Is the association of continuous metabolic syndrome risk score with body mass index independent of physical activity? The CASPIAN-III study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although the association of body mass index (BMI) with metabolic syndrome (MetS) is well documented, there is little knowledge on the independent and joint associations of BMI and physical activity with MetS risk based on a continuous scoring system. This study was designed to explore the effect of physical activity on interactions between excess body weight and continuous metabolic syndrome (cMetS) in a nationwide survey of Iranian children and adolescents. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Data on 5,625 school students between 10 and 18 years of age were analyzed. BMI percentiles, screen time activity (STA), leisure time physical activity (LTPA) levels, and components of cMetS risk score were extracted. Standardized residuals (z-scores) were calculated for MetS components. Linear regression models were used to study the interactions between different combinations of cMetS, LTPA, and BMI percentiles. RESULTS: Overall, 984 (17.5%) subjects were underweight, whereas 501 (8.9%) and 451 (8%) participants were overweight and obese, respectively. All standardized values for cMetS components, except fasting blood glucose level, were directly correlated with BMI percentiles in all models (P-trend < 0.001); these associations were independent of STA and LTPA levels. Linear associations were also observed among LTPA and standardized residuals for blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein, and waist circumference (P-trend < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that BMI percentiles are associated with cMetS risk score independent of LTPA and STA levels.

[ prevalence of impacted teeth in patients referred to selected dental clinics in Qom city, 2013, Iran]

Tooth impaction is a frequent phenomenon, and its prevalence and distribution have significant variation in different communities. This study was done with the objective of determining the prevalence of impacted teeth and its pattern in patients referred to the selected dental clinics in Qom city. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a total of 260 panoramic radiographs and recorded data of patients referred to 3 selected private dental clinics in Qom [2013], were studied. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistical tests and chi-square or exact Fisher's tests. The significance level was considered less than 0.05. Among 260 patients, 108 ones [41/5%] had at least one impacted tooth, and the most common impacted teeth were mandibular third molars, especially region of the left mandible. The most prevalent impaction of the third molar was type B impaction in terms of depth, and angulation was mesioangular in mandibule and vertical in maxilla. The prevalence of impaction was higher in females than males, which was not significant [p=0.06]. According to the results of this study, the prevalence of impaction was relatively high in the patients referred to dental clinics in Qom city, which shows the importance of timely screening, diagnosis and treatment

[Correlation between perceived social support and loneliness with life satisfaction Among Students of Golestan university of medical sciences]

Human being is embedded with a variety of relationships. Satisfactory social support is crucial for having physical and psychological wellbeing. The purpose of the present study was to assess the correlation between perceived social support and loneliness with life satisfaction. In this cross-sectional study, 226 students of Golestan University of Medical Sciences were randomly selected. They were assessed using demographic questions, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Life Satisfaction Scale, and Loneliness Scale. Using SPSS [16] software and Pearson correlation test, the data were analyzed. 120 male and 106 female students filled the questionnaires. 91% of the students were single and 95% were residents of university dormitories. There was a significant correlation between life satisfaction with loneliness in the subjects [p<0.05]. Higher social support from the family and friends was correlated with more life satisfaction and less loneliness [p<0.05]. Findings suggest that, appropriate social support can reduce loneliness and increase life satisfaction. It is also one of the wellbeing predictors. Therefore, the universities should provide strategies to facilitate social support from family and the significant others. Empowerment of the students by teaching social communication skills may also be helpful

Dietary predictors of childhood obesity in a representative sample of children in north east of Iran / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The prevalence of obesity is increasing in Iranian youngsters. This study aimed to assess some dietary determinants of obesity in a representative sample of children in Neishabour, a city in northeastern, Iran.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This case-control study was conducted among 114 school students, aged 6-12 years, with a body mass index (BMI) ≥95th (based on percentile of Iranian children) as the case group and 102 age- and gender-matched controls, who were selected from their non-obese classmates. Nutrient intake data were collected by trained nutritionists by using two 24-hour-dietary recalls through maternal interviews in the presence of their child. A food frequency questionnaire was used for detecting the snack consumption patterns. Statistical analysis was done using univariate and multivariate logistic regression (MLR) by SPSS version 16.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In univariate logistic regression, total energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat (including saturated, mono- and poly-unsaturated fat), and dietary fiber were the positive predictors of obesity in studied children. The estimated crude ORs for frequency of corn-based extruded snacks, carbonated beverages, potato chips, fast foods, and chocolate consumption were statistically significant. After MLR analysis, the association of obesity remained significant with energy intake (OR = 2.489, 95%CI: 1.667-3.716), frequency of corn-based extruded snacks (OR = 1.122, 95%CI: 1.007-1.250), and potato chips (OR = 1.143, 95%CI:1.024-1.276). The MLR analysis showed that dietary fiber (OR = 0.601, 95%CI: 0.368-0.983) and natural fruit juice intake (OR = 0.909, 95%CI: 0.835-0.988) were protective factors against obesity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The findings serve to confirm the role of an unhealthy diet, notably calorie-dense snacks, in childhood obesity. Healthy dietary habits, such as the consumption of high-fiber foods, should be encouraged among children.</p>

[ relationship between emotional intelligence and coping strategies of Golestan medical science university students]

Emotional intelligence is considered as a person's innate ability to perceive and manage his own emotions in a manner that results in successful interactions with the environment. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence and coping styles in Golestan University of Medical Sciences' Students in 2008. In this descriptive-analytic study, 180 students of Golestan University of Medical Sciences were randomly selected. Then the students completed Schering emotional intelligence and Coping Styles [CR-S] questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficient. The significance level in all tests was considered as 0.05. The mean age of the cases was 21.46 +/- 2.08 and 53.3% of them were female. There were significant statistical differences between emotional intelligence and its subscales [self-motivation, self-control, self-awareness, social awareness and social skills] with problem-oriented coping skills [P<0.05]. Emotional intelligence total score along with self-control, social awareness and social skills subscale had significant correlation with effective emotion-oriented coping skills [P<0.05]. There was a significant reverse correlation between emotional intelligence total score and its five subscales with ineffective coping skills. There is a relationship between emotional intelligence and effective coping styles. Emotional intelligence can be a link between life stress and psychological adjustment to protect individuals against psychological problems.

Frequency of the uremic pruritis and its associated factors in hemodialysis patients in the Golestan Province dialysis centers in 2009

Pruritus is one of the most disabling complications in patients with chronic renal failure that have negative effect on patients' quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of the uremic pruritus and its associated factors in hemodialysis patients referred to the dialysis centers in Golestan Province. In this cross-sectional study, all 375 patients referred to eight dialysis centers in Golestan Province were selected via census sampling method. Data were gathered by using demogeraphic and Yosipovitch pruritus questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software through conducting t and chi square tests. The mean +/- standard deviation of patients' age was 48.36 +/- 13.27 years and 51.2% of patients were male. One hundred and eighty one [48.3%] patients had uremic pruritus. The lowest and highest frequency of pruritus among surveyed centers were 37.9% and 57.1%, respectively. 60.2% of patients had localized pruritus and the most common location was back [68.8%]. There was a statistically significant correlation between uremic pruritus with number of dialysis session [P<0.001] and serum level of phosphorus [P<0.001]. The results indicated that uremic pruritus is still one of the most common problems in hemodialysis patients. Therefore it seems necessary providing ways to eliminating or reducing the problem

[Job satisfaction and organizational commitment among nursing staff: a study from Golestan, Iran]

To study the relationship between Job satisfaction and organizational commitment in nursing staff in medical university hospitals. In a cross-sectional study, all 750 nursing staff working in hospitals affiliated to Golestan university of medical sciences were entered into the study. Job Satisfaction Questionnaire and Meyer Organizational Commitment Scale used as research instruments. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tests and Pearson correlation coefficient. The mean age of participant was 32.6 +/- 7.4 years and 72.7% were female and married [74%]. Job satisfaction in 37.7% of nurses was low and only 2.2% of them had very high level of job satisfaction. Organizational commitment in 49.6% of subjects was low and just 4% of nurses had high level of organizational commitment. There was a statistically significant relationship between job satisfaction and organizational commitment [P<0.05]. There is a significant relationship between job satisfaction and organizational commitment