Objectives This study evaluated the incidence and predictors of CK-MB and troponin elevation after successful coronary intervention. Background CK-MB and troponin elevation after coronary intervention correlate with late cardiac events and survival.1,2,19,24 We investigated the incidence and predictors of CK-MB and troponin elevation in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention in Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical and Research Center. Methods CK-MB and troponin elevation was detectable in 203 (70%) patients. Predictors of cardiac enzyme elevation were hyperlipidemia, functional class, and smoking. There were no in-hospital adverse events in the CK-MB and troponin elevation group. Conclusions Cardiac enzyme elevation after coronary intervention was detected in 70% of all our patients and was more common in diffuse atherosclerosis hyperlipidemia, smoking, and high functional class. Enzyme elevation was observed even in the absence of discernible procedural complications, and early discharge of patients with CK-MB and troponin elevation is safe. Midterm survival of patients with CK-MB and or troponin elevation was similar to those with normal enzymes (Iranian Heart Journal 2011; 12 (1):27 -34).

Due to the early identification of high-risk patients in the triage process by nurses, it is essential to understand the relationship between early symptoms and acute coronarysyndrome. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the reported symptoms of acute coronary syndrome and ST elevation or the absence thereof. This cross-sectional study randomly recruited 446 patients with a primary diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome who were admitted to the cardiac intensive care units of 8 hospitals in Tehran. Data collection instrument was a checklist of the presenting symptoms of acute myocardial infarction. The chi-squared test was used to determine the association between the symptoms of acute coronary syndrome based on ST elevation or non-ST elevation and logistic regression was performed to determine the odd ratios of early symptoms based on ST elevation or non-ST elevation using SPSS (version 16). Mean age was 67.13 ± 8.79 years, 256 patients (58.4%) were male, 238 patients (41.29%) had acute coronary syndrome with ST-segment elevation, and 208 patients (58.71%) had acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation. Chest symptoms were more reported in acute coronary syndrome with ST elevation, and diaphoresis was more in acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation. Among the atypical symptoms, the frequencies of nausea /vomiting and palpitation were higher in acute coronary syndrome without ST elevation. The odd ratios of chest symptoms, diaphoresis, and nausea / vomiting were higher in acute coronary syndrome with ST elevation, and palpitation was more frequent in patients without ST elevation. Emergency nurses should know that the reported symptoms in acute coronary syndrome patients differ based on ST elevation or non-ST elevation.

A fundamental characteristic of mountain ecosystems is the drastic change in vegetation along elevation gradient that promote the diversification of plant species. The aim of this study is investigation of plant species richness and diversity patterns along elevation gradient in mountainous environments of Shaskouh Protected Area, South Khorasan Province. Vegetation sampling was conducted in five elevation zones (1200-1000, 1500-1200, 2000-1500, 2500-2000 and 2850-2500 meters above sea level). Abundance distribution models, numerical indices of species diversity, richness, dominance and evenness were determined for each zone. Also, to ordination the species composition along the elevation gradient, Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was used. The results showed that in mountain environments, elevation gradient has significant effect (p≤0.01) on plant species diversity and richness. Maximum species richness (27 taxa) were observed at low elevation (1500-1200 meters above sea level) and minimum species richness (10 and 7 taxa) were found in the moderate classes of elevation (2000-2500 meters above sea level) and the high classes of elevation (2500-2850 meters above sea level). As well as, the results showed that species diversity was low at low elevations, then with increasing elevation reaches its maximum at middle elevation, then decreases at high elevations (above 2500 meters above sea level).

The aim of this study was to assess the rangeland health of North Sabalan in three-elevation classes (less than 1500, 1500 to 2100, and 2100 to 2700 meters), which were the representative of rural, rural-nomad, and nomad rangelands, using the landscape function analysis (LFA) in Ardabil province. For sampling, three 50-meter transects were established in each elevation class according to the uniformity of the habitat and distribution of patches. Using the LFA framework, three characteristics including stability, infiltration and nutrient cycling of soil surface were determined using 11 indicators. Statistical analysis of data was conducted using the LFA method and instructions of Tongway and Hindley in Excel software. The soil stability index for vegetation life forms in the elevation class of 2100 to 2700 m was more than that of the other two elevation classes, with significant difference (P>0.05); however, there was no significant difference between the first and the second class .Comparison of the infiltration and nutrient cycling indices for vegetation life forms in the elevation class of 2100 to 2700 m was also more than those of the other two elevation classes with significant differences (P<0.05). The stability index in the third elevation class (72.35) and in the second class (48.75), the infiltration index in the third elevation class (73.31) and in the first elevation class (15.99), and the nutrient cycling index in the third elevation class (78.75) and in the first elevation class (10.12) had the highest and least values, respectively. Overall, the health condition of the third elevation class was better than the other two classes. By examining the functional characteristics of ecological patches, we can identify the vegetation indicators affecting rangeland health, and then conduct proper management to protect that ecosystem.

Posterior corneal elevation changes are keys to early diagnosis of corneal ectasia after keratorefractive surgery, so it is important to use an accurate method for measuring posterior corneal elevation. The purpose of this study is investigating posterior corneal elevation changes with Pentacam(HR) on patients underwent photorefractive keratectomy. In this clinical trial and prospective study, Pentacam was used to evaluate changes in posterior corneal elevation before and after photorefractive keratectomy in 32 eyes of 16 patients. Posterior corneal elevation defined by maximum elevation before and after surgery and posterior corneal displacement defined by maximum difference in posterior elevation before and after surgery in the central 4mm zone. SPSS for windows) version 17) was used for data analysis and Paired T test was used for statistical analysis. The mean age of patients was 25.17±7.11 years and the mean of equivalent sphere was -3.75±1.14 diopters. After photorefractive keratectomy, mean posterior corneal displacement was -0.84±3.53 micrometers and mean posterior corneal elevation before and after surgery was 5.38±4.12 and 4.31±5.05 micrometers respectively (p=0.108). There was no statistically significant difference in posterior corneal elevation values between before and after photorefractive keratectomy and no case of corneal ectasia with Pentacam, that was contrary to results obtained with Orbscan in previous studies. Our study suggests that Pentacam can show more accurate values of posterior corneal elevation in comparison to Orbscan. More studies must be performed to verify our conclusion.

Surface albedo is a climatic parameter that is a function of surface type. In this study, to investigate the relationship between albedo and Elevation components in Iran from the combined data (Terra / Aqua) of Modis sensor in the period 3/20/2000 to 3/20/2019 (6940 days) on a daily basis and in a spatial resolution of 500 Meters were utilized. Also, Iran's Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data in spatial resolution of 500 meters and with a sinusoidal projection system coordinated with the spatial resolution and projection system of albedo data were downloaded from the NASA website. In the DEM data used, In data used, in addition to the elevation of the points, the slope and aspect information for each pixel is also in decis. Prior to data usage, some preprocessing was performed on digital data. Based on nearly 60 billion pixels, the albedo and DEM showed a linear fragmentary pattern. The results showed that the amount of albedo has 5 different patterns with increasing elevation. The first pattern shows the whiteness behavior at elevation below sea level. In these zones, albedo increases sharply with increasing elevation due to rising land surface temperature(LST). So that the albedo goes from 4% to about 16%. The second pattern shows the uniform behavior of the albedo at an elevation of 0-800 m. The third pattern of albedo decreasing behavior with elevation is revealed in the 1300-800 m belt. One of the reasons for the decrease in albedo in these elevation belts can be the expansion of cities and consequently the decrease in albedo due to the smooth surface of the asphalt of the streets and the paving of the streets. In the fourth pattern, a direct connection of albedo with elevation is observed in the belt of 3500-1300 meters. One of the main reasons for the increase in albedo in this elevation belt is the increase in snow cover in this elevation belt. The fifth pattern also shows a direct link between albedo and elevation above 3500 meters and is a continuation of the fourth pattern, with the difference that this pattern loses some of its order and shows a scattered pattern. The correlation of albedo and slope also showed that due to more sun exposure, the southern aspect of Iran has about 3% more albedo than the northern aspect. The correlation between the albedo and the slope is a straight line. As the albedo decreases to a slope of 30 °, the albedo will increase on slopes above 30 °.

The scientific investigation of forest vegetation distribution on the elevation gradient of Alborz mountains range can be led to identifying natural habitats on the basis of elevation variation. The purpose of this research is plants distribution pattern investigation along elevation gradient which is located in North slope aspect of Alborz Mountains in Touskestan-Charbagh, Golestan province. The presence of plant species has been recorded on the 24 vertical transect side' roads (12 sampling points) along the gradient of 740 to 2340 meters above sea level with 200 meter distances on this paper. Plant species in the sampled transects has been grouped on basis of similarity and dissimilarity via TWINSPAN analysis in PCORD 5 software. Also relationship between environmental factors (elevation, slope, aspect, rain, temperature, relative humidity and evapotranspiration) and vegetation has been evaluated via Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Result showed that there are 4 distinguished plant groups (A) Tree and bush, (B) bush and Shrub, (C) shrub and forb, (D) forb and grass. The environmental factors especially elevation with effect on climate factors is the most effective characteristic on distribution and division of grouping growth forms. As one or many plant species are ecological indicators of specific range elevation.

In this study the distribution and infection percentage of infected trees to Loranthus europaeus in various height above sea level classes areas were investigated. For this purpose 65 circular sample plots with an area of 500 m2 were taken in Mirabad forests of Sardasht. Quantitative characteristics like DBH, tree height, crown height and diameter were measured in each plot. Results showed that the highest percentage of infected trees in all three Oak species (Quercus brantii, Q. libani and Q. infectoria) were on the highest elevation class (1751-1800 m) and the lowest percentage of infected trees were on lowest elevation classes (1450-1550 m). Percentage of infected trees in highest elevation class was about 4 to 3 times more than percentage of infected trees in lowest elevation classes. Mean number of L. europaeus per tree in Quercus brantii and Q. infectoria in highest elevation class was almost 2 times more than lowest classes (elevation range from 1551 to 1600 m) and for Q. libani it was 3 to 5 times more than lowest classes (1450 -1550 m). Eventually, for effective fighting with this pest, it is better to start from upper altitude.

Biodiversity estimation is one of the key issues in the management of the forest as one of the most sustainable and complete ecosystems and trees are considered the main members of forest ecosystems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the elevation on the changes of tree species biodiversity in a part of the Arasbaran forest. For this purpose, species richness, Simpson and Smith-Wilson uniformity indices, and diversity indicators included Shannon, Simpson, N1, and N2 were calculated by using the data obtained from sampling plots in different elevation classes and measurement of various tree species. The results showed that species richness decreased with an increase in elevation but uniformity increased. Also, the Shannon and N2 indices in low elevation and the Simpson and N1 in high elevation showed the most diversity in the study area. The final results of the present study indicated that elevation is effective on a variety of indicators of diversity, richness, and uniformity and will reduce them. Therefore, this is recommended to the study of environmental factors affecting this reduction.

The purpose of this study was to compare the quantitative regeneration status of gaps with different areas in managed and unmanaged forests at different elevations. 72 gaps in three size classes and 18 control plots under canopy cover were randomly selected. The results showed that up to an elevation of 1400 m, there was no significant differences between the average relative abundance of seedlings among the gaps and also between gaps and under canopy cover in both managed and unmanaged stands. However, with increasing elevation, the relative abundance of Fagus orientalis Lipsky increased in unmanaged stands in small gaps. Also, the relative abundance of Fagus orientalis Lipsky at elevation of 1000-1200 and 1400-1600 m in small gaps showed a significant difference between unmanaged and managed stands. While the relative abundance of Fagus orientalis Lipsky at an elevation of 1200-1400 m in medium size gaps showed none-significant difference between the two stands. The results of this study showed that the elevation is one of the most important and influential factor on the establishment of regeneration and growth of seedlings in canopy gaps.