Comparing three data mining algorithms for Identifying the associated risk factors of type 2 diabetes

Background: Increasing the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has given rise to a global health burden and a concern among health service providers and health administrators. The current study aimed at developing and comparing some statistical models to identify the risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes. In this light, artificial neural network [ANN], support vector machines [SVMs], and multiple logistic regression [MLR] models were applied, using demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical characteristics, on a sample of 9528 individuals from Mashhad City in Iran

Methods: This study has randomly selected 6654 [70%] cases for training and reserved the remaining 2874 [30%] cases for testing. The three methods were compared with the help of ROC curve

Results: The prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes was 14% in our population. The ANN model had 78.7% accuracy, 63.1% sensitivity, and 81.2% specificity. Also, the values of these three parameters were 76.8%, 64.5%, and 78.9%, for SVM and 77.7%, 60.1%, and 80.5% for MLR. The area under the ROC curve was 0.71 for ANN, 0.73 for SVM, and 0.70 for MLR

Conclusion: Our findings showed that ANN performs better than the two models [SVM and MLR] and can be used effectively to identify the associated risk factors of type 2 diabetes

[Serum C-reactive protein level and its correlation with metabolic syndrome]

Introduction and Aims: A growing body of evidence indicates the role of inflammation and inflammatory indicators such as Cytokines and other inflammatory mediators as triggering factors in the development of metabolic syndrome [MetS] and other metabolic disorders. This study was designed to investigate the possible association between high sensitivity C reactive proteins [hs-CRP] with components of metabolic syndrome

Materials and Methods: In this case control study a total of 421 individuals including 215 patients with metabolic syndrome and 206 healthy controls were selected randomly from Mashhad as a second largest city in Iran. MetS was defined based on Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Anthropometric variables such as weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as biochemical profiles and inflammatory marker [hs-CRP] were measured by standard methods

Results: The mean values of anthropometric and clinical variables, including FBS, TG and total cholesterol, were significantly higher in MetS group compared with controls [P<0.05], while HDL was significantly higher in the control group [P<0.05]. There were no signi?cant differences in the distribution of gender and age between controls and patients with MetS. In subjects with the MetS, hs-CRP concentration was higher than those in controls [P<0.05]. There was also a significant correlation between the concentration of hs-CRP and serum triglyceride levels in men with MetS and serum HDL- cholesterol levels in women of the control group

Conclusion: hs-CRP concentration increased in patients with MetS and was positively associated with TG levels in men and HDLcholesterol in healthy women

Malondialdehyde-modified LDL IgG antibody levels and indices of cardiac function in valvular heart and coronary artery disease patients

To compare the changes in anti-malondialde-hyde-modified low-density lipoprotein [MDA-LDL] IgG levels among patients undergoing off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG] or valvuloplasty. A total of 38, 39 and 34 patients who underwent off-pump CABG, on-pump CABG and valvuloplasty, respectively, were enrolled in this study. Serum anti-MDA-LDL IgG values were measured 24 h before and after the operative procedures and at discharge. Echocardiogra-phy was also done before surgery and before discharge. The results were compared with values from 50 healthy controls. In all patients, a reduction in antibody titers was observed post-operatively. However, the decrease was significant only in the off-pump CABG - before surgery: 42.33 [25.83-58.51], after surgery: 30.86 [16.36-51.33] and at discharge: 10.96 [6.82-23.57; p = 0.027]. There was a significant positive association between anti-MDA-LDL IgG levels and ejection fraction [r = 0.248, p = 0.036] and a negative association with E/E', a marker of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, in the coronary patients [r = -0.345, p = 0.012], but no significant associations were found in patients with valvular heart disease. Serum anti-MDA-LDL IgG levels were associated with cardiac function indices in coronary patients undergoing CABG

An investigation of the effects of curcumin on anxiety and depression in obese individuals: A randomized controlled trial / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effectiveness of curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, on the frequency of symptoms of anxiety and depression in obese individuals.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this double blind, cross-over trial, 30 obese subjects were randomized to receive either curcumin (1 g/day) or placebo for a period of 30 days. Following a wash-out interval of 2 weeks, each subject was crossed over to the alternative regimen for a further 30 days. Severity of anxiety and depression was assessed at baseline and at weeks 4, 6 and 10 of the trial using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scales, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Mean BAI score was found to be significantly reduced following curcumin therapy (P=0.03). However, curcumin supplementation did not exert any significant impact on BDI scores (P=0.7).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Curcumin has a potential anti-anxiety effect in individuals with obesity.</p>

Comparison of Dietary Macro and Micro Nutrient Intake between Iranian Patients with Long-term Complications of Sulphur Mustard Poisoning and Healthy Subjects

Background: Patients with long-term complications of sulfur mustard (SM) poisoning are often less able to undertake optimum levels of physical activity and adequately control their dietary intake. The aim of present study was to investigate the dietary intake of patients with SM poisoning in comparison to a control group. Methods: The study was undertaken on 55 Iranian male veterans, who had > 25% disabilities due to long-term complications of SM poisoning and 55 men age-matched healthy subjects. A previously validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used for measuring dietary macro/micro nutrient intake for both groups; and the results were analysed using Dietplan6 software. Results: Analysis of macro/micro nutrients in dietary intakes of the patients versus the controls showed a significantly lower intake of several nutrients including selenium and carbohydrate. On the other hand, the dietary intake of trans-fatty acids and iodine were significantly higher in these patients. Conclusion: Long-term complications of SM poisoning in the Iranian veterans induce both chemical and physical disabilities. Macro/micro nutrient intake in these patients was significantly different in comparison with matched, healthy subjects. Dietary advice for these patients should be strongly recommended to these patients in order to prevent other chronic diseases.

Lipid profile status in mustard lung patients and its relation to severity of airflow obstruction

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] secondary to sulfur mustard gas poisoning, known as mustard lung, is a major late pulmonary complications in chemical warfare patients. Serious comorbidities like dyslipidemia are frequently encountered in COPD. The aim of this study was to measure the serum lipid profile and evaluate the relation of lipid parameters with the severity of airway obstruction in mustard lung patients

Materials and Methods: Thirty-six non-smoker mustard lung patients with no history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia were entered into this cross-sectional study. Control group consisted of 36 healthy non-smoker men were considered in this study. Serum lipid profile was performed in the patients and the controls. Spirometry was done in mustard lung patients

Results: The mean age of the patients was 47 +/- 6.80 SD years. The mean duration of COPD was 18.50 +/- 7.75 SD years. There were statistically significant differences in mean serum triglycerides and total cholesterol levels between patients and controls [P=0.04 and P=0.03, respectively].The mean levels of lipid parameters were not statistically significant different among the 4 stages of COPD severity [P>0.05]

Conclusion: The current study revealed that the serum levels of triglycerides and cholesterol are elevated in mustard lung patients compared with the healthy controls. Since lipid profile abnormalities are considered as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, especial attention to this matter is recommended in mustard lung patients

Metabolic syndrome in chemical warfare patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction: Sulfur mustard [SM], a toxic alkylating gas, can cause serious long-term pulmonary complications such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]. Metabolic syndrome [MetS] is one of the important comorbidities of COPD. This study was designed to evaluate the frequency of metabolic syndrome in Iranian chemical warfare patients [CWPs] with COPD

Materials and Methods: Thirty CWPs with a mean age of 46.93 +/- 6.8 were enrolled in this study. The following parameters were studied in: complete pulmonary function tests, health-related quality of life, serum triglycerides [TG], high density lipoprotein [HDL] and fasting blood sugar [FBS] levels. Additionally, 32 COPD patients and 56 healthy persons were considered as control groups who were matched to CWPs

Results: We found a statistically significant difference in the frequency of MetS between the COPD patients and the healthy control group [P=0.04]. Additionally, we observed a statistically significant difference in the mean HDL levels among these groups [P=<0.001]. In the CWPs, the frequency of MetS was significantly decreased in severe to very severe stages [P<0.001]

Conclusion: Our data indicate that metabolic syndrome is frequent in chemical warfare patients, and special attention to this condition in mild to moderate stages is recommended

Determinants of Nutritional Status in Children living in Mashhad, Iran

Children are one of the most vulnerable groups to sub-optimal nutritional intake in most societies. We have investigated some of the potential determinants of malnutrition in children of 2-5 years of age. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the relationship between nutritional status [weight for age, height for age and weight for height] and dietary and socioeconomic factors in 671 children [24-59 months of age] from selected health centers in Mashhad city, Iran. Children were assessed for weight and height and the care givers were interviewed and a questionnaire was completed by the interviewers. The data were analyzed using SPSS13 software and the Z-scores were calculated using the WHO anthropometric software package. The study showed that 24.4% of children were mildly underweight, 4.3% were underweight, 13% were mildly stunted, 23.6% of children were mildly wasted and 3.1% were stunted. Educational attainment, whether the children had been breast feed, average daily consumption of milk, feeding practices and type of first food were found to be the main factors determining nutritional status in our study. A higher daily consumption of milk, lower age at which first solid food was started; lower age for consumption of meat and good feeding practices may resolve malnutrition in this population. These findings support the need for a family-based prevention program that focus on guiding parents to foster appropriate feeding practices as well as to promote healthy food intake in the children. Future research should determine the cost-effectiveness of both short- and long-term interventions for child malnutrition

Effects of iron supplementation twice a week on attention score and haematologic measures in female high school students

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Iron deficiency, associated with a decline in cognitive function, is the most common nutritional deficiency globally. The present study aimed to identify the impact of weekly iron supplements on the attention function of female students from a high school in North Khorasan Province, Iran.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This was a blind, controlled, clinical trial study, involving 200 female students who were chosen using the stratified randomised sampling method. First, laboratory studies were performed to detect iron consumption limitations. Next, the 200 students were divided randomly and equally into case and control groups. The case group was treated with 50 mg of ferrous sulfate twice a week for 16 weeks. We compared both groups' data on attention, iron status and erythrocyte indices. Questionnaires were used to collect demographic data, while clinical data was collected using complete blood count and Toulouse-Piéron tests. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, as well as paired and independent t-tests.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mean attention scores of the case and control groups were 104.8 ± 7.0 and 52.7 ± 9.6, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean haemoglobin levels of the two groups were 12.5 ± 0.9 and 11.2 ± 1.0, respectively (p < 0.001). Compared to the control group, the attention scores and haemoglobin concentrations of the case group were found to be improved by approximately 90% and 10%, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Oral iron supplements (50 mg twice a week for 16 weeks) were able to improve the attention span and haematologic indices of female high school students.</p>

Concept of atherosclerosis velocity: Is it a better measure of cardiovascular risk?

In most cases atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of vascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke. It is believed that endothelial injury is the earliest change in the artery wall and that this precedes the formation of lesions of atherosclerosis. Recent developments in the field of atherosclerosis have led to a renewed interest in the recognition of the parameter of time in the atherosclerosis process. We believe that the factors determining the time-dependent rate of atherosclerosis progression are important, and it is in this context that we wish to propose for the first time the term "atherosclerosis velocity". In this review article, we summarize the existing evidence regarding atherosclerosis velocity and discuss the importance of this issue

effects of panax ginseng on lipid profile, pro-oxidant: antioxidant status and high-sensitivity C reactive protein levels in hyperlipidemic patients in Iran

Because of the conflicting results from previous studies regarding the efficacy of ginseng on lipid profile and anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative activities of its components, we aimed to evaluate the effects of Panax ginseng on lipid profile, pro-oxidant - anti-oxidant status and high-sensitivity C reactive protein [hs-CRP] levels. Forty Iranian hyperlipidemic patients were randomly assigned to placebo [n = 20] or control [n = 20] groups in this double-blind randomized controlled trial. The ginseng or placebo was taken two capsules twice a day for 8 weeks. Total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine and hs-CRP levels and pro-oxidant - anti-oxidant balance [PAB] were estimated before and after intervention. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to changes in serum TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C levels. Nor were there significant differences between the two groups with respect to changes in hs-CRP level and PAB from baseline to week 8. Our study demonstrates that ginseng does not have significant effects on lipid profile, Hs-CRP level and PAB. Further clinical studies, with a larger sample size, more prolonged period of therapy are needed to investigate the therapeutic effects of ginseng

High Levels of Anti-Heat Shock Protein 27 Antibody in Pemphigus Vulgaris

No abstract available.

Prevalence of portal vein thrombosis following umbilical catheterization in neonatal period

Portal venous thrombosis [PVT] is one of the most common causes of extrahepatic portal hypertension in children that may be occurring following umbilical venous cauterization or omphalities during neonatal period. We investigated the effects of umbilical cauterization during neonatal period on portal vein thrombosis. This study investigated the frequency of thrombosis of portal vein in term or preterm infants following umbilical catheterization by color doppler ultrasound. Fifty neonates who had age range [3.6+ 8days] and birth weights 1250- 4230 gram were recruited for this study and umbilical venous catheters were placed on neonates. All parents of these neonates signed a consent form. Color doppler ultrasound sonography of the portal vein was performed by two expert radiologists within 3 days following umbilical cauterization and serially for at least a period of 6 months intervals up to 3 years [6 times for each case]. Ten children were excluded from the study because of lack of follow up. Forty children completed the study. From total of 40 subjects, portal vein thromboses were detected in two children [1 girl, 1 boy] with age 2.5 and 1.5 years respectively. In these two children, other clinical signs of portal vein thrombosis manifested such as esophageal and stomach varices and splenomegaly confirmed by endoscopy. In all the other children, the physical examinations and ultrasounds were normal during 6 stages. It is recommended that care be exercised during cauterization placement in order to prevent thrombosis of the portal vein from occurring

Body fat distribution and its association with cardiovascular risk factors in adolescent Iranian girls

The relationships between body fat distribution, lipid profile and blood pressure, have not been studied extensively in young population. This study was designed to evaluate the association between measures of adiposity and established cardiovascular risk factors in adolescent girls. A total of 477 adolescent girls aged 15 to 18 years were recruited from Mashhad high schools. Socio-demographic characteristics were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric assessments, blood pressure measurement and biochemical assessment were performed. Total and regional fat mass were determined by bio-impedance analysis. Cardiovascular disease risk factors were assessed in relation to body fat measures with adjustment for confounder factors including age and family socioeconomic status. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 14.6% and 3.4% respectively; 16% of study population had greater fat mass compared to its ideal distribution. The majority of cardiovascular risk factors, especially systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride concentration, CRP and fasting blood sugar were significantly higher in group with a high body fat when compared to those with normal and low values. All anthropometric indices showed significant correlation with fat mass, fat free mass, total and regional body fat percent [P<0.001]. After adjustment for age and family socioeconomic status, a high fat mass especially, truncal fat, was positively associated with triglyceride and blood pressure. Adiposity, especially truncal adiposity, which can be assessed by simple measures such as Body Mass Index [BMI] and Waist Circumference [WC] may predispose adolescent girls for demonstration of metabolic abnormalities and consequently cardiovascular diseases

Effects of aqueous saffron extract on nitric oxide production by two human carcinoma cell lines: hepatocellular carcinoma [HepG2] and laryngeal carcinoma [Hep2]

A number of studies have demonstrated the potential antitumor effects of saffron and its constituents on different malignant cells in vitro. It has been reported that a novel glycoconjugate isolated from corms and callus of saffron possesses cytotoxic activity against different tumor cellswith nitric oxide [NO] production. These data suggest that the cytotoxic effect of saffron extract may be related to an effect on nitric oxide production. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of whole saffron extract on NO production by the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line [HepG-2] and laryngeal carcinoma cell line [Hep-2]. The cell lines were treated with a saffron extract. The morphologic changes were observed and recorded after 24, 48 and 72 of incubation. The MTT test was used to assess cell viability and the quantitative changes in NO production was evaluated using Griess test in the aforementioned time intervals. The morphologic images showed qualitative changes in both cell lines. The MTT assay results indicated that there was an increase in cytotoxic effect by adding the extract at concentrations of 0, 200, 400 and 800 micro g/ml. However, the NO concentration decreased significantly after 6, 12, 18, 24, 48 and 72 hours of incubation, respectively. IC[50] of 400 micro g/ml was obtained for HepG2 cells; however, Hep2 and L929 cells did not respond to any extract concentrations. This study suggested that the saffron extract had a cytotoxic effect on HepG-2 and Hep-2 cell lines. The cytotoxic effect was probably related to a decrease in the NO concentration

Newly detected hypertension in an Iranian population: an epidemiological study

Background: Early detection of undiagnosed hypertension may prevent or reduce the onset and progression of many diseases.Objective: To investigate the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension in an Iranian population and its relation with socio-demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical factors.Methods: Four thousand five hundred nineteen subjects, aged 15-65 years, were eligible for the study. They were entered into the study through the cluster sampling method.Results: The overall prevalence of previously unknown hypertension was 24.2%. It was higher among urban dwellers who were poorly educated, married, and were manual laborers by occupation compared to other groups.Conclusion: Poor literacy status as well socioeconomic conditions may be positively associated with hypertension. Undiagnosed hypertension can be lowered by increasing access to routine blood pressure measurement, pre-employment medical examination, and improvement of the health seeking behavior in these groups.

national experience on physical activity initiatives for adolescent girls and their mothers: CASPIAN study

To provide a low- cost and simple model of culturally-appropriate and low cost facilities for improvement of physical activity for girls and their mothers through an after-school program and to determine the changes in anthropometric indexes after this trial. This national study was conducted in 2006-2007 in 7 provinces with different socioeconomic situations in Iran. Female students who studied in the 7[th] through 10[th] grade and their mothers were selected by random cluster sampling. In each province, 24 sessions of after-school aerobic physical activity were held for 90 minutes, two days a week, and 3 months long at school sites in the afternoon. The study comprised 410 participants [204 mothers and 206 daughters], with a mean age of 15.86 +/- 1.01 and 40.71 +/- 6.3 years in girls and their mothers, respectively. The results of the focus group discussions showed that in general, both mothers and daughters of generalized and abdominal obesity improved significantly both in girls and in their mothers [P-value <0.0001 for weight, body mass index and waist circumference]. Our findings may provide a low-cost and simple effective model of motivation for physical activity with targeted interventions for girls and their mothers. We suggest that the success of this trial might be a result of bonding and accompaniment of mothers and daughters. Such model can be integrated in the existing health and education systems to increase the physical activity level

Prevalence of chest wall deformities in a large sample of Iranian children aged 7-14 years

Pectus excavatum [PE] and pectus carinatum [PC] are two common chest deformities. We investigated the prevalence of chest wall deformities including PE and PC in Iranian population. 25587 children and adolescents aged 7-14 years consisting of 13586 [53.1%] males and 12001 [46.9%] females were studied using cluster-stratified sampling method. Screening was clinical and based on descriptive findings. Suspected subjects with chest wall deformity were referred to the expert surgeon to confirm the diagnosis. The prevalence of chest deformities in our population was 204 [1.03%]. The mean age of subjects was 10.2 +/- 3.0 years. Of these subjects 124 [0.49%] [74 [54%] males and 50 [42%] females]] had PE and 80 [0.31%] [58 [72.5%] males and 22 [17.5%]females]] had PC. The prevalence of PE seems to be very high in Iran. Special attention must be paid to diagnose and treat this problem in our population

Serum interleukin 8 level as a diagnostic marker in late neonatal sepsis

Late-onset sepsis is responsible for high morbidity and mortality in newborn infants in the world and in particular in developing countries. In this study, we evaluated whether clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters and measurements of serum interleukin-8 [IL-8] are able to discriminate between late neonatal sepsis and normal baby. This was a prospective [case-control] study conducted between March 2007 and April 2008, at the neonatal intensive care unit, Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran. The study comprised 93 neonates >/= 72 hours of life. The infants were categorized in two groups based on the clinical presentation, and biochemical markers including complete blood count, C-reactive protein [CRP] and blood culture: 1] Control group including 42 infants with routine screening and 2] Case group consisting of 38 infants with definitive infection [positive blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid culture] or clinical sepsis [clinical and laboratory signs of infection without positive blood or CSF culture]. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used for the determination of thresholds for the infection group versus healthy neonate group. Eighty infants were enrolled in this study. IL-8 and CRP decreased in order of definitive infection, clinical sepsis and healthy subjects respectively [P<0.001]. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value for serum levels were 0.95, 0.1, 0.97, 0.1 for IL-8 and 0.83, 0.86, 0.83, 0.69 for CRP respectively [cut-off point for IL-8 >60pg/ml and for CRP>6mg/dl]. IL-8 may be a valid and early predictive marker of neonatal infection. Also, IL-8 is associated with seventy of infection

Effect of a high dairy diet on serum antibody titers to heat shock protein 27 in overweight and obese children

An immune response to heat shock proteins appears to be involved in atherogenesis. To date, there has been no report on the impact of dairy or calcium consumption on serum antibody titers to heat shock protein 27 [anti-HSP27]. We have investigated whether an increase in dairy food consumption is capable of affecting serum antibody titers to heat shock protein 27 [anti-HSP27] level in children. Overweight and obese children [n=99, age: 12-18 y, body mass index: 27-40 kg/m2] were randomized to receive a calorie restricted diet providing a 500 kcal/d deficit from total energy expenditure and two [n=38], three [n=26] or four [n=35] servings of dairy products/day. Serum anti-HSP27 level in addition to the serum hs-CRP and lipid profile were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. Serum anti-HSP27 concentrations did not change significantly in any of the mentioned groups. Serum hs-CRP and lipid profile did not change significantly either, apart from a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol in the low-dairy group. An increased intake of dairy products does not lead to a significant change in serum anti-HSP27 level in overweight and obese children