The urgent need for integrated science to fight COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

The COVID-19 pandemic has become the leading societal concern. The pandemic has shown that the public health concern is not only a medical problem, but also afects society as a whole; so, it has also become the leading scientifc concern. We discuss in this treatise the importance of bringing the world’s scientists together to fnd efective solu‑ tions for controlling the pandemic. By applying novel research frameworks, interdisciplinary collaboration promises to manage the pandemic’s consequences and prevent recurrences of similar pandemics

L-carnitine treatment in patients with mild diastolic heart failure is associated with improvement in diastolic function and symptoms

Objectives: L-Carnitine is a crucial component of activated fatty acid transport. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of L-carnitine on patients with a history of mild heart failure and diastolic dysfunction. Methods: Twenty-nine patients with a history of NYHA functional class II symptoms and ejection fraction >45 with documented grade 1 diastolic dysfunction on echocardiogram were randomized in blinded fashion to receive 1,500 mg of L-carnitine daily for 3 months in comparison to a no treatment group (31 patients). Baseline echocardiographic and follow-up measurements of diastolic parameters were assessed after 3 months. Results: Important parameters of diastolic function improved in the L-carnitine group only: left atrial size (3.6 ± 0.4 cm before treatment vs. 3.4 ± 0.5 cm after treatment, p = 0.01); isovolemic relaxation time (127 ± 26 ms before vs. 113 ± 24 ms after treatment, p = 0.007); septal mitral E' velocity (0.064 ± 0.01 m/s before vs. 0.074 ± 0.01 m/s after treatment, p = 0.01), and lateral mitral E velocity (0.082 ± 0.01 m/s before vs. 0.091 ± 0.02 m/s after treatment, p = 0.006). Dyspnea also significantly improved in L-carnitine-treated patients. Conclusion: In patients with a history of diastolic heart failure, important indices of diastolic function and symptoms appear to improve with L-carnitine treatment. © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel

Coronary dissection with ST elevation myocardial infarction responding to thrombolytic and conservative therapy alone

In this report, we describe a case of spontaneous coronary dissection involving left anterior descending artery presenting with acute anterior myocardial infarction successfully treated with thrombolytic and conservative therapy with a suggestion that spontaneous resolution of thrombus occurred before coronary intervention could be performed. As we did not have initial angiogram due to patient's refusal, this assumption is speculative. However, this case suggests that dissections may heal spontaneously and could be treated with conservative approach in selected cases based on best clinical judgment. It is important to realize that the clinical course of a major coronary artery dissection remains unpredictable. Therefore, cardiologists should always treat each case individually and consider coronary interventions if conservative treatment is not leading to resolution of ST elevation or in patients with hemodynamic compromise. This case is followed by discussion about conservative versus invasive management of spontaneous coronary dissections

Determining the neutron spectrum of 241Am-Be and 252Cf sources using bonner sphere spectrometer

Bonner spheres system is one of the ways of measuring neutron energy distribution which is often applied in spectrometry and neutron dosimetry. This system includes a thermal neutron detector, being located in the center of several polyethylene spheres, and it is still workable due to the isotropic response of the system which in turn is derived from the spherical symmetry of moderators and the broad measurable range of the energy. In order to practically use this spectrometer, it is necessary to calibrate this system using standard neutron sources. This research aimed to determine the calibration factor of Bonner spheres spectrometry system and energy spectrum of two standard 241Am-Be and 252Cf sources in the atomic energy organization. Calibration and experimental measurement were done via the two standard sources. The response vector of each detector was derived by using MCNPX simulation code, based on the Monte Carlo method. The spectra unfolding of this system was performed through iterative method using the SPUNIT code done in software NSDUAZ6LiI and BUMS.&nbsp

Variceal Veins Embolization and Left Renal Vein Stenting in a Patient with Combined Nutcracker and May-Thurner Syndrome

Nutcracker syndrome is defined as a compression of left renal vein leading to symptomatic hematuria and flank pain. There are very few reports about its association with May-Thurner syndrome that is related to compression of left iliac vein causing severe leg edema. We are reporting a rare case of a patient having both conditions successfully treated with sequential percutaneous interventions. This case and treatment options are discussed in detail. © 2021 Georg Thieme Verlag. All rights reserved

Redo percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (redo pmv) in patients with recurrent mitral valve stenosis: Immediate and early outcomes

Background: Symptomatic recurrent mitral valve stenosis develops in some patients after Percutaneous Mitral Valvuloplasty (PMV). This study assessed the immediate and early outcomes of redo PMV in patients with recurrent mitral valve stenosis after prior PMV. Methods: Fifty-four patients (40 women and 14 men, mean age of 38±8.2 years) underwent a redo (second) PMV for symptomatic restenosis of mitral valve [with Mitral Valve Area (MVA) < 1.5 cm2]. Redo PMV was performed at 5.8±1.2 years after the initial PMV. Results: In this study, 48 hours after the procedure, there was a substantial increase in MVA by 2-dimensional Echocardiography (GE, Vivid 7) from 1.0±0.2 to 2.2±0.4 cm2 (p<0.001) and a decrease in mean left atrial pressure from 27 ± 5 to 15 ± 4 mmHg (p<0.001) and in mean transmitral valve gradient from 15±4 to 2±1 mmHg (p <0 .001). Mean pulmonary artery pressure did not change significantly with redo procedure. Good immediate result was achieved in 53 patients (98.15%). Conclusion: Redo PMV can be performed successfully in patients with recurrent mitral valve stenosis following previous percutaneous valvuloplasty. © Journal of Iranian Medical Council 2019.Open access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

A preliminary study on the radiation dose reduction during catheterization procedures using simple partial patient shielding

Reduction in X-ray exposure during cardiac catheterization is important to reduce radiation risks to operators and personnel. Reducing scattered radiation from the patient can achieve this goal. The goal of this study was to evaluate the reduction in radiation using simple partial shielding of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. By putting a lead-based apron on the lower extremities of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, we analyzed the reduction in total radiation dose with and without this shielding. One hundred and twelve patients were divided into two groups. In one group, the protective lead-based apron was put on the lower extremities of patients. Another group did not have any shielding. Total duration of angiography was 332 minutes and 45 seconds in the first group and 269 minutes and 10 seconds in the second group. The total radiation exposure was 33 μGy in the first group vs 606 μGy in the second group. Despite higher exposure time, total radiation dose was 22 times lower in the simple shielded group. Our simple method without any additional cost can significantly reduce radiation exposure in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. © 2021 IMR Press Limited. All rights reserved.Open access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

Is It Possible to Quench Thirst Using Barley Enriched Licorice Bread during Islamic Fasting?

Introduction: Thirst is one of the main complaints during Islamic fasting. As bread is the staple food among most Muslims, evaluating its impact on thirst is important. In this study, we investigated the effect of licorice-enriched barley bread compared to barley bread and white wheat bread. Methods: This clinical trial was performed on three consecutive days during Itikaf ceremony. Data were garnered by using a checklist including items on demographic data, weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, and pulse rate. Blood pressure and pulse rate measurements were repeated at the end of the study. The participants were divided into three groups receiving functional barley bread enriched with licorice, barley bread, and white wheat bread. The thirst sensation was assessed by Fan visual analogue scale. Also, 24-hour dietary recall was obtained on all the three days. Results: Overall, 273 people participated in this study. Thirst sensation in the functional barley bread was lower than that in the wheat bread and barley bread groups, but there were no significant differences between wheat and barley bread groups in this regard. During the fasting period, the greatest increase in thirst was observed during the first five hours of fasting in all the three groups, which was significantly lower in the functional barley bread group than the wheat and barley bread groups; however, there was no significant difference between wheat and barley bread groups in this respect. Finally, similar results were attained following fluid intake adjustment.Conclusion: This study showed that licorice enrichment of barley bread might alleviate thirst sensation among fasting individuals