The alternate-day fasting diet is a more effective approach than a calorie restriction diet on weight loss and hs-CRP levels

Background and Objective: The aim of present study was to compare, and determine, the effects of a modified alternate-day fasting diet vs. calorie restriction on inflammatory indices and coagulation factors. Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial consisting of 80 metabolic syndrome patients, who were enrolled and randomly dichotomized into a modified alternate-day fasting diet or calorie restriction group for 4 months. We measured weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumstance (WC), waist-hip-ratio (WHR) and fat mass as primary outcomes and assessed high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and coagulation factors levels as secondary outcomes before and after intervention. Results: Compared to the calorie restriction diet, following a modified alternate-day fasting diet led to a greater reduction in body weight (kg) (–6.43 ± 4.34 vs –4.11 ± 4.27; P = 0.02), BMI (kg/m2) (–3.19 ± 2.90 vs –1.43 ± 2.72; P = 0.01), fat mass (kg) (–4.88 ± 2.09 vs –3.72 ± 2.43; P = 0.03), WC (cm) (–5.57 ± 5.64 vs –2.32 ± 5.95; P = 0.01) and WHR (–0.05 ± 0.06 vs –0.02 ± 0.07; P = 0.04). Furthermore, a greater change was found in hs-CRP levels (mg/L) (–2.06 ± 1.18 vs –0.97 ± 0.82; P = 0.03), prothrombin time (s) (1.41 ± 2.34 vs –0.41 ± 2.17; P < 0.001), activated partial thromboplastin time (s) (0.26 ± 3.70 vs –1.78 ± 3.56; P = 0.04) in modified alternate-day fasting diet when compared to calorie restriction diet. However, there was no difference in TNF-α or IL-6 and fibrinogen between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that a modified alternate-day fasting diet can be a beneficial alternative for the management of body weight, fat mass and WC as well as hs-CRP and coagulation factors levels among metabolic syndrome patients. © 2021 Hogrefe Verlag GmbH & Co. KG. All rights reserved

Dietary sodium and potassium intake and their association with blood pressure in a non-hypertensive Iranian adult population: Isfahan salt study

Aim: The association of sodium (Na) and potassium (K) intake with blood pressure (BP) is an ongoing debate, especially in central Iran. We aimed to examine the mean Na and K intake, major sources of Na and the relationship between BP and dietary and urinary Na and K. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in central Iran in 2013-2014. A total of 796 non-hypertensive adults aged >18years were randomly recruited. The semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess dietary Na and K intake. Moreover, 24-hour urine samples were collected to measure 24-hour urinary Na (UNa) and K (UK) as biomarkers. BP was measured twice on each arm using a standard protocol. Results: The mean Na and K intake were 4309.6±1344.4 and 2732.7±1050.5mg/day, respectively. Table and cooking salt were the main sources of Na. Odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) of the crude model in the highest quartile of UNa indicated a significant association with the higher risk of prehypertension (OR (95% CI): 2.09 (1.09-4.05); P for trend=0.007). After adjustment for potential confounders, prehypertension was significantly associated with increasing dietary Na/K ratio (OR (95% CI): 1.28 (1.01-1.57); P for trend=0.046) and UNa/UK ratio (OR (95% CI): 2.15(1.08-4.55); P for trend=0.029). Conclusions: Increasing dietary and urinary Na/K ratios and UNa were associated with elevated BP and prehypertension occurrence. These findings support the necessity of developing a salt reduction programme in our country. © 2016 Dietitians Association of Australia

Determinants of Weight Change in a Longitudinal Study of Iranian Adults: Isfahan Cohort Study

Background: The extensive rise in the prevalence of obesity is a matter of great concern and poses a global threat to people's health. Obesity and overweight are considered to be the consequence of a collection of conditions including genetic, social, environmental, behavioral, and physical factors. The aim of this study was to Investigate the determinants of weight change over seven years in a prospective study in an Iranian population. Methods: The Isfahan Cohort Study (ICS) is an ongoing longitudinal study started in 2001. A total of 6504 adults aged 35 years participated in this study. Subjects were followed every 2 years by phone calls. The interview and measurements were repeated in 2007 for 3284 subjects with the same protocol as the baseline study. Obesity indices, including body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured at both time points. For the purpose of data analysis, multiple multinomial logistic regression, Chi-square, and ANOVA tests were used. Results: In males, weight gain was more frequent from normal to overweight (11.7%), while in females, weight gain was observed more from overweight to obesity (11.4%). Younger individuals gained weight more than older individuals (P < 0.001); it was the same for lower education level (P = 0.007). Weight gain was negatively (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97-0.99 in male and OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95-0.98 in female) and weight loss was positively (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05 in male and OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04 in female) associated with age in both sexes. Education more than 12 years in women and between 6-12 years in men was negatively associated with weight gain while smoking was positively related to weight loss in females and weight gain in males. Conclusion: Our data showed that multiple factors affect weight change, among which age, smoking, and education are important determinants in Iranian adults

Barriers and facilitators of weight management in overweight and obese people: Qualitative findings of TABASSOM project‏

Introduction: Since weight management is affected by various factors, including social and behavioral ones, this study aimed to explore the peoples’ experience of barriers and facilitators of weight management. Materials and Methods: This qualitative content analysis was conducted as the initial step of TABASSOM Study. Participants, who tried to reduce their weight at least once, were selected by purposeful sampling method from aerobic fitness clubs, parks, and public offices in Isfahan in 2010. Data saturation was reached after indepth unstructured interviews with 11 participants. Data analysis was done by conventional content analysis method. Findings: The participants have intermittently followed weight loss program. Barriers such as physical problems, lack of motivation, lack of work and family support and lack of time have resulted in their failures and outages. The main facilitator to start or restart after stopping such programs for a while was positive psychologic effect. Discussion and Conclusion: Findings showed that many problems could prevent weight loss. It is important to identify obstacles that hinder weight management and regimen programs and to discuss them with people before planning for their weight management

White Rice Consumption and CVD Risk Factors among Iranian Population

Association between white rice intake and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases remained uncertain. Most of the previous published studies have been done in western countries with different lifestyles, and scant data are available from the Middle East region, including Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the structure of Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP) to assess the association between white rice consumption and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, 3,006 men were included from three counties of Isfahan, Najafabad, and Arak by multistage cluster random-sampling method. Dietary intake was assessed with a 49-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Laboratory assessment was done in a standardized central laboratory. Outcome variables were fasting blood glucose, serum lipid levels, and anthropometric variables. Socioeconomic and demographic data, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI) were considered covariates and were adjusted in analysis. In this study, Student's t-test, chi-square test, and logistic regression were used for statistical analyses. Means of BMI among those subjects who consumed white rice less than 7 times per week and people who consumed 7-14 times per week were almost similar-24.8 +/- 4.3 vs 24.5 +/- 4.7 kg/m(2). There was no significant association between white rice consumption and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, such as fasting blood sugar and serum lipid profiles. Although whole grain consumption has undeniable effect on preventing cardiovascular disease risk, white rice consumption was not associated with cardiovascular risks among Iranian men in the present study. Further prospective studies with a semi-quantitative FFQ or dietary record questionnaire, representing type and portion-size of rice intake as well as cooking methods and other foods consumed with rice that affect glycaemic index (GI) of rice, are required to support our finding and to illustrate the probable mechanism

Midwifery Students' Experiences of their First Attendance in the Delivery Room

Introduction: Clinical education is a multidimensional and complex process with cognitive, emotional, and functional aspects. The first experience of clinical environment is the most important point of decision-making regarding the field of study as a future career path. Because of the enormous impact that the first experience of attendance in the delivery room might have on the students’ views regarding their future career and performance, the aim of this study was to describe the first experience of midwifery students in the delivery room. Method: This qualitative study was performed using a descriptive phenomenological approach in Iran. The subjects of the study consisted of 20 undergraduate midwifery students in their third or fourth semester. They were selected through purposive sampling method. Data were collected via individual tape-recorded interviews and focus group. Data were simultaneously analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step analysis method. Results: Through data analysis, 216 codes were extracted which were classified under 7 semantic codes. Then, the 2 main themes of transformation of previous beliefs and stress caused by delivery training were extracted from the experiences of the participants. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the previous beliefs of the students underwent transformation on their first experience of attending the delivery room. Various factors influenced their first experience. According to the results of this study and other similar studies, and due to the stressful nature of this field of study, attempts to prepare students before entering the delivery room to reduce the stress experienced in their first attendance and promote clinical education are necessary. Keywords: Midwifery students, Experiences, Delivery roo

Metabolic syndrome in menopausal transition: Isfahan Healthy Heart Program, a population based study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>There is a remarkable increase in cardiovascular disease after menopause. On the other hand, metabolic syndrome as a collection of risk factors has a known effect on cardiovascular diseases. Hormone changes are considered as one of the main relevant factor regarding cardiovascular disease as well as some recognized relationship with metabolic syndrome's components. This study was carried out in order to search for prevalence of metabolic syndrome during menopausal transition.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>In a cross sectional study in urban and rural areas of Isfahan, Najafabad and Arak cities, 1596 women aged more than 45 years were investigated using Isfahan Healthy Heart Program's (IHHP) samples. Participants were categorized into three groups of pre-menopause, menopause and post-menopause. Leisure time physical activity and global dietary index were included as life style factors. The association of metabolic syndrome and its components with menopausal transition considering other factors such as age and life style was analyzed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>there were 303, 233 and 987 women in premenopausal, early menopausal and postmenopausal groups respectively. Metabolic syndrome was found in 136(44.9%) premenopausal participants and significantly increased to 135(57.9%) and 634(64.3%) in early menopausal and postmenopausal participants respectively, when age was considered (P = 0.010). Except for hypertension and hypertriglyceridemia, there was no significant difference between three groups of menopausal transition when metabolic syndrome's components were considered.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In contrary to the claims regarding the role of waist circumference and blood glucose in increasing of metabolic syndrome during the menopausal transition, this study showed this phenomenon could be independence of them.</p

Comparação da eficiência entre dois métodos de inseminação artificial utilizando sêmen fresco em gata doméstica (Felis Catus)

The objective of this study was to compare pregnancy rates in domestic cats using fresh semen for the bilateral intrauterine insemination (BIUI) method and the novel uterine body insemination (UBI) method. Queens received a single injection of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) (200 IU; IM) to induce ovarian follicular development and, after 83 h, an injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (100 IU; IM) for final oocyte maturation and ovulation induction. Thirty-four hours after hCG administration, 3 × 106 fresh spermatozoa were used for insemination by the BIUI (n = 8 queens) or by the UBI (n = 7 queens) techniques respectively. Pregnancy rates were 75.00% (6/8) by BIUI and 42.85% (3/7) by the UBI method. The mean litter size was 3.0 ± 0.86 for the BIUI, and 2.0 ± 1.0 for the UBI method. Spontaneous abortion occurred on day 35 of pregnancy in one queen following the UBI method. Our findings showed that the BIUI of queens with fresh semen resulted in higher pregnancy rates than the novel UBI method; also, acceptable pregnancy rates were achieved following BIUI with fresh semen in the domestic cat.O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar as taxas de prenhez em gatas domésticas usando sêmen fresco para o método de inseminação intrauterina bilateral (BIUI) e o novo método de inseminação do corpo uterino (UBI). As gatas receberam uma única injeção de gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) (200 UI; IM) para induzir o desenvolvimento folicular ovariano e, após 83 h, uma injeção de gonadotrofina coriônica humana (hCG) (100 UI; IM) para maturação final do oócito e ovulação indução. Trinta e quatro horas após a administração de hCG, 3 × 106 espermatozoides frescos foram utilizados para inseminação pelas técnicas de BIUI (n = 8 gatas) ou UBI (n = 7 gatas), respectivamente. As taxas de gravidez foram de 75,00% (6/8) pela BIUI e 42,85% (3/7) pelo método UBI. O tamanho médio da ninhada foi de 3,0 ± 0,86 para o método BIUI e 2,0 ± 1,0 para o método UBI. Aborto espontâneo ocorreu no dia 35 de gestação em uma gata seguindo o método UBI. Nossos achados mostraram que a BIUI de gatas com sêmen fresco resultou em maiores taxas de prenhez do que o novo método UBI; também, taxas de prenhez aceitáveis ​​foram alcançadas após BIUI com sêmen fresco no gato doméstico

Which Diets Are Effective in Reducing Cardiovascular and Cancer Risk in Women with Obesity? An Integrative Review

Women are more affected by obesity than men which increases their risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Therefore, it is important to understand the effectiveness of different types of diet in the context of women’s health. This review aims to summarize the scientific evidence on the effects of different types of diet for women with obesity and their impact on CVD and cancer risk. This review included epidemiological and clinical studies on adult women and different types of diets, such as the Mediterranean (MED) diet, the Traditional Brazilian Diet, the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH), intermittent fasting (IF), calorie (energy) restriction, food re-education, low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) and a very low-carbohydrate diet (VLCD). Our main findings showed that although LCDs, VLCD and IF are difficult to adhere to over an extended period, they can be good options for achieving improvements in body weight and cardiometabolic parameters. MED, DASH and the Traditional Brazilian Diet are based on natural foods and reduced processed foods. These diets have been associated with better women’s health outcomes, including lower risk of CVD and cancer and the prevention and treatment of obesity

Investigation of Flow Field in a Typical Hypersonic Wind Tunnel over a Standard Mode

In order to start designing a new hypersonic wind tunnel, it is important to have a pre-view about physical phenomena in a typical Hypersonic Wind Tunnel (HWT). In present research, it is tried to view phenomenologically the aerodynamics of flow in a typical HWT by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The considered HWT consists of a curved nozzle in nominal Mach number 12, free-jet type test section, a test model and a convergent-divergent diffuser. Aerodynamics of flow in the nozzle exit and test section, conical shock wave system in the diffuser and flow over a standard model (HB-2) are investigated. A method is introduced for numerical simulation of capturing the free shear layer in free-jet test section based on the vorticity distribution of flow. The aerodynamics behavior of HB-2 model is investigated in various Mach numbers and flow domains. The results make a better view of some aerodynamic phenomena in a free-jet type test section of wind tunnel that are rarely considered. This research is conducted towards the project of designing and manufacturing the industrial hypersonic wind tunnel for Qadr Aerodynamic research Center