Carbohydrate quality indices and colorectal cancer risk: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth and third most common cancer in Iran and the world, respectively. Carbohydrates can lead to the proliferation of cancer cells, including CRC. The current study aimed to investigate the association between glycemic load (GL), insulin load (IL), glycemic index (GI), insulin index (II), low-carbohydrate diet score (LCDS), and carbohydrate quality index (CQI) with CRC odds. METHODS: The present case-control study was performed on 71 CRC cases and 142 controls in the Hospital Cancer Organization and three general hospitals in Tehran, Iran. We calculated the dietary GI, GL, IL, II, CQI, and LCDS by a validated food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS: The results indicated that people who were in the highest tertile of the GI had higher odds of CRC compared to the lower tertile (in the adjusted model: odds ratio (OR) = 3.89; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.71-8.84). On the contrary, people who were in the highest tertile of the CQI and LCDS had significantly lower odds of CRC compared to the lower tertile (in the adjusted model: tertile (T) 2-OR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.11-0.53 and T3-OR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.06-0.39 for CQI and T2-OR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.13-0.79 and T3-OR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.10-0.82 for LCDS). Also, IL was positively associated with the odds of CRC after adjusting for confounding factors (T2-OR = 2.46; CI: 1.08-5.61 and T3- OR = 2.80; 95% CI: 1.07-7.31). Regarding the GL, only individuals who were in the second tertile had significantly higher odds of CRC compared to the first tertile (OR = 2.42; CI: 1.07-5.47). CONCLUSION: According to the findings, it is recommended to use a diet with high-quality carbohydrates and low GI and GL to minimize the odds of developing CRC. People should also be encouraged to have a balanced carbohydrate intake.

Association of major dietary patterns with advanced glycation end products and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The associations of diet with serum levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) have been examined in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, data on patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the associations of major dietary patterns with serum levels of AGEs and hs-CRP among patients with T1DM. METHODS: A total of 229 patients with T1DM participated in this current cross-sectional study. We collected dietary data using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The factor analysis approach was used to determine major dietary patterns. A fasting blood sample was collected from each participant to assess serum levels of AGEs and hs-CRP. The associations of dietary patterns with elevated levels of AGEs and hs-CRP were assessed using binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Patients with T1DM in the highest tertile of a Western dietary pattern had 4.32 times higher odds of having elevated AGEs than those in the lowest tertile (OR: 4.32, 95% CI: 1.86-10.05). Additionally, adherence to the Western diet was associated with 2.97 times greater odds of having elevated hs-CRP (> 3 mg/L) (OR: 2.97, 95% CI: 1.22-7.24) in these patients. Such positive associations were not observed for unhealthy and traditional dietary patterns. Moreover, higher adherence to a semi-healthy diet (characterized by high consumption of white meat, whole grains, processed meat, and a low salt intake) was associated with 87% lower odds of having elevated hs-CRP (OR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.05-0.35). However, we found no significant association between the semi-healthy diet and AGEs levels. CONCLUSION: We found that adherence to a Western dietary pattern was associated with elevated levels of AGEs/hs-CRP in patients with T1DM. Also, we discovered a significant inverse association between adherence to a semi-healthy diet and hs-CRP levels.

Association between dietary antioxidant index and risk of Helicobacter pylori infection among adults: a case-control study.

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS: One of the most important risk factors for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is nutrition. Balanced diets with high antioxidant properties may have protective effects against the consequences of this infection. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the association between the dietary antioxidant index and the risk of H. pylori infection among adults. METHODS: In a case-control study the dietary intake of patients with H. pylori infection was compared with healthy subjects. The dietary antioxidant index (DAI) was calculated using dietary intakes derived from a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Demographic information was obtained by a related questionnaire and Physical Activity was measured by International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used to obtain information. Using logistic regression models, we evaluated the association between the DAI and H. pylori infection risk. The significance level was determined as P < 0.05. RESULTS: Finally, dietary data of 148 cases and 302 controls (mean age: 38.72 ± 10.61 (were analyzed. The mean of total DAI was significantly higher in controls (7.67) when compared with H. pylori cases (3.57) (P < 0.001). After adjustment for covariates, participants with less than median DAI values had an increased risk of H. pylori onset (adjusted OR 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02-1.12, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate intake of nutrient antioxidants may have a role in decreasing the likelihood of H. pylori infection risk.

Effects of a low FODMAP diet on the symptom management of patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic umbrella review with the meta-analysis of clinical trials.

A low FODMAP diet (LFD) is a common restrictive diet to manage the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, there is no consensus on the alleviating effects of this diet. Herein, a systematic umbrella review with meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of an LFD on IBS symptoms and its secondary outcomes in patients, which were not reported in previous meta-analyses. We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science up to December 2023. The methodological quality of systematic reviews and their included trials was evaluated using AMSTAR 2 and the Cochrane risk of bias, respectively. The certainty of the evidence tool was evaluated using the GRADE approach. The data related to IBS symptoms, quality of life (QoL), microbiome diversity, and stool short-chain fatty acids were extracted. A random-effect (if RCTs ≥ 6) or fixed-effect model (if RCTs < 5) was used to recalculate effect sizes and 95% CIs and report them in both qualitative and quantitative terms (pooled risk ratio, Hedges' g, and weighted mean difference). A total of 658 articles were initially identified, with 11 meta-analyses and 24 RCTs reporting 28 outcomes with 1646 participants included. An LFD significantly affected the clinical improvement of total symptoms according to the IBS-SSS questionnaire (RR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.97; P = 0.04) in all the subtypes of IBS and also had favorable effects on stool consistency (WMD: -0.48; 95% CI: -0.902, -0.07) and frequency (WMD: -0.36; 95% CI: -0.61, -0.10) and some other GI symptoms in both less and more than 4 weeks of diet intervention except for stool consistency, which needed more than 4 weeks of LFD implementation. A significant QoL improvement was observed but not in the anxiety and depression state. Furthermore, some studies showed that an LFD may increase fecal pH and dysbiosis and reduce SCFA and the abundance of Bifidobacterium. In conclusion, an LFD can alleviate symptoms and QoL in IBS patients, although dysbiosis may occur. Considering the low certainty of evidence, strong RCTs with more appropriate designs are needed.

Associations of major dietary patterns with cardiometabolic risk factors among Iranian patients with type 1 diabetes.

Objective: To examine the associations between dietary patterns and cardiometabolic risk factors among type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 229 Iranian T1D patients. Data on dietary intakes were collected using a 168-item food frequency questionnaire. To identify major dietary patterns, we merged data on the 168 food items to obtain 23 food groups. Then, we constructed major dietary patterns using factor analysis with varimax rotation. We used binary logistic regression to assess the association between dietary patterns and cardiometabolic risk factors, in which potential confounders were adjusted. Results: Four dietary patterns were identified: Western, unhealthy, traditional, and semi-healthy patterns. After adjusting for confounders including demographic variables, physical activity, energy intake, and medical history, participants in the highest tertile of the Western dietary pattern had 2.53 (95 % CI: 1.03-6.22) and 3.37 (95 % CI: 1.18-9.63) times more odds of elevated HbA1c and low estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR), respectively, compared with those in the lowest tertile. Such the positive association was also seen for elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG). Moreover, individuals in the top tertile of unhealthy diet had more odds of elevated LDL-c and abdominal obesity than those in the lowest tertile. Regarding the semi-healthy diet, higher adherence was associated with 51 % lower odds of elevated FBG (OR: 0.49, 95 % CI: 0.24-0.99). For other outcomes, no significant association was found. Conclusion: We found that T1D patients may take benefit from adherence to a semi-healthy diet with a low amount of unhealthy and Western-related foods.

Ultra-Processed food intake and risk of Helicobacter pylori infection: A case-control study.

The components in our food are known as one of the important risk factors for the development of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. A balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, and free of fat, sugar, and salt, might protect people from the consequences of H. pylori infection. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) intake and the risk of H. pylori infection. The case-control study was conducted to assess the intake of UPFs in patients with H. pylori infection compared with healthy individuals. The dietary data of the contributors were collected by a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). To estimate the UPFs intake, the classification of the NOVA food group was utilized. The associations of intake UPFs with H. pylori infection were assessed using binary logistic regression. Finally, dietary data of 150 cases and 302 controls (mean age: 39.5 ± 10.95 years) were analyzed. UPFs intake was associated with higher risk of H. pylori infection (odds ratio (OR) = 1.71; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05, 2.79). The association remained constant after adjustment for age, body mass index (BMI), sex, energy intake, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol status (OR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.22, 3.86). Our data declare that UPFs consumption could have a role in increasing the likelihood of the risk of H. pylori infection. To confirm the current findings, prospective studies are suggested.

Does a High Ratio of Dietary Omega-6/Omega-3 Fatty Acids Increase the Risk of Helicobacter pylori Infection? A Case-Control Study.

Helicobacter pylori infection is the cause of 90% of non-cardia gastric cancer. Several dietary elements have been identified as possible contributors to H. pylori infection and its advancement through various pathways. Based on the anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects of a diet low in omega-6 and high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), this study aimed to assess the ratio of dietary omega-6 to omega-3 PUFAs and the risk of developing H. pylori. The present case-control study was conducted on 150 cases with H. pylori infection and 302 controls. The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio was calculated using food intake information sourced from a validated food frequency questionnaire. Physical activity and demographic data were collected through a related questionnaire. The association between the odds of H. pylori infection and the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio was evaluated using logistic regression models. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The findings revealed that individuals in the third tertile had significantly higher odds of H. pylori (odds ratio [OR], 2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30-3.40) in the crude model. Furthermore, even after adjusting the potential confounders including sex, age, body mass index, physical activity, energy intake, alcohol, and smoking status, this association remained significant (fully adjusted model: OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.17-3.34). Our study revealed a higher ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 was related to a higher likelihood of H. pylori infection. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain a balanced intake of PUFAs in the diet.

Application of biomaterials and nanotechnology in corneal tissue engineering.

Corneal diseases are among the most common causes of blindness worldwide. Regardless of the etiology, corneal opacity- or globe integrity-threatening conditions may necessitate corneal replacement procedures. Several procedure types are currently available to address these issues, based on the complexity and extent of injury. Corneal allograft or keratoplasty is considered to be first-line treatment in many cases. However, a significant proportion of the world's population are reported to have no access to this option due to limitations in donor preparation. Thus, providing an appropriate, safe, and efficient synthetic implant (e.g., artificial cornea) may revolutionize this field. Nanotechnology, with its potential applications, has garnered a lot of recent attention in this area, however, there is seemingly a long way to go. This narrative review provides a brief overview of the therapeutic interventions for corneal pathologies, followed by a summary of current biomaterials used in corneal regeneration and a discussion of the nanotechnologies that can aid in the production of superior implants.

Treatment of Inflammatory Macular Hole: Case Series and Review of Literature.

PURPOSE: To present the success rate of nonsurgical management of full-thickness inflammatory macular hole (IMH). METHOD: Retrospective case series of five patients with IMH. RESULT: Five eyes from five patients with IMH enrolled in the current case series. All five eyes had successful closure with corticosteroid in the form of topical, periocular, or intravitreal injections. Systemic immunomodulatory treatment was employed for two patients, in addition to local therapy. For local therapy, one patient received topical eye drops, subtenon injection of corticosteroid, and intravitreal injection of combination of corticosteroid and anti-VEGF was performed in two patients. The closed macular hole reopened in one patient after two years, which required pars plana vitrectomy and anatomical and visual success achieved. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory macular holes can be closed with non-surgical interventions, although reopening may occur which requires surgery.

Seasonal trend and source identification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons associated with fine particulate matters (PM2.5) in Isfahan City, Iran, using diagnostic ratio and PMF model.

Particulate matters (PMs) and their associated chemical compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are important factors to evaluate air pollution and its health impacts particularly in developing countries. Source identification of these compounds can be used for air quality management. The aim of this study was to identify the sources of PM2.5-bound PAHs in Isfahan city, a metropolitan and industrialized area in central Iran. The PM2.5 samples were collected at 50 sites during 1 year. Source identification and apportionment of particle-bound PAHs were carried out using diagnostic ratios (DRs) of PAHs and positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. The results showed that the concentrations of PM2.5 ranged from 8 to 291 µg/m3 with an average of 60.2 ± 53.9 µg/m3, whereas the sum of concentrations of the 19 PAH compounds (Æ©PAHs) ranged from 0.3 to 61.4 ng/m3 with an average of 4.65 ± 8.54 ng/m3. The PAH compounds showed their highest and lowest concentrations occurred in cold and warm seasons, respectively. The mean concentration of benzo[a]pyrene (1.357 ng m-3) in December-January, when inversion occured, was higher than the Iranian national standard value showing the risk of exposure to PM2.5-bound PAHs. Applying DRs suggested that the sources of the PAHs were mainly from fuel combustion. The main sources identified by the PMF model were gasoline combustion (23.8 to 33.1%) followed by diesel combustion (20.6 to 24.8%), natural gas combustion (9.5 to 28.4%), evaporative-uncombusted (9.5 to 23.0%), industrial activities (8.4 to 13.5%), and unknown sources (2.8 to 15.7%). It is concluded that transportation, industrial activities, and combustion of natural gas (both in residential-commercial and industrial sectors) as the main sources of PAHs in PM2.5 should be managed in the metropolitan area, particularly in cold seasons.

The Incidence of Post-infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Anxiety, and Depression in Iranian Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome refers to a subgroup of disorders of gut-brain interaction associated with stress-related symptoms, but gastrointestinal infection can also be considered the leading risk factor. It is well reported that coronavirus disease 2019 can also result in gastroenteritis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the incidence of post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome and stressful status among coronavirus disease 2019 patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on adults with coronavirus disease 2019 referred to the Infectious Disease Clinic in Iran from November 2020 to February 2021. Patients who met all eligibility criteria were included in the study. The data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, Rome IV criteria questionnaire, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: Totally, the data obtained from 233 eligible patients (136 women, 97 men; mean age 38.41) 11.52 (years) were collected and analyzed, and 53.2% of the cases had a moderate coronavirus disease 2019. The analysis showed that 27 (11.6%) patients suffered from irritable bowel syndrome symptoms based on Rome IV criteria after the recovery from the infection. Also, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-based symptoms of depression and anxiety that occurred with coronavirus disease 2019 were reported in 27.4% and 36.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our finding illustrated that irritable bowel syndrome symptoms based on Rome IV could occur in post-infected coronavirus disease 2019 patients. Also, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-based symptoms of depression and anxiety were more common in females and coronavirus disease 2019 infected patients with clinical symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat.

Assessment of anorexia and weight loss during the infection and recovery period of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

OBJECTIVES: Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can present anorexia and weight loss due to their symptoms and eating disorder which can lead to immune system weakness and increase the duration of recovery time. We aim to assess the severity and duration of anorexia and weight loss within the infection and recovery period in these patients. METHOD: We retrospectively identified 233 COVID-19 patients (older than 18 years) were admitted to the Rasoul-e Akram Hospital, from August to December 2020. Their medical records were reviewed by researchers. Then, patients who had inclusion criteria were asked about duration and severity of anorexia, and also weight alternation during the infection and after the recovery period. RESULT: Analyzed data were collected from 233 COVID-19 patients showed the mean duration of anorexia was 7.08 ± 10.41 days with a significant loss of appetite (- 75.55 ± 88.09, P-value < 0.001) at the period of anorexia compare to appetite improvement. Also, results demonstrated patients, especially males and severe illness subjects, significantly lost weight (P-value <0.001).Conclusion: anorexia and weight loss occur in people infected with the coronavirus and may affect the recovery process of these patients by reducing their food intake. The underlying mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 related to interaction to the gastrointestinal tract and development of anorexia in these patients need to clarify in future studies.

Renal Tissue Damages and Its Antioxidant Status Improved by Crab Shell Extract in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rat.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy is a complex and multifactorial adverse effect of diabetes mellitus (DM). Crab shell as a natural product is supposed to have antioxidant effect which is one of the important mechanisms to improve DM. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of crab shell extract (CSE) on the histopathology and antioxidant status of kidney in diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two adult Wistar rats (210 ± 10 g) were divided into six groups (n = 7). Streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) was administered interaperitonealy (IP) for inducing diabetes. Rats were treated for 14 days by CSE with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses IP. Fasting blood glucose, body, and renal weight were evaluated. The antioxidant status of kidney's tissue was evaluated by determining the level of ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Furthermore, urine samples were used to determine nitric oxide (NO) levels. Microscopic slides were prepared to compare kidney histology between groups. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey's test, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: CSE induced a significant reduction in blood glucose (P = 0.01) and a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (FRAP) (P = 0.004). Furthermore, urine NO was decreased significantly (P = 0.000). The extract improved renal tissue changes caused by diabetes. CONCLUSION: CSE improved antioxidant status and diabetic histological changes of rat kidney, and it could be an alternative complementary therapy in diabetic-associated disorders.