Echocardiographic assessment of myocardial infarction: comparison of a rat model in two strains.

The purpose of this study was to induce myocardial infarction (MI) and compare the echocardiographic parameters and mortality ratio of Lewis inbred and Wistar outbred strain before and after the procedure to help choose the best one for MI studies. In this study MI was induced in 46 Lewis and 34 Wistar by occlusion of left anterior descending artery (LAD). Doppler, two-dimensional (2-D) and 2-D guided M-mode images were recorded from parasternal long-axis and parasternal short-axis and apical four-chamber views. The following parameters were acquired. Interventricular septum diastolic and systolic dimension (IVSd, s), diastolic and systolic left ventricular internal diameter (LVIDd, s), diastolic and systolic left ventricular posterior wall dimension (LVPWd, s), ejection fraction (EF), and fractional shortening (FS). The significant changes were observed in systolic IVS, LVID and EF and FS before and after MI and no significant difference was detected between Lewis and Wistar. The high mortality rate of 51% was seen in the procedure, including anesthesia in Lewis compared to 34% in Wistar. As a conclusion the echocardiographic parameters of these two strains were similar, but according to mortality rate and more cardiac anatomic variation in Lewis rats, Wistar is better for MI studies.

A clinical trial comparing the effect of peer education and orientation program on the anxiety levels of pre-CABG surgery patients.

Background and Objectives: One of the main treatment methods of coronary artery disease is coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The anxiety level in patients undergoing this surgery is relatively very high. Thus, reducing anxiety in these patients is an important step toward wellness. This study aimed to compare the effects of peer education (PE) and orientation program (OP) on the anxiety levels of patients before CABG surgery. Material and Methods:This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2014 at the Mazandaran Heart Center on three groups of 50 persons each: PE, OP, and control (Cl). The anxiety levels of patients in each group were measured one day and one hour before the surgery. All groups received routine education. In addition, the PE group received PE and the OP group received OP. Two questionnaires were used to collect the demographics and the clinical data; and Spielberg state anxiety questionnaire was used to measure the anxiety level. Data from descriptive statistics, chi-square, ANOVA, ANCOVA, Bonferroni, and Fisher exact test were analyzed in SPSS v20 software. Findings: The mean anxiety score before surgery was not significantly different in the three groups (P=0.955). However, after the intervention at 1 h before surgery, the mean anxiety level in the PE and OP group was lower than in the Cl group (P=0.000). However, the mean anxiety score between PE and OP groups showed no significant difference (P=0.051). Conclusion: Both PE and OP group reduced the anxiety naturally developed in a patient before surgery. Although the influence of the PE group was greater in reducing anxiety, the use of this technique in clinical practices required further studies.

Exploring the religious and spiritual coping experience of cases via cancer: A qualitative research.

Objective: Lately, the spiritual and religious (S/R) aspect of health behave has been receiving an increased attention in the scientific literature. The study aims to show the components of R/ S coping in cases of cancer in Iran. Method: The design of the current research is according to a qualitative research using content analysis. Sixteen patients with various kinds of cancer take part in the research. Data was produced though in-depth discussions and the gratified investigation utilized to discover categories and sub-themes. Results: Three categories combined from the information investigation: 1) Maintaining/ improving self-esteem, 2) Positive appraisal/ Being optimistic, and 3) Self-sustaining. In the participants' view, the general category realized to be the "improving calmness". Conclusions: Positive R/S coping strategies were used by the patients and most cancer patients tried to achieve calmness through R/ S coping. The findings of the research can be used to plan medical and nursing approach towards increasing the R/S quality care both in the acute and the long-term settings.

Leptin gene G-2548A polymorphism in Iranian subjects with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a serious public health problem and one of the important risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease in developed countries. Adipose tissue is considered a secretory organ that releases a variety of molecules referred to adipocytokines such as leptin, so polymorphism of these protein genes may play an important role in development of MetS. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the genetic varieties of Lep-2548G/A between MetS and healthy subjects. METHODS: In this case-control study, the relationship between LEP G-2548A polymorphism and MetS was evaluated in Iranian participants, 200 patients (142 women and 58 men) and 200 controls (122 women and 78 men) who were randomly selected from Hamadan city. Blood samples were collected; moreover, routine biochemical analysis, DNA extraction, and serum leptin measurements were done. LEP G-2548A genotypes were identified by a PCR-RFLP technique. RESULTS: Our findings showed significant differences between biochemical factors and leptin concentration between two groups. Females show more serum leptin concentration than males. There was no significant difference in polymorphism of Lep-2548G/A between MetS and healthy subjects. Although we cannot find any correlation between leptin concentration and BMI, some relation exists with LDL-C, HDL-C and TG (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, it is concluded that leptin probably has a key role in metabolic syndrome development and further research in this area is needed.

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) -629C/A polymorphism and it's effects on the serum lipid levels in metabolic syndrome patients.

Metabolic syndrome is a relatively common disorder with significant morbidity worldwide. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays a central role in the metabolism of lipoproteins. In this study the effect of -629C/A polymorphism on the concentration of CETP and plasma lipids pattern was elicited in metabolic syndrome patients and control subjects. For this, a sample of 200 patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome disorder was studied in comparison with 200 healthy controls. This study was performed by using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Genotype distribution and allelic frequencies were determined and compared in metabolic syndrome and healthy controls. To determine the relationship between -629C/A polymorphism and lipid levels, lipids and CETP concentration were measured in metabolic syndrome and normal subjects. The results showed a significant difference between two groups in terms of FBS, cholesterol, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C levels as well as BMI, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The genotype frequencies for this polymorphism differed significantly between metabolic syndrome patients and controls (in control group: CC% 20.5, CA% 76, AA% 3.5 and in patient group: CC% 28.5, CA% 53.5, AA% 18) (p < 0.05) while there was no significant difference in the frequency of the alleles. In the two groups, the levels of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein in AA genotype were lower than other genotypes. In the control group, individuals with AA genotype had the highest levels of LDL-C and TC plasma concentration. Considering the results of this study, it can be concluded that the -629 AA genotype was associated with high cholesterol; high LDL-C and low CETP level, so that it can be related to metabolic syndrome.

Incidence of leptospirosis in Mazandaran Province, north of Iran: a one year survey.

The aim of this study was to provide the first report of incidence of leptospirosis and to determine the epidemiology of this zoonotic disease in Mazandaran Province, North of Iran. In the period of one year, from April 2007 to April 2008, forty seven confirmed reports of human cases of leptospirosis was received by Mazandaran Health Centre from local hospitals and leptospirosis laboratory. The annual incidence rate for the total population was 1.6 per 100,000 person-year. The majority of cases were males (84.1%). The maximum number of cases was seen to occur between 40 and 59 years of age. Seasonal outbreak of leptospirosis was seen in summer (70.3%). Farmers (57.4%) more frequently affected by disease than other occupations. In conclusion, it is necessary for medical practitioner to pay attention to leptospirosis in farmers during summer season.