The effect of serum levels of vitamin D in stone recurrencein patients with urinary tract stone

Introduction: The role of vitamin D in kidney stone disease and its effect on stone formation is still controversial. Objectives: To find out the possible role of 25(OH) D3 as an intrinsic factor in urinary calcium stone formers (SFs; individuals with one episode during the last 5 years and individuals with more than one episode during the last 5 years), we investigated the effect of serum levels of vitamin D on recurrence of urinary stones in SFs and control subjects (non-SFs). Patients and Methods: A total of 30 patients with first episode of urolithiasis (group A) and 30 patients with more than one episode of urolithiasis during the last 5 years (group B) aged 18 or older enrolled in this study and underwent metabolic evaluation including the measurement of serum level of 25(OH)D3, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium and uric acid. Thirty age and sex-matched patients who had never urinary stone episode (non-SFs) were considered as control group. The patients in this study were selected among those admitted in Urology Department of Kashani hospital during the last year. Individuals excluded from the study were subjects with hyperparathyroidism or with the previous history of hyperparathyroidism. Results: Mean level of 25(OH) D3 was positively correlated with recurrent stone (mean 19.89±7.6 in the control group versus 47.21±19.77 in the group with the recurrent stone disease). The recurrent stone group (SFs) had the higher serum level of 25(OH) D3 than the control. No correlation was observed between the serum levels of PTH and 25(OH) D3 (r =0. 13, P =0.11) in both control and urinary SFs group. Conclusion: High serum level of vitamin D has an important effect on the pathogenesis of repeated urolithiasis. High serum levels of 25(OH) D3 were detected in the group with recurrent kidney stone disease. But it seems there was no relation between serum level of vitamin D3 and one episode of urolithiasis. Based on the results of this study, the high level of vitamin D3 may have a significant role in inducing the recurrence of urinary stone

The association between healthy eating index score with semen parameters in infertile men: A cross-sectional study

Background: Infertility has been a major problem for young couples in recent years. One way to assay the diet quality is the healthy eating index (HEI), related to infertility. Objective: This study aims to assess the association between the HEI score with semen parameters in Iranian infertile men. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and sixty eligible men (18-55 yr), were referred to the major infertility clinic in the summer of 2018 and entered this cross-sectional study. Based on the 5th edition of the world health organization laboratory manual, semen parameters including sperm concentration, volume, motility, and morphology were analyzed, and to specify the dietary intake of individuals a 168-item questionnaire was used. Also, to calculate the total HEI score, all 13 components based on HEI-2015 components and scoring standards were summed up. Results: Participants in the highest tertile, had no difference in mean sperm parameters with those in the lowest tertile in the crude model. No significant association was found between sperm parameters and HEI score tertiles in the crude model, even after adjustment for potential confounders, except for concentration (OR: 0.39 and CI: 0.15, 0.99, p = 0.04). Participants in the highest tertile had a lower risk of abnormal concentration and motility in the crude model. The risk of abnormal concentration decreased, and motility increased in the adjusted model. Conclusion: In this cross-sectional study, there was no significant relationship between HEI and sperm indexes, except for sperm concentration. Therefore, more studies need to be done in the future. Key words: Diet, Healthy, Semen analysis, Infertility, Cross-sectional studies

Association of Socioeconomic Status and Life-style Factors with Coping Strategies in Isfahan Healthy Heart Program, Iran

Aim To investigate the association between life-style and socioeconomic factors and coping strategies in a community sample in Iran. Method As part of a community-based study called Isfahan Healthy Heart Program, we studied 17 593 individuals older than 19 living in the central part of Iran. Demographic and socioeconomic factors (age, sex, occupation status, marital status, and educational level) and lifestyle variables (smoking status, leisure time physical activity, and psychological distress), and coping strategy were recorded. Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression. Results Not smoking (women β = -11.293, P < 0.001; men β = -3.418, P = 0.007), having leisure time physical activity (women β = 0.017, P = 0.046; men β = 0.005, P = 0.043), and higher educational level (women β = 0.344, P = 0.015; men β = 0.406, P = 0.008) were predictors of adaptive coping strategies, while smoking (women β = 11.849, P < 0.001; men β = 9.336, P < 0.001), high stress level (women β = 1.588, P = 0.000; men β = 1.358, P < 0.001), and lower educational level (women β = -0.443, P = 0.013; men β = - 0.427, P = 0.013) were predictors of maladaptive coping strategies in both sexes. Non-manual work was a positive predictor of adaptive (β = 4.983, P < 0.001) and negative predictor of maladaptive (β = -3.355, P = 0.023) coping skills in men. Conclusion Coping strategies of the population in central Iran were highly influenced by socioeconomic status and life-style factors. Programs aimed at improving healthy life-styles and increasing the socioeconomic status could increase adaptive coping skills and decrease maladaptive ones and consequently lead to a more healthy society

The effect of a low versus high sodium diet on blood pressure in diabetic patients:A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials

Abstract There have been numerous clinical trials that have investigated the effect of sodium intake on blood pressure in diabetic patients. The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate the clinical trial studies performed on the effect of low sodium diet (LSD) versus high sodium diet (HSD) on blood pressure in diabetic patients. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched from database inception to July 10, 2021. Both type 1 and 2 diabetes was considered. Overall, there were 15 studies included in this meta‐analysis. The weighted (WMD) mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using a random‐effects model. Risk of bias in the studies was assessed based on the Cochrane collaboration tool and the quality of all the studies was considered as good. Overall, LSD significantly reduced SBP (systolic blood pressure) (WMD: −3.79 mmHg, 95% CI: −6.02, −1.56) and DBP (diastolic blood pressure) (WMD: −1.62 mmHg, 95% CI: −2.84, −0.40), in comparison with HSD, in diabetics. However, LSD had no significant effect on MAP (mean arterial pressure) in comparison with HSD (WMD: −1.81, 95%CI: −5.49, 1.87). Although subgroup analysis could not attenuate heterogeneity in SBP, subgroup analysis in DBP based on duration (≤1 week: WMD: −2.35, 95%CI: −3.69, −1.00, I2 = 48.9%, p = 0.081, >1 week: WMD: −1.04, 95% CI: −2.83, 0.76, I2 = 74.7%, p = 0.003) and study design (cross‐over: WMD: −1.94, 95% CI: −2.71, −1.17, I2 = 32.1%, p = 0.183, parallel: WMD: −2.17, 95% CI: −6.48, 2.13, I2 = 82.4%, p = 0.001) successfully detected sources of heterogeneity. LSD significantly reduced SBP and DBP, however, had no effect on MAP, in comparison with HSD

The Association between Physical Activity and Sperm Quality Parameters: A Cross-Sectional Study in Iranian Infertile Men

Background: Infertility is described as inability of a couple to bring a child within 12 months or more of regular unprotected intercourse. Studies have suggested associations between semen quality and lifestyle factors, including physical activity and dietary intakes. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the relationship between physical activity and sperm quality parameters in infertile men who referred to infertility clinic of Isfahan City, Iran, in 2019. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 175 infertile men (18-55 years old) who referred to Royan infertility clinic in Isfahan, entered the study after completing the written consent form. Demographic data were collected using a questionnaire and physical activity information was collected by International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Sperm quality parameters including sperm concentration (SC), total sperm motility (TSM), normal sperm morphology (NSM), and sperm volume were investigated by spermogram test. For all analyses, SPSS software was used and P ˂ 0.05 was considered as significance level. Findings: Due to the lack of dissemination of physical activity data, all subjects were classified in the group of physical activity with moderate intensity. Multivariate logistic regression [odds ratio (OR)] with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess more accurately the relationship between physical activity and abnormal sperm parameters. Median values of metabolic equivalent of task (METs) were used to analyze the data due to lack of dissemination of physical activity data and no significant relationship was observed between sperm quality parameters and levels above median compared to the reference level (levels below median) in participants. Conclusion: No significant relationship was found between sperm quality parameters and physical activity pattern in infertile men. Furthermore, no relationship was found between body mass index (BMI) and sperm quality parameters

The association between dietary fat and mineral intake with semen parameters: A cross-sectional study in infertile men

Background: Infertility has been a significant problem for couples in recent decades, and the issue can often lie with the male rather than the female. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of fats and minerals intake on semen parameters in infertile men. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 260 infertile men referred to Isfahan Infertility Clinic, Isfahan, Iran in the summer of 2018. Semen parameters regarding sperm concentration, total motility, normal morphology, and sperm volume were considered. To assess dietary intakes, a validated food frequency questionnaire was used. Results: In the adjusted model, the prevalence of abnormal concentration was 5.23 times higher in the top quartile of calcium intake, compared with the bottom quartile (p = 0.03). Also, the prevalence of abnormal morphology was 68% lower in the third quartile of calcium intake (p = 0.03). Additionally, the prevalence of abnormal concentration was 84% lower in the top quartile of folate intake in comparison to the bottom quartile (p = 0.01) and the prevalence of abnormal morphology was 70% lower in the top quartile of folate intake (p = 0.03). Additionally, the prevalence of abnormal concentration was 72% lower in the top quartile of selenium intake in comparison to the bottom quartile (p = 0.04). Furthermore, in the crude model, the prevalence of abnormal volume was 64% lower in the second quartile of linoleic acid intake rather than the first quartile (p = 0.01). Conclusion: In conclusion, diets containing higher amounts of folate and selenium, and lower amounts of cholesterol, saturated fatty acid and calcium were associated with more favorable semen quality parameters. Key words: Infertility, Semen quality, Minerals, Fats, Cross-sectional study.&nbsp

Association of Socioeconomic Status and Life-style Factors with Coping Strategies in Isfahan Healthy Heart Program, Iran

Aim To investigate the association between life-style and socioeconomic factors and coping strategies in a community sample in Iran. Method As part of a community-based study called Isfahan Healthy Heart Program, we studied 17 593 individuals older than 19 living in the central part of Iran. Demographic and socioeconomic factors (age, sex, occupation status, marital status, and educational level) and lifestyle variables (smoking status, leisure time physical activity, and psychological distress), and coping strategy were recorded. Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression. Results Not smoking (women β = -11.293, P < 0.001; men β = -3.418, P = 0.007), having leisure time physical activity (women β = 0.017, P = 0.046; men β = 0.005, P = 0.043), and higher educational level (women β = 0.344, P = 0.015; men β = 0.406, P = 0.008) were predictors of adaptive coping strategies, while smoking (women β = 11.849, P < 0.001; men β = 9.336, P < 0.001), high stress level (women β = 1.588, P = 0.000; men β = 1.358, P < 0.001), and lower educational level (women β = -0.443, P = 0.013; men β = - 0.427, P = 0.013) were predictors of maladaptive coping strategies in both sexes. Non-manual work was a positive predictor of adaptive (β = 4.983, P < 0.001) and negative predictor of maladaptive (β = -3.355, P = 0.023) coping skills in men. Conclusion Coping strategies of the population in central Iran were highly influenced by socioeconomic status and life-style factors. Programs aimed at improving healthy life-styles and increasing the socioeconomic status could increase adaptive coping skills and decrease maladaptive ones and consequently lead to a more healthy society

The effect of a low versus high sodium diet on blood pressure in diabetic patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials

Abstract There have been numerous clinical trials that have investigated the effect of sodium intake on blood pressure in diabetic patients. The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate the clinical trial studies performed on the effect of low sodium diet (LSD) versus high sodium diet (HSD) on blood pressure in diabetic patients. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched from database inception to July 10, 2021. Both type 1 and 2 diabetes was considered. Overall, there were 15 studies included in this meta‐analysis. The weighted (WMD) mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using a random‐effects model. Risk of bias in the studies was assessed based on the Cochrane collaboration tool and the quality of all the studies was considered as good. Overall, LSD significantly reduced SBP (systolic blood pressure) (WMD: −3.79 mmHg, 95% CI: −6.02, −1.56) and DBP (diastolic blood pressure) (WMD: −1.62 mmHg, 95% CI: −2.84, −0.40), in comparison with HSD, in diabetics. However, LSD had no significant effect on MAP (mean arterial pressure) in comparison with HSD (WMD: −1.81, 95%CI: −5.49, 1.87). Although subgroup analysis could not attenuate heterogeneity in SBP, subgroup analysis in DBP based on duration (≤1 week: WMD: −2.35, 95%CI: −3.69, −1.00, I2 = 48.9%, p = 0.081, >1 week: WMD: −1.04, 95% CI: −2.83, 0.76, I2 = 74.7%, p = 0.003) and study design (cross‐over: WMD: −1.94, 95% CI: −2.71, −1.17, I2 = 32.1%, p = 0.183, parallel: WMD: −2.17, 95% CI: −6.48, 2.13, I2 = 82.4%, p = 0.001) successfully detected sources of heterogeneity. LSD significantly reduced SBP and DBP, however, had no effect on MAP, in comparison with HSD

Methylation Status of NANOG1, RASSF1A, SFN, CASP8, WIF1,CTSL2 Genes in Iranian Breast Cancer Patients

Background: Mammographic screening to diagnose the breast cancer showe false-negative and false-positive results in young women and therefore a non-invasive and low cost method is needed, to diagnose the breast cancer in the early stages. DNA methylation changes are the most common molecular changes in human cancers and including breast cancer. Therefore, The pattern of tissues methylation can be used in the early diagnosis of cancer. Also similar methylation patterns found in tumors and in plasma shows potential application of molecular detection of breast cancer, based on blood. The aim of this study was to assess the promoter methylation for the clinical diagnosis of breast cancer. Material and Methods: To examine the promoter methylation 21 tumor tissues and 21 normal tissues have been studied for clinical diagnosis of breast cancer. 6 gene methylation status (NANOG1, RASSF1A, SFN, CASP8, WIF1 and CTSL2) was analyzed by methylation specific PCR (MS-PCR). Results: The results show that NANOG gene was methylated in 94.7% of tumor specimen and 100% of normal specimen, RASSF1A gene was methylated in 9.5% of tumor specimen and 0% of normal specimen, SFN gene was methylated in 14.3% of tumor specimen and 27.8% of normal specimen, CASP8 gene was methylated in 30% of tumor specimen and 23.5% of normal specimen, WIF1 gene was methylated in 80% of tumor specimen and 27.8% of normal specimen, CTSL2 gene was methylated in 28.6% of tumor specimen and 23.5 % of normal specimen were methylated. Data analysis did not show a significant relationship between these results. (P >0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that 6 gene methylation status was not enough to differentiate between the cancer and normal groups. This study demonstrates the methodological problems (MS PCR) which was used to assess the methylation markers to evaluate the methylation status as diagnostic biomarkers.&nbsp

The Association Between Dietary Fat and Mineral Intake with Semen Parameters: A Cross-sectional Study in Infertile Men

Background: Infertility has been a significant problem for couples in recent decades, and the issue can often lie with the male rather than the female. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of fats and minerals intake on semen parameters in infertile men. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 260 infertile men referred to Isfahan Infertility Clinic, Isfahan, Iran in the summer of 2018. Semen parameters regarding sperm concentration, total motility, normal morphology, and sperm volume were considered. To assess dietary intakes, a validated food frequency questionnaire was used. Results: In the adjusted model, the prevalence of abnormal concentration was 5.23 times higher in the top quartile of calcium intake, compared with the bottom quartile (p = 0.03). Also, the prevalence of abnormal morphology was 68% lower in the third quartile of calcium intake (p = 0.03). Additionally, the prevalence of abnormal concentration was 84% lower in the top quartile of folate intake in comparison to the bottom quartile (p = 0.01) and the prevalence of abnormal morphology was 70% lower in the top quartile of folate intake (p = 0.03). Additionally, the prevalence of abnormal concentration was 72% lower in the top quartile of selenium intake in comparison to the bottom quartile (p = 0.04). Furthermore, in the crude model, the prevalence of abnormal volume was 64% lower in the second quartile of linoleic acid intake rather than the first quartile (p = 0.01). Conclusion: In conclusion, diets containing higher amounts of folate and selenium, and lower amounts of cholesterol, saturated fatty acid and calcium were associated with more favorable semen quality parameters. Key words: Infertility, Semen quality, Minerals, Fats, Cross-sectional study.nbsp