[ association of food security and dietary variety in subjects aged over 40 in district 13 of Tehran]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between food security and food variety in a population, aged over 40 years. From among the non-diabetic population, aged over 40 years of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, 200 subjects were selected randomly to complete the household food security questionnaire and were divided into four groups including high food security, food security border, low food security, and very low food security. Demographic, anthropometric and dietary intake data of each subject were collected and the dietary diversity score [DDS] was determined based on five food groups of the food guide pyramid. Mean +/- SD for DDS of subjects was 4.94 +/- 1.35, and in the high food security group was significantly higher than in the food insecurity group [the other 3 groups]. Mean +/- SD for food security in the first quartile of DDS [3.04 +/- 1.95] was higher than in the third [1.94 +/- 2.1, P=0.005] and fourth quartiles [2.22 +/- 2.2, P=0.043]. The lowest and highest percentages of subjects with high food security were in the first and third quartiles of DDS, respectively. After adjusting sex, age, body mass index, energy intake, job and marital status, the odds of being in the lowest quartile of fruits variety for high food security group was 73% lower than for the low food security group. An inverse correlation was observed between food security score with the DDS [r=-0.42, P=0.012], the fruits variety score [r=-0.45, P=0.004], and the vegetables variety score [r=-0.37, P=0.046]. Dietary diversity as an indicator of a healthy diet is associated with food security and increases food security results in dietary diversity, especially in fruit and vegetable varieties

[Dietary legumes intake and metabolic syndrome and its component in adults]

Epidemiologic data on the association between legume intakes and chronic disease are sparse. Our objective was to study the association between dietary legume intake and metabolic syndrome and its components. This case-control study was conducted on 80 subjects newly diagnosed with metabolic syndrome as cases and 160 controls without the metabolic syndrome. The metabolic syndrome in patients was defined based on Adult Treatment Panel III, and biochemical profiles, anthropometric and dietary intakes were documented. Intakes of legumes were determined in the two groups and subjects with metabolic syndrome were divided into four groups according to the cut-offs of legume intake among controls. Mean age of subjects in the two groups was 41.4 years [range 25-55 y]. Mean [ +/- SD] intake of energy-adjusted legume intake was 137.8 +/- 13.6 and 130.0 +/- 12.2 g/wk [P<0.005] in controls and cases, respectively. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was lower in the highest as compared with the lowest quartile of legume intake, 16.7% and 46.7 respectively [P<0.005]. After statistical control for confounders, decreases in triglyceride concentrations, fasting blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, and increase in HDL-C concentration were observed across increasing quartile categories of legume intake. After control for confounding factors, subjects in the highest quartile of legumes intake had a lower chance of having the metabolic syndrome than did those in the lowest quartile [OR 0.27; 95%CI 0.08-0.91]. Dietary legume intake is inversely associated with the risk of having metabolic syndrome and some of its components

Influence of premenstrual syndrome on energy and nutrient intake

Premenstrual syndrome is defined as repetition of physical, psychological and behavioral changes during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle which interfere with daily activities and interpersonal relations. In fact, This syndrome is one of the most common problems of females in their productive ages. Having this syndrome may changes energy and macronutrients Intake around the menstruation time. This study was conducted to evaluate the role of premenstrual syndrome [PMS] in energy and macronutrients intake of female students of nutrition and food industrial faculty in Tehran, Iran. A cross sectional design was used. The sample of the study consisted of 92 female students in nutrition major. Data were collected by using 5 questioners [Demographic status, primary diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome, menstrual calendar, Beck test and food recall] which were completed by self-report. The diet records were analyzed for total energy and macronutrients. Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 statistical software. We found that 58.7% of participants suffered from premenstrual syndrome. In affected group the average intake of energy and macronutrients was significantly greater in luteal phase compared to follicular phase [P<0/05]. Also there was a significant difference in the average of energy and carbohydrate intake between 2 groups in the follicular phase which was statistically significant for fat intake between 2 groups in the luteal phase [P<0/05]. There was no difference in the average intake of energy and macronutrients between 2 phases in non PMS group. Energy and macronutrients intake in cases suffering from PMS was higher in luteal phase compare to follicular phase

effect of oxcarbazepine on the concentration of fsh, lh and testosterone

Background and Purpose: Oxcarbazepine is a widely used novel antiepileptic drug. In vitro electrophysiologic studies indicate that oxcarbazepine can block voltage-sensitive sodium channels, enhance the functioning of the neural membranes, and inhibit the propagation of synaptic impulses. It is also necessary to investigate the effect of oxcarbazepine on sex hormones because of its effects on the nervous system and the close neuro-hormonal association of this system with reproduction. In this research, the effect of oxcarbazepine was studied on the amount LH, FSH, testosterone Hormones and male reproductive physiology

Methods and Materials: This quasi-experimental research involved 40 adult male volunteers aging from 25 to 45 years old. They suffered from epilepsy and were selected from those admitted to the neurological clinics of Shiraz, Iran, and were assigned into four groups of 10: Control group receiving no materials, and experimental groups receiving 150, 300, and 600 mg/day oxcarbazepine as oral tablets for 30 days. The study was conducted upon the permit of the ethics committee and after the informed consent was signed by the participants. After the termination of this period, the levels of LH, FSH, and testosterone Hormones in the blood were measured. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS 11.5 using Tukey, Duncan tests and ANOVA

Results: According to the findings, plasma concentration of LH showed a significant increase [p<0.05], whereas in plasma concentration of FSH, no significant change was observed. Also, it caused a reduction in the concentration of testosterone [p<0.05]

Conclusion: The use of oxcarbazepine can affect leydig cells in testis via hypophysis-Gonad axis and reduce the production of testosterone

[Knowledge, attitude and practice of children and young adults on road traffic injuries]

According to records, the rate of road traffic injuries among children and adolescents is high. The aim of this study was to determine knowledge, attitude and practice of children, adolescents and young adults between 9 and 30 regarding traffic accidents in 2008. In this descriptive study, 304 children and adolescents between 9 and 14 as well as 327 young adults between 15 and 30 were randomly selected according to their distribution in 19 educational districts and all universities of Tehran in 2008. Data were collected by a 3-part questionnaire validated and made reliable by content and test-retest methods respectively after taking the informed consent of the subjects. The scores were divided in 3 ranks: Good [above 75%], moderate [50%-75%], and poor [below 50%]. Means of age in the first and second groups were 11.7 +/- 1.6 and 20.7 +/- 4.3 respectively. Overall, 50.7% was male. The practice score of females in the first group [9-14 years old] was better than males [P<0.001] and, among males in the second group [15-30 years old], attitude as well as practice scores were higher than female [P<0.02]. Attitude scores in high school students were better than primary school students [P<0.043]. In university students, attitude and practice scores were higher than others [P<0.001]. Knowledge and practice scores were higher in police assistants at primary schools than high schools [P<0.003]. The findings revealed the need of both groups for more educational programs regarding traffic accidents and injuries

[Survey the knowledge, attitude and practice [KAP] and educational needs assessment of road traffic injuries among traffic police officers]

Road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Determining knowledge, attitude and practice among traffic police about road traffic injuries, can improve the desired outcomes. Determination of KAP and educational needs assessment regarding road traffic injuries among traffic police officers. A descriptive study was conducted among 185 traffic police who was randomly selected from all traffic police officers list in 2008. Data was collected by using structural questionnaire [questionnaire was validated by content validity and reliability was determined by test re test r=0.8], after a formal consent by trained experts. Educational need assessment was determined by one open question. Scores was categorized due to statistical quartiles of the subject. Mean +/- SD of age, was 33.4 +/- 6.8 years. There was a significant deference about good knowledge between bachelor officers and other levels of education [p<0.01]. There was lowest rate about knowledge [0.6%] attitude [0.6%] and Practice [0.7%] in Ms Level in comparison with other levels. The rate of good knowledge 63% and good practice 76% was significantly difference among middle level officers [p<0.001]. There was significantly difference about good attitude between operational occupations with other occupations [p<0.005]. High priority allocated to improvement of scientific information about educational need assessment at the level of world. The findings showed; the traffic polices need to planning for improvement traffic injuries education especially in senior officers, MS and upper degree of officers. Suitable educational planning and its continuity is a key issue to reduction of traffic injuries reduction

Effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on body composition and leptin concentration in post-menopausal women

Animal studies reveal that conjugated linoleic acid [CLA] alters body composition, but few studies have examined the effects of CLA supplementation on body composition and leptin concentration in post menopausal women. In the present study, A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed to examine the changes in body composition and leptin concentration following 12 week supplementation of either 4 capsules of CLAG80 containing 3.2g CLA [50: 50 ratios of cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 isomers] or 4 placebo capsules [high oleic sunflower] in post-menopausal women. Seventy-six healthy post-menopausal women were randomized to receive placebo or 3.2g CLA for 12 weeks. Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry was used to measure body composition at baseline and after 12 weeks. Blood samples were collected after 10-12 hours fasting before and after intervention in order to determine leptin levels. Subjects completed 3 day dietary records during the trial, at week 0 [baseline], and at weeks 6 and 12. These dietary records were coded by the same dietitian, and analyzed using Food Processor II. Anthropometric measurements were done according to standard methods. Baseline data for time since menopausal age, BMI, fat mass, lean mass, waist circumference, physical activity and systolic and diastolic pressure were similar in both groups. Dietary CLA in the CLA and placebo groups were 104.5 +/- 43.2 mg and 99.5 +/- 38.2 mg respectively. Although lean body mass increased by 0.87 kg in the CLA group [p<0.00] after 12 weeks of intervention, leptin concentration did not change in either group. Conjugated Linoleic Acid supplementation improves loss of skeletal muscle in postmenopausal women

Blood pressure lowering effects of micronutrients in type 2 diabetic patients

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of magnesium, zinc, vitamins C and E, and a combination of these micronutrients with vitamin B groups [B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid and biotin] on blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial, 67 type 2 diabetic patients, 36-69 years old, stratified for sex and were randomly divided into three groups. Each subject received two capsules per day for a period of 4 months, each capsule containing one of the following preparations: Group 1 received 250 mg magnesium and 20 mg zinc, 200 mg vitamin C and 100 mg vitamin E, 10 mg vitamin B1, 10 mg vitamin B2, 10 mg vitamin B6, 10 ug vitamin B12 and 1 mg folic acid [n=22]. Group 2: 250 mg magnesium and 20 mg zinc, 200 mg vitamin C and 100 mg vitamin E, [n=23], and group P: placebo [n=22]. Blood pressure and biochemical analysis were determined at the beginning and after 2 and 4 months. Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c were determined by glucose oxidase and chromatography methods, respectively. Plasma vitamin C and serum magnesium and zinc were determined by the colorimetric method and serum a-tocopherol using HPLC. Serum malondialdehyde [MDA] was determined by a colorimetric method. Treatment effects were analyzed by general linear modelling. Results indicate that after 2 and 4 months of supplementation levels of plasma vitamin C increased in group 1 [p<0.0001] and group 2 [p=0.029 and p<0.0001, respectively]. Serum vitamin E increased in group 1 and 2 [p<0.0001] and serum folic acid increased in group 1, after 2 and 4 months supplementation [p<0.0001]. Serum magnesium increased in group 1 after 2 months supplementation [p=0.001] but not after 4 months. After 2 or 4 months supplementation, there were no significant changes in fasting blood glucose or HbA1c in the 3 intervention groups. Levels of systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in group 2 after 4 months supplementation [p=0.012]. After 2 and 4 months supplementation, diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly in group 1 [p=0.003 and p=0.012, respectively] and in group 2 [p<0.0001 and p=0.002, respectively] and mean arterial blood pressure decreased in group 1 [p=0.018 and p=0.025, respectively] and in group 2 [p=0.002]. Also serum malondialdehyde decreased significantly in groups 1 and 2 [p=0.009 and p=0.041, respectively] after 4 months. The results of the present study indicate that in type 2 diabetic patients, combination of vitamins and minerals might decrease blood pressure

Comparison of lipid changes in chicken frankfurters made by soybean and canola oils during storage

Two batches of frankfurters containing about 55% chicken meat with two different oils [including canola and soybean] were manufactured. Batch 1 included canola oil and Batch 2 included soybean oil in the products. Various analyses were performed to detect the lipid changes of both batches during storage. Fatty acid composition analysis using gas chromatography showed little change in the fatty acids of either batch over time. From a nutritional viewpoint, Batch 1 was more acceptable over time than Batch 2. Chemical analysis included oxidation reactions, such as peroxide and TBA [Thiobarbituric acid] value and free fatty acid analysis. Each chemical experiment had different trends at each time, but both batches had values lower than the maximum levels at all times. With regard to microbial analysis, psychrotrophic bacteria in both batches showed a decreasing order until day 30, and then growth increased. In Batch 1, a significant difference was observed only on day 1, but the differences were more significant in Batch 2, and there were significant differences on days 15, 30 and 45. Also, Lactobacillus counts were not significant after the cooking process until the end of storage [growth was not detectable after the cooking process]. At the end of storage, we concluded that Batch 1 had a higher quality and storage stability than Batch 2 and canola oil could be a good substitution for soybean oil in meat products. The data were analyzed with GLM [repeated measures]. Differences were reported as significant at P<0.05. Also, the statistical software was SPSS ver. 11.5

[Reproductive hormonal changes following two types of hypocaloric diets in overweight and obese polycystic ovary syndrome women]

The appropriate combination and composition of hypocaloric diets for obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a high protein-low glycaemic load diet on reproductive hormones in obese women with PCOS. In this single blind clinical trial, sixty overweight and obese women with PCOS, not using metformin, were randomly assigned in one of two groups, the modified with a 30% protein-low glycaemic load diet, and the conventional with 15% protein. Reproductive hormones, glucose and insulin were measured for 49 subjects at baseline and after 12 weeks. Weight loss showed no significant difference in the two groups. Changes in means for testosterone in the modified and conventional groups [0 to 12 weeks], were 1.78 +/- 1.52 to 1.31 +/- 1.27 and 1.51 +/- 0.63 to 1.15 +/- 0.57 ng/ml, respectively [p<0.001]. FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone and prolactin did not change. Insulin and HOMA reduction was significant for modified diet [p<0.001]. Weight loss had a significant effect on reduction of androgens. The main effect of modified diet with high protein and low glycaemic load was observed on insulin and HOMA, a finding which should taken into consideration for women with PCOS

Correlation between myometrial thickness and the latency interval in preterm premature rupture of membranes

In order to predict the time of labor in patients with preterm premature rupture of membrane [PPROM], different factors have been studied resulting in different detection rates. Recently, sonographic measurement of myometrial thickness [MT] has been introduced and studied as an applicable and noninvasive method in predicting the length of latency interval [LI] of labor [the period from PPROM to start of labor]. The objective of our study was to determine the correlation between MT and LI in pregnant women with PPROM led to oligohydramnios. This was a cross-sectional study on 24 cases with PPROM. The sonographic measurement of myometrial thickness and the latency interval of patients with PPROM without labor pain were recorded. Gestational age was between 26-34 weeks and amniotic fluid index [AFI] was less than 5 percentile. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. The mean +/- SD maternal age was 29.2 +/- 1.2 years. The AFI in all women was less than 5% percentile of normal fluid for that gestational age. The mean +/- SD of gestational age was 29.1 +/- 2.2 weeks. The mean +/- SD of MT was 6.5 +/- 1.5 mm interiorly, 7.9 +/- 4.2 mm fundal, 6.6 +/- 1.7 mm in the lower segment and 7.8 +/- 2.2 mm laterally. The mean LT was 545 +/- 4.7 hours. Our study showed that there is no significant correlation between MT and LI in pregnant women with PPROM and reduced AFI

[Cigarette smoking among male high school students in Rasht]

Abstract Introduction: Numerous studies have indicated that more than 80% of adult current smokers started cigarette smoking before age 18 years. Early smoking initiation predicted longer duration of smoking, heavier daily consumption, and increase of chance of nicotine dependence

Objective: Determine the prevalence of cigarette smoking among male high school students in Rasht [2002]

Methods and Materials: This is a cross sectional study, self- completion anonymous questionnaires were administered by 1400 male high school students. Who were selected base on a clustered sampling. The questionnaire consist of two sections, section one dealt with sociodemographic data, including age, education, marital status, parent's education, cigarette use among parents and other family members and section two assessed details of use of cigarette at present time. Use or disuse of cigarette, rate of daily consumption, time of the first consumption, effective factors on consumption and tendency of leave of cigarette. Data were analyzed with SPSS 9 version and ?[²] test and multinomial logistic regression were used

Results: Among 1400 students 92% [1297 students] responded. The mean age of them was 16.2 +/- 0.9 years [range from 14 to 18 years]. 366 subjects [28.2%] were ever smokers and 195 subjects [15%] were current smokers. Among current smokers, 54.6% were irregular smokers, 45.5% were daily smokers that 24.8% were daily smokers with more than 1 cigarette per a day. Among smokers, the mean age for starting smoking was12.8 +/- 2 years. In logistic regression models, cigarette use by friends and family members, history of failing in high school were associated with smoking

Conclusion: This study showed that cigarette smoking is important health problem among high school students. Its control need appropriate preventive programs in high school

[Unit analysis of health care centers in urban and rural area of Guilan]

Introduction: Cost analysis of different programs of health care centers is a very important tool for future managing and determining the real cost of health facilities and budget which needed

Objective: Determine the expenses of health care centers of Guilan province in 2002

Materials and Methods: In a descriptive study, 20 urban and 19 rural health care centers were selected through random sampling. Costs were classified to capital costs [values of buildings, vehicles, unusable materials and equipments] and recurrent costs [costs of buildings' repairs, usable materials, drugs, vaccines, personnel's salaries]. A checklist was used for data collecting and analysis was done with SPSS version 11.5 software

Results: Mean total costs of urban health care centers, consisted of capital costs and recurrent costs were 514 million Rials with standard deviation of 242 million Rials. These costs were amount 262 +/- 79 million Rials in rural health care centers. The most common type of costs was personnel's salaries [60%] and then buildings' values [15%-20%]. Recurrent costs of urban and rural health care centers were 386 and 214 million Rials, respectively

Conclusion: Governmental budgets aren't enough for health care centers that might have a great impact on their qualities. Pay more attention to human resources managing and concession facilities to private sections could be helpful to control of these costs. Similar studies are recommended in other areas

[Late concurrent ophthalmic and respiratory complications of mustard gas exposure]

Purpose: to evaluate the late concurrent ophthalmic and respiratory complications of mustard gas exposure in warfare patients in the department of medical consultations of Bonyade Janbazan of Iran

Methods: in this descriptive study, we evaluated 500 males patients aged 30 to 50 whose mustard gas injury period was more than 10 years. The complications were classified as mild, moderate and severe

Results: out of 500 patients, 48% were aged 30-35, 27.2% lived in a humid climate. Mustard gas exposure occurred once in 82.2%, twice in 12.2%, three times in 1.8%, and more than 3 times in 3.8% of the cases. They used ophthalmic, respiratory, and dermal medications in 77.2% and 99.2% had dermal complications. The degree of ophthalmic complications was mild in 80%, moderate in 13.2%, and severe in 6.8% and the degree of respiratory complications was mild in 69.2%, moderate in 19.8%, and severe in 11.6%. Late respiratory complications were significantly more than ophthalmic ones

Conclusion: late moderate and severe respiratory complications were more than common ophthalmic lesions, but mild late ophthalmic complications were more common than respiratory ones