The Relationship between Dietary Patterns and Metabolic Phenotypes: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Representative Sample of Iranian Industrial Employees.

Background and Aim: There is limited evidence to support the relationship between dietary patterns and metabolic phenotypes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the association of dietary patterns with metabolic phenotypes among a large sample of Iranian industrial employees. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 3,063 employees of Esfahan Steel Company, Iran. Using exploratory factor analysis, major dietary patterns were obtained from a validated short form of food frequency questionnaire. The metabolic phenotypes were defined according to Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. The independent-sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, χ2 test, and multivariable logistic regression were applied to analyze data. Results: Three major dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis: the Western dietary pattern, the healthy dietary pattern, and the traditional dietary pattern. After controlling for potential confounders, subjects in the highest tertile of Western dietary pattern score had a higher odds ratio (OR) for metabolically healthy obese (MHO; OR 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29-1.94), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.08-3.45), and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUHO) phenotypes (OR 2.87, 95% CI 2.05-4.03) than those in the lowest tertile. Also, higher adherence to traditional dietary pattern was positively associated with a higher risk of MHO (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.56-2.34) and MUHO phenotypes (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.69-3.22) in the final model. Conclusion: There were significant associations between dietary patterns and metabolic phenotypes, suggesting the necessity of nutritional interventions in industrial employees to improve metabolic phenotype, health outcomes, and, therefore, job productivity in the workforce population.

Validity and reliability of the Persian version of food preferences questionnaire (Persian-FPQ) in Iranian adolescents.

The assessment of dietary intakes and habits using reliable and youth-specific measurement tools during adolescence is essential. The aim of the present study was to culturally adapt and investigate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the food preferences questionnaire (Persian-FPQ) among Iranian adolescents. This methodological cross-sectional study was conducted among 452 Persian-speaking adolescents, living in Isfahan, Iran. Translation of the FPQ was performed using forward-backward method. Intra Class Correlation (ICC) and Cronbach's α were used to assess test-retest reliability and internal consistency, respectively. Construct validity was investigated by using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Divergent validity was determined using correlation analysis with Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10). Known-group validity was assessed based on differences in mean food preference score between boys and girls and different categories of body mass index (BMI). The internal and external reliabilities for the Persian-FPQ were in the range of good to excellent in all domains (Cronbach's α: 0.76-0.96 and ICCs: 0.982-0.998). Boys had higher scores of food preferences than girls, indicating good known-group validity. Construct validity evaluated by EFA led to extraction of seven factors ("Vegetables", "Fruit", "Dairy", "Snacks", "Meat/Fish", "Starches" and "Miscellaneous foods"), explaining 37.8% of the variance. Divergent validity revealed significant negative correlations between five sub-scales of the Persian-FPQ and psychological distress. The Persian version of the FPQ is a reliable and valid instrument with applicability in a broad range of the population of Persian-speaking adolescents for assessing food preferences in community-based research projects.

Clinico-epidemiological evaluation of pharmaceutical/non-pharmaceutical poisoning in a referral poisoning emergency in the Central part of Iran.

The pattern of poisoning varies in different societies. In this study, we investigated the clinical-epidemiological features and outcomes of poisoned patients based on the substances involved, whether pharmaceutical or non- pharmaceutical toxins. This cross-sectional study involved a retrospective chart review of all poisoned patients who presented to the poisoning emergency hospital in the center of Iran between January 2015 and December 2019. We collected data on socio-demographics, the nature of the poisoning, and the outcomes. Backward stepwise binary regression analysis was conducted to predict the mortality. Throughout the study period, 5777 patients with acute poisoning met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 3524 cases (61%) were attributed to pharmaceutical, and 2253 cases (39%) were due to non-pharmaceutical poisoning. The majority of pharmaceutical poisonings (82.9%) were intentional, whereas non-pharmaceutical poisonings accounted for 46.2% of intentional exposures (P < 0.001). Patients with non-pharmaceutical poisoning were predominantly men, older in age, and had a history of addiction compared to those with pharmaceutical poisoning (P < 0.001). In binary logistic regression analysis, patients poisoned by non-pharmaceutical substances had a significantly higher risk of mortality [Odds ratio, 3.14; (95% CI 1.39-7.10); P = 0.006] compared to those poisoned by pharmaceutical substances (P < 0.001). The pattern of poisoning differs in terms of age and gender when comparing pharmaceutical to non-pharmaceutical poisoning. Patients poisoned by non-pharmaceutical may have a worse outcome compared to those poisoned by pharmaceutical substances.

Outcomes of primary repair of cleft palate using sommerled intravelar veloplasty associated with velocardiofacial syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Velocardiofacial syndrome, a prevalent microdeletion syndrome occurring in 1 in 2000-4000 live births, is marked by speech and language disorders, notably velopharyngeal dysfunction. This study investigates speech outcomes, nasometric and videofluoroscopic results before and after primary repair of cleft palate using the Sommerlad intravelar veloplasty (SIVV) technique within the Isfahan cleft care team for patients with velocardiofacial syndrome. METHODS: Employing a quasi-experimental design, 19 participants with velocardiofacial syndrome, who underwent primary cleft palate repair by the Isfahan cleft care team, were included through convenience sampling. Perceptual and instrumental outcomes were assessed pre-and post-operatively. Statistical analysis encompassed paired t-tests and the non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The study identified no statistically significant differences between pre-and post-surgical speech outcome parameters and nasalance scores. Nonetheless, a significant distinction emerged in the velopharyngeal closure ratio based on fluoroscopic evaluation (p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: The efficacy of the SIVV technique in treating velopharyngeal dysfunction in velocardiofacial syndrome patients is inconclusive, demanding further research. Post-surgical speech outcomes are influenced by surgical technique, hypotonia, apraxia of speech, and surgery timing. Notably, an elevated velopharyngeal valve closure ratio, though anatomically indicative, does not exclusively predict surgical success.

Factors influencing breast cancer screening practices among women worldwide: a systematic review of observational and qualitative studies.

BACKGROUND: The variation in breast cancer incidence rates across different regions may reflect disparities in breast cancer screening (BCS) practices. Understanding the factors associated with these screening behaviors is crucial for identifying modifiable elements amenable to intervention. This systematic review aims to identify common factors influencing BCS behaviors among women globally. METHODS: Relevant papers were sourced from PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar. The included studies were published in English in peer-reviewed journals from January 2000 to March 2023 and investigated factors associated with BCS behaviors. RESULTS: From an initial pool of 625 articles, 34 studies (comprising 29 observational and 5 qualitative studies) with 36,043 participants were included. Factors influencing BCS behaviors were categorized into nine groups: socio-demographic factors, health status history, knowledge, perceptions, cultural factors, cues to action, motivation, self-efficacy, and social support. The quality appraisal scores of the studies ranged from average to high. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review highlights factors pivotal for policy-making at various levels of breast cancer prevention and assists health promotion professionals in designing more effective interventions to enhance BCS practices among women.

Exploring the association between ultra-processed foods and COPD: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: While it is known that the overconsumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is associated with a heightened risk of respiratory ailments, the specific effects of UPF intake on COPD remain unclear. This study was designed to explore the potential link between COPD and the consumption of UPFs among adult individuals in Iran. METHODS: In this hospital-based case-control study conducted at Alzahra University Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, we enrolled 84 patients newly diagnosed with COPD, along with 252 healthy controls matched for age and sex. COPD was defined based on the results of spirometry tests, specifically when the forced expiratory volume per second (FEV1) was less than 80% or the ratio of FEV1 to forced vital capacity (FVC) was less than 70%. To evaluate the dietary intake of the participants, we utilized a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) consisting of 168 items. Additionally, we gathered data on potential confounding factors using a pre-tested questionnaire. RESULTS: The mean ages for the case and control groups were 57.07 and 55.05 years, respectively. Our study found no significant association between the intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and the likelihood of COPD, with an odds ratio (OR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.34-1.77). This lack of association persisted even after adjusting for factors such as energy intake, sex, and age (OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.19-1.21). Further controlling for potential confounders like body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and smoking status did not alter this finding (OR: 0.367; 95% CI: 0.123-1.1008, P = 0.074). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, we observed no significant association between the intake of Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) and the odds of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This finding remained consistent even after adjusting for factors such as energy intake, sex, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), physical activity, and smoking status. Therefore, within the scope of our study, it appears that the consumption of UPFs does not significantly impact the likelihood of developing COPD. However, we recommend further research to deepen our understanding of the intricate relationship between dietary habits and respiratory health.

In-Utero exposure to potential sources of indoor air pollution and umbilical cord blood leukocyte telomere length.

Indoor air pollution (IAP) has been associated with various adverse health effects. However, the evidence regarding such an association with leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in cord blood samples is still scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the relationship between exposure to indicators of IAP and LTL in umbilical cord blood samples. This cross-sectional study was based on 188 mother-newborn pairs who participated in our study between 2020 and 2022 in Isfahan, Iran. Umbilical LTL was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technique. Linear mixed-effect models were used to assess the relationship between IAP indicators and umbilical LTL, adjusted for relevant covariates. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) of umbilical LTL was 0.92 (0.47). In fully adjusted models, frequency of using degreasing spray during pregnancy (times per month) (ß = -0.047, 95% CI:0.09, -0.05, P-value = 0.02), using air freshener spray during pregnancy (ß = -0.26, 95% CI: -0.5, -0.02, P-value = 0.03) and frequency of using insecticides during pregnancy (times per month) (ß = -0.025, 95% CI: -0.047, -0.003, P-value = 0.02) were significantly associated with shorter umbilical LTL. There was a positive significant relationship between the frequency of using cleaning spray during pregnancy (times per month) with umbilical LTL (ß = 0.019, 95% CI: 0.005, 0.033, P-value = 0.01). Furthermore, the direct connection of the parking with home and the frequency of using barbecue (times per week) were marginally associated with shorter umbilical LTL. For other indicators of IAP, we did not observe any statistically significant associations. Overall, this study suggested a negative association between prenatal exposure to IAP during pregnancy and umbilical LTL.

Effect of vitamin D supplementation on symptoms severity in vitamin D insufficient women with premenstrual syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is one of the most prevalent disorders among reproductive women worldwide that negatively impact women's quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the severity of PMS symptoms in vitamin D insufficient women with PMS. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial, 44 vitamin D insufficient women with PMS received either 50,000 IU vitamin D or a placebo fortnightly for 16 weeks. Participants completed the PMS Daily Symptoms Rating form at beginning and during the last two months of the intervention, and their blood samples were collected to assess 25(OH)D serum levels. RESULTS: After the four months' intervention, the serum level of 25(OH)D in the vitamin D group raised from 21 ± 8 ng/ml to 40 ± 8 ng/ml (P < 0.001), while in the placebo group it raised from 21 ± 7 ng/ml to 23 ± 7 ng/ml (P = 0.03). Indeed, serum vitamin D levels in the placebo group could not reach a sufficient level. At the end of the intervention, the mean score of total PMS symptoms showed significant improvement in the vitamin supplemented group compared to the controls (p < 0.001). By grouping the PMS symptoms into five subgroups, the mean score of all five subgroups decreased post-supplementation compared to the baseline; however, the highest and lowest decrease were in depression (53 %) and water retention subgroups (28 %), respectively. This indicates a greater improvement in the mean scores of mood symptoms compared to physical symptoms in this study (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Results obtained in this clinical trial represent the helpful effects of vitamin D supplementation on total, physical and mood symptoms in vitamin D insufficient women with PMS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This randomized controlled trial at IRCT.ir on 2018-06-20 with Registration No: IRCT20180525039822N1.

Sequential therapy versus quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: A prospective double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Backgrounds and Aims: This controlled randomized clinical trial was designed to compare effectiveness, side effects, and severity of symptoms before and after therapy between quadruple (QT) and sequential regimens (SQ) for Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori). Methods: Patients were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A received a 14-day QT including pantoprazole 40 mg q12 h, bismuth subcitrate 240 mg q12 h, clarithromycin 500 mg q12 h, and amoxicillin 1000 mg q12 h and group B received ST including pantoprazole 40 mg q12 h and amoxicillin 1000 mg q12 h for the initial 5 days followed by pantoprazole 40 mg q12 h, clarithromycin 500 mg q12 h and tinidazole 500 mg q12 h for the next 5 days. Adverse drug reactions and patients' compliance were assessed after finishing the treatment course and also 4 weeks after. All patients were naive, therefore ST and QT were first-line therapies. To evaluate severity of symptoms we used Short-Form Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire (SF-LDQ) before taking the first dose of regimens, at the end of therapy, and also 4 weeks after (follow-up). Results: The mean age in Group A (n = 83) was 48.55 ± 12.56 and 47.24 ± 12.78 in Group B (n = 79). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding age, gender, endoscopic findings, and also eradication rate. The analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in SF-LDQ score between baseline and after therapy and baseline and follow-up in both regimen groups. Both regimens were well tolerated by the majority of patients, and there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of adverse drug reactions. Conclusion: This study showed that ST can be used as an alternative first-line therapy to QT in patients with H. pylori infection.

Effects of therapeutic lifestyle change diets on blood lipids, lipoproteins, glycemic parameters, and blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

CONTEXT: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Low-calorie, low-fat therapeutic diets (TDs) developed by the US National Cholesterol Education Program, ie, the Step I and II diets and the therapeutic lifestyle changes diet, are approximately similar and are the initial therapeutic interventional approaches for lifestyle modification. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review with meta-analysis was undertaken to evaluate the effects of TDs diet on blood lipids, apolipoprotein A-1, apolipoprotein B, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and insulin. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive search of the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases until October 2022 was performed to identify clinical trials investigating the effects of TDs on the aforementioned parameters. DATA EXTRACTION: One investigator screened the records and extracted data, and another reviewed the extracted data. DATA ANALYSIS: A total of 910 records were retrieved. After records were screened for eligibility, 34 clinical trials met the inclusion criteria. The pooled analysis from the random-effects model revealed a significant reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-1, and apolipoprotein B in the TD intervention group vs the control group. The overall effects of TDs on fasting blood glucose, insulin, and blood pressure were not significant, but the results of subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose with the Step II diet and an intervention duration of more than 24 weeks. For blood pressure, the Step I diet and an intervention duration of more than 24 weeks resulted in significant reduction. There was no evidence of publication bias, but strong heterogeneity was observed. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic diets have promising effects on lipid profile parameters, glycemic indexes, and blood pressure, which can promote cardiovascular health. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021259355.

Association between major dietary patterns and Parkinson's disease risk: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: There has been emerging attention to investigate the possible role of some dietary factors in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD); however, evidence about the relationship between dietary components and the risk of PD is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the association between major dietary patterns and the risk of PD. METHODS: This case-control study was performed on 105 patients with newly diagnosed PD and 215 healthy controls. Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease was made based on the UK Brain Bank criteria. Usual dietary intakes were collected by a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were detected by principal component analysis. RESULTS: Four dietary patterns, including traditional, healthy, western, and light dietary patterns, were identified. After considering all potential confounders, individuals with the highest tertile of traditional dietary pattern scores had a lower risk of PD than those with the lowest tertile (OR: 0.002; 95% CI: 0.000-0.016). A similar inverse association between the healthy pattern (OR: 0.314; 95% CI: 0.131-0.750) and light pattern (OR: 0.282; 95% CI: 0.121-0.654) and risk of PD was revealed. In contrast, adherence to the western dietary pattern was associated with PD incidence (OR: 7.26; 95% CI: 2.76-19.09). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that adherence to western dietary pattern could increase the risk of PD by approximately seven times. However, the traditional, healthy, and light dietary patterns had an inverse relationship with PD risk.

Differential Gene Expressions of CALM1, PSMD6, and AK124742 Long Noncoding RNA in Cumulus Cells from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients versus Normal Control Women.

Background: One of the well-known causes of subfertility is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Genetic components play a critical role in the etiology of PCOS. The recognition of differentially expressed genes in PCOS patients might provide a better understanding of the pathophysiology of this syndrome and paves the way for novel therapeutics. Gene expression profiles in cumulus cells (CCs) could be used as biological criteria for embryo competence and their analysis might lead to important molecular information about embryo quality. CALM1, PSMD6, and AK124742 are three well-known genes associated with embryo development. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the expression of CALM1, PSMD6, and AK124742 genes in the CCs of infertile PCOS patients with their expression in the CCs of the donor fertile group. Materials and Methods: CCs were collected from the follicular fluid of 33 patients with PCOS as the experimental group and 33 cumulus donor women who were referred to the infertility center for egg donation as the control group. CCs were frozen until genetic testing. The expression of CALM1, PSMD6, and AK124742 genes was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: CALM1 and AK124742 gene expressions significantly increased (CALM1 P = 0.003) (AK124742 P = 0.000) and PSMD6 expression significantly decreased (P = 0.002) in the PCOS group compared to the cumulus donor (control) group. Conclusion: Therefore, our research findings suggest that the potential impact of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) on fertility could be attributed to modifications in the expression levels of genes that affect the reproductive.

Reference range of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels in women during reproductive age in the Iranian population.

Backgrounds: To determine the average cutoff values of serum-free and total testosterone (FT, TT) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) among healthy premenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Participants were women aged 18-55 years without signs and symptoms of hyperandrogenism (n = 489). Participants if Ferriman-Gallwey (FG) scores between 6 and 8 were considered a group located in the upper spectrum related to the normal hirsutism score (n = 30). DHEAS, TT, and FT levels were compared between different populations. Upper limits of 97.5 and 95 and lower limits of 5 and 2.5 percentiles were calculated to provide the reference intervals for DHEA, TT, and FT in the total sample and in the population with FG 6-8. Results: In the total population, the mean ± standard deviation (SD) serum FT, TT, and DHEAS levels were 1.40 ± 0.63 pg/mL, 0.42 ± 0.17 ng/mL, and 1.5 ± 0.97 µg/ml, respectively. The cutoff values of FT at 1.35 and TT at 0.49 were obtained for differentiating the patients with FG 6-8 scores from the normal population, with the corresponding specificity of 0.60, the sensitivity of 0.67, and area under the ROC curve (AUC) (confidence interval 95%) of 0.63 (0.52-0.73), P = 0.01 and 0.68 (0.58-0.78) P = 0.001, respectively. Conclusions: In our study, the mean ± SD serum FT level was 1.40 ± 0.63 pg/mL, the TT level was 0.42 ± 0.17 ng/mL, and the DHEAS level was 1.5 ± 0.97 µg/ml, in premenopausal women between 18 and 49 years of age. Furthermore, in a population with FG 6-8 score, a cutoff value of FT at 1.35 and TT at 0.49 was obtained. Although the irregular menstrual cycle did not change the reference range when compared with the normal group.

Efficacy of adjunctive topical liposomal clarithromycin on systemic Glucantime in Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis: a pilot clinical study.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of topical liposomal clarithromycin in combination with meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime®) on cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) lesions. Methods: This pilot, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial was conducted on patients with CL lesions. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the first group received liposomal clarithromycin in combination with Glucantime for 28 days, while the second group received Glucantime and a placebo. Afterward, patients were followed up at 1.5, 3, and 6 months after treatment initiation and were evaluated for recovery time, induration, and size of the lesions. Results: Sixty patients with CL lesions were divided into two separate groups with 30 members each and were examined. Within-group analysis revealed that recovery time in the clarithromycin group was 26.65 ± 5.12 days, while in the placebo group, it was 32.84 ± 24.43, which was statistically insignificant (p = 0.18). Lesion size comparison in the first and last follow-ups reduced in both groups: 7.73 ± 4.31 to 0.48 ± 0.50 in the clarithromycin group (p = 0.006) and 5.47 ± 5.83 to 0.76 ± 0.88 in the placebo group (p = 0.03). Moreover, the size of lesions in the intervention group was significantly reduced compared to that in the placebo group (p = 0.02). Recognizable induration reduction was observed in the clarithromycin group (2.60 ± 0.77 to 1.0 ± 0.00). No adverse effects attributable to clarithromycin were reported. Conclusion: The administration of liposomal clarithromycin in combination with systemic Glucantime had a significant beneficial effect on reducing lesion size in leishmaniasis. Further studies on larger populations are recommended. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.irct.ir/trial/46611.

The association between dietary patterns and quality of life: a cross-sectional study among a large sample of industrial employees.

BACKGROUND: considering the diet, as a whole (dietary patterns), can provide more information regarding dietary guidelines to decrease health problems and improve quality of life (QoL) of industrial workers.Therefore, the aims of this study were to identify major dietary patterns and to evaluate their association with quality of life among Iranian industrial employees. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 3,063 employees of Isfahan Steel Company, Isfahan, Iran, in 2015. Dietary data were evaluated through a validated form of a food frequency questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis was used to extract major dietary patterns,. To assess the QoL, Euro-QoL five- dimension questionnaire was used. Latent class analysis was used to classify participants based on QoL. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to evaluate the association between dietary patterns and QoL. RESULTS: Three dietary patterns, i.e. western, healthy and traditional, and two classes, i.e. high and low quality of life. were identified from study participants. Lower adherence to the healthy dietary pattern increased the risk of being in low QoL class in which subjects in the lowest tertile of healthy dietary intake had higher odds of being in low QoL class (adjusted OR (AOR): 1.51, 95% CI: 1.19-1.91). However, subjects in the lowest tertile of traditional diet, low adherence, had 30% lower risk of belonging to the low QoL class (AOR:0.70, 95% CI: 0.55-0.88). Higher adherence to western dietary pattern increased the risk of low quality of life, but it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Higher adherence to a healthy diet and lower adherence to traditional dietary pattern were associated with better QoL in manufacturing employees.

The association between diet quality and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Previous investigations have primarily examined the relationship between various dietary patterns and the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, there have been limited studies that have evaluated the association between diet quality presented by Healthy Eating Index 2010 (HEI-2010) and COPD. The aim of this study was to investigate this association in Iranian population. METHODS: This case-control study recruited 84 cases and 252 healthy controls who were randomly selected. Diet, smoking, and physical activity were assessed using validated questionnaires. The HEI-2010 score ranged from zero to hundred twenty, with zero indicating an unhealthy diet and hundred twenty indicating a healthy diet. Logistic regression models were utilized to analyze the association between HEI-2010 and the odds of COPD. RESULTS: Results from logistic regression showed that individuals with higher HEI scores had a significantly lower odds of COPD (OR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.16-0.72). After adjusting for confounders, individuals with the highest HEI score were 82% less likely to have COPD (OR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.03-0.96). This association remained significant after adjusting for smoking and physical activity (OR: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01-0.93) and with additional adjustment for BMI (OR: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01-0.92). CONCLUSIONS: This study found a significant association between a higher HEI-2010 score and a lower odd of COPD in the Iranian population. These results suggest that a healthy diet may play a crucial role in reducing the odds of COPD and in improving the function of the lungs. However, further prospective studies are warranted to elucidate this relationship.

The Effect of Garlic (Allium Sativum) on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Related Hormones and Glycemic Parameters: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Clinical Trial.

Background: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of garlic supplementation on androgen levels and glycemic-related markers in patients with PCOS. Methods: In these 8 weeks of randomized double-blinded control trial, 80 women were randomly assigned into two groups in which patients were asked to intake either 800 mg/day garlic or an identical placebo. A blood sample was obtained pre- and post-trial to assess androgens and glycemic-related parapets. A 3-days- food record and a short form of international physical activity questionnaires (IPAQ) were also evaluated at the beginning and end of the trial. Results: All participants completed the trial. Garlic supplementation resulted in significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose (-3.22 ± 7.41 vs. 0.72 ± 5.37; P = 0.008) and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (-0.29 ± 1.45 vs. 0.28 ± 1.20; P = 0.02). In addition, a trend to a significant improvement was detected in free androgen index (FAI) (P = 0.09), insulin levels (P = 0.07), and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (P = 0.06). However, no significant difference was found in testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Present study indicates that garlic supplementation could be beneficial for FPG and insulin resistance improvement. However, garlic supplementation does not show remarkable efficacy on androgens. Further studies are warranted to confirm the results.

Comparison of the effects of preoperative celecoxib and gabapentin on pain, functional recovery, and quality of life after total knee arthroplasty: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: Acute pain is one of the main complaints of patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), which causes delayed mobility, increased morphine consumption, and subsequently increased costs. Therefore, the present study was performed to evaluate the preventive effect of preoperative celecoxib and gabapentin on reducing patient pain as a primary outcome after TKA surgery. Materials and Methods: This randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial was performed on 270 patients with osteoarthritis that were candidates for TKA surgery allocated into three groups. In the first group, 900 mg of gabapentin was administered orally on a daily basis for 3 days before surgery. In the second group, 200 mg of oral celecoxib was administered twice daily for 3 days before surgery. In the third group, oral placebo was administered twice daily for 3 days before the surgery. The patients' pain score and knee and its functional score were recoded. Results: The mean of reduction pain in gabapentin and celecoxib groups was significantly lower than that of the control group at 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery (P < 0.001); however, two groups were not significantly different from each other (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the two medication groups were not significantly different in this regard (P > 0.05). In addition, the knee score in the gabapentin group with the means of 85.40 ± 5.47 and the celecoxib group with the means of 87.03 ± 3.97 were significantly higher than those of the control group with the means of 78.90 ± 4.39 in the 1st month after the surgery (P < 0.001). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, the preventive administration of gabapentin and celecoxib showed a significant and similar effectiveness on reducing patient pain after TKA surgery and on improving the KSS and quality of life scores.

A multidimensional longitudinal dataset on functional somatic syndromes.

Functional disorders represent a prevalent health issue, significantly impacting both individuals and healthcare systems. This multidisciplinary dataset aims to enhance our comprehension of the complex interplay among various factors that contribute to functional somatic syndromes. The dataset comprises data from seemingly healthy adults (aged 18-65) in Isfahan, Iran, who were randomly selected and monitored for four consecutive years. The research data encompasses seven distinct datasets: (a) functional symptom evaluations across multiple body organs, (b) psychological assessments, (c) lifestyle factors, (d) demographic and socioeconomic variables, (e) laboratory measurements, (f) clinical examinations, and (g) historical information. A total of 1930 participants were enrolled at the study's outset in 2017. The first, second, and third annual follow-up rounds were completed with 1697 (2018), 1616 (2019), and 1176 (2020) participants, respectively. This dataset is made available for further analysis by a diverse range of researchers, healthcare policymakers, and clinicians.

Evaluation of Curcumin-Piperine Supplementation in COVID-19 Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Curcumin is a traditional remedy for diseases associated with hyper-inflammatory responses and immune system impairment. Piperine, a bioactive compound in black pepper, has the potential to enhance curcumin bioavailability. 0This study aims to examine the effect of the curcumin-piperine co-supplementation in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this parallel randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 40 patients with COVID-19 admitted to ICU were randomized to receive three capsules of curcumin (500 mg)-piperine (5 mg) or placebo for 7 days. RESULTS: After 1 week of the intervention, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p = 0.02) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.03) were significantly decreased, and hemoglobin was increased (p = 0.03) in the curcumin-piperine compared to the placebo group. However, compared with the placebo, curcumin-piperine had no significant effects on the other biochemical, hematological, and arterial blood gas and 28-day mortality rate was three patients in each group (p = 0.99). CONCLUSION: The study results showed that short-term curcumin-piperine supplementation significantly decreased CRP, AST, and increased hemoglobin in COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU. Based on these promising findings, curcumin appears to be a complementary treatment option for COVID-19 patients, although some parameters were not affected by the intervention.