Acute coronary syndrome: Role of the telomere dynamic

Telomeres, or historically named "terminal genes" are first discovered by Muller working on fruit fly in 1930s. Since then, the great progress was made in understanding the consequences of telomere erosion on the human health and disease states, as age related vascular diseases. The overlapping links between telomere dynamics in endothelial cells, endothelial progenitor cells and other cells laid in the vessel wall made telomere regulation as a hub node in keeping vascular health. Shortest telomeres paralleled with the advent of coronary artery diseases and its related risk factors, is well explainable by "Telomere hypothesis". But this needs further studies to determine the real state of short telomerelength in atherosclerosis: marker or risk factor? As a marker, leukocyte telomere length was used in mirroring mean telomere length of the whole organism, but there are some debates about the best cell reflecting the exact telomere length. Impact of telomere biology on vascular system in the progression and development of atherosclerosis delights its targeting as a new therapeutic option for cardiovascular diseases. This needs in depth elucidation of the underlying mechanisms of telomere erosion in vascular beds

A low complexity resource allocation algorithm for multicast service delivery in OFDMA networks

Allocating and managing radio resources to multicast transmissions in Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems is the challenging research issue addressed by this paper. A subgrouping technique, which divides the subscribers into subgroups according to the experienced channel quality, is considered to overcome the throughput limitations of conventional multicast data delivery schemes. A low complexity algorithm, designed to work with different resource allocation strategies, is also proposed to reduce the computational complexity of the subgroup formation problem. Simulation results, carried out by considering the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system based on OFDMA, testify the effectiveness of the proposed solution, which achieves a near-optimal performance with a limited computational load for the system

Self-organising comprehensive handover strategy for multi-tier LTE-advanced heterogeneous networks

Long term evolution (LTE)-advanced was introduced as real fourth generation (4G) with its new features and additional functions, satisfying the growing demands of quality and network coverage for the network operators' subscribers. The term muti-tier has also been recently used with respect to the heterogeneity of the network by applying the various subnetwork cooperative systems and functionalities with self-organising capabilities. Using indoor short-range low-power cellular base stations, for example, femtocells, in cooperation with existing long-range macrocells are considered as the key technical challenge of this multi-tier configuration. Furthermore, shortage of network spectrum is a major concern for network operators which forces them to spend additional attentions to overcome the degradation in performance and quality of services in 4G HetNets. This study investigates handover between the different layers of a heterogeneous LTE-advanced system, as a critical attribute to plan the best way of interactive coordination within the network for the proposed HetNet. The proposed comprehensive handover algorithm takes multiple factors in both handover sensing and decision stages, based on signal power reception, resource availability and handover optimisation, as well as prioritisation among macro and femto stations, to obtain maximum signal quality while avoiding unnecessary handovers

Nitric oxide level and von Willebrand factor (vWF) secretion are not candidate markers of endothelial cell dysfunction in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depleted endothelial cells

Endothelial cells under physiological conditions can alter energy balance by alteration in synthesis,metabolism and transport of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which failed during endothelial cell dysfunction. ATP depleted endothelial cells are unable to perform their physiological functions as energy dependent protein secretion. Isolated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) from fresh umbilical cords were treated with 10 mM 2-deoxyglucose and 0.1 pg/ml of oligomycin for 6 h to induce ATP depletion. Nitric oxide (NO), von Willebrand factor (vWF), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and trypan-blue exclusion were compared between treated and untreated cells. We observed a slight decrease in nitric oxide levels (P = 0.09) and vWF (P = 0.395) in the setting of 49.36% ATP depletion. There was no significant change in LDH release and cell viability between treated and untreated cells (P > 0.05). Since vWF exocytosis is an energy consuming process, decreased secretion of vWF in the isolated near-half percent of ATP depletion is not seemingly at odds. The application of vWF exocytosis fades as a candidate marker for ATP depletion induced injury, in cultured endothelial cells. Nitric oxide level and vWF secretion are not candidate markers of endothelial cell dysfunction in isolated partial ATP- depleted HUVECs. Measures such as arachidonic acid synthesis may be better alternatives.Key words: Endothelial cell dysfunction, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion, nitric oxide, von Willebrand factor (vWF)

Application of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to Explain Online Purchasing Intention - An Extension of Theory of Planed Behaviour (TPB)

The purpose of this study is extension of the well established factors of Theory of Planed Behaviour (TPB) includes, Attitude (A), Subjective norm (N), Perceived behavior control (P) and relation of Perceived reliability (U), Trust and faithfulness (T), on Online Purchasing  intention (OP). These factors are identified through previous research and each one measured based on 7-point interval Likert scale. Using primary data collection method, 200 questionnaires were distributed to target respondents of customers online purchasing. The responses collected were 147 completed questionnaires representing 73.5 percent response rate. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using AMOS 20 and SPSS 19. Confirmatory factor analysis of measurement models indicate adequate goodness of fit after a few items was eliminated through modification indices verifications. Goodness of fit for the revised structural model shows requirement in terms of Ratio: 1,238; P-Value: 0.98; GFI: 0.932; and RMSEA; 0.040. The findings showed that perceived behavior control (?=.111, CR=6.656 p<0.001), Attitude (?=-.072, CR=-2.781, p<0.005) and Trust and faithfulness (?=.183, CR=4.454, p<0.001) have significant relationship on online purchasing behavior while subjective norm and Perceived reliability have insignificantly relationship on online purchasing intention. Keywords: online purchasing intention, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) , AMOS grafic , Theory of Planed Behaviour (TPB

Association analysis of rs1049255 and rs4673 transitions in p22phox gene with coronary artery disease: A case-control study and a computational analysis

Background The p22phox gene encodes the main subunit of NADH/NADPH-oxidase. This enzyme is expressed in smooth muscle cells of arteries, and it produces the reactive oxygen species. On the other hand, oxidative stress plays a main role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between rs4673 and rs1049255 polymorphisms of p22phox gene with CAD in an Iranian population which was followed with a computational analysis approach. Methods In a cross-sectional study, we collected blood samples of 302 Iranian Caucasian including 143 patients and 159 healthy controls. Genotype of the polymorphisms was detected through PCR-RFLP method. A computational analysis was also performed using SNAP, Polyphen-2, Chou-Fasman, RNAsnp, and miRNA SNP databases. Results Data of case control study demonstrated that CT genotype (R = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.13–3.00, p = 0.014) and T allele (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.09–2.15, p = 0.013) of rs4673 polymorphism, have a significant association with enhanced risk of CAD. But rs1049255 analysis demonstrated the absence of such an association with CAD. Indeed, in silico data analysis demonstrated that rs4673 transition could impact on function of p22phox protein (SNAP score 56, expected accuracy 75%; Polyphen-2 score 0.99, sensitivity 0.09, specificity 0.99). Data derived from miRNA SNP database demonstrated that rs1049255 polymorphism increases the affinity of attachment between has-miR-3689a-3b with 3′-UTR of p22phox gene. Conclusion Our data demonstrated that rs4673 transition may be involved in susceptibility to CAD and could be applied as a potential biomarker for this disease

Arg399Gln substitution in XRCC1 as a prognostic and predictive biomarker for prostate cancer: Evidence from 8662 subjects and a structural analysis

Abstract Background The Arg399Gln polymorphism in the X ray repair cross complementing group 1 gene ( XRCC1 ) may alter the risk of prostate cancer (PCa). The present study aimed to investigate the association of the XRCC1 Arg399Gln poly- morphism with PCa risk in an Iranian population, as followed by a meta analysis and an in silico analysis. Methods In a case control study, 360 subjects were included (180 men with PCa and 180 healthy controls). XRCC1 Arg399Gln genotyping was performed using the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism method. In the meta analysis, 14 eligible studies were included to which our case control data were added to estimate the pooled odds ratios. Some bioinformatics tools were employed to evaluate the effects of Arg399Gln substitution on molecular aspects of the XRCC1 protein. Results Our case control study revealed a significant association between the XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism and PCa risk. The data from overall meta analysis showed significant associations between the mentioned polymorphism and PCa risk in allelic and recessive genetic models. In addition, we observed statistically significant associations in stratified analyses by ethnicity, sample size and source of controls. Our in silico analysis showed that Arg399Gln substitution could be damaging with respect to the function and structure of the XRCC1 protein. Conclusions Based on these results, the XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism might be a risk factor for PCa and it could be considered as a prognostic and predictive biomarker for susceptible men. KEYWORDS in silico analysis, meta analysis, prostate cancer, XRCC1 gen

A case report of total anomalous pulmonary vein connection in an adult through application of multi-modality imaging

ABSTRACT Total Anomalous Pulmonary Vein Connection (TAPVC) is often reported in neonates and children. This report demonstrates an unusual adult TAPVC that the patient is survived in the fourth decade of life. It was diagnosed via application of echocardiography paired with multi detector-row computed tomography angiography. A 39-year-old man was referred for evaluation of dyspnea and cyanosis at rest worsening with exertion. On physical examination, decreased oxygen saturation, clubbing, and central and peripheral cyanosis were detected. In primary evaluation, large Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) was discovered. Cardiac catheterization showed a large ASD and benign variant of Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava (PLSVC). On Trans-Thoracic Echocardiography (TTE), no pulmonary hypertension was defined in direct contradiction of Eisenmenger syndrome. Due to suspicion of a complex shunt, he underwent Trans-Esophageal Echocardiography (TEE) followed by CT-angiography. Both of these image modalities clearly demonstrated the presence of TAPVC in addition to ostium secundum ASD. Due to the change in the main diagnosis, he underwent surgical correction with immediate and complete relief of both cyanosis and dyspnea after operation. Although some complex congenital heart diseases are usually seen in newborns and infants, their presence in adulthood is not impossible. Thus, some unusual findings similar to presence of cyanosis in the absence of pulmonary hypertension should be questioning. In such cases, alternative imaging studies can provide additional guidance in diagnosis. It is not an infrequent occurrence, as this case underscores, where more complete imaging overturns an initial diagnosis leading to completely different management. Keywords: Computed Tomography Angiography Atrial Septal Defect Echocardiograph

Equilibrium of knowledge vs. money functions explaining intentions to sustainable food consumption

Develop strategies to change customer behavior on food consumption, requires an understanding of consumer behavior and other influential factors.Therefore, in this study with advantage of the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1988) investigate some on consuming purchasing and consuming intention. This study gives insight into consumer behavior, factors affecting the sustainable consumption, hurdles of purchasing pro environmentally options; purchase environmentally friendly products Consciously, and also marketing insight into sustainable environmental friendly via measurement and evaluation intention of purchase.The results deeply reveal that Price consciousness parallel with pro-environmental concerns influences the intention to move towards sustainable food consumption

Combined aortic root replacement and heart transplantation in a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and aortic root aneurysm

Concomitant replacement of the ascending aorta and heart transplantation are an infrequent procedure. This procedure was most often performed in patients with Marfan syndrome, however, it has its own technical difficulties. Hereby, we report on combined heart transplantation and aortic root replacement using donor's ascending aorta in a 25-year-old man diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and ascending aorta aneurysm. This procedure was successful and beneficial to patients with aortopathy who are candidates for heart transplantation. © 2018, Iranian Society for Organ Transplantation