, 0.0%, and 12.6% of patients, respectively, in the DSH group vs. 86.7%, 11.6%, 2.3%, and 19.8% of patients, respectively, in the DS group. There were significant differences in clinical response and relapse rates between the two groups. The addition of hydroxychloroquine to a doxycycline-streptomycin regimen appears to increase the efficacy of treatment, accelerate improvement of clinical symptoms, and significantly reduce the rate of relapse of brucellosis.