Modeling Survival in Patients With Brain Stroke in the Presence of Competing Risks / 예방의학회지

Objectives@#After heart disease, brain stroke (BS) is the second most common cause of death worldwide, underscoring the importance of understanding preventable and treatable risk factors for the outcomes of BS. This study aimed to model the survival of patients with BS in the presence of competing risks. @*Methods@#This longitudinal study was conducted on 332 patients with a definitive diagnosis of BS. Demographic characteristics and risk factors were collected by a validated checklist. Patients’ mortality status was investigated by telephone follow-up to identify deaths that may be have been caused by stroke or other factors (heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc.). Data were analyzed by the Lunn-McNeil approach at alpha=0.1. @*Results@#Older age at diagnosis (59-68 years: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.19; 90% confidence interval [CI], 1.38 to 3.48; 69-75 years: aHR, 5.04; 90% CI, 3.25 to 7.80; ≥76 years: aHR, 5.30; 90% CI, 3.40 to 8.44), having heart disease (aHR, 1.65; 90% CI, 1.23 to 2.23), oral contraceptive pill use (women only) (aHR, 0.44; 90% CI, 0.24 to 0.78) and ischemic stroke (aHR, 0.52; 90% CI, 0.36 to 0.74) were directly related to death from BS. Older age at diagnosis (59-68 years: aHR, 21.42; 90% CI, 3.52 to 130.39; 75-69 years: aHR, 16.48; 90% CI, 2.75 to 98.69; ≥76 years: aHR, 26.03; 90% CI, 4.06 to 166.93) and rural residence (aHR, 2.30; 90% CI, 1.15 to 4.60) were directly related to death from other causes. Significant risk factors were found for both causes of death. @*Conclusions@#BS-specific and non-BS-specific mortality had different risk factors. These findings could be utilized to prescribe optimal and specific treatment.

Erratum: Associations between Dietary Allium Vegetables and Risk of Breast Cancer: A Hospital-Based Matched Case-Control Study / 한국유방암학회지

This article was initially published on the Journal of Breast Cancer with a misspelled author name and affiliation of the seventh author.

Modelling the prevalence of diabetes mellitus risk factors based on artificial neural network and multiple regression

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM] is a metabolic disease with complex causes, manifestations, complications and management. Understanding the wide range of risk factors for T2DM can facilitate diagnosis, proper classification and cost-effective management of the disease.

Aims: To compare the power of an artificial neural network [ANN] and logistic regression in identifying T2DM risk factors.

Methods: This descriptive and analytical study was conducted in 2013. The study samples were all residents aged 15–64 years of rural and urban areas in East Azerbaijan, Islamic Republic of Iran, who consented to participate [n = 990]. The latest data available were collected from the Noncommunicable Disease Surveillance System of East Azerbaijan Province [2007]. Data were analysed using SPSS version 19.

Results: Based on multiple logistic regression, age, family history of T2DM and residence were the most important risk factors for T2DM. Based on ANN, age, body mass index and current smoking were most important. To test for generalization, ANN and logistic regression were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]. The AUC was 0.726 [SE = 0.025] and 0.717 [SE = 0.026] for logistic regression and ANN, respectively [P < 0.001].

Conclusions: The logistic regression model is better than ANN and it is clinically more comprehensible.

TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism modulates the effect of artichoke leaf extract supplementation on insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial / 中西医结合学报

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2)-rs7903146 polymorphism is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The response of insulin and insulin resistance to artichoke leaf extract (ALE) may be affected by TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism.</p><p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This study examined the effects of ALE supplementation on metabolic parameters of the TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS).</p><p><b>DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS</b>This double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 80 patients with MetS in Sina Clinic, Khoy, Iran. The patients were randomized into ALE or placebo groups to receive either ALE (1800 mg/d as four tablets) or matching placebo for 12 weeks.</p><p><b>MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES</b>Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, glucose and lipid profile levels were measured before and after the study. Moreover, patients were genotyped for TCF7L2 polymorphism.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>ALE supplementation decreased insulin level and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in patients with the TT genotype of TCF7L2-rs7903146 polymorphism (P < 0.05). There was no significant interaction between blood pressure, glucose and lipid profile response to ALE supplementation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The responses of insulin and HOMA-IR to ALE supplementation have shown an interaction with single-nucleotide polymorphism rs7903146 in TCF7L2.</p><p><b>TRIAL REGISTRATION</b>Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial IRCT201409033320N9.</p>

[Snack pattern in relation to body mass index and lipid profile in overweight and obese adults in Tabriz]

Background: Proper nutrition is one of the important contributing factors in health and preventing of obesity. This study was aimed to assess the consumption of snacks and their relationship with Obesity and lipid profile in overweight and obese adults in Tabriz

Methods: The present cross-sectional study was carried out on 422 men and women aged 20-60 years with body mass index [BMI] over than 24.99Kg/m2. Weight and height were measured and BMI were classified into four groups i.e."25-29.99Kg/m2" - "30-34.99Kg/m2" and "35-39.99Kg/m2" and "40Kg/m2". Fasting blood sampling was taken to assess serum lipid profile. After completing the 80-food item food frequency questionnaire, median of weekly frequency consumption of snacks in relation to BMI and serum lipid profiles were analyzed using correlation coefficient

Results: There was a significant positive correlation between BMI and serum total cholesterol [P=0.001] and triglyceride [P=0.009] levels. The most common snacks were fruits and tea while low-fat milk and fruit cans showed the lowest weekly frequency. BMI showed a negative and positive correlation respectively with weekly frequency consumption of low-fat milk and tea. There was also found a significant negative correlation between serum total cholesterol and weekly frequency consumption of natural juices [r=-0.100, P=0.041], industrial juices [r=-0.147, P=0.002], also between serum HDL-c levels with weekly frequency consumption of ice cream [r=-0.120, P=0.016] and LDL-c levels with weekly frequency consumption of industrial juice [r=-0.140, P=0.005]. Weekly frequency consumption of coffee and ice cream were negatively correlated with Serum triglyceride levels

Conclusion: Our findings support the beneficial effect of healthy snacks such as low-fat milk, juices on lipid profile as well as BMI

Evaluation of air pollution effects on cardiovascular hospital admissions in Tabriz: a case-crossover analysis

Background and Objectives: In recent years, associations between air pollution and cardiovascular diseases have been reported around the world. However, a few studies have been conducted in industrial megacities which face air pollution in Iran. This study aimed to determine the association between air pollution and hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases in Tabriz

Materials and Methods: We applied a case-crossover analysis to compute associations between daily concentrations of air pollutants including NO[2], SO[2], CO, PMi[0] and O[3] and hospital admissions for cardio-vascular diseases. Daily hospital admission data from 2009 to 2011 were collected from five hospitals in Tabriz. Air quality data for the study period were obtained from the six fixed online air quality monitoring stations operated by Tabriz Air Quality Control Center. The daily mean temperature and relative humidity data for the same period were obtained from East Azerbaijan Meteorological Bureau

Results: From the 1.512 cases, the data of 753 cases were used in our analysis. The results of ANNs with importance analysis showed that the most important causes of hospital admissions due to 120 were 03, SO[2], NO and PM[0], for 121 were SO[2], NO and NO[2] and for 120.9 were O[3], SO[2], NO and NO[2]. According to the results, die air pollutants had greater adverse effects on females and older cases

Conclusions: The results of this study showed that gaseous air pollutants including SO[2], NO and O[3] had the greatest effects on hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases and significant effects on females and older people

[ effects of probiotic yogurt on metabolic factors in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease]

Background and Aim: Probiotic products may have positive effects in the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of consumption of probiotic yogurt on some metabolic factors in the patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]

Material and Methods: This double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial included 72 patients between 23 to 63 years of age with NAFLD [33 males and 39 females]. The intervention group [n = 36] consumed 300 g/d of pro-biotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus La5 and Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 and the control group [n = 36] consumed 300 g/d of conventionalyogurt for 8 weeks. Using SPSS software version 16, data analysis was performed by chi-square test, independent sample t-test, analysis of covariance, and paired sample t-test

Results: Fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements, and dietary records [24 h/day for 3 days] were collected at baseline at the end of the trial. Probiotic yogurt consumption resulted in 4.67%, 5.42%, 4.1%, and 6.92% reductions of serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase [P<0.02], total cholesterol [P<0.001], and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [P<0.001], in the intervention group, compared to the control group. Both groups showed no significant changes in the levels of serum glucose, triglyceride, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [P>0.05]

Conclusion: Probiotic yogurt consumption improved hepatic enzymes, serum total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the subjects. Therefore, it might be useful in the management of NAFLD risk factors

[ assessment of vitamin D intake in multiple sclerosis patients: a case control trial]

Background and Objectives: Although the etiology of multiple sclerosis [MS] - a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system - has not been well understood, the role of environmental factors, particularly the lack of vitamin D has recently been considered. Therefore, this study was aimed to compare the intake of food containing vitamin D between the MS patients and healthy individuals

Materials and Methods: This case-control study was carried out on 168 MS patients randomly selected from MS Society of East Azerbaijan province in Tabriz and 168 age and sex - matched apparently healthy individuals from relatives of the MS subjects or healthy volunteers in December 2012 - March 2013. Data regarding the consumption of food containing vitamin D, were obtained through completing a semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire and face-to-face 3-day food records by a trained interviewer

Results: Although the weekly frequency consumption of fat group did not show any significant differences between the groups, weekly frequency consumption of meat group, daily products and miscellaneous foods such as hamburgers, bolognia, sausages, and fresh mushrooms in healthy volunteers were significantly higher than MS patients [P<0.05]. Inadequate dietary vitamin D among the MS patients was approximately three-fold more common than healthy subjects [P=0.041]

Conclusion: Our finding indicate the inadequacy of consumption of vitamin D containing foods among MS patients which probably reveal the necessity of nutrition education and vitamin D supplementation in MS

[Identification of major dietary patterns in Tabriz adults]

Background and Objectives: Dietary patterns reflect diet and nutritional habits of the individuals in a society. Moreover, dietary patterns help identify subjects who are at risk of chronic disease to propose proper dietary guidelines. The present study aimed to identify the prominent dietary patterns among apparently healthy adults in Tabriz, Iran

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 670 males and females, aged 25-50 years, selected with simple random sampling from 4 medical centers of Tabriz city including Sheykh-Al-raees clinic, specialist clinics of Imam Reza hospital, clinic of Alinasab hospital and Bu-Ali clinic [Valiasr area]. Food intake was evaluated using a 132-item semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire after collecting participants' demographic data. Finally, major dietary patterns were extracted through the method of factor analysis

Results: Four major identified dietary patterns were Western, healthy, mixed and Azerbaijan traditional dietary patterns among which healthy dietary pattern [28.8%] was the most prominent. The proportion of adherence to the Western, mixed and traditional dietary patterns was 25.7%, 24.8%, 20.6%, respectively. Moreover, it was observed that among males, Western dietary pattern [33.7%] and among women, healthy dietary pattern [32.4%] had the most followers

Conclusion: Despite dominance of the healthy dietary pattern, more than one-quarter of subjects follow the Western dietary pattern which plays an important role in the incidence of chronic diseases

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic indices and hs-CRP levels in gestational diabetes mellitus patients: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D plays an important role in the etiology of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study evaluated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic indices and hs-C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in GDM patients. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial. Seventy-six pregnant women with GDM and gestational age between 24-28 weeks were assigned to receive four oral treatments consisting of 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 (n = 38) or placebo (n = 38) once every 2 weeks for 2 months. Fasting blood glucose (FG), insulin, HbA1c, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, lipid profile, hs-CRP, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured before and after treatment. Independent and paired t-tests were used to determine intra- and intergroup differences, respectively. ANCOVA was used to assess the effects of vitamin D supplementation on biochemical parameters. RESULTS: Compared with the placebo group, in the vitamin D group, the serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D increased (19.15 vs. -0.40 ng/ml; P < 0.01) and that of FG (-4.72 vs. 5.27 mg/dl; P = 0.01) as well as HbA1c (-0.18% vs. 0.17%; P = 0.02) decreased. Improvements in the lipid profiles were observed in the vitamin D group, but without statistical significance. Significant increases in concentrations of hs-CRP, FG, HbA1c, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol were observed in the placebo group. No significant change in fasting insulin and HOMA-IR was observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS: In GDM patients, vitamin D supplementation improved FG and HbA1c but had no significant effects on lipid profile or hs-CRP.

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic indices and hs-CRP levels in gestational diabetes mellitus patients: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D plays an important role in the etiology of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study evaluated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic indices and hs-C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in GDM patients. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial. Seventy-six pregnant women with GDM and gestational age between 24-28 weeks were assigned to receive four oral treatments consisting of 50,000 IU of vitamin D3 (n = 38) or placebo (n = 38) once every 2 weeks for 2 months. Fasting blood glucose (FG), insulin, HbA1c, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, lipid profile, hs-CRP, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured before and after treatment. Independent and paired t-tests were used to determine intra- and intergroup differences, respectively. ANCOVA was used to assess the effects of vitamin D supplementation on biochemical parameters. RESULTS: Compared with the placebo group, in the vitamin D group, the serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D increased (19.15 vs. -0.40 ng/ml; P < 0.01) and that of FG (-4.72 vs. 5.27 mg/dl; P = 0.01) as well as HbA1c (-0.18% vs. 0.17%; P = 0.02) decreased. Improvements in the lipid profiles were observed in the vitamin D group, but without statistical significance. Significant increases in concentrations of hs-CRP, FG, HbA1c, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol were observed in the placebo group. No significant change in fasting insulin and HOMA-IR was observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS: In GDM patients, vitamin D supplementation improved FG and HbA1c but had no significant effects on lipid profile or hs-CRP.

Associations between Dietary Allium Vegetables and Risk of Breast Cancer: A Hospital-Based Matched Case-Control Study / 한국유방암학회지

PURPOSE: The protective effect of Allium vegetables against carcinogenesis has been reported in experimental studies particularly focusing on the gut. Therefore, we conducted a hospital-based matched case-control study to explore the association between dietary Allium consumption and risk of breast cancer among Iranian women in northwest Iran. METHODS: A validated, quantitative, food frequency questionnaire was completed in 285 women (aged 25–65 years old) newly diagnosed with histopathologically confirmed breast cancer (grade II, III or clinical stage II, III) in Tabriz, northwest Iran, and the completed questionnaires were included in an age- and regional-matched hospital based-control study. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using conditional logistic regression models. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed that there was a negative association between the consumption of raw onion and risk of breast cancer after adjustment for covariates (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.40–1.00); however, this association was insignificant. On the other hand, there was a positive association between consumption of cooked onion and risk of breast cancer, after adjustment for covariates (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.02–2.32). However, reduced risk of breast cancer was associated with higher consumption of garlic and leek with adjusted ORs of 0.41 (95% CI, 0.20–0.83) and 0.28 (95% CI, 0.15–0.51), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that high consumption of certain Allium vegetables, in particular garlic and leek, may reduce the risk of breast cancer, while high consumption of cooked onion may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

[ Association between anthropometric indices and disease severity in women with Rheumatoid Arthritis]

Background and Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis [RA] is an autoimmune disease that inflammatory mediators has an important role in its pathogenesis and leads to bone and joints destruction. This inflammatory status can be effected by different factors such as genetic, dietary intakes and hormonal factors. However, the influence of anthropometric on the severity of RA and inflammatory markers is still debatable

Material and Methods: The current study was done on a group of patients with documented RA who were under regular visit in our university hospital outpatients clinic from the start until the end of 2012. Based on DAS-28 criteria disease activity was assessed by a rheumatology specialist. Anthropometric measurements included body mass index [BMI], Waist to hip ratio [WHR],Waist to Height Ratio [WHtR] all were measured serum levels of highly sensetive cpp IL-6 and MMP-3, were measured in fasting serum samples

Results: There was a Positive correlation between obesity [body mass index and waist to height ratio] and disease activity score and serum levels of hsCRP [P <0.05]. There was no significant correlation between obesity with serum levels of MMP-3 and IL-6 [P > 0.05]

Conclusion: Present study indicates a significant direct correlation between obesity and disease activity and systemic inflammation marker [hscRP]. In RA thus, control of weight could be a very important strategy for maintenance remission in rheumatoid arthritis

Effects of phylloquinone supplementation on lipid profile in women with rheumatoid arthritis: a double blind placebo controlled study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an excess mortality from cardiovascular disease which is likely attributed to an atherogenic lipid profile. Among nutritional factors vitamin K has been recently focused as a pivotal nutrient in improvement of lipid related markers. Thus, this study was designed to determine the effects of vitamin K on lipid profile in this disease. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Fifty eight patients with definitive RA were participated in the present double blind placebo controlled study. They were randomly allocated into two groups to receive vitamin K1 as phylloquinone [10 mg/day] (n = 30) or placebo pills (n = 28), for eight weeks. In order to control the effects of probable confounders dietary intakes, anthropometric measurements including weight and height, clinical status using disease activity score-28 (DAS-28), physical activity and anxiety status were evaluated at baseline. Moreover, serum levels of lipid related markers including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) were measured at baseline and at the end of intervention. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding any of the baseline characteristics. After adjusting for some relevant confounders, in comparison between two groups, we observed no significant changes in lipid related markers at the end of intervention. Also, there was no significant difference between before and after intervention values within groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Function of vitamin K1 in lipid profile modification remains still controversial. This study showed that vitamin K1 has no effect on lipid profile in women with rheumatoid arthritis. Further studies with a longer follow-up are required to determine the effects of vitamin K on atherogenic lipid profile.

Effects of phylloquinone supplementation on lipid profile in women with rheumatoid arthritis: a double blind placebo controlled study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an excess mortality from cardiovascular disease which is likely attributed to an atherogenic lipid profile. Among nutritional factors vitamin K has been recently focused as a pivotal nutrient in improvement of lipid related markers. Thus, this study was designed to determine the effects of vitamin K on lipid profile in this disease. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Fifty eight patients with definitive RA were participated in the present double blind placebo controlled study. They were randomly allocated into two groups to receive vitamin K1 as phylloquinone [10 mg/day] (n = 30) or placebo pills (n = 28), for eight weeks. In order to control the effects of probable confounders dietary intakes, anthropometric measurements including weight and height, clinical status using disease activity score-28 (DAS-28), physical activity and anxiety status were evaluated at baseline. Moreover, serum levels of lipid related markers including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) were measured at baseline and at the end of intervention. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding any of the baseline characteristics. After adjusting for some relevant confounders, in comparison between two groups, we observed no significant changes in lipid related markers at the end of intervention. Also, there was no significant difference between before and after intervention values within groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Function of vitamin K1 in lipid profile modification remains still controversial. This study showed that vitamin K1 has no effect on lipid profile in women with rheumatoid arthritis. Further studies with a longer follow-up are required to determine the effects of vitamin K on atherogenic lipid profile.

Association between menstrual cycle regularity and obesity-related anthropometric indices in dormitory students of Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Iran

A significant proportion of the women in reproductive ages suffer from problems such as menstrual irregularities. The aim of this study was to determine the association between menstrual cycle regularity and obesity-related anthropometric indices in students of Kashan University of Medical Sciences in 2012. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a questionnaire through systematic random sampling at dormitory of Kashan University of Medical Sciences from September to October 2012. The questionnaire contained demographic questions, menstrual cycle characteristics, anthropometric measurements and Visual Analog Scale questionnaire for pain. A midwifery student measured obesity-related anthropometric measurements included waist, pelvis, thigh and mid-arm circumference, height and weight. A total of 250 students entered in the study. Mean +/- Standard deviation [SD] age of students was 21.295 +/- 1.585 years. Irregular menstruation was seen in 17 students [6.8%]. Results showed a significant statistical between menstrual cycles regularity with height [MD = -3.37, confidence interval [CI] = -6.039 to 0.703, P = 0.013], body mass index [BMI] [MD = 1.654, CI = 0.199–3.109, P = 0.026], and pelvic-to-height ratio [MD = 0.027, CI = 0.003–0.051, P = 0.023]. Mean +/- SD duration and interval of menstrual cycles were 6.564 +/- 1.3014 and 29.301 +/- 4.821 days, respectively. Based on the Pearson correlation index, menstrual intervals showed significant statistical between waist-to-thigh [P = 0.010] and arm-to-thigh [P = 0.019] ratio, but showed no correlation with other anthropometric indices. In the univariate analysis to assess the unadjusted relationships, there were significant statistical between waist-to-thigh and arm-to-thigh ratio with menstrual interval. Due to association between menstrual cycle regularity and obesity-related anthropometric indices, control of weight and BMI may lead to a reduction of menstrual irregularity

Effect of Alpha-lipoic Acid Supplementation on Serum Lipid Profile in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Alpha-lipoic acid [ALA] is considered as a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory functions. Moreover, a number of studies have revealed its lipid lowering properties. Therefore, we aimed to examine the effect of ALA on serum lipids in women with rheumatoid arthritis [RA], who have high mortality rate mainly due to accelerated atherosclerosis. In the present study a total of 70 RA patients were randomly assigned into two groups [1:1] to receive either ALA [1200 mg/day] or placebo for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were obtained before and after the intervention to analyze serum lipid profile including triglycerides [TG], total cholesterol [TC], high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], and low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]. International physical activity questionnaire [IPAQ] was assessed at baseline and final. Between-group comparisons were done using Student's t-test and ANCOVA at baseline and after 8 weeks, respectively. Paired t-test was used for within-group comparisons. Sign test and Mann-Whitney's test were used for intra- and inter-group comparisons of qualitative variables, respectively. P<0.05 was considered as significant. Finally, 65 RA patients completed the trial. No statistically significant differences were observed in serum lipid levels within and between the groups before and after the study. There were no significant intra- and inter-group differences in physical activity levels at the beginning and in the end of the study. In the present study, serum lipid profile was not significantly affected by ALA intervention. However, ALA supplementation aiming at prevention or treatment of dyslipidemia in RA patients should be further investigated

Urinary and milk iodine status in neonates and their mothers during congenital hypothyroidism screening program in eastern Azerbaijan: a pilot study

Iodine is essential element in thyroid hormones synthesis and normal growth and development of the brain. Milk and iodine concentrations can be appropriate indicator of body iodine status; in this study, we evaluated the concentrations of urine and milk iodine in newborns and their mothers. In a cross-sectional study conducted in 2013, urine and milk iodine in 106 neonates and their mothers referred to healthcare center in Shabestar, Eastern Azerbaijan for congenital hypothyroidism screening program were determined. Median urinary iodine < 100 micro g/L and milk iodine < 50 micro g/L was considered as iodine deficiency. The median urine iodine concentrations [UIC] in mothers and infants were 142.31 micro g/L [.0 - 1260] and 306.76 micro g/L [23.56-1020] respectively. Urine iodine concentrations were < 100 micro g/L in 33.9% of mothers and 14.2% of neonates. The median milk iodine concentration [MIC] was 58.23 micro g/L [20.31- 425] and in 41.9% of mothers was <50 micro g/L. A positive significant correlation was found between milk iodine and maternal urinary iodine concentration [r=0.533, P= 0.000]. There was significant correlation between neonatal UIC and maternal UIC [r=0.462, P= 0.000], neonatal UIC and MIC [r=0.414, P= 0.000]. Urinary and milk iodine concentrations in mothers and infants were within acceptable range, which indicates adequate iodine intake. However, there were moderate and marginal iodine deficiencies in about half percentage of participants. Insufficient amount of milk iodine in about half of the mothers can result in iodine deficiency in breast-fed infants

[Effect of open and closed endothracheal suctioning on physiologic parameters and stability in premature infants undergoing mechanical ventilation]

Premature infants are the most admitted group to NICUs. Stabilization of cardio pulmonary parameters is a main goal in NICUs. Mechanical ventilation and endothracheal suctioning are the most common and effective procedures to stabilize cardio pulmonary parameters. The aim of present study was to compare the effects of two endothracheal suctioning methods [open and closed] on physiological stability in premature infants under mechanical ventilation. In this clinical trial, 90 preterm infants [GA: 27-34 weeks] hospitalized in the NICUs of Alzahra and Taleghani hospitals were selected and randomly assigned to two groups. In one group, infants were suctioned using open suctioning method and in the other group, infants were suctioned using closed suctioning method. The physiologic parameters [O2 sat, HR, mean BP variation] and stability [recovery time of HR, BP] were compared between the groups. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods such as x[2], independent t-test and mixed model in the SPSS-21. There was significant statistical difference between the two groups on mean BP [P=0.016]. Recovery time of the BP and HR was shorter in the closed suctioning group. Physiologic stability was better in the closed suctioning group [P<0.05]. Variation of the mean BP and recovery time was more in the open suctioning group compared with the closed suctioning group. Considering better physiologic effects of closed suctioning, it is recommended to assess the combined effect of closed suctioning with weight on physiologic parameters of premature infants

Modeling the relationship between physical activity and quality of life in menopausal-aged women: a cross-sectional study

The purpose of the present study was [a] to assess the relationship between physical activity and the intensity and duration of menopausal symptoms, [b] to investigate the relationship between physical activity and the four domains of health-related quality of life [HRQOL] and [c] to assess the relationship between physical activity and chronic diseases. This descriptive-analytical study that was conducted in Tabriz City, Iran. Data were collected in 2012 by personal home-based interviews, using structured questionnaires. All participants [n= 273], who were middle-aged [age range of 40-60 yr] were recruited from two of the 25 urban health service centers' clients, by clustered random sampling allocation. There was a positive significant relationship between Psychological, Social, and Environmental domains of HRQOL with physical activity [P<0.001]. In addition, a negative significant relation was found between somatic complaints including sexual problems [P< 0.017] and vaginal dryness [P<0.030] as well as joint-muscular discomfort [P<0.018], and the level of physical activity. Diabetic [P<0.047] and women with history of heart disease [P<0.040] performed 2.670 and 3.548 hours more than who were not. Regular physical activity would be effective in decreasing menopausal symptoms as well as improving healthy aging and also physical activity promotion as a part of healthy life style promotion programs needs to be improved in communities where women are physically inactive. In addition, women need to be informed about importance of physical activity on their life which it leads to feel healthy aging and pre and post- menopausal stages