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How does coronary artery bypass graft surgery affect body image?
Full text linkBackground: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is commonly used to treat coronary artery disease. However, it is associated with significant physical and psychological problems. Objectives: This study was conducted to examine how body image changes after CABG surgery. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 140 patients consecutively recruited from Shahid Beheshti Medical Center, Kashan, Iran. The Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire was used to assess the body image (BI) before, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after the surgery (T1-T3). The independent-samples t- test and one-way and the repeated measures analyses of variance were conducted for data analysis. Results: Participants' possessed 60.69 ± 5.74, 67.67 ± 4.48, and 69.67 ± 3.37 percent of the BI scores at T1 to T3, respectively. The variations of BI scores were statistically significant across the measurement time points (P = 0.01). Male participants' BI was significantly better than females only at T2 (P< 0.01). BI had significant relationships with age, marital status, and educational status at T1, and employment status at T1 and T2 (P < 0.05). Similarly, single patients had better BI than their married counterparts (P = 0.02). Conclusions: CABG surgery improves BI. Considering the effects of BI on the patients' self-care behaviors, nurses should assess the cardiac patients BI, especially before surgery and employ programs for improving the patients BI
The relationship between urinary and plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and various stages of chronic kidney disease in patients with type ii diabetes mellitus
Full text linkIntroduction: The concept of diabetic nephropathy, as a metabolic disease, is now being replaced by chronic low-grade inflammatory disease. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in the pathogenesis and clinical outcomes of diabetic nephropathy. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the relationship between plasma and urinary levels of TNF-α and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients and Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who referred to the endocrine clinic in Kashan (2016) were enrolled in the study and their clinical and laboratory data were recorded. Albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were calculated. The patients were divided into three groups based on their GFR. Serum and urinary levels of TNF-α were determined by ELISA and were compared between the studied groups. Results: A total of 128 patients were evaluated. Of all, 35 patients (27.3), 39 patients (30.4), and 54 patients (42.3), respectively, were suffering from stage 1, stage 2, and stage 3 CKD. The plasma levels of TNF-α in patients with stage 1, 2, and 3 CKD, were 66.20 ± 33.27 pg/mL, 67.47 ± 42.98 pg/mL, and 77.32 ± 47.23 pg/mL respectively, since the difference among them was not significant (P = 0.417). In addition, the urinary levels of TNF-α in patients with stage 1, 2, and 3 CKD, respectively, were 88.18 ± 26.66 pg/mL, 97.41 ± 57.76 pg/mL, and 101.18 ± 60.47 pg/mL, since no significant difference was observed between the three groups (P = 0.957). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, with changing the stage of CKD, the serum and urinary levels of the TNF-α increases too, although this increase is not significant. Moreover, the plasma and urinary levels of the TNF-α have a direct and significant relationship with each other. It is recommended to conduct further studies in this field. © 2020 The Author(s); Published by Society of Diabetic Nephropathy Prevention
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using extracts of Allium rotundum l, Falcaria vulgaris Bernh, and Ferulago angulate Boiss, and their antimicrobial effects in vitro
No full textGreen chemistry is a safe and cost-effective method for producing metal nanoparticles. This study aimed to investigate the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using extracts of Allium rotundum l, Falcaria vulgaris Bernh, and Ferulago angulate Boiss, and their antimicrobial effects. Aerial parts of Allium rotundum l., Falcaria vulgaris Bernh. and Ferulago angulate Boiss. were used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Ag NPs were characterized by UV�vis spectrophotometer, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The formation and stability of the reduced silver nanoparticles were checked by UV�vis spectrophotometer analysis. The average particle diameter of silver nanoparticles was calculated from the XRD pattern according to the Scherrer's equation. The antimicrobial, synergistic effects of synthesized nanoparticles and ethanolic extracts of plants were studied alone and in combination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 using disk diffusion method and the diameter of the zone of inhibition compared to the Tetracycline, Kanamycin, and Cefpirome. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of bacteria was determined using micro broth dilution. The XRD spectroscopy of synthesized nanoparticles showed the face center cubic structure. Also, TEM showed the formation of silver nanoparticles with an average size of 20.5 nm. The diameter of the inhibition zone of synthesized silver nanoparticles in the MIC of the mixture of plant extracts and silver nanoparticles was 21, and 25 (mm) for P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus, respectively. Obtained results showed that the bio-synthesized silver nanoparticles have an antibacterial effect on both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. © 202
Targeting of cellular redox metabolism for mitigation of radiation injury
Full text linkAccidental exposure to ionizing radiation is a serious concern to human life. Studies on the mitigation of side effects following exposure to accidental radiation events are ongoing. Recent studies have shown that radiation can activate several signaling pathways, leading to changes in the metabolism of free radicals including reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO). Cellular and molecular mechanisms show that radiation can cause disruption of normal reduction/oxidation (redox) system. Mitochondria malfunction following exposure to radiation and mutations in mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) have a key role in chronic oxidative stress. Furthermore, exposure to radiation leads to infiltration of inflammatory cells such as macrophages, lymphocytes and mast cells, which are important sources of ROS and NO. These cells generate free radicals via upregulation of some pro-oxidant enzymes such as NADPH oxidases, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Epigenetic changes also have a key role in a similar way. Other mediators such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), which are involved in the normal metabolism of cells have also been shown to regulate cell death following exposure to radiation. These mechanisms are tissue specific. Inhibition or activation of each of these targets can be suggested for mitigation of radiation injury in a specific tissue. In the current paper, we review the cellular and molecular changes in the metabolism of cells and ROS/NO following exposure to radiation. Furthermore, the possible strategies for mitigation of radiation injury through modulation of cellular metabolism in irradiated organs will be discussed. © 2020 Elsevier Inc
Protection and disinfection policies against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Full text linkIn late December 2019, reports from China of the incidence of pneumonia with unknown etiology were sent to the World Health Organization (WHO). Shortly afterwards, the cause of this disease was identified as the novel beta-coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, and its genetic sequence was published on January 12, 2020. Human-to-human transmission via respiratory droplets and contact with aerosol infected surfaces are the major ways of transmitting this virus. Here we attempted to collect information on virus stability in the air and on surfaces and ways of preventing of SARS-CoV-2 spreading
The effects of combined magnesium and zinc supplementation on metabolic status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease
Full text linkBackground: The present research aimed to analyze the impacts of magnesium and zinc supplements on glycemic control, serum lipids, and biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in patients suffering from coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: According to the research design, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial has been implemented on 60 subjects suffering from CHD and T2DM. Therefore, participants have been randomly divided into 2 groups for taking placebo (n = 30) or 250 mg magnesium oxide plus 150 mg zinc sulfate (n = 30) for 12 weeks. Results: Magnesium and zinc significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (β - 9.44 mg/dL, 95 CI, - 18.30, - 0.57; P = 0.03) and insulin levels (β - 1.37 μIU/mL, 95 CI, - 2.57, - 0.18; P = 0.02). Moreover, HDL-cholesterol levels significantly enhanced (β 2.09 mg/dL, 95 CI, 0.05, 4.13; P = 0.04) in comparison to the placebo. There was an association between magnesium and zinc intake, and a significant decrease of C-reactive protein (CRP) (β - 0.85 mg/L, 95 CI, - 1.26, - 0.45; P < 0.001), a significant increase in total nitrite (β 5.13 μmol/L, 95 CI, 1.85, 8.41; P = 0.003) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (β 43.44 mmol/L, 95 CI, 3.39, 83.50; P = 0.03) when compared with placebo. Furthermore, magnesium and zinc significantly reduced the Beck Depression Inventory index (BDI) (β - 1.66; 95 CI, - 3.32, - 0.009; P = 0.04) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) (β - 1.30; 95 CI, - 2.43, - 0.16; P = 0.02) when compared with the placebo. Conclusions: In patients with T2DM and CHD, the 12-week intake of magnesium plus zinc had beneficial effects on FPG, HDL-cholesterol, CRP, insulin, total nitrite, TAC levels, and BDI and BAI score. This suggests that magnesium and zinc co-supplementation may be beneficial for patients with T2DM and CHD. Further studies on more patients and lasting longer are needed to determine the safety of magnesium and zinc co-supplementation. Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20130211012438N31 at 11 May 2019 of registration. This study retrospectively registered. © 2020 The Author(s)
Assessment of Multi-leaf Collimator Positional Accuracy Using Radiochromic EBT3 Film and an Electronic Portal Imaging Device
Full text linkThis study aimed to evaluate multi-leaf collimator (MLC) positional accuracy by using an electronic portal imaging device (EPID) and radiochromic EBT3 film. Furthermore, the MLC�s positional accuracy at different gantry and collimator angles of a Siemens ONCOR linear accelerator (linac) was evaluated. A picket fence test was performed to evaluate the MLC�s positional accuracy at various gantry and collimator angles of the linac. The EPID and the EBT3 films were sequentially irradiated seven times at 2-cm intervals by making a rectangular field (0.3 � 19 cm2). The full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of each band (field) was calculated for all leaves by using inhouse software. Then, variations between the actual and the planned leaf locations were obtained by using the EPID and the EBT3 film at various gantry and collimator angles. The mean FWHM, acquired using the EPID and the EBT3 film ranged from 2.331 - 3.647 mm and 2.059 - 4.001 mm, respectively. Variations between the actual and the planned leaf locations were found to be affected by changes in the collimator and the gantry angles. Moreover, a -0.060 - 1.588 mm difference we seen between the result obtained from the EBT3 film and that obtained from the EPID. The mean FWHM, at most angles, for the EBT3 film was larger than that for the EPID. The findings showed average deviations for the EPID (0.001 - 0.669 mm) and EBT3 film (0.007 - 1.001 mm); these values agreed within the tolerance level (±1 mm). Furthermore, good agreement was found between the results obtained from the EPID and the EBT3 film; these two dosimetric methods can be used interchangeably, but each must be chosen considering its advantages and disadvantages. © 2020, The Korean Physical Society
Primiparous women's experiences of normal vaginal delivery in Iran: A qualitative study
Full text linkBackground: Childbirth is considered as the most challenging psychological event in a woman's life. It has a major effect on women's lives with long-term positive or negative impacts. Cultural, religious, and socioeconomic differences can affect women's perception about normal vaginal delivery (NVD) experience. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the primiparous women's perception about it. Methods: This qualitative study, with a descriptive content analysis approach, was conducted in Kashan, a city in the center of Iran. Purposive sampling was used to recruit the participants of the current study. Data was gathered by semi-structured interviews during 24 h after normal vaginal birth among primiparous women. The sampling started from June to October in 2016. Interviews continued until data saturation which was achieved in the 14th interview but for assurance, it continued until the 17th one. Results: The following three main themes were extracted "immersion in stress", "pain, the essence of NVD" and "strategies for situation management". Furthermore, seven subthemes were obtained including 'loss threat', 'stressful context', temporary impairment in physiologic harmony, paradoxical emotions, self-management, emotional support, and spiritual support. Conclusions: This study showed that stress and pain were two highlighted issues in NVD process. Increasing women's awareness about NVD process, familiarizing the primiparous women with the simulated delivery room, accompanying these women for emotional support, and providing spiritual support can be effective in situation management to make the child delivery a pleasant and satisfying experience. © 2020 The Author(s)
Evaluating the Immunoreactivity of Ailanthus Altissima (The Tree of Heaven) Pollen Extract in Atopic Patients
No full textIgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to pollens is a common health problem in atopic patients. In this regard, the assessment of the allergenicity of highly pollinating plants would be demanding. Based on the increment of Ailanthus altissima (A. altissima) tree in some parts of Iran and considering its probable role in respiratory allergy, in this study, we aimed to investigate its IgE-immunoreactivity and in diagnostic applications. One hundred and twenty-five allergic rhinitis patients who were diagnosed as high IgE responders and demonstrated seasonal rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis, as well as 20 healthy controls (HCs) with no allergic symptoms, were enrolled in this study. Total protein extract was prepared from A. altissima pollens and subjected to quality control experiments and finally used in ELISA and western blotting studies. Approximately 24 of the atopic patients (30 from 125) showed positive immunoreactivity to A. altissima extract. The median (IQR) of absorbance (450 nm) of the specific IgE against A. altissima pollen extract in HCs and positive groups were 0.33 (0.28-0.42) and 0.59 (0.36-0.79), respectively (p<0.001). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis of the specific ELISA results, revealed a cut-off value of 0.46 and a sensitivity of 70 and specificity of 100. Western blotting with the sera positive cases revealed that the main immunoreactive proteins range from 10 to 70 kDa. This study revealed that some of A. altissima pollen proteins ranging from 10 to 70 kDa show IgE-reactivity in atopic patients and may play a role in their allergic reaction symptoms
The effects of melatonin on signaling pathways and molecules involved in glioma
No full textGlioblastoma is one of the most common brain tumors with high invasion and malignancy. Despite extensive research in this area and the use of new and advanced therapies, the survival rate in this disease is very low. In addition, resistance to treatment has also been observed in this disease. One of the reasons for rapid progression and failure in treatment for this disease is the presence of a class of cells with high proliferation and high differentiation, a class called glioblastoma stem-like cells shown as being the source of glioblastoma tumors. It has been reported that several oncogenes are expressed in this disease. One important issue in recognizing the pathogenesis of this disease, and which could improve the treatment process, is the identification of involved oncogenes as well as molecules that affect the reduction of the expression of these oncogenes. Melatonin regulates the biological rhythm and inhibits the proliferation of malignant glioma cells due to antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. Melatonin has been considered in biological processes and in signaling pathways involved in the development of glioma. The aim of this review is to investigate the effects of melatonin on signaling pathways and molecules involved in the progression of glioma. © 2019 Société Française de Pharmacologie et de Thérapeutiqu