Lack of significant association between Helicobacter pylori infection and homocysteine levels in patients with cardiac syndrome X

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases such as cardiac syndrome X (CSX), which includes chest pain, positive exercise stress test and normal angiography. Also, elevation of homocysteine (Hcy) level is associated with CSX, as it can severely disturb vascular endothelial function. We aimed to elucidate whether the infection of H.pylori affect the level of Hcy in CSX. Methods: Eighty-eight patients with CSX (32 men, 56 women; mean age: 53.8 ± 11.9) and 97 healthy controls (36 men, 61 women; mean age: 45.7 ± 7.3) were enrolled. Plasma samples were tested for the presence of IgG antibody to H.pylori using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method. Hcy levels were measured enzymatically. Results: Plasma Hcy concentration in CSX patients is higher than control group (13.1 ± 2.6 vs. 11.8 ± 2.5 mmol/L; p = 0.002). There was no significant difference between Hcy in H.pylori+ and H.pylori– individuals in CSX group (13.1 ± 2.7 vs. 12.2 ± 0.6 mmol/L; p = 0.554) and between two groups in controls, respectively (12.1 ± 2.2 vs. 11.4 ± 2.9 mmol/L; p = 0.148). Conclusions: Although there is Hcy level increase in H.pylori+ CSX patients and controls comparing to H.pylori– subjects, but other factors may affect on Hcy level, too. (Cardiol J 2012; 19, 5: 466-469

Digital monitoring of weight-bearing improves success rates and reduces complications in lower extremity surgeries

The aim of this study is to develop a digital monitoring system to track weight and evaluate its impact on postoperative outcomes after lower extremity surgeries (LES). This parallel randomized controlled trial enrolled 266 patients who underwent LES (fracture or joint replacement) at our medical center between March 11, 2022, and January 10, 2023. Patients were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups in a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group (n=116) used a cane and shoes equipped with a weight-bearing system after lower limb surgery, while the control group (n=116) used a simple cane and shoes without a weight-bearing system. The primary outcomes included callus formation, duration of union, and success rate of union in the two groups. The intervention group had a significantly higher rate of complete surgical success than the control group (93.9% vs. 79.3%, p=0.001). The intervention group also had a significantly lower risk of non-union than the control group (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.48, p=0.001). The mean duration of surgery until the time of union and the meantime of callus formation was significantly lower in the intervention group (p=0.01). The use of a digital monitoring system for weighing in LES significantly increased the success rate and reduced post-operative complications. Therefore, incorporating this system can enhance the rehabilitation process and prevent revision surgeries in patients with LES

Non-communicable diseases in the southwest of Iran: profile and baseline data from the Shahrekord PERSIAN Cohort Study

Background Critical inter-provincial differences within Iran in the pattern of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and difficulties inherent to identifying prevention methods to reduce mortality from NCDs have challenged the implementation of the provincial health system plan. The Shahrekord Cohort Study (SCS) was designed to address these gaps in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, a province of high altitude in the southwest of Iran, characterized by its large Bakhtiari population, along with Fars and Turk ethnicity groups. Methods This ongoing cohort, a prospective, large-scale longitudinal study, includes a unique, rich biobank and was conducted for the first time in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province in Iran. SCS is a part of the PERSIAN (Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in IrAN) cohort. The study began in 2015, recruited 10075 participants (52.8% female, 47.2% male) from both urban (n=7034) and rural (n=3041) areas, and participants will be annually followed up for at least 15 years. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using baseline data from the SCS, using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Data analysis was performed using Stata software. Results The prevalence of NCDs was 9.8% for type 2 diabetes, 17.1% for hypertension, 11.6% for thyroid disease, 0.2% for multiple sclerosis and 5.7, 0.9 and 1.3% for ischemic heart disease, stroke and myocardial infarction, respectively. The prevalence of multimorbidity (>= 2 NCDs) was higher in women (39.1%) than men (24.9%). The means (standard deviations) of age, BMI, systolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose were 49.5 (9) years, 27.6 (4.6) kg/m(2), 115.4 (17.3) mmHg and 96.7 (27.3) mg/dL, respectively. Logistic regression models showed that older age, female gender, living in an urban area, non-native ethnicity, high wealth index, unemployment, obesity, low physical activity, hypertriglyceridemia, high fasting blood sugar, alkaline urine pH and high systolic and diastolic blood pressure were associated with increased prevalence of NCDs. Conclusions The SCS provides a platform for epidemiological studies that will be useful to better control NCDs in the southwest of Iran and to foster research collaboration. The SCS will be an essential resource for identifying NCD risk factors in this region and designing relevant public health interventions