Fast food consumption and overweight/obesity prevalence in students and its association with general and abdominal obesity

Background: Nowadays, the prevalence of both fast food consumption and overweight/obesity has been increased. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of fast food consumption and to assess its association with abdominal and general obesity.Study design: A cross-sectional study. Method: Three hundred students were selected from two largest universities in Qom, center of Iran, studying in medical and basic sciences fields in 2015. Data collection was conducted by a modified version of NELSON’ fast food questionnaire and anthropometric measures including Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) and Body Mass Index (BMI). Chi-square, independent t-test, and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.Results: According to our results, 72.4% (67.4% in females vs. 80.7% in males) had at least one type of fast food consumption in the recent month including sandwich 44.4%, Pizza 39.7%, and fried chicken 13.8%,. The obesity prevalence based on BMI and WHR was 21.3% (95% CI: 19.4, 23.2%) and 33.2% (95% CI: 30.7, 35.7), respectively. Fast food consumption was related to abdominal obesity as WHR (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.26), but was not related to general obesity as BMI (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.63, 1.52).Conclusion: The prevalence of fast food consumption and obesity/overweight in Iranian student is high. Fast food consumption was associated with abdominal obesity based WHR, but did not related to general obesity based on BMI.

Dyslipidemia Prevalence in Iranian Adult Men: The Impact of Population-Based Screening on the Detection of Undiagnosed Patients

Purpose: Dyslipidemia has been established as one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Due to the higher prevalence of dyslipidemia in males, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of dyslipidemia in Iranian urban men. Materials and Methods: A screening program was conducted in 845 Iranian men 25 years of age and older in 2014. A health interview survey was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of self-reported dyslipidemia and to collect demographic data, as well as serum lipid profile screening by a reference laboratory. Lipoprotein levels was categorized based on the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria and the data were analyzed using the chi-square test and analysis of variance. Results: The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 51.8%, and the prevalence of various forms of dyslipidemia was as follows: hypercholesterolemia (>= 240 mg/dL), 11.4%; hyper-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (>= 160 mg/dL), 9.6%; hypertriglyceridemia (>= 200 mg/dL), 25%; and hypo-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (<40 mg/dL), 34.3%. With the exception of hypo-HDL, all forms of dyslipidemia were significantly less common in men over 65 years of age ( p<0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of hypo-HDL and hypertriglyceridemia was higher than expected in Iranian adult men, with half of men 25 years of age and older affected by at least one form of dyslipidemia. A large gap in primary and secondary care was observed, because nearly 80% of patients with dyslipidemia were unaware of their status. Urgent preventive programs and lifestyle changes are necessary to reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors

The Association between Interleukin-10 Gene Polymorphisms and Hepatitis B Virus: Evidence in Iran

Background and Aim: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a human carcinogenesis agent. Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a key anti-inflammatory cytokine, and single nucleotide polymorphisms in IL-10 gene promoter are correlated with infections caused by HBV. This research intended to assess the prevalence and genotype of HBV as well as the association between the polymorphisms of -819 and -1082 in the IL-10 gene with HBV in individuals with HBV infection in Qom Province, Iran Methods: In this cross-sectional research, 360&nbsp;individuals with chronic HBV infection and control group were involved between July&nbsp;2018 and March&nbsp;2019. HBV diagnosis was evaluated using ELISA and nested PCR assays. To determine polymorphisms in the IL-10 gene promoter in HBV positive and control samples, an allele-specific polymerase chain reaction technique was employed. Results: The constructed phylogenetic trees for the HBsAg gene revealed that all sequences under study belong to genotype D and also, the majority of HBV samples presented similar sequences to the Iranian samples. Genotype frequencies of TT, TC and CC (polymorphism -819) were 82.2%, 11.6% and 6.1% for patients and 85%, 10.5% and 4.4% in control groups, respectively. Also, frequency of genotypes of AA, AG and GG (polymorphism -1082) were 45%, 43.8% and 11.1% for patients and 42.2%, 46.1% and 11.6% in control groups, respectively. Conclusion: Here, we found no association among IL-10 gene polymorphisms in control and HBV-infected groups. However, more studies about the frequency of chronic HBV infection are necessary to be conducted. *Corresponding Author: Mohsen Zargar; Email: [email protected] Interleukins-10 Gene Polymorphism and Hepatitis B Virus: Evidence in Iran. Arch Med Lab Sci. 2021;7:1-7 (e7). https://doi.org/10.22037/amls.v7.3355

An Overview about New Methods in Management of Gag Reflex during Dental Treatment: A Systematic Review

Statement of the Problem: Management of gag reflex is a challenging process during many dental treatments. Various studies have been carried out to evaluate different pharmacological and non-pharmacological techniques to control gagging.Purpose: The aim of this study is to review the available evidence on methods proposed for managing the gag reflex.Materials and Method: This systematic review adheres to the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted in English and Persian based on articles published from 2015 to 2022 (February) in PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ISC and SID. All studies were first screened based on their title and abstract. The quality assessment of articles was carried out by two independent authors. Then, risk of bias evaluation was conducted according to Cochrane parameters.Results: In total, 1704 studies were identified via search. After reviewing title and abstract, 16 studies found eligible based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Following quality and risk of bias assessment, 9 studies included in the systematic review.Conclusion: Based on the finding of this review, distraction techniques, nitrous oxide, and low-level laser therapy were found effective in management of gag reflex. The dentist should consider gag reflex management based on the type of dental treatment, gag severity, patient's age, and available capabilities

Impacts of osteoporosis on quality of life in elderly women

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis, the most common pathological cause of skeletal weakening and the most common metabolic bone disease, is caused by loss of bone mass density (BMD). Fractures due to osteoporosis will worsen life, increase pain, and decrease quality of life. The present study aimed to determine the impact of osteoporosis on quality of life among elderly women. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 275 postmenopausal women (age: 50-70 years) who were referred to the Namazi Hospital (Shiraz, Iran) were included. BMD was measured according to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Women with BMD &lt; -2.5 standard deviation (SD) of the average value in young adults were defined as osteoporosis cases. Women with BMD &gt; 1 SD of the average value were defined as normal cases. Quality of life was measured by Qualeffo-41 Questionnaire and reported on a scale of 100. Data was analyzed in SPSS and P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The mean quality of life score was 25.5 ± 11.7. According to the definition by the WHO, 70.2% of the participants were affected with osteoporosis. Only 22.3% of osteoporotic women and 30.5% of normal subjects had good quality of life. A significant statistical difference was observed between osteoporotic and normal postmenopausal women in social activities. Overweight and low education were predictors of poor quality of life in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The imposed financial burden and complications of osteoporosis can affect the patients’ quality of life. Health education regarding nutritional behaviors and social activities at adolescence are helpful interventions for decreasing the prevalence of the disease. Since osteoporosis has a gradual, outward, and asymptomatic trend, more attention needs to be paid to preventive and screening programs

The prevalence of phantom vibration/ringing syndromes and their related factors in Iranian’ students of medical sciences

Background and aim Mobile phone abuse can cause pathologic stress that may lead to addictive behavior such as Phantom Vibration Syndrome (PVS) and Phantom Ringing Syndrome (PRS). The current study aimed to determine the PVS and PRS due to mobile phone use in students of Qom University of medical Sciences in Iran. Design Cross-sectional study. Participants The participants were 380 students selected by proportional stratified random sampling method in each stratum. Measurements Data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed by descriptive and analytic statistical methods including t-test, chi square and analysis of variance. Findings The prevalence of PVS and PRS due to mobile phones in students of medical sciences was estimated to be 54.3% and 49.3%, respectively. PVS was higher in female students than in males while the PRS was higher in male students. There was a significant relationship between PVS and using social networks such as Viber, WhatsApp, and Line. In addition, a significant association was observed between PVS and friend-finding, chatting and entertainment. Conclusion Studies should be done in the future to assess the long-term complication of overusing mobile phones. In the current study, the prevalence of PVS and PRS in half of students is considerabl

Epidemiological features of brucellosis and factors affecting its treatment failure and relapse in Qom Province, Iran

Background: Brucellosis is one of the major health problems in many areas of the world, especially in the Mediterranean and the Middle East regions.Objective: To determine the epidemiological characteristics, clinical signs, and risk factors of relapse rate in patients with brucellosis, Qom Province, Iran.Methods: A descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 410 confirmed brucellosis cases in Qom Province, central Iran, from 2015 to 2019, based on epidemiological checklists and according to the Iran Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME). Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted using Stata software version 14.Results: The relapse rate of brucellosis was 6.6% until nine months after s arting the treatment, and all recurrent cases were infected by Brucella melitensis. Based on univariate logistic regression analysis, the delayed treatment and type species of Brucella were significant factors affecting the relapse of brucellosis. The relapse rates were 5.4%, 6.2%, and 20.0% in patients whose delayed treatments were &lt;50, 51-150, and &gt;151days, respectively. Based on the multiple logistic regression, it was observed that delayed treatment &gt;50 days increased the rate of relapse more than four times.Conclusion: The delayed initiation of treatment was a significant factor influencing the relapse of brucellosis; therefore, it is necessary to provide enough diagnostic and laboratory facilities, and people need to be educated about the signs and symptoms of the disease

Feasibility study for application of the marine coral powder as an adsorbent for Volatile Organic Hydrocarbons

The marine coral has a porous outer surface and it has served in the processes such as water treatment systems, removal of carbon dioxide and adsorption of arsenic. Based on the need for cheap and efficient adsorbents, in sampling, the aim of this study, comparison of the efficiency of marine coral powder and activated charcoal in adsorption of volatile organic hydrocarbons was considered. In this experimental research, a certain concentrations of 8 volatile organic hydrocarbons: (para-Xylene, Chloroform, Carbon tetrachloride, tert-Butanol, Pyridine, Acetone, Ethyl acetate and Diethyl ether) was injected into dynamic atmospheric chamber in the NTP (Normal Temperature and Pressure) conditions. Air sampling was performed with the tube containing marine coral powder as well as the tube of activated charcoal, based on the standard method of NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) and in the same laboratory conditions. Then samples were injected into the gas Chromatograph apparatus and analytical comparison has been done between the amount of adsorption of hydrocarbons by activated charcoal and coral powder-test and Mann-Whitney were done with SPSS V.20.Findings showed that there was a significant difference between the amount of adsorption of Para-Xylene, carbon tetrachloride, tert-Butanol, Pyridine, acetone and Ethyl acetate hydrocarbons by activated charcoal and coral powder (

Sleep quality in medical students; the impact of over-use of mobile cell-phone and social networks

Background: Poor sleep quality is closely associated with lifestyle habits including use of mobile cell-phones. This study aimed to identify the relationship between sleep quality due to abuse in mobile cell-phones and engagement in social networks. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 380 undergraduate students selected by proportional stratified sampling in Qom, Iran in 2015. Data were collected by two statndard questionnaire including Cell-Phone Over-Use Scale (COS) and Pittsburgh sleep quality questionnaire beside the status of usage in cell-phone social networks. T-test, chi-square, Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariate logistic regression were used in data analysis. Results: The mean age of participants was 21.8 ±3.2 yr, 69.1% were female, and 11.7% were married. The mean of COS and sleep quality scores were 48.18 ±17.5 and 5.38 ±2.31, respectively. The prevalence of over-use of cell phone was 10.7% (CI 0.95; 8.8%, 12.6%) and the prevalence of poor sleep quality was 61.7% (CI 0.95; 57.1%, 66.3%). The mean of all aspects and total score of sleep quality showed a direct significant association by cell-phone addiction score except sleep duration score that was inversely. Based on multivariate analysis affected to cell-phone addiction, being male gender and studying in general physician level are the most important predictors of poor sleep quality. Conclusions: Over use of internet and social networks via smart phones is related to poor sleep quality and quantity. Predefined sport programs, educational, cultural, and interesting entertainment are the essential needs for all medical students. These interventions are more important especially for male students who have longer educational

Impacts of osteoporosis on quality of life in elderly women

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis, the most common pathological cause of skeletal weakening and the most common metabolic bone disease, is caused by loss of bone mass density (BMD). Fractures due to osteoporosis will worsen life, increase pain, and decrease quality of life. The present study aimed to determine the impact of osteoporosis on quality of life among elderly women. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 275 postmenopausal women (age: 50-70 years) who were referred to the Namazi Hospital (Shiraz, Iran) were included. BMD was measured according to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Women with BMD 1 SD of the average value were defined as normal cases. Quality of life was measured by Qualeffo-41 Questionnaire and reported on a scale of 100. Data was analyzed in SPSS and P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The mean quality of life score was 25.5 ± 11.7. According to the definition by the WHO, 70.2% of the participants were affected with osteoporosis. Only 22.3% of osteoporotic women and 30.5% of normal subjects had good quality of life. A significant statistical difference was observed between osteoporotic and normal postmenopausal women in social activities. Overweight and low education were predictors of poor quality of life in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The imposed financial burden and complications of osteoporosis can affect the patients’ quality of life. Health education regarding nutritional behaviors and social activities at adolescence are helpful interventions for decreasing the prevalence of the disease. Since osteoporosis has a gradual, outward, and asymptomatic trend, more attention needs to be paid to preventive and screening programs