Dietary Antioxidant Capacity Indices are Negatively Correlated to LDL-Oxidation in Adults.

Introduction: Former research studies have demonstrated controversial associations between dietary indices and oxidative stress biomarkers including oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and malondialdehyde (MDA). So, in this cross-sectional study, we aimed to assess the association of dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC), oxidative balance score, and phytochemical index (PI) with ox-LDL/MDA in a healthy adult population of Shiraz, Iran. Methods: 236 individuals participated in this cross-sectional study. DTAC, OBS, and PI were calculated using a 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), which was previously validated in Iran. We measured ox-LDL and MDA in blood samples of the participants using commercially existing kits. Crude and adjusted models of linear regression were used to evaluate the relation of dietary indices with ox-LDL and MDA. Results: There was a significant association between ox-LDL and DTAC in both crude (ß = -1.55; 95% CI: -2.53, -0.58; P-trend = 0.002) and adjusted (ß = -1.65 95% CI: -2.66, -0.64; P-trend = 0.001) models. Also, a negative association was observed between ox-LDL and PI in the crude (ß = -1.26 95% CI: -2.33, -0.29; P-trend = 0.01) and adjusted (ß = -1.36 95% CI: -2.38, -0.34; P-trend = 0.01) models. Conclusion: Results of this study showed that DTAC and PI were inversely associated with ox-LDL as markers of lipid peroxidation. But no correlations were seen between MDA and dietary antioxidant indices.

The relation between dietary quality and healthy eating index with bone mineral density in osteoporosis: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to illustrate the association between the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and Dietary Quality Index (DQI) with bone mineral density (BMD) among postmenopausal Iranian women with osteoporosis compared to the healthy control. METHODS: In the current case-control study, 131 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and 131 healthy postmenopausal women participated. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to assess the lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck BMD. The subjects completed a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and then HEI and DQI were calculated based on the FFQ data. Crude and adjusted multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relation between HEI and DQI with the odds of the femoral and lumbar BMD. RESULTS: According to the results, participants in the last tertile of HEI were more likely to have higher femoral and lumbar BMD in the crude model (odds ratio (OR) = 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.20-0.71 and OR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.10-0.40, respectively) and also in the adjusted model (OR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.20-0.78 and OR = 0.20; 95% CI: 0.10-0.41, respectively). Also, in terms of DQI-I, participants in the last tertile were more likely to have higher femoral and lumbar BMD in the crude model (OR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.12-0.45 and OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.15-0.55, respectively) and also in the adjusted model (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.14-0.58 and OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.17-0.67, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study supported the hypothesis that high-quality diets with healthy patterns can be clinically effective in maintaining bone health. Thus, recommendations regarding the consumption of nutrient-rich food groups in a healthy diet can serve as a practical non-pharmacological strategy against osteoporosis.

Effect of nano-curcumin supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors, physical and psychological quality of life, and depression in patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Extensive evidence has suggested the cardio-protective properties of the polyphenol curcumin. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a highly bioavailable curcumin supplement on cardiometabolic risk factors, health-related quality of life, and depression in patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP). METHODS: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 42 patients with CSFP (age 35-70 years, 25 ≤ body mass index < 40 kg/m2). Patients received either 80 mg/day nano-curcumin or placebo for 12 weeks. Serum levels of visfatin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and glycemic indices were measured before and after the intervention. The short form 36-item quality of life (SF-36) and Beck's Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) questionnaires were assessed, as well. RESULTS: No significant improvements were observed in circulating hs-CRP and visfatin following the intervention. A significant increase was observed in pre- to post-fasting blood glucose (- 0.9 ± 12.2 vs. 7.7 ± 12.4 mg/dl, p = 0.02) and hemoglobin A1C (- 0.1 ± 0.8 vs. 0.5 ± 0.8%, p = 0.04) levels, in the placebo compared with the intervention group. Physical (8.2 ± 8.1 vs. - 1.2 ± 6.5, p < 0.001) and mental (6.8 ± 11.8 vs. - 1.1 ± 10.4, p = 0.02) component summary scores were significantly improved in the nano-curcumin than the placebo group. Additionally, the number of patients with lower degrees of depression was significantly better in the intervention than the placebo group following the supplementation (p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Curcumin supplementation prevented deterioration of glycemic control and improved physical and psychological quality of life and depression in patients with CSFP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20131125015536N8), June 19, 2019.

Effect of nano-curcumin supplementation on angina status, and traditional and novel cardiovascular risk factors in overweight or obese patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular events and poor quality of life are frequently observed in patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP). This trial evaluated the effect of nano-curcumin supplement containing curcuminoids, as multifunctional nutraceuticals, on angina status, and some traditional and novel cardiovascular risk factors in overweight or obese patients with CSFP. METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 42 overweight or obese patients with CSFP received either 80 mg/day of nano-curcumin or placebo for 12 weeks. Seattle angina questionnaire (SAQ) as a clinical measure of angina status, circulating endocan, adropin, homocysteine, lipid profile, and the novel scores of visceral adiposity index (VAI) and waist-triglyceride index (WTI) were assessed before and after the intervention. The independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney test, analysis of covariance, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests were used where appropriate. RESULTS: All domains of SAQ including physical limitation, angina stability, angina frequency-severity, treatment satisfaction, and disease perception and quality of life improved significantly in the nano-curcumin compared with the placebo group. No significant changes were observed in serum endocan, adropin, and homocysteine following the intervention. Triglycerides, triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, WTI and VAI values improved significantly only within the nano-curcumin group. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation with 80 mg/day nano-curcumin (containing curcuminoids) for 12 weeks significantly improved clinically important disease-specific aspects of health in patients with CSFP. Some traditional and novel cardiovascular risk factors improved significantly only compared with the baseline values, which need further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (IR.TUMS.VCR.REC.1398.794). The study protocol was registered at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials by IRCT20131125015536N8 registration ID at 19.06.2019.

Age estimation by pulp/tooth area and width ratios in panoramic images of upper and lower canines among the Iranian population / Estimativa da idade por área de polpa/dente e relações de largura em imagens panorâmicas de caninos superiores e inferiores entre a população iraniana

Objective: One of the techniques of estimating age in forensic medicine, which is associated with the least trauma in both living individuals and corpses, is to use teeth. Accordingly, the present study aims to determine the relationship between chronological age and pulp-to-tooth area ratio and pulp-to-root width ratio in maxillary and mandibular canines on panoramic radiographs among the Iranian population. Material and Methods: A total of 162 panoramic radiographs were evaluated in the present study. Selected patients were of verified age with the age range of 15-45 years. The pulp-to-tooth area ratio (PTR) and the pulp-to-root width ratio were calculated with AutoCAD 2016 software program in maxillary and mandibular canines at two points of the root. The two points include cemento-enamel Junction (CEJ) and pulp/root width at the quarter of a distance between CEJ and end point of root-canal, which was named WA, WB respectively. The patients' age was also estimated with the use of linear regression equation. Then each patient's chronological age and the age estimated using this technique was compared. Results: The relationship between PTR in both canines and WB variable in maxilla with chronological age was inverse and significant (P < 0.05); However, there was no strong correlation coefficient (r≤- o.37). Gender had no effect on the results of the study. The mean difference between predicted age and actual age with combined PTR and WB formula was lower than 1 year. When the mean of PTR or WB variables was considered as a predictor, significant results were obtained (P < 0.05), showing a decrease in Standard error of estimation (SEE). The results were not significant when variables of upper PTR and lower PTR and the interaction between them were included in the linear regression model (p > 0.05). Same results were obtained with the variable of WB. Conclusion: Combining the variables of PTR and WB gives better results than using variables alone. Estimation of age with the mean of each variable shows less error than their combination. (AU)

Objetivo: Uma das técnicas de estimativa da idade na medicina legal, que está associada ao menor trauma em indivíduos vivos e cadáveres, é usar os dentes. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo tem como objetivo determinar a relação entre a idade cronológica e a relação área polpa-dente e relação largura-polpa-raiz em caninos superiores e inferiores em radiografias panorâmicas na população iraniana. Material e Métodos: Um total de 162 radiografias panorâmicas são avaliadas no presente estudo. Os pacientes selecionados são da idade verificada com a faixa etária de 15-45 anos. A relação de área polpa-dente (PTR) e a relação largura-polpa-raiz são calculadas com o programa de software AutoCAD 2016 em caninos superiores e inferiores em dois pontos da raiz. Os dois pontos incluem a junção cemento-esmalte (CEJ) e a largura da polpa / raiz no quarto de distância entre a CEJ e o ponto final do canal radicular, que é denominado WA, WB. A idade dos pacientes também é estimada com o uso da equação de regressão linear. Em seguida, a idade cronológica de cada paciente e a idade estimada usando esta técnica são comparadas. Resultados: A relação entre a PTR em ambos os caninos e a variável WB na maxila com a idade cronológica é inversa e significativa (P <0,05); No entanto, não existe um coeficiente de correlação forte (r≤- o.37). O gênero não tem efeito nos resultados do estudo. A diferença média entre a idade prevista e a idade real com a combinação de PTR e fórmula WB é inferior a 1 ano. Quando a média das variáveis PTR ou WB é considerada como preditora, resultados significativos são obtidos (P <0,05), mostrando uma diminuição no SEE. Os resultados não são significativos quando as variáveis de PTR superior e PTR inferior e a interação entre elas são incluídas no modelo de regressão linear p> 0,05). Os mesmos resultados são obtidos com a variável de WB. Conclusão: Combinar as variáveis de PTR e WB dá melhores resultados do que usar variáveis sozinhas. A estimativa da idade com a média de cada variável apresenta menos erros do que sua combinação. (AU)

The influence of lateral and supine position on bacterial colonization of endotracheal tube in neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: Recent data suggest that during mechanical ventilation, lateral patient position (in which the endotracheal tube is horizontal) decreases the incidence of bacterial colonization of ventilated neonates. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of lateral and supine position on bacterial colonization of endotracheal tube in neonates. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, clinical trial with 31 intubated neonates (intubated within 48 hours after birth); sixteen neonates were positioned supine (supine group), and fifteen were maintained in the lateral position (lateral group).Tracheal aspirates were cultured in second and fifth days of mechanical ventilation. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 16. FINDINGS: In the second day of ventilation, positive cultures were recognized in 6.2% of supine group and 6.7% of lateral group. After 5 days, tracheal cultures were positive in 25% (4 neonates) of supine group and 13.3% (2 neonates) of lateral group that wasn't statistically significant (P=0.9 in second day and P=0.9 in the fifth day). The most common organisms isolated from tracheal aspirates were Gram-negative rods (Klebsiella). CONCLUSION: Since respiratory contamination is very common among ventilated neonates and the effect of lateral position on bacterial colonization of endotracheal tubes of intubated neonates wasn't established in our study, further studies are required to suggest ways to decrease bacterial colonization of intubated neonates.

Reconstructive metroplastic myomectomy of an infertile woman.

BACKGROUND: While myoma is the most common pelvic mass of women, most women do not seek screening tests for uterine myoma and if they have any fibroid they are not volunteer for its surgical removal. CASE: We present here a novel technique of vascular skeletonization to preserve uterus, making pregnancy possible for an infertile woman with a large uterine myoma, situated in the uterine lower segment. CONCLUSION: Vascular skeletonization to preserve vessels for a case of myomectomy helped preserve the patient's ability to conceive.

The Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) in High School Students in Rasht in 2009 According to NIH Criteria.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women associated with many reproductive, endocrine, metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunctions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PCOS among high school students in Rasht. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 1850 students were selected by a multi-stage cluster sampling from all high schools in Rasht. The inclusion criteria were: age 17-18 years, menarche from 10-16 years, normal prolactin and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) values, no history of anatomical malformation, no use of medication or hair-removal techniques, and a history of oligo- or amenorrhea. PCOS was diagnosed if both menstrual dysfunction and clinical hyperandrogenism were detected. RESULTS: Mean age of subjects was 17.2 ± 0.7 years and the age of menarche was 12.8 ± 0.9 years. Of all students, 378 (20.4%) had oligomenorrhea and PCOS was diagnosed in 210 (11.34 %) according to the National Institute of Health (NIH) definition. PCOS subjects, mean body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist/hip (W/H) ratio were 21.1 ± 3.6, 73.4 ± 8.0 cm and 0.77 ± 0.05, respectively. A family history of diabetes mellitus type 2 was reported in 24.7% of subjects. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PCOS in this study was similar to the international estimates of 10-20% in Caucasians. A long-term follow-up is needed to compare the accuracy of clinical determination of the disease versus diagnosis based on hormonal and/or sonographic assessments.

Integrating a hand held computer and stethoscope into a fetal monitor.

This article presents procedures for modifying a hand held computer or personal digital assistant (PDA) into a versatile device functioning as an electronic stethoscope for fetal monitoring. Along with functioning as an electronic stethoscope, a PDA can provide a useful information source for a medical trainee. Feedback from medical students, residents and interns suggests the device is well accepted by medical trainees.