Relationship between serum visfatin and vascular inflammation markers level in beta thalassemia major patients

Background: Understanding the possible role of visfatin in the pathogenesis of beta-thalassemia major (BTM) and its relationship with markers of endothelial function could help us to provide more effective therapeutic approaches for treatment of patients with BTM and its related complications. The aim of current study was to compare serum level of visfatin between patients with BTM and control group and determine its correlation with markers of endothelial function, intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) and vascular adhesion molecule (VCAM). Methods: In this case-control study, patients with BTM receiving regular blood transfusion aged 10-20 years and a group of healthy subjects were enrolled. Selected subjects examined clinically and venous blood samples obtained for visfatin, ICAM, VCAM, cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and ferritin measurements. Mean (standard deviation) of studied laboratory measurements compared in two studied groups and the relation between visfatin and ICAM, VCAM, ferrittin, body mass index determined. Results: In this study 31 patients with BTM and 30 healthy controls studied. Mean of visfatin was significantly higher in patients with BTM than control group (133.9 ± 60.1 vs. 43.3 ± 27.9, P < 0.001). Conclusions: The higher level of visfatin among patients with BTM indicated the possible inflammatory role of this adipocytokine in BTM. It seems that for understanding the underlying mechanisms and its relation with vascular inflammatory markers and endothelial function further studies with larger sample size is needed. © 2014, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved

Investigation on braze joint strength and microstructure of Ti-CP with Ag and Ti base filler alloys

This research investigates influences of brazing parameters (brazing alloy, temperature and time) on microstructures and mechanical properties of a commercially pure (CP) titanium sheet which is brazed with CBS 34 (Ag-based) and STEMET 1228 (Ti-based) braze-filler foils. Brazing was performed in a conventional inert furnace at temperature ranges of 800-870°C and 10-30 minutes for holding times. Qualities of the brazed joints were evaluated by ultrasonic testing, and then, microstructure and phase constitution of the bonded joints were analyzed by means of metallography, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical properties of brazed joints were evaluated by shear testing. Diffusion of titanium from substrate to filler alloy developed a strong reaction between them. A number of phases such as TiCu, Ti 2Cu, TiAg, Ag-Zn solid solution matrix (for Ag-based brazed samples) and Ti 2Cu, (Ti,Zr) 2Ni, Zr 2Cu (for Ti-based brazed samples) have been identified. The optimum brazing parameters were achieved at a temperature of 870 °C-20 min for CBS 34 and 870 °C-30 min for STEMET 1228. The specimen using STEMET 1228 braze alloy demonstrates best bonding strength (equal to Ti-CP tensile strength). Copyright 2012 ASM International® All rights reserved

Evaluate of braze joint strength and microstructure characterize of titanium-CP with Ag-based filler alloy

This research investigates the influences of brazing parameters (temperature and time) on microstructures and the mechanical properties of commercially pure (CP) titanium sheet when it is brazed with CBS34 (Ag-20Cu-22Zn-24Cd) braze filler foil. Brazing was performed in a conventional atmosphere control furnace. The brazing temperatures and holding times employed in this study were 800-870°C and 10-20min, respectively. The qualities of the brazed joints were evaluated by ultrasonic test and the microstructure and phase constitution of the bonded joints were analyzed by means of metallography, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanical properties of brazed joints were evaluated by microhardness and shear tests. The diffusion between Ti, Ag, Cu, Zn and Cd from substrate and braze alloy, developed a strong reaction between each other. A number of intermetallic phases, such as TiCu and Ti2Cu in the Ag-Zn solid solution matrix have been identified especially at 870°C - 20min. Both the brazing temperature and the holding time are critical factors for controlling the microstructure and hence the mechanical properties of the brazed joints. The optimum brazing parameters was achieved at 870°C - 20min. Based on the shear test result, all cracks propagate along the brittle intermetallic compounds like Ti2Cu in the reaction layer which typically are composed of quasi-cleavage (Ag-Zn matrix) and brittle appearance. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd

The nomogram of penile length and circumference in Iranian term and preterm neonates

Background and objectives: The normal length of penis in preterm and term neonates is different among different nations, and is affected by various factors. The present study aimed to determine stretched penile length (SPL) values and cutoff level of micropenis in term and preterm Iranian neonates, for the first time. Materials and methods: All male neonates born in two general hospitals of Tehran (Akbarabadi, and Rasoul hospitals), center of Iran, with gestational age of 28-42 weeks were included and their SPL and penile circumference (PC) were examined on the first 3 days after birth by the same physician. Birth weight (BW), and height, gestational age, type of delivery, mother's age, twin/multiple pregnancy, drug, and medical history of mother during pregnancy were recorded and cutoff levels of two variables were calculated based on the collected variables for different gestational ages. Results: Among a total of 587 neonates, 203 neonates were born term and 384 preterm. Mean ± SD of neonates' BW were 2,682.51 ± 739.30 (850-4800) gr. Mean ± SD of their SPL was 22.48 ± 3.34 mm; 25.92 ± 1.54 mm in term and 20.66 ± 2.50 mm in preterm infants (P = 0.001). Mean ± SD of PC was 6.71 ± 1.31 mm; 8.14 ± 0.48 in term and 5.96 ± 0.92 in preterm infants (P = 0.001). SPL and PC were significantly correlated with type of delivery, number of parity, gestational age, BW, and crown-heel length, head circumference (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study suggested that SPL in male neonates was 22.48 mm and PC was 6.71 mm, both correlated with gestational age and BW. Due to the ethnical variety of this cutoff points and lack of an appropriate study in Iran, these cutoff points can be used by all physicians as a reference for Iranian newborns (term and preterm), in order to prevent misdiagnosis of micropenis and genital disorders. © 2018 Soheilipour, Rohani, Dehkordi, Isa Tafreshi, Mohagheghi, Zaheriani, Jesmi and Salehiniya

The nomogram of penile length and circumference in Iranian term and preterm neonates

Background and objectives: The normal length of penis in preterm and term neonates is different among different nations, and is affected by various factors. The present study aimed to determine stretched penile length (SPL) values and cutoff level of micropenis in term and preterm Iranian neonates, for the first time. Materials and methods: All male neonates born in two general hospitals of Tehran (Akbarabadi, and Rasoul hospitals), center of Iran, with gestational age of 28-42 weeks were included and their SPL and penile circumference (PC) were examined on the first 3 days after birth by the same physician. Birth weight (BW), and height, gestational age, type of delivery, mother's age, twin/multiple pregnancy, drug, and medical history of mother during pregnancy were recorded and cutoff levels of two variables were calculated based on the collected variables for different gestational ages. Results: Among a total of 587 neonates, 203 neonates were born term and 384 preterm. Mean ± SD of neonates' BW were 2,682.51 ± 739.30 (850-4800) gr. Mean ± SD of their SPL was 22.48 ± 3.34 mm; 25.92 ± 1.54 mm in term and 20.66 ± 2.50 mm in preterm infants (P = 0.001). Mean ± SD of PC was 6.71 ± 1.31 mm; 8.14 ± 0.48 in term and 5.96 ± 0.92 in preterm infants (P = 0.001). SPL and PC were significantly correlated with type of delivery, number of parity, gestational age, BW, and crown-heel length, head circumference (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study suggested that SPL in male neonates was 22.48 mm and PC was 6.71 mm, both correlated with gestational age and BW. Due to the ethnical variety of this cutoff points and lack of an appropriate study in Iran, these cutoff points can be used by all physicians as a reference for Iranian newborns (term and preterm), in order to prevent misdiagnosis of micropenis and genital disorders. © 2018 Soheilipour, Rohani, Dehkordi, Isa Tafreshi, Mohagheghi, Zaheriani, Jesmi and Salehiniya