Correlation between endothelial dysfunction in normal coronary patients with slow flow and aortic ectasia: The first report

Background: Slow coronary flow (SCF) is slow dye progression in the coronary arteries during selective angiography, but there is no such study about greater visceral vessels. Studies have suggested that flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is impaired in SCF. Endothelial function can be assessed by FMD in the brachial artery as ischemia-induced vasodilation. Since inflammation is an underlying pathology in the inflammation of visceral vessels and probably SCF, we studied the correlation of aortic ectasia and SCF by means of FMD. Methods: Patients with normal coronary arteries and SCF formed the case group, and patients with normal coronary arteries and normal coronary flow formed the control group. We measured the diameter of the patients’ brachial artery at rest, after inflation of a sphygmomanometer on the forearm [endothelial-dependent vasodilation (EDV)], and after use of sublingual nitrate (endothelial-independent vasodilation) by sonography. We also measured the diameter of the aorta using sonography before administration of sublingual nitrate. Endothelial dysfunction was defined as EDV significantly less than standard EDV. Results: There were insignificant differences between age, gender, and frequency of cardiac risk factors within the case and control groups, but diabetes mellitus was significantly different between the two groups. The diameter of the aorta was insignificantly different between the case and control groups. The response of the brachial artery to the cuff test and sublingual nitrate were insignificantly different between the case and control groups. Endothelial dysfunction based on cuff test and sublingual nitrate administration was significantly more common in men than women, as the p values for cuff and sublingual nitrate were 0.033 and 0.051, respectively. Conclusions: It seems that there is no correlation between SCFP and aortic ectasia

Data-guide for brain deformation in surgery: comparison of linear and nonlinear models

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Pre-operative imaging devices generate high-resolution images but intra-operative imaging devices generate low-resolution images. To use high-resolution pre-operative images during surgery, they must be deformed to reflect intra-operative geometry of brain.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We employ biomechanical models, guided by low resolution intra-operative images, to determine location of normal and abnormal regions of brain after craniotomy. We also employ finite element methods to discretize and solve the related differential equations. In the process, pre- and intra-operative images are utilized and corresponding points are determined and used to optimize parameters of the models. This paper develops a nonlinear model and compares it with linear models while our previous work developed and compared linear models (mechanical and elastic).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Nonlinear model is evaluated and compared with linear models using simulated and real data. Partial validation using intra-operative images indicates that the proposed models reduce the localization error caused by brain deformation after craniotomy.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The proposed nonlinear model generates more accurate results than the linear models. When guided by limited intra-operative surface data, it predicts deformation of entire brain. Its execution time is however considerably more than those of linear models.</p

Forecasting the Profitability in the Firms Listed in Tehran Stock Exchange Using Data Envelopment Analysis and Artificial Neural Network

Profitability as the most important factor in decision-making, has always been considered by stake­holders in the company's profitability. Also can be a basis for evaluating the performance of the managers. The ability to predict the profitability can be very useful to help decision-makers. That's why one of the most important issues is the expected profitability. The importance of these forecasts depends on the amount of misalignment with reality. The amount of deviation is less than the forecast of higher accuracy. Although there are various methods for predicting but the use of artificial intelligence techniques is increasing due to fewer restriction. The aim of this study is to evaluate the predictive power of profitability using DEA and neutral network, to enhance the decision-making users of 2012 to 2015of 7 premier financial ratios were used as independent variables. Test results show that both of ANN and DEA have ability to forecast profitability and given that neutral network prediction accuracy is higher than the DEA, the model predict better the profitability of companies

Family history of cardiovascular disease as a risk factor for coronary artery disease in adult offspring

Background and aims: There is controversy about the role of positive family history as an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of family history on presentation of coronary artery disease in adult offspring, and on its severity. Methods: In a retrospective cross-sectional study at Tehran Heart Center (University of Tehran Medical Sciences), 6399 patients with established coronary artery disease who underwent coronary angiography for standard indications were assessed. Coronary artery disease was defined as atherosclerotic involvement of more than 50% in at least one major coronary artery. Results: 953 patients (14.9%) had a verified positive family history of coronary artery disease, of whom 193 patients (20.2%) and 215 patients (22.5%) had paternal and maternal positive history, respectively. The mean age of clinical onset of ischemic heart disease in patients with a positive history was significantly lower than patients with no history (p < 0.001). Left main coronary lesion was significantly more frequent in patients with positive history (p = 0.017). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that presentation of coronary artery disease in the form of acute coronary syndrome was significantly more prevalent in the background of positive family history (odds ratio, OR = 1.44, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.14-1.83, p = 0.002), especially above 45 years old. Conclusion: These findings indicate that positive family history is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease which strongly predisposes to the atherosclerotic process at younger ages; therefore, these patients should be evaluated and managed more intensively for other risk factors

The Effects of Omega-3 and Vitamin E Co-supplementation on Carotid Intima-media Thickness and Inflammatory Factors in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Objectives: We sought to evaluate the effects of omega-3 and vitamin E co-supplementation on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and inflammatory factors in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done among 60 women with PCOS. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups (n = 30 each group) and assigned to take either 1000 mg omega-3 plus 400 IU vitamin E supplements or a placebo for 12 weeks. Results: Compared with placebo, omega-3 and vitamin E co-supplementation led to significant decreases in maximum levels of left CIMT (-0.006±0.006 vs. +0.002±0.007 mm, p < 0.001), mean levels of left CIMT (-0.005±0.006 vs. +0.002±0.010 mm, p = 0.010), maximum levels of right CIMT (-0.006±0.010 vs. +0.006±0.010 mm, p = 0.010), and mean levels of right CIMT (-0.005±0.005 vs. +0.001±0.010 mm, p = 0.020). Change in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (-390.6±942.9 vs. +237.0±754.3 ng/mL, p = 0.006) was significantly different between the supplemented patients and placebo group. We did not observe any significant effect in plasma nitric oxide (NO) values following supplementation with omega-3 plus vitamin E compared with the placebo. Conclusions: Co-supplementation with omega-3 and vitamin E for 12 weeks among patients with PCOS had beneficial effects on CIMT and serum hs-CRP values, but unchanged NO values

Application of short message service to control blood cholesterol: a field trial

Abstract Background Despite recommendations, many middle-age adults neglect to check their blood cholesterol levels. Short message service (SMS, also known as texting) has been seldom studied for preventive education. We estimated how SMS can be a cost-effective method in encouraging people to check their blood cholesterol levels. Methods In a field trial, 3600 cell phone users (age > 30) were randomly assigned to the intervention (N: 1200) and the control groups (N: 2400). An SMS was sent to the intervention group for five rounds every two weeks, which targeted the cognitive and affective learning and finally advised the blood cholesterol level to be checked, if not checked during the past twelve months. Two weeks after the last round, both groups were asked for the time/level of their latest blood cholesterol, family history of early cardiac death and having a family member with coronary heart disease (CHD), and to report their attitude about whether annual blood sampling is worth the cost and time to prevent CHD. Moreover, the intervention group was asked if they remembered the SMS content. The cost-effectiveness was evaluated by estimating the “number needed to treat” (NNT) and calculating the cost of sending SMS to that number of people. Results In the intervention group, 629 individuals (72.0%) recalled the SMS content. The factors associated with cholesterol screening during the past two years were older age, diabetes, family history of coronary disease, higher education, female gender and being non-smoker. In both groups, women were significantly more aware of their blood cholesterol level (68.7% vs. 53.6%). The relative frequency of respondents who believed it was not worth checking their cholesterol annually was significantly lower in the intervention group (P < 0.001). The intervention group was significantly more likely to check its blood cholesterol levels (OR:1.22) after adjustment for age, diabetes, family history of CHD and smoking. The NNT was estimated ≈ 25 for the general population and ≈ 11 for those who received SMS and had a family member with CHD. Conclusions We would postulate that SMS could affect people’s adherence to preventive programs. Relatives of patients admitted with a diagnosis of CHD should be prioritized for superior cost-effectiveness and logistical feasibility

Evaluation of ameliorative effect of sodium nitrate in experimental model of streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy in male rats

Objective. Diabetes induces sensory symptoms of neuropathy as positive (hyperalgesia), negative (hypoalgesia), or both

Mansonia uniformis (Diptera: Culicidae), a genus and species new to southwestern Asia, with a review of its medical and veterinary importance

Azari-Hamidian, Shahyad, Abai, Mohammad-Reza, Norouzi, Behzad (2020): Mansonia uniformis (Diptera: Culicidae), a genus and species new to southwestern Asia, with a review of its medical and veterinary importance. Zootaxa 4772 (2): 385-395, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4772.2.1

Frequncy and etiology of lymphadenopathy in Iranian HIV/AIDS patients

Objective: To estimate and outline the frequency and etiology of lymphadenopathy in HIV/AIDS patients. Methods: This study was conducted on 178 consecutive HIV/AIDS patient files for etiologies (categorized into three sub-groups: definite, probable and possible) and associated factors of local and generalized lymphadenopathy. Results: Seventy-two (40.45%) patients including 63 male patients (87.5%) developed lymphadenopathy. HIV in lymphadenopathy(+) patients was most commonly transmitted intravenously (n=49). Generalized and localized lymphadenopathy respectively occurred in 27 (37.50%) and 45 (62.50%) patients, mainly in the cervical region (28.9% for local and 63% for generalized lymphadenopathy). The most common causes of lymphadenopathy were tuberculosis (n=24, 33.3%) and lymphoma (n=12, 16.6%). The frequency of lymphadenopathy was non-significantly higher in patients with AIDS (CD4 count 200 cell/µL). Conclusions: Lymphadenopathy in HIV/AIDS patients may reflect a serious condition, most likely tuberculosis and lymphoma. Since patients might underestimate lymphadenopathy, physicians would rather list these entities for diagnosis

The Association of Air Pollution and Emergency Medical Service Seeking

Background: There are some reports on the association between air pollution and myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, and mortality due to cardiac problems in susceptible individuals. We aimed to evaluate the association of air pollution and the emergency visits due to cardiovascular diseases, in a specialized heart hospital in Tehran.Methods: The study design was cross-sectional. Patients admitted to the emergency ward of Tehran Heart Center were consecutively included. Records of meteorological data for the study period were obtained from Air Quality Control Company that monitors the concentration of air pollutants through its several stations including one near to Tehran Heart Center. The principal component analysis was used to examine the association between daily air pollution level and the number of patients admitted as a result of unstable angina, myocardial infarction, and arrhythmia.Results: The principal component score -reflecting the daily air pollution level- was higher on the admission date of the patients who died in hospital compared to that of the patients who discharged alive from the hospital and the difference was statistically significant. After adjustment for the effect of age, sex, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes, a statistically significant relationship between principal component score and the unstable angina and arrhythmia was detected in patients referred to the emergency department.Conclusion: Air pollution was associated with the unstable angina and arrhythmia in patients referred to the emergency department of Tehran Heart Center, adjusted for the effect of other risk factors