The results of this study indicated a significant association between OP and MD, obesity, parity, MS, history of fracture, serum ferritin, level of education, and physical activity. However, the direction and the strength of association varied across BMD measurement sites.

BackgroundFalls are a major health issue in the elderly people and an important cause of bone fracture. The aim of this study was to determine the association between quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) and falls in the elderly subjects.MethodsAll eligible participants of the Amirkola Cohort Study entered the study. Data regarding demographic characteristics, clinical and laboratory examinations were provided between 2011 to 2014. Occurrence of falls during previous year was determined by interview and review of the medical records. The study patients were divided into low, moderate and high muscle strength groups according to QMS values ≥ 30, 15–30, and < 15 kg respectively). Association between muscle strength and falls was determined by using multiple logistic regression analysis with calculation of odds ratio (OR).ResultsA total 1028 participants (females, 44.3%) were analyzed and 178(17.3%) subjects experienced a fall. Individuals with falls had higher age (p = 0.001) and lower QMS value (p = 0.001). After adjustment for all clinical and demographic variables, occurrence of falls was negatively associated with QMS and positively associated with age > 70 years old. Compared to group with QMS ≥ 30 kg, the prevalence of falls in low and moderate QMS groups increased by OR = 3(95% CI, 1.78–5.05) and 2.18 (95% CI, 1.22–3.42) respectively.ConclusionThese findings indicate that older subjects with lower QMS are at greater risk of falls. These findings provide a rational for muscle strengthening exercise in older people.

Regarding the positive effects of stabilizing exercises with routine exercises in reduction of pain intensity, increasing functional ability and muscle endurance, it is recommended to use this method in treatment of patients with lumbar segmental instability.

This study indicates that BMD reduction in ICS user with asthma is dependent on age and appears that younger patients are at greater risk of BMD loss. These findings suggest preventive measures particularly in patients <50 years.

BackgroundLow bone mineral density and osteoporosis is prevalent in elderly subjects. This study aimed to determine the associated factors of bone mineral density and osteoporosis in elderly males.MethodsAll participants of the Amirkola health and ageing project cohort aged 60 years and older entered the study. Bone mineral density at femoral neck and lumbar spine was assessed by the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) method. Osteoporosis was diagnosed by the international society for clinical densitometry criteria and the association of bone mineral density and osteoporosis with several clinical, demographic and biochemical parameters. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent associations.ResultsA total of 553 patients were studied and 90 patients (16.2%) had osteoporosis at either femoral neck or lumbar spine. Diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, overweight, and quadriceps muscle strength > 30 kg, metabolic syndrome, abdominal obesity and education level were associated with higher bone mineral density and lower prevalence of osteoporosis, whereas age, anemia, inhaled corticosteroids and fracture history were associated with lower bone mineral density and higher prevalence of osteoporosis (P = 0.001). After adjustment for all covariates, osteoporosis was negatively associated only with diabetes, obesity, overweight, and QMS > 30 kg and positively associated with anemia and fracture history. The association of osteoporosis with other parameters did not reach a statistical level.ConclusionsThe findings of the study indicate that in elderly males, diabetes, obesity and higher muscle strength was associated with lower prevalence of osteoporosis and anemia, and prior fracture with higher risk of osteoporosis. This issue needs further longitudinal studies.

These findings demonstrated a significant correlation between QMS with both serum vitamin D and knee pain, indicating a confounding role for quadriceps muscle in the association between serum vitamin D and osteoarthritis knee pain. On the basis of the findings of this study, vitamin D supplementation may affect pain by strengthening quadriceps muscle in KOA.

Background:Undiagnosed hearing loss can cause disorders in speech and language and delay in social and emotional development.Aim:This study aimed to screen for hearing loss in all newborns born in Babol city during 2009-2011.Subjects and Methods:Fifteen thousand one hundred and sixty-five newborns (49% [7430/15165] male and 51% [7735/15165] female) born during a 30-month period in Babol, underwent hearing screening by the otoacoustic emission (OAE) test at the age of 15 days. In infants referred at this stage, an auditory brainstem response (ABR) test was the next investigation. Data analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software Version 16 (Chicago, IL, USA, 16) through descriptive statistic method.Results:In the first screening stage, 10.8% (1648/15165) cases were referred to the second stage for further investigation. 9.4% (154/1648) were lost to follow-up from among the referred cases despite continuous contact and education about the importance of the problem. Among the participants in the second stage, 6.2% (92/1494) were referred to the third stage and underwent ABR and OAE testing. 14.1% (13/92) were lost at this stage. Of the remaining participants, 34.2% (27/79) were diagnosed with a hearing loss. Therefore, the incidence of hearing loss in this study was 1.8/1,000 newborns.Conclusion:Given the prevalence of hearing loss in this study, implementation of a universal newborn hearing screening program is recommended.

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