Suppressing fatty acid synthase by type I interferon and chemical inhibitors as a broad spectrum anti-viral strategy against SARS-CoV-2

SARS-CoV-2 is an emerging viral pathogen and a major global public health challenge since December of 2019, with limited effective treatments throughout the pandemic. As part of the innate immune response to viral infection, type I interferons (IFN-I) trigger a signaling cascade that culminates in the activation of hundreds of genes, known as interferon stimulated genes (ISGs), that collectively foster an antiviral state. We report here the identification of a group of type I interferon suppressed genes, including fatty acid synthase (FASN), which are involved in lipid metabolism. Overexpression of FASN or the addition of its downstream product, palmitate, increased viral infection while knockout or knockdown of FASN reduced infection. More importantly, pharmacological inhibitors of FASN effectively blocked infections with a broad range of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and its variants of concern. Thus, our studies not only suggest that downregulation of metabolic genes may present an antiviral strategy by type I interferon, but they also introduce the potential for FASN inhibitors to have a therapeutic application in combating emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19.

Can Prenatal and Postnatal Cell Phone Exposure Increase Adverse Maternal, Infant and Child Outcomes? / A exposição pré-natal e pós-natal a telefones celulares pode aumentar os resultados adversos para mães, bebês e crianças?

Abstract Objective To determine the association between maternal mobile phone use and adverse outcomes in infants, children, and mothers. Method In March 202, we conducted a search on the MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases. Data extraction and an assessment of the quality of the studies were performed by two authors. The quality of the studies was assessed using the checklist of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results Studies assessing behavioral problems in infants aged 6 to 18 months reported null findings. However, an increased risk of emotional and behavioral disorders was observed in children aged between 7 and 11 years whose mothers had been exposed to cell phones. The findings regarding the association between maternal cell phone exposure and adverse outcomes in children aged 3 to 5 are controversial. A study found a significant association between the call time (p=0.002) or the history of mobile phone use (in months) and speech disorders in the children (p=0.003). However, another study found that maternal cell phone use during pregnancy was not significantly associated with child psychomotor and mental developments. Inconclusive results were observed about the adverse outcomes in fetuses, such as fetal growth restriction or t scores for birth weight in cell phone users as opposed to non-users. On the contrary, the children ofmothers who were cell phone users had a lower risk of scoring low on motor skills. Similar results were observed regarding the adverse outcomes of cell phone use in infants, such as fetal growth restriction or low birth weight, and the risk of preeclampsia was lower among subjects with medium and high cell phone exposure, as opposed to those with low exposure. Conclusion Studies on behavioral problems have reported different postnatal results, such as null findings among infants and a positive association in children.

Resumo Objetivo Determinar a associação entre o uso de telefone celular pela mãe e os resultados adversos em recém-nascidos crianças e mães. Método Em março de 2020 realizou-se uma pesquisa nas bases de dados MEDLINE, Embase e Scopus. A extração de dados e avaliação da qualidade dos estudos foram realizadas por dois autores. A qualidade dos estudos foi avaliada por meio da lista de verificação da escala Newcastle-Ottawa. Resultados Estudos que avaliavam problemas comportamentais em recém-nascidos de 6 a 18 meses relataram resultados nulos. No entanto um risco aumentado de transtornos emocionais e comportamentais foi observado em crianças de 7 a 11 anos de idade cujas mães foram expostas a telefones celulares. Os resultados relacionados à associação entre a exposição materna a celulares e resultados adversos em crianças de 3 a 5 anos são controversos. Um estudo encontrou associação significativa entre o tempo de ligação (p=0.002) ou o histórico de uso de celular (emmeses) e distúrbios de fala nas crianças (p=0.003). No entanto outro estudo descobriu que o uso de telefone celular pela mãe durante a gravidez não estava significativamente associado ao desenvolvimento psicomotor e mental da criança. Resultados inconclusivos foram observados com relação aos resultados adversos de fetos como restrição de crescimento intrauterino ou valores de t para peso ao nascer em usuárias de telefone celular em oposição a não usuárias. Pelo contrário os filhos de mães usuárias de telefone celular apresentaram menor risco de pontuação baixa em habilidades motoras. Resultados semelhantes foram observados com relação a resultados adversos em recém-nascidos como restrição de crescimento intrauterino ou valores de peso ao nascere o risco de pré-eclâmpsia foimenor em indivíduos comexposição média e alta a celulares em oposição àqueles com baixa exposição. Conclusão Estudos sobre problemas comportamentais relataram resultados diferentes no pós-natal como achados nulos em recém-nascidos e associação positiva emcrianças.

The effects of coadministration of tilorone dihydrochloride and culture supernatants from Lactobacillus reuteri on the mouse hepatoma cell line

Purpose: This trial studies the feasibility and potential utility of stereotactic body radiation therapy in patients with unresectable liver metastasis. Aims: (1) The aim of this study is to assess the local response of the liver lesions poststereotactic body radiation therapy regarding number and size of lesions and (2) to evaluate the toxicity to organ (s) at risk. Materials and Methods: A total of 15 patients were enrolled in this study from November 2014 to October 2015. The inclusion criteria for this study were patients having 1–3 liver metastasis from any solid tumor except germ cell tumor or lymphoma with no evidence of progressive disease (PD) outside the liver. A planning four dimensional-computed tomography (CT) scan was taken. Planning target volume was generated by giving margin of 5 mm. Dose prescribed was 36 Gy in 3#. Response was defined by CT abdomen done at 3 and 6 months poststereotactic body radiation therapy as per RECIST guideline (v1.1). Results: At 3 months poststereotactic body radiation therapy, five patients had partial response, five patients had stable disease, and five patients had PD as per RECIST criteria. Out of 20 assessable lesions, 16 were controlled at 3 months poststereotactic body radiation therapy. The actuarial local control rate was 86% at 3 months and 77% at 6 months poststereotactic body radiation therapy. The median progression free survival was 7 months. Two patients experienced Grade 2 gastric toxicity and one patient experienced Grade 2 small bowel toxicity. No cases of radiation-induced liver disease were observed. Conclusions: This trial examines the feasibility of stereotactic body radiotherapy to liver metastasis in the Indian scenario. It shows excellent tolerability and is a safe therapeutic option for inoperable patients, showing good local control

Polyethylene glycol and lactulose versus lactulose alone in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis: a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial

In this clinical trial, polyethylene glycol [PEG] solution was compared with lactulose in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis

Methods: This randomized controlled trial was performed on 40 patients in two groups. The patients in the lactulose group received either 20-30 grams of lactulose orally or by a nasogastric tube, or 200 grams of lactulose enema by a rectal tube. The patients in the PEG-lactulose group received the same amount of oral or rectal lactulose, plus 280 grams of PEG in 4 liters of water orally as a single dose in 30-120 minutes. Serial physical examinations, hepatic encephalopathy scoring algorithm [HESA], blood level of ammonia, and serum biochemical studies were used to evaluate the severity of hepatic encephalopathy

Results: In comparison with lactulose alone, PEG-lactulose could improve HESA score in 24 hours more effectively [p =0.04]. Overall, PEG-lactulose regimen was associated with a decrease in length of hospital stay compared with lactulose treatment [p =0.03] but in subgroup analysis we found that PEG-lactulose regimen could only decrease the length of hospital stay in women significantly [p =0.01]

Conclusion: The use of PEG along with lactulose in comparison with lactulose alone is more effective in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis and results in more rapid discharge from hospital

Borderline tumors of the ovary: a clinicopathological study

Objective: To report experience with borderline ovarian tumors [BOTs] in a developing country like Pakistan with limited resources and weak database of health system

Methods: Patients with BOTs managed at Shaukat Khanum Cancer hospital, Lahore, Pakistan from 2004 to 2014 were included and reviewed retrospectively. Data was recorded on histopathological types, age, CA-125, stage of disease, treatment modalities and outcomes

Results: Eighty-six patients with BOT were included with a median age of 35 years. Forty-two [49%] patients had serous BOTs and 43 [50%] had mucinous BOTs, while one [1%] had mixed type. Using FIGO staging, 80 patients had stage I; two patients had IIA, IIB and stage III each. Median follow-up time was 31.5 months. All patients had primary surgery. Seventy [81%] patients underwent complete surgical resection of tumor. Forty-three [50%] patients had fertility preserving surgery. Seventy-three [85%] patients remained in remission. Recurrent disease was observed in 13 [15%] patients. Median time to recurrence was 22 months. On further analysis, age above forty years, late stage at diagnosis and incomplete surgery were significantly associated with invasive recurrence

Conclusion: Despite a low malignant potential, relapses may occur in patients above forty years of age, incomplete surgery and staging information and advanced stage at presentation. Fertility sparing surgery should be considered in young patients. Complete excision of tumor and prolonged follow-up are advised because recurrence and transformation to invasive carcinoma may occur

Irreversible electroporation for the treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Resection or enucleation is currently the treatment of choice for small pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Irreversible electroporation is a novel ablative method that is used for locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma, but little data exists for its use for pancreatic NETs. We report an early experience of IRE for early pancreatic NETs. METHODS: Between April 2014 and March 2015, 3 patients with small (<2 cm) pancreatic NETs were treated with percutaneous IRE. RESULTS: There were no adverse effects during the procedure. Mean hospital stay was 2.6 days. All patients remained disease free on 12-19 months follow up. One patient developed recurrent pancreatitis with pseudocyst formation. CONCLUSIONS: IRE for small tumors of the pancreas is practical and may offer advantages over other thermal ablative techniques, since it preserves vital structures such as blood vessels, bile and pancreatic ducts. Further data regarding the long term disease free interval is required to establish efficacy.

Investigative and extrapolative role of microRNAs' genetic expression in breast carcinoma

MicroRNAs [miRs] are non-coding ribonucleic acids consisting of about 18-22 nucleotide bases. Expression of several miRs can be altered in breast carcinomas in comparison to healthy breast tissue, or between various subtypes of breast cancer. These are regulated as either oncogene or tumor suppressors, this shows that their expression is misrepresented in cancers. Some miRs are specifically associated with breast cancer and are affected by cancer-restricted signaling pathways e.g. downstream of estrogen receptor-alpha or HER2/neu.Connection of multiple miRs with breast cancer, and the fact that most of these post transcript structures may transform complex functional networks of mRNAs, identify them as potential investigative, extrapolative and predictive tumor markers, as well as possible targets for treatment. Investigative tools that are currently available are RNA-based molecular techniques. An additional advantage related to miRs in oncology is that they are remarkably stable and are notably detectable in serum and plasma.Literature search was performed by using database of PubMed, the keywords used were microRNA [52 searches] AND breast cancer [169 searches]. PERN was used by database of Bahria University, this included literature and articles from international sources; 2 articles from Pakistan on this topic were consulted [one in international journal and one in a local journal]. Of these, 49 articles were shortlisted which discussed relation of microRNA genetic expression in breast cancer. These articles were consulted for this review

New concepts on pathogenesis and diagnosis of liver fibrosis; a review article

Liver fibrosis is a potentially reversible response to hepatic insults, triggered by different chronic diseases most importantly viral hepatitis, alcoholic, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In the course of the chronic liver disease, hepatic fibrogenesis may develop, which is attributed to various types of cells, molecules, and pathways. Activated hepatic stellate cell [HSC], the primary source of extracellular matrix [ECM], is fundamental in pathophysiology of fibrogenesis, and thus is the most attractable target for reversing liver fibrosis. Although, liver biopsy has long been considered as the gold standard for diagnosis and staging of hepatic fibrosis, assessing progression and regression by biopsy is hampered by its limitations. We provide recent views on noninvasive approaches including serum biomarkers and radiologic techniques

evaluation of the type of lectures by mbbs students

The current study was done to pilot different techniques of making lectures interactive and to find out compliance of the students with interactive lectures. Prospective / comparative study. This study was carried out at the Department of Pharmacology, Aziz Fatima Medical and Dental College, Faisalabad from 01.04.2014 to 30.04.2014. An entire class of 3[rd] year MBBS students [n =F 65] was given interactive and the regular lectures for the Drugs acting on The Central nervous system in Pharmacology. Out of the total number of 12 lectures, alternative lectures were delivered in an interactive style. At the end of 12 lectures, students' opinion was obtained using a structured feedback evaluation questionnaire, having 5 statements on a 5 point Likert scale. 92% of the students found that interactive lectures are more effective. Notably more number of students agreed or strongly agreed that interactive lectures amplified alertness, developed interest, by-passed monotony, and urged them to learn by themselves as compared to usual lectures. The students preferred use of video-clips [65%],followed by each-one-teach-one. The use of interactive lectures to create interest among students is supported by the results of the study. An interactive lecture was more easily listened and considered to be more useful than the regular lecture by the students

Malondialdehyde-modified LDL IgG antibody levels and indices of cardiac function in valvular heart and coronary artery disease patients

To compare the changes in anti-malondialde-hyde-modified low-density lipoprotein [MDA-LDL] IgG levels among patients undergoing off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG] or valvuloplasty. A total of 38, 39 and 34 patients who underwent off-pump CABG, on-pump CABG and valvuloplasty, respectively, were enrolled in this study. Serum anti-MDA-LDL IgG values were measured 24 h before and after the operative procedures and at discharge. Echocardiogra-phy was also done before surgery and before discharge. The results were compared with values from 50 healthy controls. In all patients, a reduction in antibody titers was observed post-operatively. However, the decrease was significant only in the off-pump CABG - before surgery: 42.33 [25.83-58.51], after surgery: 30.86 [16.36-51.33] and at discharge: 10.96 [6.82-23.57; p = 0.027]. There was a significant positive association between anti-MDA-LDL IgG levels and ejection fraction [r = 0.248, p = 0.036] and a negative association with E/E', a marker of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, in the coronary patients [r = -0.345, p = 0.012], but no significant associations were found in patients with valvular heart disease. Serum anti-MDA-LDL IgG levels were associated with cardiac function indices in coronary patients undergoing CABG

Time trend analysis and demographic features of inflammatory bowel disease in Tehran

This retrospective study is aimed to review demographic and clinical characteristics of IBD to elucidate the probable factors associating with IBD development in Taleghani Hospital in Iran since 2001 during a 12-year-period. Ulcerative colitis [UC] and Crohn's disease [CD] are two major idiopathic entities of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Previous studies have reported an increased incidence of IBD in Middle East countries. In the present study 1914 patients with UC, 318 patients with CD and 25 with indeterminate colitis [IC] were included. Demographic information, clinical features, extraintestinal manifestations, complications and extension of disease were collected and interpreted for all participants. According to the time of registration, patients were divided into seven groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test. In seven groups of IBD patients, disease registry was estimated for UC, CD, and total IBD during a 12-year-period. From 2001 to 2005, a relative increased registry was observed among UC patients. However, in the years 2006 and 2007 a significant reduction in the number of patients was reported. Then an increasing trend was observed in UC patients. UC presented mostly with diarrhea, hematochezia and bloody diarrhea, while most of CD patients complained of abdominal pain. Evaluation of data related to registered IBD patients in Iran shows that probable incidence and prevalence of IBD [UC and CD] is increasing compared to previous decades

Consequences of tooth bleaching on dental tissues and composite restorations: literature review

The objective of this review article is to abridge all the available information regarding the Mechanism of tooth bleaching and their consequences on dental soft and hard tissues structures .physical properties morphology and color of composite restorations. The controversial reviews regarding the effects of dental bleaching agents were reviewed. Information from the original scientific full papers and reviews listed in Google scholar PubMed or Science Direct were included in this review. Bleaching may apply an adverse influence on composite restorations. It is advisable to reduce the usage of bleaching products where possible

Evaluation of retention of two different cast post-core systems and fracture resistance of the restored teeth

Statement of the Problem: The survival of pulpless teeth restored with different post and core systems is still a controversial issue

Purpose: This study compared the retention of two different post and core systems and also the fracture resistance of teeth restored with these systems

Material and Method: Eighty endodontically treated maxillary central incisors were sectioned perpendicular to the long axis at a point 2mm incisal to the cementoenamel junction [CEJ] and then the root canals were obturated. The restored teeth were randomly divided into two equal groups of 40. One group was restored with Nickel-Chromium [Ni-Cr] post and core system and the other group with Non-Precious Gold alloy [NPG] system. For evaluation of fracture resistance of the restored teeth, the specimens [n=20 per each group] were mounted in acrylic resin blocks and a layer of polyvinyl siloxane was applied to cover the roots. Loads were applied at an angle of 45 degrees to the long axis of the teeth and measured with a universal testing machine. The axial retention values of the studied groups [no=20] were measured on an Instron testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 19.00 and student's t-test [alpha=0.05]

Results: Although retention failure load for Ni-Cr system was lower than NPG system, there was no significant difference between the two systems [p= 0.7]. However, fracture resistance of the teeth restored with Ni-Cr post and core system was significantly higher than NPG group [p= 0.000]

Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the retention of the studied post and core systems. Although significantly higher fracture thresholds were recorded for Ni-Cr post and core group, the failure loads of both systems may rarely occur clinically

[Effects of aromatherapy by Rosaceous on the severity and systemic symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea]

Background and Aim: Dysmenorrhea, defined as pain associated with menstruation that affects millions of women in the reproductive age worldwide. Considering the high prevalence of dysmenorrhea and its adverse consequences on quality of life, the present study examined the effects of Rosaceous on the severity of primary dysmenorrhea and its systemic manifestations

Materials and Methods: This double blind clinical trial was performed on 110 students of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. Students randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. Both groups were matched before intervention for age, education level, BMI, income, education wife, age of menarche and marital status. In the intervention group in the first 3 days of menstruation, 10 drops of Rosaceous extract were given to the subjects two times daily for two consecutive menstrual cycles. The controls take placebo. Severity of primary dysmenorrhea is compared in the two groups using the paired t test and between groups using the independent t test

Findings: The severity of primary dysmenorrhea and systemic manifestations decreased in both groups, this reduction was more significant in the Rosaceous group [p <0.001]

Conclusions: The results of this study results showed a positive impact of Rosaceous in reduction of severity of primary dysmenorrhea and systemic manifestations. It seems that can be used to reduce the severity of primary dysmenorrhea and systemic manifestations

effect of wheat germ extract on premenstrual syndrome symptoms

Pre-menstrual syndrome is one of the most common disorders in women and impairs work and social relationships. Several treatment modalities have been proposed including herbal medicines. Considering the properties of wheat germ, this study aimed to determine the effects of wheat germ extract on the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. This triple blind clinical trial was conducted on 84 women working in hospitals affiliated to Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. Subjects completed daily symptom record form for two consecutive months. After definitive diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome, they were randomly divided into two groups of 50 people. Then, for two consecutive months, 400 mg capsules of wheat germ extract or placebo were used three times a day, from day 16 until day 5 of the next menstrual cycle. Wheat germ significantly reduced physical symptoms [63.56%], psychological symptoms [66.30%], and the general score [64.99%]. Although the severity of symptoms decreased in both groups, this reduction was more significant in the wheat germ extract group [p < 0.001]. On the other hand, physical symptoms decreased only in the wheat germ extract [p < 0.001] and there was no statistically significant difference in the placebo group. No complications were observed in any of the groups. It seems that using wheat germ extract reduces general, psychological and physical symptoms

An Empirical Approach to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhoea: An Optimised Method for Developing Countries

Background: We aimed to test a new approach for repairing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and to determine the demographic, diagnostic, and treatment factors associated with the successful management of intracranial complication. Owing to the high frequency of endoscopic surgeries and the low cost of medical care in Iran, we decided to report our experience of reconstruction after CSF leaks. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our experience in the diagnosis and management of CSF rhinorrhoea in Iran between 2005 and 2012. The locations of all pre-repair leaks were identified using simple, readily available methods. The follow-up time ranged from 2 to 72 months. Results: Of the 37 participants, 59.5% were men and the mean age was 33 years. The success rate was 86.1%, and the most common aetiological factor was trauma (57%). The most common location was the ethmoidal fovea (45.9%), followed by the sphenoid sinus (24.3%), the cribriform plate (13.5%), and the posterior table of the frontal sinus (5.4%). Conclusions: Medical care in Iran has considerable budget restrictions. This study advocates a practical method of treatment for patients in similar circumstances, with a success rate of 86.1% when compared to the 90.6% achieved with other techniques.

Is supplementation efficacious in maintaining adequate plasma levels of vitamin A and E for thalassemic patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation? a cross-sectional study

Thalassemia along with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation [HSCT] can lead to major oxidative stress. Vitamins A and E are antioxidants which protect membrane from lipid peroxidation. We sought to determine for the first time, whether vitamins A and E supplementation is efficacious in maintaining or increasing plasma level of these vitamins in thalassemic children undergoing HSCT. A cross-sectional study was performed on 50 children with beta-thalassemia major hospitalized for HSCT. Patients took a daily multivitamin. Plasma vitamins A and E levels were measured at four different times: on admission, HSCT day [day 0], day 7 and day 14 after HSCT. Plasma vitamin A and E were abnormal on admission in most patients [62.0% and 60.0% respectively]. Ratio of patient with normal to abnormal plasma level of the vitamins improved from baseline to a peak on day 7 then deteriorated afterward until day 14. There was an increasingly positive correlation between daily oral intake and plasma vitamin A at different times, but plasma vitamin E showed inverse correlation at first which tended towards no correlation subsequently. In multivariate analysis, supplementation significantly changed plasma level of vitamin A at different measurement time [P=0.001] within study subjects. But, plasma level of vitamin E showed no significant difference [P=0.2]. Our findings suggest that oral supplementation could have beneficial effects due to increasing plasma vitamin A level and preventing plasma vitamin E depletion

Recent trends and geographical distribution of thyroid cancer in iran from 2004 to 2009

To prevent and control the cancers in Iran, the Iranian Department of Health has released the cancer rates data of the country. As the report has suggested, the incidence rate of thyroid cancer would be the most rapidly increasing among all the cancers. The study has aimed to carry out a qualitative assessment of thyroid cancer in Iran, during the 2004 to 2009, in a cross-sectional setting. The incidence rates, the trend of individual provinces, the mean age at which the disease occurred, the correlation between incidence rate and median urinary iodine concentration were the parameters evaluated in our study. The average annual incidence rate during these six years was 2.17 per 100000. Chaharmahal-o-bakhtiari, had the highest incidence rate, but the East Azerbaijan provinces had the lowest incidence rates respectively. The age of diagnosis was the lowest in Ardebil but the highest in West Azerbaijan. In our study, we have found the positive correlation between thyroid cancer incidences with low urinary iodine concentration among all provinces [p-value=0.025]. Presently, the only recognized measure procedure for reducing thyroid cancer risk would be perhaps the correction of median urinary iodine concentration. Further researches have seemed to be required for investigation the other factors, in order to introduce preventive measures in Iran

[Primary dysmenorrhea and complementary medicine]

Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecological complaints of women and causes dysfunction in common activities and absenteeism from school and work. Safest and most reliable treatment for primary dysmenorrhea that its usefulness is also proven is complementary medicine. Considering the prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea and damaging side effects of some synthetic drugs, the present study has been done to evaluate the effect of complementary medicine on primary dysmenorrhea. After searching the databases Pubmed, SID, Scirus and Elsevier and after searching about 60 data sources from 2000 to 2013, the following findings were obtained. complementary medicine includes the use of dietary supplements, vitamins, aroma therapy, herbal therapy, homeopathy, acupressure, sport and massage and is safe, affordable, and accessible. It has less side effects, acceptability and high tolerability and can replace highly morbid chemical agents. based on the findings of the present research on the prevalence of dysmenorrhea, further studies on the side effects and benefits of complementary medicine and comparing the influence of complementary medicine with chemical drugs is mandatory

[Effect of "healthy heart education program" on the knowledge and attitude of junior high school students regarding cardiovascular diseases in Birjand during 2011]

Background and Aim: Nowadays, Cardiovascular diseases [CVD] are the most important cause of death in the world. Given the role of cardiac risk factors in the development of atherosclerosis in childhood, the present study was done to investigate the effect of "healthy heart education program." on knowledge and attitude of junior1 students in Birjand during 2011

Materials and Methods: This pre-post quasi-experimental study was done on 395 first grade students of Birjand junior high schools. Multistage randomized sampling method was used. A self-designed questionnaire on the basis of the specified goals of the study was designed, after confirming its validity and reliability. The questionnaires were filled out in two stages, namely before and after interference. The obtained data was analyzed using SPSS software [V:16] at the significant level of alpha=0.05

Results: Mean age of students was 12.48 +/- 0.57 years and 181 [45.8%] were male. Mean score of knowledge on risk factors of CVD was 8.26 +/- 3.21 before the education and 9.31 +/- 3.77 after it [P<0.001]. Mean of the students' attitude also increased from 38 +/- 4.93 to 39.1 +/- 5.78 [P<0.001]

Conclusion: The impact of education on awareness and attitudes of the students was confirmed. Thus, healthy heart education programs in schools, as an educational priority, should be considered by the officials and managers in health and education systems