International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021182020092723202320ENSchool of Nutrition and Food Science, Food Security Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanCentre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, UniversitiKebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala LumpurCentre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, UniversitiKebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala LumpurDepartment of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran & Diabetes Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, TehranIntegrative Functional Gastroenterology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan20200920<p><strong>Background</strong>: The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide. Therefore, we sought to determine the most important predictors of NAFLD among middle‑aged men and women in Isfahan, Iran.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: A total of 413 individuals (163 men and 250 women) aged 30–60 years were selected by stratified random sampling. The participants had safe alcohol consumption habits (&lt;2 drinks/day) and no symptoms of hepatitis B and C. NAFLD was diagnosed through ultrasound. Blood pressure, anthropometric, and body composition measurements were made and liver function tests were conducted. Biochemical assessments, including the measurement of fasting blood sugar (FBS) and ferritin levels, as well as lipid profile tests were also performed. Metabolic syndrome was evaluated according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: The overall prevalence of ultrasound‑diagnosed NAFLD was<br />39.3%. The results indicated a significantly higher prevalence of NAFLD in men than in women (42.3% vs 30.4%; P &lt; 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the significant variables as NAFLD predictors. Overall, male gender, high body mass index (BMI), high alanine aminotransferase (ALT), high FBS, and high ferritin were identified as the predictors of NAFLD. The only significant predictors of NAFLD among men were high BMI and high FBS. These predictors were high BMI, high FBS, and high ferritin in women (P &lt; 0.05 for all variables).</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: The metabolic profile can be used for predicting NAFLD among men and women. BMI, FBS, ALT, and ferritin are the efficient predictors of NAFLD and can be used for NAFLD screening before liver </p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2320http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2320/717718162

International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021182020092723212321ENDepartment of Physiology, Rural Medical College, Loni, Pravara, MaharashtraDepartment of Pediatrics, Rural Medical College, Loni, Pravara, MaharashtraDepartment of Physiology, Rural Medical College, Loni, Pravara, Maharashtra20200920<p><strong>Background</strong>: Exposure to light from viewing devices at night disturbs the circadian rhythm, especially sleep. The study aimed to assess (a) extent to which smart phones are used by medical undergraduate students during bedtime and to find their quality of sleep (b) the association of quality<br />of sleep and cell phone variables.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: A cross sectional observational study was conducted among 450 medical undergraduate students. The participants completed Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire and a validated semi structured questionnaire consisting of demographic details and cell phone variables.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: By dividing the subjects into three groups according to<br />their usage (Group I &lt;1 hour, Group II 1 to 2 hours, Group III &gt;2 hours), Group III respondents had significant prolonged sleep latency, reduced sleep duration, sleep inefficiency and daytime sleep disturbances (P &lt; 0.05). Lack of awareness about night shift mode, lying posture use while<br />using phone during bedtime correlated with poor quality sleep (P &lt; 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: Awareness about the negative impact of evening exposure to viewing devices on sleep and health should be emphasized.</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2321http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2321/717718163

International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021182020092723222322ENDepartment of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Tuzla, TuzlaDepartment of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, General Hospital Tešanj, Tešanj & Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Tuzla, Tuzla,Department of Anesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Care, General Hospital Tešanj, TešanjDepartment of Anesthesiology, Reanimatology and Perioperative medicine, University Clinical Center Ljubljana, LjubljanaClinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Center Tuzla, TuzlaDepartment of Physics, School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Tuzla, Tuzla20200920<p><strong>Background</strong>: The aim of this study is to compare the antenatal care, body weight, and weight gain in pregnancy between the adolescent and adult pregnancies and, thus, examine the impact of<br />adolescence on the studied parameters.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: This prospective study includes 300 pregnant women who were the patients of University Clinical Center Tuzla, Clinic for Gynecology and<br />Obstetrics from January 2011 to December 2014. The women were divided into two groups: an experimental group consisted of 150 adolescent pregnant women aged 13–19 years and a control group consisted of 150 adult pregnant women aged 20–35 years. The following parameters were<br />analyzed: age of pregnant women, number of antenatal controls in pregnancy, prepregnancy body weight, weight gain in pregnancy, parity, and obstetric history data.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: A significantly higher number of adolescent pregnant women belongs to a subgroup from one to two examinations during pregnancy (P &lt; 0.000013) and to subgroups from three to five examinations (P &lt; 0.000001). A significantly smaller number of adolescent pregnant women performed their first antenatal control in the first 2 lunar months (P &lt; 0.01). A subgroup with optimal body weight (from 51 to 69 kg)<br />are the most prevalent among adolescent pregnant women (P &lt; 0.000001). A significantly larger number of adolescent pregnant women had an optimal weight gain of 7.8 to 12.99 kg (P &lt; 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The adolescent pregnant women have suboptimal antenatal care, which could lead to adverse maternal and birth outcomes, but have optimal body weight and weight gain during pregnancy.</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2322http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2322/717718164

International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021182020092723232323ENMultiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran & Universal Council of Epidemiology (UCE), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran University of Medical Sciences,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, TehranDepartment of Radiology, Vali‑e‑asr Hospital, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, ZanjanDepartment of Neurology, Vali‑e‑asr Hospital, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan & School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, ZanjanDepartment of Neurology, Vali‑e‑asr Hospital, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, ZanjanDepartment of Neurology, Vali‑e‑asr Hospital, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, ZanjanDepartment of Neurology, Vali‑e‑asr Hospital, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, ZanjanDepartment of Neurology, Vali‑e‑asr Hospital, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, ZanjanDepartment of Radiology, Vali‑e‑asr Hospital, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, ZanjanMultiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran20200923<p><strong>Background</strong>: The prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) varies in different geographical regions and has dramatically increased in Iran. Revealing the high prevalence rate draws the attention of policymakers and helps them allocate necessary resources. The aim of this study is to determine<br />the prevalence of MS in Zanjan province of Iran.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: We included all registered residents of Zanjan province with MS on the prevalence day (July 31, 2019). All cases met the McDonald criteria.<br />All registered cases in Zanjan MS society were identified as index cases. Data regarding patient’s national code, gender, age, age at the first symptom onset, city of residence, marital status, education level, occupation, ethnicity, family history of MS and the time span between symptom’s onset and disease diagnosis were recorded.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: We identified 758 patients, 551 of whom (72.7%) were female. The mean age at the first symptom onset was 28.9 ±8.7 years old. The crude prevalence was 71.6 per 100,000 population (95% CI 66.6–76.9). The disease was most prevalent in Zanjan city (100.5 per 100,000). The gender‑specific prevalence per 100,000 population was 105.4 for women (95% CI: 96.8–114.6) and 38.7 for men (95% CI: 33.6–44.1), with female to male ratio of 2.6. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was calculated as expected/observed for both men and women as 2.3 (207/88.2) (551/234.1).</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: Our data confirm that the MS prevalence rate is high in Zanjan province of Iran.</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2323http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2323/717718165

International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021182020092723242324ENNarges Genetics Diagnostic Laboratory, Ahvaz,Narges Genetics Diagnostic Laboratory, Ahvaz & Department of Genetics, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, AhvazNarges Genetics Diagnostic Laboratory, Ahvaz & Department of Genetics, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, AhvazNarges Genetics Diagnostic Laboratory, Ahvaz & Department of Genetics, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, AhvazNarges Genetics Diagnostic Laboratory, AhvazNarges Genetics Diagnostic Laboratory, AhvazNarges Genetics Diagnostic Laboratory, Ahvaz & 3Health Research Institute, Diabetes Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur Universityof medical Sciences, AhvazNarges Genetics Diagnostic Laboratory, Ahvaz & Department of Genetics, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of medical Sciences, AhvazNarges Genetics Diagnostic Laboratory, Ahvaz & Department of Molecular Medicine, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran,Health Research Institute, Research Centre of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, AhvazTumor Immunology, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern & Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, BernNarges Genetics Diagnostic Laboratory, Ahvaz & Department of Genetics, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of medical Sciences, AhvazHealth Research Institute, Research Centre of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz20200923<p><strong>Background</strong>: Various blood diseases are caused by mutations in the FANCA, FANCC, and ITGA2B genes. Exome sequencing is a suitable method for identifying single‑gene disease and genetic heterogeneity complaints</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: Among families who were referred to Narges Genetic and PND<br />Laboratory in 2015‑2017, five families with a history of blood diseases were analyzed using the whole exome sequencing (WES) method</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: We detected two novel mutations (c.190‑2A&gt;G and c.2840C&gt;G) in the FANCA gene, c. 1429dupA mutation in the FANCC gene, and c.1392A&gt;G<br />mutation in the ITGA2B gene. The prediction of variant pathogenicity has been done using bioinformatics tools such as Mutation taster PhD‑SNP and polyphen2 and were confirmed by Sanger sequencing</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: WES could be as a precise tool for identifying the pathologic variants in affected patient and heterozygous carriers among families. This highly successful technique will remain at the forefront of platelet and blood genomic research.<br /> </p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2324http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2324/717718166

International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021182020092723262326ENDepartment of Physical Education, Sharif University of Technology TehranDepartment of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences. University of Tehran, TehranDepartment of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences. University of Tehran, TehranDepartment of Physical Education, Sharif University of Technology Tehran20200927<p><strong>Background</strong>: Pathological hypertrophy is one of the negative consequences of cardiac sympathetic hyperactivity. Recent studies have shown that YAP1 plays a critical role in cardiomyocytes<br />hypertrophy. Considering the preventive role of exercise training in cardiovascular diseases, the<br />present study was conducted to examine the effect of aerobic exercise training on YAP1 gene<br />expression and its upstream components.</p><p><strong> Methods</strong>: Eighteen male Wistar rats were randomly divided<br />into aerobic training and control groups. Aerobic training was performed one hour/day, five days per<br />week, for eight weeks, on a treadmill at 65‑75% VO2 max. Pathological hypertrophy was induced<br />by injecting 3 mg/kg‑1 of isoproterenol for seven days. The left ventricle was separated, and YAP1,<br />3‑mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST), large tumor suppressor (LATS), and mitogen‑activated<br />protein 4 kinase (MAP4K) gene expressions were assessed and YAP1 protein levels were also<br />assessed by western blotting. Cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assays. The between‑group<br />differences were evaluated using the T‑test and P value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: There were no significant between‑group differences in MST gene expression (P = 0.061);<br />meanwhile, in the training group, LATS and Map4K expressions were suppressed, followed by<br />a significant increase in YAP1 expression (P &lt; 0.001). Compared to the control group, the left<br />ventricular weight increased significantly in the training group while the cardiomyocyte apoptosis<br />decreased.</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: The results showed that, by reducing LATS, aerobic training‑induced<br />YAP1 upregulation can help prevent the propagation of cardiomyocyte apoptosis due to pathological<br />conditions.<br /><br /></p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2326http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2326/717718168

International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021182020092723282328ENCancer Research Centre of Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, TehranDepartment of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, TehranDepartment of Pediatric Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, TehranNanotechnology Research Centre, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, TehranKnowledge Utilization Research Center, University Research and Development Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, TehranResearch Group of Health Stewardship, National Institute for Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, TehranSecretariat on Health Observatory, National Institute for Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, TehranResearch Group of Health Economic, National Institute for Health Research, Health Equity Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, TehranKnowledge Utilization Research Center, Community Based Participatory Research Center, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran20200927Following his inauguration in late 2013, President Rouhani aimed to boost quality and equity in the<br />health care delivery system. To fulfill this aim, a set of interventions, called Health Transformation<br />Plan (HTP), were implemented. So far, it has been a heated debate whether HTP breathes a spirit<br />of a new reform. HTP has targeted long‑standing historical deficits of the Iranian health system<br />as well as urgent problems, both of which have been, to some extent, resolved. To decrease<br />Out‑Of‑Pocket (OOP) health expenditures, HTP has presented new financing mechanisms to expand<br />a safety net to Iranian citizens fundamentally. HTP also encompassed interventions to overcome<br />problems in the provision of health care by recruitment of health workforces, establishing new<br />health facilities, and expanding primary health care to urban and peri‑urban areas. Furthermore,<br />performance indicators including access, quality, and patient satisfaction have been affected. Given<br />these changes, HTP is entitled to be a health system reform. However, a new agenda within HTP is<br />required so that the Iranian health system can obtain better value for money that is to be spending<br />on it.http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2328http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2328/717718170

International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021182020092723292329ENPharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad & Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad,Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, MashhadNanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, MashhadPharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad20200927Introduction: Cardiovascular disorders (CVD) are a common cause of mortality worldwide. Oxidative<br />stress is thought to be a major factor leading to CVD. Anti‑oxidants such as medicinal plants may<br />have a role in the mitigation of vascular problems through free radicals scavenging. In this study, we<br />evaluated the protective effects of Rheum turkestanicum against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‑induced<br />toxicity in endothelial cells (BAE‑1). Methods: To evaluate the protective effect of R. turkestanicum<br />against H2O2 toxicity, four groups comprised of control group (the cells without any treatment),<br />H2O2 group (the cells incubated with H2O2 (200 μM)), and treatment groups (the cells treated with<br />R. turkestanicum (12200 μg/ml) alone or 24h before exposure to H2O2). Quercetin (30.23 μg/ml)<br />was used as a bioactive ingredient of the extract. Then the cell viability, reactive oxygen species,<br />lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis were evaluated. Results: H 2O2 exposure reduced cell viability to<br />13.6 ± 1.6%, enhanced ROS generation to 1445 ± 80.7%, lipid peroxidation (LPO, 290 ± 13% of<br />control), and apoptotic cells (P &lt; 0.001). In contrast, compared with H2O2 group, R. turkestanicum<br />and quercetin significantly restored the cell viability to 80.3 ± 1.6 and 87.2 ± 2.1%, ROS<br />formation to 186 ± 10 and 129 ± 1%, as well as LPO to 130.7 ± 7.7 and 116 ± 2.5 of control,<br />respectively (P &lt; 0.001). Therefore, the extract reduced H2O2‑induced toxicity in BAE‑1 cells by<br />scavenging of free radicals. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that the extract might reduce<br />toxicity of endothelial cells by attenuation of oxidative stress, which can be related to the presence<br />of active ingredients including quercetin.<br /><br />http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2329http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2329/717718171

International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021182020092723302330ENChild Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanChild Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanChild Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanDepartment of Epidemiology, Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, KarajChild Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanDepartment of Epidemiology, Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, TehranDepartment of Pediatrics, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, AhvazDepartment of Health Psychology, Research Center of Education Ministry Studies, TehranBureau of Family, Population, Youth and School Health, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, TehranBureau of Family, Population, Youth and School Health, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, TehranChild Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanChild Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan20200927<p><strong>Background</strong>: This study aims to determine the factors affecting the tendency to lose weight (TLW)<br />and its methods in Iranian children and adolescents.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: In this cross‑sectional nationwide study<br />14800 students, aged 7–18 years, living in 30 provinces of Iran were selected via multistage cluster<br />random sampling method. The dietary and physical activity habits and TLW as well as psychosocial<br />health status, anxiety, self‑satisfaction, and change in dietary behaviors were assessed by the global<br />school‑based student health survey (WHO‑GSHS) questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression model<br />was used to identify factors influencing TLW.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: Overall, 14274 students (participation rate of<br />99%), consisting of 51% boys and 71.4% urban residents, completed the study. Of them, 37.7% (51.4%<br />Girls and 48.6% boys) tended to lose weight. In multivariate model, the odds for TLW was 12%<br />higher in students aged 13–18 years than those aged 6–12 years (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.23;<br />P &lt; 0.001). Students with high anxiety level were 43% more likely to have TLW (OR = 1.43, 95% CI:<br />1.28–1.59; P &lt; 0.001). The odds of increasing physical activity for weight loss was 22% lower in obese<br />than in normal weight students (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.66 to 0.93; P &lt; 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: TLW was significantly higher in girls, as well as in those with higher anxiety level. In addition to dietary change,<br />increasing physical activity should be encouraged among children and adolescents with excess weight.<br />Public education regarding proper lifestyle change for reaching healthy weight should be underscored.</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2330http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2330/717718172

International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021182020092723312331ENDepartment of Nutrition Research, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, TehranDepartment of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, TehranDepartment of Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad & Department of Public Health, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, BojnurdDepartment of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetic, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran20200927<p><strong>Background</strong>: Recent studies show that Iranians, especially women, do not have enough physical<br />activity and if serious measures are not taken to resolve this problem, the consequences will be<br />harmful to the society. The purpose of this advocacy paper was to determine and explain the<br />responsibilities of all organizations and institutions responsible for promoting physical activity to root<br />out the problem.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: After a thorough library search we conducted nine in‑depth interviews<br />with the relevant policymakers and government officials, managers, and practitioners in promoting<br />physical activity. All interviews were recorded. To analyze, all of voice files were typed, saved as<br />Word files, and exported to MAXQDA10 software by the research team. To find the main themes, all<br />the files were read carefully several times. Then they were coded, categorized, and organized based<br />on the main objectives of the study. In this way, themes and subthemes were emerged.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: According to the participants in the study current state of physical activity in the country, especially<br />among women, is not promising. The participants explained about the main obstacles for promotion<br />of physical activity in the country and recommended practical strategies for its promotion. The<br />strategies were suggested in three areas: Promoting culture, social protection, and adjusting current<br />policies to overcome the existing barriers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion</strong>: Regarding the unfavorable state of physical<br />activity in the country presentation of this advocacy document can be an effective step in promoting<br />physical activity, thus reducing chronic diseases and improving general health in the country.</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2331http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2331/717718173

International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021182020092723322332ENApplied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanApplied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan & School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, IsfahanApplied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan & Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan20200927<p><strong>Background</strong>: Previous studies show that aberrant synthesis of Hyaluronan accelerates tumor<br />growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The fibroblasts are probably responsible for most of the<br />hyaluronic acid (HA) accumulation in tumor microenvironment after radiotherapy. Our goal is to<br />investigate and compare radiation and lactate effects on HA levels in supernatant and exosome<br />isolated from supernatant of primary mouse fibroblast cell culture. <strong>Methods</strong>: Fibroblast cells<br />were prepared from skin of C57BL6 mouse. These cells were divided into three groups (no<br />treatment, cells treated with 10 mM ammonium lactate, and irradiated cells). Then supernatant<br />was harvested from FBS‑free culture media after 48 h. Exosomes were purified by differential<br />centrifugation (300 × g for 10 min, 2000 × g for 30 min, 16500 g for 30 min) and were pelleted<br />by ultracentrifugation (150,000 × g for 180 min). Size of exosomes was determined using<br />a Zetasizer. HA concentration measured using a HA ELISA Kit. Data were analyzed using<br />one‑way ANOVA.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: There was a significant increase in HA‑coated exosomes isolated<br />from supernatants of irradiated cells compared to untreated cell and cells treated with 10 mM<br />ammonium lactate (P &lt; 0.001). As well, there was a significant increase in the HA concentration<br />in the supernatants of cells treated with 10 mM ammonium lactate relative to untreated cells and<br />irradiated cells (P &lt; 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: It seems that routine radiation therapy leads to massive<br />shedding of HA‑coated exosomes by normal fibroblast cells and thus exosomes‑HA may contribute<br />to tumor promotion and induce of the premetastatic niche.<br /><br /></p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2332http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2332/717718174

International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021182020092723332333ENDepartment of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,20200927<p><strong>Background</strong>: Childhood is the most important life stages where personality is built and formed.<br />Since children are as a treasured capital for each society, assessment of their health status is so vital.<br />This study assessed the health indices of children starting the primary school and considered parental<br />factors influencing kid’s health.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: An analytical descriptive cross‑sectional study applied to<br />measure the health status of children at the beginning primary school. The data extracted from 7768<br />primary school children with an average value of age 7 years and their parents, who were referred to<br />Children Health Testing centers in the school year of 2016, in all provinces of Iran.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: From 7768 kids, 52.3% were boys and 47.7% were girls. The mean of weight and height of children was<br />20.65 kg, and 115.84 cm, respectively. The mean body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) for age ratio of<br />children in the country was 16.26. In addition, 4.9% of boys and 3.7% of girls were short stature,<br />0.5% of boys and 1.8% of girls were tall and 94.5% of kids had normal growth. About 5.3% of boys<br />and 6.8% of girls were underweight, 9.2% of boys and 7.7% of girls were overweight, and 4.7% of<br />boys and 3.4% of girls were obese.</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: The overweight and severe short stature problems<br />in children were more dominant than underweight and severe tall. Although underweight is more<br />common in girls than boys, it is reversed in the case of overweight and obesity. In addition, the ratio<br />of health problems among children in different provinces was dissimilar, thus considering the health<br />status of children in each province to find a solution was crucial.</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2333http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2333/717718175

International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021182020092723342334ENYazd Cardiovascular Research Center, Afshar Hospital, Social Determinant of Health Research Center Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, YazdDiabetes Research Center Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, YazdMedical Student Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, YazdDepartment of Internal Medicine, Diabetes Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd20200927<p><strong>Background</strong>: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self‑care<br />management and HbA1c level of the patients with type 2 diabetes in YAZD.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: This study was a cross‑sectional study. The number of 376 diabetic patients referred to the Diabetes Research<br />Center in Yazd entered the study. The data collection tool was a summary of Diabetes Self Care<br />Activity questionnaire (SDSCA), which was collected through interviews with patients. Data<br />analysis was performed using SPSS software V 16 and kruskalwallis and independent sample t tests.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: The results showed that of 376 patients, 218 (%58) were women and 158 (%42) were male.<br />The mean age of the participants in the study was 54.5 ± 10.9 years old and the mean duration<br />of the disease was 9.53 ± 8.39 years. The mean HbA1C in the patients was 7.93% ± 1.38%. The<br />mean of BMI was 28.93 ± 6 kg/ m2. The mean of self‑care score in the patients under study was<br />30.53 ± 11.4. There was a significant relationship between the mean of self‑care score, BMI, age and<br />HbA1C (P value &lt;0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: According to the results of the study, it can be concluded<br />that the level of self‑care in patients with controlled diabetes mellitus (HbA1C &lt;7%) is more than<br />patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (HbA1c ≥9%).</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2334http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2334/717718176

International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021182020092723352335ENSocial Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, ShahrekordStudent Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran,Cancer Research Development Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, ShahrekordDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences (SKUMS), ShahrekordDepartment of Adult and Elderly Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord20200927<p><strong>Background</strong>: Thalassemia is considered as a group of genetic blood disorders, characterized by<br />anemia. The present research aimed at evaluating the effects of aquatic exercise on quality of<br />life and blood indices in patients with beta‑thalassemia major.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: A clinical trial study involving 40 patients with thalassemia major, divided into two groups: experimental and control.<br />The tools used to collect the data included demographic information questionnaire, blood indicators<br />questionnaire, and SF‑36 quality of life questionnaire. The experimental group performed exercise<br />in water three times per week for 8 weeks in the pool after obtaining the consent. In this research,<br />the quality of life questionnaire was filled out 24 h before the intervention, 24 h after the last session<br />of the exercise program, and 2 months after the end of the exercise program.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: The current research revealed that exercise in water affected the quality of life, hemoglobin, hematocrit, iron<br />and ferritin of serum such that the mean score of quality of life and blood indicators in the study<br />showed a significant difference in the experimental group.</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: The use of a regular exercise program combined with drug therapy and blood transfusion can be useful in the treatment<br />of beta‑thalassemia patients.</p><p> </p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2335http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2335/717718177

International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021182020092723362336ENDepartment of Health Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta & Lab. of Bioanthropology and Paleoanthropology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada, YogyakartaDepartment of Health Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta & Lab. of Bioanthropology and Paleoanthropology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada, YogyakartaLab. of Bioanthropology and Paleoanthropology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada, YogyakartaDepartment of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Public Health, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Sardjito General HospitalDepartment of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Public Health, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Sardjito General HospitalDepartment of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Public Health, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Sardjito General Hospital20200927<p><strong>Background</strong>: Body mass index (BMI) and skinfold thickness are widely used to evaluate body<br />composition. Information on patterns of skinfold thickness may help to understand changes in body<br />composition during growth. The objectives of this study were to observe patterns of BMI, percentage<br />body fat (%BF), and skinfold thicknesses of Indonesian children and adolescents aged 7–18 years.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: Weight, height, and four skinfold thicknesses were measured in 2104 school children (924<br />boys, 1,180 girls) aged 7–18 years from Yogyakarta between 2015 and 2018. BMI and ratios between<br />central and peripheral skinfold thicknesses were determined. %BF was predicted using the equation<br />of Slaughter et al. Data were analyzed using analysis variance (ANOVA), independent sample<br />t‑test, and partial correlation (SPSS version 20.0).</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: At 7–18 years, boys and girls showed<br />a comparable gain in BMI. The comparable gain in %BF between boys and girls only occurred<br />till age 10 and total skinfolds till age 11 years. While, %BF and skinfold thicknesses were higher<br />in girls at 12–17 years, central to peripheral skinfold ratio were higher in boys. Partial correlation<br />analyses showed that all skinfold thickness parameters and %BF were significantly correlated with<br />BMI (P &lt; 0.001; r = 0.19–0.87).</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: The gain in BMI and skinfold thickness between the<br />ages of 7 and 18 years occurred in age‑ and sex‑specific patterns. Instead of comparable BMI, girls<br />showed higher means of total skinfold thickness from age 12 years, while boys had higher central to<br />peripheral adiposity ratio.</p><p> </p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2336http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2336/717718178

International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021182020092723372337ENDepartment of Community and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of MedDepartment of Community and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of MedDepartment of Community and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Med20200927<p><strong>Background</strong>: High systolic blood pressure is the leading risk factor for global mortality.<br />Applying effective strategies to control hypertension is a rising concern. Guidelines are approved<br />to be effective in the management of patients with cost‑effective interventions. The aim of this<br />study is to evaluate the adherence of family physicians working in Isfahan health centers to the<br />national hypertension guideline, in 2019.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: Using a cross‑sectional study, the practice of<br />43 physicians selected by a multistage sampling method from the perspective of hypertension<br />management was observed in 377 visits. The data gathering form was designed according to the<br />national hypertension guideline. Adherence to the guideline was evaluated by dividing the earned<br />score by the most score one can earn. Data were analyzed using Independent T‑test, Pearson<br />correlation and linear regression model.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: The mean score of adherence to the national<br />hypertension guideline was 33.6 ± 16.42%. There was a significant association between physician’s<br />sex, years passed from graduation, type of occupation contract, type of university of education, and<br />attending empowerment class and adherence to the national hypertension guideline.</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>:The results of our study show that family physicians just follow one‑third of the recommendations<br />in the national hypertension guideline.<br /><br /></p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2337http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2337/717718179

International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021182020092723382338ENDepartment of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kufa, KufaDepartment of Public Health, KarbalaDepartment of Public Health, Karbala20200927<p><strong>Background</strong>: After the last outbreak of wild polio infection in Baghdad, April 2014, the Iraqi<br />response to the outbreak was activated through solid surveillance of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP)<br />case detection in all governorates to interrupt the circulation of poliovirus in addition to the<br />strengthening of Expanded Program on Immunization. This response to the last outbreak has to be<br />evaluated independently to ensure effective mopping and surveillance to stop further outbreak all<br />over the country including the holy province Karbala. We aimed to evaluate the response to the last<br />polio outbreak by evaluating surveillance activities of acute flaccid paralysis cases whether they meet<br />the recommended standards.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>: Observational evaluation study conducted through August<br />15–25, 2015. Checking of Acute Flaccid Paralysis surveillance (AFP) activity through detection<br />of nonPolio acute flaccid paralysis rate and immediate reporting with adequate stool sampling,<br />and 60 days follow‑up examination four districts of the province. The reviewing checked whether<br />the surveillance system in Karbala met the global standards required for stopping wild poliovirus<br />circulation. The evaluation included immunization coverage rates and active National Immunization<br />days of oral polio vaccine campaigns.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>: During the period of review, the core surveillance<br />indicators in Karbala met the globally set standards. Percent of acute flaccid paralysis cases with<br />specimens reached to the reference laboratory within 3 days was 100%. Nonpolio cases was 4.2<br />per 100000 population under 15 years of age through week 33 of the year 2015. Eleven AFP cases<br />were reported from all districts of Karbala among Population of children under 15 years of age. The<br />percentage of cases with adequate specimens was 100% in 2015 versus 93% in 2014. The percent of<br />AFP Cases notified within 7 days of paralysis onset (during first 33 weeks) was 100% in 2015 versus<br />87% in 2014.</p><p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: As Karbala response to polio outbreak met the target global indicators and standards of polio surveillance. The circulation of the virus in this locality was interrupted and further transmission of the disease is unlikely.</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2338http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2338/717718180

International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021182020092723252325ENSchool of Allied Medical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, KermanshahSchool of Allied Medical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, KermanshahDepartment of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, KermanshahDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine, School of Dentistry, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah20200927<p>Dear Editor,</p><p>We have read very carefully the interesting review article in Int J Prev Med 2019. In fact, it seems that this review article, as many other studies published on the topic of systematic reviews and meta‑analyses, has not paid proper attention to the research methods and reporting.</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2325http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2325/717718167

International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021182020092723272327ENSchool of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada & Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation scholar (2018) and Member of the COVID‑19 Impact Committee, 3HIV/ STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman20200927Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) was declared a pandemic on March 11th, 2020, COVID‑19‑related misinformation and fear achieved a “pandemic” status much sooner than the disease itself, and the World Health<br />Organization (WHO) launched an important platform to fight the “COVID‑19 infodemic”.http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/2327http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/2327/717718169