Zinc status in beta-thalassemic adolescents and its asssociation with low bone mass density

Trace elements have been considered to play critical roles in bone metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine serum zinc profile and its association with bone mineral density [BMD] abnormalities in thalassemic patients. Serum zinc levels of 131 transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemic patients, between 10-20 years of age, were measured by flame-atomic absorption spectrophotometry [F-AAS]. BMD values at lumbar [L1-L4] and femoral neck were determined by dual x-ray absorptiometry [DXA]. Daily dietary zinc and calcium intake were evaluated by food frequency questionnaires. Patients' history of treatment and demographic data were obtained. Low serum zinc was present in 84.8% of the patients and severely low levels detected in 44.7%. In 68.7% and 17.6% of the patients BMD z-scores less than [-2] were observed at lumbar and femoral regions. Female patients with severe zinc deficiency had lower lumbar BMD z-scores [-3.26] in comparison to other females [-2.54]. Serum zinc levels of female patients with femoral BMD z-scores less than [-2], were significantly lower than those of other females. Considering low serum zinc level and decreased daily zinc intake, proper nutrition of thalassemic patients should be regarded important

Study of relation between the risk of runaway girls and emotional intelligence in Mashhad

This study was conducted to discover the possible role of emotional intelligence in running away from home among female adolescents. 500 females from Mashhad high schools at local areas number 2, 5 and 7 were selected. At first the areas were chosen on cluster sampling and then 2 schools were selected randomly from each cluster. In the next stage the subjects were selected randomly based on their high school speciality and grade being obtained. All subjects completed 3 questionnaires: demographic characteristics, risk of running away from home, and emotional intelligence. Data were analysed by using Pearsonian correlation and stepwise multiple regression with risk of running away among females as dependent variable. Data indicated that negative significant correlation was found between risk of females running away and the respective variables of emotional intelligence, self regard, happiness, reality testing, emotional self-awareness, stress tolerance, flexibility, impulse control, social responsibility and problem solving. The results of regression analysis revealed reality testing, impulse control and happiness as the best predictors. This study shows that emotional intelligence components have meaningful effect on the risk of females' running away from home. Reality testing is the most salient predictor