association of food intake and physical activity with body composition, muscle strength and muscle function in postmenopausal women

Background and Objectives: Sarcopenia is explained as age-related reduction in muscle mass and performance. Some of the most important risk factors for sarcopenia include age, malnutrition, and sedentary life style. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of food intake and physical activity with body composition, muscle strength and muscle function in post -menopausal women

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 190 women aged 40-60 years were recruited from the staff working in Iran University of Medical Sciences. Variables consisting of muscle strength and muscle function, anthropometric indices, dietary intakes, and physical activity were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21

Results: There was a positive association between physical activity and handgrip strength [P=0.01], calorie intake and muscle function, protein intake and fat free mass percentage, total fat intake and fat mass percentage [in all associations, P<0.001]. In addition, a negative association was observed between carbohydrate intake and muscle function, as well as total fat intake and fat free mass percentage [in both associations, P<0.001]. There was not a significant relationship between the other variables [P>0.05]

Conclusions: It seems in this middle-aged women group, mild fat and carbohydrate restriction combined with mild or moderate physical activity may lead to reduction in fat mass, increased fat free mass, and improvement in muscle strength and muscle function

Food labels: An analysis of the consumers' reasons for non-use

Food labeling is found to be a very important public health tool aimed at providing consumers with information which may influence their purchasing decisions. This study has aimed to assess the consumers' behaviors about the important information on the labels and their reasons for use or non-use. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted as point of purchase survey among 2123 shoppers in chain stores in Teharn, Iran, during 2008-2009. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire which contained 4 sections measuring respondents' background, knowledge, perception, and behaviors about information on food labels. Results showed that 82.8 % of consumers look at food label information when purchasing food products. Younger adults [aged 20-40 years], female, married, employees and holders of a diploma and higher, individuals with higher level of knowledge, and those in the group categories of monthly income higher 6 million rials were significantly more likely to use food labels. Most of the respondents [29.3%] found small print on food labels to be the main reason for not reading food labels information, followed by no interest [26.3%], do not believe [12.6%], do not understand [7.1%]. Our study suggests that increasing nutrition knowledge and understandable and legible food labeling can increase the likelihood of food label usage

Effect of calcium alginate coating on shelf life of frozen lamb muscle

Considering the potential benefits of edible coatings and films for storage of food materials, effect of edible calcium alginate film on shelf life of frozen lamb muscles was studied in the present research. Microbial analyses including total microorganisms count and psychrophilic bacteria count and chemical analyses such as total volatile nitrogen [TVN] and moisture content determination were performed. Coated and uncoated samples had not statistically significant difference in total microbial count, total volatile nitrogen level and moisture content. However, there was statistically significant difference between the coated and uncoated samples in terms of psychrophilic bacteria count [p<0.05]. Considering the role of psychrophilic bacteria in meat spoilage, results of the current research confirmed that calcium alginate films may be to some extent effective in shelf life extension of frozen lamb muscle

Food Security Is Associated with Dietary Diversity: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between food security and individual dietary diversity score [IDDS]. This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 non-diabetic individuals aged>/=40 years, selected randomly from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Household food security was measured using a validated United States Department of Agriculture [USDA] 18-item questionnaire and IDDS using a valid and reliable 147-item food frequency questionnaire based on five food groups of the Food Guide Pyramid. Overall, 48.5% of the study subjects had high, 36.0% had borderline, and 15.5% had low food security. Significant inverse correlations were observed between the scores for food security, diversity of fruits and vegetables, and total IDDS. Food secure group had significantly higher total IDDS [4.74 +/- 1.40 vs. 5.15 +/- 1.28, P = 0.033] and score for diversity of fruits [1.48 +/- 1.40 vs. 1.68 +/- 1.28, P = 0.030] as compared to the food insecure group. After adjusting for covariates, higher food security score was associated with lower total IDDS [regression coefficient for a 1-unit difference in diversity score = -0.130, P = 0.040], and score for diversity of fruits [regression coefficient for a 1-unit difference in diversity score = -0.182, P = 0.010]. The results showed an inverse relationship between food security score and dietary diversity score. Intake of different fruits is associated with higher food security

[ study on the association between type of obesity and level of changes in obesity indices following weight-loss diet]

Some studies have shown that body fat distribution pattern, and waist-to-hip ratio [WHR], which differentiate between gynoid [hip] and android [abdominal] obesity, have a more important role in identification of diseases' risk compared to body mass index [BMI]. This study was conducted aiming at determining the association between type of obesity and level of changes in obesity indices following weight-loss diet. This study was performed on 301 women with overweight [BMI>25] and obesity [BMI>30], and according to WHR criteria for measuring abdominal obesity, the subjects were divided into three groups: 1] 102 subjects with WHR<0.8, women with no abdominal obesity and with hip obesity [gynoid], 2-105 subjects with 0.80.85, women with severe abdominal obesity [android]. Then, the effect of one month diet with a fixed ratio of macronutrients was assessed on the changes of obesity indices, including weight, BMI, waist circumference [WC], and hip circumference [HC]. To investigate obesity indices in the three groups, one-way analysis of variance test was used. The level of significance was considered 0.05. By following this diet, significant decreases were seen in weight [p<0.007], BMI [p<0.005], and waist circumference [p<0.002] in subjects with severe abdominal boundary obesity [android], compared to those with hip obesity [gynoid]. In this study, weight loss diet with a fixed ratio of macronutrients showed that weight loss and body size is associated with type of obesity, this means that the higher is the abdominal obesity, the greater is this difference

[Cervical smear in HIV infection]

Today with an increasing frequency of HIV infection around the world, its epidemiological studies is becoming more important. This study aimed to evaluate the cervical smear in human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infected patients and also its association with CD4 counts among an Iranian population. In a case-control study, 247 women, 58 HIV infected cases and 189 healthy controls, were included. Liquid-based cytology cervical smears and hematologic findings were compared between cases and controls. The frequency of abnormal smear was significantly higher in cases 20.7% compared with controls 3.2% [p<0.001]. The mean CD4 count was significantly lower in cases with abnormal smear compared with cases with normal smear [573.0 +/- 306.9 vs. 383.7 +/- 123.6; p=0.042]. Undertaking a serious effort toward provision of gynecological care and cervical cancer screening at the same health center as HIV care, in Iranian HIV infected women is suggested

Legume intake is inversely associated with metabolic syndrome in adults

Studies on the association between legume intake and metabolic syndrome [MetS] are sparse. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between legume intake, MetS, and its components. This study was conducted on 80 subjects [48% female] with MetS as cases and 160 age and gender-matched healthy controls. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profiles were evaluated by standard methods. Dietary data were collected using a food frequency questionnaire [FFQ] and legume intake was determined. MetS was defined according to the definition of - Adult Treatment Panel III. The mean [SD] intake of legumes was 1.4 [0.9] servings/week for cases and 2.3 [1.1] servings/week for control subjects [P < 35]. After adjustment for potential confounders, decreases in mean systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and increase in HDL cholesterol levels were observed across increasing quartile categories of legume intake. After adjustments for life style and food groups, subjects in the highest quartile of legume intake had lower odds of having MetS compared with those in the lowest quartile [odds ratio [OR]: 0.25: 95% Cl: 0.11-0.64, P < 0.05], an association that weakened after adjustment for body mass index [BMI], but remained significant OR: 0.28: 95% Cl: 0.12-0.81, P < 0.05]. Legume intake is inversely associated with the risk of having MetS and some of its components

[Knowledge and practice of consumers in food labels in Tehran, 2008-2009]

Objective [s]: This study was carried out to determine the knowledge and practice of consumers in food labels and in Tehran, 2008-2009

Methods: In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, 2123 individuals were selected by random cluster sampling from the chain stores in Tehran. Data on demographics and knowledge and practice of consumers were collected by a questionnaire. The SPSS program and Chi2 test were used for data analysis

Results: In this study, the age range was 16-65 years and majority of them were 40-60 years. About 60% of the subjects were women. 80% of them were married and had at least diploma degree. A high percentage of consumers [44.2%] were in the lowest classification score of knowledge about the information printed on food packages. 82.8% of the subjects claimed they read food labels when shopping. The study of the consumers' views about the information printed on the food labels showed the satisfaction of about half of them, regarding the place and readability of the production and expiry date on food packages. However, more than half of subjects mentioned that nutrition information on food packages were non-readable and unintelligible, and were not in an appropriate position on the food packages. The findings revealed the effect of knowledge on the use of food labels. So those in the highest classification score of knowledge about food labels paid more attention to the food labels as compared with those in the lowest classification score of knowledge

Conclusion: This study showed that knowledge of people with information on food labels is very low and nutritional knowledge has a strong effect on nutritional practice. The results suggest that standardized food label designs, long term nutrition education, and training interpretation of information listed on food labels and the importance of using it in order to select the correct food to reduce the nutritional diseases is necessary

[ value of Pap smear in detecting cervical neoplasia compared with histopathologic findings in patients referred to Taleghani Hospital, Tehran 2007-2009]

Although the Pap smear screening test has showed a great success in early diagnosis of cervical cancer in different countries over the past 60 years, cervical cancer has remained the fifth most common cancer among Iranian women. The diagnostic value of Pap smears which are done in health centers around the country compared with international standards for cervical cancer screening requires further consideration. The purpose of this study was to compare Pap test's findings with colposcopic biopsies as the gold standard. In this cross-sectional study, all non-pregnant women attended to Taleghani hospital gynecology clinic between 2007 and 2009 for routine Pap smear and were volunteer to participate in this research, and based on clinical findings as well as colposcopist's opinion had an indication for colposcopy, were included. Eligible women had a Pap test as well as colposcopy and cervical biopsy thereafter. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value [PPV and NPV] of Pap test was calculated compared with cervical biopsy as the gold standard. Overall,%67 of women had abnormal biopsy [mostly HPV appearance], whereas only%21 of Pap smear results indicated abnormal cervical screening test results. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of Pap smear for detecting cervical neoplasia in our study was%23.9,%84.8,%76.2, and%35.4, respectively. The sensitivity of Pap smear was less than other reports. It needs more quality control, including sampling, sample preparation and interpretation in this center. Studies with more samples in other hospitals and particularly in different health care centers in Iran are highly recommended

Squamous intraepithelial lesions associated with HIV infection and CD4+ cell counts in an Iranian population

To evaluate the association between cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions [SIL] and the human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection and CD4 counts among an Iranian population. Case-control study. North and East Tehran Health Centers, related to Shaheed Beheshti Medical University, Iran. Two hundred forty seven women including 58 HIV infected cases and 189 healthy controls recruited between 2007 and 2010. None. Cytology-based cervical Pap smears and hematologic findings were compared between cases and controls. The prevalence of abnormal smear was significantly higher in the study group [36.2%, 15 LSIL + 6 HSIL] compared with controls [3.2%, 6 ASCUS] [p < 0.001, OR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.2 - 4.6]. The mean of CD4 count was significantly lower in cases with abnormal smear compared with cases with normal smear [573.0 +/- 306.9 Vs 383.7 +/- 123.6; p = 0.042]. Our results suggest the need for undertaking a serious effort towards the provision of gynecological care and cervical cancer screening at the same health center as HIV care, in Iranian HIV infected women

Educational level and pseudohypacusis in medico- legal compensation claims: a retrospective study

Pseudohypacusis or the intentional feigning of hearing loss is a challenging situation in the medicolegal evaluation of hearing levels. Few studies have been performed on predisposing factors that make compensation claims susceptible to malingering. The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between educational level and frequency of pseudohypacusis in a group of medico-legal clients

Retrospectively, we studied the files of subjects [n=421] referred to the audiology clinic of a government hospital during a 12 month period. Educational levels of the individuals with and without pseudohypacusis were compared by the Chi-square test. The results show that individuals with pseudohypacusis have lower educational levels than cooperative clients. The relative frequency of individuals with pseudohypacusis among illiterates [43.5%] was clearly higher than individuals with higher educational levels [17.5%]

The education level of a person filing a compensation claim may alert an examiner in detecting pseudohypacusis

Conjugated Linoleic Acid and lipid profile of postmenopausal women

Most animal studies have shown that trans-10 and cis-12 isomers of Conjugated linoleic Acid, [CLA] tend to increase insulin resistance. But the effect of equal isomers of CLA [50:50 ratios of cis-9, trans-11: trans-10, cis-12 isomers] on lipid profiles, glucose, and insulin resistance and sensitivity in postmenopausal women is not clear. In the present study, we performed a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial to examine the changes in lipid profiles, glucose, and insulin concentration following 4 CLAG80 capsules containing 3.2g CLA [50:50 ratios of cis-9,trans-ll: trans-10, cis-12 isomers] or 4 placebo capsules supplementation for 12 weeks in postmenopausal women. Seventy six healthy postmenopausal women were randomized to receive placebo or 3.2 g CLA for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements were done. Blood samples were collected after 12-14 hours fasting before and after intervention. Insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity were estimated based on the homeostasis [HOMA] and QUIKI models. In weeks 0, 6 and 12 during the trial, subjects completed 3d dietary records. These dietary records were coded by the same dietitian, and analyzed with the Food Processor program. There were no significant effect on serum lipids, insulin, glucose, insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity over 12 weeks in postmenopausal women. Mixed isomer CLA supplementation had no effect on serum insulin, lipids profile, glucose and insulin resistance/sensitivity during 12 weeks of intervention in postmenopausal women

Asymptomatic bacteriuria in users of intrauterine devices

The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of asymptomatic bacteriuria in women who use intrauterine devices [IUDs] as a contraceptive method with subjects who use tubal ligation [TL]. A cohort study was conducted on women who were candidates for IUD insertion or TL [control]. The patients were followed for 3 months, and urine cultures were assessed for bacteriuria at the end of the study. Overall, 131 women [mean age, 31.9 +/- 4.25 years] in the IUD group and 78 [mean age, 32.1 +/- 4.0 years] in the control group were studied. The parity score was 2 or more in 72% of the women in the IUD group and in 74% of the controls. The average intercourse frequency was twice per week in 82% of IUD users and 80% of controls. Fifty-seven percent of the women in the IUD group and 55% of the women in the control group had graduated secondary school [high school]. Asymptomatic bacteriuria was detected in 13 IUD users [9.9%] and in 1 woman [1.3%] in the control group [risk ratio=7.74, confidence interval: 1.03 to 58.03; P=.019]. The detected microorganism in the urine culture was Escherichia coli in 12 IUD users and in 1 patient in control group. Klebsiella was found in 1 IUD user. Use of an IUD is a risk factor for urinary tract infection and should be considered, especially in women with recurrent urinary tract infections

[External ear resonant amplitude and frequency of 3-7 year old children]

To measure external ear resonant amplitude and frequency in children [3-7 years old] and to compare with adult measures. The external car resonance peak amplitude and frequency of 63 children 3-7 years old were recorded. All of the children had normal tympanogram and there was no cerumen in external auditory canal. 20 adult of 21-24 years old [10 male , 10 female] were selected in order to compare with children that had normal tympanogram. The tests included : 1 -otoscopy 2- tympanometry 3-microphone probe tube test. The average of resonance peak frequency for children and adult is 4200 Hz and 3200 Hz , respectively. The resonance frequency of children had significantly diffrence with average of resonance frequency in adults. The average of resonance peak amplitude for children and adult is 17.70 dB and 17.17 dB , respectively. Resonant frequency and amplitude affect the hearing aid prescription and fitting process and calculating insertion gain; so, this measures seem should be considered in children hearing aid fitting