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Introduction: Food and nutrition are the most vital needs of human society and its provision lies in the category of food security. The concept of food security is very broad and is determined by the interaction of a range of biological, economic, social, agricultural, and physical factors. The purpose of this study is to investigate the social factors affecting food security among rural households. Methods: This is quantitative research conducted by survey method. The statistical population included 384 rural households in Shiraz County that were selected by stratified random sampling. Data analysis was performed using SPSS and LISREL software. Results and discussion: Results indicated that the values of combined reliability calculated for all three variables studied were >0.7, which implies that research tools have good reliability and validity. The results of structural analysis of social capital and social health variables with food security using confirmatory factor analysis techniques and structural equations showed social capital variable affects food security directly and social health variable has an indirect effect. According to the value of fitness indicators obtained; it was found that the structural equation model of the research variables had a suitable and acceptable fit and the general structure of the research was approved. Hence, the components used in the research were able to estimate food security. Accordingly, by improving the level of social capital and social health, promotion of food security in communities, would be expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the authors synthesised chitosan nanoparticles (Cs NPs) as a resveratrol (RSV) carrier and evaluated their efficacy in stimulating apoptosis in MDA‐MB 231 cells. Blank (Cs NPs) and RSV‐ Cs NPs (RSV‐Cs NPs) were synthesised via ionic gelation and characterised by using fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope, dynamic light scattering/Zeta potential and RSV release. MDA‐MB 231 cells were treated with RSV, Cs NPs and RSV‐Cs NPs (24, 48, and 72 h), followed by the 3‐[4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl]‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Cell toxicity was evaluated using lactate dehydrogenase assay, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction was performed to explore apoptosis induction. FTIR spectra confirmed the NPs via the formation of cross‐linking bonds. Cs and RSV‐Cs NPs sizes were about 75 and 198 nm with 14 and 24 mV zeta potentials. The RSV entrapment efficiency was 52.34 ± 0.16%, with an early rapid release followed by a sustained manner. Cs and RSV‐Cs NPs inhibited cell proliferation at lower concentrations and IC50 values. RSV‐Cs NPs had the most cytotoxic effect and stimulated intrinsic apoptotic pathway, indicated by increased Bcl‐2‐associated x (BAX), BAX/Bcl‐2 ratio, P53 expressions, reduced Bcl‐2 and upregulated caspases 3, 8 and 9. RSV‐Cs NPs have a great potential to suppress invasive breast cancer cell proliferation by targeting mitochondrial metabolism and inducing the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the application of infrared spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics to identify wall painting's binding medium while employing pattern recognition techniques to process FTIR data-set of complex samples. In this regard, based on the historical documents and previous researches, firstly 56 standard samples were prepared to represent strata of Persian wall paintings in the Safavid period in addition to real historic samples from the case study; Sukias mansion. Then, each sample was analysed by the means of FTIR and chemometrics. Finally, SIMCA was applied to the whole region of studied IR spectra which predicted egg yolk as the binding medium of Sukias mansion samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic recurrent inflammatory disease with unknown etiology. Ferulago angulata (Schltdl.) Boiss. has been proposed as an efficacious treatment for gastrointestinal ulcers and UC in the traditional Persian medicine. Objective: In the present study, we investigated the possible protective effect of F. angulata (Schltdl.) Boiss. hydroalcoholic extract (FAE) against acetic acid-induced UC in rats. Materials and Methods: The aerial parts of FAE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were administered orally after acetic acid induced-inflammatory bowel disease. On the 3rd day, animals were euthanized by an overdose of ether inhalation and the abdomen was rapidly dissected for macroscopic, histological, and biochemical (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin-1β [IL-1β]) analyses. Results: All doses of F. angulata (Schltdl.) Boiss. extract ameliorated acetic acid-induced macroscopic and microscopic scores, except for 50 mg/kg. Furthermore, our observations were accompanied by a significant (P < 0.05) suppression in the elevated amount of IL-1β and TNF-α. Conclusion: These findings demonstrated the beneficial effect of hydroalcoholic extract of F. angulata (Schltdl.) Boiss. in acetic acid-induced ulcerative lesions via anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and mucosal healing properties. F. angulata (Schltdl.) Boiss. possesses promising protective function on colitis. Abbreviations Used: IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease; UC: Ulcerative colitis; CD: Crohn's disease; TNF-α: Tumor necrosis factor-α; IL-1β: Interleukin-1β; PMN: Polymorphonuclear; NO: Nitric oxide; FAE: Ferulago angulata (Schltdl.) Boiss. hydroalcoholic extract; COX: Cyclooxygenase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (FLD) is a worldwide common liver disorder. Tragopogon graminifolius is used as a dietary supplement for liver disorders. This study aimed to assess the beneficial effects of a standardized preparation from T. graminifolius extract (TGE) in animal model of FLD induced by high-fat diet (HFD). The standardization of TGE based on phenolic compounds was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The HFD induced metabolic and hepatic damages. TGE significantly reduced the elevations of serum triglyceride, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and hepatic enzymes (p =.001 for 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg of TGE). Histopathological studies also confirmed beneficial effects of TGE in FLD. Activity of total antioxidant power, content of total thiol, myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme activity, and lipid peroxidation were significantly improved (p <.001). Dietary supplementation with TGE results in improvement of biochemical as well as histopathological parameters. Clinical trials are warranted to prove its efficacy and tolerability in patients with FLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogens of different kinds may infect amphibians at various stages of their life and can be the immediate causes of their mortality. Salamanders are hosts to a variety of parasites, including intracellular bacteria in the order Rickettsiales. All bacteria in this order are obligate, intracellular (usually within erythrocytes) organisms that are transmitted by arthropod vectors. By examining stained blood smears of Neurergus kaiseri under a light microscope, we encountered single or multiple round, clear to faint purple with dark purple ring inclusions within the cytoplasm which were similar to intraerythrocytic rickettsial inclusion bodies. Reported here is a case of the rickettsial-like inclusions in N. kaiseri in a captive breeding facility for the first time in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is conflicting data regarding the tricuspid annular velocities and their relation to right ventricular filling pressures. We aimed to assess if the time interval between the onset of tricuspid E wave and annular Ea wave has any correlation with right sided filling pressure in patients with heart failure.Methods: Thirty heart failure patients (left ventricular ejection fraction≤35%) were enrolled. Echocardiography was performed to obtain tricuspid inflow and tissue Doppler annular velocities just before a standard right heart catheterization. The right atrial pressure was obtained from right heart catheterization. The E/Ea [the ratio of peak velocity of early tricuspid inflow wave (E) to peak velocity of early diastolic wave of the lateral tricuspid annulus (Ea)] and the time intervals between the beginning of R wave of electrocardiogram and onset of E (TE) as well as between the beginning of R wave and onset of Et (TEa) were measured, TE-Ea was calculated as TE-TEa.Results: The mean right atrial pressure (RAP) was 8.8 (SD=4.7) mm Hg. The mean TE-Ea was + 8.61 milliseconds. There was no significant correlation between RAP and E/Ea (r=0.08, p>0.05) but the correlation between TE-Ea and RAP was significant (r=0.5, p=0.01).Conclusion: According to our results and in contrary to some prior studies, we showed for the first time that right side TE-Ea stands as a better surrogate of right atrial pressure than E/Ea in heart failure patients. This finding needs more accurate studies and could present TE-Ea as a feasible tool to look into hemodynamics of heart failure patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is conflicting data regarding the tricuspid annular velocities and their relation to right ventricular filling pressures. We aimed to assess if the time interval between the onset of tricuspid E wave and annular Ea wave has any correlation with right sided filling pressure in patients with heart failure. Methods: Thirty heart failure patients (left ventricular ejection fraction<35%) were enrolled. Echocardiography was performed to obtain tricus-pid inflow and tissue Doppler annular velocities just before a standard right heart catheterization. The right atrial pressure was obtained from right heart catheterization. The E/Ea [the ratio of peak velocity of early tricuspid inflow wave (E) to peak velocity of early diastolic wave of the lateral tricuspid annulus (Ea)] and the time intervals between the beginning of R wave of electrocardiogram and onset of E (TE) as well as between the beginning of R wave and onset of Et (TEa) were measured, TE-Ea was calculated as TE-Ea. Results: The mean right atrial pressure (RAP) was 8.8 (SD=4.7) mm Hg. The mean TE-Ea was + 8.61 milliseconds. There was no significant cor-relation between RAP and E/Ea (r=0.08, p>0.05) but the correlation between TE-Ea and RAP was significant (r=0.5, p=0.01). Conclusion: According to our results and in contrary to some prior studies, we showed for the first time that right side TE-Ea stands as a better surrogate of right atrial pressure than E/Ea in heart failure patients. This finding needs more accurate studies and could present TE-Ea as a feasible tool to look into hemodynamics of heart failure patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Left ventricular (LV) twist is believed to store potential energy and plays an important role in generating diastolic suction. Recent advances in echocardiography techniques have allowed quantification of LV twist. The aim of the present study was to compare LV twist and torsion in healthy human subjects determined by velocity vector imaging (VVI) and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) at rest. Materials and Methods All volunteers (72 healthy subjects) underwent complete echocardiographic study and LV torsional parameters were assessed using VVI or TDI methods. LV rotation at apical and basal short-axis levels was calculated throughout cardiac cycle and LV twist was defined as net difference between rotation angles of the two levels. The LV torsion was calculated as the LV twist divided by the LV end-diastolic length. Results Twist degree was significantly lower in the VVI group than the TDI group (11.4±2.4° vs.14.1±3.0°, p<0.001), but when LV twist was normalized by LV end-diastolic length, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (1.9±0.7°/cm vs. 2.1±0.6°/cm, p=0.142). Conclusion Normalized LV twist or LV torsion values were comparable for both imaging techniques (TDI and VVI methods). Results suggest that these methods may be interchanged for serial assessment, but needs additional studies and preferably larger populations to confirm it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Left ventricular (LV) twist is due to oppositely directed apical and basal rotation and has been proposed as a sensitive marker of LV function. We sought to assess the impact of chronic pure mitral regurgitation (MR) on the torsional mechanics of the left human ventricle using tissue Doppler imaging. Methods: Nineteen severe MR patients with a normal LV ejection fraction and 16 non-MR controls underwent conventional echocardiography and apical and basal short-axis color Doppler myocardial imaging (CDMI). LV rotation at the apical and basal short-axis levels was calculated from the averaged tangential velocities of the septal and lateral regions, corrected for the LV radius over time. LV twist was defined as the difference in LV rotation between the two levels, and the LV twist and twisting/untwisting rate profiles were analyzed throughout the cardiac cycle. Results: LV twist and LV torsion were significantly lower in the MR group than in the non-MR group (10.38˚ ± 4.04˚ vs. 13.95˚ ± 4.27˚; p value = 0.020; and 1.29 ± 0.54 ˚/cm vs. 1.76 ± 0.56 ˚/cm; p value = 0.021, respectively), both suggesting incipient LV dysfunction in the MR group. Similarly, the untwisting rate was lower in the MR group (-79.74 ± 35.97 ˚/s vs.-110.96 ± 34.65 ˚/s; p value = 0.020), but there was statistically no significant difference in the LV twist rate. Conclusion: The evaluation of LV torsional parameters in MR patients with a normal LV ejection fraction suggests the potential role of these sensitive variables in assessing the early signs of ventricular dysfunction in asymptomatic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Noninvasive techniques for the localization of the accessory pathways (APs) might help guide mapping procedures and ablation techniques. We sought to examine the diagnostic accuracy of strain imaging for the localization of the APs in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Methods: We prospectively studied 25 patients (mean age = 32 ± 17 years, 58.3% men) with evidence of pre-excitation on electrocardiography (ECG). Electromechanical interval was defined as the time difference between the onset of delta wave and the onset of regional myocardial contraction. Time differences between the onset of delta wave (δ) and the onset of regional myocardial contraction (δ-So), peak systolic motion (δ-Sm), regional strain (δ-ε), peak strain (δ-εp), and peak strain rate (δ-SRp) were measured. Results: There was a significant difference between time to onset of delta wave to onset of peak systolic motion (mean ± SD) in the AP location (A) and normal segments (B) versus that in the normal volunteers (C) [A: (57.08 ± 23.88 msec) vs. B: (75.20 ± 14.75) vs. C: (72.9 0 ± 11.16); p value (A vs. B) = 0.004 and p value (A vs. C) = 0.18] and [A: (49.17 ± 35.79) vs. B: (67.60 ± 14.51) vs. C: (67.40 ± 6.06 msec); p value ( A vs. B) < 0.001 and p value (A vs. C) = 0.12, respectively]. Conclusion: Our study showed that strain imaging parameters [(δ-So) and (δ-Strain)] are superior to the ECG in the localization of the APs (84% vs. 76%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the variation in the size of erythrocytes in the blood of Neurergus kaiseri and Neurergus microspilotus from Iran. It state that the two microorganism living in different environment show variations in their nucleus also despite exhibiting close relationship with other. It further states that the erythrocytes were more elongated with broader nucleus in Neurergus kaiseri and erythrocytes were smaller in Neurergus microspilotus.

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of body mass index (BMI) on the reproductive outcomes and clinical pregnancy rate after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods: This retrospective study was performed on 230 women undergoing first cycle of standard IVF between October 2008 and February 2010. The patients were classified into three groups according to their BMI (BMI < 20 kg/m2, 20 kg/m2 < BMI < 27.9 kg/m2 and BMI > 28 kg/m2). Information regarding clinical pregnancy was compared within these three groups. Results: There was no significant relation between BMI and age, the number of aspirated follicles, transferred embryos, mature oocytes, days of taking human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) ampules and the total number of HMG ampules among three BMI studied groups. Statistically significant difference was detected between BMI and endometrial thickness. Conclusions: BMI has no effect on IVF outcomes and clinical pregnancy after IVF. However, losing weight in obese women seems reasonable to prevent possible obstetrics complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Left ventricular twist/torsion is believed to be a sensitive indicator of systolic and diastolic performance. To obtain circumferential rotation using tissue Doppler imaging, we need to estimate the time-varying radius of the left ventricle throughout the cardiac cycle to convert the tangential velocity into angular velocity. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate accuracy of measured LV radius using tissue Doppler imaging throughout the cardiac cycle compared to two-dimensional (2D) imaging. Methods: A total of 35 subjects (47±12 years-old) underwent transthoracic echocardiographic standard examinations. Left ventricular radius during complete cardiac cycle measured using tissue Doppler and 2D-imaging at basal and apical short axis levels. For this reason, the 2D-images and velocity-time data derived and transferred to a personal computer for off-line analysis. 2D image frames analyzed via a program written in the MATLAB software. Velocity-time data from anteroseptal at basal level (or anterior wall at apical level) and posterior walls transferred to a spreadsheet Excel program for the radius calculations. Linear correlation and Bland-Altman analysis were calculated to assess the relationships and agreements between the tissue Doppler and 2D-measured radii throughout the cardiac cycle. Results: There was significant correlation between tissue Doppler and 2D-measured radii and the Pearson correlation coefficients were 0.84 to 0.97 (P<0.05). Bland-Altman analysis by constructing the 95% limits of agreement showed that the good agreements existed between the two methods. Conclusion: It can be concluded from our experience that the tissue Doppler imaging can reasonably estimate radius of the left ventricle throughout the cardiac cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More diagnostic techniques require a better understanding of the forces and stresses developed in the wall of the left ventricle. The aim of this study was to differentiate significant coronary artery disease (CAD) patients using a noninvasive quantification of myocardial wall stress in the diastole phase. Methods: Sixty male subjects with sinus rhythm (30 patients with significant and 30 with moderate left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis in the proximal portion) as well as 35 healthy subjects as the control group were recruited into the present study. By two-dimensional, pulsed wave, and tissue Doppler echocardiography, the average end-diastolic wall stress was calculated at the left ventricle anterior and interventricular septum wall segments using regional wall thickness, meridional and circumferential radii, and non-invasive left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Results: A comparison of the calculated end-diastolic myocardial wall stress between the patients with significant and moderate coronary stenosis on the one hand and the healthy subjects on the other showed statistically significant differences in the anterior and septum wall segments (p value < 0.05). The patients with significant left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis had higher end-diastolic myocardial wall stress than did those with moderate stenosis and the healthy group in all the anterior and septum wall segments. Conclusion: It is concluded that non-invasive end-diastolic myocardial wall stress in coronary artery disease patients is an important index in evaluating myocardial performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the case of a male patient with community-acquired quadruple-valve endocarditis on presumed normal native valves. This patient had originally presented elsewhere with generalized edema and malaise and had been diagnosed with suspicious endocarditis and renal dysfunction, for which he unfortunately received incomplete treatment. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic examinations confirmed quadruple-valve endocarditis and ventricular septal defect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the recent research was to investigate the anti‐breast cancer effects of silver nanoparticles using Phoenix dactylifera seed ethanolic extract (AgNPs). After preparation of Phoenix dactylifera seed extract, GC/MS was performed to detect the compounds. The findings indicated that 9‐Octadecenoic acid (Z)‐ methyl ester (40.95%) and Dodecanoic acid methyl ester (20%) were the most frequent constituents found in P. dactylifera. These nanoparticles were spherical with a size range of 17‐19 nm and characterized using various analytical techniques including UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy to determine the presence of AgNPs in the solution. We studied functional groups of P. dactylifera extract in the reduction and capping process of AgNPs by FT‐IR, crystallinity and FCC planes by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and surface morphology, shapes, and size of AgNPs by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). DPPH free radical scavenging test was used to test the antioxidant properties of P. dactylifera and AgNPs, which revealed high antioxidant potential similar to butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) as the positive control. The results of cytotoxicity analysis indicated that P. dactylifera and AgNPs were toxic for MCF‐7 cells. In vivo design, induction of breast cancer was done by 7,12‐Dimethylbenz[a] anthracene (DMBA) in 50 animals. After 10 days, the animals were randomly divided into six subgroups, including healthy control, untreated control, two groups receiving the P. dactylifera at 2 and 6 mg/kg and two groups receiving the AgNPs at 2 and 6 mg/kg concentrations. Both doses of P. dactylifera and AgNPs (especially AgNPs6) significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced the weight and volume of liver, mammary gland, kidney, spleen, ALP, AST, ALT, GGT, cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, total and conjugated bilirubin, urea, creatinine, glucose, ferrous, ferritin, erythropoietin, GR, IL1, IL6, IL12, IL18, IFNY, and TNFα and increased HDL, total protein, albumin, WBC, lymphocyte, neutrophils, platelet, RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCH, MCHC, SOD, CAT, GPx, IL4, IL5, IL10, IL13, and IFNα compared to the untreated group. Moreover, P. dactylifera and AgNPs (especially AgNPs6) significantly (p ≤ 0.05) treated breast cancer with reduction of organs free of metastasis compared to the untreated group. Seemingly, the AgNPs can be used for the treatment of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Ribavirin Impairs Salivary Gland Function During Combination Treatment With Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2 in Hepatitis C Patients" by A. Aghemo, M. G. Rumi, and M. Banderali in the November 2011 issue.

Gynecologic cancers are among the most common malignancies with aggressive features and poor prognosis. Tumorigenesis in gynecologic cancers is a complicated process that is influenced by multiple factors, including genetic mutations that activate various oncogenic signaling pathways, including the TGF-β pathway. Aberrant activation of TGF-β signaling is correlated with tumor recurrence and metastasis. It has been shown that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have crucial effects on cancer cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis. Upregulation of various ncRNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) and microRNAs (miRNAs), has been reported in several tumors, like cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, but their cellular mechanisms remain to be investigated. Thus, recognizing the role of ncRNAs in regulating the TGF-β pathway may provide novel strategies for better treatment of cancer patients. The present study summarizes recent findings on the role of ncRNAs in regulating the TGF-β signaling involved in tumor progression and metastasis in gynecologic cancers., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Background: Cardiac echocardiography and cardiac ECG-gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) are the most common modalities for left ventricle (LV) volumes and function assessment. The temporal resolution of SPECT images is limited and an ECG provides better temporal resolution. This study investigates the impact of frame numbers on images in terms of qualitative and quantitative assessments. Methods: In this study, 5 patients underwent echocardiography and cardiac ECG-gated SPECT imaging, and 5 standard views of the LV were recorded to determine LV walls boundaries and volumes. Also, 2 original images with 8 frames and 16 frames per cardiac cycle were recorded simultaneously in a single gantry orbit. Using the data extracted from the LV model, 8 extra new frames were created with interpolation between existing frames of the original 8-frame image. Three series of images (8 and 16 original and 16 interpolated) were reconstructed separately. LV volumes and ejection fraction (EF) were calculated using Quantitative Gated SPECT (QGS) software. Results: Compared to the original 8-frame gating, original 16-frame gated images resulted in larger end-diastole volume (EDV) (mean ± SD: 68.6 ± 27.11 mL vs 66.2±25.41 mL, p<0.001), smaller end-systole volume (ESV) (mean ± SD: 24.6±8.7 mL vs 26±7.3 mL, p<0.001), and higher EF (64% vs 60.2%, p<0.001). The results for the interpolated series were also different from the original images (closer to the original 16-frame series rather than 8-frame). Conclusion: Changing the frame number from 8 to 16 in cardiac ECG-gated SPECT images caused a significant change in LV volumes and EF. Frame interpolation with sophisticated algorithms can be used to improve the temporal resolution of SPECT images., (© 2020 Iran University of Medical Sciences.)

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni has been used locally as a non-calorie sweetener in medicine and diabetic diet which claimed to have aphrodisiac properties, although no scientific data of this function have been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of S. rebaudiana extract on sexual dysfunction, testosterone levels and number of Leydig cells in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male rats. A total of 28 diabetic male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: diabetic group without any extract and 3 extract groups (5, 50 and 100 mg/kg). Seven normal control rats were treated with vehicle mount latency and frequency of (ML, MF), intromission latency and frequency (IL, IF), ejaculation latency and frequency of (EL, EF), the mount latency post ejaculation (MPE), the intromission latency post ejaculation (ILE), the intromission frequency post ejaculation (IFE) were recorded during 30 min on days 0, 14, 28. The serum testosterone levels, blood glucose, sex organs weight, number of leydig cells and histology of testicular tissue were measured. The stevia group (5 mg/kg) had a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in EF and IF. The number of Leydig cells in the diabetic group were significantly (p&lt;0.05) reduced compared to the normal group and diabetic groups with extract (5 and 50 mg/kg). The serum testosterone levels and other sexual behaviors did not show any significant differences. The low- dose stevia extract with attention to antioxidant, vasodilator and anti-diabetic properties can be aphrodisiac in STZ- induced diabetic male rats.

Background and Aim: Effects of atrial fibrillation (AF) and its ablative treatment on LV torsion have not yet been fully investigated. This study aimed to examine whether AF patterns of LV contraction and its ablative correction can exert a significant impact on LV torsion by velocity vector imaging (VVI)., Methods: This case-control study conducted in Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical and Research Center between October 2012 and June 2013. Study participants were 30 consecutive patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF who met the inclusion criteria. The control group included 24 healthy participants with no history of cardiovascular disease. All individuals were in sinus rhythm at the time of echocardiography before and after the ablation procedure. Two-dimensional (2D) and Doppler echocardiography on a commercially available ultrasound system was performed for all the patients. Scanning was done by a wide-band ultrasound transducer with the frequency range between 2.5-3.5 MHz. The two short-axis views at basal and apical levels were subsequently processed off-line by VVI XStrain software. In order for data analysis, SPSS 16 utilized using paired and independent t-test. p-value ≤0.05 was considered significant., Results: LV torsion (°/cm) mean ± SD was significantly lower in paroxysmal AF patients before ablation (0.8±0.3) than the control group (1.5±0.4) (p<0.001) and increased significantly after ablation (1.1±0.5) compared with before ablation (p=0.004), but still significantly lower than the control group (p=0.003). LV Twist, twist rate and untwist rate mean ± SD were significantly lower in paroxysmal AF patients before ablation than the control group and increased significantly after ablation compared with before ablation, but still significantly lower than the control group., Conclusion: Subclinical LV dysfunction may be detected in paroxysmal AF rhythm by measuring torsional parameters through VVI which improves after AF ablation., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: There is no conflict of interest to be declared.

Objective: There is conflicting data regarding the tricuspid annular velocities and their relation to right ventricular filling pressures. We aimed to assess if the time interval between the onset of tricuspid E wave and annular Ea wave has any correlation with right sided filling pressure in patients with heart failure., Methods: Thirty heart failure patients (left ventricular ejection fraction≤35%) were enrolled. Echocardiography was performed to obtain tricuspid inflow and tissue Doppler annular velocities just before a standard right heart catheterization. The right atrial pressure was obtained from right heart catheterization. The E/Ea [the ratio of peak velocity of early tricuspid inflow wave (E) to peak velocity of early diastolic wave of the lateral tricuspid annulus (Ea)] and the time intervals between the beginning of R wave of electrocardiogram and onset of E (TE) as well as between the beginning of R wave and onset of Et (TEa) were measured, TE-Ea was calculated as TE-TEa., Results: The mean right atrial pressure (RAP) was 8.8 (SD=4.7) mm Hg. The mean TE-Ea was + 8.61 milliseconds. There was no significant correlation between RAP and E/Ea (r=0.08, p>0.05) but the correlation between TE-Ea and RAP was significant (r=0.5, p=0.01)., Conclusion: According to our results and in contrary to some prior studies, we showed for the first time that right side TE-Ea stands as a better surrogate of right atrial pressure than E/Ea in heart failure patients. This finding needs more accurate studies and could present TE-Ea as a feasible tool to look into hemodynamics of heart failure patients.

Background: The prevalence of Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been increased in Asian countries. It represents a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, insulin resistance, lipid abnormality and hypertension., Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the association between MetS and outcome in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG)., Patients and Methods: This prospective study was performed on patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG). All the patients were followed up in hospital and three months afterward. Patients were excluded if they were younger than 18 years or had severe comorbidities, a history of valvular heart disease, and low ejection fraction., Results: A total of 235 patients (135 women) with a mean age of 59 ± 9.3 years were included. MetS was more prevalent in women (P < 0.001). The most prevalent complications were bleeding [20 (8.5%)] and dysrhythmia [18 (7.7%)]. At three months follow-up, the frequency rates of readmission [24 (10.2%)] and mediastinitis [9 (3.8%)] were higher than other complications. Diabetes and MetS were risk factors for a long ICU stay (> 5 days) and atelectasia (P < 0.05). Significant associations were observed between diabetes and pulmonary embolism (P = 0.025) and mediastinitis (P = 0.051)., Conclusions: Identification of MetS before CABG can predict the surgery outcome. Patients with MetS have increased risks for longer ICU stay and atelectasia.

Background: Recent years have witnessed the emergence of obesity as a major public health concern. The drastic rise in obesity and its concomitant co-morbidities is a reflection of the recent changes in dietary habits in Iran and many other developing countries. A recent large population study in Tehran reported that 58% and 75% of middle-aged Iranian men and women, respectively, were either overweight or obese., Objectives: Considering the impact of obesity on mortality and morbidity after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), we sought to investigate the association between central obesity and the body mass index (BMI) and the post-CABG mortality and morbidity in Iranian patients., Patients and Methods: This prospective study was on 235 adult patients scheduled for isolated CABG in a university hospital. The patients were divided in two groups according to BMI ≥ 30 (obese; n = 60) and BMI < 30 (non-obese; n = 175). In-hospital and late (after 3 months) morbidity and mortality rates were compared between obese and non-obese patients., Results: A total of 235 patients (135 women) with a mean age of 59 ± 9.2 years (range = 29 to 79 years), mean BMI of 27.3 ± 4.2 (range = 17 to 40), and mean waist circumference of 101.2 ± 14.7 cm (range = 55 to 145 cm) were included. By the third postoperative month, wound infection had significantly increased in patients with BMI ≥ 30 (P = 0.022). In-hospital and late morbidity and mortality rates were comparable between the two groups (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: In our patients obesity was a risk factor for wound infection but not atelectasis or the need for intra-aortic balloon pump or re-exploration. Obesity was not associated with increased in-hospital or 3 months mortality rates after CABG.

The behavior of fluorescence anisotropy and polarization in systems with multiple dyes is well known. Homo-FRET and its consequent energy migration cause the fluorescence anisotropy to decrease as the number of like fluorophores within energy transfer distance increases. This behavior is well understood when all subunits within a cluster are saturated with fluorophores. However, incomplete labeling as might occur from a mixture of endogenous and labeled monomer units, incomplete saturation of binding sites, or photobleaching produces stochastic mixtures. Models in widespread and longstanding use that describe these mixtures apply an assumption of equal fluorescence efficiency for all sites first stated by Weber and Daniel in 1966. The assumption states that fluorophores have the same brightness when free in solution as they do in close proximity to each other in a cluster. The assumption simplifies descriptions of anisotropy trends as the fractional labeling of the cluster changes. However, fluorophores in close proximity often exhibit nonadditivity due to such things as self-quenching behavior or exciplex formation. Therefore, the anisotropy of stochastic mixtures of fluorophore clusters of a particular size will depend on the behavior of those fluorophores in clusters. We present analytical expressions for fractionally labeled clusters exhibiting a range of behaviors, and experimental results from two systems: an assembled tetrameric cluster of fluorescent proteins and stochastically labeled bovine serum albumin containing up to 24 fluorophores. The experimental results indicate that clustered species do not follow the assumption of equal fluorescence efficiency in the systems studied with clustered fluorophores showing reduced fluorescence intensity. Application of the assumption of equal fluorescence efficiency will underpredict anisotropy and consequently underestimate cluster size in these two cases. The theoretical results indicate that careful selection of the fractional labeling in strongly quenched systems will enhance opportunities to determine cluster sizes, making accessible larger clusters than are currently considered possible., (Copyright © 2014 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The current trend of heart transplantation in recent years has taken a quantum leap forward. We decided to look back at our experience in this center., Objectives: Here, we focus on the diagnostic pitfalls and challenges in these biopsies., Patients and Methods: Forty two patients based on the standard protocol of heart transplantation group, yielded 63 biopsy samples over a period of 33 months (April 2010 - December 2012). The mean age was 30.4 years (ranging from 16 to 58 years) with 51 males (81%) and 12 females (19%). All the patients were examined periodically and biopsy samples were taken from the right ventricular wall., Results: Rarely fewer than three pieces of myocardial samples were procured. Scar, adipose tissues and blood clots may be seen instead. Quilty effect (nodular endocardial lesions composed of inflammatory cell infiltrates) was seen in 8 cases (12.7%). Other findings not directly related to rejection including early ischemic injury, Quilty effect and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) were not encountered., Conclusions: Specimen inadequacy was not a major problem in our center. It poses a great limitation, because suboptimal specimens sometimes mislead the pathologist. Other findings especially Quilty effect were within the range defined for this finding.