Predicting dyslipidemia incidence: unleashing machine learning algorithms on Lifestyle Promotion Project data.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia, characterized by variations in plasma lipid profiles, poses a global health threat linked to millions of deaths annually. OBJECTIVES: This study focuses on predicting dyslipidemia incidence using machine learning methods, addressing the crucial need for early identification and intervention. METHODS: The dataset, derived from the Lifestyle Promotion Project (LPP) in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran, undergoes a comprehensive preprocessing, merging, and null handling process. Target selection involves five distinct dyslipidemia-related variables. Normalization techniques and three feature selection algorithms are applied to enhance predictive modeling. RESULT: The study results underscore the potential of different machine learning algorithms, specifically multi-layer perceptron neural network (MLP), in reaching higher performance metrics such as accuracy, F1 score, sensitivity and specificity, among other machine learning methods. Among other algorithms, Random Forest also showed remarkable accuracies and outperformed K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) in metrics like precision, recall, and F1 score. The study's emphasis on feature selection detected meaningful patterns among five target variables related to dyslipidemia, indicating fundamental shared unities among dyslipidemia-related factors. Features such as waist circumference, serum vitamin D, blood pressure, sex, age, diabetes, and physical activity related to dyslipidemia. CONCLUSION: These results cooperatively highlight the complex nature of dyslipidemia and its connections with numerous factors, strengthening the importance of applying machine learning methods to understand and predict its incidence precisely.

Akkermansia muciniphila: from its critical role in human health to strategies for promoting its abundance in human gut microbiome.

Akkermansia muciniphila, a frequent colonizer in the gut mucous layer of individuals, has constantly been recognized as a promising candidate for the next generation of probiotics due to its biological advantages from in vitro and in vivo investigations. This manuscript comprehensively reviewed the features of A. muciniphila in terms of its function in host physiology and frequently utilized nutrition using the published peer-reviewed articles, which should present valuable and critical information to scientists, engineers, and even the general population. A. muciniphila is an important bacterium that shows host physiology. However, its physiological advantages in several clinical settings also have excellent potential to become a probiotic. Consequently, it can be stated that there is a coherent and direct relation between the biological activities of the gut microbiota, intestinal dysbiosis/eubiosis, and the population of A. muciniphila in the gut milieu, which is influenced by various genetical and nutritional factors. Current regulatory barriers, the need for large-scale clinical trials, and the feasibility of production must be removed before A muciniphila can be extensively used as a next-generation probiotic.

Effect of Orlistat on anthropometrics and metabolic indices in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is one of the main concerns of public health. Considering its long-term adverse health effect, various studies investigated the effect of drug therapy on anthropometric parameters and provided mixed results. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to determine the effect of Orlistat on anthropometrics and biochemical parameters in children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched until September 2022. Experimental and semi-experimental studies were included if they evaluated the effect of Orlistat on obesity-related parameters in children and reported the before and after anthropometric values. A revised Cochrane risk-of-bias (Rob2) was used to evaluate the methodological quality. STATA software version 16.0 was used for the meta-analysis of the random-effect model. RESULTS: Of 810 articles retrieved in the initial search, four experimental and two semi-experimental studies were selected for systematic review. The result of the meta-analysis of experimental studies indicated the significant effect of Orlistat on waist circumference (SMD: -0.27, 95% CI: -0.47, -0.07) and serum insulin level (SMD: -0.89, 95% CI: -1.52, 0.26). However, there were no significant effects of orlistat on body weight, body mass index, lipid profile, and serum glucose level. CONCLUSION: The present meta-analysis showed the significant effect of Orlistat on the reduction of waist circumference and insulin level in overweight and obese adolescents. However, due to the paucity of studies included in the meta-analysis, more prospective studies with longer duration and more sample sizes will be needed in this age group.

The impact of sound stimulations during pregnancy on fetal learning: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The developing nervous system in utero is exposed to various stimuli with effects that may be carried forward to the neonatal period. This study aims to investigate the effects of sound stimulation (music and speech) on fetal memory and learning, which was assessed later in neonatal period. METHODS: The MEDLINE (pubmed), Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched. Two reviewers selected the studies and extracted the data independently. The quality of eligible studies was assessed using The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). RESULTS: Overall 3930 articles were retrieved and eight studies met the inclusion criteria. All of the included studies had good general quality; however, high risk of selection and detection bias was detected in most of them. Fetal learning was examined through neonatal electrocardiography (ECG), electroencephalography (EEG), habituation tests, and behavioral responses. Seven studies showed that the infants had learned the fetal sound stimulus and one study indicated that the prenatally stimulated infants performed significantly better on a neonatal behavior test. There was considerable diversity among studies in terms of sound stimulation type, characteristics (intensity and frequency), and duration, as well as outcome assessment methods. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal sound stimulation including music and speech can form stimulus-specific memory traces during fetal period and effect neonatal neural system. Further studies with precisely designed methodologies that follow safety recommendations, are needed.

Prioritizing population-based nutrition-related interventions to prevent and control hypertension in Iran: a multi-criteria decision-making approach.

BACKGROUND: Numerous nutrition-related policy options and strategies have been proposed to tackle hypertension and other risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In this study, we developed a comparative analysis using a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model for prioritizing population-based nutrition-related interventions to prevent and control hypertension in Iran. METHODS: We employed a combination of Delphi technique and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method as the methodological tool to prioritize decision alternatives using multiple criteria. The prominent assessment criteria and intervention strategies were derived using a literature review, focus group discussion (n = 11), and a 2-round modified Delphi technique with specialists and experts involved in different stages of health policy-making (round 1: n = 50, round 2: n = 46). Then, the AHP was used to determine the weightage of the selected interventions and develop the decision-making model. The sensitivity analysis was performed to test the stability of the priority ranking. RESULTS: Nine alternative interventions were included in the final ranking based on eight assessment criteria. According to the results, the most priority interventions to prevent and control hypertension included reformulation of food products to contain less salt and changing the target levels of salt in foods and meals, providing low-sodium salt substitutes, and reducing salt intake through the implementation of front-of-package labeling (FOPL). The results of the sensitivity analysis and a comparison analysis suggested that the assessment model performed in this study had an appropriate level of robustness in selecting the best option among the proposed alternatives. CONCLUSION: MCDM techniques offer a potentially valuable approach to rationally structuring the problem, along with the opportunity to make explicit the judgments used as part of the decision-making model. The findings of this study provide a preliminary evidence base to guide future decisions and reforms aiming to improve appropriate population-based interventions for tackling hypertension and other risk factors of NCDs.

Nutrient pattern analysis of mineral based, simple sugar based, and fat based diets and risk of metabolic syndrome: a comparative nutrient panel.

BACKGROUND: Although there is growing evidence on the association between nutrient patterns and metabolic risk factors, very little is known about the relationship between nutrient patterns and metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of this study was to examine the associations of nutrient patterns with MetS among apparently healthy obese adults living in Tabriz, Iran. METHODS: Three hundred and forty-seven apparently healthy obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) adults aged 20-50 years were included in this cross-sectional study. Dietary intake of 38 nutrients was assessed by a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) of 132 food items. Nutrient patterns were determined using factor analysis. The MetS was defined based on the guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III). RESULTS: Three major nutrient patterns were extracted: "Mineral based pattern", "Simple sugar based pattern" and "Fat based pattern". There was no significant association between nutrient patterns and MetS, in the crude model even after adjusting for confounders. There was a significant difference between quartiles in the mineral based pattern for free mass (FFM), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), large Waist circumference (WC) and Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). In the simple sugar based pattern, we observed a significant association for SBP, DBP, and triglyceride (TG) levels. In addition, the fat based pattern was positively associated with BMI, and weight. CONCLUSIONS: We did not observe any significant association of nutrient patterns with the risk of MetS amongst the apparently healthy obese adult's population. Whereas we confirmed the deleterious effect of the simple sugar and fat based patterns on several metabolic risk factors, our findings also showed that the mineral based pattern is related to healthier metabolic factors in an Iranian population. These results should be approved by future studies to recognize any causal relationship between adherence to specific nutrient patterns and MetS.

Evaluating the effect of nipple stimulation during labour on labour progression in term pregnant women.

This study aimed to assess the effect of nipple stimulation during labour on duration of latent and active phases of labour in the term pregnant women. Pregnant women (222) were divided into two groups of nipple stimulation and control. Duration of latent and active phases of labour, the number of women treated with oxytocin, rate of caesarean section (C-section) and foetal outcomes were compared. The median of the latent phase duration of labour in the intervention and control groups was 3.2 (1.3-6.3) and 4.8 (0.8-3.0) h, respectively (p = .008); however, the median of active phase duration was 2.3 (1.4-3.0) in the intervention group and 2.5 (2.0-3.3) in control group, which was not significantly different (p = .249). Additionally, the number of women treated with oxytocin in nipple stimulation group was significantly (p = .001) less than the control group. More studies are needed to evaluate optimum frequency and duration of nipple stimulation during labour.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? In limited studies, nipple stimulation is considered as a low-complication method for stimulating labour at onset.What do the results of this study add? Nipple stimulation can be applied during labour for accelerating latent phase and reducing oxytocin infusion.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Nipple stimulation can be applied as a non-pharmacological and non-invasive method allowing patient to control her own labour progression more effectively.

Determinants of health-related quality of life in patients with celiac disease: a structural equation modeling.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the determinants of Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in Iranian patients with celiac disease (CD) using the structural equation modeling (SEM). METHODS: In the present cross-sectional study, a total of 170 adult patients with CD were recruited. The information regarding adherence to diet, symptom severity, and HRQOL were collected using the celiac disease adherence test (CDAT), gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS), and SF-36 questionnaire respectively. Association between various studied variables and HRQOL was assessed using SEM. The standardized regression weights were used to assess total, direct and indirect effects. The model fit indices were used to assess the "goodness of fit" between the hypothesized models. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 37.57 ± 9.59 years. The results of SEM indicated that the overall fit of our model was acceptable. Adherence to the diet, GSRS score, occupation, and education level was significantly related to PCS of SF-36; and adherence to the diet, GSRS score, and education level were significantly correlated with MCS of SF-36. The analysis of indirect associations indicated that only adherence to diet indirectly via GSRS score was significantly associated with PCS and MCS of SF-36. CONCLUSION: In adult patients with celiac disease, HRQOL was associated with age, education, adherence to GFD, and GSRS score. Additionally, occupation and disease duration were associated with HRQOL only in women and men respectively.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and odds of eating disorders in patients with celiac disease and vice-versa.

OBJECTIVES: In the present systematic review and meta-analysis study, we aimed to review studies that assessed the prevalence and risk of eating disorders (EDs) in patients with celiac disease (CD) and vice-versa. METHOD: We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies that assessed the prevalence and risk of AN in patients with CD and vice-versa. Joanna Briggs Institute tools were used for critical appraisal. The STATA software was used for the meta-analysis of the random-effect model. RESULTS: In this study, 23 observational studies were included. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that the pooled prevalence of EDs and bulimia nervosa in patients with CD was 8.88% [95% CI: 6.4, 11.7] and 7.26% [95% CI: 0.23, 21.57], respectively. Moreover, the risk of anorexia nervosa in patients with CD was significantly higher than in the healthy population (relative risk [RR]: 1.48 [95% CI: 1.32, 1.64]). The rates of CD in patients with AN and EDs were 0.96% [95% CI: 0.15, 2.31] and 0.90% [95% CI: 0.56, 1.31], respectively. Moreover, the overall risk of CD in patients with AN was significantly higher compared with healthy adults (RR: 2.35 [95% CI: 1.27-3.44]). DISCUSSION: The result of the present meta-analysis showed the high prevalence of EDs in patients with CD. Moreover, there was a significant bidirectional association between CD and EDs.

OBJETIVOS: En el presente estudio de revisión sistemática y metanálisis, nuestro objetivo fue revisar los estudios que evaluaron la prevalencia y el riesgo de trastornos alimentarios (TCA) en pacientes con enfermedad celíaca (EC) y viceversa. MÉTODOS: Realizamos una búsqueda sistemática en PubMed, Embase, Scopus y Web of Science de estudios que evaluaran la prevalencia y el riesgo de AN en pacientes con EC y viceversa. Se utilizaron herramientas del Instituto Joanna Briggs (JBI) para la evaluación crítica. Se utilizó el software STATA para el metanálisis del modelo de efectos aleatorios. RESULTADOS: En este estudio se incluyeron veintitrés estudios observacionales. Los resultados del metanálisis indicaron que la prevalencia combinada de TCA y bulimia nerviosa (BN) en pacientes con EC fue del 8,88% [IC del 95%: 6,4; 11,7] y 7,26% [IC del 95%: 0,23; 21,57] respectivamente. Además, el riesgo de anorexia nerviosa (AN) en pacientes con EC fue significativamente mayor que en la población sana (RR: 1,48 [IC 95%: 1,32, 1,64]). Las tasas de EC en pacientes con AN y DE fueron 0,96% [IC del 95%: 0,15, 2,31] y 0,90% [IC del 95%: 0,56, 1,31] respectivamente. Además, el riesgo global de EC en pacientes con AN fue significativamente mayor en comparación con adultos sanos (RR: 2,35 [IC 95%: 1,27-3,44]). DISCUSIÓN: El resultado del presente metaanálisis mostró la alta prevalencia de TCA en pacientes con EC. Además, hubo una asociación bidireccional significativa entre la enfermedad celíaca y los trastornos alimentarios.

Effect of photobiomodulation in secondary intention gingival wound healing-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Photobiomodulation is widely being used to improve the wound healing process in dentistry and a vast majority of studies have proven its benefits. But there are plenty of knowledge gaps according to the optimal laser characteristics which should be used to maximize the healing effects of lasers. The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) as an adjunctive treatment to periodontal therapies to evaluate secondary intention gingival wound healing and post-operative pain. METHODS: Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest, and Web of Sciences) were searched up to November 30, 2020, for clinical trials that reported the result of the application of PBM on secondary gingival healing wounds and post-operative pain and discomfort after periodontal surgeries. Two independent reviewers selected the eligible studies and the outcomes of interest were extracted. The quality of eligible studies was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. RESULTS: Ultimately, twelve studies were included in this review. The application of PBM as an adjunct to periodontal surgeries resulted in a significant improvement in wound healing indices. The Landry wound healing index at the 7th post-operative day was significantly improved (SMD = 1.044 [95% CI 0.62-1.46]; p < 0.01) in PBM + surgery groups compared to the control groups. There was also a statistically significant increase in the complete wound epithelialization (RR = 3.23 [95% CI 1.66-6.31]; p < 0.01) at the 14th post-operative day compared to the control groups. The methods used to assess the post-operative pain were heterogeneous, and therefore the results were limited which made the meta-analysis for post-operative pain assessment not possible. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this review, PBM can be effectively used as a method to improve secondary intention wound healing. High-quality randomized clinical trials, however, are needed in the future to identify the optimal PBM irradiation parameters and the effect of PBM on post-operative pain.

Sugar-sweetened beverages increases the risk of hypertension among children and adolescence: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In the current systematic review and meta-analysis, we summarized the studies that evaluated the effects of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) intake on blood pressure among children and adolescents. METHODS: In a systematic search from PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane electronic databases up to 20 April 2020, the observational studies that evaluated the association between sugar-sweetened beverages intake and hypertension, systolic or diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) were retrieved. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies with 93873 participants were included in the current meta-analysis. High SSB consumption was associated with 1.67 mmHg increase in SBP in children and adolescents (WMD: 1.67; CI 1.021-2.321; P < 0.001). The difference in DBP was not significant (WMD: 0.313; CI -0.131- 0.757; P = 0.108). High SSB consumers were 1.36 times more likely to develop hypertension compared with low SSB consumers (OR: 1.365; CI 1.145-1.626; P = 0.001). In dose-response meta-analysis, no departure from linearity was observed between SSB intake and change in SBP (P-nonlinearity = 0.707) or DBP (P-nonlinearity = 0.180). CONCLUSIONS: According to our finding, high SSB consumption increases SBP and hypertension in children and adolescents.

Systematic Review With Meta-analysis of the Health-related Quality of Life in Children With Celiac Disease.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to systematically review and meta-analyze the published data on the comparison of the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents with celiac disease (CD) and healthy children. Moreover, the meta-analysis was performed to compare the parent proxy-report and child self-report of HRQOL. METHODS: The databases of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane library were searched from inception to April 2019 to identify observational studies that evaluated the HRQOL in children with CD. Studies comparing the HRQOL in celiac patients and healthy children, and also comparing the parent's proxy-report and child self-report of HRQOL were included. Comprehensive meta-analysis software was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Through our systematic search, 26 articles met our predefined inclusion criteria. The result of our meta-analysis on studies using the PedsQL questionnaire showed that the total score of HRQOL was not significantly different between celiac patients and healthy controls (SMD (95% confidence interval; CI]: -0.11[-0.45 to 0.23], P = 0.52). The result of our meta-analysis showed that the parents reported the child's diet and communication scores lower than that of children. Only 4 out of 11 studies showed a significant correlation between HRQOL and gluten-free diet (GFD) compliance and 2 of 4 studies showed a significant negative association between HRQOL and age at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study showed that there was no significant difference between children with CD and healthy controls regarding HRQOL. Moreover, the parental perception of their children's HRQOL was lower than the children's perception.

Diet-derived nutrient patterns and components of metabolic syndrome: a cross-sectional community- based study.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the main public health problems worldwide. Although some relations between dietary intakes and MetS have been found, few studies have focused on association between dietary nutrients interactions and the risk of the MetS and its components. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between nutrient patterns and MetS and its components among Iranian adult population. METHODS: A total of 588 subjects (aged 18-64 years, 271 males and 317 females) enrolled in the cross sectional study. Dietary consumption was evaluated using an 80-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Biochemical assessments including fasting blood sugar (FBS), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and serum lipids were performed by enzymatic methods. Nutrient patterns were obtained by factor analysis procedure using principal component method. Multinational logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between nutrient patterns and MetS and its components. RESULTS: Three nutrient patterns explaining 53.66% of the variance in dietary nutrients intake, were recognized in the current study. Animal-sourced nutrient pattern was significantly associated with the higher odds of MetS and high triglyceride (TG) levels. Plant-sourced nutrient pattern (high intake of fiber, carbohydrate, vitamins B6, B3, C, B1, E, D, magnesium, potassium, and linoleic acid) was significantly associated with lower risk of MetS and lower blood pressure (p < 0.05). Third nutrient pattern (mixed-source) was significantly related to higher risk of MetS, high waist circumference (WC) and high systolic blood pressure (SBP). CONCLUSION: This present study confirms the important effect of nutrients and their patterns on MetS risk. Our results suggest that adherence to the nutrient pattern rich in fiber, carbohydrate, vitamins D, B6, B3, C, B1, E, magnesium, potassium, linoleic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is associated with a lower risk of MetS, while animal- and mixed-sourced nutrient patterns are positively associated with greater odds of MetS; However, further longitudinal and interventional studies are required to make a clear conclusion.

Association between a novel dietary lipophilic index (LI) with metabolic phenotypes in a community-based study in Tabriz- Iran.

BACKGROUND: Dietary fatty acids are important dietary determinants of metabolic disorders in human. However, it is important to develop an index that considers not only the amount of dietary fatty acids but also the structure, fluidity and melting point of them. In the current study we investigated the association between a novel dietary lipophilic index (LI) with metabolic profile and dyslipidemia in a community based study in Tabriz-Iran. METHODS: Dietary data were collected using a validated, 79-food item, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and dietary LI was calculated. Anthropometric variables were measured and metabolic profile including blood sugar, serum lipids and liver enzymes were assessed. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the adult treatment panel (ATP) III criteria. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 42.53 ± 12.03 years and most of the participants were women. Mean of dietary LI was 34.99 ± 6.91. Higher dietary LI was associated with higher body mass index (BMI) (ß = 0.17, P < 0.04), waist circumference (ß = 0.18, P < 0.01) and systolic blood pressure (ß = 0.27, P < 0.01). Also LI was increased with increasing waist circumference (0.001), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (0.001), and negatively associated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (0.001). CONCLUSION: The novel dietary LI was considered as a useful tool in prediction of cardio-metabolic risk factors including general and central obesity, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome in a population-based study in Iran. Further researches in other disease and populations could highlight the application of this index in clinical settings.

Comparison of diet quality between celiac patients and non-celiac people in East Azerbaijan-Iran.

BACKGROUND: Considering the lifelong dietary restriction in celiac patients, it is important to assess the diet quality in these patients. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the diet quality in adult celiac patients and compare it with that of the non-celiac people. METHODS: In the present cross-sectional study, 130 celiac patients were selected from the celiac disease (CD) registry database of East Azerbaijan province, Iran. Non-celiac people (n = 464) was selected from the major lifestyle promotion project conducted in the East Azerbaijan district. The dietary intake data was obtained by an 80-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Diet quality was assessed using the healthy eating index-2015 (HEI-2015). RESULTS: The mean total HEI score was significantly higher in the celiac group compared with the non-celiac people (P < 0.001) and 68.5% of non-celiac people and 17.4% of celiac patients had poor diet quality. After adjusting for confounding factors, the mean score of total HEI in adherents to gluten-free diet (GFD) was significantly higher compared with non-adherents (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Although the mean total HEI score was higher in celiac patients compared with the non-celiac people, about 17.5% of patients had poor diet quality and the scores of whole grains and dairy products group were very low in our population. Accordingly, it seems that educational programs should be held for the celiac patients and non-celiac people to increase their nutritional literacy and enable them to select healthy gluten-free alternatives.

Dietary inflammatory index potentially increases blood pressure and markers of glucose homeostasis among adults: findings from an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: In the current meta-analysis, we aimed to systematically review and summarize eligible studies for the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and blood pressure, hypertension (HTN) and glucose homeostasis biomarkers. DESIGN/SETTING: In a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar electronic databases up to February 2019, relevant studies were included in the literature review. Observational studies evaluating the association between DII and HTN, hyperglycaemia, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and glycated Hb (HbA1c) were included. PARTICIPANTS: Not applicable. RESULTS: Total numbers of studies were as follows: OR for DII and HTN (n 12), OR for DII and hyperglycaemia (n 9), HTN prevalence (n 9), mean (sd) of SBP and DII (n 12), mean (sd) of DBP and DII (n 10), mean (sd) of FBS and DII (n 13), mean (sd) of HbA1c and DII (n 3), mean (sd) of insulin and DII (n 6), mean (sd) of HOMA-IR and DII (n 7). Higher DII scores were associated with higher odds of HTN (OR = 1·13; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·27; P < 0·001), SBP (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 1·230; 95 % CI 0·283, 2·177; P = 0·011), FBS (WMD = 1·083; 95 % CI 0·099, 2·068; P = 0·031), insulin (WMD = 0·829; 95 % CI 0·172, 1·486; P = 0·013), HbA1c (WMD = 0·615; 95 % CI 0·268, 0·961; P = 0·001) and HOMA-IR (WMD = 0·192; 95 % CI 0·023, 0·361; P = 0·026) values compared with lowest DII categories. CONCLUSIONS: Lower inflammatory content of diets for prevention of cardiovascular risk factors is recommended.

Street research market: dealing with scientific misconduct in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Scientific misconduct is a prevalent phenomenon with many undesirable consequences. In Iran, no original research have been done about scientific fraud. So, this study aimed at describing a challenging research misconduct in Iran, its related causes, and the ways Iranian authorities deal with it. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, through a two-year period, all the advertisements installed in the study sites were collected and the content analysis was performed. Semi-structured interviews were held with experts for discovering the causes of misconduct. Also, published issues were collected for review of the laws on confronting the fraud in Iran. RESULTS: The content analysis resulted in identifying four categories of misconduct issues: advertising approach, types of services, outcome guarantee, and justifying the academic credit. Besides, reviewing the related literature indicated that Iranian government and the responsible authorities have recently established serious penalties for dealing with scientific misconduct through legislation. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed some misconduct in scientific activities which has persuaded the authorities to enforce strict rules to deal with it. The effectiveness of this legislation needs to be investigated in some further studies.

The interaction between dietary inflammatory index and 6 P21 rs2010963 gene variants in metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulates endothelial cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis, promotes vascular and capillary permeability and also is involved in inflammation. VEGF gene has been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between inflammatory potential of a diet and + 405 VEGF C/G (rs2010963) polymorphism and metabolic components in patients with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: One hundred fifty patients with metabolic syndrome and fifty healthy individuals were enrolled. A semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used for dietary assessments and dietary inflammatory index (DII) calculation. Biochemical assays including fasting serum glucose (FSG), serum insulin, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), liver enzymes and lipid profile were measured. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragments length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used for the determination of gene polymorphism. RESULTS: In the current study, patients with metabolic syndrome had higher serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) and lower high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations compared with healthy subjects. Patients with lower DII quartiles and lower inflammatory potential of the diet had lower waist to hip ratio (WHR) and lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP) compared with patients in higher DII quartiles (P < 0.05). Moreover, patients and healthy subjects in second quartile of DII had significantly higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations compared with subjects in the first quartile; also healthy subjects in third quartile had significantly higher triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) concentrations compared with subjects in second quartile (P < 0.05). Among different genotypes of 6 P21 rs2010963 gene variants in patients with metabolic syndrome, CC genotype indicated the highest DII compared with other genotypes (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The current study revealed the association between DII and metabolic risk factors of metabolic syndrome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control analytic study.

Association of major dietary patterns and different metabolic phenotypes: a population-based study of northwestern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Finding the relationship between the major dietary patterns and cardiometabolic phenotypes could be used for planning prevention programs based on the cultural and dietary habits to prevent transient from a metabolically healthy state to an unhealthy state. So, we aimed to assess the association between dietary patterns and cardiometabolic phenotypes in the northwestern population of Iran. METHOD: In the present cross-sectional and population-based study, 504 adults sampled by cluster sampling in East-Azerbaijan, Iran. Factor analysis was used for determining the dietary pattern. Metabolic phenotypes were determined according to body mass index (BMI) cut-off point (25 kg/m2), and the presence of the metabolic syndrome. The independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, chi-square, and multinomial regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In both adjusted (OR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.17, 4.31) and unadjusted models (OR: 3.14, 95% CI: 1.54, 5.42), the last tertile of the animal dietary pattern was associated with metabolically healthy obese (MHO) phenotypes. After adjusting, the last tertile of the animal dietary pattern was significantly associated with an increase of metabolically unhealthy obese (MUHO) phenotype (OR: 2.61, 95% CI: 1.18, 5.76). CONCLUSION: In the present study, the animal dietary pattern was associated with MHO and MUHO phenotypes. It is suggested that some measures should be taken to strengthen nutrition education for the population and advocate a balanced diet to improve the condition.

Effects of Food Supplementation During Pregnancy on Maternal Weight Gain, Hemoglobin Levels and Pregnancy Outcomes in Iran.

Objectives In this study, the effects of food supplementation during pregnancy on maternal weight gain, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated. Methods In this randomized controlled trial, we recruited 1360 pregnant women with a gestational age of 10 weeks who had BMI < 18.5 and hemoglobin < 10.5/dL from rural areas of the east Azerbaijan province in Iran. Rural areas were randomly assigned into two groups: food-supplemented and control areas. In food-supplemented areas the food supplement was provided (1500 kcal/d) from 10 weeks of pregnancy through to the end. Information on demographic data were collected and anthropometric and Hb measurements were taken using standard instruments. Results The average weight gain was 9.1 ± 1.8 kg and 7.9 ± 1.6 kg in supplemented and control groups respectively, which was significantly different (p = 0.001). Also, a significant time × treatment interaction in maternal average weight gain (p = 0.001) was observed. The mean Hb decreased from 12 mg/dl and 12.1 mg/dl in week 10 to 11.9 mg/dl and 11.7 mg/dl in week 20 in the supplemented and control groups respectively, which was significant only for the control group. Between-group comparisons revealed significant differences in the rates of low birth weight (LBW) infants (p = 0.001) and preterm births (p = 0.013). Conclusion for practice Food supplementation significantly reduced the prevalence of poor maternal weight gain, infants with low birth weight, and preterm births compared to no intervention.