دکتر مریم جوادی

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent autoimmune disease characterized by a chronic local immune complex basis. It is the most common systemic inflammatory disease of the joints.

This study aimed to determine insulin resistance using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels in patients with RA.

A total of 116 patients diagnosed with RA who presented to an outpatient department (OPD) clinic were included in the study if they met the inclusion criteria. The disease activity status was assessed using the disease activity score (DAS 28). Serum levels of LDL, HDL, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and fasting insulin were measured. The HOMA test was employed to assess insulin resistance. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 22, applying appropriate statistical methods, including paired and independent t -tests.

No statistically significant difference was observed between insulin resistance and RA activity (P = 0.188). However, the mean insulin resistance score was higher in patients with metabolic syndrome (4.6 ± 3.8) compared to those without metabolic syndrome (3.9 ± 3.3). Nevertheless, no statistically significant difference in insulin resistance was found between patients with and without metabolic syndrome (P = 0.344).

The present study demonstrates that disease activity is associated with insulin resistance in patients with RA. However, no statistically significant relationship was identified between insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in these patients.

The outbreak of COVID-19 and a large number of infected people led to this viral disease of varying severity and hospitalization of patients. During periods of illness and recovery, the body uses its reservoirs and resources to fight the disease. In the post-recovery period, the body may experience nutritional insufficiency and deficiency. Therefore, adequateintake of micronutrients, such as water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and phytochemicals, as well as the preparation of safe food is of great importance for the recovery of the immune system and strengthening rehabilitation for survived COVID-19 patients. In this work, we aim to review the literature and present a guide for nutritional needs and food hygiene practices for survived COVID-19patients.

COVID-19 caused by SARS-COV-2 has spread in late 2019, and later, was announced as a pandemic disease. COVID-19 affects various organs of the body. Thus, patients are affected by a spectrum of disease severity and show a variety of symptoms such as fever, respiratory dysfunctions, and gastrointestinal complications. Nutritional treatment of patients consists of adequate intake of liquids, macro-and micro-nutrients to enhance the immune system and fulfill vital requirements. In addition to nutritional support during the treatment period, proper nutritional followup and support are needed to rehabilitate and regain optimal health status for survived COVID-19 patients. Thus, in this study, a review was done to present a guideline to provide nutritional support for COVID-19 survivors, to meet the needs, food purchase, and preparation.

Eating disorders (EDs) are diseases of mental origin, which are associated with unusual eating behaviors. The structure of eating behaviors may differ depending on body weight and sleep status. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of disordered eating attitudes and its associations with weight and sleep status in female adolescents in Zanjan, Iran.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 359 female students selected from the secondary high schools of Zanjan via random cluster sampling. Disordered eating attitudes and recent sleep quality were evaluated using the eating attitude test (EAT-26) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), respectively. In addition, anthropometric measurements were performed using standard protocols.

In total, 22.3% of the subjects had disturbed eating attitudes. Moreover, comparison of disordered eating attitude in these subjects with healthy students indicated significant differences in terms of body weight (P <0.05) and body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.05).

According to the results, abnormal eating attitude was highly prevalent in the students. Furthermore, the subjects with EDs had higher body weight, BMI, and PSQI scores, as well as shorter duration of sleep, compared to the others. And PSQI score along with shorter sleep duration than others.