Hossein Arfaeinia

Background: Diabetes is a growing health concern, and effective glycaemic management is essential to prevent complications. Dietary nitrate- and nitrite-rich foods may influence glycaemic control, but the evidence remains inconsistent. Accordingly, this study systematically synthesised and evaluated the current evidence to determine whether beetroot-derived nitrate and nitrite interventions can improve glycaemic regulation and glucose metabolism. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched from inception to September 2026 using pre-determined keywords to identify RCTs evaluating the chronic effects of dietary inorganic nitrate/nitrite on fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c, and indices of insulin resistance and sensitivity in healthy adults or those with type 2 diabetes. Screening and data extraction were conducted by at least two independent reviewers, and risk of bias was assessed using the RoB2 tool. Results: Out of 5,374 retrieved studies, seven publications (six RCTs) met the eligibility criteria and were included. All used beetroot-based preparations (juice, extract, or powder), with intervention durations ranging from 2 weeks (crossover trials) to 6 months. No consistent or significant improvements in glycaemic indices were observed, suggesting that dietary nitrate/nitrite, particularly from beetroot, is not effective for glycaemic control. Conclusions: Despite observational evidence linking dietary nitrate/nitrite to glucose regulation, RCTs limited to beetroot-derived nitrate/nitrite supplementation has shown no significant effect. Given uncertainties regarding bioavailability and the potential role of other nitrate sources, beetroot-derived nitrate/nitrite interventions cannot currently be recommended specifically for glycaemic control, although nitrate-rich foods remain part of a healthy diet and further research on other sources is warranted.

Introduction: Concerns arises about smoking products waste, which can contain different hazardous pollutants such as toxic metals. This study aimed to survey the toxic metals content of fruit-flavored and traditional waterpipe bowl water. Methods: The traditional waterpipe bowl water samples were collected from the four most popular fruit-flavored tobacco brands (Al-Mahmoud, Al-Fakher, Nakhl, and Mazaya), as well as from four widely favored flavors (blueberry, Dosib, cream orange, and mint-gum). Additionally, 10 samples of traditional waterpipe bowl water were gathered. The concentrations of toxic metals in these bowl water samples were measured using ICP-MS analysis. Results: The mean concentration of toxic metals in waterpipe bowl water samples from Al-mahmoud, Al-Fakher, Nakhla, Mazaya, and traditional tobacco ranged from 0.37 (Cd) to 3.36 (Pb); 0.33 (Cd) to 3.27 (Pb); 0.34 (Cd) to 3.02 (Cr); 0.24 (Cd) to 3.09 (Cr), and 1.38 (Cd) to 6.24 (Pb) μg/L, respectively. The mean levels of all toxic metals (except As) in different fruit-flavored tobacco brands and traditional waterpipe bowl water samples were significantly different (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that toxic metal concentrations in waterpipe bowl water vary significantly among different tobacco brands and tobacco types. This highlights the need for monitoring and regulation of toxic metal content in waterpipe tobacco products to reduce potential health risks to users and environment.

Several researches have reported considerable levels of phnolic compounds (bisphenol A (BPA), benzophenones (BP-1, BP-3) and triclosan (TCS)) in cosmetic/beauty products. However, there is limited data regarding the exposure of female beauticians to harmful substances. The present research aimed to evaluate the exposure of female salon workers to these pollutants by quantifying their urinary levels. To achieve this, 50 female beauticians were selected as the exposed group (EG) and a control group (CG) consisting of 35 housewives. Urine specimens were collected and analyzed by chromatographic techniques to determine the pollutants content. It was found that all pollutants (BPA, BP-1, BP-3 and TCS) were frequently detected in the urine samples of female beauticians. It was also observed that the levels of these contaminants in the samples collected from this occupational group was significantly higher than housewives (P_value < 0. 05). The median of urinary BPA, BP-1, BP-3 and TCS concentrations for exposed subjects before the shift were 4.76, 2.57, 2.1 and 8.75 ng/mL, respectively. However, higher levels of these compounds were found in urine samples collected after the shift with medians of 5.25, 3.1, 2.65 and 11.96 ng/mL, respectively. For control group, these records were 1.66, 0.76, 0.22 and 2.12 ng/mL, respectively. Based on multiple linear regression (MLR) test, it was also showed that “cosmetic products usage” and “personal protective equipment (PPE)” are leadings factors contributing to the levels of BPA, BP-1, BP-3 and TCS detected in the urine of the female beauticians. These observations underscore the urgent necessity for more severe regulations and improved safety protocols to minimize exposure to hazardous chemicals in beauty salon settings.

This study aimed to investigate the pathophysiological changes of urban sanitation workers caused by potentially toxic element (PTE) exposure with a network analysis approach. Ninety urban sanitation workers from Bushehr Municipal Organization (exposed group) and 90 janitorial staff members from academic, administrative, and institutional settings (control group) were included. The PTE levels in serum samples were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS; Agilent 7500). Cytoscape software, version 3.10.3, was employed for network analysis and visualization. The concentration levels of PTEs in the exposed and control groups ranged from 0.65 (Co) to 1345 (Fe) and 0.23 (Cd) to 1287 (Fe) μg/L, respectively. The concentration levels of ∑PTEs in the exposed and control groups were 2986 ± 1655 and 2664 ± 1240 μg/L, respectively. The levels of some blood indices, such as white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HB), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), lymphocytes, and eosinophils, were statistically different between the exposed and control groups (p < 0.001). The direct and weighted network analysis to visualize interactions between PTEs and biomarkers showed that As, Cd, and Pb emerged as the most influential PTEs, affecting multiple biomarkers with robust connections. The network analysis showed that oxidative stress/inflammatory markers, particularly 8-OHdG and TNF-α, act as key triggers mediating the adverse effects of PTEs on liver function (ALT, AST) and other physiological systems. The elevated exposure to hazardous elements among solid waste collectors poses a clear public health concern, and a comprehensive approach combining engineering controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), health monitoring, education, and policy enforcement is essential to protect workers’ health.

Background: Hookah and cigarette smoke contain various pollutants, including toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium, which can pose a threat to the health of exposed individuals. Materials and Methods: This study aimed to assess occupational exposure by quantifying levels of metal biomarkers— including arsenic, lead, and cadmium—in urine ...