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Purpose We investigated the effect of Serendipita indica , an endophytic fungus, inoculation of different wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) cultivars on the rhizosphere physical quality. Methods S. indica inoculated and uninoculated seedlings of wheat cultivars (Roshan, Ghods, Kavir and Pishtaz) were grown in rhizoboxes. Plants were harvested and intact samples were taken from the rhizosphere to measure soil organic carbon (SOC), hot-water soluble carbohydrates (HWSC), carbon mineralization rate (CMR), water repellency index (RI) by the sorptivity method, and aggregate stability by the high energy moisture characteristic (HEMC) method. Root mucilages of inoculated and uninoculated seedlings were also collected for measuring total polysaccharides (TP mucilage ). Results The SOC, HWSC, and RI were increased by 146, 83, and 40% and CMR was decreased by 56% in planted treatments, which consequently increased the HEMC aggregate stability indices. S. indica increased SOC, HWSC, RI, and structural stability, and improved the physical quality especially in soil with Roshan and Ghods, which had more extensive root distributions and higher TP mucilage . The changes of soil-physical and hydraulic properties among different wheat cultivars imply that both quantitative and qualitative properties of root exudates have significant effects on soil quality. Soil with Roshan had the highest SOC, HWSC, and root distribution and the lowest aggregate stability. However, soil with Ghods had almost the same SOC and HWSC, but it had the highest stability indices. Conclusion S. indica inoculation of different wheat cultivars, by increasing SOC and inducing water repellency in the rhizosphere, can improve the aggregate stability and soil physical quality.

We did this study to clarify the association between carbohydrate intake and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and potential effect modification by geographical location. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched to find prospective cohort studies of dietary carbohydrate intake and T2D risk. A random-effects dose–response meta-analysis was performed to calculate the summary hazard ratios (HRs) and 95%CIs. The quality of cohort studies and the certainty of evidence was rated using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and GRADE tool, respectively. Eighteen prospective cohort studies with 29,229 cases among 607,882 participants were included. Thirteen studies were rated to have high quality, and five as moderate quality. The HR for the highest compared with the lowest category of carbohydrate intake was 1.02 (95%CI: 0.91, 1.15; I 2  = 67%, GRADE = low certainty). The HRs were 0.93 (95%CI: 0.82, 1.05; I 2  = 58%, n = 7) and 1.26 (95%CI: 1.11, 1.44; I 2  = 6%, n = 6) in Western and Asian countries, respectively. Dose–response analysis indicated a J shaped association, with the lowest risk at 50% carbohydrate intake (HR 50% : 0.95, 95%CI: 0.90, 0.99) and with risk increasing significantly at 70% carbohydrate intake (HR 70% : 1.18, 95%CI: 1.03, 1.35). There was no association between low carbohydrate diet score and the risk of T2D (HR: 1.14, 95%CI: 0.89, 1.47; I 2  = 90%, n = 5). Carbohydrate intake within the recommended 45–65% of calorie intake was not associated with an increased risk of T2D. Carbohydrate intake more than 70% calorie intake might be associated with a higher risk.

Prior meta-analytic investigations over a decade ago rather inconclusively indicated that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation could improve anthropometric and body composition indices in the general adult population. More recent investigations have emerged, and an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic must be improved. Therefore, this investigation provides a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT) on the impact of CLA supplementation on anthropometric and body composition (body mass (BM), BMI, waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM), body fat percentage (BFP) and fat-free mass (FFM)) markers in adults. Online databases search, including PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science up to March 2022, were utilised to retrieve RCT examining the effect of CLA supplementation on anthropometric and body composition markers in adults. Meta-analysis was carried out using a random-effects model. The I 2 index was used as an index of statistical heterogeneity of RCT. Among the initial 8351 studies identified from electronic databases search, seventy RCT with ninety-six effect sizes involving 4159 participants were included for data analyses. The results of random-effects modelling demonstrated that CLA supplementation significantly reduced BM (weighted mean difference (WMD): −0·35, 95 % CI (−0·54, −0·15), P < 0·001), BMI (WMD: −0·15, 95 % CI (−0·24, −0·06), P = 0·001), WC (WMD: −0·62, 95% CI (−1·04, −0·20), P = 0·004), FM (WMD: −0·44, 95 % CI (−0·66, −0·23), P < 0·001), BFP (WMD: −0·77 %, 95 % CI (−1·09, −0·45), P < 0·001) and increased FFM (WMD: 0·27, 95 % CI (0·09, 0·45), P = 0·003). The high-quality subgroup showed that CLA supplementation fails to change FM and BFP. However, according to high-quality studies, CLA intake resulted in small but significant increases in FFM and decreases in BM and BMI. This meta-analysis study suggests that CLA supplementation may result in a small but significant improvement in anthropometric and body composition markers in an adult population. However, data from high-quality studies failed to show CLA’s body fat-lowering properties. Moreover, it should be noted that the weight-loss properties of CLA were small and may not reach clinical importance.

Background This study aimed to assess the effect of nutrition education program based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on the promotion of healthy nutritional behaviors of primary school students in Asadabad city. Methods This interventional study was conducted on 152 school students (76 samples for each intervention and control group) in Asadabad City during the academic year 2023–2024. To assess healthy eating behaviors of children in primary school ages, a researcher-made questionnaire (43 questions) based on the constructs of planned behavior theory including attitude (10 questions), subjective norms (9 questions), perceived behavioral control (6 questions), behavioral intention (9 questions) and also nutritional behavior questions (9 questions) which were about healthy eating behaviors are common among primary school students. The teaching methods included lectures, brainstorming, group discussion, role playing, and educational video. The educational content needed for students in the intervention group was provided over five sessions based on the TPB, after analyzing the results from the pre-test stage. To determine the impact of the educational intervention, questionnaires were completed via self-report four months after the intervention. Results Before the intervention, the two groups were comparable in terms of the variables studied. However, four months after the intervention, a significant improvement was observed in the scores of Knowledge (7.79 ± 3.01 vs. 3.16 ± 2.13, p  < 0.001), Attitude (16.45 ± 6.04 vs. 6.45 ± 3.44, p  < 0.001), Perceived Behavioral Control (6.92 ± 3.03 vs. 2.33 ± 3.05, p  < 0.001), Behavioral Intention (6.18 ± 5.88 vs. 4.46 ± 3.98, p  = 0.032), and Behavior (15.35 ± 5.25 vs. 8.36 ± 3.22, p  < 0.001) in the intervention group compared to the control group. Conclusions The findings of this study demonstrated the effectiveness and impact of an educational intervention based on the TPB in promoting the nutritional behaviors of primary school students. Therefore, according to the effective role of this theory, it can be used as a suitable framework for improving the health status in other populations and age groups.

A green and ecofriendly bio-based synthesis of nano selenium particles was performed using the Bacillus subtilis and the products were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods. Dietary treatments included a control diet nonsupplemented with selenium and control diet supplemented with different sources of selenium (sodium selenite, organic Se, and nano-bio Se), resulting in a total of 4 treatments with 6 replicates of 10 chicks. Broilers were assessed for performance measures, ileum morphometry, and microbial population and jejunum tight junction proteins’ relative expression. The particle size of the synthesized selenium nanoparticles ranges 40 to 150 nm, with crystalline spherical shape. Inclusion of selenium increased body weight (BW) and improved FCR compared to the control diet (P < 0.05). Among the selenium sources, the highest BW were achieved in chicks fed sodium selenite or nano-bio Se. Selenium supplementation meaningfully (P <  − 0.01) changed ileum morphology and reduced ileum microbiota. Inclusion of selenium increased the relative weight of the carcass, breast, and thigh and reduced the relative weight of the liver and bursa of Fabricius on day 42 (P < 0.01). The relative length of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were increased on day 14 but reduced on day 42 by inclusion of selenium (P < 0.05). Supplementation of selenium increased (P < 0.01) the expression of claudin-1, occludin, and zonula occluden-1 and reduced (P < 0.01) the expression of claudin-5 and zonula occluden-2 on day 28. Inclusion of nano-bio selenium increased (P < 0.05) the expression of occludin, zonula occluden-1, and zonula occluden-2 and reduced (P < 0.05) the expression of claudin-5 compared to the organic selenium and sodium selenite on day 42. In conclusion, this data suggest feasibility of the biosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles by Bacillus subtilis. Additionally, the data reported herein demonstrate that nano-bio selenium can effectively improve performance and intestinal integrity compared to the common organic and inorganic sources of selenium.

The identification of paediatric obesity predictors in the early stages of life is warranted, as it can influence the development of effective strategies to prevent metabolic disorders. In this case–control study, we assessed nine risk factors for paediatric obesity, namely a birth weight > 4000 g, an exclusive breast-feeding period < 4 months, the introduction of solid food at < 4 months, maternal overweight or obesity before pregnancy, maternal smoking during pregnancy, the presence of gestational diabetes, paternal overweight and obesity and paternal smoking. In order to identify the most relevant predictors of paediatric obesity, we employed a multiple logistic regression model with R2 Cox Snell by adjusting confounders. In the randomly selected 509 preschool children from Tehran, children exposed to gestational diabetes had the maximum predicted probability of obesity (4·36 (1·94, 9·80) %) among the analysed risk factors %. The introduction of solid food at < 4 months of age increased the risk of obesity by 2·98 (1·77, 4·97 %). The OR of childhood obesity was associated with maternal overweight and obesity (2·72(1·60–4·60) %), maternal smoking (2·21 (1·18, 4·11) %) and excessive gestational weight gain (1·89 (1·23, 2·91) %). Paternal smoking and high birth weight increased the risk of paediatrics obesity > 1·8 times (1·15–2·94) and > 1·5 times (1·015–2·43), respectively. There was no association between the paternal BMI, the exclusive breast-feeding time and the risk of paediatric obesity. Among early risk factors, probably gestational diabetes can be considered as the most important predictor for the risk of paediatric obesity.

Background: Stroke is the second leading cause of death both in Iran and worldwide. However, few studies have monitored performance measures within stroke systems of care, revealing low rates of stroke code activation and intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator administration. To explore experiences, barriers, and effective interventions for improving stroke code management this study was conducted. Methods: This study will use a three-phase, exploratory sequential mixed-methods design and followed SPIRIT guideline for reporting protocol study. In first step, data will be collected through interviews with patients or caregivers and stroke code team members. The development phase will involve consultation with a panel of experts. Finally, based on the data from the qualitative and development phases, an optimized intervention will be implemented and evaluated. Participants will be recruited via purposive sampling with maximum variation. The study is scheduled to commence in March 2024 and conclude in December 2024. Results: In the first step, we will deeply explore the rich data about the problem, and challenges. In the second step, we will find the solution and design the intervention based on the data from the first step. Finally, in the third step, we will implement and evaluate the intervention. Conclusion: This approach aligns with current evidence and best practices by integrating qualitative and quantitative methods to inform the development, execution, and evaluation of a tailored intervention. The findings are anticipated to strengthen Iran’s national stroke code program and offer valuable insights into the facilitators and barriers affecting stroke management.

Background Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the Western Hemisphere. It is the third most common cancer in men after prostate and lung cancers and the second most common cancer in women after breast cancer. According to some studies, the incidence and prevalence of colorectal cancer is increasing rapidly. Main Body In the present study, a systematic review of the articles related to the economic burden of colorectal cancer was carried out. The articles were taken from the following databases: SID, Medline/Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, NHS Economic Evaluation Database (EED), Econlit, and Google Scholar. Furthermore, the PICOTS model was used to select the inclusion criteria. The quality of the articles' methodologies was evaluated using Drummond's checklist. Then, some data were extracted from relevant articles, in terms of year, place of research, sample size, costing approach, type of measured costs, average direct medical costs, average direct nonmedical costs, and average indirect costs. The data from 37 studies dealing with the costs of patients with colorectal cancer were extracted. Most of the studies were conducted in the United States, and the social perspective was the most common perspective to measure the costs. According to the majority of the studies, direct medical costs were considered the greatest driver in causing the economic burden of colorectal cancer. The costs of hospitalization, medicine, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy accounted for the largest share of direct medical costs, and the costs of transportation, accommodation, and home care were the greatest share of direct nonmedical costs. Furthermore, the costs associated with disability, absenteeism, and premature death were identified as the main drivers of indirect costs. Conclusion The findings of this study showed that colorectal cancer imposes great direct and indirect costs on families, the health system, and society. The best way to deal with this disease and, hence, to reduce its economic burden is to take comprehensive preventive measures and modify the lifestyle. In addition, health policymakers can limit the costs of this disease by expanding the screening program.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is accompanied by elevated inflammation, oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia which all contribute to cardiovascular disease pathogenesis. Saffron as a complementary medicine and source of antioxidants could play a role in alleviating diabetes and its complications. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of saffron supplementation as an adjunct therapy in T2D. This randomized controlled trial included 80 T2D patients with a mean age of 54.1 years. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups to take either saffron tablets (100 mg/day; n=40) or placebo (n=40) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were obtained at the beginning and after the intervention period to quantify glycemic factors, lipid profile, and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Anthropometric indices and dietary intakes were also measured at baseline and at study end. Compared with placebo, saffron supplementation resulted in significant decreases in waist circumference ( <0.001) and malondialdehyde (MDA) ( =0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in other indices, including anthropometric parameters, serum insulin, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, insulin sensitivity indices, lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, total antioxidant capacity, and tumor necrosis factor-α between the study groups ( >0.05). Overall, 12 weeks of saffron supplementation in diabetic patients had beneficial effects on waist circumference and serum MDA levels. However, saffron did not influence other evaluated cardio metabolic risk markers in diabetic patients.

Piezoelectric materials offer a unique approach to musculoskeletal tissue regeneration due to their abilities to generate electric charge in response to mechanical stimulation.Fabrication techniques of piezoelectric materials play a crucial role in the magnitude of their effects.Applications of piezoelectric materials span various tissues, such as bone, skin, muscle cartilage, and nerve.Challenges remain in the field regarding the utilization of piezoelectric materials, which has limited their more widespread use.Future perspectives highlight the potential for personalized and minimally invasive therapies, taking advantage of piezoelectric materials. Piezoelectric scaffolds are emerging as promising therapeutic strategies for musculoskeletal regeneration. These materials convert mechanical forces, ranging from intrinsic motion to focused ultrasound (US) force, into localized electrical cues for tissue-specific musculoskeletal regeneration. Mechanistically, piezoelectric-converted electrical energy activates mechanosensitive and voltage-gated channels that trigger early regenerative signaling pathways. In this review, we describe the fundamental principles of the piezoelectric material class that focus on dipole alignment, geometry, and activation paradigms to culminate in their differential effects on the regeneration of musculoskeletal tissues. We also discuss lead-free platforms, closed-loop systems, as well as printable constructs capable of delivering wire-free electrical stimulation (ES). Finally, we discuss current translational challenges and future directions and practical steps toward clinical adoption of piezoelectric scaffolds. Piezoelectric scaffolds are emerging as promising therapeutic strategies for musculoskeletal regeneration. These materials convert mechanical forces, ranging from intrinsic motion to focused ultrasound (US) force, into localized electrical cues for tissue-specific musculoskeletal regeneration. Mechanistically, piezoelectric-converted electrical energy activates mechanosensitive and voltage-gated channels that trigger early regenerative signaling pathways. In this review, we describe the fundamental principles of the piezoelectric material class that focus on dipole alignment, geometry, and activation paradigms to culminate in their differential effects on the regeneration of musculoskeletal tissues. We also discuss lead-free platforms, closed-loop systems, as well as printable constructs capable of delivering wire-free electrical stimulation (ES). Finally, we discuss current translational challenges and future directions and practical steps toward clinical adoption of piezoelectric scaffolds.