Levels of Blood Biomarkers among Patients with Myocardial Infarction in Comparison to Control Group

BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction (MI) as a term for a heart attack happens due to reduced blood flow to heart myocardium and lack of oxygen supply caused by plaques inthe interior walls of coronary arteries. With respect to the importance of MI etiology, we aimed to study the relationship of MI and blood examination variables.METHODS: This study was conducted in Mazandaran Heart Center as a hospital-based case-control Comprising 894 participants including 465 cases and 429 controls, individually matched by sex and age. Considered blood markers were analyzed using routine laboratory methods and equipment.RESULTS: Of all participants, 64.3% of the cases and 51.0% of the controls were males with a mean age of 61.2 (±13.8) in cases and 62.4 (±14.) in controls. We could not find any differences between cases and controls for total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and alkaline-phosphatase (ALP) (P>0.05). However, levels of creatine-kinase-muscle/brain (CK-MB) (P<0.0001), fasting-blood-sugar (FBS) (P<0.0001), aspartateaminotransferase (AST) (P<0.0001), alanine-transferase (ALT) (P<0.0001) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (P=0.001) were significantly higher in cases compared to the controls (P<0.05). Multivariable analyses revealed that the risk of MI was associated with high levels of AST (adjusted OR=24.3, 95%CI=3.5±165.6, P=0.001) and LDL (adjusted OR=7.4, 95%CI=1.0±51.8, P=0.001).CONCLUSION: Our investigation indicated that the levels of CK-MB, FBS, AST, ALT and ESR were significantly higher in patients with MI. Besides, our findings showed that the risk of MI in cases with high levels of AST and LDL was about 24 and 7 times more than the control group respectively

Ant stings in military forces on three Persian islands of Abu-Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb

Aims: Ants with the ability of biting and injecting venom to human body are called sting ants. This study was conducted to identify and determine the ant species and the prevalence of ant sting and related epidemiological factors in three Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu-Musa islands, Iran. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed during Jan-July 2010 in Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu-Musa islands on 318 military individuals who were selected by random sampling method. The ant collection was done by active hand-catch method. The ant sting prevalence and related epidemiological factors were determined by questionnaire. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistical methods including Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test and Spearman and Gamma correlation. Results: Sting ants in these islands were identified as Pachycondyla sennaarensis (Mayr, 1862) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The mean prevalence of ant stings was 70.1%. The seasonal incidence of sting in three islands had the same pattern and was more common in spring and summer. 84.4% of ant stings had occurred in limbs. The main symptoms caused by the ant stings include pain, severe itching and local inflammation and blisters in some cases. Conclusion: Although ant stings in these islands is not much dangerous and does not lead to anaphylactic shock and death, ant stings prevalence is very high and the pain, itching and burning would cause discomfort for soldiers and reduce their efficiency. Therefore, preventive measures and control of these ants should be considered

EVSS- electro tactile vestibular substitution system as a new vestibular rehabilitation approach: A pilot study

Introduction: Using conventional methods of vestibular rehabilitation such as adaptation and habituation exercises is a management strategy for patients with bilateral vestibular loss due to aminoglycoside ototoxicity so far. Previous studies shown EVSS- electrotactile vestibular substitution system- might have an important role in the rehabilitation process for these patients. This study investigated the effect of this therapeutic modality as a pilot study. Materials and Methods: In this study, 10 cases (6 males, 4 females) with bilateral vestibular loss were rehabilitated by EVSS. This approach was conducted in 10 sessions, 20 minutes per session (two sessions per day). Sensory organization test (SOT) and Dizziness handicap Inventory (DHI) were performed before and after treatment (at the first day of post-treatment period).  Difference between the groups before and after treatment was analyzed by t-test using SPSS software (ver. 16). Results: After 10 treatment sessions, all subjects had significant difference in score of SOT and DHI (P < 0.05). Less falling (5th stage of SOT) was seen after treatment sessions (P < 0.05). Subjects could maintain their straight posture in Romberg position, with closed eyes and on a soft surface (P < 0.05) and their movements were also more uniform and their gait was more stable (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results show recuperation of subjects following EVSS that indicate probable sensory systems substitution in order to manage vestibular disorders. Keywords: Vestibular rehabilitation, Electrotactile vestibular substitution system (EVSS), Balance disorder

Rehabilitation of reinforced concrete beam: Sustainable restoration mortar with waste materials

The current application of epoxy resin in the installation of fiber sheets for concrete beam restoration presents practical challenges, limited fire resistance, and lacks environmental sustainability. Additionally, epoxy resin cannot be used on wet surfaces as it compromises adhesion and reduces durability. In this study, we propose an effective mortar formulation that incorporates waste materials such as marble powder (MP), red mud (RM), and electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) for fiber sheet installation. The performance of the developed mortar was comprehensively assessed through various experiments, evaluating compressive and tensile strengths, water absorption (WA), sulfuric acid resistance (SAR), and microstructural characteristics of the restoration mortars. Furthermore, three reinforced concrete (RC) beams were constructed and subjected to a four-point bending test. One beam was strengthened with carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), while the other two utilized fiber-reinforced cementitious material (FRCM) with either CFRP mesh or glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bar. The findings reveal that RC beams strengthened with CFRP mesh-restoration mortar and GFRP rebar-restoration mortar exhibit load-carrying capacities 13% and 36% higher, respectively, compared to that reinforced with CFRP sheets. This study lays the foundation for future research by demonstrating, for the first time, the superior performance of mortar-based restoration over epoxy resin, thereby opening up new possibilities for the development of concrete element restoration

PREVALENCE OF PATENT FORAMEN OVALE IN YOUNG PATIENTS WITH CRYPTOGENIC ISCHEMIC STROKE

Abstract &nbsp;&nbsp; BACKGROUND: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is the most commonly persistent abnormality of fetal origin. PFO has long been recognized as a potential risk factor for ischemic stroke. This study has shown the prevalence of PFO among young patients with cryptogenic stroke. &nbsp;&nbsp; METHODS: In our case-control study we had 32 patients, 18 to 55 years old with cryptogenic stroke and 64 participants among normal population with matched age and sex in control group. We studied them for stroke risk factors like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, dyslipidemia and then election of PFO by contrast trans-thoracic echocardiography. Data entered in SPSS11 and analyzed by Chi-Square and logistic regression. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. &nbsp;&nbsp; RESULTS: We found that 37.5 % of patients in case group and 7.7 % of patients in controls had PFO and this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.001). They had no significant difference in other atherosclerosis risk factors. In control group we saw small shunt but in stroke group large shunt was more prevalence (P &lt; 0.05).&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; CONCLUSION: Our findings supported this idea that PFO is a predisposing factor for stroke and it had a higher prevalence among patients with cryptogenic stroke. Besides, large shunt was more concomitant with ischemic attack. Then we suggest any patient with undefined cause of stroke must be evaluated for PFO. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Keywords: Patent foramen ovale, Stroke, Young. &nbsp;</p

Effect of Beta Glucan on Quality of Life in Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Purpose: Breast cancer is the most common female malignancy in the world. Beta glucan may improve quality of life in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. The aim of this trial was to determine the effect of Beta glucan on quality of life in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: This study was conducted on 30 women with breast carcinoma. The eligible participants were randomly assigned to intervention (n=15) or placebo (n=15) groups using a block randomization procedure. Patients in the intervention group received two 10-mg capsules of soluble 1-3, 1-6, D-beta glucan daily and the placebo group received placebo for 21 days, in an interval between two courses of chemotherapy. Health - related quality of life (HRQL) was evaluated using the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire version.3.0 (EORTC QLQ-C30) at the beginning and end of the study. Results: At the end of the study, the Global health status /QoL score for the Beta glucan group was significantly increased (P=0.023), but the difference between the two groups was not significant. After intervention, the Functional scales score showed no significant change (P=0.099) between the two groups or within the groups. At the end of the study, the Symptom scales\items score was decreased significantly in Beta glucan group comparing the placebo group (P=0.048), as well as after adjusting for baseline score. The Symptom scales\items score’s change was significant (P=0.012) within the Beta glucan group, compared with the baseline score. Conclusion: The findings suggest that Beta glucan may be useful as a complementary or adjuvant therapy for improving quality of life in breast cancer patients in combination with cancer therapies

Diet quality and anthropometric indices of patients undergone bariatric surgery: the prospective Tehran obesity treatment study

Abstract Background Patients undergone bariatric surgery (BS) has long-term risks including decrease in diet quality, nutritional deficiencies and weight regain. This study focus on assessing dietary quality and food group components in patients one year after BS, the relationship between dietary quality score and anthropometric indices, and also evaluating the trend of body mass index (BMI) of these patients three years after BS. Methods A total of 160 obese patients (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) were undergone sleeve gastrectomy (SG) (n = 108) or gastric bypass (GB) (n = 52), participated in this study. They were assessed for dietary intakes using three 24-hour dietary recalls one year after surgery. Dietary quality was assessed using food pyramid for post BS patients and healthy eating index (HEI). Anthropometric measurements were taken pre-surgery and 1, 2 and 3 years after operation. Results The mean age of patients was 39.9 ± 11 years (79% female). The mean ± SD percentage of excess weight loss was 76.6 ± 21.0 one year after surgery. Intake patterns are generally (up to 60%) not consistent with the food pyramid. The mean total HEI score was 64 ± 12 out of 100. More than %60 of participants is exceeding the recommendations for saturated fat and sodium. The HEI score did not show significant relationship with anthropometric indices. The mean of BMI in SG group increased over three years of follow up, while in GB group, there were no significant differences in BMI during three years of follow up. Conclusions These findings showed that patients had not healthy pattern intake one year after BS. Diet quality did not show significant relationship with anthropometric indices. The trend of BMI three years after surgery was different based on surgery types