Milk protein concentrate supplementation improved appetite, metabolic parameters, adipocytokines, and body composition in dieting women with obesity: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Dairy consumption is associated with many health benefits. However, to our knowledge, no clinical trials examined the effects of milk protein concentrate (MPC) on metabolic health in overweight and obese adults. This study investigated the effect of supplementation with MPC on glycaemic status, lipid profile, biomarkers of inflammation, and anthropometric measurements in women with obesity under a weight loss diet. METHODS: This is a single-blind, open-labelled, parallel-group, randomized trial. Forty-four healthy women with obesity were randomized into a control (n = 22) or MPC (n = 22) group. Participants in the MPC group were supplemented with 30 g of MPC per day for 8 weeks. Both groups were on a calorie-restricted diet plan with 800 Kcal lower intakes than their needs. Blood samples, dietary intake, and body composition were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: MPC group had a significantly lower body mass index (P = 0.009), waist circumference (P = 0.013), fat mass (P = 0.021), appetite score (P = 0.002), fasting blood sugar (P < 0.001), insulin (P = 0.027), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.025), and leptin (P = 0.014) levels and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.001) and adiponectin (P = 0.032) compared to the control group after supplementation. Lean body mass, total cholesterol, and triglyceride did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Daily intake of 30 g of MPC for 8 weeks may improve several anthropometric and metabolic markers in women with obesity under a hypocaloric diet.

Assessing the predictive value of insulin resistance indices for metabolic syndrome risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Limited research has explored the effectiveness of insulin resistance (IR) in forecasting metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk, especially within the Iranian population afflicted with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The present investigation aimed to assess the efficacy of IR indices in predicting the risk of MetS among T2DM patients. Convenient sampling was utilized to select four hundred subjects with T2DM. Metabolic factors and IR indices, including the Waist Circumference-Triglyceride Index (WTI), Triglyceride and Glucose Index (TyG index), the product of TyG index and abdominal obesity indices, and the Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR), were evaluated. Logistic regression, coupled with modeling, was employed to explore the risk of MetS. The predictive performance of the indices for MetS stratified by sex was evaluated via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and estimation of the area under the curve (AUC) values. The TyG-Waist Circumference (TyG-WC) index exhibited the largest AUCs in both males (0.91) and females (0.93), while the TyG-Body Mass Index (TyG-BMI) demonstrated the smallest AUCs (0.77 in males and 0.74 in females). All indices significantly predicted the risk of MetS in all subjects before and after adjustment (p < 0.001 for all). The TyG-WC index demonstrated the highest odds ratios for MetS (8.06, 95% CI 5.41-12.00). In conclusion, all IR indices assessed in this study effectively predicted the risk of MetS among Iranian patients with T2DM, with the TyG-WC index emerging as the most robust predictor across both genders.

The effect of foot bath on sleep quality in the elderly: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Population aging is a problem that has affected most countries in the world. Poor-quality sleep is a common complaint among the elderly. Foot baths are a method of heat therapy and are performed as an independent nursing care in different departments. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effects of foot baths with spa on improving the sleep quality of the elderly. METHODS: This research is a systematic review. We systematically searched six databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and the World Health Organization databases, to retrieve the related articles based on the keywords used in our search strategy from 2010 to March 2023. RESULT: Finally, 10 articles were included in this study. All studies were randomized controlled trial (RCTs) and semi-experimental. In all 9 studies, the positive effects of the foot bath were reported. In 9 studies, the effect of foot baths with water above 40 degrees Celsius was reported. The PSQR questionnaire was used in most of the studies. CONCLUSION: The total findings of this study showed that due to the high prevalence of sleep problems in the elderly, foot baths with warm water can be used as an easy, simple, and safe nursing intervention to improve sleep quality. Therefore, it can be used in nursing homes and hospitals. It is also a non-pharmacological and inexpensive nursing intervention that can be implemented by the elderly themselves after training by community health nurses.

Design, development and evaluation of a mobile-based self-care application for patients with COVID-19 not requiring hospitalization; a study of Northwest of Iran.

BACKGROUND: Given the effective role of a mobile applications in disease management, disease monitoring, and self-care in patients with COVID-19 disease, we aimed to design, development and evaluation of a self-care Mobile app for COVID-19 patients not requiring hospitalization. METHODS: The design, development and evaluation the usability of the self-care and education mobile app for patients with COVID-19 disease were conducted in two main phases at 2021 in Northwest of IRAN; (1) Determine the features and capabilities and (2) Design, development and evaluation of self-care mobile App. JAVA programming languages and Android Operating System were used and selected to design and development of a mobile app. There were 25 participants who conducted evaluations of the mobile app's usability and impact using the mobile health app usability a Questionnaire of User Interface Satisfaction was administered to assess the usability of the developed application. The results were analyzed via Excel 2013. RESULTS: The model of developing a mobile app as an Information System was the Waterfall model. The smartphone application based on a set of capabilities and features was designed and consists of two main parts: the login screen for user registration, and the main home menu. The user interface includes three main pages or activities; (a) Main Menu for quick access to all of the pages, (b) Symptom management and monitoring to monitor the signs and symptoms during the illness, and (c) Set Reminders and Alarms to notify patients. The users' mean score of the application usability was calculated as 7.91 out of 9 indicating a good level of satisfaction. CONCLUSION: This app can be a guideline and a useful tools for managing and monitoring symptoms, reminding medications, and implementing self-care instructions in outpatients. The authors suggest evaluating the efficacy and functionality test of mobile-based applications for COVID-19 in clinical trial studies.

Andrographolide induced heme oxygenase-1 expression in MSC-like cells isolated from rat bone marrow exposed to environmental stress.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-like cells) are the most important stem cells that are used in transplantation clinically in various applications. The survival rate of MSC-like cells is strongly reduced due to adverse conditions in the microenvironment of transplantation, including environmental stress. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a member of the heat shock protein, as well as a stress-induced enzyme, present throughout the body. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of andrographolide, an active derivative from andrographolide paniculate, on HO-1 expression in mesenchymal stem cells derived from rat bone marrow. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC-like cells) were extracted and proliferated in several passages. The identity of MSC-like cells was confirmed by morphological observations and differential tests. The flow cytometry method was used to verify the MSC-specific markers. Isolated MSC-like cells were treated with different concentrations of andrographolide and then exposed to environmental stress. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT colorimetric assay. A real-time PCR technique was employed to evaluate the expression level of HO-1 in the treated MSC-like cells. RESULTS: Isolated MSC-like cells demonstrated fibroblast-like morphology. These cells in different culture mediums differentiated into osteocytes and adipocytes and were identified using alizarin red and oil red staining, respectively. As well, MSC-like cells were verified by the detection of CD105 surface antigen and the absence of CD14 and CD45 antigens. The results of the MTT assay showed that the pre-treatment of MSC-like cells with andrographolide concentration independently increased the viability and resistance of these cells to environmental stress caused by hydrogen peroxide and serum deprivation (SD). Real-time PCR findings indicated a significant increase in HO-1 gene expression in the andrographolide-receiving groups (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that andrographolide creates a promising strategy for enhancing the quality of cell therapy by increasing the resistance of MSC-like cells to environmental stress and inducing the expression of HO-1.

Combined dandelion extract and all-trans retinoic acid induces cytotoxicity in human breast cancer cells.

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers among women worldwide. Recently, natural compounds have been widely used for the treatment of breast cancer. Present study evaluated antiproliferative and anti-metastasis activities of two natural compounds of dandelion and all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) in human MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells. We also evaluated the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, IL-1ß, p53, NM23 and KAI1 genes. Data showed a clear additive cytotoxic effect in concentrations of 40 µM ATRA with 1.5 and 4 mg/ml of dandelion extract in MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells, respectively. In both cell lines, compared with the untreated cells, the expression levels of MMP-9 and IL-1ß were significantly decreased while p53 and KAI1 expression levels were increased. Besides, MMP-2 and NM23 had different expressions in the two studied cell lines. In conclusion, dandelion/ATRA co-treatment, in addition to having strong cytotoxic effects, has putative effects on the expression of anti-metastatic genes in both breast cancer cells.

The effects of rutin supplement on blood pressure markers, some serum antioxidant enzymes, and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with placebo.

Background: This trial aimed to investigate the effects of rutin supplement in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods: In this trial with a double-blind and controlled design, fifty patients were randomly divided into intervention (n = 25) and control groups (n = 25) and were treated with 1 g of rutin or placebo for three months, respectively. At the baseline and end of the intervention, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), pulse pressure (PP), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP), serum levels of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and quality of life (QOL) parameters, were evaluated. Results: Rutin consumption caused a significant reduction in SBP, DBP, PP, MAP, and HR, with a significant increase in SOD, CAT, and GPx and some QOL parameters (emotional limitations, energy and freshness, mental health, social performance, and general health) compared with baseline (p for all <0.05). Also, the mean changes of emotional limitations, energy and freshness, mental health, and general health (unadjusted p for all <0.05) and GPX and SOD (adjusted p for all <0.05) were significantly higher in the rutin group compared with the placebo group. Although, in the supplement group compared with the placebo group, the mean changes of SBP, DBP, MAP, PP, and HR were significantly lower (adjusted p for all <0.05). Conclusion: Rutin consumption improved blood pressure, the levels of antioxidant enzymes, and QOL in patients with T2DM.

Glycemic index, glycemic load, dietary insulin index, and dietary insulin load in relation to cardiometabolic risk factors among participants with atherosclerosis: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: We examined the cross-sectional associations of dietary Glycemic Index (GI), Glycemic Load (GL), Dietary Insulin Index (DII), and Dietary Insulin Load (DIL) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) factors in subjects with atherosclerosis. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on subjects with atherosclerosis. Regular dietary intake was assessed using a 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and GI, GL, DIL, and DII were also calculated. Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were estimated for general and central obesity according to the GI, GL, DII, and DIL. RESULTS: According to the continuous score of GL, there was a significant positive association between GL and central obesity for women in all models. Regarding the association between DIL score and biochemical variables, there was a significant positive association between Na and Aspartate transaminase (AST) with DII. Moreover, there was a significant positive association between LDL-c(p = 0.03) and AST (p = 0.04)with DIL score in all 3 models. CONCLUSION: In this study, GL was associated with greater odds of central obesity in women, but not in men. Neither dietary DII nor DIL was associated with BMI and central obesity. GI, GL, DII, and DIL were significantly associated with some CVD risk biomarkers in subjects with atherosclerosis.

Reasons for not getting COVID-19 vaccine in Ardabil, a Northwestern province in Iran: Based on an ecological approach.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the reasons for not getting the COVID-19 vaccine can help to increase acceptability and tackle vaccine hesitancy and consequently reach high coverage for this new vaccine. Using an ecological approach, the reasons for not getting the vaccine in the Iranian population was investigated. METHODS AND MATERIAL: This study was conducted from October to December 2021 on 426 participants who had not received the COVID-19 vaccine. The following subsets of questions were included in the questionnaire: intrapersonal level factors, interpersonal level factors, group and organization, and society and policy-making. Multivariable logistic regression was used, and the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for vaccine hesitancy (dependent variable) according to the reasons for not getting COVID vaccine scores (independent variable) using multivariable logistic regression in 3 different models, including Model 0: unadjusted, Model 1: adjusted for age, gender, and underlying disease, and Model 2: adjustment for age, gender, underlying disease, education, place of living, income, marital status, and employment. RESULTS: A significant difference was found regarding gender between likely and not likely groups (P = 0.016). A significant association was observed between the vaccine hesitancy and interpersonal (unadjusted model: OR = 0.833 (CI: 0.738-0.942), P for trend = 0.003; model 1: OR = 0.820 (CI: 0.724-0.930), P for trend = 0.002; model 2: OR = 0.799 (CI: 0.703-0.909), P for trend = 0.001) and group and organization (unadjusted model: OR = 0.861 (CI: 0.783-0.948), P for trend = 0.002; model 1: OR = 0.864 (CI: 0.784-0.952, P for trend = 0.003; model 2:OR = 0.862 (CI: 0.781-0.951, P for trend = 0.003). There was no significant association between vaccine hesitancy and intrapersonal and society and policy-making (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found that a high score of "interpersonal" and "group and organization" factors were associated with lower intention to COVID vaccine. Moreover, women had higher vaccination intentions than men.

Circulating endocannabinoid levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The role of the Endocannabinoids (ECs) in insulin resistance, and their association with visceral obesity and metabolic profile have been studied extensively. Since the association between ECs and metabolic factors in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) are not clear, we aimed to evaluate the levels of N-Arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and their association with C-reactive protein (CRP), glycemic indices, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices in pregnant women with GDM. METHODS: The present case-control study was conducted among 96 singleton pregnant women aged 18-40 years, including 48 healthy pregnant women (control group) and 48 women with a positive diagnosis of GDM (case group). Odds Ratios (ORs) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) for GDM were checked according to endocannabinoids and anthropometric indices using Multivariable Logistic Regression. RESULTS: AEA was significantly associated with increased risk of GDM in models 1, 2 and 3 (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.06-1.41; OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.19-1.97; OR = 1.46, 95% CI:1.11-1.91). A positive but no significant association was found for AEA in model 4 (OR = 1.38,95% CI: 0.99-1.92). Similar to AEA, 2-AG was also positively associated with the likelihood of GDM in Models 1, 2, and 3 but the association attenuated to null in model 4 (OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 0.94- 1.65). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that levels of ECs were significantly higher in pregnant women with GDM compared to healthy ones. Also, ECs levels were associated with the likelihood of GDM, independent of BMI and weight gain.

Effect of date palm pollen supplementation on female sexual function in non-menopausal women: A double blind randomized clinical trial.

Objective: Despite numerous experimental studies in the literature, there are few clinical trials regarding the effect of date palm pollen (DPP) supplementation on sexual function improvement. In the present study, we sought to evaluate the impact of DPP on female sexual function in Iranian non-menopausal women. Methods: Between October 2019 and December 2019, health centers in the city of Khalkhal, volunteers meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited in randomized clinical trials. Sixty-eight women were randomly stratified and assigned to one of the two study groups: placebo group (n = 35) and palm pollen group (n = 35), and received a starch or palm pollen capsule (300 mg per day), respectively, for 35 d. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) instrument was used to assess female sexual function. Results: After DPP supplementation, the increase in desire, lubrication, and the overall score, was statistically significant compared to the placebo group (P = 0.002, P = 0.000, and P = 0.042; respectively); Whilst there was no significant differences in the remaining domains (arousal: P = 0.763; orgasm: P = 0.370; satisfaction: P = 0.474; pain: P = 0.259). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the coitus and preintervention levels of desire (r = 0.298, P = 0.038), arousal (r = 0.328, P = 0.021), lubrication (r = 0.361, P = 0.011), orgasm (r = 0.320, P = 0.025), satisfaction (r = 0.327, P = 0.022), and overall scores (r = 0.338, P = 0.018). Conclusion: This study suggests that DPP (300 mg supplementation for 35 d), given to non-menopausal women, could improve the lubrication and desire domains of FSFI.

Effects of milk protein concentrate supplementation on metabolic parameters, adipocytokines and body composition in obese women under weight-loss diet: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity impairs metabolic function and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Evidence suggests that high-protein diets help to increase weight loss and protect against weight gain. Milk protein concentrate (MPC) is a dairy product with a high protein content with a ratio of casein and whey protein similar to skim milk. This trial aims to evaluate the effect of MPC supplementation in obese women under a weight-loss diet. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will conduct a 2-month open-label, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial to determine the effect of MPC supplementation on levels of glycaemic and lipid profile, leptin, adiponectin, appetite, waist circumference, body mass index and body composition in 44 premenopausal obese women on a weight-loss diet. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol, approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences, is in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (approval number: IR.AJUMS.REC.1399.795). The trial results will be published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20201223049804N1).

The Dietary Inflammatory Index is positively associated with cardiometabolic risk parameters in atherosclerosis patients.

Inflammation is implicated in the development and progression of a variety of cardiovascular diseases. We hypothesized that the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) is associated with anthropometric indices and metabolic parameters in Iranian atherosclerosis patients. The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 320 Iranian atherosclerosis patients. The DII was estimated using a valid and reliable 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were evaluated for anthropometric indices and metabolic parameters according to the DII score. Linear regression was used to estimate the relationship between DII scores with atherosclerosis-related dependent variables. According to the continuous score of DII, there was no significant association between DII and odds of obesity, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio in all 3 models (P ≥ .05). In linear regression analysis, we found a significant association between DII score and fasting blood sugar, lipid profile (except for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), liver enzymes (except for alkaline phosphatase), and serum sodium in adjusted models (P < .05). In this study, patients with atherosclerosis consuming a pro-inflammatory diet was positively associated with fasting blood sugar, lipid, and liver enzymes measures. Future studies with prospective and interventional designs are required to clarify the association between this dietary index and cardiovascular disease risk factors among patients with atherosclerosis.

Identifying data elements and key features of a mobile-based self-care application for patients with COVID-19 in Iran.

Mobile Health applications have shown different usages in the COVID-19 pandemic, which consisted of empowering patient's awareness, promoting patient's self-care, and self-monitor behaviors. The purpose of this study is to identify key features and capabilities of a mobile-based application for self-care and self-management of people with COVID-19 disease. This study was a descriptive-analytical study that was conducted in two main phases in 2020. In the first phase, a literature review study was performed. In the second phase, using the information obtained from the review of similar articles, a questionnaire was designed to validate identified requirements. Based on the results of the first phase, 53 data elements and technical key features for mobile-based self-care application for people with COVID-19 were identified. According to the statistical population, 11 data elements for demographic requirements, 11 data elements for clinical requirements, 15 data elements for self-care specifications, and 16 features for the technical capability of this app were determined. Most of the items were selected by infectious and internal medicine specialists (94%). This study supports that the use of mobile-based applications can play an important role in the management of this disease. Software design and development could help manage and improve patients' health status.

"Association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and risk of irritable bowel syndrome: a case-control study".

BACKGROUND: Pathophysiology of IBS is not well recognized; however, several studies have shown the possible relationship between diet and risk of IBS. We assessed the ability of the dietary inflammatory index (DII) to predict the risk of IBS. METHODS: The subjects were 155 IBS cases and 310 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (aged ≥18 years). The participants were recruited from June, 2019 to March, 2020. IBS was recognized using the Rome IV criteria. DII score was computed based on dietary intake using a 168-item FFQ. The DII score was calculated based on energy-adjusted amounts of nutrients using residual method. Logistic regression models were used to estimate multivariable odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS: The mean DII score was significantly higher among IBS patients in comparison to healthy controls (0.78 ± 2.22 vs. - 0.39 ± 2.27). In crude model, increase in DII as continuous variable was associated with a significant increase in the risk of IBS (OR (95% CI): 1.26 (1.1-15.38)). Furthermore, the association remained significant even after adjusting for age and sex (OR (95% CI): 1.28 (1.1-17.41)) and after multivariate adjustment (OR (95% CI): 1.38 (1.2-1.56)). In crude, age and sex adjusted and multivariate-adjusted models subjects in fourth quartile of DII had higher OR in comparison to subjects in first quartile. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a possible positive association between a pro-inflammatory diet and the risk of IBS. Thus, encouraging intake of more anti-inflammatory dietary factors and reducing intake of pro-inflammatory factors may be a strategy for reducing risk of IBS.

The association between dietary inflammatory index with sleep quality and obesity amongst iranian female students: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Overweight, obesity and lack of sleep quality as inflammatory states are the common problems amongst college students and the Association of Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) with these problems amongst this population is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the relationship of the DII with obesity and sleep quality amongst Iranian female students. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 249 female college students. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) was calculated using a valid and reliable 147-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). To assess sleep quality, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used. Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were estimated for anthropometric indices and sleep quality according to the DII score. Linear regression was used to estimate the relationship between DII score with sleep and anthropometric indices. RESULTS: There was a significant association evident between DII and sleep quality (>5 is considered as poor quality of sleep); ie, the odds ratios between DII quartile 2 vs 1 (unadjusted model: OR = 0.33 (CI: 0.14-0.74), P for trend = .002; model 1: the fully adjusted OR = 0.31(CI: 0.12-0.78), P for trend = .005; model 2:OR = 0.30 (CI: 0.12-0.78), P for trend = .005) to quartile 4(unadjusted model: OR = 1.13(CI: 0.45-2.80); model 1: OR = 1.11(CI: 0.44-2.79); model 2:OR = 1.13(CI: 0.44-2.87), P for trend = .005). Also, odds ratios increased significantly from quartile 2 to quartile 4 in all models for DII and sleep quality. According to the continuous score of DII, there was a significant positive association between DII and sleep quality in all three models: unadjusted, model 1, and model 2 (OR = 1.21 (CI: 1.05-1.40), OR = 1.21 (CI: 1.03-1.43), and OR = 1.22 (CI: 1.03-1.44), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, after removing the effect of confounding factors, participants in the highest quartile of DII score had significantly higher PSQI global score.

Identifying features of a mobile-based application for self-care of people living with T2DM.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes self-care requires support to empower patients to improve self-monitoring and maintain the necessary self-care behaviors. We aimed to identify features of a mobile-based application as a technology-based device for self-care of people living with T2DM. METHOD: This study was conducted in two main phases in 2020. In the first phase, a literature review study was performed to identify the data elements and technical features of the T2DM self-care application. In the second phase, using the information obtained from the review of similar articles, a questionnaire was designed to validate identified requirements. The statistical population of the present study consisted of 22 endocrinologists and metabolic specialists. RESULTS: Identification of 55 data elements and technical features for mobile-based self-care application for people with T2DM, and according to the statistical population, 15data elements for demographic requirements, 16 data elements for clinical requirements, and 17 features for the technical capability of this app were selected. CONCLUSION: Blood sugar monitoring, exercise, nutrition, weight monitoring, and educational capabilities were the most highlighted technical features of the T2DM self-care application. Software designers can use these requirements to design a self-care app for people with type-2 diabetes that can help manage and improve patients' health status.

Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity and Risk of Gall Stone: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Since the relation between dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) and the occurrence of gallstone disease (GSD) remains unclear, we conducted, for the first time, a case-control study to clarify this association in the Iranian population. Methods: In the present case-control study, convenience Sampling was performed. A total of 600 participants (300 case and 300 control) were included. Anthropometric, demographic, physical activity, and nutrient intakes data were obtained from each subject. DTAC was calculated using the US Department of Agriculture's database. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were assessed using unconditional logistic regression. Results: The participants in the highest quartile of DTAC had a significantly lower OR for gallstone than the lowest quartile, which remained significant after further adjustment for age, sex, and education (model 2: OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.16-0.71). In addition, after adjustment for age, sex, education, BMI, physical activity, and energy, the results revealed that participants with the highest quartile of DTAC had 71% lower odds of gallstone than those with the lowest quartile (model 3: OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.11-0.78). Conclusions: The results of the present study demonstrated that the DTAC had an inverse association with GSD incident. However, interventional approaches are needed to confirm the relation between DTAC and GSD prevention.

Effect of Green Tea on Anthropometric Indices and Body Composition in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

AIM: Previous studies that investigated the effect of green tea/green tea extract on anthropometric indices among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients found inconsistent results. Thus, in order to clarify the efficacy of green tea supplementation on anthropometric indices and body composition, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to sum up the evidence of randomized controlled trials. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in the Scopus, ISI Web of Science and PubMed to find the related articles, up to June 2019. Meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model, and the I2 index was used to evaluate the heterogeneity. RESULTS: Eleven articles were eligible. Our meta-analysis indicated that green tea consumption significantly decreased body weight, body mass index (BMI), and body fat (BF). The beneficial effect of green tea intake was observed in long-term intervention (>8 weeks), at lower doses of green tea (dosage ≤800 mg/day), and in overweight patients. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the beneficial effects of green tea consumption in reducing body weight, BMI, and BF in T2DM patients. It should be noted that green tea was effective in long-term intervention, at lower doses of green tea, and in overweight patients.