Third-degree heart block in thalassemia major: A case report

Background: First and second-degree heart blocks are partly common rhythm disorders in thalassemic patients but complete heart block is a very rare complication of iron overload cardiomyopathy. Case Presentation: This 15-year-old boy, a known case of major β-thalassemia was admitted to our emergency unit with dyspnea and cough because of decompensated heart failure. The electrocardiogram showed complete heart block with junctional escape rhythm. Interestingly, his previous electrocardiogram taken 2 months earlier, had some PVC and second degree, Mobitz type 1 (Wenckebach) heart block. After improvement of dyspnea and control of blood pressure in normal range, the patient was referred to ER. A dual-chamber permanent pacemaker was implanted and his symptoms improved, but he died 24 days after discharge from hospital. Conclusion: We present a rare case of complete heart block after a second-degree (Mobitz 1) heart block that was due to severe iron overload cardiomyopathy. © 2012 by Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy among non- insulin dependent diabetics patients

Background and Objective: Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is the most common and important type of diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Silent myocardial infarction, respiratory failure and increased mortality are the outcomes of CAN. This study was carried out to screen the cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in non- insulin dependent diabetics patients. Method: This descriptive - analytic study was carried on 70 (22 males, 48 females) non- insulin dependent diabetics’ patients. Resting heart rate, heart rate variability, orthostatic changes in heart rate, blood pressure and corrected QT interval were recorded for each subject. The final findings were categorized as follow: 0=normal, 1=borderline and 2=CAN positive. Results: 10 (14.3%) of patients were normal, 35 (50%) of patients were borderline and 25 (35.7%) of patients were considered cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy positive. There was significant differences between duration of diabetes and three CAN scores (P<0.05). The systolic blood pressure alterations showed the maximum correlation with CAN scores (r=0.509). Conclusion: In our study, the rate of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy was higher than other reports. The most important risk factor for cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy was more than 10 years history of diabetes mellitus. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy, Hypertensio

Optimization and One-Step Purification of Recombinant V Antigen Production from Yersinia pestis

The purpose of this study was to develop an efficient and inexpensive method for the useful production of recombinant protein V antigen, an important virulence factor for Yersinia pestis. To this end, the synthetic gene encoding the V antigen was subcloned into the downstream of the intein (INT) and chitin-binding domain (CBD) from the pTXB1 vector using specific primers. In the following, the produced new plasmid, pTX-V, was transformed into E. coli ER2566 strain, and the expression accuracy was confirmed using electrophoresis and Western blotting. In addition, the effects of medium, inducer, and temperature on the enhancement of protein production were studied using the Taguchi method. Finally, the V antigen was purified by a chitin affinity column using INT and CBD tag. The expression was induced by 0.05 mM IPTG at 25 °C under optimal conditions including TB medium. It was observed that the expression of the V-INT�CBD fusion protein was successfully increased to more than 40 of the total protein. The purity of V antigen was as high as 90. This result indicates that V antigen can be produced at low cost and subjected to one-step purification using a self-cleaving INT tag. © 2020, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature

Accumulation of heavy metals in the muscle, liver and gill tissues of Epinephelus coioiedes

We studied concentration of heavy metals Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni in the muscle, liver and gill tissues of Epinephelus coinoiedes caught in autumn 2006 from Hendijan Coastal waters in the Persian Gulf. After biometrical measurements, the muscle, liver and gill tissues of 30 randomly selected fish were separated; metals were extracted from the tissues using chemical digestion method with pure nitric acid and their concentrations were determined by AAS. Mean concentrations (ppm/dry weight) were compared with the international standards such as WHO, UKMAFF and NHMRC. The mean concentration for Cd and Pb in all tissues with the exception of muscle tissue, were found higher than permissible limit. We found a positive linear relationship between accumulation of Ni, Pb and Cu in muscle tissue with total weight and total length factors (P<0.05)

Comparison of the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid with docosahexaenoic acid on the level of serum lipoproteins in helicobacter pylori: A randomized clinical trial

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is the most common chronic bacterial infection around the world and an important cause of gastrointestinal disorders, which might be involved in the pathogenesis of some extragastrointestinal disturbances as well as changes in serum lipid profile. Hypolipemic properties of omega-3 fatty acids have been studied in several studies. Objectives: The present study aimed to compare the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation on the level of serum lipoproteins in H. pylori. Patients and Methods: In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial in Iran, 105 Helicobacter pylori were randomly allocated to receive 2 g of daily EPA (35 patients), DHA (35 patients), or medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil as placebo (33 patients) along with conventional tetra-drug H. pylori eradication regimen for 12 weeks. Results: From 105 included patients, 97 (31 in EPA, 33 in DHA, and 33 in control groups) completed the study and were included in final analysis. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and the ratios of TG/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C were not significantly different among the three groups, while the level of triglyceride (TG) was statistically different. DHA (-16.6 ± 30.34) and control (+ 15.32 ± 56.47) groups were statistically different with regard to changes in TG levels (P = 0.000). Conclusions: There was no difference between the effects of 2 g of EPA or DHA supplementation for 12 weeks on the levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and LDL-C/HDL-C; however, it had a desirable effect on the level of TG in a way that the effect of DHA was clearer. © 2015, Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal

Non-surgical removal of some stones from a red tailed catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) stomach as gastric foreign bodies

A red-tailed catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) referred to Aquatic Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran for showing lethargy, bottom sitting, extension of abdomen and severe abdominal injuries. Its abdomen was swollen and the bulk of the foreign bodies were easily palpated. The heaviness of foreign bodies had made swimming and buoyancy difficult for fish. Several radiographic images were taken after anaesthetizing the catfish with 10% carvacrol, 2 drops in 1 liter of water. Radiographs revealed some stones with their size, number and location. Stones were removed non-surgically through the large oral cavity using suitable forceps. Totally 16 stones and 2 shells were removed from the stomach of the fish. The catfish was then returned to the water where normal swimming and buoyancy was restored

A survey on some biological aspects of spiny lobster Panulirus homarus for optimizing fishing season in Sistan - o – Baluchestan province

Research project was conducted on some biological aspects of lobster in Oman Sea in the years1385-86. During the project some parameters such as length distribution, spawning peak, length (Carapace) at first maturity, the length at which 50% of the lobsters were found to be mature sexually, sex ratio, relative frequency index and population dynamics parameters were examined. Quantitative factors and catch composition of lobster including the amount of catch in terms of weight and number of ovigerous-female, under-sized specimens and so were compared by monthly. According to the results of present study caught specimens were male with carapace length of 22 and 110 mm respectively. The smallest ovigerous female was taken as 46mm CL when length at first maturity was estimated to be 69-70mm. the male: female ratio was 0.7: 1.3 for the whole year. A closed fishing season for the species is proposed during spring and September and October in Oman Sea. A large amount of the catches for the all sampling months came from the under-sized specimens, consist of 50 to 85% of the total catch. Therefore, presence of these small length groups have direct effects on time of closing season. Population dynamics parameters were calculated as follows: K=0.57 year, L∞= 103mm and Ǿ = 8.69. Total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality (F) coefficients were calculated as 2.73, 0.87 and 1.86, respectively. Exploitation ratio for the whole population was 0.681, indicating an overexploitation of the species. Based on the available data, the recruitment pattern for lobster was obtained for two season including spring (major) and autumn (minor). Catch per unite effort (CPUE) was calculated as 0.908 kg/Cage/day which was higher in comparison with two other areas including Ramin and Chabahar. Examination of CPUE for a 10-year period showed a decreased trend and the reduction for the year 1386 was about 30% when compared to the data from the year 1375. Moreover, the mean length during 1369-70 to 1385-86 (present study) decreased for the three areas including Pozm, Ramin and Chabahar, so that the carapas length decreased up to 10 mm in length. This sudden decrease in mean length during the 10-year period should be considered as a serious precariousness for sustainable exploitation of lobster in Oman Sea along Sistan and Baluchistan province

Identifying the antecedents and consequences of phubbing

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The influence of smartphones in face-to-face interactions has presently affected the methods of human interaction in various social environments and has led to the emerging phenomenon of phubbing.  Phubbing has been the focus of researchers as the employee's perception that his/her supervisor is distracted by their smartphone while talking or being in close proximity to each other in the work environment. Therefore, it can be stated that phubbing is negatively related to subordinates' trust in their supervisor. So. the present study aimed to identify the antecedents and consequences of phubbing in Yazd municipality.METHODS: The present study was applied in terms of purpose and qualitative in terms of research methodology and based on the grounded theory approach. We decided to apply this method because the core objective is to choose the individuals who are acquainted with such phenomena. Consequently, it will be easier to comprehend the topic so that the samples can provide appropriate answers accordingly. In the present study, for performing data collection, semi-structured in-depth interviews with the 5w1h technique were conducted with 12 people, including managers and employees who respond to citizens’ requests in the central building of Yazd Municipality. The researched community consists of The Experts selected were those who had relevant articles, at least three years of beneficial work experience in Yazd Municipality, and relevant knowledge of phubbing. Targeted sampling has been done based on the researcher's considerations. The present study was performed March 2023.FINDINGS: The findings show that there are many empirical factors influencing phubbing in organizations, so that the role of employees and their functional duties are considered a very influential factor for phubbing in organizations. Employees should be able to have a detailed understanding of their needs and their behavior in the organization in interactions so that they can convey the best experience to them in order to influence their behavior. If the set of municipality facilities can perform their duties well, a positive experience can be created in the employee's mind. Therefore, human resources, physical space and functional aspect will provide a very effective role in creating a positive experience and provide a suitable mental background for employee preferences. In the present study, data analysis was performed using Maxqda software version 20 in three stages of primary, central, and selective coding, which resulted in the identification of 6 categories, 21 central concepts, and 123 final codes. Therefore, technological factors, social factors, personal/individual factors, cultural factors, and psychological factors were identified in this research.CONCLUSION: The results of the data analysis indicated that there were many experimental factors influencing phubbing in organizations so the role of employees and their functional responsibility were considered to be a highly influential factor for phubbing in the municipality. The interviewees believed that employees must quickly feel secure and comfortable after becoming a member of the organization and they must adapt themselves to the norms of the environment. Therefore, considering that fobbing has attracted the attention of many researchers, as far as the authors are aware, its antecedents and consequences have not been identified, from this point of view, the research has innovation

The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-hepatitis B core antibody in Iran: A population-based study

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is a very common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. It is estimated that 3 of Iranians are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus. Current population-based studies on both rural and urban prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in Iran are sparse with results that do not always agree. We performed this study to find the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-hepatitis B core antibody, and associated factors in the general population of three provinces of Iran. Methods: We randomly selected 6,583 subjects from three provinces in Iran, namely Tehran, Golestan, and Hormozgan. The subjects were aged between 18 and 65 years. Serum samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-hepatitis B core antibody. Various risk factors were recorded and multivariate analysis was performed. Results: The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-hepatitis B core antibody in Iran was 2.6 and 16.4, respectively. Predictors of hepatitis B surface antigen or anti-hepatitis B core antibody in multivariate analysis included older age, not having high-school diploma, living in a rural area, and liver disease in a family member. We did not find any significant differences between males and females. Conclusion: In spite of nationwide vaccination of newborns against hepatitis B virus since 1992, hepatitis B virus infection remains a very common cause of chronic liver disease in Iran which should be dealt with for at least the next 30-50 years

Study of intestinal protozoan parasites in rural inhabitants of Mazandaran Province, northern Iran

Background: Intestinal parasites of humans are important health problems of most communities, especially those situated in tropical and subtropical areas. This study was carried out in rural population of Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, during 2004-2005, with the purpose of achieving a better understanding of the distribution of intestinal protozoan parasites in this province. Methods: A total of 855 stool specimens were collected randomly from rural inhabitants (384 males and 471 females) and examined by the formalin-ethyl-acetate concentration technique. In addition, a modified version of the Ziehl-Neelsen technique was used for the staining of Cryptosporidium and other intestinal coccidian parasites. Results: The general prevalence of intestinal protozoans was found as 25. The prevalence of every intestinal protozoan parasite was as follows: Giardia lamblia (10.2), Entamoeba histolyticaldispar (1.29/6), Dientamoeba fragilis (1.1), Blastocystis hominis (9.8), Entamoeba coli (5), Endolimax nana (0.7), Iodamoeba butschlii (1.3), and Entamoeba hartmani (0.4). Conclusion: The present study revealed that the prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites among rural inhabitants of Mazandaran Province are still so high that implies performing special control measures