Association of the serum resistin concentration with blood pressure, insulin resistance, lipid profile, white blood cell and cardiorespiratory function in obese and lean men

Adipocytokine resistin is an inflammatory mediator and a biomarker of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the serum resistin concentration and blood pressure, insulin resistance, lipid profile, white blood cell, and cardio respiratory function in obese and lean men. In this descriptive-analytical study, thirty-eight obese and lean men were selected. After 12 h fasting, blood samples were collected and general characteristics of the subjects were assessed. Serum resistin concentration was higher in obese than in lean men [P<0.01], and was positively correlated with the insulin resistance index [The Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance] only in obese men [r=0.40, P=0.002]. The resistin level was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure [obese: r=0.34, r=0.008, lean: r=0.31, P=0.004] and white blood cell [obese: r=0.19, P=0.001, lean: r=0.15, P=0.004], while negatively correlated with cardio respiratory function index [VO[2]max][obese: r=-0.41, P=0.003, lean: r=0.36, P=0.005]. No significant correlation was observed between the serum resistin level and lipid profile and diastolic blood pressure in the obese and lean men. Only VOhmax in lean men [P=0.005], and insulin resistance and VO[2]max in obese men [P=0.002, and P=0.009, respectively] were predictive of the resistin level. The obese men have higher resistin levels compared to the lean men and this higher level is associated with higher insulin resistance. It seems that the insulin resistance and cardio respiratory function can be predictive of the resistin level

[Studying VSX1 gene mutations in patients with keratoconus of chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran]

Background and Aims: Keratoconus [KC] is an eye disorder in which the cornea is swollen, thinned and deformed. Despite extensive studies, the pathophysiological processes and genetic etiology of KC is unknown. The disease incidence is approximately 1 in 2000 and is the most common cause of corneal transplantation in the US. Many genes are involved in the disease, but evidence suggests a major role for VSX1 in the etiology of KC. This study aimed to determine the frequency of mutations in exons 2, 4 of the VSX1 gene in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Iran

Methods: In this experimental study, mutations in two exons including exons 2 and 4 of VSX1 were investigated in 50 patients with KC. DNA was extracted using a standard phenol-chloroform method. PCRSSCP/HA was performed, followed by DNA sequencing to confirm the identified motility shift

Results: H244R mutation was identified in exon 4 of only one patient

Conclusion: Our investigation showed that the KC-related VSX1 mutations are found in very small samples in the study subjects from Iran. Further investigations on other genes are needed to clarify their roles in KC pathogenesis

[Behavioral factors related to musculoskeletal disorders in nurses based on theory of planned behavior]

Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common and costly occupational injuries. Musculoskeletal disorders represent a significant occupational problem among nurses. The aim of current study was to determine behavioral factors related to musculoskeletal disorders among nurses by using the theory of planned behavior. A cross-sectional study was carried out among nurses in hospitals of Qom University of Medical Sciences in 2011. A total number of 264 registered nurses with working experience at least one year, and different shifts were included in the study. A reliable and valid questionnaire based on the theory of planned behavior and Nordic was used for data gathering. Data were analyzed using statistical software SPSS for windows V. 16 Independent t-test, chi-square, Mann - Whitney and Pearson correlation tests were used for testing the correlations among variables. The study showed that 47. 5% of nurses in the past 12 months and 36. 2% during the past 7 days have suffered from musculoskeletal disorders. The most work-related disorders were in the low back and neck. Also statistically significant difference was found between the mean scores of the constructs of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention in nurses with and without musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal disorder rate still is high in nurses and attention and action is needed to improve nurses' health. Theory of planned behavior is effective at identifying behavioral and attitudinal factors related to the correct ergonomic principles in the through working position

[Evaluation of correlation between Wits' appraisal and a new method for assessment of sagittal relationship of jaws]

Although Wit's appraisal is a valuable measurement for antero-posterior jaw relationship evaluation in orthodontic patients, occlusal plane detection is difficult in a lot of cases or is challenging due to its various inclinations. In this study a new method for assessment of sagittal skeletal relationship is introduced and the purpose of this investigation is evaluation of correlation between wit's appraisal and this new method. Lateral cephalograms of 71 orthodontic patients [male and female] from all types of skeletal malocclusions [class I, II, III] were collected and analyzed. Two lines were traced from point A and point B while they were perpendicular to Frankfort Horizontal plane [FH] and also to functional occlusal plane [Wit's] and the both distances were measured. Pearson Correlation analysis was performed for assessment the relationship between AO'-BO' distance on FH [q] and wit's appraisal. Correlation of these variables was evaluated with SNA, SNB, ANB and overjet, separately. The results showed a high correlation of variables using Frankfort Horizontal plane and wit's appraisal [r= 0.82]. Both methods revealed significant statistical relation with SNA, SNB, ANB and overjet [p< 0.05]. The highest scores of correlation with ANB were obtained in using both methods. The use of measurement is as much valuable as the usual wit's measurement and it can be a good alternative in patients when tracing the accurate occlusal plane is impossible or difficult

[ effect of different light curing units and composite thicknesses on the shear bond strength]

Development of new composite resins is one of the most important technological advances in the field of cosmetic dentistry. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of different light curing units and composite thicknesses on the shear bond strength composite to dentin. In this experimental in-vitro study, the test groups were composed of 80 dentinal samples, prepared on occlusal surfaces of 80 maxillary premolar teeth and routinely divided into 8 groups of 10. Two cylindrical molds [2×2 and 2×5 mm] were filled in bulk using P60 and Ceram X composites and light cured with LED and QTH light curing units .After curing and 3 months aging in 37 degree water, shear bond strength of all samples were obtained using a universal testing machine with 1mm/min crosshead speed. One- and three-way ANOVA were used for statistical analysis using SPSS software. The highest mean of shear bond strength [31.75 MPa] was in group [P60, QTH, 2] and the lowest [15.34 MPa] was recorded in [Ceram X, LED, 5]. Type and thickness of composites had significant effects on the value of shear bond strength and no significant differences were obtained between two light curing units. The shear bond strengths of P60 and CeramX composites tested were much lower when cured in a 5-mm than in a 2-mm increment. The two types of light curing units tested did not show any significant differences in the amount of shear bond strengths

[Study of three common mitochondrial mutations in Arab patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss in Khuzestan province, I.R.Iran]

Hearing Impairment [HI] is the most prevalent neurosensory disorder occurs in 1/1000 newborn. The majority of hearing deficiencies are of genetic origin. About%0-2 of the genetic HI cases are due to mutations in mitochondrial genes. In the present study we investigated the frequency of 3 mtDNA A1555G, A3243G and A7445G mutation of 62 patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss in Khuzestan province. In this descriptive study, we investigated the presence of three mitochondrial mutations; A1555G, A3243G and A7445G in 62 Arab subjects with autosomal recessive non syndromic hearing loss in Khuzestan province. DNA was extracted using standard phenol -chloroform method. The screening of the mitochondrial gene mutations was performed by PCR-RFLP procedure.The possible mutations were confirmed by direct sequencing. None of the investigated mutations; A1555G, A3243G and A7445G were detected in this study. However PCR-RFLP revealed two mutations; G3316A, A7445C in 2 deaf subjects studied. This study is shown that mtDNA mutations consist of G3316A and A7445C are responsible for few of ARNSHL in sample studied and none of the A1555G, A3243G and A7445G mutations are responsible for ARNSHL in this population. The data presented here will improve the genetic counseling of hearing impaired patients in Khuzestan province

[Relationship between chronological, dental and skeletal ages among 7 to 13 year old children]

Efforts to find correlation between ossification events in the hand and wrist, developmental conditions of the teeth, and chronological age can lead to assessment of developmental status of an individual as a simple and useful method. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between chronological, dental and skeletal ages among 7 to 13 year old children referring to Orthodontic Department, Shiraz Dental School. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 female and 22 male subjects. Sixty two panoramic and hand wrist radiographs were obtained. Dental ages were assessed according to Demirjian based on the lower left canines, first and second premolars and second and third molars. Greulich and Pyle standard atlas was used to determine the skeletal age. The results were analyzed using Pearson coefficient correlation. A statistically significant relationship [p<0.01] was found between dental and chronological ages. The relation between dental and skeletal ages was significant too [p<0.05]. At the same skeletal maturity stage, dental maturation patterns of the male subjects were ahead and the G stage of the canine for both sexes [60%] coincided with the MP3cap stage. It is suggested that tooth calcification stages in panoramic radiographs might be a valuable indicator to assign timing of growth spurt

Awareness, treatment and control of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes mellitus in an Iranian population: the IHHP study

We used data from the baseline survey from the Isfahan Healthy Heart Programme to determine the prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes among a representative samples of 12 514 adults living in 3 cities in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes was 17.3%, 66.3% and 5.6% respectively. Awareness, treatment and control of hypertension were 40.3%, 35.3%, and 9.1% respectively. The rates for dyslipidaemia were 14.4%, 7.1% and 6.5% respectively, and 54.6% of diabetics were aware of their disease and 46.2% were under treatment

[Assessing size of social network and emotional support sources and related factors among cancer patients]

Cancer is a potentially life-threatening disease that engenders considerable distress in personal, familial and social dimensions of patient's life. Numerous changes in their life, communications and social activities, increase the need for social support. The study aimed at assessing size of social networks and sources of emotional support in cancer patients. Using a descriptive-correlational design, 220 cancer patients drawn from Firozghar, Rasoul-e Akram Medical Complex and cancer institute of Imam Khomeini Complex Hospital, were selected through Sequential sampling method. Data were collected using Nortouse Emotional support questionnaire from five sources of spouses, family members, friends, nurses and physicians. All data were computed by SPSS software [Version 13] using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients. Mean of emotional support scores was 137.39 and mean score of social network's size was 4.17. Patients had perceived the supports mostly from their spouses and family members, then from physicians, nurses and friends, consecutively. Analysis of variance test showed significant association between perceived emotional support with age, marital status, economic condition, job, ethnicity and size of social network [P=0.001]. Family is the main emotional supportive source in cancer patients. Nurses must regard the patients a whole and consider all their existence domains including emotional supports, quality and quantity of their support sources and patients' perception of such sources. They should accumulate the support sources of the community and family participation in order to improve support provisions to patients and decrease their tensions. This study didn't include other domains of social support and personal characteristics as interferer factors in perceiving the supports, which needs to be investigated by further studies

[Differentiation of somatic unrestricted cord blood stem cells into chondrocyte cells]

To isolate and purify unrestricted somatic stem cells from human umbilical cord blood and evaluation of their differentiation into chondrocyte in vitro. In this study cells from human umbilical cord blood were isolated and plated in flask. Colonies were performed after one week. To determine the kind of cells, 100000 cells were analysed with flowcytometry. Twenty thousands [200000] of cells were plated in 6 wells that coated with poly-L-lysine II and incubated in chondrogenic medium to analyze the differentiation of these cells into cartilage. After 24 hs the first pletted cells were formed that continued to be existing to 21 days. The culture of cells were exchanged into chondrogenic culture every two days. At the end of differentiation period and 3 weeks the cells were analyzed by Alcian blue, immunohistichemistry and RT-PCR In addition these cells were passaged 50 times and their karyotyping analyzed. In early days of primary cultures, the number of spindle cells were increased and almost purified in second passage. The differentiation by RT-PCR analysis showed high production of collagen II, aggrican, BMP-6 and collagen that all are the specific genes of chondrocye cells, and.histochemistry assay showed that the methachromatic matrix was accumulated between the cells and expression of collagenll was confirmed. Karyotyping analysis showed high passages for these cells that was expected. Cultured USSC Differentiated into a chondroblast cell linage potential source for cell transplantation for rheumatoid arthirits as soon as cord blood is better source for mesenchymal Stem cells against bone marrow

Effects of magnesium sulphate in delibrated hypotension for mastoidectomy surgery

Deliberated hypotension and administration of vasoconstrictive drugs such as epinephrine during ear microsurgery are of the most important aids for reducing blood loss and improving the surgical field. One of the important challenges in selecting the appropriate method of deliberated hypotension is to easily reach to desired blood pressure and to have the least interaction to anesthetic drugs and the function of vital organs. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of magnesium sulphate for deliberated hypotension during ear microsurgery. In this clinical trial, 55 patients candidate for mastoidectomy surgery, and aged 15-65 yrs, were randomly assigned to receive placebo [n=27] or magnesium sulphate [n=28] infuse 60 mg/Kg over 15 minute followed by a maintenance dose of 10 mg/Kg/h until 30 minutes prior to the end of surgery. Intra-operative bleeding, the surgery duration, surgeon satisfaction, serum magnesium level, recovery time, anesthetic drug requirements [atracurium-halothane], and vasodilator [TNG] were measured in both groups and then compared with independent t and Mann-Whitney statistical tests. Patients receiving magnesium sulphate had less blood loss than controls [59.46 +/- 27.19 vs. 97.57 +/- 31.41 ml, respectively, p<0.01]]. Serum magnesium levels were in the therapeutic range [3.1 +/- 0.78 meq/L]. Patients had no significant arrhythmia, received lower doses of T.N.G [101.71 +/- 56.69 vs. 1107 +/- 450.45 /g]], and muscle relaxant [45.89 +/- 14.08 vs. [60.17 +/- 9.76 mg, respectively,p<0.01] but not significant difference in Halothane [[3.1 +/- 0.64 MAC/hr] vs. [3.45 +/- 0.6 MAC/hr]]. Also surgeon satisfaction was better in magnesium group [p<0.001]. There were not statistically difference in surgical time [[155.71 +/- 27.27 min] vs. [157.50 +/- 33.62 min]] and recovery time [[44.64 +/- 7.92 min] vs. [45.71 +/- 8.99 min]] between two groups. Administration of intravenous magnesium sulphate as a hypotensive drug in mastoidectomy surgery may be effective in decreasing intraoperative bleeding, using atracurium and TNG drugs,however in spite of improvement of the surgeon satisfaction, it had no effect on reducing the duration of surgery and recovery time. Overall, its administration is recommended for deliberate hypotension is a feasible method in mastoidectomy surgery

Blood transfusion acute reactions in patients of Shahid Ghazi Hospital

Cancer patients due to bone marrow suppression, sepsis, and other relevant complications require appropriate blood components for transfusion. However, there are risks of transfusion reactions. These reactions are influenced by many factors varying across different geographic regions and medical centers. This study was performed to determine incidence of early transfusion reactions and their clinical symptoms and signs in cancer patients, and to calculate the correlation of these adverse reactions with some demographic data and some specifications of blood components. In this descriptive study, 39 reactions from 4023 blood transfusion attempts were assessed. Patients were monitored for symptoms and changes in vital signs within 24 hours following transfusion. Data analysis was performed by descriptive and inferential statistics [X 2 and ANOVA].The majority of reactions belonged to platelets [56.43%] and packed cells [43.58%]. The most common symptoms were shown to be rigors [2.72%], and fever [2.33%]. The incidence rate was estimated to be 2.7% for FNHTR, and 2.1% for allergic reactions. Haptoglobin deficiency was found in 0.8% of FNHTR cases. A correlation was observed between sex and history of previous reactions [p=0.048, p=0.04, respectively] with blood transfusion reactions. These findings indicated that incidence of blood transfusion reactions and clinical symptoms correlated with other studies. The incidence of reactions in women and individuals with previous history of repeated blood transfusions was shown to be greater. Transfusion of packed cell was associated with allergic reactions [p=0.04], and high platelet lifetime associated with pulmonary reactions [p=0.044]

Job satisfaction among the staff in Al-Zahra training hospital

One of the managers' main concerns in maintaining and preserving human resources is developing job satisfaction. Job satisfaction enhances the staffs productivity and efficiency. In this study, staff's job satisfaction in one of the largest training hospitals was investigated. It was a cross - sectional study in which 142 people working in different wards were given a questionnaire. The questionnaire was used for the assessment of job satisfaction and its validity and reliability were checked in a pilot study. 69.8% of the staff had job satisfaction. They were satisfiedhighly [71.6%] with their department head, colleagues and their private life. They were satisfied the least [42.9%] with their income and what they had to do and 8% decided to leave the hospital because of unsatisfactory conditions. Scientific, purposeful and logical study of the staffs needs and punishing and rewarding systems and regarding the staffs views and suggestions to solve their current problems allow managers to develop job satisfaction and consequently promote human productivity

[Obesity pattern of south Iranian infants and their parents]

Obesity [a scaled weight-by-height index] charts of a cohort of 3 17 healthy infants and their parents living in Shiraz [Southern Iran] are presented, and the familial pattern of infant's obesity with that of its parents explored. An adjusted weight-for-height was used to develop power type obesity indices, Ip=WMP. Polynomial modelling was used by applying the HRY [Healy, Rasbash, Yang] nonparametric method to estimate agerelated smoothed centiles of obesity. Principal component analysis [PCA] was applied to analyze the data as continuous variables to analyses familial pattern of parent-infant obesity structurally. The optimal value of p was found to be 2.5 for infants and 1 for their parents. No more than cubic and quadratic polynomials were needed to fit obesity-for-age smoothly for infant and their parents respectively. Infant obesity increases from birth to six months of age and decreases later on to the age of 21-months when it becomes stable. Parent obesity lies below the NCHS standard. Obesity indices and circumferences sizes were reduced to two principal components interpreting infants as well as family obesity. A structural analysis indicates a direct relationship between obesity of parents and infants. A local standard for assessing obesity in clinical practice as well as community health programmes in Iran is of urgent need, for which our data serves this purpose