Dietary insulin index, dietary insulin load and dietary patterns and the risk of metabolic syndrome in Hoveyzeh Cohort Study.

Postprandial insulin secretion has been associated with metabolic disorders such as hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, we aimed to explore the relationship between dietary insulin indices and dietary pattern with the risk of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). The participants of the present cross-sectional study were included among the individuals who participated in the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study (HCS). A total of 3905 Iranian adults, aged 35-70 years, are included in the current analysis. The Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) is used to calculate the dietary Insulin Index (DII), Insulin Load (DIL), and dietary pattern. Dietary pattern was derived using Reduced-Rank Regression (RRR) based on intake of protein (g/day), fiber (g/day), fat (g/day), magnesium (mg/day), and dietary insulin index were considered as response variables. The Generalized Linear Model was used to obtain the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for MetS based on gender, while considering quartiles of DIL, DII scores, and dietary pattern, adjusted for potential confounders. The mean ± SD of age and BMI of the participants in the top quartile of DIL were 45.72 ± 8.05 years and 28.25 ± 5.02 kg/m2, respectively. The mean ± SD of DII was 40.53 ± 4.06 and the mean ± SD of DIL was 117,986.1 ± 30,714.06. A significant positive association was observed between DIL and MetS in women after adjusting for confounding factors (OR: 1.51; 95% CI 1.16; 1.96). No significant association was seen between DIL, DII, and MetS among men. A derived dietary pattern characterized by high intakes of fruits, sugar, sweet deserts, Whole Grains, and dairy was associated with an increased risk of MetS in adjusted model2 among women (OR: 1.41; 95% CI 1.13; 1.75) and men in the same model (OR: 2.09; 95% CI 1.35; 3.21).However, the final model was significant just for men (OR: 2.08; 95% CI 1.35; 3.21) and not for women (OR: 1.24; 95% CI 0.96; 1.60). Our findings showed that adherence to a diet with a high insulin load can increase the risk of MetS in women. In addition, a derived dietary pattern by RRR indicated that a diet rich in fruits, sugar, sweet deserts, whole Grains, and dairy is related to increased risk of MetS in both men and women.

Consumption of foods contaminated with heavy metals and their association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) using GAM software (cohort study).

Introduction: Heavy metals can enter the environment and food through industrial activities, acid rain, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and sewage. A large amount of these metals is dangerous because they tend to bio accumulate. A concern with these metals is the long-term, low-dose exposure seen in the general population. HMs can cause disorders in the cardiovascular system through various mechanisms such as the production of free radicals, DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress. Material and method: Food items measured in the present study included rice, bread, and vegetables. 210 participants (105 controls and 105 patients) were randomly selected for this study. The demographic information of the subjects was obtained from the Hoveyzeh Cohort Center. The relationship between heavy metals in food and cardiovascular diseases is investigated by The Generalized Additive Model (GAM). Result: The results of the present study showed that when urine Cd was smoothed based on rice Cd, there was a significant correlation between urine Cd and Cd consumed in vegetables and rice. The GAM coefficient for urinary Cd excreted in case-control groups and Cd consumed in vegetables were 479.79(SE: 6.49-73.87) and 818.56(SE: 11.96-68.43), respectively, and for rice consumed, it was 0.03(SE: 0.015-2.103) and 0.04(SE: 0.017-2.338), respectively. The GAM coefficient for As consumption in vegetables and As in urine of case and control groups was 1.61 (SE: 9.48-0.16) and 22.36 (SE: 13.60-1.64), respectively. The same coefficient for rice consumption in case and control groups was 4.5 (SE: 0.62-7.22) and 10.48 (SE: 1.46-7.16), respectively. There was a very strong and significant correlation between the Sr in the urine of both groups and the Sr in the food consumed, so that the urinary Sr in the control group is excreted more than in the cardiovascular group. Conclusion: GAM analysis indicates that As in vegetable and rice is more than the standard limitation value. Also, Sr and Cd in vegetables, rice, and bread were more than the standard limitation value. According to the GAM model As had a significant value in rice and vegetables indicating that As is more than the standard limitation value, therefore, it is associated with CVD.

Effects of Bathing Skills Training on Independence and Satisfaction of Older Adults Living in a Nursing Home: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Dependence in bathing is the most common activities of daily living (ADLs) dependency among older adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bathing skills training on the independence and satisfaction of older adults living in nursing homes. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 80 participants were assigned randomly to the intervention (n = 40) and control groups (n = 40). The intervention group received 10 weekly bathing skills training sessions, with each session lasting about 60 minutes, while the control group received no direct training. The evaluation was conducted using the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Analysis of variance for repeated measurements was used to test the effect of intervention at the baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. Results: The mean improvement in the MBI was greater for the intervention group (P < 0.001; partial η2 = 0.34), which remained significant at the follow-up (P < 0.001; partial η2 = 0.41). The greater mean change of the COPM-Performance was significant in the intervention group (P < 0.001; partial η2 = 0.17), which remained significant at the follow-up (P < 0.001; partial η2 = 0.19). The greater mean improvement of the COPM-Satisfaction was observed for the intervention group (P < 0.001; partial η2 = 0.36), which remained at the follow-up (P = 0.001; partial η2 = 0.42). Conclusion: Bathing skills training is effective in improving the ADLs independence and satisfaction in older adults living in nursing homes; thus, it is recommended to be included in the schedules of nursing homes.

Using water quality parameters to prediction of the ion-based trihalomethane by an artificial neural network model.

Trihalomethanes (THMs) are the first disinfectant by-products in the drinking water distribution network and are classified as potential carcinogens. The presence of THMs in chlorinated water depends on the pH, water temperature, contact time between water and chlorine, type and dose of disinfection, bromide ion concentration, and type and concentration of natural organic materials (NOMs). In the present study, the formation of THMs was evaluated by six simple and easy water quality parameters and modeled by an artificial neural network (ANN) approach through five water distribution networks (WDNs) and the Karoun River in Khuzestan province. The results of this study that was conducted from October 2014 to September 2015 showed that THM concentration ranged in five WDNs, including Shoushtar, Ahvaz (2), Ahvaz (3), Mahshahr, Khorramshahr, and total WDNs through N.D.-9.39 µg/L, 7.12-28.60, 38.16-67.00, 17.15-90.46, 15.14-29.99, and N.D.-156, respectively. The concentration of THMs exceeded Iran and EPA standards in many cases in Mahshahr and Khorramshahr WDNs. Evaluation of R2, MSE, and RMSE showed the appropriate correlation between measured and modeled THMs, indicating a reasonable ANN potential for estimating THM formation in water sources.

The dietary patterns derived by reduced-rank regression in association with Framingham risk score and lower DASH score in Hoveyzeh cohort study.

The relationship between dietary patterns (DPs) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been the subject of much research, but given the significance of this disease, studying the factors affecting it through different methodological considerations is of utmost importance. This study aimed to investigate the association between the four dietary patterns (DPs) derived from reduced-rank regression (RRR) and the risk of CVD predicted by the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in the Arab residence of Khuzestan, Iran. Furthermore, the predefined Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) would be used as a comparative model to assess the validity of the extracted DPs. In this cross-sectional study, 5799 individuals aged 35-70 without a CVD diagnosis were selected among the participants of the Hoveyzeh cohort study (HCS). The Risk of CVD was assessed using the FRS model. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire evaluated dietary intake. Four DPs were derived using RRR with 28 food groups as predictors and total protein (g/d), fiber(g/d), fat(g/d), and magnesium intake (mg/d) as response variables. Multinomial and binary logistic regression were used to assess the relationship of DPs with intermediate (10-20%) and high (> 20%) levels of FRS and lower DASH scores (< 4.5), respectively. Four primary DPs were derived, which explained 89.10 of the total explained variance in participants' dietary intake. Multinomial regression was applied between FRS (10-20%) and (> 20%) across quartiles of four identified DPs. After adjustment for potential confounders, higher tendency to 1st and 2nd DPs in Model 1, OR = 4.67 (95% CI 3.65; 6.01), OR = 1.42 (95% CI 1.13; 1.79) were presented accordingly. The 1st DP, characterized by higher intake of refined grains and lower intake of vegetables oil, sugar, mayonnaise and artificial juices, the 2nd DP characterized by higher intake of hydrogenated fat and lower consumption of tomato sauce and soft drink was associated with greater odds of CVD with the intermediate level of FRS. However, higher adherence to the 3rd DP, characterized by higher intake of fruits, vegetables and legumes and lower intake of fish, egg, red meat, processed meat, mayonnaise, sugar and artificial juices, the 4th DP characterized by higher intake of coffee, nuts and lower intake of sugar, mayonnaise and artificial juices was associated with a lower risk of FRS. Moreover, lower DASH score considered in binary logistic regression across quartiles of four identified dietary patterns. 1st and 2nd DPs were directly related to lower DASH scores, while 3rd and 4th DPs had high comparability with the DASH diet and inversely contributed to the lower DASH score. Total DASH score was significantly correlated to four derived DPs. Our findings confirm the current knowledge regarding the beneficial effects of healthy plant-based DPs and the avoidance of high-fat and processed foods to prevent CVD.

Effectiveness of the SBAR-Based training program in self-efficacy and clinical decision-making of undergraduate anesthesiology nursing students: a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Structured Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation (SBAR) training technique have been widely utilized in clinical and educational settings. Therefore, the current study investigated the effectiveness of an SBAR-based educational program in students' self-efficacy and clinical decision-making skills. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest and posttest design and a control group at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. A total of 70 three- and fourth-year students were recruited for the study using the census method. The students were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group participated in an SBAR-based educational course consisting of eight sessions held in 4 weeks. Differences in the levels of self-efficacy and clinical decision-making skills before and after participation in the SBAR course were assessed and compared. Data were analyzed using descriptive tests, the Mann-Whiney U test, paired and independent t-tests, and the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: The intervention group demonstrated significantly higher levels of self-efficacy with a mean score of 140.66 ± 22.43 (P < 0.001) and clinical decision-making with a mean score of 75.31 ± 7.72 (P < 0.001); while in the control group, the mean score of self-efficacy and clinical decision-making skills was 85.34 ± 18.15 and 65.51 ± 4.49, respectively. Moreover, the Mann-Whitney U test showed that the levels of students' clinical decision-making skills were promoted to the next level after the intervention (P < 0.001); it means the distribution of the level of intuitive-interpretive skill was upgraded from 0 to 22.9%. CONCLUSION: The SBAR-based training programs can promote the self-efficacy and clinical decision-making skills of anesthesiology nursing students. Considering the weakness of the anesthesiology nursing curriculum at the undergraduate level in Iran, it can be expected that the SBAR-based training course should be included as an educational intervention in the curriculum of anesthesiology nursing students.

A case-control study of drinking beverages and the risk of multiple sclerosis in Iran.

BACKGROUND: There is no study in the world on the relationship between consuming black and green tea as beverages containing polyphenols and the risk of MS. This study aimed to determine the association between the consumption of green and black tea, coffee, non-alcoholic beer, milk, fruit juices and carbonated beverages with the risk of MS. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This case-control study was performed on 150 patients with MS and 300 healthy individuals as a control group among patients who were referred to the ophthalmology ward of a referral hospital in Ahvaz with the groups matching for age. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire including demographic information and beverage consumption. Analysis was performed using univariate and multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS: The mean age of patients at the time of diagnosis was 38.55 ± 8.88 years. The results showed that drinking milk (OR = 5.46), natural juice (OR = 2.49), and carbonated beverages (OR = 16.17) were associated with an increased chance of developing MS. However, drinking non-alcoholic beer (OR = 0.48), black tea (OR = 0.20), green tea (OR = 0.29) and coffee (OR = 0.07) were associated with a reduced chance of developing MS. CONCLUSION: The results show that drinking black and green tea, non-alcoholic beer, and coffee are associated with a decrease in the chance of developing MS. The results of this study can be used to design interventional research and to change people's lifestyles to prevent MS.

Characterization of the conserved regions of E1A protein from human adenovirus for reinforcement of cytotoxic T lymphocytes responses to the all genogroups causes ocular manifestation through an in silico approach.

Background and Objectives: Adenovirus species B, C, D, and E are the most common causes of ocular manifestations caused by adenoviruses. FDA-approved treatment agents for adenovirus infections are not available. Cell-mediated immunity is the major protective mechanism versus human adenoviruses (HAdVs) infection and T cells specific for peptide epitopes from nonstructural proteins can prevent adenoviral dissemination. E1A CR2 region of HAdVs Epitopes predicted for reinforcing cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in the EKC patients. Among human adenoviruses E1 protein, four distinct E1A regions had a significantly higher level of homology than the rest of E1A protein. E1A protein inhibits IFN signal transduction. Epitope-based vaccines are designed to have flexible and simple methods to synthesize a vaccine, using an adjuvant to trigger fast immune responses. CTL epitopes were applied to create a multiepitope vaccine. Conserve region1 (CR1) and CR3 have less antigenicity compared to CR2. Additionally, CR3 in HAdV-D8 contains three toxic areas. CR4 similar to the two regions CR1 and CR3 do not show acceptable antigenic properties. Materials and Methods: Bioinformatics' tools were used to predict, refine and validate the 3D structure of the construct. Effective binding was predicted by protein-protein docking of the epitope vaccine with MHC-I molecules and revealed the safety and efficacy of the predicted vaccine construct. Results: In silico analysis show that rising levels of cytotoxic CD8 + T cells, TH1 cells, macrophages, and neutrophils are linked to IFN-dominant TH1-type responses, which are detected in putative immune individuals. Conclusion: Combined with 3D protein modeling, this study predicted the epitopes of E1A CR2 protein in HAdVs.

The effect of berberine and fenugreek seed co-supplementation on inflammatory factor, lipid and glycemic profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double-blind controlled randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world and has many complications. Due to the importance of using alternative therapies in managing symptoms of this disease, the present study was designed and conducted to investigate the effect of co-supplementation of berberine and fenugreek in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 50 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Participants were randomized in the intervention group, which received 3 capsules/day of 500 mg (300 mg of berberine + 200 mg of fenugreek seed powder) or placebo for 12 weeks. Biochemical and anthropometric variables were measured at the beginning and end of the study. RESULTS: We observed that fasting insulin, HbA1C, and hs-CRP significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the baseline. The mean difference in insulin resistance (-0.32 vs. 0.15), fasting blood sugar (-14.40 vs. 1.68), and fasting insulin (- 2.18 vs. 1.34) were clinically significant in comparison to the control group. Almost all domains of SF-12 scores were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of berberine and fenugreek seed can improve cardio-metabolic status in patients with diabetes and support the anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory role of herb in the improvement of quality of life.

The effect of diet counseling and physical activity on the components of metabolic syndrome in children: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: Metabolic syndrome is a collection of metabolic abnormalities that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of dietary and physical activities counseling on components of metabolic syndrome in school-age children with metabolic syndrome. Methods: This study is a randomized clinical trial on children aged 6-12 years (n = 60) that was conducted with metabolic syndrome. The participants were divided into three groups, the intervention group (including dietary counseling, physical activity counseling, and diet and physical activity counseling group) and a control group. The data collection method in this study was based on interviews with parents and completing a physical activity and nutrition questionnaire appropriate to the group, measuring blood pressure, blood sugar, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and anthropometric indicators including height, waist, and weight. The intervention was carried out for 4 months. Data analysis was performed using SPSS21. Results: The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the means of abdominal obesity, hypertension, fasting blood sugar, high-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides in the three experimental groups (diet, physical activity, diet, and physical activity) and the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, counseling on diet and physical activity program execution is an essential base for controlling components of metabolic syndrome in children.

The synergic effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation and electrical isotonic contraction on anthropometric measurements and the serum levels of VEGF, NO, sirtuin-1, and PGC1-α in obese people undergoing a weight loss diet.

Background: The anti-obesity effects of Alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) and isotonic contraction has been reported. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 1200 mg/day α-LA supplementation and 3 sessions per week of Faradic (an electrical stimulating system) on anthropometric parameters, body composition, VEGF, Sirtuin-1, nitric oxide (NO), and PGC1-α in obese people undergoing a weight loss regime.Methods: This randomised clinical trial was carried out on 100 obese adults. The subjects were randomly assigned to four groups of 25 subjects including Faradic, α-LA, α-LA + Faradic, and control. A Bio Impedance Analyser (BIA) was used to estimate anthropometric measurements including weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and fat free mass. The serum levels of Sirtuin-1, PGC1-α, VEGF, and NO levels were measured. All measurements were done at baseline and after 8 weeks of the intervention.Results: A significant weight reduction was observed in all four groups compared to baseline (p<.01). The placebo group had significantly higher weight, BMI, weight circumstance (WC), and body fat (BF) compared with the other groups. The α-LA + Faradic group had significantly lower weight, BMI, BF, WC than control, faradic, and α-LA groups and higher, Sirtuin and PGC than the control group (all p < .05).Conclusions: The findings indicated that the α-LA and Faradic interventions may have a synergistic effect on weight, BMI, BF, WC, and SLM, possibly through changes in serum level of VEGF, NO, and PGC. Further studies are warranted to clarify the mutual effects of -α-LA and Faradic on obesity and its molecular mechanisms. Name of the registry: Iranian Registry of Clinical TrialsTrial registration number: IRCT20131117015424N2Date of registration: 04/04/2018URL of trial registry record: https://www.irct.ir/search/result?query=IRCT20131117015424N2.

Olive Leaf Extract Supplementation Combined with Calorie-Restricted Diet on Reducing Body Weight and Fat Mass in Obese Women: Result of a Randomized Control Trial.

The present trial aims to evaluate a supplementation of the olive leaf extract (OLE) in adjunct with a weight loss diet on anthropometric indices, glycemic indices, lipid profile, as well as the level of adipokines, and free fatty acid in obese women. We carried out an 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group, clinical trial. The participants were randomly stratified according to age and they were assigned to one of the two study groups: Standard weight loss diet (estimated daily energy requirements minus 500 kcal) + OLE supplementation (n = 35) in intervention group or Standard weight loss diet (estimated daily energy requirements minus 500 kcal) + placebo (n = 35) in placebo group. The study groups were homogeneous regarding the baseline age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumferences, married status, and physical activity levels (p > 0.05). The results of analysis of covariance presented significant decreases in BMI, fat mass, and body weight in the OLE group compared to those in the placebo group (p < 0.05). At the end of the study, the serum levels of fasting blood sugar, insulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, leptin, fatty free acid, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance significantly decreased, and serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin elevated in the intervention group (p < 0.05). Based on results it seems that the addition of OLE to a hypocaloric diet for 8-week compared with a hypocaloric diet alone may be more effective in modifying obesity and metabolic risk factors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Identifier: IRCT20190129042552N2.

Designing of DNA Vaccine Based on a Secretory Form of Major Capsid Protein of Human Papillomavirus Type 18.

More than 99% of cervical cancers are associated with human papillomaviruses (HPVs) worldwide. Current HPV vaccines are safe, highly immunogenic, with effective immunity against specific HPV types. However, DNA vaccines are a new appealing platform which can be considered for designing the HPV vaccines. This study aimed to construct a recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid containing L1 of HPV-18, tissue plasminogen activators (tPA), and pan HLA DR-binding epitope (PADRE) genes into the pVAX1 vector. The L1, tPA, and PADRE genes were amplified in a thermocycler. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were cloned and insertion of the genes was confirmed using colony PCR, restriction enzymes analysis, and sequencing methods. Indirect immunofluorescence, RT-PCR, and western blot assays were applied to identify the target gene in HEK-293 cells. Total IgG and its isotypes in immunized mice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Western blot analysis showed a protein band of about 67.5 kDa in supernatant and cell lysate of transfected cells. The results of mice immunization with different constructs (group 1: the pVAX-L1, group 2: pVAX-tPA-PADRE-L1, group 3: pVAX1, and group 4: PBS as controls) indicated that the pVAX1-tPA-PADRE-L1 construct induced a significantly higher level of total IgG than pVAX1-L1 (p=0.003). In conclusion, pVAX1-tPA-PADRE-L1 recombinant plasmid is a highly immunogenic construct and suggests as a promising candidate for vaccine development against HPV type 18 in low-middle-income countries.

Assessment of incremental lifetime cancer risks of ambient air PM10-bound PAHs in oil-rich cities of Iran.

This study investigates the concentrations of PM10-bound PAHs and their seasonal variations in three cities of Ahvaz, Abadan, and Asaluyeh in Iran. The mean concentrations of PM10 in two warm and cold seasons in Ahvaz were higher and in Abadan and Assaluyeh were lower than the national standard of Iran and the guidelines of the World Health Organization. The Σ16 PAHs concentration in ambient air PM10 during the cold season in Ahvaz, Abadan and Asaluyeh was 244.6, 633, and 909 ng m- 3, respectively, and during the warm season in Ahvaz, Abadan, and Asaluyeh was 242.1, 1570 and 251 ng m- 3, respectively. The high molecular weight PAHs were the most predominant components. The most abundant PAHs species were Pyr, Chr, B [ghi] P, and Flt. The results showed that the total PAHs concentration in the cold and warm seasons was dependent on industrial activities, particularly the neighboring petrochemical units of the city, vehicular exhausts, traffic and use of oil, gas, and coal in energy production. The total cancer risk values as a result of exposure to PAHs in ambient air PM10 in all three cities for children and adults and in both cold and warm seasons were between 1 × 10- 6 and 1 × 10- 4, and this indicates a potential carcinogenic risk. Therefore, considering the various sources of air pollutants and its role on people's health, decision makers should adopt appropriate policies on air quality to reduce the ambient air PAHs and to mitigate human exposure.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 atmospheric particles: identification, sources, temporal and spatial variations.

This study reports temporal and spatial variations of 16 different species of particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (particle-bonded PAHs) in the indoor and outdoor environments of three sampling sites in Bandar Mahshahr city, Iran. A low-volume air sampler was employed to collect size-segregated particulate matter during winter (October to December 2015), and summer (July to September 2016). The results showed that the annual concentrations of indoor and outdoor PM10 and PM2.5 were much higher than the related World Health Organization guidelines. The concentration of total particle-bonded PAHs (TPAHs) was higher in winter than in summer and a significant difference between the two sampling seasons was observed. The indoor and outdoor carcinogenic PAHs to TPAHs concentrations ratios in the sampling sites in summer and winter were as follow: for PM10 40.15-42.51%, PM2.5 41.30-42.97%, and PM1 43.07-44.36%, respectively; furthermore, the smaller the particle size, the higher the percentage of carcinogenic PAHs. 2 ring PAHs had a very small contribution to the total PAHs (about 1%), whereas PAHs with 3-to-4 rings had much larger contributions, ranging from 71.65% to 75.17%. The results demonstrated that as PM size decreased, the proportion of 5-to-6-ring PAHs to the total PAHs increased. Since 5-to-6- ring PAHs are considered to be more toxic, hence more attention should be paid to fine particles. The diagnostic ratios of indoor and outdoor of three sampling sites in both seasons suggested that petrogenic sources, as well as combustion of petroleum and other fossil fuels were the main PAHs sources.

Effect of Fasting-Mimicking Diet or Continuous Energy Restriction on Weight Loss, Body Composition, and Appetite-Regulating Hormones Among Metabolically Healthy Women with Obesity: a Randomized Controlled, Parallel Trial.

BACKGROUND: Fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) has been recently promoted to achieve similar metabolic changes of fasting. The purpose of our study was to compare the effect of FMD versus continuous energy restriction (CER) on anthropometric measurements, body composition, glucose metabolism, and serum levels of leptin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), and total ghrelin. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted on 60 women with obesity aged 18-55 years. Subjects received either a 5-day FMD (low in energy, sugars, and proteins, but high in unsaturated fats) or a CER (an average daily energy deficit of 500 kcal) for 2 months. Anthropometric and biochemical factors were measured at baseline and the end of the study. Serum levels of leptin, total ghrelin, and NPY were tested with an ELISA kit. Physical activity and dietary intakes were also recorded. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in weight loss between the two groups: mean weight change for CER was - 2.29 (standard deviation [SD], 1.95) kg compared to - 1.13 (2.27) kg for FMD (p = 0.06). There was more reduction in the basal metabolic rate (BMR) in the CER group (p = 0.045). Favorable effects on fat mass and muscle mass were only seen in the FMD group. Although insulin resistance was reduced in the FMD group compared to the CER group, results were not significant after adjustment. After controlling for potential confounders, there was a significant increase in serum levels of total ghrelin (p = 0.048) and NPY (p = 0.041) following CER; however, results for circulating leptin were not statistically significant (p = 0.48). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in weight loss following FMD and CER. However, FMD was more effective at reducing insulin resistance and regulating appetite-regulating hormones as well as preserving muscle mass and BMR. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered at the Iranian Clinical Trial Registry ( https://www.irct.ir/trial/40881 ) with the IRCT identification number IRCT20190717044244N1.

Species Variety of the Calf and Human-Attracted Mosquitoes in Southwest Iran.

BACKGROUND: Any mosquito control methods requires precise information about population dynamics, variety, biology and mosquito habitat. This research assessed Culicid mosquitoes' attraction to a human host and a calf to better understand their behavior. METHODS: Adult mosquitoes were sampled in 22 weeks in southwestern Iran's Nur Ali Village from May to October 2015. The mosquitoes were drawn to the person and calf as bait, while the unbaited trap was also used. A substantial statistical difference between attracted mosquitoes to the hosts was determined in the T-test. RESULTS: Within 22 weeks, 29821 mosquitoes were captured. Only 9% were collected from the human baited net trap, 89.1% from the calf baited net trap, and 1.9% from the unbaited net trap. The number of collected female mosquitoes was statistically significantly higher using the calf baited net trap of the total mosquitoes, 916 were randomly identified at the species level by local identification keys. Of these, 63 were Anopheles stephensi (human: 16%, calf: 75% and unbaited: 9%), 83 An. pulcherrimus (human: 27%, calf: 60% and unbaited: 13%), 118 Aedes caspius (human: 24%, calf: 69% and unbaited: 7%), 493 Culex tritaeniorhynchus (human: 52%, calf: 37% and unbaited: 11%), 153 Cx. quinquefasciatus (human: 44%, calf: 47% and unbaited: 9%), and 6 Cx. theileri (human: 33%, calf: 50% and unbaited: 17%). CONCLUSION: The obtained results here provide useful insights into the mosquito population and the possibility of using this information as an essential part of integrated vector management regarding the reemergence of malaria or other mosquito-borne.

The effect of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation and electrical isotonic contraction on anthropometric parameters, body composition and angiogenesis factor, sirtunin-1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α in obese people under a weight loss regime: A study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is defined as a chronic disease, and is known as a public health problem in developed and developing countries. Several studies have shown the effects of anti-obesity of α-lactalbumin. AIM: This study was designed to investigate the effect of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation and electrical isotonic contraction on anthropometric parameters, body composition and angiogenesis factor, sirtunin-1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α) in obese people under a weight loss regime. METHODS: Obese people who meet the inclusion criteria are included. Participants are randomly divided into four groups (alpha-lipoic (1200 mg) +weight loss regime group; Faradic (three 1 hour sessions) + weight loss regime group; alpha-lipoic (1200 mg) + Faradic (three 1 hour sessions) + weight loss regime group; control group (1200 mg placebo) for 2 months. At the beginning and the end of the study, demographic information, dietary intake, anthropometric parameters, body composition and serum levels of the angiogenesis factor (sirtunin-1, PGC1α and nitric oxide) are measured. CONCLUSION: Recent studies reported the anti-obesity effects of alpha-lipoic acid. This study is novel, since a similar study has not yet been carried out. This study evaluates the effect of 600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation or having three sessions of 1 hour per week electrical isotonic contraction induced by Faradic for 2 months alone or in combination in obese people that are undergoing a weight loss regime. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iran Clinical Trials Registry, ID: IRCT20131117015424N2. Registered 2018-04-02.

A hypocaloric high-protein diet supplemented with ß-cryptoxanthin improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite promising animal data, there is no randomized controlled trial (RCT) on the effects of high protein (HP)-diet and/or ß-cryptoxanthin in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). AIMS: Safety and efficacy assessment of a hypocaloric HP-diet supplemented with ß-cryptoxanthin in NAFLD. METHODS: Ninety-two Iranian NAFLD outpatients were recruited for this 12-week, single-center, parallel-group, double-blind RCT and randomized into 4 arms (n = 23): HP-diet and ß-cryptoxanthin (hypocaloric HP-diet + ß-cryptoxanthin), HP-diet (hypocaloric HP-diet + placebo), ß-cryptoxanthin (standard hypocaloric diet + ß-cryptoxanthin), and control (standard hypocaloric diet + placebo). Serum levels of liver enzymes and grade of hepatic steatosis were assessed at baseline and study endpoint as outcome measures. RESULTS: In the intention-to-treat population (N = 92), HP-diet and ß-cryptoxanthin group experienced greater 12-week reductions in serum levels of liver enzymes than control group (mean difference for alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase: - 27.2, - 7.2, - 39.2, and - 16.3 IU/L, respectively; all p < 0.010). Clinical remission rate (achieving grade 0 hepatic steatosis) in HP-diet and ß-cryptoxanthin group (82.6%) was also higher than other groups (13.0%, 17.4%, and 0.0% in HP-diet, ß-cryptoxanthin, and control groups, respectively; p < 0.001). Sixteen patients reported minor adverse events. CONCLUSION: A hypocaloric HP-diet supplemented with ß-cryptoxanthin safely and efficaciously improves NAFLD. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This trial was registered at https://www.irct.ir as IRCT2017060210181N10.

Whey protein supplementation reducing fasting levels of anandamide and 2-AG without weight loss in pre-menopausal women with obesity on a weight-loss diet.

BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of dairy proteins in modifying of metabolic abnormalities, no attention has been given to their effects on endocannabinoids. METHODS: A total number of 60 obese women were recruited in a 2-month randomized clinical trial. Following random allocation, they were assigned to one of the two groups: control (n = 30) and intervention (n = 30). Then, all the subjects followed a hypocaloric diet of 800 kcal below estimated energy needs. The intervention group received isocaloric weight-loss diet and whey protein powders (30 g/day). Baseline and 2-month fasting anthropometric, blood glucose, serum insulin, insulin resistance, lipid profile, AEA, and 2-AG were measured. RESULTS: The study groups were homogenous in terms of baseline characteristics (p > 0.05) except for MUFA intake (p = 0.021). There were no significant differences in energy and macronutrient intakes in the intervention group compared to the control group at the end of the study (p > 0.05). The results of the ANCOVA did not show significant reductions in body weight and BMI of the intervention group compared to the control group (p > 0.05); however, WC, body fat, FBS, AEA, 2-AG, total cholesterol, and triglyceride decreased and HDL-c significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the effects of simultaneous weight-loss diet and whey protein supplementation on the reduction of endocannabinoids were determined. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT2017021410181N8 . Registered on March 2017.