The prevalence of obesity and its related risk factor in the north of iran in 2006

Background: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the obesity and the related risk factors in the north of Iran. Methods: This was a population-based cross-sectional study that enrolled 2495 subjects (1247 males and 1248 females) using stratified cluster sampling. Interviewers recorded the data using a multidimensional questionnaire including anthropometric indexes. Body mass index equal to or greater than 25 was considered as overweight and that of 30 and 40 as obese and pathologic obese respectively. SPSS 16.0 software was used for statistical data analysis. Results: Mean age of the subjects was 39.2 [95% CI: 38.6, 39.8] yr. Mean body mass index was 25.3 [95% CI: 25.0, 25.6] kg/m(2) for men and 27.5 [95% CI: 27.2, 27.9] kg/m2 for women. The prevalence rates of overweight, obesity and pathologic obesity were 29.9% (745/2495), 22.5% (561/2495) and 1.8% (44/2495) respectively. The prevalence of obesity was higher in urban residents than rural ones, 27.3% versus 18.9% respectively (P<0.001). The prevalence rates of obesity and pathologic obesity were much higher in women than men were, 30.3% versus 15.4% and 3.0% versus 0.6% respectively (P=0.001). The odds ratio estimate was 1.68 [95% CI: 1.40, 2.02] for urban area compared to rural area; 2.60 [95% CI: 2.14, 3.15] for females compared to males; 5.95 [95% CI: 3.54, 9.99] for married people compared to single people; 1.89 [95% CI: 1.44, 2.84] for age group of 55-65 years compared to age group of 15-24 years; 1.76 [95% CI: 1.17, 2.64] for illiterate people compared to those who had academic education; 1.98 [95% CI: 1.13, 2.49] for poor people compared to people with high economic level. Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity and overweight is very high in the north of Iran, hence is a signal of serious health problem, and should be the focus of special attention.     

Lifestyle-Related Determinants of Hookah and Cigarette Smoking in Iranian Adults

To identify lifestyle-related determinants of hookah and cigarette smoking in Iranian adults, a total of 12,514 men and women aged ≥19 years in three counties in central Iran (Isfahan, Najafabad, Arak) were selected in multistage random sampling. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle were collected in interviewer-administered questionnaires, as part of the baseline survey of the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program. Unhealthy lifestyle-related factors independently associated with cigarette and hookah smoking, were identified in sex-specific multivariate logistic regression analyses. High stress levels (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.35–1.78 for men; OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.17–2.27 for women), family member smoking (OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.27–4.92 for men; OR: 2.49; 95% CI: 2.20–2.95 for women), and short/long sleep duration (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.01–1.39 for men; OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.10–2.35 for women) were associated with cigarette smoking in both men and women. Poor diet was also related to cigarette smoking in men (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.62–1.89). Family member smoking was associated with hookah smoking in both men (OR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.05–3.12) and women (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.02–4.92), and in addition high stress levels (OR: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.14–5.83) and short/long sleep duration (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.02–2.41) were associated with hookah smoking in women. Unhealthy lifestyle-related factors co-occur with cigarette and hookah smoking in Iranian adults, likely increasing the risk for chronic health problems. Sex differences in the determinants of hookah and cigarette smoking may need to be taken into account in planning tobacco control strategies.     

Molecular Survey of Toxoplasma gondii in Sheep,Cattle and Meat Products in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari Province,Southwest of Iran

Background

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide spread disease. The present study examined the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection among animals of edible meat (cattle and sheep) in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari Province (Southwest of Iran) in 2012. Furthermore, we attempted for the first time to identify this parasite from the meat products in the province.

Methods

The tongue, brain, femur muscle and liver of 50 sheep and 70 cattle as well as 50 samples of meat products were selected and collected to perform molecular survey using Nested-PCR method.

Results

Of the studied sheep, 38% were infected. The infection rate in the age groups under 1 year, 1-2 years, and more than 2 years was 25%, 35.29% and 52.94%, respectively. The infection rate in femur muscle, brain, liver and tongue was 28%, 32%, 30% and 16%, respectively. Of the studied cattle, 8.57% were infected. The infection rate in the age groups 1-2 years, 2-4 years, and more than 4 years was 3.7%, 9.09% and 14.28%, respectively. Sheep was infected 6 times more than cattle (OR = 6.53 CI = 2.374-18.005).The infection rate among samples of meat products was 12% (6 samples out of 50 samples).

Conclusion

Due to the high rate of this parasitic infection among the slaughtered animals as well as meat products in this region, the use of infected material can be one of the main risk factors of transmission of the parasite to humans.     

The effect of inhaled corticosteroids on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to compare systemic effects of high-dose fluticasone propionate (FP) and beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) via pressurized metered dose inhaler on adrenal and pulmonary function tests.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 66 patients with newly diagnosed moderate persistent asthma without previous use of asthma medications participated in this single blind, randomized, parallel design study. FP or BDP increased to 1 500 μg/d in 62 patients who had not received oral or IV corticosteroids in the previous six months. Possible effects of BDP and FP on adrenal function were evaluated by free cortisol level at baseline and after Synacthen test (250 μg). Fasting plasma glucose and pulmonary function tests were also assessed. Similar tests were repeated 3 weeks after increasing dose of inhaled corticosteroids to 1 500 μg/d.

Results:

No statistically significant suppression was found in geometric means of cortisol level post treatment in both groups. After treatment in FP group, mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and mean forced vital capacity (FVC) values improved by 0.17 l (5.66% ± 13.91, P=0.031) and 0.18 l (5.09% ± 10.29, P=0.010), respectively. Although FEV1 and FVC improved in BDP group but was not statistically significant. Oral candidiasis and hoarseness were observed in 6.5% patients receiving BDP, but hoarseness was found in 3.2% patients in FP group (P=0.288).

Conclusions:

The results indicate that safety profiles of high doses of BDP and FP with respect to adrenal function are similar, but FP is more efficacious than that of BDP in improving pulmonary function test.KEY WORDS: Adrenal cortex function tests, adrenal insufficiency, asthma, beclomethasone dipropionate, fluticasone     

Biodegradable multiblock poly(N-2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide gemcitabine and paclitaxel conjugates for ovarian cancer cell combination treatment

The synthesis, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of a combination delivery of multiblock poly(N-2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA), gemcitabine (GEM) and paclitaxel (PTX) conjugates is described in this study. Multiblock copolymer conjugates of a large molecular weight (M_w > 200 kDa) were studied and compared to traditional, small molecular weight (M_w < 45 kDa) conjugates. Stability of the conjugates in different pH was assessed, and their cytotoxicity in combination toward A2780 human ovarian cancer cells was evaluated by combination index analysis. Treatment duration (4 and 72 h) and sequence of addition were explored. In addition, an HPMA copolymer conjugate with both GEM and PTX in the side chains was evaluated in a similar manner and compared to a physical mixture of individual conjugates. Conjugates with narrow molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n < 1.1) were obtained via RAFT polymerization, and drug loadings of between 5.5 and 9.2 wt% were achieved. Conjugates demonstrated moderate stability with less than 65% release over 24 h at pH 7.4, and near complete drug release in the presence of the lysosomal enzyme cathepsin B in 3 h. In combination, the cytotoxic effects of a mixture of the conjugates were primarily additive. Synergistic effects were observed when A2780 human ovarian cancer cells were treated simultaneously for 4 h with multiblock conjugates (CI < 0.7). When both GEM and PTX were conjugated to the same copolymer backbone, moderate antagonism (CI 1.3–1.6) was observed. These results demonstrate that multiblock HPMA copolymer–GEM and –PTX conjugates, when delivered as a mixture of individual agents, are promising for the treatment of ovarian cancer.     

Nanocarriers for nuclear imaging and radiotherapy of cancer

Several nanoscale carriers (nanoparticles, liposomes, water-soluble polymers, micelles and dendrimers) have been developed for targeted delivery of cancer diagnostic and therapeutic agents. These carriers can selectively target cancer sites and carry large payloads, thereby improving cancer detection and therapy effectiveness. Further, the combination of newer nuclear imaging techniques providing high sensitivity and spatial resolution such as dual modality imaging with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and use of nanoscale devices to carry diagnostic and therapeutic radionuclides with high target specificity can enable more accurate detection, staging and therapy planning of cancer. The successful clinical applications of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies for cancer detection and therapy bode well for the future of nanoscale carrier systems in clinical oncology. Several radiolabeled multifunctional nanocarriers have been effective in detecting and treating cancer in animal models. Nonetheless, further preclinical, clinical and long-term toxicity studies will be required to translate this technology to the care of patients with cancer. The objective of this review is to present a brief but comprehensive overview of the various nuclear imaging techniques and the use of nanocarriers to deliver radionuclides for the diagnosis and therapy of cancer.     

Intrathecal Drug Delivery Device Infection and Meningitis due to Mycobacterium Fortuitum: A Case Report

Intrathecal drug delivery device infection with Mycobacterium fortuitum has not been reported previously. We report a case of an implanted baclofen pump infection and associated mycobacterium meningitis due to Mycobacterium fortuitum. The entire pump system was removed and the patient was treated successfully with a prolonged regimen of antibiotics.     

Template synthesis of multifunctional nanotubes for controlled release.

In the past few decades, nanoscale materials have been widely used for controlled release applications. Importantly, many researches have focused on multifunctional nanoparticles for targeted delivery of bioactive and imaging agents as therapeutics and diagnostics. Recent advances in nanotechnology have made possible the design and development of tubular nanoscale particles called nanotubes. The tubular shape of such particles is highly attractive since it is possible to differentially functionalize the inner and outer surfaces to facilitate drug loading, biocompatibility and biorecognition. Novel synthetic strategies allow the fabrication of tubular structures with well-defined diameters and lengths. This can have important implications in biodistribution, subcellular trafficking and drug release. In this article the biomedical applications of nanotubes will be discussed with emphasis on the template synthesis of composite nanotubes containing silica and iron oxide that have potential use in drug delivery, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and chemical and biochemical separations.     

Detection of VEB-1, OXA-10 and PER-1 genotypes in extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from burn patients

Resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains to the broad-spectrum cephalosporins may be mediated by the extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). These enzymes are encoded by different genes located on either chromosomes or plasmids. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ESBLs and antimicrobial susceptibilities of P. aeruginosa isolated from burn patients in Tehran, Iran. Antimicrobial susceptibility of 170 isolates to cefpodoxime, aztreonam, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, ceftazidime, cefepime, imipenem, meropenem, cefotaxime, levofloxacin, piperacillin–tazobactam and ceftriaxone was determined by disc agar diffusion test. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the genes encoding OXA-10, PER-1 and VEB-1 was also performed. All isolates (100%) were resistant to ceftazidime, cefotaxime, cefepime and aztreonam. Imipenem and meropenem were the most effective anti-pseudomonal agents. The results revealed that 148 (87.05%) of the isolates were multidrug resistant and 67 (39.41%) of the isolates were ESBL positive. Fifty (74.62%), 33 (49.25%) and 21 (31.34%) strains among 67 ESBL-producing strains amplified bla_OXA-10, bla_PER-1 and bla_VEB-1 respectively.