[Induction of experimental type 2 diabetes using olive and rump oils in rat]

Too much fat in the diet can cause insulin resistance. This study was conducted to provide a suitable experimental model of type 2 diabetes and to compare the potency of olive and rump oils in the induction of insulin resistance. The study was done in three phases, each with 15 male Sprague dawley rats. The control, olive oil, and rump oil, groups were fed the commercial diet, and diets supplemented by 31% olive or rump oils for three weeks, respectively [first stage], and then diabetes was induced by IP injection of 35 mg/kg STZ [stages 2 and 3]. The oral glucose tolerance test [OGTT] showed glucose intolerance in both oil groups, compared to the control group [p<0.05], in stage 1, but increases in blood glucose levels were higher in the olive oil group in the second stage. TC and LDL-C levels increased by both the oils, especially olive oil. Insulin level was higher in the rump oil groups, especially after diabetes induction. Insulin sensitivity, as shown by the insulin tolerance test [ITT] and HOMA-IR, were decreased by both oils, especially rump oil. Although both oils had significant effects on metabolism, olive oil use was accompanied by more dyslipidemia, whereas rump oil increased insulin resistance more effectively. It seems that rump oil may be a more appropriate model for studies investigating disorders of carbohydrate metabolism of type 2 diabetes and olive oil, for induction of dyslipidemia and probably the metabolic syndrome

[Exercise test interpretation in patients with major depressive disorder; Are any specific considerations needed?]

Exercise test [ET] is the first line of ischemia assessment in patients with suspected Coronary Artery Disease [CAD]. We conducted this study to evaluate whether Major Depressive Disorder [MDD] influences the parameters of ET performance and affects the interpretation of test results. In an ex-post facto study, 265 patients [191 Men, 74 women; mean age 48 +/- 10 years, 22-75 years old] referred for ET were enrolled through convenient sampling after completing and signing informed consent forms. After exercise testing, Beck Depression Inventory [BDI] was used to assess depression. Data was analyzed using t- paired, k2 and correlation co-efficient tests under SPSS10 software. The prevalence of depression was 41.5%. The proportion of positive ET in depressed and non-depressed groups was 23.6% and 19.4% respectively [p > 0.05]. After adjustment for age, sex, family history of CAD, and smoking habit, total exercise duration showed negative correlation with BDI scores [p < 0.001]. Correlation analysis for Maximum Predicted Heart Rate showed a strong trend of negative relation [p = 0.06]. Duration of performing ET was significantly lower in MDD patients [p = 0.001]. Negative correlation of BDI with ET performing duration was true both before and after corrections for the mentioned variables [p = 0.001]. Decreased psychomotor activity in depression may lead to inadequate exercise duration and affect the performance indices. However, if the performance indices of ET in a depressed patient are acceptable, the test result could be interpreted with confidence

Relative frequency of suicidal ideation in students of Isfahan universities in 2005

Considering the high prevalence of suicide in the 15-24 years old age group, a ground for preventive interventions can be laid out by identdying the youth with suicidal ideation. The present study aimed to assess the relative frequency of suicidal ideation in the students of three universities in city of Isfahan in central part of lran. In a descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study, relative frequency of suicidal ideation was assessed among 300 students aged 19 to 25 years studying at three universities Isfahan, namely University of Isfahan, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, and Isfahan University of Technology in 2005. They were randomly selected proportional to size of male and female students in each university. We used World Health Organizations standardized questionnaire for assessing menta.' health risk factors [STEP] comprised of demographic and suicidal ideation questions. Chi square test was used for data analysis using SPSS software. Thirty one students [10.33%; 95% CL 8.92%-11.07%] had suicidal ideation. Suicidal thoughts were significantly more frequent in male students of Isfahan University of Technology as compared with all other students [p < 0.05]. Suicidal thoughts were also significantly more frequent in students residing in this university's dormitories than its native students and also than students residing in other two universities dormitories [p < 0.05]. Considering the relatively high frequency of suicidal thoughts especially in male nonnative students, a further prospective study with a larger sample size seems necessary to identify risk factors and at-risk groups more precisely, as well as to plan a stepwise program to reduce such identified risk factors

[Anxiety and depression in cancer patients]

As depression and anxiety can have profound negative effects on the functional status, quality of life, duration of hospitalization and even medical outcome of cancer patients, evaluation and treatment of these disorders are important. This was a descriptive study to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression in cancer patients hospitalized at Isfahan Sayyed-o-shohada hospital. A toal number of 173 hospitalized patients were enrolled. The Beck Depression Inventory [BDI] and Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale [ZSAS] were applied to measure depression and anxiety respectively. Data were analyzed using chi-squar test running SPSS-ll soft-ware. Prevalence of anxiety and depression was found to be 18.5% and 32.9% respectively. Anxiety had a higher prevalence among women [P<0.05]. Patients in the age group of 50-65 years old had the highest rate of anxiety [p<0.05]. Age or gender had no correlation with depression. Type of malignancy, duration of treatment and treatment method were not correlated with prevalence of depression and anxiety

[Comparative study on the prevalence of depression in mothers with asthmatic, type I diabetic and healthy children]

Incidence of childhood asthma and diabetes type 1 is being increased in children. Considering evidences which indicate a probable correlation between maternal depression and childhood chronic physical illness, this study aimed to compare relative frequency of depression in mothers with asthmatic, diabetic and normal children and to assess the time priority between maternal depression and the onset of the child's illness. In a cross-sectional study, mothers of diabetic children, asthmatic children and normal children were enrolled in 3 groups of participants, each consisting of 100 mothers. Using the Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition [BDI-two], depression was assessed in all participants and mothers of ill children who were detected to be depressed according to the inventory, were referred to a psychiatrist for a DSM.four clinical interview for approving the diagnosis, assessing co morbidities and evaluating the onset-time of the first depression episode. Relative frequency of depression was compared in the three groups and the time priority between onset of maternal depression and onset of child illness were compared between the two groups of mothers with chronically ill children. Data were analysed using the analysis of variance [ANOVA], Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests, running the SPSS-11 software

[ comparison of phenobarbital and phenytoin serum levels between children with status epilepsy and refractory status epilepsy]

Due to high kinetic variation of antiepileptic medications in children, judgment on the efficacy of intravenous phenytoin and phenobarbital in treatment of refractory status epilepsy, requires measurement of serum levels of the drugs. The aim of this study was determine and compare serum levels of phenytoin and phenobarbital, as the two major and common first- line drugs in treatment of children with status epilepsy and refractory status epilepsy. Serum levels of phenytoin and phenobarbital in 20 children [1 month - 12 years] with refractory status epilepsy [candidates for midazolam infusion] was compared with 20 children with status epilepsy. Age, gender, etiology, type of seizure and previous use of antiepileptic drugs were matched. In patients with status epilepsy and refractory status epilepsy mean serum levels of phenobarbital were 28.03 +/- 12.7 microg/ml, 37.22 +/- 20.78 microg/ml respectively while serum levels of phenytoin were 30.38 +/- 16.80 micro g/ml, 31.42 +/- 14.81 microg/ml respectively. There was no significant difference between phenobarbital [P=0.1] and phenytoin [P=0.8] serum levels in these two groups. There was no significant correlation between phenobarbital serum level with age in the group of status epilepsy [P=0.1] and refractory status epilepsy [P=0.8]. In contrast, increased phenytoin serum level was associated with increased age in status epilepsy group [P=0.004] and refractory status epilepsy group [P=0.01]. In both groups, blood level of the drugs were within the therapeutic range. High pharmacokinetic variation of antiepileptic medications in children does not cause any changes in the serum level of intravenous phenytoin and phenobarbital in the groups of status epilepsy and refractory status epilepsy. Development of refractory status epilepsy is probably due to the nature of disease or other unknown factors which need further studies

Relationship between aseptic meningitis and MMR vaccination

Mumps is a predominant disease of young children recognized by fever and parotitis. Meningitis and meningoencephalitis are the most frequent complications of the disease. Mumps live vaccine is available in many countries. In Iran routine 2 dose administration of MMR was launched in 2004. Vaccine produce a subclinical and noncommunicable infection but in part of Europes, Canada and Japan where different vaccines have been used, rates of vaccine-induced aseptic meningitis have been high. The purpose of this study is to survey the occurrence of Aseptic meningitis as an adverse effect of MMR vaccination and to determine its clinical and laborabry characteristics. In this prospective study during 2004-2005 cases of Aseptic meningitis who was admitted in Infection and neurology wards of Tabriz Pediatric Medical center were studied. Sex, age, clinical manifestations, lab data and duration between vaccination and appearance of symptoms were recorded and analyzed. In 44 cases of aseptic meningitis there was history of MMR vaccination within 30 days [average: 21.7 days]. Seventy five percent of patients were male. The mean age of patients was 31 months. 40.9% of cases were 13 months old. Febrile seizure [54.5%] and meningeal signs with parotid enlargement [29.5%] were the most clinical manifestation. The mean Total and lymphocyte cell count in cerebrospinal fluid were 674.43 and 550.2/mm[3], respectively. The mean glucose and protein levels were found to be 54.3 and 48.34 mg/dl, respectively. The results of our study shows the occurrence of aseptic meningitis after immunization with the MMR vaccine which is being used by the health services in our country. According to Presence of wild virus Strains within community and to rule out the role of other viruses, PCR is recommended despite of its complexity and limitations. This complication must be considered important and followed up precisely in spite of its complete cure without any Sequela, because all of these cases occurred within 30 days after vaccination

Review of infant botulism and report of one case

Infant Botulism, one of the three forms of human botulism results from Clostridium botulinum. Absorbed toxin causes flaccid paralysis. Disease produces a spectrum of clinical severity from mild to sudden infant death syndrome. The first sign is almost always constipation. Botulism is manifested clinically as a symmetric descending paralysis. The first signs of illness are found in cranial nerves, it is not possible to have infant botulism without having bulbar palsies. Diagnosis established by identification of organism in the feces. In ambiguous situation electrodiagnostic study is helpful. In this article we reviewed the Infant botulism and reported a 10 month case

Consultation-liaison psychiatry in a general hospital

At least one half of all patients who admitted to general hospitals, suffer from psychiatric comorbidities. Management of mental disorders in these patients, significantly, improves the course and outcome of medical diseases. The aim of this survey was to answer the following questions: 1] what is the rate of diagnosable psychiatric symptoms among medical and surgical inpatients? and 2] what proportion of them undergo psychiatric consultation? Three hundred and ninety two patients admitted to medical and surgical wards of Alzahra hospital [Isfahan] from January 2005 until March 2005 were evaluated by the revised form of psychiatric symptoms checklist [SCL-90- R]. The total referral records were also maintained and compared with the data of morbidity. One hundred and fifty six [42.7%] of the evaluated subjects had psychiatric co-morbidities. The most prevalent psychiatric symptoms determined in this group were depression, somatization and anxiety. Only 84 [3%] of these patients had undergone psychiatric consultation. This study demonstrates that many of the patients, who are admitted to general hospitals, may have psychiatric co-morbidities but only a very small percentage of them receive appropriate mental cares

Aggression, anxiety, and social development in adolescent children of war veterans with PTSD versus those of non-veterans

Background: evaluation of psychological problems in children of war veterans with PTSD can be the first step in improving the war - related trauma and interrupting the known phenomenon of transgeneration transmission of this trauma

Methods: using three self - administered questionnaires, this study was carried out to compare aggression, anxiety, and social development [as some of the most expected mental health problems in this group according to literature] in adolescent children of war veterans and those of non-veterans. The two groups were matched regarding sex, academic achievement, stage of education, and economic status of the family

Results: after controlling the level of parental education [as a confounding variable], a higher rate of aggression and anxiety was found in adolescent children of war veterans with PTSD but the two groups showed no significant difference in social development

Conclusion: the higher rate of anxiety and aggression among children of war veterans with PTSD along with many other factors such as low socioeconomic status in this group signifies the importance of mental health screening programs and appropriate interventions in this group