Genetic associations of the visfatin G-948T polymorphism with obesity-related metabolic traits in an Iranian population

Background:

Obesity is a global public health problem. Visfatin, as an adipocytokine, is coded by a gene known as nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase. So far, results were conflicted regarding correlations of visfatin with obesity and metabolic variables. The present study aimed to explore the association between G-948T polymorphism of visfatin gene with obesity and lipid profile in a nationally representative sample of Iranian population.

Materials and Methods:

In this case–control study, we assessed 129 randomly selected patients with obesity and 182 healthy normal weight controls from participants of Isfahan Healthy Heart Program. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood cells, and high-resolution melt polymerase chain reaction was performed to explore the presence of G-948T polymorphism.

Results:

T carriers “GT + TT” were statistically more frequent in the obese patients than the controls (P = 0.013; odds ratio = 1.9, 95% confidence interval = 1.1–3.1). The serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly different between T carriers and GG homozygote genotype (P = 0.03 and 0.02, respectively).

Conclusion:

We concluded that visfatin G-948T polymorphism was correlated with obesity, total cholesterol, and LDL-C levels in our population.

Serial transverse enteroplasty to facilitate enteral autonomy in selected children with short bowel syndrome

Background

Serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) was first described in 2003 as a method for lengthening and tapering of the bowel in short bowel syndrome. The aim of this multicentre study was to review the outcome of a Swedish cohort of children who underwent STEP.

Methods

All children who had a STEP procedure at one of the four centres of paediatric surgery in Sweden between September 2005 and January 2013 were included in this observational cohort study. Demographic details, and data from the time of STEP and at follow-up were collected from the case records and analysed.

Results

Twelve patients had a total of 16 STEP procedures; four children underwent a second STEP. The first STEP was performed at a median age of 5·8 (range 0·9–19·0) months. There was no death at a median follow-up of 37·2 (range 3·0–87·5) months and no child had small bowel transplantation. Seven of the 12 children were weaned from parenteral nutrition at a median of 19·5 (range 2·3–42·9) months after STEP.

Conclusion

STEP is a useful procedure for selected patients with short bowel syndrome and seems to facilitate weaning from parenteral nutrition. At mid-term follow-up a majority of the children had achieved enteral autonomy. The study is limited by the small sample size and lack of a control group. Good results in selected children

Woman abuse and pregnancy outcome among women in Khoram Abad, Islamic Republic of Iran

We carried out a descriptive analysis on the pregnancy outcome in 313 pregnant women abused, 160 non-abused). Abuse was statistically significantly correlated with mean weight gain during pregnancy, mean frequency of the prenatal care, prolonged labour (dystocia), premature rupture of membrane, low mean birth weight and mean gestational age at birth. Given the high likelihood that a woman will access health care services during her pregnancy, physicians providing prenatal care are in a strategic position to screen for partner abuse.

Earthquake relief: Iranian nurses' responses in Bam, 2003, and lessons learned

BACKGROUND

Man-made or natural disasters appear to be occurring more frequently around the world. It is important that nurses in all specialties should be prepared to care for people affected by disasters.

AIM

To explore Iranian Registered Nurses' experiences in disaster relief in the Bam earthquake, Iran in 2003.

METHODS

This study was qualitative with 13 participant nurses. Data were obtained through semi-structured serial interviews and analysed using the latent content method.

FINDINGS

Three general themes emerged: (a) the need for previously prepared practical protocols, (b) the need for qualified and real teamworking in the situation, and (c) the need to establish periodic comprehensive training programmes in disaster relief nursing.

CONCLUSION

It has become urgent for health agencies and related public services to collaborate, and for all health professionals to become knowledgeable about disaster preparedness. Crisis management, which has become more prevalent for many organizations, is an important strategic initiative for nursing, helping them provide the infrastructure to respond effectively to emergencies and unpredictable events. It is important in today's world that hospital and nursing organizations develop a strategic system to handle disaster situations.