The status of fruit and vegetables consumption and its related factors among female high school students in Bojnurd city based on the educational diagnostic stage of the PRECEDE model

Background and Aims: Girls are mothers of the future and you,ll have to plan ahead from adolescence to improve their nutrition. The Precede model surveys the causes of those behavioral factors that are closely related to health. Causes affecting behavior have been categorized in the educational diagnostic stage of this model. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the factors associated with fruits and vegetables consumption (FVC) among female students based on the educational diagnostic stage of the PRECEDE model. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was conducted with participation of 445 female high school students in Bojnourd city in 2017. A two-stage method was employed for sampling. Data gathering tool was a questionnaire including demographic questions and knowledge, attitude and PRECEDE model. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0 through appropriate tests. All stages of the study were conducted according to moral standards. Results: Multiple regression analysis showed that the various constructs of the PRESADE model could overally explain 23.7% of the variance in FVC behavior in the students under study. Among the constructs of the model, knowledge, enabling and reinforcing factors, had a significant contribution in explaining the variance of FVC behavior (P<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between FVC behavior and all constructs of the PRECEDE model (P>0.001). Conclusion: Considering the statistically significant relationship between the PRECED model and the FVC behavior, appropriate educational interventions are suggested to be considered using this model, with the emphasis on knowledge, enabling and reinforcing factors in schools. Keywords: Female students, Precede Model, Fruit and vegetables consumptio

Female Mice Have Higher Angiogenesis in Perigonadal Adipose Tissue Than Males in Response to High-Fat Diet

Background: Impaired capillary growth (angiogenesis) in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue contributes to the development of metabolic disorders in obese males. This association remains unexplored in females, despite mounting evidence that endothelial cells have sex-specific transcriptional profiles. Therefore, herein we assessed whether males and females show distinct angiogenic capacities in response to diet-induced obesity.Methods: Age-matched male and female mice were fed normal chow or high-fat obesogenic diets for 16 weeks. At the end of diet period, systemic glucose disposal was assessed as well as insulin sensitivity of skeletal muscle and visceral adipose tissue. Capillary content and the expression of angiogenic regulators were also evaluated in these tissues.Results: When placed on a high-fat diet, female mice gained less weight than males and showed a metabolic phenotype similar to NC-fed mice, contrasting with the impaired whole-body glucose metabolism observed in high-fat-fed males. However, high-fat-feeding elevated serum lipid levels similarly in male and female mice. Although skeletal muscle of high-fat–fed female mice had higher insulin sensitivity than male counterparts, no sex difference was detected in muscle capillarization. Metabolic functions of perigonadal white adipose tissue (pgWAT) were retained in high-fat-fed females, as evidenced by smaller adipocytes with preserved insulin sensitivity, greater responsiveness to isoproterenol, higher expression of Adiponectin and a lower ratio of Leptin:Adiponectin mRNA. An enhanced browning phenotype was detected in HF-fed female adipocytes with upregulation of Ucp1 expression. PgWAT from high-fat-fed females also showed augmented capillary number and expression of endothelial cell markers, which was associated with elevated mRNA levels of pro-angiogenic mediators, including vascular endothelial growth factor A (Vegfa) and its receptor (Vegfr2), the Notch ligand Jagged-1 (Jag1) and Angiopoietin-2 (Angpt2).Conclusion: Taken together, our findings provide novel evidence that visceral adipose tissue of female mice display greater levels of pro-angiogenic factors and vascularity than males in response to high-fat diet. This phenotype is associated with preserved metabolic homeostasis at both tissue and systemic levels. Our study discloses that a thus-far-unappreciated sex-specific difference in the regulation of adipose angiogenesis may contribute to an individual’s susceptibility to developing adipose dysfunction and obesity-related metabolic disturbances

Effect of high-dose Spirulina supplementation on hospitalized adults with COVID-19: a randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveSpirulina (arthrospira platensis) is a cyanobacterium proven to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. However, the effect of high-dose Spirulina supplementation on hospitalized adults with COVID-19 is currently unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of high-dose Spirulina platensis for SARS-CoV-2 infection.Study DesignWe conducted a randomized, controlled, open-label trial involving 189 patients with COVID-19 who were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to an experimental group that received 15.2g of Spirulina supplement plus standard treatment (44 non-intensive care unit (non-ICU) and 47 ICU), or to a control group that received standard treatment alone (46 non-ICU and 52 ICU). The study was conducted over six days. Immune mediators were monitored on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. The primary outcome of this study was mortality or hospital discharge within seven days, while the overall discharge or mortality was considered the secondary outcome.ResultsWithin seven days, there were no deaths in the Spirulina group, while 15 deaths (15.3%) occurred in the control group. Moreover, within seven days, there was a greater number of patients discharged in the Spirulina group (97.7%) in non-ICU compared to the control group (39.1%) (HR, 6.52; 95% CI, 3.50 to 12.17). Overall mortality was higher in the control group (8.7% non-ICU, 28.8% ICU) compared to the Spirulina group (non-ICU HR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.97; ICU, HR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.48). In non-ICU, patients who received Spirulina showed a significant reduction in the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and IP-10 as intervention time increased. Furthermore, in ICU, patients who received Spirulina showed a significant decrease in the levels of MIP-1α and IL-6. IFN-γ levels were significantly higher in the intervention group in both ICU and non-ICU subgroups as intervention time increased. No side effects related to Spirulina supplements were observed during the trial.ConclusionHigh-dose Spirulina supplements coupled with the standard treatment of COVID-19 may improve recovery and remarkably reduce mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://irct.ir/trial/54375, Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials number (IRCT20210216050373N1

A Comparative Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Laboratory Findings of COVID-19 between Intensive Care Unit and Non-Intensive Care Unit Pediatric Patients: A Multicenter, Retrospective, Observational Study from Iranian Network for Research in Viral

Introduction: To date, little is known about the clinical features of pediatric COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Objective: Herein, we aimed to describe the differences in demographic characteristics, laboratory findings, clinical presentations, and outcomes of Iranian pediatric COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU versus those in non-ICU settings. Methods: This multicenter investigation involved 15 general and pediatrics hospitals and included cases with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection based on positive real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) admitted to these centers between March and May 2020, during the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. Results: Overall, 166 patients were included, 61 (36.7%) of whom required ICU admission. The highest number of admitted cases to ICU were in the age group of 1–5 years old. Malignancy and heart diseases were the most frequent underlying conditions. Dyspnea was the major symptom for ICU-admitted patients. There were significant decreases in PH, HCO3 and base excess, as well as increases in creatinine, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and potassium levels between ICU-admitted and non-ICU patients. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), shock, and acute cardiac injury were the most common features among ICU-admitted patients. The mortality rate in the ICU-admitted patients was substantially higher than non-ICU cases (45.9% vs. 1.9%, respectively; p<0.001). Conclusions: Underlying diseases were the major risk factors for the increased ICU admissions and mortality rates in pediatric COVID-19 patients. There were few paraclinical parameters that could differentiate between pediatrics in terms of prognosis and serious outcomes of COVID-19. Healthcare providers should consider children as a high-risk group, especially those with underlying medical conditions

Sex Differences in Endothelial Cell Angiogenic Capacity

There is a sex-specific difference in susceptibility to develop obesity-related disorders. Our labs previous study on high-fat fed mice indicated higher angiogenesis in visceral adipose tissue of female mice, which accompanied preserved metabolic function of adipose tissue and better systemic glucose metabolism. The goal of this study was to determine if there are sex-related differences in endothelial cells (EC) angiogenic capacity that may contribute to higher adipose tissue angiogenesis in females. To achieve this, visceral adipose tissue explants as well as cultured EC of male and female mice were used. Female EC showed higher sprouting success ex-vivo. Furthermore, female EC had higher proliferation in vitro. Protein levels of FoxO1 and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK were higher in females. Inhibition of PFKFB3 decreased proliferation only in males. This project provided evidence for inherent sex-related differences in EC angiogenic capacity that may be related to the higher adipose tissue angiogenesis in females

Discovering the pathologies of subsystems in families with children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and survey the effectiveness of child parent relationship therapy on discovered problems and empowerment of these families, a mixed method study

The purpose of this study was to discovering the pathologies of subsystems in families with children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and survey the effectiveness of child parent relationship therapy on discovered problems and empowerment of these families. The present study is a mixed method (qualitative-quantitative). The first part of the research is qualitative in the phenomenological method. The sample consisted of 16 families (27 members) who had the first-hand experience with this phenomenon. The tool was a semi-structured interview, which was analyzed data with Colaizzi method. In the second part of the study, 4 parents (2 mothers and 2 fathers) were selected purposefully and analyzed in a single case method. Qualitative findings included the discovery of pathologies in three subsystems of families and development of an ADHD-based family questionnaire, which included 77 questions with appropriate validity and reliability. Quantitative findings included the significant effectiveness of child parent relationship therapy on family empowerment and the discovered problems in ADHD-based family. The results showed that injuries by ADHD children not only negatively affected each family member but also challenged the family system and confirmed the need of these families to support, supervise, treatment and comprehensive education

The effect of oral clonidine pre-medication prior to anesthesia on bleeding during tympanoplasty

Background: Intraoperative bleeding is one of the most important complications of surgery. Different techniques and methods have been used to decline this problem. In this study, the effect of oral preanesthetic clonidine on producing a bloodless surgical area was examined on patients undergoing tympanoplasty. Materials and Methods: A randomized, triple blind clinical trial was carried out 88 patients candidates for tympanoplasty. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. 44 patients received oral clonidine 300 µgr, 90min before arriving at the operating room, and 44 patients received placebo. The method of anesthesia was similar in both groups. Interaoperating bleeding assessed on a four –point scale from 3 (abundant bleeding) to 0 (no bleeding). Moreover, surgeon’s satisfaction in the field of surgery and the homodynamic changes were assessed and recorded in data collecting sheets. Results: There were no statistically significant differences regarding gender and age between two groups. The homodynamic changes in the group that had received clonidine were fewer in comparison with those in the control group. In addition, the bleeding amount in the group receiving clonidine was 54.6 times less than in the control group, and the surgeon,s satisfaction in the clonidine group was 54.6 times more than that in the control group. The statistical analysis using independent sample t test showed significant difference between these two groups. Conclusion: Oral clonidine as a premeditation reduces bleeding in tympanopalsty and improves surgeon’s satisfaction

وضعیت مصرف میوه و سبزیجات و عوامل مرتبط با آن در دانش آموزان دختر دبیرستان های شهر بجنورد بر اساس مدل پرسید

زمینه و اهداف: دختران، مادران آینده هستند و برای بهبود تغذیه آنها، باید از دوران نوجوانی برنامه ریزی کرد. مدل پرسید علل آن دسته ازعوامل رفتاری که ارتباط تنگاتنگ با سلامت دارند را بررسی می کند. علل مؤثر بر رفتار در مرحله تشخیص آموزشی این مدل طبقه بندی گردیده است. لذا هدف این پژوهش تعیین عوامل مرتبط با مصرف میوه و سبزی ها در بین دانش آموزان دختر براساس مرحله تشخیص آموزشی مدل پرسید بود. مواد و روشها: این مطالعه توصیفی تحلیلی در سال 1396 با شرکت 445 نفر از دانش آموزان دختر دبیرستانی شهر بجنورد انجام شد. جهت نمونه گیری از روش د ومرحله ای استفاده شد. ابزار جمع آوری داده ها پرسشنامه ای مشتمل بر سؤالات مشخصات فردی و سنجش آگاهی، نگرش و مدل پرسید بود. داده ها پس از گردآوری با استفاده از نرم افزار SPSS نسخه 20 و آزمون های متناسب تحلیل شدند. تمامی مراحل مطالعه حاضر طبق موازین اخلاقی اجرا گردید. یافته ها: تحلیل آزمون رگرسیون چندگانه نشان داد که در مجموع سازه های مختلف مدل پرسید، 7/23 درصد از واریانس عملکرد مصرف میوه و سبزیها در دانش آموزان مورد مطالعه را تبیین می کردند. از بین سازه های مدل، آگاهی، عوامل قادرکننده و تقویت کننده سهم معنی داری در تبیین واریانس عملکرد مصرف میوه و سبزیها داشتند (P<0/05). بین عملکرد مصرف میوه و سبزیها و همه سازه های مدل پرسید همبستگی مثبت و معنی دار وجود داشت (P<0.001). نتیجه گیری: نظر به ارتباط معنی دار سازه های مدل پرسید با عملکرد مصرف میوه و سبزی ها، پیشنهاد می شود، مداخلات آموزشی مناسب با استفاده از این مدل و با تأکید بر آگاهی و عوامل قادرکننده و تقویت کننده در مدارس صورت گیرد.Background and Aims: Girls are mothers of the future and you,ll have to plan ahead from adolescence to improve their nutrition. The Precede model surveys the causes of those behavioral factors that are closely related to health. Causes affecting behavior have been categorized in the educational diagnostic stage of this model. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the factors associated with fruits and vegetables consumption (FVC) among female students based on the educational diagnostic stage of the PRECEDE model. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was conducted with participation of 445 female high school students in Bojnourd city in 2017. A two-stage method was employed for sampling. Data gathering tool was a questionnaire including demographic questions and knowledge, attitude and PRECEDE model. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0 through appropriate tests. All stages of the study were conducted according to moral standards. Results: Multiple regression analysis showed that the various constructs of the PRESADE model could overally explain 23.7% of the variance in FVC behavior in the students under study. Among the constructs of the model, knowledge, enabling and reinforcing factors, had a significant contribution in explaining the variance of FVC behavior (P<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between FVC behavior and all constructs of the PRECEDE model (P>0.001). Conclusion: Considering the statistically significant relationship between the PRECED model and the FVC behavior, appropriate educational interventions are suggested to be considered using this model, with the emphasis on knowledge, enabling and reinforcing factors in schools

Transcriptomic profiling reveals sex-specific molecular signatures of adipose endothelial cells under obesogenic conditions

Summary: Female mice display greater adipose angiogenesis and maintain healthier adipose tissue than do males upon high-fat diet feeding. Through transcriptome analysis of endothelial cells (EC) from the white adipose tissue of male and female mice high-fat-fed for 7 weeks, we found that adipose EC exhibited pronouncedly sex-distinct transcriptomes. Genes upregulated in female adipose EC were associated with proliferation, oxidative phosphorylation, and chromatin remodeling contrasting the dominant enrichment for genes related to inflammation and a senescence-associated secretory of male EC. Similar sex-biased phenotypes of adipose EC were detectable in a dataset of aged EC. The highly proliferative phenotype of female EC was observed also in culture conditions. In turn, male EC displayed greater inflammatory potential than female EC in culture, based on basal and tumor necrosis factor alpha-stimulated patterns of gene expression. Our study provides insights into molecular programs that distinguish male and female EC responses to pathophysiological conditions

Prevalence of refractive errors among high school Students in Western Iran

To determine the prevalence of refractive errors among high school students. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we applied stratified cluster sampling on high school students of Aligoudarz, Western Iran. Examinations included visual acuity, non-cycloplegic refraction by auto refraction and fine tuning with retinoscopy. Myopia and hyperopia were defined as spherical equivalent of -0.5/+0.5 diopter (D) or worse, respectively; astigmatism was defined as cylindrical error;0.5 D and anisometropia as an interocular difference in spherical equivalent exceeding 1 D. Results: Of 451 selected students, 438 participated in the study (response rate, 97.0%). Data from 434 subjects with mean age of 16;1.3 (range, 14 to 21) years including 212 (48.8%) male subjects was analyzed. The prevalence of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism was 29.3% [95% confidence interval (CI), 25-33.6%], 21.7% (95%CI, 17.8-25.5%), and 20.7% (95%CI, 16.9-24.6%), respectively. The prevalence of myopia increased significantly with age [odds ratio (OR)=1.30, P=0.003] and was higher among boys (OR=3.10, P<0.001). The prevalence of hyperopia was significantly higher in girls (OR=0.49, P=0.003). The prevalence of astigmatism was 25.9% in boys and 15.8% in girls (OR=2.13, P=0.002). The overall prevalence of high myopia and high hyperopia were 0.5% and 1.2%, respectively. The prevalence of with-the-rule, against-the-rule, and oblique astigmatism was 14.5%, 4.8% and 1.4%, respectively. Overall, 4.6% (95%CI, 2.6-6.6%) of subjects were anisometropic. Conclusion: More than half of high school students in Aligoudarz had at least one type of refractive error. Compared to similar studies, the prevalence of refractive errors was high in this age group.</p