This population-based study aimed at investigating the prevalence and associated factors of prehypertension/hypertension in Iran. The data (n = 2818) for this study were collected in 2015 as a part of the major Lifestyle Promotion Project (LPP) conducted in East Azerbaijan (urban and regional parts). The data for socio-demographic status, dietary information, and physical activity and anxiety levels were collected through validated questionnaires. Then, physical examination including systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), body mass index (BMI) and conicity index was performed. First-morning spot urine (SU) sample was collected to assume salt intake. The One-way ANOVA, logistic regression, chi-square test and independent t-test were used for statistical analysis. The prevalence of prehypertension, stage I and stage II hypertension, and overall hypertension was 47.3%, 13.6%, 5.45% and 22.6% respectively. The mean systolic (p = 0.004) and diastolic (p<0.001) blood pressure in men were significantly higher than women. Results of logistic regression analysis showed that in both sexes, family history of hypertension, obesity, abdominal obesity, anxiety and having high levels of sodium intake were associated with high blood pressure (p< 0.05). Additionally, 45.8% of the hypertensive patients were aware of their disease, 10.0% of the aware patients, and 44.5% of everyone with high blood pressure were receiving antihypertensive medication. Our data showed that prehypertension/hypertension is a major health problem in Iran. Focusing on identifying risk factors to hypertension, regular drug intake, good nutrition, physical activity, and changing lifestyles of patients with hypertension are essential.

Akkermansia muciniphila, a frequent colonizer in the gut mucous layer of individuals, has constantly been recognized as a promising candidate for the next generation of probiotics due to its biological advantages from in vitro and in vivo investigations. This manuscript comprehensively reviewed the features of A. muciniphila in terms of its function in host physiology and frequently utilized nutrition using the published peer-reviewed articles, which should present valuable and critical information to scientists, engineers, and even the general population. A. muciniphila is an important bacterium that shows host physiology. However, its physiological advantages in several clinical settings also have excellent potential to become a probiotic. Consequently, it can be stated that there is a coherent and direct relation between the biological activities of the gut microbiota, intestinal dysbiosis/eubiosis, and the population of A. muciniphila in the gut milieu, which is influenced by various genetical and nutritional factors. Current regulatory barriers, the need for large-scale clinical trials, and the feasibility of production must be removed before A muciniphila can be extensively used as a next-generation probiotic.

Background: This population-based study aimed at investigating the prevalence and associated factors of overweight /obesity and abdominal obesity in Iran. Methods: The study population consists of 2818 inhabitant of the urban and regional area of East-Azerbaijan, Iran in 2015. The weight, height and waist circumferences were measured and the body mass index (BMI) and conicity index were calculated. The ANCOVA and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Results: Prevalence of overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity was 39.6%, 24%, and 76.4% respectively. Women showed the higher prevalence of obesity (32.2%) and abdominal obesity (81.4) than men (obesity: 15.1%; abdominal obesity: 68.6%). Age, marriage and family history of obesity were independent predictors of obesity in the population (P<0.001). In men and women, nonsmokers (P<0.01) and subjects having more than two kids (P<0.001) were also more expected to be overweight or obese and abdominally obese respectively. Conclusion: More actions mostly focusing on education and physical activity levels, and changing eating habits are required.

Objective: Maternal health in pregnancy and birth outcomes were compared between pre- and post-Varzaghan earthquake. Methods: In this retrospective descriptive study, before and after the earthquake, 550 and 450 women were enrolled respectively. Neonatal weight, height, and head circumference, as well as maternal weight gain and hemoglobin (Hb) levels were obtained using medical records at health centers. Chi-square test and Independent t-test were used to analyze differences in pregnancy outcomes. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A significant increase in inadequate gestational weight gain (44.1% vs 58.9%) was observed (P = 0.043) before and after the earthquake. The mean hemoglobin level in the first trimester before the earthquake was significantly higher than after the earthquake (P = 0.001). Before–after earthquake comparisons showed that the mean birth weight, birth height, and birth head circumference were decreased significantly (P < 0.05). In addition, the rates of preterm birth (18.91% vs 10.90%), abortion (17.11% vs 10.54%), and stillbirth (3.78% vs 1.82%) were increased significantly after the earthquake (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Earthquake causes inadequate gestational weight gain and decreased hemoglobin levels, which lead to adverse birth outcomes. More longitudinal and well-designed studies are desired to investigate the longitudinal consequences of disasters on susceptible groups.