Explore the vast range of titles available.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is closely associated with an increased risk of death. Nrg4, a novel adipocytokine, has negative correlations with indicators of metabolic syndrome. Here, we investigated whether circulating Nrg4 associates with the prevalence of ACS. In this case-control study, a total of 257 subjects (144 patients with ACS and 56 patients diagnosed with stable angina pectoris (SAP)) compared to 57 healthy controls. Serum Nrg4 and hs-CRP concentrations were determined by ELISA. The associations of circulating Nrg4 with other clinical parameters were also analyzed. Serum levels of Nrg4 were lower in patients compared to the control subjects (0.7 ± 0.53 ng/mL versus 1.1 ± 0.9 ng/mL, P = 0.018). There was a significant association between higher Nrg4 level and lower risk of ACS (OR = 0.15; 95%CI = 0.02–0.9; P = 0.046), but not with SAP. This association was independent of potential confounders including traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The distribution of patients with no, 1, 2 and 3 vessel stenosis was significantly different in Nrg4 quartiles. Patients in the lower quartile of Nrg4 were more likely to experience 3 vessel diseases. Serum levels of Nrg4 correlated negatively with HDL-cholesterol in ACS patients. Decreased serum levels of Nrg4 might be an independent risk factor for ACS.

Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), are the leading causes of death among adults worldwide. It is projected that half of the NCDs could be avoided by preventing measures. Under the prospective epidemiological research studies in Iran (PERSIAN), we established a prospective population-based cohort study in southern Iran. The present study was designed to observe changing pattern of lifestyle transition over time and investigate the incidence and prevalence of regional modifiable risk factors as well as their associations with major NCDs. At baseline, 4063 participants aged 35–70 years were recruited on Oct, 2016and planned to get re-evaluated every 5 years along with annual follow-up. Data using validated electronic questionnaire comprising 55 questions and 482 items including general, medical and nutrition queries was collected. Blood, hair, nails, urine specimens and anthropometric measurements were taken. The response rate was 99%. In the results; male and female participants were 42.5% and 57.5%, respectively. Of note, 30.4% of women and 16.1% of men were obese. The prevalence of hypertension in men and women was 14.6% and 21%; however, diabetic men and women were 17.4% and 12.4%, respectively. Living in rural areas increased the odds of having hypertension by 1.33 (AOR = 1.33, 95% CI:1–09, 1.61). Noteworthy, logistic regression displayed that aging could predispose individuals to be more overweight, hypertensive and diabetic. The prevalence of multimorbidity of 3 or more NCDs were 8% (No. 326) and 6% (No.240), respectively. Intake of fruits, vegetables and dairy was less than two servings per day in 9.2%, 13% and 58.3% of the participants. Lower cardiovascular diseases and serum level of FBS and higher HDL level in sailors/fishermen compared to other job groups were significant (p-value <0.001). The second annual follow-up was completed and now at the end of the third wave. Findings of the present study signified the high prevalence of behavioral risk factors and their associations with respective NCDs. Subsequently, it is essential to keep track lifestyle variations, the modifiable risk factors and NCDs trends by prospective population-based cohort studies.

Background The Slit guidance Ligand 2 ( SLIT2 ) glycoprotein is of particular interest because of its role in modulating inflammation and the progression of diseases such as atherosclerosis. This study aimed to determine whether SLIT2 polymorphisms can serve as predictive markers for coronary artery disease (CAD) development by investigating its single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Methods In this case-control study, a total of 321 participants including 217 patients with diagnosed CAD and 104 healthy controls were recruited. Patients were divided into acute coronary syndrome (ACS) ( n  = 153) and stable angina pectoris (SAP) ( n  = 64). Allele and genotype frequency of SLIT2 SNP variants rs666088 C > T and rs16869521 A > T were determined using Polymerase Chain Reaction with Sequence-Specific Primers (PCR-SSP). Odds ratios (ORs) were reported along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and P-values. Crude estimates were initially presented, followed by adjusted ORs computed using logistic regression, controlling for potential confounders including age, gender, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and smoking status. Results The frequencies of the T allele of rs666088 were significantly higher in ACS patients compared to healthy controls, and were associated with an increased risk of ACS both before (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1–2.2, P  = 0.01) and after adjustment for confounding factors (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.1–1.9, P  = 0.02). Moreover, analysis of ACS subgroups—myocardial infarction (MI) and unstable angina pectoris (UAP), revealed consistent results. However, the allele and genotype frequencies of rs16869521 were not significantly different between patients and controls in any disease categories. Conclusions Our study revealed that genetic polymorphism of SLIT2 (rs666088) TT genotype and T allele is the potential host genetic risk factor for ACS. Therefore, SLIT2 (rs666088) genetic variation may be considered as a biomarker for early screening and diagnosis of the disease.

Dietary patterns emphasizing plant foods might be neuroprotective and exert health benefits on mental health. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the association between a plant-based dietary index and mental health measures. This study sought to examine the association between plant-based dietary indices, depression and anxiety in a large multicentric sample of Iranian adults. This cross-sectional study was performed in a sample of 2,033 participants. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate dietary intakes of participants. Three versions of PDI including an overall PDI, a healthy PDI (hPDI), and an unhealthy PDI (uPDI) were created. The presence of anxiety and depression was examined via a validated Iranian version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). PDI and hPDI were not associated to depression and anxiety after adjustment for potential covariates (age, sex, energy, marital status, physical activity level and smoking). However, in the crude model, the highest consumption of uPDI approximately doubled the risk of depression (OR= 2.07, 95% CI: 1.49, 2.87; P<0.0001) and increased the risk of anxiety by almost 50% (OR= 1.56, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.14; P= 0.001). Adjustment for potential confounders just slightly changed the associations (OR for depression in the fourth quartile= 1.96; 95% CI: 1.34, 2.85, and OR for anxiety in the fourth quartile= 1.53; 95% CI: 1.07, 2.19). An unhealthy plant-based dietary index is associated with a higher risk of depression and anxiety, while plant-based dietary index and healthy plant-based dietary index were not associated to depression and anxiety.

Background Previous studies have suggested a significant association between diet quality and mental health. However, a limited number of studies have utilized the Prime Diet Quality Score (PDQS) to examine this association. Additionally, no study has yet compared the PDQS and Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) in terms of their association with depression and anxiety. Aim This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between diet quality, measured by the PDQS and HEI-2015, and the odds of depression and anxiety in adults. Methods This study utilized data from the LIPOKAP study, which was conducted between February 2018 and July 2019 in five cities in Iran. We included 1994 adults aged 18 and above who were selected through a multistage cluster sampling method. Participants completed a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to evaluate their dietary intake. The FFQ was used to calculate the PDQS and HEI-2015. Depression and anxiety levels were determined using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results The participants had a mean age of 39.79 ± 13.87 years, with females accounting for 1,041 (52.2%) of the total population. PDQS showed a significant inverse association with the odds of depression (OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.28–0.71) and anxiety (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.25–0.62) in the fully adjusted model. Similarly, the highest quartile of HEI-2015 showed a significantly lower odds of depression (OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.40–0.90) and anxiety (OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.42–0.92) compared to the lowest quartile. Conclusion Both PDQS and HEI-2015 were associated with a reduced risk of depression and anxiety. However, the PDQS demonstrated a stronger inverse association with these risks compared to the HEI-2015. This suggests that the PDQS could be a more beneficial dietary pattern for preventing depression and anxiety compared to HEI-2015. Further large-scale studies are required to confirm these findings.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the primary cause of death worldwide, with significant fatalities reported in Iran. Hormozgan Province in southern Iran faces serious public health challenges related to CVD, a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the region. This study investigates the prevalence of CVD and its contributing factors in this region. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Hormozgan Province, southern Iran, from June 21 to December 21, 2023. A total of 6289 individuals aged 20 and older were selected through random multistage sampling techniques. Data collection involved three phases: administering a comprehensive questionnaire, measuring anthropometric data and blood pressure, and conducting laboratory blood tests. CVD was defined as the presence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) or ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, incorporating statistical tests such as multivariable logistic regression, Mann-Whitney tests, and Chi-square to compare groups. A total of 6289 participants were included in the study, with a mean age of 45.63 ± 15.04 years. Among them, 58.5% were female, and 51.6% lived in urban areas. Key findings revealed that 45.7% of the population were identified as overweight or obese, with a significant prevalence of abdominal obesity at 69.6%, particularly among females. The prevalence of CVD in the population was 7.8%, with IHD affecting 6.7% of individuals and stroke affecting 2.2%. Multivariable logistic regression identified increased age (AOR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02-1.04), higher body mass index (BMI) (AOR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.00-1.05), hypercholesterolemia (AOR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.03-1.66), hypertension (HTN) (AOR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.55-2.64), diabetes (AOR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.00-1.71), and severe anxiety (AOR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.30-4.39) as significant risk factors for CVD. Women had a 33% lower risk of having CVD compared to men (AOR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.53-0.85). This study highlights urgent public health concerns in Hormozgan Province, including high rates of CVD, obesity, abnormal blood pressure, and diabetes, particularly among females, underlining the need for targeted health interventions and improved nutritional practices.

To identify ultra-processed foods (UPF) contribution to daily energy and nutrient intake in Iranians and examine whether UPF intake is associated with nutrient profile and diet quality. In this cross-sectional study, a validated FFQ was used to evaluate usual dietary intake over the preceding year. NOVA system was applied to categorise foods based on their levels of processing. Diet quality was evaluated using the nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), Nutrient Rich Food Index (NRF) and hybrid nutrient density. The LIPOKAP study conducted in five cities of Iran (Isfahan, Birjand, Bandar Abbas, Kermanshah and Shahrekord). A total of 1994 adults aged ≥18 years were recruited using stratified multistage random cluster sampling method. UPF were responsible for 8·5 % of daily energy intake. In the adjusted model, UPF consumption was inversely associated with carbohydrate, protein, refined and whole grains, fibre, fruit and meat, but was positively linked to energy, total fat, saturated and trans fatty acids and cholesterol. Compared with those in the lowest tertile, individuals in the highest tertile of UPF had smaller NAR for Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, phosphorus, thiamin, niacin, folate and vitamin C. Both NRF and hybrid nutrient density decreased when the share of daily energy intake from UPF increased. The higher consumption of UPF is associated with poorer diet quality and lower nutrient intake. It is recommended that UPF be replaced with minimally processed foods to improve diet quality and nutrient profile.

Background Major cardiovascular events (MACE) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are among the most common causes of death in patients. Lipid-lowering strategies seem to affect these events. Reaching the best regimen for controlling lipid abnormalities is important. This study aimed to compare the effect of ezetimibe and atorvastatin versus atorvastatin alone in short-term major cardiovascular events in patients after PCI in Bandar Abbas in 2018. Methods This double-blinded randomized controlled trial was done in Bandar Abbas in 2018 on 224 patients. Patients were randomly divided into two groups either to receive ezetimibe and atorvastatin (group A) or atorvastatin alone (group B). Patients were followed for 1 month for major cardiovascular events and drug side effects. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Results Patients in the two groups had similar baseline characteristics. The mean low-density lipoproteins (LDL) level was 69.83 ± 28.8 in group A and 82.45 ± 29.9 in group B ( P  = 0.014). At the end of the study, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) values were notably lower in group A ( P value = 0.005). Three (2.7%) patients in group A and 1 patient (0.9%) in group B had a myocardial infarction ( P value = 0.313). Also, 11 patients (9.8%) in group A and 13 patients (11.6%) in group B had unstable angina ( P value = 0.666). No patients had death, cerebrovascular event, or stent thrombosis in the two groups. Conclusion Although adding ezetimibe to atorvastatin can decrease LDL and hs-CRP levels in short-term follow-up; it is not effective in lowering short-term major cardiovascular events in patients after PCI. Studies with longer-term follow-up are recommended. Trial registration IRCT, IRCT20171028037047N1. Registered on 22 June 2018, https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/28808 .

Background This study examined the perceived barriers of migrants and refugees to vaccinating their children against measles and polio in Iran. Methods First, an instrument was developed and validated through several steps. Next, 1,067 parents who had not vaccinated their children against polio and measles or had delayed receiving any dose of these two vaccines until the age of 15 were selected from 16 provinces and completed the instrument. Finally, the data were analyzed. Results The results of the explanatory factor analysis showed that the perceived barriers affecting vaccination against polio and measles vaccines were categorized into five factors: low knowledge, negative attitude, communication challenges, lack of participation in vaccination programs, and problems related to migration and refugees. Additionally, the results indicated a significant difference in the mean score of perceived barriers based on participants’ level of education, economic status, and nationality. Conclusion The identified barriers may provide a perspective for developing effective efforts in this area. Interventions should focus on parents with low education and poor economic status.

Background Vaccination against Covid 19 disease was based on rational practice theory. One of the most effective methods to control the COVID-19 pandemic is extensive vaccination coverage in the shortest time. The relevant beliefs and predictors of COVID-19 vaccine and the barriers to and facilitators of receiving COVID-19 vaccine should be identified. Individuals’ intention to receive COVID-19 and the effective factors are of an utmost importance. This study aimed to predict intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine in the South of Iran. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed over a period of 2 months (May 2021 to July 2021) in 4 southern provinces in Iran. The study population of this study included people over 18 years of age who did not receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The online questionnaire was used to collect data. We recruited participants through a self-selection sampling method and posted the online survey link. The questionnaire had two parts: demographic information and Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) questions. All statistical calculations and hypotheses tests were performed using SPSS21 and Amos21 software and the significance level was considered 0.05. Results A total number of 2556 people participated in this study with a mean age of 37.76 (10.7) of years (Age Range = 18–75). The findings showed that attitudes and subjective norms and the use of social media predict the intention to receive COVID-19 vaccine. SEM showed that attitude (β = 0.596, P  < 0.001), subjective norms (β = 0.265, P < 0.001) were significant predictors of vaccination intention. In this study, 78% of people were willing to receive the vaccine when they were officially allowed to. Conclusion According to the results of the study, it is suggested to strengthen positive attitudes and subjective norms about the importance of COVID-19 vaccination as well as using social media to inform the community in order increase the intention to vaccinate COVID-19 and increase vaccine coverage.