Isfahan Thyroid Cohort Study (ITCS).

BACKGROUND: The Isfahan Thyroid Cohort Study (ITCS) is one of the few population-based epidemiological studies in Iran that investigates the prevalence and incidence of thyroid disorders including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter, nodule, and iodine status. METHODS: This cohort is located in Isfahan, Iran. The first phase was initiated in 2006 with 2523 participants (1275 males, 1248 females). The participants were selected using multi-stage cluster sampling from the general residents of Isfahan, Iran. The study had two phases (2006 and 2011) and its third stage is planned for 2020-2021. RESULTS: The prevalence of thyroid function states was euthyroid (89.3%, 95% CI: 88%-90%), overt hypothyroidism (2.8%, 95% CI: 2%‒3%), subclinical hypothyroidism (5.8%, 95% CI: 4%-6%), overt hyperthyroidism (0.8%, 95% CI: 0.4%‒1%), and subclinical hyperthyroidism (0.99%, 95% CI: 0.6%-1%). Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were significantly associated with goiter. The incidence of thyroid dysfunction was reported as follows: overt hypothyroidism (2.7, 95% CI: 1.6-3.7), subclinical hypothyroidism (20.6, 95% CI: 18-23), overt hyperthyroidism (1.9, 95% CI: 1-2.7) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (2.7, 95% CI: 1.6-3.7) per 1000 (person-year). CONCLUSION: We assessed the prevalence and incidence of thyroid disorders in Isfahan in the first and second phase, respectively. We are conducting the third phase of the ITCS in order to study the associations between thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) level and environmental factors such as infection.

Reference Intervals for Thyroid Hormones During the First Trimester of Gestation: A Report from an Area with a Sufficient Iodine Level.

A concern was raised 1 regarding the number of pregnant women in the analysis of reference range for the thyroid hormones in pregnancy 2, where we reported 185 cases and it was believed to be 145 cases.

Chest Computed Tomography Severity Score to Predict Adverse Outcomes of Patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to wreak havoc worldwide. This study assessed the ability of chest computed tomography (CT) severity score (CSS) to predict intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 192 consecutive patients with COVID-19 pneumonia aged more than 20 years and typical CT findings and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction positive admitted in a tertiary hospital were included. Clinical symptoms at admission and short-term outcome were obtained. A semi-quantitative scoring system was used to evaluate the parenchymal involvement. The association between CSS, disease severity, and outcomes were evaluated. Prediction of CSS was assessed with the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: The incidence of admission to ICU was 22.8% in men and 14.1% in women. CSS was related to ICU admission and mortality. Areas under the ROC curves were 0.764 for total CSS. Using a stepwise binary logistic regression model, gender, age, oxygen saturation, and CSS had a significant independent relationship with ICU admission and death. Patients with CSS ≥12.5 had about four-time risk of ICU admission and death (odds ratio 1.66, 95% confidence interval 1.66 - 9.25). The multivariate regression analysis showed the superiority of CSS over other clinical information and co-morbidities. CONCLUSION: CSS was a strong predictor of progression to ICU admission and death and there was a substantial role of non-contrast chest CT imaging in the presence of typical features for COVID-19 pneumonia as a reliable predictor of clinical severity and patient's outcome.

Association of serum and follicular fluid leptin and in vitro Fertilization/ ICSI outcome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

There are conflicting reports regarding circulating leptin and its relationship between pregnancy outcomes in infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association between serum or follicular fluid (FF) leptin concentrations reported for infertile women and their IVF outcome. A systematic search was undertaken in available databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library and Embase) to find studies published up to Aug 2020 and the standardized mean difference with 95 % confidence interval was taken from 14 eligible studies. Both graphical (funnel plots) and test methods (Egger's regression test and the Begg) assessed the presence of publication bias. Subgroup analysis was used to investigate the source of heterogeneity. Pooled effect sizes based on the eligible papers indicated that of there is no statistically significant correlation between leptin levels in follicular fluid and serum on the day of ovum pick-up (OPU) and day of HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) administration in pregnant and non-pregnant women who underwent IVF/ICSI cycles. However, combination of leptin in serum and/or FF with other parameters may be a useful marker to predict IVF outcome.

Overweight, underweight, and obesity among male long-distance professional drivers in Iran.

OBJECTIVE: Long-distance professional drivers, as an occupational group, are hypothesized to have a higher risk of overweight and obesity. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of overweight, underweight, and obesity in long-distance professional drivers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 36 625 male long-distance professional drivers age ≥20 years, from April 2013 to Sept. 2016. Drivers were interviewed and underwent clinical and laboratory examinations including measures of blood pressure (BP), blood tests, anthropometric data, and visual and hearing acuity. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of participants was 41.9 (10.2) years with a mean (SD) duration of a professional driving of 15.3 (9.6) years and mean (SD) body mass index (BMI) was 25.7 (4.0) kg/m2 . RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 39.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 38.6, 39.6) and 10.8% (95% CI 10.5, 11.1), respectively. A total percentage of 2.7 (95% CI 2.5, 2.9) were underweight. A total percentage of 10.6 had BMI 30-40 kg/m2 and 0.2% had BMI ≥40 kg/m2 . Using a stepwise binary logistic regression model for overweight, underweight, and obesity, age had a significant independent relationship with underweight, overweight, and obesity. Duration of work, BP, fasting plasma glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol had significant independent positive association and smoking had a negative association with overweight/obesity when other covariates were considered. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that overweight and obesity are prevalent among long-distance professional drivers in Iran and appears to be similar to the general population.

Is Individualism Suicidogenic? Findings From a Multinational Study of Young Adults From 12 Countries.

The associations of individualistic versus collectivistic value orientations with suicidal ideation and attempts, attitudes towards suicide and towards suicidal individuals, and psychological distress were investigated across 12 nations (N = 5572 university students). We expected differential associations of value orientations with suicidal behavior and moderating effects of the prevailing value orientations in the various countries. Findings showed that intermediate levels of individualism appeared protective against suicide attempts across all investigated nations, but that, otherwise, there seemingly are no universal associations of individualism and collectivism with suicidal behaviors. High collectivism was associated with less suicidal ideation only in individualistic countries. Low individualism appeared to be a risk factor for suicidal ideation specifically in Muslim collectivistic cultures, whereas high individualism in Asian collectivistic cultures. Collectivistic values are uniformly associated with less permissive attitudes to suicide, whereas individualistic values with a more stigmatized view of suicidal behavior. Both individualistic and collectivistic values were associated with socially accepting attitudes to a suicidal peer, helping a suicidal friend, and emotional involvement. The associations of individualistic and collectivistic values with disapproving attitudes to suicidal disclosure were complex. Beliefs in punishment after death for suicide, seeing suicide as mental illness, and emotional involvement with a suicidal friend were lower in high-suicide-rate countries. These evidence patterns are discussed in the light of related research evidence, along with directions for future research in this area.

Prevalence, Incidence and Ecological Determinants of Diabetic Retinopathy in Iran: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To estimate the pooled prevalence and incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in Iran and to investigate their correlations with the Human Development Index (HDI), healthcare access (i.e., density of specialists and sub-specialists), and methodological issues. METHODS: Electronic databases such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and local databases were searched for cohort and cross-sectional studies published prior to January 2018. Prevalence and incidence rates of DR were extracted from January 2000 to December 2017 and random effects models were used to estimate pooled effect sizes. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool was applied for quality assessment of eligible studies. RESULTS: A total of 55,445 participants across 33 studies were included. The pooled prevalence (95% CI) of DR in diabetic clinics (22 studies), eye clinics (4 studies), and general population (7 studies) was 31.8% (24.5 to 39.2), 57.8% (50.2 to 65.3), and 29.6% (22.6 to 36.5), respectively. It was 7.4% (3.9 to 10.8) for proliferative DR and 7.1% (4.9 to 9.4) for clinically significant macular edema. The heterogeneity of individual estimates of prevalence was highly significant. HDI ( P < 0.001), density of specialists ( P = 0.004), subspecialists ( P < 0.001), and sampling site ( P = 0.041) were associated with heterogeneity after the adjustment for type of DR, duration of diabetes, study year, and proportion of diabetics with controlled HbA1C. CONCLUSION: Human development and healthcare access were correlated with the prevalence of DR. Data were scarce on the prevalence of DR in less developed provinces. Participant recruitment in eye clinics might overestimate the prevalence of DR.

Cross-sectional and longitudinal assessments of risk factors associated with hypertension and moderately increased albuminuria comorbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes: a 9-year open cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Moderately increased albuminuria (MIA) is strongly associated with hypertension (HTN) in patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM). However, the association between risk factors and coexisting HTN and MIA remains unassessed. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine both cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of risk factors with HTN and MIA comorbidity in patients with T2DM. METHODS: A total of 1,600 patients with T2DM were examined at baseline and longitudinal data were obtained from 1,337 T2DM patients with at least 2 follow-up visits to assess the presence of HTN alone (yes/no), MIA alone (yes/no) and the coexistence of both (yes/no) in a 9-year open cohort study between 2004 and 2013. Bivariate mixed-effects logistic regression with a Bayesian approach was employed to evaluate associations of risk factors with HTN and MIA comorbidity in the longitudinal assessment. RESULTS: After adjustment for age and BMI, patients with uncontrolled plasma glucose, as a combined index of the glucose profile, were more likely to have HTN [odds ratio (OR): 1.73 with 95% Bayesian credible intervals (BCI) 1.29-2.20] and MIA [OR: 1.34 ( 95% BCI 1.13-1.62)]. The risks of having HTN and MIA were increased by a one-year raise in diabetes duration [with 0.89 (95% BCI 0.84-0.96) and 0.81 (95% BCI 0.73-0.92) ORs, respectively] and a one-unit increase in non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (Non-HDL-C) [with 1.30 (95% BCI 1.23-1.34) and 1.24 (95% BCI 1.14-1.33) ORs, respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: T2DM patients with HTN, MIA, and the coexistence of both had uncontrolled plasma glucose, significantly higher Non-HDL-C, and shorter diabetes duration than the other T2DM patients. Duration of diabetes and uncontrolled plasma glucose index showed the stronger effects on HTN and MIA comorbidity than on each condition separately.

Reference Intervals for Thyroid Hormones During the First Trimester of Gestation: A Report from an Area with a Sufficient Iodine Level.

The physiological changes during pregnancy modulate the endocrine system. Therefore, both the American and the European thyroid associations recommend the use of local trimester-specific reference intervals. The purpose of this study was to establish the first trimester reference intervals for thyroid function tests in the central area of Iran. We examined 436 pregnant women in their first trimester of pregnancy, and 444 non-pregnant women in a cross sectional study. Serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxin (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid peroxidase antibody, urinary iodine concentration (UIC), and thyroid volume were measured for all subjects. The first trimester-specific reference intervals (2.5th-97.5th percentile) were determined for 185 pregnant women and 256 non-pregnant women with negative TPOAb, adequate iodine level (UIC≥150 µg/l in pregnant and UIC≥100 µg/l in non-pregnant women), and normal thyroid examination. We calculated multiples of the median (MoM) for TFTs to normalize the obtained data. The first trimester-specific reference intervals of serum TSH, FT4, and FT3 for pregnant women were 0.20-4.60 mIU/l, 9.0-18.02 pmol/l, and 3.40-5.64 pmol/l, respectively, while the corresponding figures for non-pregnant women were 0.59-5.60 mIU/l, 9.52-19.30 pmol/l, and 3.70-5.55 pmol/l, respectively. The first and 99th percentile MoM of TSH in pregnant women in their first-trimester was 0.06-4.62. The local normal reference ranges for the first trimester of pregnancy in central region of Iran were different from the ranges suggested by the ATA.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) serum levels and risk of spontaneous abortion: A prospective population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Thyroid dysfunction, a common complication of pregnancy, is associated with adverse obstetric and neonatal consequences. This study aimed to determine the effect of TSH levels on early pregnancy outcome in a prospective population-based cohort study. DESIGN AND METHODS: The serum TSH, free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine, thyroid peroxidase antibody levels and urinary iodine concentration of 418 pregnant women in their first trimester of pregnancy were measured. According to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and the local reference ranges for TSH, women were divided into two groups of 0.1-2.5, >2.5 mIU/L and 0.2-4.6, >4.6 mIU/L. The risk of spontaneous abortion (SA) was calculated for each group. RESULTS: Spontaneous abortion was detected in 7.2% (n = 30) of total 418 pregnancies. Women with TSH levels > 2.5 mIU/L had an increased risk of SA, compared to women with TSH levels of 0.1-2.5 mIU/L (relative risk [RR] 3.719, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.713-8.074). The risk of SA was increased in women with TSH levels > 4.6 mIU/L (RR 5.939, 95% CI: 1.711-20.620). The rate of SA was increased by 78% for every unit increase in standard deviation of TSH concentration (RR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.09-1.70). The rate of miscarriages in the treated group by levothyroxine was 9.8% (n = 6) compared to 28.6% (n = 8) in the untreated group (P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Our finding suggests that the upper limit for the TSH normal range should be redefined to <2.5 mIU/L during the first trimester of gestation. The local upper limit was 4.6 mIU/L, consistent with 4.0 mIU/L cut-off value recommended by the ATA.

The Role of Religion in Suicidal Behavior, Attitudes and Psychological Distress Among University Students: A Multinational Study.

The purpose of this study was to determine the associations between religion, suicidal behavior, attitudes and psychological distress in 5572 students from 12 countries by means of a self-report questionnaire. Our results showed that an affiliation with Islam was associated with reduced risk for suicide ideation, however affiliating with Orthodox Christianity and no religion was related to increased risk for suicide ideation. While affiliating with Buddhism, Catholic religion and no religion was associated with lowered risk for attempting suicide, affiliation with Islam was related to heightened risk for attempting suicide. Affiliation with Hinduism, Orthodox Christianity, Catholicism, other religions and with no religion was associated with decreased risk for psychological distress but those reported affiliating with Islam evinced greater risk for psychological distress. The associations of the strength of religious belief to suicidal ideation and attempts were in the expected direction for most but had a positive relation in respondents affiliating with Catholicism and other religions. Students reporting affiliation with Islam, the Christian Orthodox religion and Buddhism were the least accepting of suicide but they displayed a more confronting interpersonal style to an imagined peer with a suicidal decision. It was concluded that the protective function of religion in educated segments of populations (university students) and in university students residing in Muslim countries where freedom from religion is restricted or religion is normative and/or compulsory is likely to be limited. Our findings suggest that public policies supporting religious freedom may augment the protective function of religion against suicide and psychological distress.

Effect of flaxseed or psyllium vs. placebo on management of constipation, weight, glycemia, and lipids: A randomized trial in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Both flaxseed and psyllium have previously been shown to reduce constipation symptoms, weight, glycemic and lipid levels, and we postulate that treatment with flaxseed and psyllium may have similar benefits. OBJECTIVE: To compare constipation symptoms, weight, glycemia, and lipids in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who received baked flaxseed or psyllium versus those who received a placebo. METHODS: In a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial, 77 constipated patients with T2D were randomized into three groups. Patients received either 10 g flaxseed or psyllium pre-mixed in cookies or placebo cookies twice per day for a total of 12 weeks. The constipation symptoms, body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and lipid profile were determined at the beginning and end of 4, 8, and 12-week period. Constipation was assessed with the ROME III criteria score. RESULTS: The flaxseed appear to be superior to psyllium for improving constipation symptoms, weight, glycemic, and lipid control. The change from baseline of constipation symptoms (P = 0.002), stool consistency (P < 0.001), weight (P < 0.001), BMI (P < 0.001), FPG (P = 0.004), cholesterol (P = 0.010), LDLC (P = 0.031), and cholesterol/HDLC ratio (P = 0.019), was significantly improved in both flaxseed and psyllium groups than in the placebo group. The compliance was good and no adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: Although both flaxseed and psyllium may decrease constipation symptoms, weight, glycemic and lipid levels, treatment with flaxseed appear to be superior to psyllium. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered under Iranian Clinical Trials Identifier no. IRCT20110416006202N2.

Quality of life of men and women with gender identity disorder.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the self-reported perceived quality of life (QoL) in female to male (FTM) and male to female (MTF) transgenders and compare it with a general population sample, and to find possible determinants that likely contribute to their QoL. METHODS: Participants were 71 trandgenders participating in the communities of Isfahan and Fars provinces, Iran, including 30 MTF and 41 FTM, and 142 gender- and age-matched controls. Persian version of the Short Form 36-Item Questionnaire was used to evaluate self-reported QoL, which measures QoL across eight domains. RESULTS: Compared to control group, the QoL of transgenders in the most dimensions of the SF-36 questionnaire was lower. MTF had a lower QoL than FTM for the subscale physical functioning (p = 0.044). There was a significant relationship between education and subscales of emotional well-being (p = 0.048) and social function (p = 0.008); economic status and physical function subscale (p = 0.003); employment status and physical function (p = 0.012) and social function subscales (p = 0.003). Compared to male controls, MTF transgenders had lower physical functioning (P < 0.001), role limitation due to physical health (P = 0.015), vitality (P = 0.023), social functioning (P < 0.001) and pain score (P = 0.044) and no significant differences between female controls and FTM transgenders were seen. CONCLUSION: Transgenders have lower physical and mental QoL, FTM transgender has better QoL than MTF transgender. Employment, education, province of residence and economic status as well as therapeutic intervention is associated with transgender's QoL.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus with one-step or two-step approaches and associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

BACKGROUND: There is an ongoing discussion about the optimal diagnostic strategy for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). OBJECTIVE: To assess the magnitude of the association between GDM diagnosed with the one-step (International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria) or two-step (Carpenter and Coustan criteria) approach and selected adverse pregnancy outcomes. SEARCH STRATEGY: Five electronic databases were searched up to October 2017 using Medical Subject Headings for each adverse outcome combined with the term "gestational diabetes." SELECTION CRITERIA: Observational studies assessing the one-step versus the two-step diagnostic approach in GDM. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Relative risks were extracted and random-effects models were used to estimate pooled relative risks (RRs). MAIN RESULTS: A total of 41 663 participants from nine studies were included. Gestational diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with pre-eclampsia (RR 1.68 vs RR 1.77), cesarean delivery (RR 1.28 vs RR 1.33), and large for gestational age (RR 1.44 vs RR 1.68) when diagnosed with the one-step versus the two-step approach. A one-step diagnosis also increased the risks of neonatal intensive care unit admission and gestational hypertension, whereas a two-step diagnosis increased the incidence of macrosomia. CONCLUSIONS: Women with GDM diagnosed with either the one-step or the two-step approach were at increased risk for selected adverse pregnancy outcomes. The associations with the two-step method were slightly stronger.

Comparison of risk factors and pregnancy outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosed during early and late pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare risk factors and pregnancy outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosed during early and late pregnancy. DESIGN: Prospective population-based cohort study. SETTING: Community health care centers of Isfahan, Iran. PARTICIPANTS AND MEASUREMENTS: 1000 pregnant women who were eligible and consented to participate underwent fasting plasma glucose testing at the first prenatal visit (6-14 weeks). The women free from GDM or overt diabetes were screened at 24-28 weeks of gestation using a 75-g, 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. The diagnosis of GDM was reached through the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups. Early-onset GDM was defined as the diagnosis of GDM at the first prenatal visit. Late-onset GDM was defined as the diagnosis of GDM later at 24-28 weeks. FINDINGS: Prevalence of GDM was 10% (95% CI: 8.1-11.9) at the first prenatal visit. GDM incidence was 9.3% (95% CI: 7.4-11.2) at 24-28 weeks of gestation. Family history of diabetes, and previous gestational diabetes and maternal age were the independent risk factors for GDM during early and late diagnosis. GDM was associated with increased risk of macrosomia, large for gestational age, and cesarean section in both periods while, neonates of women with early-onset GDM were more likely to have an apgar score at 1-min < 7, and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and were more admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. KEY CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: Despite early screening and current practice management, early-onset GDM was associated with poorer pregnancy outcomes compared to the late-onset group. Women with early-onset GDM would benefit from more strict surveillance and management strategies to improve pregnancy outcomes. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of alternative management approaches in these high risk women.

Comparison of the effect of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet with usual dietary advice on expression of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma gene in women: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) which controls body weight, glucose homeostasis, and adipocyte differentiation is a valuable candidate gene for insulin resistance (IR). The present study aimed to compare the effects of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and usual dietary advice (UDA) on PPAR-γ gene expression in women at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was performed on 44 women aged 20-50 years at risk for CVD (BMI > 25 kg/m2 and low physical activity). Participants were randomly assigned to the UDA (n = 22) or DASH (n = 22) diets for 12 weeks. The DASH diet was rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products and low in saturated fat, total fat, cholesterol, refined grains and sweets, with a total of 2400 mg/day sodium. The UDA diet was a regular diet with healthy dietary advice. Anthropometric indices and PPAR-γ gene expression were measured and compared between the two groups at the end of the study. RESULTS: After the intervention, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) significantly decreased in the DASH group (P < 0.050) but the results showed no significant differences between the two groups. At the end of the trial, PPAR-γ gene expression was significantly different between the UDA and the DASH diet groups (P = 0.040) and this difference remained significant after adjustment for BMI, and physical activity (P = 0.030). CONCLUSION: The result of the study showed that the DASH diet significantly decreased the expression of PPAR-γ. This finding was unexpected and future studies on the current topic are therefore recommended.

A randomized trial of the effects of flaxseed to manage constipation, weight, glycemia, and lipids in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: To compare the effects of baked flaxseed versus those who received a placebo on constipation symptom scores, weight, glycemic and lipid control in constipated patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: In a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial, 53 constipated patients with T2D with body mass index (BMI) 20.5-48.9 kg/m2 received either 10 g of flaxseed pre-mixed in cookies twice per day or placebo cookies for 12 weeks. The constipation symptom scores, BMI, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and lipid profile were determined at the beginning and end of 4, 8, and 12-week period. Constipation was evaluated with a stool diary (ROME III). RESULTS: After the 12-week intervention, constipation symptom scores (2.46), weight (- 3.8 kg), BMI (- 1.5 kg/m2), FPG (- 26.7 mg/dl), cholesterol (- 37.3 mg/dl), triglycerides (- 10.4 mg/dl), LDLC (- 21.0 mg/dl), HDLC (4.7 mg/dl), cholesterol/ HDLC ratio (- 1.4 mg/dl) significantly decreased from baseline in the flaxseed group (all P-values < 0.05). The differences of absolute change of constipation symptom scores (2.46 vs. 0.41), weight (- 3.8 vs. 0.0 kg), BMI (- 1.5 vs.-0.1 kg/m2), FPG (- 26.7 vs.-1.9 mg/dl), >HbA1c (- 0.8 vs. 1.0%), cholesterol (- 37.3 vs. -10.4 mg/dl), LDLC (- 21.0 vs. -4.3 mg/dl), and HDLC (4.7 vs. -4.4 mg/dl) between the flaxseed and placebo groups were statistically significant (all P-values < 0.05). The compliance was good and no adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: In constipated patients with T2D, flaxseed cookies used as a snack may be a useful tool for decreasing constipation symptoms, weight, glycemic and lipid levels. TRIAL REGISTRATION: irct.ir: IRCT20110416006202N2.

Incidence, risk factors, and pregnancy outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus using one-step versus two-step diagnostic approaches: A population-based cohort study in Isfahan, Iran.

AIMS: To study the incidence, risk factors, and pregnancy outcomes associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosed with one-step and two-step screening approaches. METHODS: 1000 pregnant women who were eligible and consented to participate underwent fasting plasma glucose testing at the first prenatal visit (6-14 weeks). The women free from GDM or overt diabetes were screened at 24-28 weeks using the 50-g glucose challenge test (GCT) followed by 100-g, 3-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (two-step method). Regardless of the GCT result, all women underwent a 75-g, 2-h OGTT within one-week interval (one-step method). RESULTS: GDM incidence using the one-step and two-step methods was 9.3% (95% CI: 7.4-11.2) and 4.2% (95% CI: 2.9-5.5). GDM significantly increased the risk of macrosomia, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and cesarean section and older age and family history of diabetes significantly increased the risk of developing GDM in both approaches. In two-step method, higher pre-pregnancy body mass index and lower physical activity during pregnancy along with higher earlier cesarean section also increased significantly the risk of developing GDM. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a higher incidence of GDM using the one-step approach, more risk factors for and a stronger effect of GDM on adverse pregnancy outcomes were found when using the two-step approach. Longer follow-up of women with and without GDM may change the results using both approaches.

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and risk of type 2 diabetes: The Isfahan diabetes prevention study.

BACKGROUND: Studies reported that lipid-lowering treatment may increase the risk of diabetes, support the hypothesis that low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) may be associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the association between the LDLC levels and the incidence of T2D in an Iranian high-risk population not treated with lipid-lowering medications. METHODS: Mean 10-year follow-up data (1819) in non-diabetic first-degree relatives (FDR) of consecutive patients with T2D 30-70 years old, who were not treated with lipid-lowering drugs at baseline were examined. The diagnosis of T2D based on serial oral glucose tolerance test was the primary outcome. Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for the incidence of T2D within tertiles of LDLC. RESULTS: A higher LDLC concentration was significantly associated with higher risk of T2D. Compared with the first tertile, the adjusted risk of T2D increased for the second (HR 1.20, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.35, P < 0.01) and third (HR 1.22, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.37, P < 0.01), tertiles of LDLC. CONCLUSIONS: While these results await confirmation, a higher LDLC level was significantly associated with higher risk of T2D, independent of age, gender, fasting plasma glucose, waist circumference or blood pressure, in high-risk individuals in Iran.