The Prevalence of Anabolic Steroid Misuse and the Awareness about Its Negative Effects among Bodybuilders in Karaj City

Background & Aims: Regarding the increase in the misuse of anabolic steroids among young athletes particularly bodybuilding and power lifting athletes, this study aims to specify the degree of misuse prevalence anabolic steroid and the awareness of the side effects of such drugs among Karaj bodybuilders. Materials and Methods: This study is descriptive. All the bodybuilders of Karaj city was the participants of this research. The measurement instrument of this research was a questionnaire that contained 25 questions (7 questions were for background information, 9 questions were for awareness, 4 questions for attitudes about use of such drugs and the left 5 ones were for misuse prevalence) that distributed among 320 bodybuilding athletes of different parts of Karaj. The response rate was 63.75% (240 persons from total 320 persons). At last, the current research output analyzed by the SPSS software and descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The analysis showed that 62.7% of athletes that participated in the research used such drugs. Also, the data analysis showed that there was a meaningful relationship between the sport histories of the involved participants with misuse prevalence (p0.05). In addition to this, data analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between misuse prevalence and wrong attitudes about anabolic steroid (p< 0.05). The comparison of the current study results about the misuse of anabolic steroid with a similar research at 1382 showed 140% increase in the misuse of these drugs. Conclusion: This study indicates the high use of anabolic steroids among bodybuilders. According to this, we understand that the bodybuilders in Karaj don&rsquo;t consult with specialist in this field get wrong information from unprofessional people. This leads the high misuse of such drugs. So, it is recommended to hold the prevention programs and athletes training about the side effects of anabolic steroids

The Comparison of Two Methods of Exercise (intense interval training and concurrent resistance- endurance training) on Fasting Sugar, Insulin and Insulin Resistance in Women with Mellitus Diabetes

Background & aim: Exercise is an important component of health and an integral approach to the management of diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of intense interval training and concurrent resistance- endurance training on fasting sugar, insulin and insulin resistance in women with mellitus diabetes. &nbsp; Methods: Fifty-two overweight female diabetic type 2 patients (aged 45-60 years old with fasting blood glucose&ge; 126 mg/dl) were selected to participate in the present study. Participants were assigned to intense interval training group (N=17), concurrent resistance- endurance training group (N=17) and control group (N=18). The exercises incorporated 10 weeks of concurrent resistance- endurance training and intense interval training. Fasting blood sugar, serum insulin concentrations levels were measured. Concurrent training group trained eight weeks, three times a week of endurance training at 60% of maximum heart rate (MHR) and two resistance training sessions per week with 70% of one repetition maximum (1-RM). Intense interval training group trained for eight weeks, three sessions per week for 4 to 10 repeats Wingate test on the ergometer 30s performed with maximum effort. The control group did no systematic exercise. At the end of experiment 42 subjects were succeed and completed the study period, and 10 subjects were removed due to illness and absence in the exercise sessions. Fasting blood sugar and insulin levels 24 hours before and 48 hours after the last training session was measured. &nbsp; Results: The findings indicated that in periodic fasting, the blood sugar in intensive training group had a marked decrease (p= 0.000) however, the fasting blood sugar of exercise and power stamina groups reduced significantly (p=0.062). The results showed no significant difference between the groups (171/0 p =0.171). Fasting insulin (p <0.001) and insulin resistance (0001/0 = p=0.001) in periodic intensive training group were significantly reduced after the exercise program. The results between groups indicated a marked difference in fasting insulin (p=0.036) and insulin resistance (p=0.008) respectively. &nbsp; Conclusions: Concurrent resistance- endurance training and the intensive training could have a positive effects on blood sugar levels, insulin and insulin resistance of women with diabetes mellitus. &nbsp

Relationship between some maternal and neonatal factors during previous pregnancies and low birth weight in Iran: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Low birth weight (LBW) is one of the most important adverse consequences of pregnancy and also of the serious health problems in the world. Although several risk factors are reported for this phenomenon, but some problems during previous pregnancies could be considered as LBW predisposing factors. This study was performed with aim to determine the relationship between maternal and neonatal factors during previous pregnancies and low birth weight in Iran through a systematic review and meta-analysis study. Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, the information about the relationship between maternal and neonatal factors with low birth weight during previous pregnancies in Iran was independently extracted from all articles published from 1996 to the end of 2015 by searching in databases of SID, Medline, ISI, Irandoc, Google Scholar, Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science and Magiran by using relevant key words and their combinations by two trained researchers. Data analysis was performed using random and fixed effects model in meta-analysis and Cochrane software STATA (version 11.1) and SPSS (version 16) were used to assess the publication bias from funnel plot and heterogeneity studies. P< 0.05 was considered significant. Results: In the initial search of 48 papers, 21 articles were selected to enter the study. There was significant relationship between the history of abortion, history of the birth of a neonate with LBW, unwanted pregnancy, parity and number of pregnancy. The history of low birth weight during previous pregnancies with OR: 2.68 (CI95: 2.12-3.39) and the number of mother’s pregnancy with OR:1.12 (CI95: 0.94-1.34) had the most and the least relationship with low birth weight newborns, respectively. Conclusion: According to significant relationship between the history of abortion, the history of low birth weight, unwanted pregnancy, the number of pregnancy and parity with birth of LBW newborns, health and medical directors can prevent the birth of LBW neonates by more attention to high risk mothers and taking appropriate actions. © 2016 Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. All Rights Reserved

The Role of Melatonin on Metabolic Factors related to Periodontal Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Regarding to various controlling and therapeutic interventions, the risk of periodontal disease in diabetics is three times that of non-diabetics. Because of the central role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of diabetes, interest in the use of antioxidants, including melatonin, as a complete therapeutic approach has increased. Therefore, this review study was performed to investigate the role of melatonin on metabolic factors associated with periodontal disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This review study was conducted on various databases including Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Persian databases such as Magiran and SID and keywords such as type 2 diabetes, periodontal disease, melatonin, hyperglycemia, lipid profile, hypertension, obesity, and Inflammatory factors were carried out from 2000 to 2018. FINDINGS: A review of studies indicates that melatonin supplementation can reduce progressive damage of periodontal tissue, blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, hypertension, obesity and inflammatory factors in T2DM patients with periodontal disease, and therefore it has a significant role in improving of these patients. On the other hand, it has been shown that increased blood glucose can reduce the production of melatonin from the pineal gland in diabetic patients. Therefore, the supplementation with melatonin in these patients can play a useful role in increasing the production of melatonin in the body by reducing blood glucose levels. CONCLUSION:The obtained results showed that melatonin supplementation with its antioxidant role can have a beneficial role in improving the survival of T2DM patients with periodontal disease by balancing inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines

The incidence rates of suicide attempts and successful suicides in seven climatic conditions in Iran from 2001 to 2014: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background And Aim: Suicide is a social problem which can be influenced by geographical, cultural, economic, social, and environmental factors. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis in order to evaluate the relationship of rates of suicide attempts and successful suicides with seven climatic conditions in Iran. Materials and methods: The present study was a systematic review and meta-analysis on the incidence rates of suicide attempts and successful suicide in seven climatic areas of Iran which was carried out by reviewing the published papers between 2001 and 2014. Using the keywords suicide, attempted suicide, incidence, Iran and combined terms, two trained investigators searched SID, ISI, Pubmed, Google Scholar, Irandoc, Scopus, and Magiran databases and all the relevant articles were extracted independently by them. The results were analyzed by using weighted average and Poisson distribution. Results: Among 74 articles, 30 were eligible for our study. The highest level of suicide attempts belonged to the climate area 5 (Isfahan, Yazd, Semnan and Qom cities) with and incidence rate of 114. 7/100000 people and the least belonged to the climate area 6(Chaharmahal and Bakhtiaree, kohkiloyeh and BoyerAhmad, Khuzestan Province) with the incidence rate of 37/ 100000 people. The highest and lowest incidence rates of successful suicide belonged to climate area 1 (Ilam, Lorestan, Hamadan, Kurdistan and Kermanshah) and climate area 5 with incidence rates of 12. 9 and 2. 8/100000 people respectively. Climate zone 5 had the highest incidence rate of suicide attempts and lowest rate of successful suicide. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the incidence of suicide and successful suicide can be influenced by climatic factors. Based on the results of the studies conducted in different regions of the world, geographical and climatic factors can affect the incidence rates of suicide attempts and successful suicides. This was an ecological study. In order to find the association of climate factors with suicide attempts and successful suicides, further studies should be done on individual level. © 2017, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Prohibiting physicians' dual practice in Iran: Policy options for implementation

BackgroundIn Iran, based on the recent national policy documents, physician dual practice (PDP) has been prohibited. This study aimed to develop policy options (POs) to implement physicians' dual practice prohibition law in Iran. MethodsInternational evidence published in English and local documents published in Persian about PDP analyzed and results (advantages, disadvantages, challenges and requirements to ban PDP, and applied policies to limit the dual practice) were extracted. Results discussed among the research team in 5 rounds of meetings. In each meeting, any possible PO to limit PDP in Iran was proposed based on brainstorming technique and 12 POs were developed. These 12 POs and their advantages and disadvantages were discussed in a focus group discussion attended by 14 informed policy makers, and 3 additional POs were added. ResultsFifteen POs were developed. Each PO has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is worth to highlight that not only are the proposed POs not mutually exclusive but they are also mutually reinforcing; that is, each of these POs can be applied alone or they can be implemented alongside each other simultaneously. ConclusionNo single optimal PO exists for dealing with the dual practice in Iranian health system. Implementing a mix of POs could reduce possible complications of each PO and increase the chance of successful implementation of the law. It is advisable to follow a conservative and incremental approach and start with POs that will cause less resistance and political challenges

Explore of the reasons of irrational prescribing in Iran: A qualitative study

Background: Irrational prescribing is highly prevalent in Iran, and it is under the impact of different factors. Objective: This research aims to recognize the reasons for Irrational prescribing in Iran. Methods: A qualitative approach and a conventional content analysis were employed to perform this research. The research community includes some experts and key specialists in medication prescribing. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. The intentional sampling method was applied, and theoretical saturation was reached by conducting 40 interviews with experts. The data analysis process was done following the steps suggested by Graneheim and Lundman. Results: Four main categories and 12 subcategories appeared after analyzing the data. The main categories are organizational and management factors, legal factors, cultural factors, and economic factors. Conclusion: Irrational prescribing can be prevented by reforming the referral system, overseeing pharmacies and physicians, raising public awareness and correcting their misconceptions about the medications, and creating an appropriate mechanism for pricing and selling medicines

Economic evaluation of laboratory diagnostic test types in Covid-19 epidemic: A systematic review

BACKGROUND: Corona 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) is known as the causative agent of COVID-19 disease; the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it an epidemic on March 11, 2020. The Joint Guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the WHO including social distancing, the use of face masks, emphasis on hand washing, quarantine, and using diagnosis tests have been used widely, but the value of diagnostic interventions to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is unclear. We compared the economic evaluation of different laboratory diagnostic interventions with each other and also with implementing the conservative CDC & WHO guidelines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Electronic searches were conducted on PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Knowledge, NHSEED, NHS Health Technology assessment (CRD), and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry databases. Related articles were reviewed from January 2020 to the end of November 2021. RESULTS: Out of 1791 initial studies, 13 articles had the inclusion criteria. According to the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist, ten studies were of excellent quality, and the remaining two studies were of very good quality. Most studies were cost-effectiveness analysis studies. The entered studies had different time horizons. Diagnostic tests reviewed in the studies included real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, immunoglobulin G (IgG) & Antigen, point of care tests. Although polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing improves the quality of life and survival for patients with infected Covid-19 based on its greater effectiveness compared to standard protection protocols, due to the high cost of this intervention, it has been considered a cost-effective method in some countries. CONCLUSION: Since most studies have been conducted in developed countries, it unquestionably does not make sense to extend these results to low-income and developing countries. Therefore further studies are required in low-income and developing countries to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of laboratory-based diagnostic methods (RT-PCR) of covid-19 in variable prevalence of infectious cases

Understanding conflicts of interest in rational drug prescription in a developing country: A stakeholder analysis, healthcare guidelines and ethical public health issues

Background. Rational drug prescription (RDP) is one of the main rity Organization as one of the main health insurance organizacomponents of the healthcare systems. Irrational prescribing can tions, pharmaceutical companies, and the Medical Council of bring about numerous negative consequences for the patients and the Islamic Republic of Iran, are among agencies that have great governmental agencies. This study aims to analyze the involve-authority to improve rational prescribing, they fail to act profesment of stakeholders in rational drug prescribing, their position sionally as they have conflicting interests. Remarkably, the Iran (opponent or proponent), and the rationale behind it. Food and Drug Administration, insurance organizations, family Methods. This was a qualitative study conducted in 2019. physicians, and patients, highly support the rational prescribing Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 40 policy while the pharmaceutical companies display the least sup-stakeholders. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques with port for it. maximum heterogeneity were adopted to select the interview-Conclusions. To make the prescription and using drugs more ees. Data was analyzed by MAXQDA software using thematic rational, policy makers should focus on different sources of con-approach. flicts of interest that different actors have. They should devise Results. Iranian Food and Drug Administration employs the legal, behavior and financial policies accordingly to lessen or at highest authority on the rational prescribing policy. Although least neutralize these conflicting interests, otherwise achieving the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, the Social SecuRDP would be impossible in short and long terms