International journal of clinical practice
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Mar 2021
Meta AnalysisEffects of resveratrol supplementation on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
The available evidence regarding the possible effects of resveratrol on liver function is inconsistent. Therefore, the present meta-analysis was performed to investigate the overall effects of resveratrol supplementation on liver enzymes in adults. ⋯ Overall, in our study, resveratrol does not affect liver enzyme levels significantly, but subgroup analysis indicates that these results may be influenced by resveratrol dose, duration of the study and population status, so future high-quality studies are necessary to get definitive results.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Mar 2021
Review Meta AnalysisImpact of Ramadan-focused diabetes education on hypoglycemia risk and metabolic control for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review.
Ramadan fasting is regarded as a form of worship amongst Muslims. However, patients with a high risk of diabetic complications are advised to avoid fasting, as the practice is associated with significant impacts on several health factors for type 2 diabetic patients, including glycaemic control. Thus, a lack of focused education before Ramadan may result in negative health outcomes. ⋯ Ramadan-focused diabetes education had a significant impact on hypoglycemia and glycaemic control, with no significant effect on body weight, blood lipids or blood pressure.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Mar 2021
ReviewAn overview of antiviral strategies for coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection with special reference to antimalarial drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine.
At present, neither specific antiviral drugs, nor vaccine is recommended for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment. In this review we discuss the drugs suggested as therapy for COVID-19 infection, with a focus on chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. The list of drugs used for COVID-19 treatment includes a combination of lopinavir and ritonavir, remdesivir, favipiravir, alpha-interferon, ribavirin, atazanavir, umifenovir, and tocilizumab. ⋯ The results from the double-blind, randomised clinical trials, including large number of participants, will add better insight into the role of these two drugs as already available and affordable, antimalarial therapy. The ethical issue on emergency use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in the settings of COVID-19 should be carefully managed, with adherence to the "monitored emergency use of unregistered and experimental interventions" (MEURI) framework or be ethically approved as a trial, as stated by the WHO. Potential shortage of chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine on the market can be overbridged with regular prescriptions by medical doctors and national drug agency should ensure sufficient quantities of these drugs for standard indications.
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Vitamin D (VitD) deficiency is considered a global problem and might be associated with increased susceptibility to COVID-19 illness. In the light of COVID-19 pandemic, VitD might be a promising agent for fighting the SARS-CoV-2, since VitD is involved in various pathophysiological mechanisms that occur during COVID-19 infection. High-dose VitD supplementation, particularly for risk groups, could be recommended to achieve and maintain optimal (range 40-60 ng/mL) serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels (marker of VitD status) both for COVID-19 prevention and treatment.
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Mar 2021
Randomized Controlled TrialComparison of External Jugular Vein based surface landmark approach and Ultrasound guided approach for Internal Jugular Venous cannulation: A randomized cross over clinical trial.
Historically, landmark techniques for central venous access through the internal jugular vein (IJV) have yielded a lesser success rate and higher complication rate than the ultrasound (US)-guided approach. The purpose of this study is to assess the success and safety of a novel external jugular vein (EJV)-based landmark (EJV-LM) approach compared with the real-time US-guided approach for central venous access through the IJV. ⋯ In patients with non-distorted neck anatomy and a visible EJV, IJV catheterisation using the EJV-based LM approach and standard US-guided technique yielded similar first-attempt and overall success rates. Cannulation time was longer and complications occurred more frequently in the EJV-based LM compared with the standard US-guided technique.