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Fereidoun Azizi

Publications and source records attributed to Fereidoun Azizi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

General obesity and central adiposity in a representative sample of Tehranian adults: prevalence and determinants.

AIMS: To determine the prevalence and associations of general and central obesity in adults residing in district 13 of Tehran and to examine the associations of obesity with certain factors. DESIGN: Population-based cross sectional study. SETTING: Tehran, the capital of Iran. SUBJECTS: A total of 9984 subjects (4164 men and 5820 women) aged 20-70 years. METHODS: Demographic data were collected and anthropometric indices including weight, height, and waist and hip circumference were measured, according to standard protocols. Dietary intake was assessed by means of two 24-hour dietary recall forms. To determine the prevalence and association of general and central obesity, the suggested cut-off for Tehranian people, adjusted for their age group, was used. A body mass index (BMI) of > or =24 for men and > or =25 for women was used to determine the characteristic of obesity. Central obesity was determined as a waist-hip ratio (WHR) of > 0.86 for men and WHR > or = 0.78 for women. To determine the associations between general and central obesity and other factors, logistic regression was used. RESULTS: The means of BMI, waist circumference (WC), and WHR were 25.8 +/- 4.1 kg/m2, 88.3 +/- 11.4 cm, and 0.91 +/- 0.07 in men and 27.3 +/- 5.4 kg/m2, 87.5 +/- 12.9 cm, and 0.83 +/- 0.08 in women, respectively. Obesity and central obesity were higher in women than in men; 67% vs. 29% for obesity and 93% vs. 74.1% for central obesity, respectively. Illiteracy (OR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.13-2.41 in men; OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.59-2.21 in women), marriage (OR = 3.84, 95% CI = 3.63-4.29 in men; OR = 3.20, 95% CI = 3.63-4.19 in women), and very low physical activity (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.09-1.53 in men; OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.10-1.76 in women) were factors associated with obesity. The risk of being centrally obese for men in the fourth quartile of legumes intake was lower than men in other quartiles (p < 0.05). Women in the first quartile of dairy consumption had the highest risk of being generally and centrally obese (OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.72-2.48 for general obesity and OR = 3.01, 95% CI = 2.36-3.67 for central obesity). The risk of obesity for women in the fourth quartile of energy and saturated fatty acid consumption was higher than for those in the first quartile (OR = 2.69, 95% CI = 2.39-3.11 for energy and OR = 1.36, 95% CI= 1.10-1.64 for saturated fatty acids). The risk of being centrally obese was higher for women in the first quartile of protein intake compared with women in the fourth quartile (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.02-2.32). CONCLUSIONS: The results from this national population-based study in Iran show high prevalence of obesity in Tehranian adults. The strong associations between obesity and certain life style factors confirm the necessity of multifactorial intervention.

Adiposity↗
PubMed2005

Evaluation of waist circumference to predict cardiova scular risk factors in an overweight Tehranian population: findings from Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study.

This study was conducted to evaluate the waist circumference (WC) cut-off points to predict cardiovascular risk factors in the overweight Tehranian population. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and biochemical analyses were evaluated for the 15,005 participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Three thousand sixty-five subjects aged 18-74 years with a body mass index of 25-29.9 were enrolled in this study. Abdominal obesity was defined as WC > or =102 cm for men and > or =88 cm for women. Sensitivity of WC > or =102 cm to detect various cardiovascular risk factors for men aged 35-54 years was between 5% and 14%, and for men aged 55-74 years, was between 12% and 19%. The specificity of this cut-off point was between 93% and 98% and between 86% and 96% for corresponding age-categories, respectively. WC > or =88 cm had a sensitivity of between 28% and 41 % for identifying cardiovascular risk factors in women aged 18-34 years. Sensitivity tended to increase with age and specificity tended to decrease with age in both genders. These cut-off points had the highest positive predictive value for the more prevalent risk factors in both genders. The negative predictive values were different for various risk factors among age groups. The classic cut-off points of WC failed to provide adequate evidence for the use of WC in detecting cardiovascular risk factors. Further studies should be conducted to determine optimal WC cut-off points for Iranians.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

An assessment of urinary and breast milk iodine concentrations in lactating mothers from Gorgan, Iran, 2003.

Dietary iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. Breast-fed infants are reliant on maternal iodine intake. The aim of this study was to evaluate iodine sufficiency in lactating women in Iran. The sample consisted of 100 lactating mothers referred to the Taleghani Hospital of Gorgan, Iran. Goiter was graded according to World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Spot urine and breast-milk samples were collected for the measurement of iodine concentrations. Urine iodine concentrations (UIC) less than 100 and breast-milk iodine concentrations (MIC) less than 50 microg/L were considered consistent with iodine deficiency. Forty-three percent of women had grade 1 and 2 goiters, respectively. The median UIC was 259 microg/L. UIC was less than 100 in 16%. Grade 1 and 2 goiters were each present in 8% of mothers with UIC less than 100 microg/L. The median MIC was 93.5 microg /L. MIC was less than 50 microg /L in 19%. Grade 1 and 2 goiters were present in 11% and 8%, respectively, of women with MIC <50 mg/L. MIC and UIC levels were significantly correlated (r = 0.44, p < 0.0001). Iodine deficiency and goiter were associated (p < 0.0001). UIC and MIC concentrations are sufficient in Gorgan, Iran. However, individual infants remain at risk for low iodine intake via breast milk.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Intrauterine diagnosis and management of fetal goitrous hypothyroidism: a report of an Iranian family with three consecutive pregnancies complicated by fetal goiter.

The diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism during the fetal period may decrease perinatal morbidity and are believed to be important to optimize growth and intellectual development. Herewith a case report of fetal goitrous hypothyroidism is presented in a euthyroid mother, detected at 34 weeks' gestation by ultrasonography, and treated with intra-amniotic levothyroxine injections. The mother had two previous consecutive pregnancies (13 and 8 years ago), also complicated by the occurrence of fetal goiter, resulting in tracheal compression, asphyxia, and early neonatal death in the first and in an emergency cesarean section delivery, because of fetal malpresentation, in the second neonate affected by congenital hypothyroidism (CH). The present male newborn, although born without observable goiter, had a large thyroid on ultrasonography and an early rise of his peripheral venous blood thyrotropin confirmed the diagnosis of CH. Low serum thyroglobulin in the proband and his older brother and parental consanguinity was mostly compatible with a thyroglobulin defective synthesis and secretion as the cause of CH and fetal goiter. Despite apparently sufficient dose of intraamniotic levothyroxine injections repeated weekly from 34-37 weeks' gestation (i.e., four injections of 500 microg levothyroxine), neonatal bone age on the second day of life showed delayed skeletal maturation.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Dairy consumption is inversely associated with the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Tehranian adults.

BACKGROUND: Although previous studies showed some benefits from dairy consumption with respect to obesity and insulin resistance syndrome, epidemiologic data on the association between dairy intakes and metabolic syndrome are sparse. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the relation between dairy consumption and metabolic syndrome in Tehranian adults. DESIGN: Dairy consumption and features of metabolic syndrome were assessed in a population-based cross-sectional study of 827 subjects (357 men and 470 women) aged 18-74 y. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to guidelines of the Adult Treatment Panel III. Multivariate logistic regression adjusted for lifestyle and nutritional confounders was used in 4 models. RESULTS: Mean (+/-SD) consumption of milk, yogurt, and cheese was 0.7 +/- 0.2, 1.06 +/- 0.6, and 0.9 +/- 0.3 servings/d, respectively. Subjects in the highest quartile of dairy consumption had lower odds of having enlarged waist circumference [odds ratio (OR) by quartile: 1, 0.89, 0.74, 0.63; P for trend < 0.001], hypertension (OR by quartile: 1, 0.88, 0.79, 0.71; P for trend < 0.02), and metabolic syndrome (OR by quartile: 1, 0.83, 0.74, 0.69; P for trend < 0.02). The values of ORs became weaker after further adjustment for calcium intake. CONCLUSION: Dairy consumption is inversely associated with the risk of having metabolic syndrome. It seems that this relation is somewhat attributed to calcium.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Whole-grain intake and the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype in Tehranian adults.

BACKGROUND: Although dietary guidelines recommend increased intake of grain products to prevent chronic diseases, no epidemiologic data associate whole-grain intake with hypertriglyceridemic waist (HW) phenotype. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the relation between whole-grain intakes and the prevalence of HW phenotype in adults in Tehran, Iran. DESIGN: Whole-grain intake, serum triacylglycerol concentration, and waist circumference (WC) were assessed in a population-based, cross-sectional study of 827 Iranian subjects (357 men and 470 women) aged 18-74 y. HW phenotype was defined as serum triacylglycerol concentrations > or =150 mg/dL and concurrent WC > or = 80 cm (men) and > or =79 cm (women). RESULTS: Mean (+/-SD) consumption of whole and refined grains was 93 +/- 29 and 201 +/- 57 g/d, respectively. Subjects in the highest quartile of whole-grain intake had a significantly lower prevalence of HW (29%) than did those in the lowest quartile (44%; P < 0.05). Conversely, those in the highest quartile of refined-grain intake had a significantly higher prevalence of HW (45%) than did those in the lowest quartile (27%; P < 0.05). After control for potential confounding factors, a significantly decreasing trend was observed for the risk of HW phenotype across quartiles of whole-grain intake (odds ratios among quartiles: 1.00, 0.95, 0.90, and 0.78, respectively; P for trend = 0.02). Higher consumption of refined grains was associated with better odds of HW phenotype (by quartile: 1.00, 1.38, 1.65, and 2.1; P for trend = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Whole-grain intake is inversely and refined-grain intake is positively associated with the risk of HW.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Follow up of patients with postpartum thyroiditis: a population-based study.

In this survey we studied the prevalence of permanent hypothyroidism and prognostic factors for its occurrence 3-5 yr after postpartum thyroiditis (PPT); 54 of 120 women with PPT and 50 of 920 healthy women from among 1,040 women followed 4-5 yr earlier for PPT were recalled. Demographic information, signs, and symptoms of thyroid disorders and results of physical exams were documented. Serum T3, T4, RT3U, TSH, and anti-thyroperoxidase (anti-TPO ab) and anti-thyro-gluboline (anti-Tg ab) antibodies were measured. Twenty-two percent of the cases and four percent of the control group had permanent hypothyroidism, p<0.01. Based on the TSH level we divided the case group into two subgroups: PPT-Hypothyroidism (PPT-Hypo) and PPT-Eutyhroidism (PPT-EU); PPT-Hypo had greater titer of anti-TPO ab than PPT-Eu (437+/-283 vs 126+/-221 IU/mL, p<0.001). Comparison of mean peak serum TSH level and anti-TPO ab during the postpartum thyroiditis phase between PPT-Hypo and PPT-Eu in the case group was significant (56+/- 24 vs 23+/- 28 mU/L, p<0.001, and 1960+/-1270 vs 640+/-959 IU/L, p<0.001, respectively). Results of this survey show a high prevalence of permanent hypothyroidism following PPT in Tehran. High titers of anti-TPOAb and TSH levels at postpartum period are prognostic factors for occurrence of permanent hypothyroidism.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Beneficial effects of a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension eating plan on features of the metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan on metabolic risks in patients with the metabolic syndrome. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a randomized controlled outpatient trial conducted on 116 patients with the metabolic syndrome. Three diets were prescribed for 6 months: a control diet, a weight-reducing diet emphasizing healthy food choices, and the DASH diet with reduced calories and increased consumption of fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and whole grains and lower in saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol and restricted to 2,400 mg Na. The main outcome measures were the components of the metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: Relative to the control diet, the DASH diet resulted in higher HDL cholesterol (7 and 10 mg/dl), lower triglycerides (-18 and -14 mg/dl), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (-12 and -11 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (-6 and -7 mmHg), weight (-16 and -14 kg), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (-15 and -8 mg/dl), and weight (-16 and -15 kg), among men and women, respectively (all P < 0.001). The net reduction in triglycerides (-17 and -18 mg/dl), SBP (-11 and -11 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (-5 and -6 mmHg), and FBG (-4 and -6 mg/dl), weight (-16 and -15 kg), and increase in HDL (5 and 10 mg/dl) among men and women, respectively, was higher in the DASH group (all P < 0.05). The weight-reducing diet resulted in significant change in triglycerides (-13 and -10 mg/dl), SBP (-6 and -6 mmHg), and weight (-13 and -12 kg) among men and women, respectively (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The DASH diet can likely reduce most of the metabolic risks in both men and women; the related mechanisms need further study.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Correlates of under- and over-reporting of energy intake in Tehranians: body mass index and lifestyle-related factors.

Under- and over-reporting of energy intake are problems in dietary intake assessment. This study was conducted to assess the correlates of under- and over-reporting of energy intake in Tehranians. Dietary data on 947 participants (415 males and 532 females) of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study was collected by trained interviewers using two 24-hour recalls. Weight and height were measured by digital scale and tape measure according to standard protocols and recorded to the nearest 100 g and 1cm, respectively. Under-, normal- and over-reporting of energy intake was defined as ratio of energy intake to basal metabolic rate (EI:BMR) <1.35, 1.35-2.39 and >or = 2.4, respectively. Mean +/- SD of age was 37.3 +/-14.6 and 32.9 +/-13.6 years for men and women, respectively. Men had higher EI:BMR than women (1.72 +/-0.44 vs 1.27 +/-0.44, P<0.001). EI and EI:BMR was highest in the youngest age groups in both sexes. The prevalences of under- and over-reporting were 31% and 5%, respectively. Fewer men than women underreported EI (19% vs 40%, P<0.001). The fraction of over-reporters was significantly higher in men than women (7% vs 3%, P<0.05). EI:BMR decreased with age. Under-reporters were older and had higher BMI than normal-reporters, but their educational level did not differ significantly. Over-reporters were younger and had lower BMI than normal-reporters, but their educational levels did not differ significantly. Most over-reporters had normal BMI. Smoking was more prevalent in over-reporters than in the normal-reporters (28% vs 19% in men and 6% vs 1% in women, P<0.01). The results showed a high prevalence of misreporting of energy intake in Tehran. This phenomenon is related to age, obesity and smoking habits.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Diet quality status of most Tehranian adults needs improvement.

The healthy eating index (HEI) was developed to track the quality of diets in different societies. The aim of this study was to determine the HEI score of Tehranian adults. This study, conducted within the framework of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS), was a part of a dietary intake assessment carried out in 819 cases aged 19 and over. Dietary intake was assessed with two 24-hour recalls. HEI was calculated based on 9 components. The HEI score was categorized into three groups: less than 45 (poor diet), between 45-72 (needs improvement) and more than 72 (good diet). The mean score of HEI was 65.8 +/- 9.6 in men and 65.9 +/- 8.6 in women. The results showed that the number of servings of food groups in those with good diet was significantly higher than the two other groups (P<0.05). The percentage of observations failing to meet the estimated average requirements (EAR) in the poor diet group (HEI<45) was higher than the other diet groups for most of the nutrients. Diets were categorized into: needs improvement (74%); good (23%); and poor (3%). Since the majority of the sample needed to improve their diet, this suggests that nutrition intervention may be needed.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Predictors of cardiovascular risk factors in Tehranian adolescents: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the major health and social problems in Iran. The aim of this study is to determine the predictors of CVD risk factors in adolescents residing in district 13 of Tehran. METHODS: Dietary intake assessment was undertaken with two separate 24-hour recall interviews with adolescents aged 11-18 years, selected from among 15005 subjects who were participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. After excluding the under- and over-reporters, 290 adolescents remained in the study. Data related to cigarette smoking was collected. Height and weight were assessed and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Blood pressure was measured twice at intervals in a seated position. Serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations were measured in a blood sample after 12 hours of fasting, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was calculated. To determine the predictors of CVD risk factors stepwise linear regression was used. RESULTS: There were strong positive correlations between BMI and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in girls: (beta = 1.8, p < 0.001; beta = 0.8, p < 0.001) and boys (beta =0.04, p < 0.001; beta = 0.05, p < 0.01). There was an inverse association between calcium intake and systolic (beta = -0.16, p < 0.05) and diastolic blood pressure in boys (beta = -0.36, p < 0.01), as well as inverse association between calcium intake and systolic (beta = -1.2, p < 0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (beta = -0.05, p < 0.05) and serum triglycerides (beta = -0.1, p < 0.01) in girls. Positive correlations were found between BMI and cholesterol in girls (beta = 0.2, p < 0.01) and boys (beta = 0.31, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Certain dietary and life style factors predict CVD risk factors in Tehranian adolescents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Intellectual development of children born of mothers who fasted in Ramadan during pregnancy.

The long-term effects of Ramadan fasting during pregnancy on the brain development of the fetus are still not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of maternal fasting during Ramadan on the intelligence quotient of their progeny. A historical cohort study was conducted on 191 children aged between 4 to 13 years, 98 whose mothers fasted throughout Ramadan when they were pregnant with their children (case group) and 93 children whose mothers did not fast (control group). The children were selected from 15 schools via a questionnaire filled out by their mothers. Detailed demographic, medical history, and socioeconomic status data were collected by interviewing the mothers. All children aged between 6 to 13 were administered the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R), and those aged between 4 to 6 were administered Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence (WPPSI), and intelligence quotient was estimated. Cases included 47 boys and 51 girls aged 8.5+/-2.5 years and controls included 44 boys and 49 girls aged 8.7+/-2.5 years. There were no significant differences in sex and age between two groups. Among background and confounder variables, the percentage of Caesarean section and the duration of breast-feeding were significantly different between case and control groups; 29% Caesarean section in cases vs. 45% in controls (p < 0.05) and 17.2+/-9 months breast-feeding for cases vs. 14.5+/-9 months for controls (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in socioeconomic status of families between the groups whereas socioeconomic status accounted for approximately 17% of the variances in the average of full-scale intelligence quotient scores. Adjusted mean and standard deviation of full-scale intelligence quotient scores, performance and verbal, were 111+/-10, 109+/-11 and 110+/-11 for the case group and 112+/-10, 110+/-11 and 110+/-11 for the control group respectively. No significant differences were observed between the IQ scores of the two groups. Fasting during gestation did not adversely affect IQ of children whose mothers had fasted during Ramadan while being pregnant.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Serum paraoxonase activity before and after treatment of thyrotoxicosis.

OBJECTIVE: Antioxidant effects of paraoxonase, a high density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated enzyme that inhibits low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) oxidation in human serum, have been reported. Patients with thyroid dysfunction are more susceptible to oxidative stress, and may show enhanced LDL-C oxidation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate serum paraoxonase activity in patients with hyperthyroidism before and after treatment with methimazole (MMI). DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Twenty-four hyperthyroid patients (15 women and nine men, aged 43.0 +/- 12.9 years) and 23 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were studied. Serum paraoxonase activity, lipid, lipoprotein and apolipoprotein levels were measured in fasting samples. Patients were treated with MMI 20-30 mg daily for the first month, and 5-10 mg daily thereafter, and re-evaluated after 6-9 months of treatment. RESULTS: Significantly lower serum paraoxonase activity was present in hyperthyroid patients before treatment compared with the controls (43.4 +/- 21.9 vs. 72.6 +/- 41.2 U/ml, P < 0.005). After a mean follow-up of 7.3 months, 15 patients became euthyroid (treated) and nine were still hyperthyroid. After follow-up, serum paraoxonase activity had increased to 62.2 +/- 37.4 U/ml in those who became euthyroid (P < 0.05 compared with baseline). In patients who were still hyperthyroid serum paraoxonase was unchanged from baseline, at 43.2 +/- 23.2 U/ml. CONCLUSION: Serum paraoxonase is reduced in patients with hyperthyroidism and reverts to normal after euthyroidism is attained. Reduced serum paraoxonase activity in thyrotoxicosis might predispose lipids to oxidation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Blood pressure measures and electrocardiogram-defined myocardial infarction in an Iranian population: Tehran Lipid and Glucose study.

The purpose of this study was to describe blood pressure values in Iranian adults with electrocardiogram (ECG) evidence of a myocardial infarction (MI). High blood pressure is a risk factor, and an ECG can be diagnostic of coronary artery disease. In recent studies the role of pulse pressure in predicting coronary artery disease has been suggested to be more important than that of blood pressure. From among participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose study, data for 2479 men and 3060 women aged > or =30 years not currently using any antihypertensive medication were collected. The study used the mean of two separate blood pressure measurements for each individual. ECG findings of all subjects were coded according to Minnesota ECG coding criteria, and they were categorized into probable/possible MI or no MI. ECG evidence of probable or possible MI was found in 1.2% of subjects (1.8% in men vs. 0.8% in women, p<0.001). Prevalence of ECG-defined MI in hypertensive persons was two-fold higher than in normotensives. Adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index, mean diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower in cases with ECG-defined MI than in subjects without MI (p<0.03). There was a strong positive correlation between pulse pressure and systolic blood pressure in both hypertensive/normotensive and MI/no MI groups at the p<0.001 level. There was a weak inverse correlation between diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure in hypertensive/normotensive/no MI groups (-0.32 and -0.14, both p<0.001). Diastolic blood pressure was not correlated with pulse pressure in cases with MI. Prevalence of ECG-defined MI in hypertensive cases was higher than in normotensives. Systolic blood pressure is a better predictor for pulse pressure than diastolic blood pressure in both normotensive and hypertensive populations with or without ECG-defined MI.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

A high prevalence of consanguineous and severe congenital hypothyroidism in an Iranian population.

To determine the incidence of permanent congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in Tehran and Damavand, cord blood spots were collected from February 1998-August 2002 and infants with TSH > or =20 mU/l were recalled. CH was confirmed in neonates (aged > or =7 days) with serum TSH >10 mU/l and T4 <84 nmol/l. Cases were followed up until September 2003. Dysgenesis was detected by thyroid imaging. In eutopic cases, serum TSH and T4 measurements following levothyroxine discontinuation (2-3 years of age) confirmed dyshormonogenesis and transient CH. Of 35,067 neonates, 373 (1.06%) were recalled and 25 (1:1,403 births) had permanent CH (six had transient CH and four remain unknown). Dysgenesis was detected in 18 (1:1,948 births) and dyshormonogenesis in seven (1:5,010 births) infants. Parental consanguinity was present in 10 (55.6%) dysgenetic, three (42.9%) dyshormonogenetic, and overall 6,648 (28.6%) of 23,227 screened infants. Odds ratio (95%CI(OR)) of consanguinity in permanent CH and dysgenesis was 2.75 (1.17-6.47) and 3.74 (1.33-10.52), respectively. The high prevalence of parental consanguinity in infants with permanent CH warrants genetic assessment.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2004

Views of Iranian medical journal editors on medical research publication.

OBJECTIVE: Medical journal editors play an important role in optimizing research publication. This study evaluates the views of Iranian medical journal editors, and their knowledge of medical publication standards. METHODS: In May 2001, 51 editors from all journals approved by the Ministry of Health were invited to participate, 27 of whom completed the study. A self-administered questionnaire, based on the Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals (URMS) was used which consisted of 28 questions in 9 subject fields. These fields included: peer review, conflicts of interest, authorship criteria, publication ethics, duplicate publication, mass media, advertising, competing manuscripts, and the Internet. The knowledge of the editors was assessed by a scoring system, with a range of -46 to +44 points. RESULTS: Twenty-three of the participants were editors-in-chief and 4 were managing editors. Their average age was 47.3 +/- 8.7 years and 25 were male. All journals were peer-reviewed, most having 2 or 3 reviewers for each manuscript. Of the journals, 92.6% accepted or rejected an article on the basis of the views of most reviewers and 52%, sometimes or always, used a statistician as a reviewer. Most of the editors believed that writing the first draft and designing the study are authorship criteria, and most of them believed that these 2 are stated in URMS. Seven journals (25.9%) never published advertisements. Among journals that sold advertisements, the most popular policy (85%) was the rejection of advertisements because they advertised harmful products. Out of 27 journals, 12 were accessible on the Internet, and 7 had independent websites. Of the editors, 81.5% thought that a website is useful for their journal. The average knowledge score of the editors was 6.5 +/- 7.5. None had a negative score, 33% scored zero, 45% obtained average scores and 22% obtained good scores. CONCLUSION: The results show that peer review is favored by all the editors studied, though it seems that journals do not follow clear-cut policies in this regard. Most of the editors, agreed with the statements of URMS to some extent and generally most have average to high knowledge of URMS.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Dietary diversity score in adolescents - a good indicator of the nutritional adequacy of diets: Tehran lipid and glucose study.

The purpose of this study was to determine dietary diversity and its relation to dietary adequacy in 10-18 year-old adolescents of district 13 of Tehran during the period 1999-2001. After excluding for over and under reporters, dietary intake assessment was conducted on 304, 10-18 year old individuals, participants of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. A dietary diversity score was calculated as part of the pyramid serving database that is categorized into 23 broad food groups. Each of the 5 broad food categories received a maximum diversity score of 2 of the 10 possible score points. To be counted as a "consumer " for any of the food groups categories, a respondent needed to consume one-half serving, as defined by Food Guide Pyramid quantity criteria, at any time during a 2-day survey period. The nutrient adequacy ratio for a given nutrient is the ratio of a subject's intake to the current recommended allowance for the subject's sex and age category. Weight and height were measured and BMI was calculated. Student's t-test was used to compare the means. Those variables which had normal distribution were tested by Pearson correlation coefficient and the others were tested by the Spearman correlation coefficient. Mean +/-SD of dietary diversity score (DDS) was 6.25 +/- 1.08 (range 0-10). The maximum and minimum scores of dietary diversity were related to the fruit (1.46+/-0.61) and bread-grain (0.95+/-0.27) groups, respectively. Significant positive correlation was observed between DDS and the mean adequacy ratio (MAR) (r =0.42, P <0.001). Fifty percent of people had DDS >or = 6. In people with a DDS of six or over, BMI was higher (19.81 +/- 4.08vs18.95+/- 3.30 Kg/m(2), P<0.01) than others. There was a significant and positive correlation between DDS and most of the nutrient adequacy ratios (NARs). It is concluded that DDS is an appropriate method to evaluate nutrient intake adequacy in this group of adolescents.

Adolescent↗