Highly Tunable Cellulosic Hydrogels with Dynamic Solar Modulation for Energy-Efficient Windows.

Smart windows that can passively regulate incident solar radiation by dynamically modulating optical transmittance have attracted increasing scientific interest due to their potential economic and environmental savings. However, challenges remain in the global adoption of such systems, given the extreme variability in climatic and economic conditions across different geographical locations. Aiming these issues, a methylcellulose (MC) salt system is synthesized with high tunability for intrinsic optical transmittance (89.3%), which can be applied globally to various locations. Specifically, the MC window exhibits superior heat shielding potential below transition temperatures, becoming opaque at temperatures above the Lower Critical Solution Temperature and reducing the solar heat gain by 55%. This optical tunability is attributable to the particle size change triggered by the temperature-induced reversible coil-to-globular transition. This leads to effective refractive index and scattering modulation, making them prospective solutions for light management systems, an application ahead of intelligent fenestration systems. During the field tests, MC-based windows demonstrated a 9 °C temperature decrease compared to double-pane windows on sunny days and a 5 °C increase during winters, with simulations predicting an 11% energy savings. The ubiquitous availability of materials, low cost, and ease-of-manufacturing will provide technological equity and foster the ambition toward net-zero buildings.

Extensively drug-resistant Salmonella typhi Infection in Adults; Experience from A Tertiary Care Hospital.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the epidemiology, clinical features, and complications of extensively drug-resistant Salmonella typhi (XDR S. typhi) infection in adults. Method: This cross-sectional study enrolled adults with culture-proven XDR S. typhi admitted to Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar from 1st March to 10th September 2022. Their demographic characteristics, clinical features, treatment, and complications were recorded. Results: Out of 84 patients, 68 (80.9%) were male. The mean age of enrolled patients was 25.2 ± 11.3 years. The mean duration of fever at the time of admission was 13.6 ± 8.2 days, respectively. The most common symptom was loose stools (n=25, 29.8%). Most of the patients (n=69, 82.1%) had received empirical treatment before hospitalization. The majority of the patients (n=42, 50%) received meropenem and a combination of meropenem and azithromycin (n=35, 41.7%) during the study. The time to defervescence for both regimens was similar. Five patients (6%) developed complications of enteric fever. There was no mortality among the participants. Conclusions: Diarrhea was the most common associated clinical feature in XDR typhoid fever. Most of the patients received meropenem alone or in combination with azithromycin with a comparable time to defervescence. The majority of the patients recovered uneventfully and there was no mortality among the study participants.

Robust tag-free aptasensor for monitoring of tobramycin: Architecting of rolling circle amplification and fluorescence synergism.

With the unpredictable risks on human health and ecological safety, tobramycin (TOB) as an extensively applied antibiotic has embraced global concern. Herein, a label-free fluorescent aptasensor was developed that opened up an innovative sensing strategy for monitoring trace TOB levels. Based on the rolling circle amplification (RCA) process, a giant DNA building was established by the catalytic action of T4 DNA ligase and Phi 29 DNA polymerase with the cooperation of the specific aptamer as a primer skeleton. By having the role of signal amplifier template, the RCA product with the G-quadruplex sequence duplications was decorated by a high number of the thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescent dyes. The aptasensor with good selectivity toward TOB achieved a detection limit as low as 150 pM. Thanks to its accurate target quantification, ease of operation, economic manufacture, as well as high potency for real-time and point-of-care testing, the represented aptasensor is superb for clinical application and food safety control.

Accelerated Wound Healing with a Diminutive Scar through Cocrystal Engineered Curcumin.

Pharmaceutical cocrystals ( Regulatory Classification of Pharmaceutical Co-Crystals Guidance for Industry; Food and Drug Administration, 2018) are crystalline solids produced through supramolecular chemistry to modulate the physicochemical properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Despite their extensive development in interdisciplinary sciences, this is a pioneering study on the efficacy of pharmaceutical cocrystals in wound healing and scar reducing. Curcumin-pyrogallol cocrystal (CUR-PYR) was accordingly cherry-picked since its superior physicochemical properties adequately compensate for limitative drawbacks of curcumin (CUR). CUR-PYR has been synthesized by a liquid-assisted grinding (LAG) method and characterized via FT-IR, DSC, and PXRD analyses. In vitro antibacterial study indicated that CUR-PYR cocrystal, CUR+PYR physical mixture (PM), and PYR are more effective against both Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) bacteria in comparison with CUR. In vitro results also demonstrated that the viability of HDF and NIH-3T3 cells treated with CUR-PYR were improved more than those received CUR which is attributed to the effect of PYR in the form of cocrystal. The wound healing process has been monitored through a 15 day in vivo experiment on 75 male rats stratified into six groups: five groups treated by CUR-PYR+Vaseline (CUR-PYR.ung), CUR+PYR+Vaseline (CUR+PYR.ung), CUR+Vaseline (CUR.ung), PYR+Vaseline (PYR.ung), and Vaseline (VAS) ointments and a negative control group of 0.9% sodium chloride solution (NS). It was revealed that the wounds under CUR-PYR.ung treatment closed by day 12 postsurgery, while the wounds in other groups failed to reach the complete closure end point until the end of the experiment. Surprisingly, a diminutive scar (3.89 ± 0.97% of initial wound size) was observed in the CUR-PYR.ung treated wounds by day 15 after injury, followed by corresponding values for PYR.ung (12.08 ± 2.75%), CUR+PYR.ung (13.89 ± 5.02%), CUR.ung (16.24 ± 6.39%), VAS (18.97 ± 6.89%), and NS (20.33 ± 5.77%). Besides, investigating histopathological parameters including inflammation, granulation tissue, re-epithelialization, and collagen deposition signified outstandingly higher ability of CUR-PYR cocrystal in wound healing than either of its two constituents separately or their simple PM. It was concluded that desired solubility of the prepared cocrystal was essentially responsible for accelerating wound closure and promoting tissue regeneration which yielded minimal scarring. This prototype research suggests a promising application of pharmaceutical cocrystals for the purpose of wound healing.

Determining the periodontal phenotype-Probe transparency versus actual: A diagnostic study.

AIMS: Assessment of the validity of the transparency of the periodontal probe as a tool for determining the periodontal phenotype. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The periodontal phenotype was assessed at the six upper anterior teeth of 75 subjects using two methods. One is through assessing the transparency of the periodontal probe upon insertion into the gingival sulcus. The second method was through the assessment and clustering of the width of keratinized gingiva clinically and the gingival and buccal plate thickness on Cone Beam Computed Tomography scan. RESULTS: The probe transparency approach correctly identified thick periodontal phenotype in most cases (41 out of 43 [95%]). However, this was not the case for thin periodontal phenotype; probe transparency approach identified 64% of the thin sites (261 out of 407) and misclassified nearly one third of the patients. CONCLUSION: The probe transparency approach is a valid approach in identifying the phenotype in subjects with thick phenotype but not in subjects with thin phenotype. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The definition of periodontal phenotype has recently changed. Accurate designation has been shown to affect treatment outcomes especially esthetic ones in different disciplines of dentistry. Probe transparency is commonly used by clinicians and researchers. Assessment of the validity of this method based on the most recent definition and compared to actual assessment of bone and gingival thickness is of great clinical value.

Measurement and risk perception of non-ionizing radiation from base transceiver stations in Dhaka City of Bangladesh.

Multiple harmful health effects can have on the population from non-ionizing radiation (NIR) sources. To date, there has been no extensive data collection about NIR emitted from base transceiver stations in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. This study aims to remedy that by collecting data and comparing the processed data to the international standards, International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines, and standards of other countries. For this, measurement data were collected from 361 different publicly accessible locations in Dhaka City applying a convenience sampling approach. The measured average electric field exceeded the 1800 MHz threshold values of 36.84, 33.5, and 7.5% of the time compared with the thresholds of China, India, and Japan, respectively, followed by the measured average electromagnetic field values, which were 57, 52, and 29%, respectively. No exceedance was seen for radiofrequency power flux for the investigated countries. Approximately 35% of the calculated average specific energy absorption rate values exceeded the ICNIRP recommended public exposure limit of 0.08 W/kg. Based on this data, it is suggested that detailed NIR exposure regulations need to be created and proper oversight and enforcement over operators are required to avoid potential health effects.

Extensively drug-resistant typhoid fever; it's not that simple: a case report.

Multi-drug resistant strains of Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) has remained endemic in developing countries for the last two decades. With irrational use of antibiotics, an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strain of S. typhi, sensitive only to Carbapenems and Azithromycin, has evolved which was first reported in Sindh, Pakistan, in 2018. Most of the cases of XDR S. typhi infection treated with antibiotics improve without any complications. Failure to respond to appropriate antibiotics should raise the suspicion of visceral abscesses. Splenic abscess is a rare complication of S. typhi infection. A patient with splenic abscess due to XDR S. typhi has been reported who responded to prolonged antibiotic treatment. We report the case of a young boy from Peshawar with multiple splenic abscesses due to XDR S. typhi which did not respond to percutaneous aspiration and culture-guided antibiotics for two weeks. Eventually, he had to undergo splenectomy. He has remained afebrile since then.

ABO / Rh-D Blood types and susceptibility to Corona Virus Disease-19 in Peshawar, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between ABO/Rh-D blood types and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection in Pakistan. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 1935 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were included using consecutive sampling. Age and gender-matched sample of 1935 blood donors was used as a comparison group. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used for inferential statistics. RESULTS: Significantly higher proportion of blood type-B was observed in COVID-19 group (35.9% vs 31.9%, p=0.009). Blood type-AB was found more frequently (14.2% vs 11.8%, p=0.03) in the comparison group. The Rh-D Positive blood types were 93.3% in COVID-19 group and 94.9% in comparison group (p=0.03). The odds of blood type-B, AB and Rh-D positive to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 were 1.195 (95% CI 1.04 - 1.36, p=0.009), 0.80 (95% CI 0.66 - 0.97, p=0.03) and 0.75 (95% CI 0.57- 0.98, p = 0.03), respectively. Blood types A and O did not have significant association with SARS-CoV-2 PCR result (p = 0.22 and 0.88, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There is significant association between blood types B & AB and susceptibility to COVID-19. There is no association between blood types A and O with COVID-19. Rh- D positive blood types are less susceptible to COVID-19.

A Novel AS1411 Aptamer-Based Three-Way Junction Pocket DNA Nanostructure Loaded with Doxorubicin for Targeting Cancer Cells in Vitro and in Vivo.

Active targeting of nanostructures containing chemotherapeutic agents can improve cancer treatment. Here, a three-way junction pocket DNA nanostructure was developed for efficient doxorubicin (Dox) delivery into cancer cells. The three-way junction pocket DNA nanostructure is composed of three strands of AS1411 aptamer as both a therapeutic aptamer and nucleolin target, the potential biomarker of prostate (PC-3 cells) and breast (4T1 cells) cancers. The properties of the Dox-loaded three-way junction pocket DNA nanostructure were characterized and verified to have several advantages, including high serum stability and a pH-responsive property. Cellular uptake studies showed that the Dox-loaded DNA nanostructure was preferably internalized into target cancer cells (PC-3 and 4T1 cells). MTT cell viability assay demonstrated that the Dox-loaded DNA nanostructure had significantly higher cytotoxicity for PC-3 and 4T1 cells compared to that of nontarget cells (CHO cells, Chinese hamster ovary cell). The in vivo antitumor effect showed that the Dox-loaded DNA nanostructure was more effective in prohibition of the tumor growth compared to free Dox. These findings showed that the Dox-loaded three-way junction pocket DNA nanostructure could significantly reduce the cytotoxic effects of Dox against nontarget cells.

The effects of prebiotic supplementation on weight gain, diarrhoea, constipation, fever and respiratory tract infections in the first year of life.

AIM: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of prebiotics on some common clinical ailments in healthy term infants. METHODS: Sixty healthy-term, breastfed (BF) infants were included. Along with these infants, 120 healthy-term formula-fed infants were randomly assigned to either the prebiotic formula (PF, n = 60) or regular formula (RF, n = 60) groups. Ready-to-use prebiotic-supplemented formula containing galacto-oligosaccharides and polydextrose (ratio 1:1) was used. RESULTS: At 2 months of age, PF infants demonstrated significantly higher weight gain than BF and RF. At 6 months of age, bodyweight was significantly higher in the RF group compared to BF and PF groups (P < 0.05). Similar results were seen at 8, 10 and 12 months of age. At 10 months of age, the duration of diarrhoea was significantly shorter in PF-fed compared to the RF (P = 0.03) group. A significant difference was found between PF and RF (P < 0.0001) and BF and RF groups (P = 0.002) for diarrhoea duration. Means of constipation episodes per year were 0.03 ± 0.18, 0.433 ± 0.77 and 0.1 ± 0.30 for the BF, RF and PF groups, respectively, with significant difference found between BF and RF (P = 0.006) and PF and RF (P = 0.02). The means of episodes of respiratory tract infections per year for BF, RF and PF groups were 1 ± 0.69, 1.6 ± 0.88 and 1 ± 0.58, respectively (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Prebiotic-supplemented and regular formula were similar to breast milk regarding prophylactic effects for diarrhoea, constipation and respiratory tract infections in the first year of life. Prebiotic-supplemented formula may be an appropriate substitution for breast milk when breast milk in unavailable.

A colorimetric gold nanoparticle aggregation assay for malathion based on target-induced hairpin structure assembly of complementary strands of aptamer.

The authors describe a method for the colorimetric determination of the pesticide malathion. It is based on the use of a hairpin structure consisting of a complementary strand of aptamer and a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) structure to protect gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) against salt-induced aggregation. In the absence of malathion, the dsDNA structure is preserved on the surface of AuNPs and the color of the AuNPs in solutions containing NaCl remains red. However, in the presence of malathion, a hairpin structure of complementary strand is formed. The Aptamer/Malathion complex and the complementary strand are released from the surface of the AuNPs. As a result, the AuNPs undergo salt-induced aggregation which is accompanied by a color change to blue. The assay allows malathion to be quantified within 35 min (A650/A520 was measured). The detection limit is 1 pM, and response is linear in the 5 pM to 10 nM malathion concentration range. The method is specific and was successfully applied to the determination of malathion in spiked human serum samples. Graphical abstract Schematic representation of detection of malathion based on dsDNA-modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and the hairpin structure of the complementary strand.

A novel chemotherapy drug-free delivery system composed of three therapeutic aptamers for the treatment of prostate and breast cancers in vitro and in vivo.

In this study, a novel chemotherapy drug-free DNA nanocomplex composed of three therapeutic aptamers (IDA, AS1411 and apMNK2F) was designed for treatment of cancer cells. For MTT assay, PC-3 and 4T1 cells (target cells) and CHO cells (nontarget cells) were treated with apMNK2F-AS1411-IDA complex (DNA nanocomplex), as well as AS1411, IDA and apMNK2F alone. Internalization of apMNK2F-AS1411-IDA complex was analyzed by fluorescence imaging and flow cytometry analysis. In the last step, the presented DNA nanocomplex was applied for prohibition of tumor growth in vivo. The results of internalization assay verified that the developed apMNK2F-AS1411-IDA complex was remarkably internalized into PC-3 and 4T1 cells, but not into CHO cells. The results of internalization assay was confirmed by MTT assay. apMNK2F-AS1411-IDA complex was more cytotoxic in PC-3 and 4T1 cells (target) and less cytotoxic in CHO cells (nontarget). Also, the DNA nanocomplex could effectively suppress the growth of tumors in vivo.

A fluorescent aptasensor based on a DNA pyramid nanostructure for ultrasensitive detection of ochratoxin A.

Analytical techniques for detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) in food products and blood serum are of great significance. In this study, a fluorescent aptasensor was developed for sensitive and specific detection of OTA, based on a DNA pyramid nanostructure (DPN) and PicoGreen (PG) dye. The designed aptasensor inherits characteristics of DPN, such as high stability and capacity for PG loading. PG, as a fluorescent dye, could bind to double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). In the absence of OTA, the pyramid structure of DPN remains intact, leading to a very strong fluorescence emission. Because of higher affinity of aptamer for its target relative to its complementary strand, upon addition of target, the pyramid structure of DPN is disassembled, leading to a weak fluorescence emission. The presented aptasensor showed high specificity toward OTA with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.135 nM. Besides, the designed sensing strategy was successfully utilized to recognize OTA in serum and grape juice with LODs of 0.184 and 0.149 nM, respectively.

The Effect of Holy Quran Voice on Mental Health.

This study was designed to determine the effect of Quran listening without its musical tone (Tartil) on the mental health of personnel in Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, southeast of Iran. The results showed significant differences between the test and control groups in their mean mental health scores after Quran listening (P = 0.037). No significant gender differences in the test group before and after intervention were found (P = 0.806). These results suggest that Quran listening could be recommended by psychologists for improving mental health and achieving greater calm.

Echocardiographic findings before and after surgical repair of Tetralogy of Fallot.

OBJECTIVE: To compare echocardiographic findings before and after surgical repair of Tetralogy of Fallot. METHODS: The interventional study was conducted in Ali-ebne-Abitaleb Hospital, Zahedan, Iran, from September 2008 to March 2010, and comprised patients undergoing surgical repair of Tetralogy of Fallot. Physical examination, chest radiography and electrocardiography were done before echocardiography. Data were analysed by using SPSS 20. RESULTS: Of the 30 patients, 10(33.3%) were girls and 20(66.6%) boys, with an overall pre-surgery mean age of 47.40±21.34 months and 74.46±20.63 months post-surgery (p=0.001). The mean duration of post-operative period was 37.86±18.27 months. The results for right heart showed that Z scores for peak E velocity, peak A velocity, pre-ejection period, isovolumic relaxation time, myocardial performance index and isovolumic contraction time were significantly different (p<0.05). In the left heart, aortic, left atrium, left ventricular end-systolic dimension, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, deceleration time, Peak E velocity/Peak A velocity, Peak E velocity, Peak A velocity, pre-ejection period/ejection time, pre-ejection period, shortening fraction and ejection fraction had significant difference (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Right ventricular performance indices can serve as valuable parameters in assessing cardiac performance.

Evaluation of the Protective Effects of Lugol's Solution in Rats Poisoned with Aluminum Phosphide (Rice Tablets).

Aluminum phosphide (AlP) is the main component of rice tablets (a pesticide), which produces phosphine gas (PH3) when exposed to stomach acid. The most important symptoms of PH3 toxicity include, lethargy, tachycardia, hypotension, and cardiac shock. It was shown that Iodine can chemically react with PH3, and the purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effects of Lugol solution in poisoning with rice tablets. Five doses (12, 15, 21, 23, and 25 mg/kg) of AlP were selected, for calculating its lethal dose (LD50). Then, the rats were divided into 4 groups: AlP, Lugol, AlP + Lugol, and Almond oil (as a control). After 4 h, the blood pressure and electrocardiogram (ECG) were recorded, and blood samples were obtained for biochemical tests, then liver, lung, kidney, heart, and brain tissues were removed for histopathological examination. The results of the blood pressure showed no significant changes (P > 0.05). In ECG, the PR interval showed a significant decrease in the AlP + Lugol group (P < 0.05). In biochemical tests, LDH, Ca2+, Creatinine, ALP, Mg2+, and K+ represented significant decreases in AlP + Lugol compared to the AlP group (P < 0.05). Also, the administration of Lugol's solution to AlP-poisoned rats resulted in a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels and a significant increase in catalase activity (P < 0.05). Histopathological evaluation indicates that Lugol improves changes in the lungs, kidneys, brain, and heart. Our results showed that the Lugol solution could reduce tissue damage and oxidative stress in AlP-poisoned rats. We assume that the positive effects of Lugol on pulmonary and cardiac tissues are due to its ability to react directly with PH3.

A study of serum levels of leptin, ghrelin and tumour necrosis factor-alpha in child patients with cyanotic and acyanotic, congenital heart disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the serum levels of leptin, ghrelin and tumour necrosis factor-alpha in children with cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart disease. METHODS: The prospective cohort study, was conducted at imam Ali Hospital, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2009-10 and comprised 64 subjects, including patients and controls. Using enzyme-linked immunosorpent assay kits, serum levels of ghrelin, leptin and tumour necrosis factor-alpha were measured and compared among patients (both cyanotic and acyanotic) and the controls, SPSS version 20 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the 64 subjects, 24 (37.5%) were cyanotic, 21 (32.8%) were acynotic and 19 (29.68%) were healthy controls. The three groups were homogenous in terms of age and gender characteristics. There was no significant difference among the groups leptin, ghrelin and tumour necrosis factor-alpha serum levels (p > 0.05). There were also no significant differences in terms of weight, height and body mass index (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Serum levels of ghrelin, leptin and tumour necrosis factor-alpha did not change in acyanotic and cyanotic patients with congenital heart disease, suggesting that other crucial factors may regulate individuals' nutrient intake, growth, weight and energy intake and output.

Aortic elasticity changes in thalassemia due to heart and liver iron deposition.

Background: Iron overload is connected with an expanded prevalence of thalassemia due to heart impairment. This considers pointing to survey changes in thalassemia's aortic elasticity due to iron deposition in the heart and liver of children. Methods: This case-control study was performed on 80 healthy and 160 thalassemia patients. The subjects gathered from educational pediatric hospital of Ali Asghar in Zahedan, Iran, from 2019 to 2021. Echocardiography parameters were measured. Ferritin, lipids profile, cardiac and liver MRI T2 * measured in patients only. Aortic elasticity parameters were aortic strain, aortic stiffness ß index, aortic distensibility and pressure strain elastic modulus. Data analyzed by SPSS,p< 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Diastolic blood pressure (p<0.001), aortic diameter in diastole (p<0.001), aortic diameter in systole (p<0.001), ferritin (p<0.001), aortic strain (p<0.001), aortic distensibility(p<0.001), pressure strain elastic modulus (p<0.001) and aortic stiffness ß index (p<0.001) were changed significantly in thalassemia patients compared to controls. From these variables, AoD, AoS, ferritin, AS and AD increased in thalassemia. Ferritin was higher in thalassemia patients with abnormal heart iron deposition (2131.89±1992.74 v.s 4887.66±3122.59 ng/ml). Considering the level of liver iron deposition, ferritin did not change in patients. Our highlighted variables did not change in patients based on the groups of ferritin. Conclusion: Concluded that AoD, AoS, ferritin, AS and AD increased in thalassemia patients. Ferritin increased in thalassemia with abnormal iron overload in the heart but did not change in the liver. Recommended MRI T2* to evaluate dynamic functions of liver and heart in thalassemia patients.

Assessment of aortic elasticity parameters in obese and overweight children.

BACKGROUND: Aortic elasticity is a predictor and recognized factor for future cardiovascular events in children. The aim of the study was to evaluate the aortic stiffness in obese and overweight children compared to healthy ones. METHODS: The study evaluated 98 sex matched children aged 4 to 16 years that were equally distributed in asymptomatic obese or overweight and healthy children groups. All the participants were free of any heart diseases. Arterial stiffness indices were determined using two-dimensional echocardiography. RESULTS: The mean ages in the obese and healthy children were 10.40±2.50 years and 10.06±1.53 years, respectively. Aortic strain was significantly higher in obese children (20.70±5.04%), compared to healthy (7.06±3.77%) and overweight children (18.59±8.08%, p < 0.001). Aortic distensibility (AD) was significantly higher in obese children (0.010±0.005 cm < sup > 2 < /sup > dyn-1x10-6), compared to healthy (0.0036±0.004 cm < sup > 2 < /sup > dyn-1x10 < sup > -6 < /sup > ) and overweight children (0.009±0.005 cm < sup > 2 < /sup > dyn-1x10 < sup > -6 < /sup > , p < 0.001). Aortic strain beta (ASß) index, was significantly higher in healthy children (9.26±6.17). Pressure-strain elastic modulus (PSEM) was significantly higher in healthy children (7.52±4.76 kPa). Systolic blood pressure increased with body mass index (BMI) significantly (p < 0.001) but diastolic blood pressure did not change (p=0.143). BMI had significant effect on arterial stiffness (AS) (ß=0.732, p < 0.001), AD (ß=0.636, p < 0.001), ASß index (ß=-0.573, p < 0.001) and PSEM (ß=-0.578, p < 0.001). Age had significant effect on systolic diameter of the aorta (ß=0.340, p < 0.001) and diastolic diameter of the aorta (ß=0.407, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that aortic strain and aortic distensibility increased in obese children when aortic strain beta index and PSEM decreased. This result suggests that, as atrial stiffness is a predictor for future heart diseases, dietary treatment for children with overweight or obese status is important.

QT Interval Changes in Children With Febrile Convulsion Compared With Healthy.

Introduction: Febrile seizure is a temperature-related seizure that affects the QT interval. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in the QT interval caused by febrile convulsion (FC) compared with healthy children. Methods: This case-control study examined 180 children equally distributed between patients and controls. The study was conducted at the Ali Ebne Abi Talib Hospital in Zahedan City, Iran. The disease was diagnosed and confirmed based on standard definitions of FC. QT interval was measured by ECG and interpreted by a pediatric cardiologist, and collected data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 19 with a 0.05 significant level. Results: Among the ECG parameters, HR, R in aVL, S in V3, LVM, QTd, QTc, and QTcd were significantly different in children with FCs compared to their peers. From those who had abnormal QTd, FC children were more frequent which was not significant (χ2=1.053, P=0.248), while children with FC had significantly more abnormality regarding QTc (χ2=13.032, P<0.001) and QTcd (χ2=21.6, P<0.001). In children with FC, those who were less than 12 months had the highest level of HR which was not significant (χ2=4.59, P=0.101). Similar trends occurred for R in aVL and S in V3 that were higher in the age group >24 months (P>0.05). Children in the age group of >24 months had significantly had the highest LVM (χ2=52.674, P<0.001) and the other QT parameters were the same in FC children with different age groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded that dispersion corrected QT, corrected QT, and dispersion QT changed significantly in children with FC in comparison with the healthy children with constant values in children with FC in different age groups. Highlights: Corrected QT, dispersion QT and corrected-dispersion QT changed in children with febrile convulsion.Among the children with abnormal dispersion QT, febrile convulsion were not seen more when children with febrile convulsion (FC) were more in abnormality levels of QTc and QTcd. Plain Language Summary: The study aimed to evaluate changes in electrocardiography parameters in children with febrile convulsion and found positive correlation.