Relationship of Respiratory Diseases and the Lead Level in Tiran & Karvan Region, Iran

Abstract Aims: Lead is emerged as one of the most hazardous elements, existing in the air and soil, which can create irreparable outcomes in the human body due to its highly severe damages. the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between Lead level and the respiratory diseases in Tiran & Karvan Region, Iran. Instrument & Methods: The research methodology was analytical based on the documents and evidence, and library studies and was performed during 2011 to 2015 in Tiran & Karvan Region, Isfahan Province, Iran. The respiratory diseases statistics regarding the studied area was gathered from the information and statistics of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Iran Management Center for Diseases during 2007 to 2009 documents (3215 cases). 110 soil samples and 55 water samples were collected from different positions at Summer 2011, randomly. The variation map of the respiratory diseases and lead spatial distribution for research area were drawn by Arc GIS 10.2 software. Findings: The concentration of lead was 59.4±7.9ppm in soil and 48.2±4.1ppm in water of the region. The lead variation map showed that the soil in the eastern, northern and western areas consists of a relatively high portion of lead. Also special distribution of the respiratory diseases in Tiran & Karvan showed that the disease variation is in a cluster manner and that the disease follows a special centralization. Conclusion: There is a direct relation between respiratory diseases distribution and the existence of lead in Tiran & Karvan Region, Isfahan Province, Iran

Pyromellitic dianhydride crosslinked cyclodextrin nanosponges for curcumin controlled release; formulation, physicochemical characterization and cytotoxicity investigations

Aim: In this study, a nanosponge structure was synthesised with capability of encapsulating curcumin as a model polyphenolic compound and one of the herbal remedies that have widely been considered due to its ability to treat cancer. Methods: FTIR, DSC and XRD techniques were performed to confirm the formation of the inclusion complex of the nanosponge-drug. Results: DSC and XRD patterns showed an increasing stability and a decreasing crystallinity of curcumin after formation of inclusion complex. Encapsulation efficiency was 98% (w/w) and a significant increase was observed in loading capacity (184% w/w). The results of cytotoxicity assessments demonstrated no cell toxicity on the healthy cell line, while being toxic against cancer cells. Haemolysis test was performed to evaluate the blood-compatibility characteristic of nanosponge and complex and the results showed 0.54% haemolysis in the lowest complex concentration (50μgml−1) and 5.09% at the highest concentration (200μgml−1). Conclusions: Thus, the introduced system could be widely considered in cancer treatment as a drug delivery system

Molecular epidemiology of hcv among health care workers of khyber pakhtunkhwa

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Studies of the molecular epidemiology and risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in health care workers (HCWs) of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region are scarce. Lack of awareness about the transmission of HCV and regular blood screening is contributing a great deal towards the spread of hepatitis C. This study is an attempt to investigate the prevalence of HCV and its possible association with both occupational and non-occupational risk factors among the HCWs of Peshawar.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Blood samples of 824 HCWs, aged between 20-59 years were analysed for anti-HCV antibodies, HCV RNA and HCV genotypes by Immunochromatographic tests and PCR. All relevant information was obtained from the HCWs with the help of a questionnaire. The study revealed that 4.13% of the HCWs were positive for HCV antibodies, while HCV RNA was detected in 2.79% of the individuals. The most predominant HCV genotype was 3a and 2a.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A program for education about occupational risk factors and regular blood screening must be implemented in all healthcare setups of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in order to help reduce the burden of HCV infection.</p

Acute toxicity, brine shrimp cytotoxicity and relaxant activity of fruits of callistemon citrinus curtis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Callistemon citrinus </it>Curtis belongs to family Myrtaceae that has a great medicinal importance. In our previous work, fruits of <it>Callistemon citrinus </it>were reported to have relaxant (antispasmodic) activity. The current work describes the screening of fractions of the crude methanol extract for tracing spasmolytic constituents so that it shall help us for isolation of bioactive compounds. Acute toxicity and brine shrimp cytotoxicity of crude methanol extract are also performed to standardize it.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The crude methanol extract was obtained by maceration with distilled water (500 ml) three times and fractionated successively with <it>n-</it>hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and <it>n-</it>butanol (300 ml of each solvent). Phytochemical analysis for crude methanol extract was performed. Acute toxicity studies were performed in mice. Brine shrimp cytotoxicity studies were performed to determine its cytotoxicity and standardize it. In other series of experiments, rabbits' jejunum preparations were used in screening for possible relaxant activities of various fractions. They were applied in concentrations of 0.01, 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/ml on spontaneous rabbits' jejunum preparations. In similar fashion, fractions were also tested on KCl (80 mM) -induced contractions. Calcium chloride curves were constructed in K-rich Tyrode's solution. The effects of various fractions were tested on calcium chloride curves at concentrations 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/ml. Curves of verapamil used as reference drug at concentration 0.1 μM and 0.3 μM were also constructed. The curves were compared with their respective controls for possible right shift.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Methanol extract tested strongly positive for saponins and tannins. However, it tested mild positive for presence of proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates and phenolic compounds. LD₅₀value for crude methanol extract is 476.25 ± 10.3 (470-481, n = 4) mg/ml. Similarly, EC₅₀value for brine shrimp cytotoxicity is 65.5 ± 7.28 (60.8- 69.4, n = 4) mg/ml. All the fractions relaxed the spontaneous and KCl-induced contractions. EC₅₀values (mg/ml) for effects of ethyl acetate fraction on spontaneous and KCl induced contractions are 2.62 ± 0.78 (2.15-3.0, n = 4) and 3.72 ± 0.86 (3.38-4.28, n = 4) respectively. Respective EC₅₀values (mg/ml) for <it>n-</it>butanol fraction are 3.59 ± 0.2(3.07-3.9, n = 4) for spontaneous, and 5.57 ± 0.2 (5.07-6.11, n = 4) for KCl- induced contractions. EC₅₀value for control calcium chloride curve (without extract) is -2.73 ± 0.19 (-2.6 - -2.81, n = 4) while EC₅₀for curves treated with 5.0 mg/ml of chloroform is -2.22 ± 0.02 (-2.16 - -2.3, n = 4). EC₅₀value for ethyl acetate treated (1.0 mg/ml) tissues is -1.95 ± 0.10 (-1.88 - -2.0, n = 4) <it>vs</it>. control EC₅₀= -2.71 ± 0.08 (-2.66 - -2.76, n = 4). All the fractions, except <it>n-</it>hexane, showed a right shift like that of verapamil (EC₅₀= -1.72 ± 0.15 (-1.62 - -1.8, n = 4) vs. Control EC₅₀= -2.41 ± 0.06 (-2.38 - - 2.44, n = 4), a standard drug that blocks voltage operated calcium channels.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Relaxant constituents were more concentrated in ethylacetate fraction followed by chloroform, <it>n -</it>butanol and aqueous fractions that warrant for its isolation. The crude methanol extract is safe at concentration 250 mg/ml or below and results of brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay imply the plant specie may be a source of cytotoxic agents.</p

2017 HRS/EHRA/ECAS/APHRS/SOLAECE expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: executive summary.

S

withdrawn 2017 hrs ehra ecas aphrs solaece expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation

n/

Effect of insertion process on biceps tendon reconstruction in BASHTI technique: An in-vitro study

© 2022 Sharif University of Technology. All rights reserved. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, to view a copy of the license, see: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Bone And Site Hold Tendon Inside (BASHTI) implant-less technique is proposed as an alternative to conventional tendon repair methods. This study aims to evaluate the strength of this technique under biceps loading conditions with different xation strategies. Twelve specimens with bovine tendons and Sawbones were constructed using two different insertion methods; in Group 1, 4 samples were prepared using a hand-hammer with a hitting frequency of 300 Beats Per Minute (BPM), while Group 2 included eight specimens with insertion using an auto-hammer applying a frequency of 3600 BPM. Both of the groups were tested under cyclic loading, followed by a pull-out until the failure. All the samples completed the cyclic step without failure. At the pull-out step, for Group 1, the strength and sti ness were 251±31 N and 10:3±0:8 N/mm, respectively, while these values were 183±35 N and 10:5±3:0 N/mm, respectively, for Group 2. It was concluded that the BASHTI structure for biceps tendon reconstruction had a proper strength and the insertion process had no effect on its behavior under cyclic loading. It was also proved that variations in the insertion frequency significantly affected the maximum strength of the structure (p-value = 0.038). Still, its influence on the sti ness was insignificant (p-value = 0.91).Peer reviewe

Correlation of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms with Body Mass Index

<b>Background/Aim:</b> To find a correlation between symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and body mass index (BMI). <b> Materials and Methods:</b> A total of 603 patients who presented at Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital and Surgimed Hospital Lahore with symptoms of GERD, were included and interviewed according to a validated GERD questionnaire. It included questions regarding GERD symptoms and their severity/frequency. Symptoms were defined: "frequent" if occurred daily; "occasional," if weekly; and "severe," if they were sufficiently intense to change lifestyle. Height and weight were also recorded and their BMI calculated. We used logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between the presence of each specific GI symptom and BMI. The odds ratios (OR) for a given specific symptom and 95&#x0025; confidence intervals (CI) were computed from the coefficients in logistic regression models. <b> Results:</b> The prevalence of obesity was 25.3&#x0025;, while 38.1&#x0025; were overweight. There was an increase in reporting of GI symptoms in obese individuals compared to those with normal BMI who were taken as reference group. Frequent nausea, vomiting, early satiety, epigastric pain, heart burn, regurgitation, postprandial fullness, and dysphagia were present in 10.4, 5.6, 8.9, 17.2, 10.2, 22.1, 23.5, and 21.7&#x0025;, respectively, of obese subjects compared to 7.9, 1.2, 6.5, 3.5, 4.4, 11.4, 17.1, and 16.6&#x0025; of normal BMI subjects. BMI showed a positive relationship with frequent vomiting (<i> P</i> = 0.02), epigastric pain (<i> P</i> = 0.03), regurgitation of food (<i> P</i> = 0.02), heart burn (<i> P</i> = 0.002), and postprandial fullness (0.01). <b> Conclusion:</b> The majority of GERD symptoms have a greater likelihood of occurring with increasing BMI

Hafnium silicate gate insulators in field effect sensors used to detect DNA hybridization

Field-effect sensors with hafnium silicate gate insulators were fabricated following standard CMOS processes and compatible post-processes. The floating gates were functionalized with glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy silane and amine-terminated oligonucleotide probes. The pH sensitivity of the silicate surface decreased from 31.4 mV/pH to 24.6 mV/pH after functionalization due to passivation of a significant fraction of the amphoteric proton binding sites. A threshold voltage shift of 33 mV was observed as the buffer solution concentration changed from 0.015 M to 0.3 M after DNA probe molecule attachment. The hybridization caused a net increase in this shift of 3mV. With the help of a model which includes the solution of the Poisson-Boltzmann and proton site-binding at the gate, methods of achieving higher sensitivity are discussed.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye