Peanut consumption and cardiovascular risk

Objective We evaluated the effects of peanut consumption on lipid profiles, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and CHD risk in hypercholesterolaemic men.Design Randomised crossover clinical trial.Setting Participants were randomly assigned to two groups. They were asked to consume peanut supplements (about 77 g) with their habitual diet for 4 weeks.Subjects Fifty-four hypercholesterolaemic men with total cholesterol (TC) concentrations between 200 and 350 mg/dl.Results Compared with the habitual diet, peanut supplementation of the habitual diet significantly reduced TC/HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (mean 1 (se 03) P = 0001) and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL-C ratio (mean 07 (se 02); P = 0001). Peanut consumption increased HDL-C (mean 61 (se 15) mg/dl; P < 0001) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (mean 12 (se 06) U/mL P = 004). In addition, peanut consumption significantly reduced the AIP (mean 01 (se 003) P = 001) and CHD estimated risk over 10 years based on systolic and diastolic blood pressures (mean 14 (se 05 ) P = 0004 and mean 22 (se 05 ) P < 0001, respectively).Conclusions Short-term peanut consumption might improve lipid profiles, the AIP and CHD risk in free-living hypercholesterolaemic men. © 2009 The Authors

Benzothiazole Thioflavin T improves obesity-related symptoms in mice

Background and Purposes: In order to counteract the obesity epidemics, novel therapeutics are needed. Thioflavin T (ThT) is a benzothiazole used as an amyloid probe and has other properties such as anti-aging and antihyperglycemic effects. The current study aimed at investigating its effect on obesity. Materials and Methods: A mouse model of obesity was generated by feeding male NMRI mice with a high fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. After this period, mice diet was switched to normal rodent diet, and ThT was orally administered with a 12 mg/Kg dose. The treatment effect was assessed on biochemical parameters, adipokines (adiponectin and leptin), total antioxidant capacity and TNF-α. Histological investigation was made on samples taken from adipose tissue and liver. Results and Conclusion: After receiving HFD, mice exhibited significantly increased body weight compared with a control group as well as well as abnormality in biochemical parameters. A significantly effective result was obtained on body weight, blood glucose, cholesterol and ALT serum levels which decreased in the treated group. ThT caused also a significant decrease in leptin levels and TNF-α. Furthermore, the compound led to a reduction in the size of adipose tissue cells, as well as the number of lipid droplets in hepatic tissue. In conclusion, it is suggested that ThT possess an interesting potential for being used as an anti-obesity drug, especially when considering its previously reported effects as potential anti-diabetic and anti-ageing compound

Validity and reliability of a new food frequency questionnaire compared to 24h recalls and biochemical measurements: Pilot phase of Golestan cohort study of esophageal cancer

Background: A pilot study was carried out to evaluate validity and reproducibility of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), which was designed to be used in a prospective cohort study in a population at high risk for esophageal cancer in northern Iran. Methods: The FFQ was administered four times to 131 subjects, aged 35-65 years, of both sexes. Twelve 24-h dietary recalls for two consecutive days were administered monthly during 1 year and used as a reference method. The excretion of nitrogen was measured on four 24-h urine samples, and plasma levels of β-carotene, retinol, vitamin C and α-tocopherol was measured from two time points. Relative validity of FFQ and 24-h diet recall was assessed by comparing nutrient intake derived from both methods with the urinary nitrogen and plasma levels of β-carotene, retinol, vitamin C and α-tocopherol. Results: Correlation coefficients comparing energy and nutrients intake based on the mean of the four FFQ and the mean of twelve 24-h diet recalls were 0.75 for total energy, 0.75 for carbohydrates, 0.76 for proteins and 0.65 for fat. Correlation coefficients between the FFQ-based intake and serum levels of β-carotene, retinol, vitamin C and vitamin E/α-tocopherol were 0.37, 0.32, 0.35 and 0.06, respectively. Correlation coefficients between urinary nitrogen and FFQ-based protein intake ranged from 0.23 to 0.35. Intraclass correlation coefficients used to measure reproducibility of FFQ ranged from 0.66 to 0.89. Conclusion: We found that the FFQ provides valid and reliable measurements of habitual intake for energy and most of the nutrients studied. © 2006 Nature Publishing Group. All rights reserved

Multifractal Detrended Cross-Correlation Analysis of Sunspot Numbers and River Flow Fluctuations

We use the Detrended Cross-Correlation Analysis (DCCA) to investigate the influence of sun activity represented by sunspot numbers on one of the climate indicators, specifically rivers, represented by river flow fluctuation for Daugava, Holston, Nolichucky and French Broad rivers. The Multifractal Detrended Cross-Correlation Analysis (MF-DXA) shows that there exist some crossovers in the cross-correlation fluctuation function versus time scale of the river flow and sunspot series. One of these crossovers corresponds to the well-known cycle of solar activity demonstrating a universal property of the mentioned rivers. The scaling exponent given by DCCA for original series at intermediate time scale, $(12-24)\leq s\leq 130$ months, is $\lambda = 1.17\pm0.04$ which is almost similar for all underlying rivers at $1\sigma$confidence interval showing the second universal behavior of river runoffs. To remove the sinusoidal trends embedded in data sets, we apply the Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) method. Our results show that there exists a long-range cross-correlation between the sunspot numbers and the underlying streamflow records. The magnitude of the scaling exponent and the corresponding cross-correlation exponent are $\lambda\in (0.76, 0.85)$ and $\gamma_{\times}\in(0.30, 0.48)$, respectively. Different values for scaling and cross-correlation exponents may be related to local and external factors such as topography, drainage network morphology, human activity and so on. Multifractal cross-correlation analysis demonstrates that all underlying fluctuations have almost weak multifractal nature which is also a universal property for data series. In addition the empirical relation between scaling exponent derived by DCCA and Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA), $\lambda\approx(h_{\rm sun} + h_{\rm river})/2$ is confirmed.Comment: 9 pages, 8 figures and 1 table. V2: Added comments, references, figures and major corrections. Accepted for publication in Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Application

Markov Properties of Electrical Discharge Current Fluctuations in Plasma

Using the Markovian method, we study the stochastic nature of electrical discharge current fluctuations in the Helium plasma. Sinusoidal trends are extracted from the data set by the Fourier-Detrended Fluctuation analysis and consequently cleaned data is retrieved. We determine the Markov time scale of the detrended data set by using likelihood analysis. We also estimate the Kramers-Moyal's coefficients of the discharge current fluctuations and derive the corresponding Fokker-Planck equation. In addition, the obtained Langevin equation enables us to reconstruct discharge time series with similar statistical properties compared with the observed in the experiment. We also provide an exact decomposition of temporal correlation function by using Kramers-Moyal's coefficients. We show that for the stationary time series, the two point temporal correlation function has an exponential decaying behavior with a characteristic correlation time scale. Our results confirm that, there is no definite relation between correlation and Markov time scales. However both of them behave as monotonic increasing function of discharge current intensity. Finally to complete our analysis, the multifractal behavior of reconstructed time series using its Keramers-Moyal's coefficients and original data set are investigated. Extended self similarity analysis demonstrates that fluctuations in our experimental setup deviates from Kolmogorov (K41) theory for fully developed turbulence regime.Comment: 25 pages, 9 figures and 4 tables. V3: Added comments, references, figures and major correction

Bone mineral density in Iranian adolescents and young adults with β-thalassemia major

The authors investigated the prevalence of low bone mass in patients from Tehran, Iran, with β-thalassemia major (n = 203), aged 10-20 years, and the potential risk factors for osteoporosis in this patient population. Prevalence of osteoporosis was 50.7 in lumbar spine, 10.8 in femur, and 7.9 in both regions with no significant difference between the two genders. The following factors were associated with low BMD: height for age and weight for age below 3rd percentile, delayed puberty or hypogonadism, age when Desferal (for iron chelation) was started, duration of Desferal therapy, and serum zinc. Low serum copper and 25(OH)D were not associated with low BMD. Copyright © Informa Healthcare USA, Inc

Prevention of non-communicable disease in a population in nutrition transition: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study phase II

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) is a long term integrated community-based program for prevention of non-communicable disorders (NCD) by development of a healthy lifestyle and reduction of NCD risk factors. The study begun in 1999, is ongoing, to be continued for at least 20 years. A primary survey was done to collect baseline data in 15005 individuals, over 3 years of age, selected from cohorts of three medical heath centers. A questionnaire for past medical history and data was completed during interviews; blood pressure, pulse rate, and anthropometrical measurements and a limited physical examination were performed and lipid profiles, fasting blood sugar and 2-hours-postload-glucose challenge were measured. A DNA bank was also collected. For those subjects aged over 30 years, Rose questionnaire was completed and an electrocardiogram was taken. Data collected were directly stored in computers as database software- computer assisted system. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of lifestyle modification in preventing or postponing the development of NCD risk factors and outcomes in the TLGS population.</p> <p>Design and methods</p> <p>In phase II of the TLGS, lifestyle interventions were implemented in 5630 people and 9375 individuals served as controls. Primary, secondary and tertiary interventions were designed based on specific target groups including schoolchildren, housewives, and high-risk persons. Officials of various sectors such as health, education, municipality, police, media, traders and community leaders were actively engaged as decision makers and collaborators. Interventional strategies were based on lifestyle modifications in diet, smoking and physical activity through face-to-face education, leaflets & brochures, school program alterations, training volunteers as health team and treating patients with NCD risk factors. Collection of demographic, clinical and laboratory data will be repeated every 3 years to assess the effects of different interventions in the intervention group as compared to control group.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This controlled community intervention will test the possibility of preventing or delaying the onset of non-communicable risk factors and disorders in a population in nutrition transition.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>ISRCTN52588395</p

Contributing Factors to BMI Decrease in Women undergoing Weight Loss Program

Abstract: Background & Aims: One of the problems hindering people’s success in losing weight is their lack of knowledge about the limitations they face. The aim of this research was to investigate the contributing factors to BMI decrease in women referring to the clinic for weight reduction programs. Method: In this cross-sectional study, the medical files of 100 women (18-65 years old) with BMI>23, being at least 3 months under weight reduction programs, were observed. Data related to their anthropometric statue, demographic features, physical activity and some other features were recorded into four designed questionnaires. Data were analyzed by using paired t-test, One-way ANOVA, Chi-square and logistic regression and considering P<0.05 as the statistically significant level. Results: In women who had the highest rate of BMI decrease, reducing fat consumption (77%) and also consumption of starchy, sweet foods (74%) were the main reasons of weight loss success. Meanwhile, women with weight loss ≥10%, stated that the strategy of reducing food volume (43.8%) and substitution of fruits & vegetables in their diets (81.2%) had been main reasons of weight loss success. The most important obstacles in weight reduction program were respectively the difficulty of bearing a low-calorie diet (42%), dissatisfaction of husbands & families (33%) and medical problems (27%). There was an indirect relation between educational level and fatness (P=0.005) and a direct relation between age & fatness (P=0.004). The most efficient motives of weight loss were beauty reasons in women younger than 45 and physicians advice in women over 45 years. There was no significant relationship between physical activity and BMI decrease (r=0.08, P=0.93). Conclusion: Nutritionists advice for avoiding high-fat foods and suggesting appropriate substitutes to people before starting weight loss program is essential. Difficulty of tolerating low-calorie diets necessitates nutritionists attempt to introduce appropriate weight loss diets. Keywords: BMI, Weight reduction die

Effects of Macronutrients on Cardiovascular Responses in Type 2 Diabetics and Healthy Subjects

Introduction: It is felt that there is an information void regarding the effect of macronutrients on cardiovascular responses such as cardiac output,heart rate,stroke volume,systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure, therefore, this study was designed to explore these effects at Shaheed Beheshti University in 2001. Materials & Methods: This clinical trial was carried out on 10 healthy subjects and 15 type 2 diabetics. Cardiovascular responses defined before and 15,30,60,90 and 120 minutes after the intake of wheat starch,sodium caseinat and olive oil. The calorie level was 10 kcal per kg of ideal body weight. Statistical analyses were done by analysis of variance with repeated measures, independent - t test and dependent- t test. Results : The age of healthy subjects (4 women ,6men)was 36.6±5.8(mean±SD)yr,body mass index was 24±1.2Kg/m² , age for the type 2 diabetics (4 women ,11men)was 38.9±5.2(mean ±SD )yr , body mass index was 24±1.6Kg/m². In healthy subjects, macronutrients caused marked and gradually developing postprandial increases in cardiac output, while in type 2 diabetics,cardiac output had no changes. In healthy subjects, systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure rose after the ingestion of macronutrients (P<0.05). In type 2 diabetics after the ingestion of macronutrients there was a fall in systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure(P<0.05).In both groups, diastolic blood pressure showed no changes . Conclusion: There were considerable differences in the speed of development and the pattern of the cardiovascular responses between type 2 diabetics and healthy subjects (P<0.05).Finally we conclude that diabetes in the early stages probably involves the cardiovascular system