Gender-specific link between sleep quality and body composition components: a cross-sectional study on the elderly.

Sleep duration has been associated with overweight/obesity. Since sleep quality and body composition alter during aging, we conducted this study to determine if sleep quality is linked to body composition components in elderly people. This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 305 Iranian community-dwelling elderly aged ≥ 65 years. Sleep quality and body composition components were evaluated using Pittsburgh sleep quality index and bioelectric impedance analysis, respectively. The association of sleep quality and body composition components was examined using linear regression analysis. The prevalence of poor sleep quality and overweight/obesity was 48.9% and 54.4% in men and 77.0% and 79.3% in women, respectively. Women had significantly higher scores in most PSQI items than men, indicating their worse sleep quality compared to men. Women also had significantly higher body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and visceral adipose tissue and lower skeletal muscle and fat-free mass percentages than men. In the adjusted regression model, men showed positive associations between the third tertile of poor sleep quality and BMI (B = 1.35; 95% CI 0.08-2.61) and waist circumference (B = 4.14; 95% CI 0.39-7.89), but they did not demonstrate an association between sleep quality and body composition components. In the adjusted regression model for women, there were positive associations for BMI (B = 1.21; 95% CI 0.34-2.07), waist circumference (B = 2.95; 95% CI 0.99-4.91), body fat percentage (B = 2.75; 95% CI 1.06-4.45), and visceral adipose tissue (B = 7.80; 95% CI 1.73-13.87); also there were negative associations for skeletal muscle (B = - 1.40; 95% CI - 2.39 - - 0.41) and fat-free mass (B = - 2.76; 95% CI - 4.46 - -1.07) percentages. Except for waist circumference, other variables differed between men and women (P < 0.001). Weight management, prevention of muscle wasting, and improvement of sleep quality should be considered in a consortium when designing healthcare strategies for the elderly.

Food insecurity is associated with low diet quality and unhealthy cooking and eating habits in Iranian women.

BACKGROUND: Food insecurity affects diet and nutrition intakes. We explored the relationship between food insecurity and dietary intakes in a group of Iranian women. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was performed on 190 healthy females aged 20-55 years attending primary healthcare centers in Shiraz. Food insecurity was evaluated by Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, which is a validated tool for assessing food insecurity in developing countries. Diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. The association of dietary patterns and food insecurity was assessed by linear regression. RESULTS: Assessment of dietary intakes revealed that consumption of red meat, poultry, fish, dairy, fruits, non-starchy vegetables, and nuts decreased whereas that of grains, processed meats, potato, and sugary foods increased with increasing food insecurity. Among nutrients, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, calcium, and magnesium decreased while fat and sodium increased as food insecurity increased. Three major dietary patterns were detected. Healthy dietary patterns showed inverse associations with food insecurity in the crude (ß = -0.422 and - 0.435, P < 0.001) and adjusted (adjusted for age, marital status, and educational level) (ß = -0.475 and - 0.341, P < 0.001) models of regression analysis but unhealthy pattern did not show an association with food insecurity. Compared to food secure participants, a higher percentage of food insecure individuals indicated unhealthy eating habits, such as skipping breakfast, lower snack ingestion, more fast and fried food consumption, and using unhealthy cooking methods. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study showed that food insecurity was associated with less healthy diet and unhealthy cooking and eating habits.

Educational intervention based on the extended parallel process model improves adherence to diabetic diet and glycaemic control indices: a randomised, double-blind, controlled, factorial field trial.

Nutritional education is pivotal in the medical nutritional therapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The extended parallel process model (EPPM) is a health education method for inducing desirable health behaviours. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of nutritional education based on the EPPM in T2DM patients on knowledge, attitude, practice, anthropometric indices, glycaemic factors, lipid profile and adherence to the diabetic diet. A randomised, double-blind, controlled, factorial field trial was designed for T2DM patients aged 30-59 years (n 88). Participants were randomly allocated into four groups to receive EPPM-based nutritional education through gain framed message (GFM), loss framed message (LFM), their combination (G\LFM) or usual diabetic education in the control group (CG). Participants were assessed before and after the study duration. After 3 months of intervention, eighty participants finished the study. The EPPM-based intervention increased participants' knowledge, behavioural intention, perceived sensitivity, severity, self-efficacy (P < 0·001 for all) and response efficacy (P = 0·029) in comparison with CG. GFM (P = 0·004) and G\FLM (P = 0·034) reduced carbohydrate intake and LFM (P = 0·034) and G\LFM (P = 0·047) decreased fat intake. Between-group analysis indicated interventions reduced weight (P = 0·046), BMI (P = 0·038), fasting blood sugar (P = 0·030), 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (P = 0·027) and TAG (P = 0·002) in comparison with the CG. Results were NS for protein intake, waist and hip circumference, waist:hip ratio, HbA1c, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL. Nutritional education based on EPPM could increase the knowledge and awareness of T2DM patients. Also, it could be beneficial for blood glucose amendment. Further investigations are recommended.

The association between energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index and physical activity with sleep quality: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to assess the independent and interactive association of energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) and physical activity (PA) with sleep quality. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the 2466 participants (60% women). A 116-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was applied to calculate E-DII, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) long form for PA, and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) to assess sleep quality were collected via interview. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to assess independent and interactive associations of E-DII and PA with sleep quality. RESULT: No significant association was observed between E-DII and sleep quality (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92_1.01). Also, there was no significant association between the levels of PA and sleep quality. Women had 70% increased odds for poor sleep quality (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.39_2.09) compared with men. No interactive association was observed between E-DII and PA levels with sleep quality. CONCLUSION: No significant association was observed between E-DII and PA levels with sleep quality. The study indicates a gender difference in sleep quality. Future prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.

Efficacy of Nanocurcumin as an Add-On Treatment for Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: A Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Curcumin is a polyphenol derivative of the Curcuma longa rhizome, with potential antioxidant, anticancer, antidepressant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. This compound can be prepared as biodegradable polymer nanoparticles, called nanocurcumin, to improve its solubility, stability, half-life, and bioavailability. Aim: We explored nanocurcumin's effect on the clinical manifestations of patients hospitalized with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Methods: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial involved 76 COVID-19 patients admitted to Ali-Asghar Hospital from December 2021 to March 2022. All patients received standard coronavirus treatment as per national guidelines. In addition, four times a day for two weeks, the curcumin group received 40 mg of nanocurcumin, while the control group received a placebo. Clinical manifestations were examined and recorded by the associate doctors working in the department. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v. 21. Results: Thirty-nine people from the control group and 29 from the curcumin group completed the study. At baseline, the groups were comparable in age, gender, body mass index, hospitalization duration, and background diseases. The mean age of patients in the control and treatment groups was 53.9 ± 11.9 and 54.6 ± 13.4, respectively. Compared with the placebo, nanocurcumin minimized coughs (P=0.036), fatigue (P=0.0001), myalgia (P=0.027), oxygen demand (P=0.036), oxygen usage (P=0.05), and respiratory rate (P < 0.0001). By discharge, the curcumin group had a significantly greater increase in SPO2 than the control group (P=0.006). Conclusions: This preliminary study suggests that nanocurcumin has a potentiating anti-inflammatory effect when combined with standard COVID-19 treatment, helping the recovery from the acute inflammatory phase of the disease in hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate disease severity. This trial is registered with Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials: IRCT20211126053183N1 (registered while recruiting on 13/12/2021).

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Vitamin D Status of Patients with Severe Obesity in Various Regions Worldwide.

INTRODUCTION: Managing nutritional deficiencies is an essential component in the treatment of severe obesity. Vitamin D deficiency is often reported in investigations in severely obese cohorts. However, no prior study has summarized findings on this topic. Consequently, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] status in individuals with severe obesity in different regions worldwide. We also evaluated levels of calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and magnesium as secondary outcome measures. METHODS: We searched Medline, PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE for relevant observational studies published in English from 2009 to October 2021. The heterogeneity index among the studies was determined using the Cochran (Q) and I2 tests. Based on the heterogeneity results, the random-effect model was applied to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. RESULTS: We identified 109 eligible observational studies. Overall, 59.44% of patients had vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D <20 ng/mL], whereas 26.95% had vitamin D insufficiency [25(OH)D 20-30 ng/mL]. Moreover, the mean 25(OH)D level was 18.65 ng/mL in 96 studies. The pooled mean estimate of the serum calcium, PTH, and magnesium was 9.26 mg/dL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.19-9.32, I2 = 99.7%, p < 0.001), 59.24 pg/mL (95% CI: 54.98, 63.51, I2 = 99.7%, p < 0.001), and 0.91 mg/dL (95% CI: 0.84, 0.98, I2 = 100.0%, p < 0.001), respectively. The results of the subgroup analysis indicated that the mean estimates of 25(OH)D were highest in North America (21.71 ng/mL [19.69, 23.74], [I2 = 97.2%, p < 0.001]) and lowest in Southeast Asia (14.93 ng/mL [14.54, 15.33], [I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.778]). CONCLUSION: The results obtained showed a significant prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among severely obese individuals in various geographical regions, whereas the highest and lowest mean estimates were reported for North America and Southeast Asia, respectively.

The effects of macro-algae supplementation on serum lipid, glycaemic control and anthropometric indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

INTRODUCTION: Macro-algae products have been shown to ameliorate the metabolic disorders state. Thus, highlighting their function as supplementary therapeutic agents can be a novel strategy for clinical therapies. This systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials aimed to summarize the effect of macro-algae consumption on serum lipid profile, glycaemic control and anthropometric factors. METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, a comprehensive search was performed for relevant studies published up to May 2023. The Cochran's Q test and I-square (I2 ) tests were used to evaluate heterogeneity across the included studies. The meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects model (DerSimonian and Laird), and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as the pooled effect size. RESULTS: Out of 8602 papers in the initial screening, eight clinical trials with a total of 438 participants were included into this meta-analysis. The results indicated that macro-algae supplementation significantly decreased serum levels of total cholesterol (TC) (WMD = -6.7 mg/dL; 95% CI: -12.59, -0.80; item = 0.026) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (WMD = -8.25 mg/dL; 95% CI: -15.38, -1.12; p-value = .023). There was an increase in level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) (WMD = 0.48 mg/dL; 95% CI: -2.05, 3.01; p-value = .71) which was not statistically significant. Macro-algae supplementation reduced body mass index (BMI) (WMD = -0.28 kg/m2 ; 95% CI: -0.96, 0.41; p-value = .426), weight (WMD = -0.39 kg; 95% CI: -3.6, 2.83; p-value = .81), waist circumference (WC) (WMD = -0.52 cm; 95% CI: -2.71, 1.66; p-value = .64), fasting blood sugar (FBS) (WMD = -1.95 mg/dL; 95% CI: -5.19, 1.28; p-value = .24) and HbA1c (WMD = -0.02%; 95% CI: -0.14, 0.09; p-value = .66) in intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis indicated that macro-algae supplementation significantly decreased TC and LDL-c level. It can also increase HDL-c level and reduce anthropometric indices and glycaemic control factors.

A systematic review and modeling of the effect of bacteriophages on Salmonella spp. Reduction in chicken meat.

Prevention and control of foodborne pathogens are of vital public health importance, and poultry meat is recognized as a major source of Salmonella infection in humans. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the presence of salmonella in poultry meat. This article provided a systematic review and modeling to assess the effect of various factors on bacteriophages' function on Salmonella spp. Reduction in poultry meat. Twenty-two studies were included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria mentioned in the methodology. The results showed that each unit increase in bacterial dose, phage dose, and temperature increases the Salmonella reduction by about 7%, 20%, and 1%, respectively. In addition, wild-type phages were more efficient than commercial-type phages, and this result was statistically significant (ß = 1.124; p-value <0.001). This multivariate analysis is a helpful tool to predict the role of various factors in the role of phage in reducing Salmonella in poultry meat.

Chemical speciation and release kinetics of Ni in a Ni-contaminated calcareous soil as affected by organic waste biochars and soil moisture regime.

Biochars vary widely in properties and have been shown to have variable effects on potentially toxic element(s) stabilization in soil. This is the first study to examine the interaction effects of biochar and soil moisture regime on Ni stabilization in a Ni-contaminated calcareous soil. Three different organic waste (cow manure, municipal compost and licorice root pulp) biochars produced at two temperatures (300 and 600 °C) were applied (3% wt.) to a Ni-contaminated calcareous soil and incubated at field capacity and saturated conditions for 70 d. Sequential chemical fractionation and Ni release kinetics were then performed. All applied biochars, especially the high-temperature biochars, were significantly able to enhance Ni stabilization in the studied soil. In particular, the biochars significantly decreased Ni content in the water-soluble and exchangeable fractions (10-42% decrease), while increasing the immobile residual fraction (13-38% increase). The biochars also significantly decreased the rate and cumulative amount of EDTA-extractable Ni from the calcareous soil. Among the studied biochars, the cow manure and municipal compost biochars produced at 600 °C were the most effective at reducing Ni mobility factor (27-28% decrease) and initial release rate (42-49% decrease), likely due to their high ash content and pH, which promotes Ni sorption in soil. Soil moisture regime was not found to significantly affect the Ni mobility factor or rates of Ni release from the calcareous soil but did, however, affect certain soil Ni chemical fractions. Soil water saturation significantly decreased Ni in the Mn (4%) and non-crystalline Fe oxides (17%) fractions, while increased the crystalline Fe oxide fraction (3%), attributed to reductive dissolution of Mn and Fe oxide crystallinity enhancement. Saturation also significantly enhanced Ni in the residual fraction (4%), attributed to the associated pH increase and potential sulfide formation. The results of this study demonstrate that high temperature, ash-rich, and alkaline biochars are most effective at Ni immobilization, and that soil water saturation can further enhance Ni in the residual fraction.

Evaluation of Nutritional Status of Intensive Care Unit COVID-19 Patients Based on the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 Score.

Background: Patients with COVID-19 are susceptible to malnutrition, which is particularly concerning among critically ill patients. We evaluated the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) score in such patients and determined its relationship with the hospitalization outcome. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) of Shahid Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, between February and March 2021. We assessed the nutritional status using NRS-2002 and determined disease severity with the APACHE II index. Demographic information, weight, height, clinical signs, previous illness, medications, biochemical test results, and history of anorexia and weight loss were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18. Results: The mean age of 100 patients was 55.36 ± 18.86 years. According to NRS-2002, 30%, 29%, and 41% of patients were at low risk, moderate risk, and high risk of malnutrition, respectively. Age and BUN increased significantly with NRS-2002, while albumin and hematocrit followed the opposite trend (P < 0.001). Patients who died had lower albumin and hematocrit levels but higher age, NRS-2002 scores, and BUN/creatinine levels than those who recovered. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that for every unit increase in the NRS-2002 score, the odds of mortality increased by 354% (OR: 4.54, CI: 1.48, 13.95, P=0.008). Conclusion: NRS-2002 is a valuable prognostic tool for critically ill COVID-19 patients, with each unit's rise in the score being associated with a 354% rise in the odds of mortality. Increased malnutrition risk was linked with higher age and BUN and lower albumin and hematocrit levels.

The Association between Energy-Adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index, Body Composition, and Anthropometric Indices in COVID-19-Infected Patients: A Case-Control Study in Shiraz, Iran.

Background and Aims: Inflammation is strongly associated with the severity and mortality rate of SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19). Dietary factors have a crucial role in preventing chronic and systemic inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the association between energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) scores and body composition parameters in COVID-19-infected patients compared to noninfected controls. Methods: A total of 133 COVID-19-infected patients and 322 noninfected controls were selected and enrolled from the Cohort Study of Employees of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. E-DII score was calculated based on a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and body composition was measured using In-Body 770 equipment. Logistic regression models were utilized to estimate the odds ratio (OR). Results: In the control group, the mean E-DII score was significantly lower than the case group (-2.05 vs. -0.30, P ≤ 0.001), indicating that the diet of COVID-19-infected subjects was more proinflammatory than the controls. For every 1 unit increase in E-DII score, the odds of infection with COVID-19 was nearly triple (OR: 2.86, CI: 2.30, 3.35, P ≤ 0.001). Moreover, for each unit increase in body mass index (BMI), the odds of infection to COVID-19 increased by 7% (OR: 1.07, CI: 1.01, 1.13, P = 0.02). No significant difference was observed for other anthropometric parameters. Conclusion: The findings revealed that obese people and those consuming a more proinflammatory diet were more susceptible to coronavirus infection. Therefore, maintaining ideal body weight and consuming a more anti-inflammatory diet can decrease the probability of COVID-19 infection.

Effect of a multi-disciplinary program on anthropometric and biochemical parameters in obese and overweight elementary school girls: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Obesity and overweight in children are associated with an increased risk of several health issues. The present study aimed to assess the effects of a multi-disciplinary program (including nutrition education using a smartphone game, physical activity, and cognitive behavioral therapy [CBT]) on the management of obesity and overweight in elementary school girls. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty-two school girls above the 85th percentile of body mass index (BMI) for age were randomly assigned to two groups. During 10 weeks of study, the intervention group received a multi-disciplinary intervention, including nutrition education using a smartphone game, aerobic exercise, and CBT. The control group received usual traditional nutritional education. Biochemical and metabolic factors were assessed, including fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profile, serum leptin, and anthropometric measurements. The Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) and metabolic equivalent test (MET) were also conducted. The intervention group showed more promising results in weight loss, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and FBS compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, MET and DEBQ scores in all three sections of emotions, stimuli, and restriction were better in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between groups regarding the results of serum leptin and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR; p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that education through smartphone games could possibly affect performance in real life. In addition, the multi-disciplinary approach to childhood obesity might have better performance in most areas than the single-intervention approach in obesity management.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Nutritional Status Are Related to Dietary Magnesium Intake in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.

An insufficient intake of magnesium may be associated with the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aimed to determine the relationship between health related quality of life (QoL), anthropometric indices and nutritional status with dietary magnesium intake in COPD patients. Sixty-one COPD patients participated in this cross-sectional study. QoL and nutritional status were assessed. Furthermore, body composition, calf circumference, and muscle strength were measured; equations were used to calculate fat-free mass index, body mass index, and muscle mass value. Dietary magnesium intake was assessed by three 24-hours recalls and magnesium intake was categorized as ≤ 188.08 mg/day (A group) and > 188.08 mg/day (B group). The χ2, independent-sample t-test and Mann-Whitney test were used for statistical analysis. The p values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Of QoL assessments the total and impact mean scores of St. George's respiratory questionnaire in the B group were significantly lower than the means of the A group (p value = 0.007 and 0.005, respectively). The instrumental activity of daily living score was significantly improved in patients with higher consumption of dietary magnesium (p = 0.02). Participants had a significantly lower mean score of patient-generated subjective global assessment in the B group compared to the A group (p = 0.003). Higher intake of dietary magnesium can lead to improve QoL and nutrition status.

The residual nitrate and nitrite levels in meat products in Iran: A systematic review, meta-analysis and health risk assessment.

This study was designed to investigate the mean residual nitrite and nitrate levels in meat products, in Iran and to evaluate their health-related risks. After reviewing 799 studies, 15 were finally selected, their information was recorded and examined using Stata software. The results of the present study show that the mean residual nitrite and nitrate levels in meat products was about 55.18 and 95.09 ppm, respectively. The residual nitrite level is different in various meat products, so that the residual nitrite level in sausages and kielbasa is 54.52 and 56.87 ppm, respectively. Also, the present study shows that the mean residual nitrate level in sausages and kielbasa was 77.21 and 121.49 ppm, respectively. Health Risk Index (HRI) of nitrite and nitrate were 0.1541 and 0.0050, respectively, which were lower than 1 value. Therefore, there is no considerable carcinogenic risk for consumers in Iran. Taking together, these residues must be continuously monitored by relevant authorities.

The effect of honey on lipid profiles: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials.

Honey is known not only as a natural food but also as complementary medicine. According to the controversial evidence about the effects of honey on blood lipids, this meta-analysis was performed to investigate the potential effects of honey on lipid profiles. Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane databases. All human controlled clinical trials (either with a parallel or a crossover design) published in English that reported changes in serum lipid markers (total cholesterol (TC), TAG, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio) following honey consumption were considered. Standardised mean differences and their respective 95 % CI were calculated to assess the changes in lipid profiles following honey consumption by random effects model. Statistical heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, publication bias and quality of the included studies were assessed, as well. The meta-analysis of twenty-three trials showed that honey had no significant effects on TC, TAG, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio. Significant heterogeneity was seen among the studies for all the studied factors (I2 index > 50 %). Subgroup analysis based on the lipid profile status, types of honey and intervention duration revealed no significant effect on TC, TAG, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol. Quality of the evidences varied from very low to moderate according to various parameters. In conclusion, honey consumption did not affect serum lipid profiles (TC, TAG, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio).

Antibiotic residues in poultry tissues in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To control the drug residues in foods, the national Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) have been determined by the international organizations; however, no regulation has been complied for MRL in food animals in Iran. This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis about studies of antibiotic residues in slaughtered poultry carcasses, in Iran. The information was first collected and analyzed throughout six international databases, and four Iranian national databases. According to the data, the total prevalence of antibiotic residues was obtained as 39.41%, 5.40%, and 0.30% using four-plate test (FPT), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and Enzyme-linked immuno_sorbent assay (ELISA) methods, respectively. The highest prevalence of the residues was shown in the liver by both methods of HPLC (47.75%) and ELISA (14.35%). Moreover, the total mean of antibiotics was recorded as 71.03 ppb and 65.86 ppb in different tissues using the HPLC and ELISA method, respectively. Based on this study, we can conclude that the prevalence of antibiotic residue in poultry meat in Iran is high and that this level does not cause health problems for consumers. It is highly recommended to execute tight surveillance strategies from the government in antibiotic monitoring.

A multi-disciplinary approach to weight management of school-age girls: a study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: There is lack of data about the combination of multiple approaches to control being overweight and obesity in adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a combination program including smart-phone nutrition education, physical activity, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs in the management of obesity and overweight among elementary school girls in comparison with a traditional education method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The primary outcome of this study is the assessment of changes in anthropometric data after 10 weeks. The secondary outcome is investigating the effect of treatment on biochemical data. Sixty-two elementary school girls aged 9-12 years with the body mass index (BMI) for age above 85th percentile will be chosen and randomly assigned to one of the two groups of control or intervention. During the 10 weeks of the intervention, smartphone games will be given to the children with some information at the beginning about the causes and complications of obesity, food sources of fiber and vitamins, and banned foods during the intervention period. Students in the intervention group will participate in an aerobics exercise for 45 minutes three times per week under the supervision of an experienced trainer and eight CBT Sessions which were designed for children by a clinical psychologist. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference and waist to hip ratio(WHR), and biochemical and metabolic lab data, including fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), leptin and will be measured at the baseline and 10 weeks later at the end of intervention period . Also, both questionnaires of metabolic equivalent test (MET) and Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) will be completed for each student at baseline and after 10 weeks. The students in the control group will receive traditional education in the form of lectures given by a nutritionist regarding weight management. DISCUSSION: The primary outcome of this study is the assessment of changes in anthropometric data after 10 weeks. The secondary outcome is investigating the effect of treatment on biochemical data. Sixty-two elementary school girls aged 9-12 years with the body mass index (BMI) for age above 85th percentile will be chosen and randomly assigned to one of the two groups of control or intervention. During the 10 weeks of the intervention, smartphone games will be given to the children with some information at the beginning about the causes and complications of obesity, food sources of fiber and vitamins, and banned foods during the intervention period. Students in the intervention group will participate in an aerobics exercise for 45 minutes three times per week under the supervision of an experienced trainer and eight CBT Sessions which were designed for children by a clinical psychologist. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference and waist to hip ratio(WHR), and biochemical and metabolic lab data, including fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), leptin and will be measured at the baseline and 10 weeks later at the end of intervention period . Also, both questionnaires of metabolic equivalent test (MET) and Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) will be completed for each student at baseline and after 10 weeks. The students in the control group will receive traditional education in the form of lectures given by a nutritionist regarding weight management.

Comparison of the Nutritional Status Assessment Methods for Hemodialysis Patients.

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is prevalent among hemodialysis (HD) patients and is associated with poor outcomes. There are various methods for nutritional status evaluation in HD patients. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. We aimed at comparing the method validities of normalized protein catabolic ratio (nPCR) and malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST) with subjective global assessment (SGA) in HD patients. We examined 88 HD patients using SGA and MUST questionnaires. The nPCRs were calculated using pre-dialysis and post-dialysis BUN and Kt/v. Also, PEW of patients was assessed based on the criteria of the International Society of Renal Nutrition and Metabolism. Methods' specificity, sensitivity, and precision rates were assessed. Correlations between methods were analyzed using Pearson-correlation. Based on the SGA, MUST, and nPCR methods, almost 41%, 30%, and 60% of patients had malnutrition, respectively. According to the criteria, more than 90% of patients had PEW. SGA was positively and significantly associated with MUST (p ≤ 0.001). Sensitivity for SGA, MUST, and nPCR methods were 100%,100%, 1.8%, and their specificity were 98%, 98%, and 4%, and their precision rates were 99.7%, 98.7%, and 3%, respectively. From various methods of nutritional assessment (SGA, MUST, and nPCR), compared to SGA as the common method of nutrition assessment in hemodialysis patients, MUST had the nearest specificity, sensitivity, and precision rate and nPCR method had the lowest ones. nPCR seems to be a flawed marker of malnutrition and it should be more investigated if MUST can be used instead of SGA.

Muscle mass and function are related to respiratory function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as an airway limitation condition, is accompanied by alteration of muscle mass and function. We aimed to determine the relationship between disease severity and body composition, muscle function, and nutritional status in COPD patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 129 COPD participants. Muscle strength, body composition, and calf circumference (CC) were measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and a tape measure, respectively. Furthermore, fat-free mass index (FFMI), body mass index (BMI) and muscle mass value were calculated by equations. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was assessed as well. Nutritional status was also evaluated by subjective global assessment (SGA) questionnaire. SPSS software (version 21 ) was used, chi-square, fisher's exact test, univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used for statistical analysis. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Based on FEV1 classification, 52.7% of the patients had severe conditions. The reports indicated that the prevalence of low CC was 54.2%, low muscle mass 38.7%, low FFMI 34.8%, low right handgrip strength 61.2% and low left handgrip strength 64.3%. Furthermore, there was an increasing trend based on FEV1 in low CC (p=0.032), low muscle mass (p=0.005), low FFMI (p=0.002), low right handgrip strength (p=0.004) and low left handgrip strength (p=0.014). The results of univariate analysis showed muscle mass (p=0.036), total protein (p=0.043), FFM (p=0.047), FFMI (p=0.007), SGA (p=0.029), right handgrip strength (p=0.004) and left hand grip strength (p=0.023) were associated with FEV1. In addition, the results of multivariate analysis demonstrated low values of FFMI (p=0.005) and right handgrip strength (p=0.042) were the main detrimental factors for FEV1. The results of multivariate analysis were confirmed by stepwise model. Conclusion: Low values of muscle mass and function are prevalent among COPD patients. The present study revealed that low FFMI and handgrip strength were closely related to disease severity.