Comparing the effects of home-based exercise rehabilitation and center-based cardiac rehabilitation on lipid profiles of the patients with coronaryartery disease

Although participation in centre-based cardiac rehabilitation [CR] is known to reduce morbidity and mortality but the participation rates of coronary artery patients are low. Therefore, establishing alternative programs in this regard is important, and it seems that home-based exercise rehabilitation is one of the predominant alternatives. This study aimed to compare the effects of the home-based exercise rehabilitation and centre-based CR on lipid profiles of patients with coronary artery disease. This semi-experimental study was conducted on 40 patients [mean age, 59 +/- 6.28 years] in Isfahan cardiovascular research center in 2014. The participants were voluntarily divided into 3 groups: home-based exercise rehabilitation, centre-based CR and control. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein [HDL-C] and low-density lipoprotein [LDL-C] were measured at baseline and after 2 months of CR. After 2 months of CR, levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and the ratio of LDL/HDL and cholesterol/HDL were significantly improved in both experimental groups. No significant difference was observed between the home-based exercise and centre-based CR programs in all indices. Both home-based exercise rehabilitation and centre-based CR can improve the lipid profiles in patients with coronary artery disease. Thus, it can be a modern approach to increase the participation of patients, reduce the costs and the current restrictions in our country to fulfill the patients' needs

[Quantitative and qualitative analysis of anthocyanins and flavonols in berry skin of some grape cultivars using high performance liquid chromatography [HPLC]]

Background: Grape berries are valuable nutraceuticals, due to the presence of different types of flavonoids as anthocyanins and flavonols, however, type and percentage of the components are influenced by genotype and environmental conditions

Objective: To identify anthocyanins and flavonols of some important grape cultivars with different color profiles

Methods: Berry skins of grape cultivars including Angoorab, Bidane-Ghermez, Fakhrie-Ghermez, Muskat of Hamburg, Flaim seedless, Sorkhak, and Ashe-Siahe-Shiraz were extracted using water/methanol as solvent. Anthocyanins and flavonols compositions were studied by HPLC

Results: Highest total anthocyanin and total flavonol contents were 0.44 [Ashe-Siahe-Shiraz] and 0.67 [Angoorab] mg.100 g-1, respectively. Highest percentage of cyanidin in Bidane-Ghermez [91.6%], peonidin in Fakhri-Ghermez [91.43%], delphinidin in Flaim seedless [4.95%], malvidin in Sorkhak [87.69%] and petunidin in Muskat of Hamburg [4.36%] were observed. Quercetin [61.21 in Ashe-Siahe-Shiraz to 87.37% in Muskat of Hamburg] was the major flavonol, among all studied grape cultivars. Highest amounts of laricitrin in Sorkhak [16.73%], myricetin in Ashe-Siahe-Shiraz [28.4%], kaempferol in Flaim seedless [21.39%] and isorhamnetin in Fakhrie-Ghermez [14.41%] were observed. Also, estimation of hydroxylation and methylation activities showed that for both of the reactions, anthocyanins are much better substrates than flavonols

Conclusion: The present study showed that studied grape cultivars are different for the content, composition and ratio of anthocyanins and flavonols and pattern of hydroxylation and methylation, which could lead to differences in their nutraceutical values specially their antioxidant activity, stability, solubility and color properties

Replacement of salamon with shotor diluent and egg yolk with low density lipoprotein for chilled storage of ram semen

The present study investigated the possibility of replacing salamon with modified shotor diluent [MSD] and egg yolk [EY] with low density lipoprotein [LDL] for chilled storage of ram semen. Good quality semen [>80% progressive forward motility [PFM] of sperm] from 3 fertile rams was collected using an artificial vaginaandpooled for each experiment. Low density lipoprotein was extracted from fresh EY. In experiment 1, semen was divided into 2 fractions and extended in MSD or salamon. In experiment 2, semen was assigned into 5 fractions and extended in MSD supplemented with 12 and 15% EY or 3, 5 and 8% LDL. In experiment 3, semen was divided into 2 fractions and extended in MSD supplemented with 12% EY or 5% LDL. Viability of sperm was assessed at times 0 [immediately after semen dilution], 2 or 4 [at 4°C] and up to 72 h after semen dilution. Data was analyzed using General Linear Model [GLM] procedure, including repeated measures. In experiment 1, the viability of sperm was similar in two diluents [P>0.05]. In experiment 2, PFM of sperm was similar among groups at the time of dilution [P>0.05]; but remained elevated in 5 and 8% LDL compared to other groups afterward [P<0.05]. In experiment 3, PFM of sperm was superior at 48 and 72 h after dilution in 5% LDL compared to 12% EY [P<0.05]. In conclusion, MSD supplemented with 5% LDL is a suitable diluent for ram fresh semen preserved at 4°C for 72 h. Key words: Ram, Semen preservation, Low density lipoprotein, Diluent

[Evaluation of serum hepatitis B antibody level in vaccinated children after 14 years in Kashan, Iran]

Hepatitis B vaccination has been conducted in neonates in the routine vaccination in Iran since 1993. This study was carried out to evaluate the serum hepatitis B antibody level in vaccinated children after 14 years in Kashan, Iran. This prospetive cohort study was conducted on 200 fourteen-year-old children which were selected via a simple random sampling method in Kashan, Iran drung 2008-09. This subjects were have been vaccined according to the govermental guildline at 0, 2 and 6 months old. Two ml blood specimens were obtained from children and serum hepatitis B surface antibody [anti-HBs] and hepatitis B core antibody [anti-HBc] were determined by ELISA method. Immunity was interpreted as anti-HBs>/= 10 IU/L. Data were analyzed using SPSS-13, Chi-Square and Fisher's exat tests. 92% girls and 95% boys, totally 187[93.5%] children had serum anti-HBs>/= 10 IU/L. Anti-HBc was positive in 3 [3%] girls and 5[5%] boys, totally 8[4%] which all of them had serum anti-HBS/= 2.5 kg [P<0.05]. The immunity following the complete series [0, 2, 6 months old] of hepatitis B vaccination remained detectable after 14 years

[ gabapentin effect on pain morphin consumption after total abdominal hysterectomy]

Post operative pain is one of the important factors affecting recovery from surgery and anesthesia. Gabapentin is used as an anticonvulsant drug that acts through voltage-dependent calcium channels. In some recent studies, oral gabapentin has been reported to reduce post operative pain and morphin consumption following mastectomy and hysterectomy. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of gabapentin on postoperative pain after abdominal hysterectomy. In a double-blinded clinical trial design, 50 women aged 35- 50 years old, whom were candidate for hysterectomy referred to Shabih Khani Hospital in 1389, were signed up for the study. Patients received randomly either oral gabapentin 1200 or placebo 1 hr prior to the surgery. Pain was assessed on a visual analogue scale [VAS] at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hr intervals after the operation. Morphine consumption and drug-induced complications such as nausea and vomiting were recorded and compared between the two groups. Factors including age, mean operative time, mean anesthesia time, and BMI were not significantly different between the test and control groups. However, the mean pain scores at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hr after operation were significantly lower in the gabapentin group in comparison to the controls [P<0.0001]. The morphin consumption was also significantly lower in the gabapentin group [P<0.0001]. Furthermore, the average time before the first to walk following the operation was significantly shorter in the gabapentin group [P=0.002]. Preoperative oral gabapentin decreases the pain scores in the postoperative period and lowers the morphine consumption in patients following abdominal hysterectomy

Carbenoxolone induces apoptosis and inhibits survivin and survivin-AEx3 genes expression in human leukemia K562 cells

Leukemia is a malignant disorder of the blood progenitor/stem cells which is characterized by abnormal proliferation of white blood cells. Although anti-cancer drugs induce apoptosis in cancerous cells, drug resistance is the significant problem mainly due to over-expression of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins [lAPs] such as survivin. In this content, it has been reported that an anti-inflammatory drug, Carbenoxolone [CBX], could induce apoptosis and growth inhibition in several types of cancerous cells. In the present study, effects of CBX on apoptosis and level of the expression of survivin gene and its deltaEx3 splicing variant have were evaluated in K562 cells. K562 cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of CBX: [50-300 microM] at different time intervals [12-48 hrs]. Trypan blue exclusion test was used to evaluate cell viability. Fluorescent microscopy [Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide double staining] and DNA fragmentation assay were used to study apoptosis. The expression level of survivin and its deltaEx3 splice variant were studied by RT- PCR. It was found that both growth inhibition and apoptosis occurred in K562 cells. In addition, down-regulation of survivin and survin-deltaEx3 were observed, after 2-4 hrs treatment with 150 microM of CBX. However, the expression level of survivin and its deltaEx3 splice variant increased in subsequent time [6-12 hrs] nearly to the level of control cells. From the results of this study, it may be concluded that CBX can be considered as a candidate for further studies in CML treatment, especially in the case of drug- resistant leukemia cells

[Growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects of carbenoxolone in human leukemia K562 cell line]

Leukemia is a malignant and progressive disorder in which genetic defects in hematopoietic cells lead to uncontrolled proliferation of blood cells. Different drugs have been proposed for the treatment of leukemia but none of them resulted in complete remission. Recently, anti-cancer effects of carbenoxolone [CBX], that is a 3- hemisuccinate, have been reported in several cell lines. In the present study we evaluated the effects of CBX on K562 cell line as an experimental model of chronic myeloid leukemia [CML]. K562 cells were cultured and treated for various time intervals with different concentrations of CBX [50-300 micro M]. Trypan blue exclusion test and tetrazolium salt absorption test [MTT] were used to evaluate the growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects of the drug. Fluorescence microscopy and DNA fragmentation assay were used to study apoptosis. The results of this study showed that CBX induced growth inhibition of K562 cells in a dose- and time- dependent manner. For example, growth inhibition rates after 48 hours treatment with concentrations of 50 micro m, 100 micro m, 150 micro m, 200 micro m and 300 micro m were 11%, 41%, 59%, 79% and 92%, respectively. Furthermore results of fluorescence microscopy and DNA fragmentation assays indicated that apoptosis, is the cause of cell death induced by CBX. Considering the growth inhibitory and apoptotic effects of CBX on human myeloid leukemia K562 cells, the drug can be considered as a potential candidate for further studies on CML treatment

[Effect of adenosine 5-triphosphate on cell cycle of human acute myeloid leukemia KG1 cells during S phase]

Adenosine 5-triphosphate [ATP] not only is the current energy source of all cells but also plays critical role in triggering signaling pathways leading to apoptosis or differentiation. In recent years many investigations have reported anti-cancer activity of ATP on different cell lines. Also several mechanisms have been proposed for its mechanism of action and it appears that the mechanism depends on the cell type. In the present study the effects of ATP on human leukemia KG1 cell line as an experimental model of AML and mechanistic approach was studied. KG1 cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of the ATP [50-1000 micro M] for various time intervals [24-72 hours]. The Effect of ATP on cell proliferation was studied by MTT assay. Apoptosis was studied by flowcytometery, fluorescent microscopy and DNA fragmentation assay. Cell cycle was analyzed using flowcytometery. The effects of ATP gamma S [un-degradable agonist of ATP] and degradable products of ATP such as AMP, ADP and adenosine were studied to evaluate its mechanism of action. Data were analyzed by student-t-test [p<0.05]. ATP inhibited growth and induced S-phase cell cycle arrest at 24 h to 72 h in concentration between 100-1000 micro m [p<0.05] along with apoptosis. In addition, results showed that these effects of ATP on KG1 cell line were made through P2X[7]receptors. Because current AML therapy methods based on chemotherapy are not so effective and have side effects, according to the results of present study ATP can be used as an effective compound alone or in combination of other drugs to treat of AML

[Manpower distribution of hospitals of Kerman and comparison with standards]

The hospital activities have shout down without correct and well educated personnel. On the other hand fresh and satisfy manpower is the main object for presenting the qualitative service in organization. This is a descriptive and analytic survey and its objective is to analyze of manpower distribution that work in diagnostic, treatmental and logistic units of private and governmental hospitals in the city of Kerman and comparing it with standards. Data were gathered by observation, interview and completing a twelve item questionnaire which performed for pharmacy, laboratory, radiology, physiotherapy, nutrition, nursing, and other medical units. The questionnaire had 20 general questions about different hospital wards and numbers of available personnel. Administrative affair, physiotherapy, nutrition, laundry, pharmacy and accounting units had marginal shortage of manpower by 2.6% and nursing, medical, installation, laboratory and radiology marginal shortage of manpower by 3%. In comparison with the standards Afzalipoor hospital, Shahid Bahonar hospital and Rasie Firooz hospital are facing with 4.2% extra manpower and Shahid Beheshti hospital and Shafa hospitals are facing with the average of 6.3% extra manpower. Full service of medical resident doctors and personnel in the hospitals that spent formal period of work time for government [Tarh] [medical and paramedical] is a major reason for extra manpower. In spite of, these personnel formally do not belong to the hospitals, but they are practically as important hospital manpower and we count them as hospital manpower. Other reason of manpower deficiency is retirement and unsubsitution of employee. Using personnel in different positions at the same time for saving the money is the main reason of uncompleting the organization chart

[Apoptosis induction and S-phase cell cycle arrest by adenosine 5-triphosphate through its degradation to adenosine in human myeloid leukemia K562 cell line]

Adenosine 5-triphosphate [ATP] is not only the current energy sources for all cells but also plays a critical role in triggering signaling pathways leading to apoptosis or differentiation. During the past years many investigations have been reported the anti-cancer activity of ATP on different cell lines. Also several mechanisms have been proposed for its action and it appears that its mechanism of action depends on the cell type. In the present study effects of ATP on human leukemia K562 cell line as an experimental model of CML and it mechanism of action were studied. K562 cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of ATP [50-1000 microM] at various time intervals [24-72 h]. Effect of ATP on cell proliferation was studied by MTT assay. Apoptosis was studied by flow cytometry and DNA fragmentation assay. Cell cycle and DNA contents were analyzed by flow cytometry. To evaluate the mechanism of action of ATP, effects of ATPgammaS [an undegradable agonist of ATP] and products of ATP degradation such as AMP, ADP and adenosine were studied. ATP with doses of 100-1000 microM inhibited growth of the cells and induced S-phase cell cycle arrest at the time intervals of 24-72 hour. These effects of ATP led to cell death by apoptosis. In addition, the results showed that these effects of ATP were through its degradation to adenosine and eventually induction of pyrimidine starvation. Because current CML therapy methods which are based on chemotherapy are not very effective and have side effects such as drug resistance, ATP can be proposed as an effective compound alone or in combination with other drugs for treatment of CML

[ effect of sub conjunctive injection of 2 percent mitomicin-C in prevention of recurrence of pterygium]

Pterygium is a wing-shaped fold of conjunctiva and fibrovascular tissue invades the superficial cornea. The occurrence of pterygia is strongly correlated with UV exposure, although dryness, inflammation, and exposure to wind and dust or other irritants are also important factors. Pterygium is usually asymptomatic, but it can cause photophobia, tearing, and foreign body sensation. It can also decrease vision by inducing with the regular and irregular astigmatism. Unfortunately, the recurrence rate is high; averaging approximately 40% in various studies. Recurrences generally occur rapidly, within 2 to 3 months of surgery. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of subconjunctivaly injection of mitomicin-C in preventing the recurrence of pterygium. This study was a simple randomized clinical trial which was carried out at Imam Sajjad Hospital of Yasuj, Iran. In this study, 157 eyes [48 men, 64 women] with primary pterygium were allocated in intervention [83 eyes, 54 patients] and control [74 eyes, 58 patients] groups. The mean age of the patients was 48. In the inversion group we injected .1 ML of mitomycin C. 2% subconjunctivally in to the pterygium body, 1 month before pterygium excision. After the pterygium was excised, the bare sclera was covered by sliding adjacent superior conjunctiva in both groups. The follow up period was 3 months. Recurrence was defined as the postoperative re-growth of fibrovascular tissue crossing the cornea. The data was analyzed by the SPSS software using Fisher's exact test and Chi-square test. The recurrence rate was 1.2% [1 eye] and 9.45% [7 eyes] in intervention and control groups, respectively, with significance difference between groups [P=0.027]. The mean degree of astigmatism was improved with surgery in both groups. Both subconjunctival mitomycin C injection before pterygium excision and conjunctival auto graft are safe and are effective treatments in reducing of pterygium recurrence. Regarding the reduction of pterygium recurrence after subconjunctivaly Mitomicin-C injection, it can be concluded that this method is an effective treatment in pterygium surgery

Assessment of nutritional status in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] is considered a major public health problem in the world. Weight loss, muscle and fat mass depletion are common nutritional problems in COPD patients and are determinant factor in pulmonary function, health status, disability and mortality. In the present study, we assessed nutritional status in COPD patients. This cross-sectional study was performed in the Rasul-e-Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran on 63 COPD patients with mean age [SD] of 67.6 [9.4] years. All subjects were diagnosed by a pulmonary specialist and based on a spirometry test. They were divided into three groups [2,3, 4 stages of disease]. Anthropometric and biochemical indices, body composition analyses were performed using the SPSS 14. All data presented as means [ +/- sd]. Reduction of body mass index [BMI], Mid-Arm Muscle Circumference [MAMC] and Fat-Free Mass [FFM] were observed alongside and increase in disease severity but it was not significant. Significant reduction of Fat Mass [FM] [P=0.007], Fat Mass Index [FMI] [P=0.03] and biochemical indices like Albumin [P=0.000] and Total Protein [P=0.04] were associated with an increase in disease stages. It is suggested that in addition to BMI, other nutritional status indices like MAMC, FFM and FM should be used for early diagnosis of malnutrition before weight loss occurs

[Evaluation of surgical complications after cochlear implantation in Fars center, south of Iran]

Cochlear implant, which used in patients with profound hearing loss, may followed by some major or minor complications. These complications depend on age of patient, kind of device, kind of incision, surgical technique and surgeon's skill. Major complications mostly need surgical intervention for treatment and, may persist for long time. Minor complications need medical treatment and don't need surgical intervention. In this descriptive study between 2004-2007, 100 patients subjected to cochlear implantation were evaluated for post operative complications. Overall complication rate was 14%. We had 4 major complications, including 2 device failure, one misplaced electrode and one cases with major hematoma. These complications managed successfully by surgical intervention or reimplantation. Facial nerve damage or wound breakdown were not seen in these patients. Minor complications including small hematoma, edema, wound infection, dizziness were seen in 10 cases that managed medically. In the recent years complications of cochlear implantation are reduced with increasing surgeon's skill, new surgical methods and development in device technology

Epidemiologic and ethiologic evaluation of deep neck infection in Shiraz Khalili hospital during 1996 - 2005

infections of the head and neck spaces are serious and dangerous due to vicinity to the great vessels and mediastinum. The most common source of infection leading to head and neck space abscess, are dental infection. This retrospective study was performed to determine the prevalence of head and neck space infections following dental infections, the spaces involved, the most common microorganisms involved in these infections and to determine the prevalence of head and neck space infections according to age and sex of the patients. In this retrospective study, the charts of 241 patients with head and neck space infections referring to Khalili hospital during the past 10 years was reviewed and data well assessed. The most common source of head and neck space infections was dental infections occurring in 141 patients [58.5%]. From these 141 patients, 79 patients were male and 62 patients were female. The most common age of involvement was the 3[rd] decade [39 patient 27.6%]. The second most common cause was tonsillitis occurring in 33 patients [13.7%]. The most common spaces involved in 141 patients with head and neck space infection following dental infections, were: simultaneous involvement of submandibular, sub mental and sublingual space bilaterally [Ludwig's angina] in 53 patients [37.6%] followed by sumbandibular space in 45 patients [31.9%] and Para pharyngeal space in 37 patients [26.2%]. Culture has been performed in only 34 patients from which bacterial growth occurred in 18 cases. The most common organism was non hemolytic streptococci [11 cases]. Head and neck space infection are dangerous and life threatening conditions that occur most commonly following dental infections so it seems that escalating the general knowledge about oral health, increasing dentistry centers and early and proper management of dental infections have a major role in reducing the incidence of head and neck abscesses

[Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia in Cryptogenic Cirrhosis]

The coexistence of Waldenstrom's macrglobulinemia and cryptogenic cirrhosis has been rarely reported.We describe a 72-year-old man with compensated cryptogenic cirrhosis whose major clinical presentation was hyperviscosity syndrome. Serum protein electrophoresis revealed the presence of an IgM-kappa spike. Lambda light chain was found in urine. Bone marrow biopsy was performed, which showed at least 22%infiltration with atypical plasma cells. No bone lesion was found. ByWaldenstrom'smacroglobulinemia diagnosis, patient treated with melphalan, thalidomide and dexamethasone. After three weeks of treatment, his symptoms disappeared and serum immunoglobuline M decreased below 1000 mg/dl

Comparison of arterial and venous blood gases analysis in patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

To investigate whether venous blood gases [VBG] test can be replace by an arterial blood gases [ABG] in exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]. From October 2005 to March 2006, at the Emergency Room of Kashan Beheshti Hospital, the data of 107 patients with exacerbation of COPD were assessed. Arterial blood gases and VBG samples were obtained simultaneously, and indexes of pH, carbon dioxide partial pressure [PCO2], bicarbonate [HCO3], oxygen partial pressure [PO2] and Oxygen [O2] saturation level were analyzed. The mean +/- SD of indexes in ABG and VBG samples were as follows: pH=7.37 +/- 0.47 versus 7.34 +/- 0.047; PCO2=53.88 +/- 7.63 mm Hg versus 59.55 +/- 8.96 mm Hg, HCO3=30.66 +/- 4.49 mEq/L versus 31.94 +/- 4.39 mEq/L; PO2=55.37 +/- 11.19 mm Hg versus 43.08 +/- 10.54 mm Hg. The average difference between indexes in ABG and VBG samples were as follows: pH=0.0241 +/- 0.004, p<0.001, r=0.864; PCO2=5.673 +/- 1.126 mm Hg, p<0.001, r=0.761; HCO3=1.279 +/- 0.604 mEq/L, p<0.001, r=0.749; and PO2=12.294 +/- 2.115 mm Hg, p<0.001, r=0.702. Venous blood gases, especially pH and PCO2 levels have relatively good correlation with ABG values. In view of the fact that, this correlation is not close, VBG cannot be substitute for ABG in exacerbation of COPD

[Epidemiology of overweight and obesity in Zanjan province 1383]

The prevalence of obesity, one of the greatest public health problems in the world has tripled in many countries since three decades ago; this increase is often faster in developing countries than in the developed world. Gathering information on the main factors involved in the occurrence of obesity in different geographical areas plays a key role in the prevention of it. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in relation to various factors in the Zanjan population. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 2500 Zanjan residents aged between 15 and 64 years who were randomly selected through cluster sampling via their postal codes, using the protocol of the WHO STEP wise approach. Information on demographic characteristics was collected using questionnaires. Weight and height were measured according to standard protocols. Those with a BMI within the range of 25-29.9 Kg/m[2] and 30 Kg/m[2] or above were classified as overweigh and obese, respectively. Overweight and obesity were defined based on the WHO classification. Data was analyzed using Chi-Square tests and Logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios. The prevalence of being overweight and obese in this population were 30.7% and 15% respectively. The proportion of obesity was 21.3% in women and 8.9% in men. The prevalence of obesity increased with increasing age and in both sexes was the highest in 45-54 year olds. Both prevalence of overweight and obesity were greater in urban residents and married participants. The prevalence of obesity was also decreased with increasing educational level. High prevalence of overweight and obesity in this population, specifically within high-risk groups, highlights the need to implement interventions for reducing this epidemic

[Comparative assessment of diagnostic value of electrodiagnostic methods and radiologic evaluations in patients with clinical signs of cervical radiculopathy]

Cervical radiculopathy is one of the most common diseases that must be diagnosed early and properly to prevent its serious side effects. For this purpose different paraclinical methods such as MRI, X-ray, EMG, NCV and SSEP are used. Each of these methods has its limitations and some of them are expensive or invassive. The aim of this study was to compare the electrodiagnostic and radiologic methods in diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy. In this study 36 patients [22 Female, l4 Male] with complaint of cervical pain radiated to upper limbs were evaluated. The evaluation included EMG, NCV, MRI, X-ray and SSEP. Exclusion criteria were fracture dislocation and infection of bone joints or soft tissues .MRI and X-ray were performed in MRI centers of Isfahan, Sepahan and Alzahra hospital in Isfahan city. MRI was graded on severity of 1 to 3. EMG, NCV and SSEP were performed in electrodiagnostic center of Alzahra hospital by one professional technician. Results were compared with text books and analyzed by SPSS software. Sensitivity of SSEP was 28.6% and specifity was 100%. Partial agreement between SSEP and MRI existed in moderate and severe cervical involvements [P = 0.005]. Frequencies of abnormalities were: EMG 50%, NCV 5.6%, X-ray 33.3% and MRI 77.8%. This study shows that SSEP has lower value than EMG in diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy. Also in a patient with cervical radiculopathy, cervical MRI and EMG of upper limbs are necessary. SSEP abnormalities in the presence of moderate and severe MRI changes such as myelopathy, are more valuable. Therefore, SSEP in cervical radiculopathy is recommended before surgery

Spirometric standards for healthy Iranians dwelling in the centre of Iran

In order to determining spirometric reference values in healthy, nonsmoker adult subjects, this study was performed on populations dwelling in the centre of Iran, Kashan city. The area was selected as the representative of a less polluted area in Iran, as we intended to exclude possible effects of air pollution on spirometric values. The study was performed on 550 subjects [295 Males, 255 Females] aged 17 to 82 years, randomly selected from the general population, and assessed anthropometrically for age and height by using stepwise regression analysis. The prediction equations were calculated on the basis of age and height for forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1], and forced expiratory flow during the middle half of the FVC [FEF25-75%].Comparisons with predictions of other Caucasians studies are reported. A Comparative study of FVC and FEV1 values of our subjects, standardized for age and height was much closer to FVC and FEV1 of other studies. The prediction equations [based on age and standing height] for FVC [liters] in males: -5.546 + 0.065 height - 0.027 age; and females -3.214+ 0.046 height - 0.023 age; FEV1 [liters] in males: -2.853 + 0.046 height - 0.029 age; and females: - 2.430 + 0.039 height- 0.024 age; for FEF25-75% in males: + 1.987 + 0.027height - 0.044 age; and females: - 0.769 + 0.037 height - 0.033 age. A comparison between equation from the present study and other available reference data shows that our prediction values were similar to those previously reported. The present regression equations for predicted values of lung function measurements may be regarded as the definitive norms for adult population dwelling in the centre of Iran and will be useful for diagnostic and research purposes

[ comparison of acute and delayed psychological effects of motor vehicle accidents in individuals referred to Imam Hossein Hospital of Shahroud in 2004]

Psychological complaints are common after motor vehicle accidents [MVA] and might be strong predictors for long term complications and problems of the accidents. This study was performed to compare the acute and delayed psychological complications of MVA in Shahroud. The sample consisted of 42 MVA victims selected by unrandomized sampling from those referred to Imam Hossein hospital. The general health questionnaire [GHQ] and symptom checklist-90-revised [SCL-90-R] were used for evaluating psychological symptoms and screening psychological patients. The mean scores of each psychological dimension in 4 phases: reception time, one, three and six months after the accident were obtained and were compared with statistical tests [t-test, repeated measures ANOVA and one-way ANOVA]. The average age of the sample was 24.4 +/- 8.5 years. The mean score of all psychological dimensions, except summarization and obsessive compulsive dimensions, increased from reception time to one month and 3 months later [p<0.05]. Then the scores decreased to 6 months after the accident time [p<0.05]. Three months after the accident time, unmarried patients had a higher score of depression compared to the married ones [p<0.05]. The mean scores of depression, phobic, paranoid and psychoticism were higher [p<0.05] in unemployed versus employed persons. Based on our results, the psychological problems started from accident time until 3 month later. Therefore, the fast and early diagnoses of the complications, use of appropriate pharmacological and psychological interventions, also effective planning for their rehabilitation are both essential and important