Association between Dietary Patterns and Major Depression in Adult Females: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Depression is one of the most common mental disorders. This study aimed to determine the association between dietary patterns and major depression in adult females. STUDY DESIGN: A case-control study. . METHODS: This study was conducted on adult females suffering from major depression within the age range from 19 to 65 years. The total participants of this study included 170 cases and 340 controls. Dietary intakes were collected using a 168-item validated semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Household food security was measured using a locally adapted Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Moreover, the depression status of the adult females was assessed through a validated "Beck" questionnaire. Logistic regression was utilized to assess the association between dietary pattern scores and depression. RESULTS: The mean ±SD ages of the participants were 36.97 ±11.28 and 36.07 ±10.58 years in the case and control groups, respectively (P=0.374), and five major dietary patterns were extracted in this study. The odds ratio (OR) in the last adjusted model was (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.81); therefore, the "Healthy pattern" was significantly inversely associated with the odds of depression. Adherence to the "Western pattern" significantly increased depression by 29% (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.59). Furthermore, the "Traditional pattern" was positively associated with depression (OR: 1.16; 95% CI: 0.94, 1.43). There was no significant association between "Sugar and fast food" and "red meat and oils" dietary pattern and depression. CONCLUSION: Healthy dietary pattern reduces the risk of depression in adult females; however, the western and traditional dietary patterns increases this risk.

A comparison of the different anthropometric indices for assessing malnutrition among older people in Turkey: a large population-based screening.

OBJECTIVE: Due to an increase in aging worldwide, assessment of the nutritional status of older people becomes an important matter. Malnutrition in older people increases the risk of infections, disease period and hospitalization rates. This study aimed to compare the different anthropometric indices for detecting malnutrition among older people and comparing these indices among males and females to explain the possible differences. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 2721 aged 65 years and older in Turkey were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements weight, height, hip circumference (HC), and waist circumference (WC), abdominal circumference (AC), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), triceps skinfold thickness (TST), calf circumference (CC)) were measured. Body mass index (BMI), abdominal volume index (AVI), body roundness index (BRI) and body adiposity index (BAI), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) indices were calculated using standardized formulas. The receiver operator characteristic curves (ROCs) were conducted in detecting the best anthropometric parameters. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) (stratified by sex) calculated for each anthropometric index. RESULTS: Participants with both BMI < 18.5 (1.1%) and BMI > 25 (80%) defined as the malnourished group and BMI of 18.5-24.99 (18.9%) defined as the normal group. In both sexes, the area under the curve (AUC) was > 0.7 for all anthropometric indices except WHR in females (AUC 0.66). BRI, WHR, WHtR, and AVI indices strongly predict the risk of malnutrition among both sexes. In males, the ORs were for BRI (6.83, 95% CI 5.39-8.66), WHR (6.43, 95% CI 5.9-6.9), AVI (2.02, 95% CI 1.86-2.12). In females, the ORs were for BRI (3.72, 95% CI 3.09-4.48), WtHR (2.63, 95% CI 1.3-3.5), and WHR (2.45, 95% CI 1.9-3.06). DISCUSSION: The presence of a large AUC in almost all anthropometric indices suggests that they can be used to assess the risk of malnutrition among older persons in both sexes.

Major dietary patterns in relation to age-related cataract.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Dietary pattern (DP) may play an important role in the formation of Age-related cataract (ARC). The objective of the study was to investigate the association between DP and ARC. METHODS: Participants (120 cases and 240 controls) aged 50-80 years were selected from the ophthalmology clinic of Urmia Imam Khomeini Educational Hospital in the Northwest of Iran by the simple random sampling method between 2017 and 2018. Participants in matched case-control study were free of diabetes, autoimmune diseases and cancer. Factor analysis method was used to identify the major DPs. The association between participants' DPs and ARC were evaluated using logistic regression analysis in SPSS20. RESULTS: Four major DPs were found and nominated: "Unhealthy", "Healthy", "Salty foods" and "Mixed" patterns. In continues model the Unhealthy pattern was positively associated with the risk of ARC disease (odds ratio in adjusted model was 5.71; 95% CI: 3.68-8.87, P trend< 0.001). The Healthy pattern was inversely associated with the ARC (odds ratio in adjusted model was 0.48; 95% CI: 0.34-0.67, Ptrend = 0.02). The Salty foods pattern was associated with ARC (odds ratio in adjusted model was 1.45; 95% CI; 1.04-2.02, Ptrend = 0.03). The association between ARC disease and Mixed patterns was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that Unhealthy and Salty foods patterns were associated with increased risk of ARC. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm such an association.

Evaluating the relationship between dietary intake with inflammatory factors, lipid profile and clinical symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common life-threatening and associated with inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between dietary intake, inflammatory factors, lipid profile, medication and clinical outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: This cross-sectional study were conducted in 72 patients with RA that referred to Rheumatology Clinic, Urmia, Iran. After describing the study and obtaining patient consent, fasting blood samples were collected from all participants in start stage, Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-KB), Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), lipid profile and clinical symptoms were record in participants. Also, Data on dietary intake and physical activity were collected with relevant questionnaires. RESULTS: There was a positive significant relation between energy intakes and low-density lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) (R = 0.855, P = 0.023), carbohydrate intake with total cholesterol (R = 0.297, P = 0.045), carbohydrate intake and NF-kB (R = 0.292, P = 0.017), fat intakes and Ox-LDL (R = 0.321, P = 0.027), prednisolone and Triglyceride (TG) (R = 0.378, P = 0.016), calcium supplement, folic acid and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) (R = 0.259, R = 0.34, R = 0.355, P = 0.09 respectively). In addition, the correlation between carbohydrate and energy intakes with HDL-C were negative significant (R = -0.355, P = 0.09 and R = -0.259, P = 0.034). SJC, Tender Joint Count (TJC), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and VAS were related to DAS28 and other variables shown no relation with DAS28. CONCLUSION: There are many factors affecting the clinical symptoms of patients with RA that attention to nutritional and medicinal factors can have a significant role in the clinical symptoms and complications of these patients.

Adaptation and validity assessment of a diet quality index for patients with type 2 diabetes.

PURPOSE: As diet quality indices (DQI) are likely to be influenced by disease background, adapting the existing indices for each disease is crucial. No study has been adapted a DQI for patients with type 2 diabetes. We aimed to adapt healthy eating index and assess its validity for Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the analysis was conducted on 489 adults with T2DM. We adapted HEI and assessed its validity using construct validity. Construct validity was assessed using a 168-item semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ). General linear model was used to assess associations between adapted HEI scores and demographic characteristics, anthropometric indices, physical activity and food and nutrient intakes. RESULTS: Adapted HEI were examined on 489 subjects (163 men and 326 women). Findings showed that in older subjects the mean adapted HEI score was greater than the younger ones. However, it was significant only in women (p = 0.01). Women with higher education level obtained the greater score (p < 0.001). The greatest mean score of the adapted HEI score in men was related to non-smokers. The mean score in both genders were raised following the increase in physical activity level (p < 0.05). Moreover, a reduction in the mean score of adapted HEI was observed in men with higher BMI compared to those with the lower one (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Adapted HEI could successfully discriminate diet quality in patients with T2DM. Older and high-educated women were adhered greatly to high quality diets. The adapted DQI linked with greater physical activity level and non-smokers diabetic men with lower BMI.

The association between dietary pattern and coronary artery disease: A case-control study.

Introduction: Dietary patterns are an important factors in the progress of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to assess the association between dietary patterns and coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: A case-control study was carried on 550 participants. Food expenditure was collected using a validated 168-item food-frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were extracted by principal component analysis (PCA). Multiple logistic regressions was used to assess the association between dietary patterns and the risk of CAD. Results: Three major dietary patterns were identified: the "Quasi-Western Pattern" was characterized by higher intakes of sweets and desserts, snacks, legumes, honey or jam, ketchup, mayonnaise, yellow vegetables, potatoes, red meat, refined grains; the "Sugar and Fast foods Pattern" was characterized by higher intakes of sugar, soft drinks, fast foods, high-fat dairy, hydrogenated fats, and the "Quasi-Mediterranean Pattern" was characterized by higher intakes of fruits, cruciferous vegetables, green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, coffee. In both sexes, the "Quasi-Western Pattern" and the "Sugar and Fast foods Pattern" were positively associated with the risk of CAD. For "Quasi-Western Pattern", adjusted-ORs were (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 0.99-1.83, P = 0.05) and (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.03-1.83, P = 0.03)for men and women respectively. The ORs were for "Sugar and Fast foods Pattern" (OR: 3.64, 95% CI:2.25-5.89, P < 0.001) and (OR: 3.91, 95% CI: 2.42-6.63, P < 0.001) for men and women respectively.There was a significant inverse relationship among "Quasi-Mediterranean pattern" and CAD in the crude model in women (OR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.55-0.89, P = 0.0.004). Conclusion: High adherence to the "Quasi-Western Pattern" and "Sugar-Fast foods Pattern" dietary patterns were associated with a higher risk of CAD. The "Quasi-Mediterranean pattern" reduced the risk of CAD.

Effect of Oral Versus Intramuscular Vitamin D Replacement on Oxidative Stress and Outcomes in Traumatic Mechanical Ventilated Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 2 forms of vitamin D supplementation on oxidative stress and weaning from the ventilator in patients with traumatic injury and vitamin D deficiency. METHODS: Seventy-two patients were randomly divided into 3 groups: receiving 50,000 IU pearl cholecalciferol daily for 6 days, 1 intramuscular injection of 300,000 IU of cholecalciferol, or a control group that did not receive any supplement. Duration of mechanical ventilation, body composition, and biochemical biomarkers were measured before and after the intervention. RESULT: At the end of the study, the mean serum 25(OH)D increased in the intervention groups compared with the control group (P < .05). The interleukin 6, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein levels, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of intensive care unit admission significantly decreased; however, total antioxidant capacity concentration did not differ significantly between the 2 intervention groups. Among the body composition variables, extracellular water ratio changes were statically different in oral vitamin D group compared with the control group (P = .001). No side effects were reported with the supplements. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D administration improved clinical signs and biochemical biomarkers in a small group of patients with traumatic injury. Well-designed multicenter clinical studies with longer intervention duration are necessary for this field.

A randomized controlled trial comparing effects of a low-energy diet with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Weight loss is the cornerstone of NAFLD management, but weight maintenance is difficult. Some studies have suggested that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) might have beneficial effects in NAFLD. We aim to compare the effects of a low-energy diet with n-3 PUFA supplementation on liver enzymes, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk factors in NAFLD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a randomized controlled trial conducted in Urmia in Iran from October 2016 to May 2017. One hundred and fourteen eligible patients were randomly assigned to one of the three following groups: low-energy diet group, n-3 PUFA supplementation (fish oil) group (1500 mg/d), or control group for 12 weeks. Liver enzymes, lipid profile, insulin resistance, and body composition were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: One hundred and four patients completed the study. All groups lost weight, but the reductions were greater in the diet group (-2.97 ± 2.79 kg, P = 0.001). The diet group had significant decreases in fat mass compared to other groups. Insulin resistance, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly decreased only in the diet group, and patients who lost weight ≥4% showed significantly larger decreases in serum liver enzymes. N-3 PUFA had no beneficial effects on the study outcomes. CONCLUSION: We found that 1500 mg/d n-3 PUFA supplied for 12 weeks, in contrast to 3.40 ± 2.98% weight loss, does not improve liver enzymes, body composition, and cardiometabolic risk factors in NAFLD patients.

The association of FokI and ApaI polymorphisms in vitamin D receptor gene with autoimmune thyroid diseases in the northwest of Iran.

Background: Some genetic factors are involved in the etiology of Hashimoto thyroiditis and Graves' disease as autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs). Effects of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in AITDs development have already been investigated in some previous studies. However, no study has been done on the association between VDR FokI and ApaI polymorphisms and AITDs in an Iranian population. In this study, the possible effects of FokI and ApaI polymorphisms on AITDs were investigated in the population of northwest of Iran. Methods: A total of 121 AITDs adult patients and 117 healthy controls matched by age and sex in the same population were included in this study. FokI and ApaI polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction- restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Chi-square test and odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI were used to analyze the data. Results: FokI and ApaI genotypes frequencies were not significantly different between the 2 groups (p= 0.06, p= 0.73, respectively). However, FokI "CC" and "CT" genotypes were related to AITDs risk (p= 0.03; OR= 3.75; 95% CI, 1.16-12.17 and p= 0.04; OR= 3.41; 95% CI, 1.03-11.28, respectively). Conclusion: These data suggest that FokI polymorphisms are involved in AITDs susceptibility in the population of northwest of Iran.

The effect of vitamin D supplementation on insulin resistance, visceral fat and adiponectin in vitamin D deficient women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Low plasma 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25OHD) is associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the development of insulin resistance, visceral fat and low level of adiponectin which are common feature in PCOS women. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on insulin resistance, visceral fat, and adiponectin in hypovitaminosis D women with polycystic ovary syndrome. METHODS: In this randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 44 PCOS women aged 20-38 years with plasma 25OHD <20 ng/mL were randomized in the intervention or placebo groups and followed for 8 weeks. Participants received 50,000 IU of oral vitamin D3 once weekly in the intervention group or placebo. The visceral adipose tissue, Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), HOMA-B, QUICKI, and circulating adiponectin were compared before and after the intervention within groups using paired tests and the mean changes were analyzed between two groups by independent t-test. RESULTS: Of 44 eligible participates, 36 patients (81.8%) completed the study. After 8 week intervention, vitamin D supplementation compared to the placebo group significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (7.67 ± 7.66 versus 1.71 ± 7.50 mg/dL, p = .001) and significantly increased homeostasis model of assessment-estimated B cell function (HOMA-B) (129.76 ± 121.02 versus 48.32 ± 128.35, p = .014), Adiponectin (5.17 ± 8.09 versus -5.29 ± 8.64 mg/dL, p = .001), and serum vitamin D level (28.24 ± 6.47 versus 3.55 ± 4.25 ng/mL, p = .001). CONCLUSION: Vitamin D supplementation in vitamin D deficient women with PCOS, improved the FPG, HOMA-B, Adiponectin, and serum vitamin D level.

Has iodized salt reduced iodine-deficiency disorders among school-aged children in north-west Iran? A 9-year prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Low iodine intakes are associated with goitre and other iodine-deficiency disorders (IDD) that have affected billions of people worldwide. We aimed to assess total goitre rate (TGR) and urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in schoolchildren between 2007 and 2015, percentage of iodized salt consumption by households, and salt iodine content at production, distribution and household levels in north-west Iran. Design/Setting/Subjects UIC assessed among schoolchildren in nine consecutive years; 240 schoolchildren aged 8-10 years selected by systematic random sampling each year in the West Azerbaijan Province. RESULTS: Median UIC was >100 µg/l in all years. More than 50 % of children had iodine deficiency (UIC≤99 µg/l) in 2010 and 2011, while this rate was approximately 15-35 % in other years. Proportion with UIC below 50 µg/l was <20 % in all years except 2010 and 2011. Excessive UIC (≥300 µg/l) rate was between 5·4 and 27·5 %. TGR decreased from 44 % in 1996 to 7·6 % and 0·4 % in 2001 and 2007, respectively. Regular surveys from 2002 to 2015 showed that 98 % or more of households consumed iodized salt. Iodine level ≥20 ppm was observed in 87·5, 83 and 73 % of salt at production, distribution and household level, respectively (data from national study in 2007). The last national study in 2014 showed that median iodine level in household salt was 27 ppm. CONCLUSIONS: Our focused data suggest that the universal salt iodization programme is improving the iodine status of schoolchildren in the West Azerbaijan Province of Iran. Reduction of TGR to less than 5 % in schoolchildren indicates successful elimination of IDD as a major public health problem.

Changes of Overweight and Obesity Prevalence Among School Children in North West of Iran After 3 Years Follow-up (2009-2011): A Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and overweight among children is a major public health problem in developed and developing countries and has important health and economic implications. This longitudinal study aimed to assessing the prevalence trend of overweight and obesity in West Azerbaijan in North West of Iran. METHODS: This study was a longitudinal follow-up study and was conducted in school children at 2009-2011 year. The subjects were all school children (12 years of age) that were recruited from rural and urban schools in West Azerbaijan. Overall, 22,820 girls and 28,763 boys were enrolled in 2009 and were followed for 3 years. A body mass index (BMI) 85(th)-95(th) percentile was classified as overweight and a BMI >95(th) percentile was classified as obese. All statistical analyses were performed using the Excel Software. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample in different time periods. The prevalence was calculated as the ratio of number of present cases to a given population number in a given subgroup at a given time. RESULTS: In urban schools, the prevalence of overweight among girls and boys was 118.26 and 103.9 per 1000 persons in 2009 year, respectively, and this trend was increased in both girls (152.90 per 1000 persons) and boys (125.72 per 1000 persons) in 2011. The obesity trend was increased among both girls and boys (22.26 and 26.52 among girls and boys in 2009 to 24.66 and 28.65 per 1000 persons in 2011), respectively. In rural schools, the prevalence of overweight among girls was increased from 84.5 in 2009 to 108.89 per 1000 persons in 2011, but this trend was decreased among boys (from 95.49 in 2009 to 43.9 per 1000 persons in 2011), and the prevalence of obesity among boys was increased at the end of follow-up, but this trend was decreased among girls. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obesity in children has increased. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the relationship between obesity and overweight and risk factors such as dietary pattern and physical inactivity.

Nutritional Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of North West Households in Iran: Is Knowledge likely to Become Practice?

BACKGROUND: Nutritional factors have an important role in the incidence of non-communicable diseases and they are strong predictors of cardiovascular risk among adolescents. This study was conducted to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of urban and rural households towards the principles of nutrition in West Azerbaijan Province. DESIGN AND METHODS: This cross sectional population based study was conducted among 455 urban and rural households. The sampling method at households' level in each area was the single stage cluster sampling. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire and through the interview with the eligible subject in each household. Analyses were performed using SPSS 20 statistical software. For qualitative data, results were presented as frequency and percentage. RESULTS: Out of a total of 455 households that were selected as overall sample size, 272 (59.8%) were in urban areas and 183 (40.2%) in rural areas. More than 50% of the households in both urban and rural areas were aware of food groups. More than 40% of the households in both urban and rural areas knew about the roles of food groups and the level of knowledge most frequently encountered was about the role of milk and dairy group in urban areas (88.6%). Vitamin intake associated with the role of fruits (68%) and vegetables (62.5%) had the highest frequency. Most of the respondents declared that they consumed certain foods for their effects related to health improvement and disease prevention. The results showed that 45.2-99.8% of them had favorable attitudes. Most of the households consumed red meat, poultry, egg and legumes weekly, whereas fish was eaten rarely. Fruits, vegetables, sugar and dairy were consumed daily in most of the households. CONCLUSION: Higher nutrition knowledge is associated with better practice and diet quality. Our findings suggest that nutrition education should be integrated in a household training program.

Trend of Overweight and Obesity, Based on Population Study among School Children in North West of Iran: Implications for When to Intervene.

INTRODUCTION: Childhood overweight and obesity is a major public health problem in both developed and developing countries. Overweight and obesity in children may have severe consequences later in a dolescence and adulthood. The aim of current study was to determine the prevalence trend of overweight and obesity in school-aged children from 2009 to 2011. METHODS: The present study was a population-based study and conducted in three consecutive years, from 2009 to 2011. The study population included all of primary, secondary and high school children in rural and urban regions of West Azerbaijan province in West-North of Iran. Body mass index (BMI), the ratio of weight to height squared [weight (kg)]/ [height (m)]2, was calculated to the nearest decimal place. Overweight and obesity were classified using CDC recommendations for age and sex: a BMI 85th- 95th percentile was classified as overweight and a BMI >95th percentile was classified as obese. All statistical analyses were performed using the Excel Software. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample in different time periods. The prevalence was calculated as the ratio of number present cases to a given population number in a given subgroup at a given time. RESULTS: Overall, 165740, 145146 and 146203 school children were assessed at 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Prevalence of overweight in primary school children among girls were 52.83, 86.93 and 116.36 and for boys were 57.07, 53.4 and 93.55 per 1000 person in 2009, 2010 and 2011 years, respectively. The prevalence of obesity in secondary school children for girls were 22.26, 27.75 and 28.43 and 26.52, 25.72 and 35.85 for boys per 1000 person in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively, The highest prevalence of overweight was 77.58, 142.4 and 126.46 per 1000 person among primary, secondary and high school children, respectively, in 2011. The lowest prevalence of obesity was 12.52, 24.1 and 21.61 per 1000 person among primary, secondary and high school children, respectively, in 2009. CONCLUSIONS: However, the rapid increase in both obesity and overweight should have a special attention. Research on prevalence trend of overweight and obesity in children is poorly reported in Iran. So that, future studies need to follow-up on the associations between overweight and obesity with health outcomes when children develop and reach adolescence and adulthood.

Children malnutrition in northwestern, central and southern regions of Iran: does geographic location matter?

INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition is one of the most important morbidity and mortality causes in children. In comparison with healthy children malnourished children are at higher risk of illness and death as 60 percent of more than 7 million deaths in children aged less than five years are attributed to the malnutrition. The present study is intended to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in West Azerbaijan and compare with Kermanshah and Isfahan provinces. MATERIALS & METHODS: The current survey is a cross-sectional study which is conducted with the aim of determining the nutritional status of children aged less than five years in three West Azerbaijan, Kermanshah and Isfahan provinces using ENA software and has been performed since 16th until 30th October, 2011 with the cooperation of the Office of Community Nutrition Improvement and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Research data are collected by questionnaire and according WHO index, percentage of children with malnutrition (underweight, wasting, stunting) were calculated. Chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between variables and malnutrition. RESULTS: The rate of underweight, stunting, and wasting in West Azerbaijan was 2.3%, 7.3% and 1.4%, respectively. Wasting rate in boys was higher than in girls while stunting and underweight were more common in girls but differences were not significant. Results showed that the percentage prevalence of stunting in rural areas was higher than in urban areas, and this difference was significant. (p < 0.03) prevalence of overweight in West Azarbijan, Kermanshah and Isfahan was 5.1%, 4.5% and 3.7%, respectively. Also, Prevalence of obesity in West Azarbijan, Kermanshah and Isfahan was 1.3%, 0.7% and 0.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Given the differences between various provinces and regions of the country which are as a result of the differences between the levels of development in these areas, the necessity of designing and implementing targeted strategies are required for different areas.

Malnutrition, overweight, and obesity among urban and rural children in north of west Azerbijan, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition is one of the most important causes for improper physical and mental development of children. Childhood obesity is a worldwide public health problem. The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity has become a growing matter of public health concern worldwide. The aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and obesity in children under 5 years old in Salmas district. METHODS: The current study is a cross-sectional study conducted on 902 of children under 5 years old to assess the nutritional status in Salmas district and performed from 16 until 30 October, 2011, with the cooperation of the Office of Community Nutrition Improvement and the United Nations Children's Fund. ENA (Emergency Nutrition Assessment) and Spss software were used for data analysis. RESULTS: 49.6% of children were boys and 50.4% were girls. The prevalence of malnutrition based on underweight, stunting, and wasting was estimated to be 2.3%, 7.3%, and 1.4% among children, respectively. Stunting was more common in rural areas and this difference was significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this area stunting, overweight and obesity were the most important priorities that health officials must pay more attention to. ENA software has a special ability to determine the samples and clusters and is a simple, rapid, and accurate method, especially in epidemiological studies in the country, and can be a convenient tool and its use is suggested for the same studies.

Demographic and prognostic factors of 455 patients with acute leukemia admitted to two referral hospitals in tehran-iran during ten years (2001-2011).

BACKGROUND: Global death toll of Acute Leukemia (AL), as a heterogeneous group of hematopoietic malignancies, is rather high, i.e. almost 74% of 300,000 new cases die every year. This reflects a poor prognosis of this malignancy in most parts of the world, where contemporary and rather complex remedies are not available. There are a few well documented reports about the epidemiologic features of AL at national level in Iran. This retrospective study demonstrates demographic and laboratory features of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) patients admitted to the main referral oncology hospitals in the ex-Iran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran (Firoozgar and Rasoul-Akram hospitals) during the last decade (2001-2011). METHODS: Medical records of all patients admitted to the both hospitals diagnosed with AML and ALL were reviewed during the study period for demographic, biological and clinical characteristics at diagnosis. RESULTS: Four-hundred fifty five patients were diagnosed with AML and ALL, who admitted to the both hospitals during ten years, of whom 59.6 % (271 patients) were male. Fifty five percent of patients had AML and 44.6 % had ALL, both significantly dominated in men (p<0.001). AML patients died more significantly (p<0.05) and the most deaths occurred in older patients (p<0.001). Initial WBC count was significantly related to death (p= 0.001), where the least death (13%) occurred in the group with initial WBC between 5-10×10(3)/µL and most of deceased had an initial WBC more than 10×10(3)/µL. Logistic regression showed that age, fever and WBC were significant prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Demographic characteristics of AL patients were almost the same as other global reports. Most deaths occurred in older patients, those who had fever, and patients with higher WBC count at first admission, which warrants more investigations accurately and also improvements in hospital records.