Mapping the harvesting potential of forest stands using fuzzy sets theory

Zahra Azizi,Seyed Mohsen Hosseini,Nabiollah Yarali 한국산림과학회 2015 Forest Science And Technology Vol.11 No.3

Harvesting renewable resources such as forests has significant socioeconomic value. Limiting damage to a forest requires a harvesting operation based on the characteristics of the particular forest. The assessment and classification of a forest comprises many components, which complicates preparation and combination of the data. This study presents a solution for the problem using a geographic information system (GIS) and fuzzy decisions. Data layers including forest volume, type, canopy density, slope, and average distance of forest stands to roads were studied in a section of Lirehsar Forest in Mazandaran province, Iran. Partial fuzzy membership functions were defined for all layers. These partial memberships were combined by applying a geometric mean operator. The final fuzzy map divided the forest into four classes for the most efficient management purposes.

Potential Efficacy of Broccoli Sprouts as a Unique Supplement for Management of Type 2 Diabetes and Its Complications

Zahra Bahadoran,Parvin Mirmiran,Fereidoun Azizi 한국식품영양과학회 2013 Journal of medicinal food Vol.16 No.5

Functional foods and their nutraceutical components are now considered as supplementary treatments in type 2 diabetes and prevention of its long-term complications. Young broccoli sprouts as a functional food contain many bioactive compounds specially sulforaphane. In hyperglycemic and oxidative conditions, sulforaphane has the potential to activate the NF-E2–related factor-2 (Nrf2)–dependent antioxidant response-signaling pathway, induces phase 2 enzymes, attenuates oxidative stress, and inactivates nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), a key modulator of inflammatory pathways. Interestingly, sulforaphane induces some peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, which contribute to lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis. In animal and in vitro models, sulforaphane also shows antihypertensive, anticancer, cardioprotective, and hypocholesterolemic capacity, and has bactericidal properties against Helicobacter pylori. Supplementation of type 2 diabetics with high sulforaphane content broccoli sprouts resulted in increased total antioxidant capacity of plasma and in decreased oxidative stress index, lipid peroxidation, serum triglycerides, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL)/LDL-cholesterol ratio, serum insulin, insulin resistance, and serum high-sensitive C-reactive protein. Sulforaphane could prevent nephropathy, diabetes-induced fibrosis, and vascular complications. Potential efficacy of sulforaphane and probably other bioactive components of young broccoli sprouts makes it as an excellent choice for supplementary treatment in type 2 diabetes.

Associations between Dietary Acid-Base Load and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adults: The Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study

Zahra Bahadoran,Parvin Mirmiran,Hadise Khosravi,Fereidoun Azizi 대한내분비학회 2015 Endocrinology and metabolism Vol.30 No.2

Background: In this study we investigated the associations of dietary acid-base load, identified by potential renal acid load (PRAL) and protein to potassium (Pro:K) ratio, with cardiometabolic risk factors in Tehranian adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted within the framework of the fourth phase of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (2009 to 2011) on 5,620 men and women aged 19 to 70 years. Dietary data were collected by a trained dietitian using a validated, 147-food item, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and dietary PRAL and Pro:K ratio were calculated. Multiple linear regression models with adjustment for potential confounding variables were used to evaluate the associations of dietary acid-base load with anthropometric measures, blood pressure, serum triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), serum creatinine, and fasting blood glucose. Results: The mean±SD age of the participants was 39.8±12.8 years and 54% of participants were women. Mean ±SD PRAL was –22.0±29.1; mean PRAL was –15.6 in men and –26.8 in women. Dietary PRAL was associated with weight (β=0.098, P<0.001), waist circumference (β=0.062, P<0.01), serum triglycerides (β=0.143, P<0.01), HDL-C (β=–0.11, P<0.01), diastolic blood pressure (β=0.062, P<0.01), and serum creatinine (β=0.142, P<0.001). Pro:K ratio was associated with weight (β=0.055, P<0.001), waist circumference (β=0.04, P<0.01), serum HDL-C (β=–0.06, P<0.01), serum triglycerides (β=0.03, P<0.05), diastolic blood pressure (β=0.026, P<0.05), and serum creatinine (β=0.07, P<0.01). Conclusion: A more acidic dietary acid-base load may be a risk factor for the development of metabolic disorders.

Helicobacter pylori Stool Antigen Levels and Serological Biomarkers of Gastric Inflammation are Associated with Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Zahra Bahadoran,Parvin Mirmiran,Maryam Zarif-yeaganeh,Homayoun Zojaji,Fereidoun Azizi 대한내분비학회 2015 Endocrinology and metabolism Vol.30 No.3

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection and subsequent gastric inflammation have been proposed as risk factors for the development of insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. In this study we assessed the possible association of H. pylori bacterial load, and serum biomarker of gastric inflammation with cardiometabolic risk factors in diabetic patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 84 H. pylori-infected type 2 diabetic patients were assessed for anthropometrics, biochemical and clinical measurements. Pearson correlation test, linear, and logarithmic regression curve estimation models were used to assess the association of H. pylori stool antigen (HpSAg) levels, and pepsinogen I (PGI) to pepsinogen II (PGII) ratio with fasting serum glucose, insulin, serum lipid and lipoprotein parameters, malondialdehyde, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body weight, waist circumference and lipid accumulation product (LAP) index. Results: The mean age of participants was 54±10 years, and 44% were men. Mean HpSAg levels and PGI/PGII ratio were 0.24±0.23 μg/mL and 9.9±9.0, respectively. Higher HpSAg as well as lower PGI/PGII was correlated with higher anthropometric measures and LAP. A significant negative correlation between PGI/PGII ratio and blood pressure (r=–0.21 and r=–0.22, systolic and diastolic, respectively, P<0.05), serum insulin (r=–0.17, P=0.05), and hs-CRP (r=–0.17, P=0.05) was observed. A significant linear association between PGI/PGII ratio with serum triglycerides (β=–0.24, P<0.05), serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; β=0.43, P<0.01), and triglycerides/HDL-C ratio (β=–0.28, P<0.05) were observed. Conclusion: Higher H. pylori bacterial load and lower PGI/PGII ratio was associated with higher levels of cardiometabolic risk factors in H. pylori infected type 2 diabetic patients.

Afghan Peace on the Horizon? An Examination of Public Opinion on the Ongoing Peace Talks

( Zahra Tawana ),( Ahmadullah Azadani ),( Sughra Azizi ),( Mihr Khoda Mehrzad ),( Mahdiya Erfani ),( Zuhal Ahmadzai ) 서울대학교 통일평화연구원 2021 Asian Journal of Peacebuilding Vol.9 No.2

What is missing from the ongoing Afghan peace talks is public opinion: whether the Afghan people are in broad agreement with the peace process and its potential outcomes. The current study is based on the opinions of 704 people from across twenty-five provinces of Afghanistan. The study uses a quantitative and qualitative approach to delve into public opinion on the process. The general finding of this study is that while almost all Afghans want peace, most are unwilling to accept a peace deal that would cost them their constitutional gains, including human rights, minority rights, gender equality, and an Islamic republic. Besides this, most Afghans would be unwilling to vote for the Taliban in any elections.

The Effect of Comfrey on Enoxaparin-Induced Bruise in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Bagheri Zahra,Azizi Azim,Oshvandi Khodayar,Mohammadi Younes,Larki-Harchegani Amir 대한약침학회 2021 Journal of pharmacopuncture Vol.24 No.4

Objectives: Bruising is an important side effect of enoxaparin injection. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is used to treat different types of wounds, bone fractures, and bruising in traditional medicine in many countries for centuries. This study aimed to determine the effects of the Comfrey ointment on the bruise size and color following enoxaparin injection. Methods: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 80 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The participants were randomly divided into two groups of 40, namely Comfrey and Placebo. Changes in bruise size and color in both groups were assessed daily before and after the intervention. Results: The Comfrey and Placebo groups were homogeneous in demographic and clinical variables. A downward trend was observed in the bruise size in both groups throughout the study. However, the bruise size was smaller in the Comfrey group than the Placebo group on day 2-5 of the intervention. Moreover, there was a significant difference in bruise color between the groups, with a shorter healing course in the Comfrey group. Conclusion: The Comfrey ointment accelerated the healing process of enoxaparin injection-induced bruising in patients with ACS. It is recommended as a safe and simple approach for these patients.

Influence of functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles on the morphology and CO2/CH4 separation efficiency of Pebax-based mixed-matrix membranes

Maryam Ariazadeh,Zahra Farashi,Navid Azizi,Mohammad Khajouei 한국화학공학회 2020 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.37 No.2

Silica (SiO2) nanoparticles were first functionalized using (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) and then utilized as filler for the preparation of poly (ether-block-amide) (Pebax®-1074) based mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs). To characterize the modified nanoparticles and the prepared membranes, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were conducted. The influences of the pure and amine-modified nanoparticles content, and feed temperature and pressure on CO2 and CH4 permeability and ideal CO2/CH4 selectivity values of the membranes were studied. The permeation experiments exhibited that the incorporation of 12.5 wt% of amine-functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles into the Pebax matrix raises the CO2 permeability and ideal CO2/CH4 selectivity about 100 and 32%, respectively.

Lipid Accumulation Product Is Associated with Insulin Resistance, Lipid Peroxidation, and Systemic Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Parvin Mirmiran,Zahra Bahadoran,Fereidoun Azizi 대한내분비학회 2014 Endocrinology and metabolism Vol.29 No.4

Background: Lipid accumulation product (LAP) is a novel biomarker of central lipid accumulation related to risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In this study, we assessed the association of LAP with glucose homeostasis, lipid and lipid peroxidation, and subclinical systemic inflammation in diabetic patients. Methods: Thirty-nine male and 47 female type 2 diabetic patients were assessed for anthropometrics and biochemical measurements. LAP was calculated as [waist circumference (cm)–65]×[triglycerides (mmol/L)] in men, and [waist circumference (cm)–58]×[triglycerides (mmol/L)] in women. Associations of LAP with fasting glucose, insulin, insulin resistance index, lipid and lipoprotein levels, malondialdehyde, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were assessed. Results: Mean age and LAP index were 53.6±9.6 and 51.9±31.2 years, respectively. After adjustments for age, sex and body mass index status, a significant positive correlation was observed between LAP index and fasting glucose (r=0.39, P<0.001), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (r=0.31, P<0.05). After additional adjustment for fasting glucose levels, antidiabetic and antilipidemic drugs, the LAP index was also correlated to total cholesterol (r=0.45, P<0.001), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (r=–0.29, P<0.05), triglycerides to HDL-C ratio (r=0.89, P<0.001), malondialdehyde (r=0.65, P<0.001), and hs-CRP levels (r=0.27, P<0.05). Conclusion: Higher central lipid accumulation in diabetic patients was related to higher insulin resistance, oxidative stress and systemic inflammation.

Association between Dietary Acid Load and Insulin Resistance

Sajjad Khalili Moghadam,Zahra Bahadoran,Parvin Mirmiran,Maryam Tohidi,Fereidoun Azizi 한국식품영양과학회 2016 Preventive Nutrition and Food Science Vol.21 No.2

In the current study, we investigated the longitudinal association between dietary acid load and the risk of insulin resistance (IR) in the Tehranian adult population. This longitudinal study was conducted on 925 participants, aged 22∼80 years old, in the framework of the third (2006∼2008) and fourth (2009∼2011) phases of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. At baseline, the dietary intake of subjects was assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and the potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP) scores were calculated at baseline. Fasting serum insulin and glucose were measured at baseline and again after a 3-year of follow-up; IR was defined according to optimal cut-off values. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate the risk of IR according to the PRAL and NEAP quartile categories. Mean age and body mass index of the participants were 40.3 years old of 26.4 ㎏/㎡, respectively. Mean PRAL and NEAP scores were −11.2 and 35.6 mEq/d, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, compared to the lowest quartile of PRAL and NEAP, the highest quartile was accompanied with increased risk of IR [odds ratio (OR)=2.81, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.32∼5.97 and OR=2.18, 95% CI=1.03∼4.61, respectively]. Our findings suggest that higher acidic dietary acid-base load, defined by higher PRAL and NEAP scores, may be a risk factor for the development of IR and related metabolic disorders.

Dietary Sodium to Potassium Ratio and the Incidence of Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults

Parvin Mirmiran,Pantea Nazeri,Zahra Bahadoran,Sajjad Khalili-Moghadam,Fereidoun Azizi 한국식품영양과학회 2018 Preventive Nutrition and Food Science Vol.23 No.2

The aim of this study was to explore the association of dietary sodium to potassium (Na/K) ratio and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in general Iranian adults. In this prospective cohort study, 1,780 adults, free of baseline CKD with complete follow-up data, were selected from among participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study and followed for 6.3 years for development of CKD. Dietary sodium and potassium were assessed using a valid and reliable 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation, and CKD was defined as eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 ㎡. Mean dietary intakes of sodium and potassium were 4,547±3,703 and 3,753±1,485 mg/d, respectively, and their ratio was 1.35±1.29. No significant association was found between dietary intakes of sodium and potassium and the risk of CKD after 6.3 y of followup, whereas in the case of dietary Na/K ratio, participants in the highest compared to lowest tertile (2.43 vs 1.61) had a significantly increased risk of CKD (odds ratio=1.52, 95% confidence interval=1.01∼2.30); an increasing trend in the risk of CKD across tertiles of dietary sodium to potassium ratio was also observed (P for trend=0.05). Present findings demonstrate that the dietary Na/K ratio is a stronger predictor of CKD than the dietary sodium or potassium per se. Decreased dietary Na/K ratio may be considered as an effective dietary approach to modify the risk of kidney dysfunction.