Changes in clinical signs after treatment in calves with experimental colisepticemia with Escherichia coli

Background: Colisepticemia is an acute fatal disease in farm animal neonates. Clinical finding of septicemia is non-specific and cannot be differentiated from signs of non-infectious disease or disease with local infection such as diarrhea

Objectives: Evaluation of clinical signs variations in calves with experimental septicemia with Escherichia coli 01 11 :H8

Methods: Colisepticemia was experimentally induced in ten Holstein bull calves after an adaptation period. Vital signs and 7 clinical criteria were recorded from 24 h before septicemia until 48 h after that. Blood culture was performed and treatment was done based on antibiogram from 24 h after challenge

Results: Changes of suckling reflex and shock were not significant. Changes of appetite, dehydration, behavior, standing ability, total score from 24 h before the challenge to 24 h after treatment were significant [p=0.00l]. Fecal consistency altered with treatment [p<0.04]. Heart rate [p=0.04 and p=0.033, respectively], respiratory rate [p=0.009 and p=0.001, respectively] and body temperature [p0.00l and p=0.004, respectively] have significant changes till 24 h after challenge and till 24 h after starting treatment. Blood cultures were positive except for 0 h and 48 h after challenge

Conclusions: The present study indicated clinical signs changed unfavorably following septicemia that were dissolved approximately during 24 h, depending on treatment in appropriate time and drug choice. Thus, a targeted scoring system will be useful in clinical evaluation of septicemia, quantifying the changes procedure and treatment efficacy

Sugar-sweetened beverages and risk of obesity and its related cardiovascular risk factors in Iranian adults

Obesity as major global pandemic is associated with increased risk of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular complications. This study was conducted to evaluate the association between consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages [SSBs] and weight, waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and blood pressure status in Iranian adults. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 5852 men and women, aged 19-70 years, who participated in the fourth phase [2009-2011] of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Demographics, anthropometries, biochemical measurements including triglycerides, HDL and blood pressure were assessed. Intakes of SSBs including carbonated drinks and synthetic fruit juices were measured using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Mean dietary intake of SSBs was 48.9 +/- 77.8 g/d. After adjustment for all potential confounding variables, significant associations were observed between SSB consumption and BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL and blood pressure in the fourth quartile. Participants in the highest, compared to the lowest quartile category of SSBs had 25%, 37%, 22% and 32% higher risk of general obesity [OR: 1.25, 95% Cl: 1.02-1.50], abdominal obesity [OR: 1.37, 95% Cl: 1.15-1.64], low HDL cholesterol [OR: 1.22, 95% Cl: 1.04-1.44] and hypertension [OR: 1.32, 95% Cl: 1.08-1.61], respectively. Higher intakes of SSBs were found to be associated with a higher risk of general obesity and its related cardiovascular risk factors in Iranian adults

[ association of food security and dietary variety in subjects aged over 40 in district 13 of Tehran]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between food security and food variety in a population, aged over 40 years. From among the non-diabetic population, aged over 40 years of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, 200 subjects were selected randomly to complete the household food security questionnaire and were divided into four groups including high food security, food security border, low food security, and very low food security. Demographic, anthropometric and dietary intake data of each subject were collected and the dietary diversity score [DDS] was determined based on five food groups of the food guide pyramid. Mean +/- SD for DDS of subjects was 4.94 +/- 1.35, and in the high food security group was significantly higher than in the food insecurity group [the other 3 groups]. Mean +/- SD for food security in the first quartile of DDS [3.04 +/- 1.95] was higher than in the third [1.94 +/- 2.1, P=0.005] and fourth quartiles [2.22 +/- 2.2, P=0.043]. The lowest and highest percentages of subjects with high food security were in the first and third quartiles of DDS, respectively. After adjusting sex, age, body mass index, energy intake, job and marital status, the odds of being in the lowest quartile of fruits variety for high food security group was 73% lower than for the low food security group. An inverse correlation was observed between food security score with the DDS [r=-0.42, P=0.012], the fruits variety score [r=-0.45, P=0.004], and the vegetables variety score [r=-0.37, P=0.046]. Dietary diversity as an indicator of a healthy diet is associated with food security and increases food security results in dietary diversity, especially in fruit and vegetable varieties

Effect of air pollution on onset of acute coronary syndrome in susceptible subgroups

While long-term exposure to air pollutants is associated with an increase in heart diseases and mortality, little information is available about the short-term effects of air pollution. This case-crossover study assessed the relationship of particulate matter [PM[10]] and carbon monoxide [CO] levels with hospital admission for acute coronary syndrome in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran. We interviewed 250 patients with a first episode of acute coronary syndrome and obtained data from hospital records and Tehran Air Quality Control Company. The risk of acute coronary syndrome was significantly associated with elevated concentrations of CO the day before the event [OR 1.18; 95% CI: 1.03-1.34] but not significantly with PM[10] [OR 1.00; 95% CI: 0.99-1.02]. Stratification by age, sex, diabetes, hypertension and smoking status did not affect the results, but women were more susceptible than men to CO levels [OR for women/men 1.68; 95% CI: 1.25-2.26]

Factors affecting in-hospital mortality of acute myocardial infarction

Acute myocardia infarction [AMI] is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality. Considering immense socioeconomic damages of growing AMI in developing countries we estimated prognostic value of major risk factors of AMI to predict probable In- hospital AMI mortality. In a cohort survey from June 2004 to March 2006, 1798 patients hospitalized with proven AMI entered into two groups: Survived [patients discharged alive] and Expired [patients expired during hospitalization due to AMI]. We evaluated relationship of 17 risk factors including age, sex, smoking, opium usage, hypertension, diabetes mellitus [DM], dyslipidemia, Killip class, existence of Q wave, St segment elevation, bundle branch blocks [BBB], involved surface of heart, mean left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], mitral valve regurgitation [MR], and serum level of Troponin I and CKMB, with patients' survival and expiry by using chi square test, T test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. P value II [P<0.001], hypertension [P=0.036], DM [P<0.001], bundle branch block [P<0.001], Moderate to severe mitral regurgitation [P<0.001], lower Mean LVEF [P<0.001], and lower mean serum concentration of CKMB and Troponin I [P<0.001]. Mortality was significantly higher in anterolateral infarction. Mean age>69.01 yr, femaleness, Killip class III and V, hypertension, DM, moderate to severe MR, anterolateral AMI, bundle branch block and higher serum concentration of CKMB and Troponin I are associated with higher In-hospital post-AMI mortality

[Biocompatibility of eight different orthodontic materials: in-vivo rat model study]

Different materials are used in orthodontic treatments. These materials are subjected to damp oral environment which can modify their properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in-vivo biocompatibility of eight orthodontic materials, which were implanted in rat connective tissues. Through an interventional experimental study, the biocompatibility of eight clinically used materials were evaluated. These materials were composed of two coil springs [S.L.S and NiTi], two glass ionomer cements [Bandtate and Ariadent], two O-ring [American ortho and Pooyan tebbe nour] as well as two orthodontic acrylic resins [Acropars and Bayer]. Ninety-six while female rats were included in the study. Five sites were marked on the dorsal subdermal connective tissue of each rat, and then two pieces of each material measured at one centimeter long were implanted in the right side and two pieces of another material on the left. Also a similar incision was made at the two other marked sites, and then sutured, without inserting any material. Biopsies were taken from the specified sites, 15, 30 and 60 days following implantation. Tissue reactions were reported after microscopic evaluation, using the inflammation assessment chart. Non-parametric tests such as Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used for data analysis. This study demonstrated biocompatibility of acrylic resins and O-rings in the 15- and 30-day experiments. In the glass ionomer cement biopsies significant inflammatory reaction was detected in the 60-day experiment. Significant biocompatibility difference was observed between the coil springs groups [S.L.S-NiTi] and controls in the 30 and 60-day experiments. This study suggests that coil springs and glass ionomer cements can be considered as cytotoxic materials. Although, further studies are recommended in order to support these findings

[ relationship between periodontal diseases and ischemic heart problems]

Recent studies have suggested that there is a relationship between periodontal diseases and Ischemic heart conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of any association between periodontitis and ischemic heart disease in a sample of Iranian population. The participants of this analytical study were 120 subjects with mean age of 52 +/- 9.6 years old. The cases [n=69] were patients with proven Ischemic heart disease who were hospitalized in Cardiology Units of the Mostafa Khomeini hospital in Tehran. The control subjects [n=60] were selected from other hospital wards. Subjects were matched for known risk factors of coronary heart disease including, family history of ischemic heart disease, smoking, triglyceride and cholesterol levels, fasting blood sugar, body mass index, as well as hypertension, age and gender. All cases and controls went through clinical periodontal examination in order to measure and record the clinical attachment level, plaque index and bleeding index at six sites of the dentition [Ramfjord teeth]. The numbers of missing teeth were recorded as well. The chi-square [X2] test was used to check the group similarities with regards to age, sex, blood pressure and history of familial heart disease variables. Also, t-test was used to compare the mean BMI as well as AL, PI, BPI, TL between the two groups. The clinical attachment level, bleeding index and plaque index were significantly higher in case of ischemic heart disease patients than controls. When considering the number of missing teeth, there was no significant difference between the two groups under investigation. Periodontal disease can be a risk factor for Ischemic heart diseases in Iranian population

Predictive value of stress test and myocardial perfusion scan in different age groups based of angiographic reports

The most common methods for screening of patients with probable ischemic heart disease are stress test and in special conditions are perfusion scan, so that their positive results was important indication of coronary angiography. Although, predictive value of perfusion scan has been considered, with regard to the impact of technical and specialized factors and according to the spread of this technique that has wrongly replaced the stress test, it is necessary to compare predictive value of this method with stress test in our country. In a cross-sectional study, patients referred to Tehran Heart Center from all centers of country between January 2004 and January 2005 for coronary angiography was included. Demographic characteristics of patients were collected by interview and clinical tests and analyzed in two genders. Then, positive predictive value [PPV] of both techniques was calculated and compared. The total number of positive perfusion scan and stress test were 2178 and 2581, respectively. It was not significant difference between PPV of perfusion scan and stress test in men [86.9% vs 86.6%, P = 0.814]. PPV of perfusion scan was higher than stress test only in women more than 60 years old [P = 0.0002]. According to the results of this study and with regard to high cost of perfusion scan, it seems that in case the possibility of stress test, the use of perfusion scan had no advantages with the condition of our scan centers and especially in women, predictive value of these techniques were similar. However, it is necessary to consider the causes of this unusual finding according to the role of drugs, instruments, and specialists in the future

[Effects of progressive muscular relaxation training on anxiety level and health related quality of life in anxious patients after coronary artery bypass surgery]

There is a lack of clinical trials studying the effects of relaxation techniques as a basis of stress management on anxiety and quality of life in anxious patients after heart surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of progressive muscular relaxation training on reducing anxiety and improving quality of life among patients with high levels of anxiety after coronary artery bypass graft surgery [CABG]. A randomized controlled trial with a prospective pretest-posttest experimental design was used. One hundred ten patients with threatening anxiety level, 6 weeks after coronary artery bypass surgery were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received progressive muscular relaxation [PMR] training, and the control group received only routine cardiac rehabilitation care. State/trait anxiety was measured with the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and quality of life was measured with the SF-36 questionnaire. There were significant reductions in state anxiety] P=0.001] and trait anxiety[P=0.001] in the experimental group when compared with the controls after the intervention. Significant improvements were found in the following quality of life measures after participating in progressive muscular relaxation training: physical functioning[P=0.00001], role-physical [P=0.03], bodily pain[P=0.00001], general health[P=0.00001], vitality[P=0.00001], social functioning[P=0.001], role-emotional [P=0.00001] and mental health[P=0.00001]. Teaching relaxation techniques could serve as a resource for improving heart patients' psychological health and quality of life

In vitro biocompatibility of eight orthodontic materials in human oral fibroblasts

In orthodontic therapy, different materials are used and subjected to a damp oral environment, which can modify their properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of eight metallic and non metallic orthodontic materials in human oral fibroblast culture. The specimens consisted of eight clinically used materials, including two coil springs, two glass ionomer cements, two O-rings and two orthodontic acrylic resins. Teflon was used as a negative control. After a release period of each material in the culture medium for 20 days, the viability of oral cultivated fibroblasts was compared to the negative control by MTT assay. Biocompatibility was also assessed using the direct method in which cell viability was evaluated by an invert phase contrast microscope, after direct exposure to the tested materials. MTT assay showed stainless steel [P.V=0.665] and Bayer acrylic resin [P.V=0.l79] to be biocompatible with gingival fibroblasts. Significant differences were observed between the biocompatibility of all study groups [Nickel titanium [PV=0.037], Acropars acrylic resin [PV=0.014] and both studied O-rings [PV=0.001], [PV=0.016]] and the control group. According to the direct method, stainless steel and Nickel titanium showed grade 1, glass ionomer cements grade 4 and other materials revealed grade 0 cytotoxicity. The two studied glass ionomer cements were highly cytotoxic. Bayer acrylic resin was more biocompatible than Acropars acrylic resin

Arsenic trioxide compound modulates multiple myeloma phenotypes: Assessment on cell line models

Recent evidences suggest that multiple myeloma phenotypes [MMPs] are involved in the infiltration of multiple myeloma-affected marrow foci. In this study, the effects of arsenic trioxide on the invasive and angiogenic phenotypes of multiple myeloma [MM] cell line were assessed on a dose-response and time-course basis. Multiple myeloma cell line, Karpas 707, was treated with step-wise elevated concentrations of arsenic trioxide compound at 24, 48, and 72 h intervals. Cytotoxicity was assessed with a colorimetric assay. Potential antiinvasive phenotype was analyzed with MMP-2 zymography. To verify directly the anti angiogenic effect, F1 endothelial cell line was also treated with arsenic and the dose-dependent cytotoxicity was assessed with a colorimetric assay. Apoptotic properties of arsenic trioxide compound were investigated using TUNEL assay. The significant dose-dependent inhibitory effects of arsenic trioxide on MMP-2 were seen at given concentrations. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed much higher cell death than untreated cells [P< 0.01], both in Karpas 707 and F1 endothelial cell lines. Colectively, this study showed that arsenic trioxide might potentially elicit anti-invasive anti-angiogenesis properties in the treatment of myeloma dissemination process. In addition, the concurrent inhibition of MMPs activity and endothelial cell proliferation could compose the scenario of neoangiogenesis inhibition in the marrow-infiltrated foci

effect of music therapy on chronic pain in patients with cancer

Pain is considered as one of the complications in patients with cancer. Several methods are reported to have reduced the pain and among those, music therapy, as a noninvasive method, is sometimes used in cancer treatment to help reduce pain. To evaluate the effect of music therapy on scale of chronic pain in some patients with cancer. This semi-experimental study was performed in Tehran Central Hospital. A total number of 40 patients with cancer pain and age range of 18-70 years were studied. The degree of pain was measured with a scaled ruler [0-10]. The data was analyzed using Willcoxon statistical tests. Two equal groups of patients [20 females] and [20 males] were selected. The scale of pain in stages of pre and post-implementation of music therapy showed significant differences on the basis of variables including age, sex, duration and the type of tissue involved [alpha=%5, Z=1/645]. The data found in our study was indicative of a reduction in size of pain. Hence, music therapy is recommended as a noninvasive method to reduce pain