[ effect of noise pollution exposure during pregnancy on long term potentiation induction in pyramidal neurons of hippocampus CA1 area in male rat offsprings]

It is believed that cognitive processing is easily disturbed by incompatible environmental stimulations. Many studies have shown that prenatal stress affects fetal brain development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of noise pollution exposure during conception period on neural activity of hippocampus CA1 area in male rat offspring. Four groups of rats including a control group with natural pregnancy and without any stress and three groups of pregnant rats exposed to daily noise stress [intensity >95 dB, between 8 A.M - 2 P.M] with durations of 1, 2 and 4 hour [s] in the last week of pregnancy were included in the study. Then, in male offsprings of these groups, fEPSP resulted from Schaffer collateral neurons of CA1 were recorded and evaluated in baseline state and after LTP induction with tetanic stimulation. Our results showed that prenatal exposure to traffic noise pollution at 3[rd] gestational week, reduces amplitude [P<0.0001] and slope of baseline synaptic activity in hippocampus CA1 area [P<0.0001] and furthermore interferes in hippocampal LTP in comparison with control group. The serum level of corticostrone in the two stressed groups [2 and 4 hours] of rats in comparison to the control showed significant increase. But, prenatal exposure to 1- hour noise pollution caused no significant difference in serum corticostrone level. Based on the obtained results, daily exposure to noise pollution in the third trimester of pregnancy for 1, 2 and 4 hour [s], attenuates fEPSP features of hippocampus CA1 area pyramidal neurons of offsprings

[Comparison of desipramine and sertraline in the treatment of depression in patients suffering from alzheimer disease]

As depression is a common comorbid disorder with Alzheimer disease, it is important to recognize treatments with more effective and less adverse effects. This study has been devised to comparatively evaluate the effects of desipramine and sertraline in this patients. In this single blind clinical trial study, during January 2005 to April 2008, 63 outpatients in Ibn-e-Sina and Ghaem University hospitals in Mashhad city [north eastern part of Iran] were randomly allocated to two groups: 29 cases were treated by desipramine and 34 patients were treated with sertraline [both 25mg/day and if needed up to 150 mg/day]. Patients were assessed at 2, 4, 8 and 12[th] week by PDRS, HRDS and MMSE and side effects of medications. Changes in mood with HRDS and CSDD have shown that sertraline was effective in all weeks [p<0.05]. In contrast, desipramine had no therapeutic effect except in the 12[th] week according to HRDS scale [p<0.05]. Differences between the groups were significant [p=0.02]. Differences between daily activating scales regarding PDRS in 8[th] and 12[th] week in desipramine group were statistically meaningful [p<0.05], but not in the sertraline group and between the two groups. Also, cognitive changes by MMSE were not significant in the two groups and between the two groups. Sertraline is more effective than desipramine in the treatment of depression in patients who suffer from alzheimer disease, but they are ineffective on cognitive problems

[Effect of a family-centered problem solving education method on self-esteem in drug-users]

Introduction: Drug addiction is amongst current crisis of the world including nuclear crisis, environmental degradation, poverty, and social crisis. Drug addiction is a major health problem in many countries worldwide. One of the most common characteristics of addicted individuals is low self-esteem. Self-esteem increases flexibility and reinforces progression of positive attitudes toward self-sufficiency. There are limited studies on non-medical treatment strategies for drug-users. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of a family-centered problem solving education on self-esteem of drug-users

Methods: This study had a pretest-post test experimental design. First, validity and reliability [r=0.85] of the self-esteem Cooper-Smith questionnaire was confirmed. After completing the consent forms by the participant [n=60], they were randomly assigned into two equal experimental and control groups. At baseline, questionnaires were completed. The education was performed using family-centered problem solving teaching method in a two months period within eight 45-minute sessions in the intervention group. The Cooper smith self-esteem questionnaire was completed at the follow up

Results: The paired t-test showed that family-centered problem solving education method led to a significant increase [p=0.001] on the self-esteem scores in the intervention group. Although self-esteem scores of the control group increased significantly either after two months, the increase was 4.5 times more in the intervention group

Conclusion: To sum up, using the family-centered problem solving education method with family centered approach could improve the process of addiction treatment in addiction clinics

[Effect of concentration of air pollutants [PM10, O3 and H[2]S] on lung capacity in the cities Arak and Khomain, Iran]

Background: The present study investigates the effect of different concentrations of air pollutants [PM10, O3. H[2]S] on the function of lung

Materials and Methods: Arak and Khomain cities were divided into 10 and 5 regions, respectively. A sample of air pollutants [PM10, O3 .H[2]S] was measured by PSI [pollution standard index] machine randomly from spring to winter. Two random samples consisting of 1069 non-smoker residents of the two cities [522 from Khomain and 547 from Arak] were selected. Regression test mode were used to analyze data

Results: PSI in the cities Arak and Khomain was 101.83+/-14.54 and 89.17+/-18.58, respectively. Predicted values of FVC, FEVI, FEF 25-75%, MEF 50%, and PEF in Arak were 10.2%, 11.7%, 35.5%, 30.9%, and 40% abnormal, respectively. These values in Khomain were 8.8%, 11.3%, 35.4%, 33.9%, and 40.6% abnormal, respectively. The concentrations of H[2]S in both cities were above the standard values. There was no significant relationship between the concentrations of O3, H[2]S, PM10 and vital capacity. However, there was a considerable correlation between the mean of FEF, FEF 25- 75%, and concentration of O3 at P<0.001 and P=0.016 level of significance, respectively. In Arak the correlation observed between FVC and concentration of O3 was not significant. In Khomain a negative correlation was observed between VC with H[2]S and PM10 on one hand and FVC with H[2]S and PM10 on the other

Conclusion: The main pollutants in Arak was PM10 and in Khomain were H[2]S and O3. Measuring these pollutants throughout the year is necessary

[Role of melatonin receptors in spatial learning of rats exposed to continuous light]

During critical period of mammal's CNS development, interaction of genetic and experience driven processes affects almost their all behaviors in adolescence. The aim of this study was to assess interaction of melatonin and its antagonist, Luzindole on the spatial learning and memory of the rats [Morris Water Maze [MWM]] exposed to continuous light. This experimental study included sixty 45-day-old male rats which were randomly allocated in two groups; control group went through cycles of 12 hours in light/12 hours in dark from birth to the end of the study and the light exposed group was reared in light. Each group also, had 3 subgroups: control, receiving melatonin and receiving luzindole [n=10 for every group]. Using MWM, the animals learning and memory was tested for 5 days. Our results indicated that in the learning phase, the light exposed animals spent more time to find the hidden platform than the control group. Luzindole improved the learning ability in light exposed animals. Melatonin also, slackens the spatial learning of the control animals. luzindole improved spatial learning of the light exposed rats. Light exposure and melatonin had no effect on the memory of these animals. Luzindole only caused a disturbance in spatial memory of the rats in the control group. Light exposure and melatonin impair rat's spatial learning. Non of these two interventions influenced spatial learning of the rats

case report of newborn with thrombocytosis born to an opioid-addict mother

Neonatal thrombocytosis is a very rare phenomenon in infants born to addict mothers. It can be due to opioids withdrawal and occurs a few days after delivery. The etiology is unknown and it is eradicated gradually without any complication. The reported neonate was born to a heroin addict mother who has used methadone during pregnancy. The neonate was admitted in 14th day of life in neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] with the diagnosis of withdrawal syndrome and supportive care was administered for him. Thrombocytosis was detected in routine lab tests. There was not any reason for it except his mother's addiction. The platelet count was 1,168,000 in the first day and decreased gradually during 28 days to 739,000. There was not any complication and no special treatment was administered. This case indicates that thrombocytosis may happen as a part of neonatal abstinence syndrome and is eradicated without any complication

[Waist circumference cut off in relation to hypertension in Iran]

Cardiovascular disease is the most important reason for mortality in many countries, and because of its increasing prevalence, it is vital to recognize the related risk factors. Hypertension is a major risk factor for CVD. Waist circumference [WC] cut point is a simple way to recognize hypertension. WC cut off points vary for different races, making it necessary to determine WC cut off points in Iranians. This study was conducted to determine the waist circumference cut off in related to hypertension in Iran. We enrolled 83772 individuals, 41775 men and 41997 women, aged eighteen years and older from cities and villages throughout the country. The cut off point for waist circumference was determined and exams for blood glucose and COL, TG was done. Cut off points for waist circumference were determined for hypertension using the ROC curve analysis, yielding 89 cm for men and 93 cm for women. These results showed that the cut off point for WC in Iran is higher than other Asians and is more similar to whites; the present study shows that waist is ciruimference a strong determinant in relation to hypertension

[Evaluation of the effect of dehydroepiandrostrone [DHEA] on insulin sensitivity in IGT patients]

Dehydroepiandrostrone [DHEA] is one of three adrenal hormones and the most abundant estroid hormone in the body. Compared to other adrenal hormones, it decreases with advancing age, being 10-20% in the seventies, hence it is called the fountain of youth. Recently DHEA has been noticed for many of its effects including its antidepressant, protective effect on neuron injuries, effect on the hypocampaus and vascular endotheliurn, and its effects on autoimmune disease such as Lupus and ulcerative colitis; there is however controversy regarding its effects on insulin sensitivity. Based on glucose tolerance tests, subjects were selected from among patients, attending the Isfahan endocrine research center; 30 IGT patients by cross-over were treated with DHEA or placebo for six months and insulin sensitivity at the beginning and the end of treatment were compared. In the first three months, the mean changes in the drug group were: DHEA-S 94micro g/dL [P-value0.008], HOMA-IR 0.62 [P-value 0.6], insulin 1 micro lU/mL [P-value 0.3], FBS 10.5 mg/dL [P-value 0.1] and changes in placebo group were: DHEA-S 2.5 [P-value 0.6], HOMA-IR 0.9 [P-value 0.03], FBS 15.5 [P-value 0.1], insulin 3.5 [P-value 0.05]. In the second three months, the mean changes in the drug group were: DHEA-S 166 micro g/dL, FBS 4.6 mg/dL, insulin 0.6 micro lU/mL, HOMA-IR 0.2, while changes in the placebo group were: DHEA-S 25, FBS 5.8, insulin 1.5, HOMA-IR 0.6. This study showed that the treatment with DHEA did not improve insulin sensitivity, but probably is effective in preventing increase in insulin resistance

[Evaluating the relation between diabetic nephropathy and urinary copper level]

Diabetes is the most important metabolic disease in human. The prevalence of both types of diabetes is rapidly increasing over the world. Diabetes causes many complications including ESRD. Diabetes is responsible for 30% of ESRD. The prevalence of diabetic nephropathy in Iran is also high. Many of these patients are becoming dialysis dependent. Many studies have shown the changes of trace metals' levels in diabetic patients including cupper, zinc, Manganese and Chromium. This study evaluates the Correlation between urinary cupper and diabetic nephropathy. This is a case-control study. Samples were selected among type 2 diabetic patients attending to diabetes clinic in Vali-e-Asr hospital in Arak. Diabetic patients were divided in two groups based on microalbuminuria, 42 patients in case and 40 patients in control group. Then the patients were classified based on duration of diabetes into 4 groups and based on the HbA1c into two groups. Then urinary cupper was determined with atomic absorption spectophotometry and compared. Independent T test was used to analyze data. The patients were 28.1% male and 69.9% female in case group and 37.5% male and 62.5% female in control group. The mean cupper level was 36.14 micro g/L [14.54-57.74] in case group and 14.77% micro g/L [10.17-19.37] in control group. There was a statistically significant difference between two groups [p=0.003]. The results show a positive relation between urinary cupper and diabetic nephropathy and confirmed the results of other studies that reported the elevation of cupper in microalbuminuria. This study also showed that age, gender, duration of diabetes and HbA1c level have no effect on urinary cupper

[Carney complex: a case report from Iran]

Carney Complex is an autosomal dominant syndrome that is defined with different tumors including myxoma in different organs, endocrine tumors and lentiginosis lesions. This is the first case report of this syndrome from Iran. Case: The patient is a 27 year old girl, referred with flank pain. Physical examination revealed hirsutism, truncal obesity, hyperpigmantasion and hypertension; Cushing's syndrome was suggested and confirmed with related classic biochemical tests. She had history of cardiac myxoma during her childhood and had been operated twice. Pituitary microadenoma and right adrenal adenoma were reported on MRI and CT-scan, respectively. Initially laparascopic right adrenalectomy was done; as expected, no remission in signs of Cushing's syndrome was observed after surgery. By laparoscopic adrenalectomy of the other site, Cushing's syndrome resolved. Pathologic report of 1st operation was adrenal adenoma with surrounding pigmented micronodular hyperplasia and of the 2nd one was just pigmented micronodular hyperplasia. Conclusion: We have reported a patient with Carney syndrome along with Cushing's syndrome due to bilateral adrenal hyperplasia and an adenoma in contralateral adrenal and microadenoma of the pituitary as an incidentaloma. This is a new presentation of Carney syndrome

[Comparative efficacy of citalopram and nortriptyline in geriatric patients with major depressive disorder]

Major depressive disorder is a common and disabling disorder that causes high rates of morbidity and mortality. Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that has been used for geriatric depression since a long time ago. Prescription of SSRIs in geriatric depression has been increased recently, because of more favorable profile of their side effects. This study designed to compare the efficacy of nortriptyline and citalopram in geriatric depression, Because of the importance of choosing the most appropriate medication in geriatric population. The present study was a single blind clinical trial, performed from February 2005 for a one year period. Patients age above 60 years referred to Ibne-sina hospital with the confirmed diagnosis of major depressive disorder, based on DSM-IV-TR criteria, were included in the study. These patients were randomly divided into two groups: one group [n= 37] taking citalopram 10-20 mg/day and the other group taking nortriptyline 25-150 mg/day [with the mean dose of 100 mg/day]. The efficacies of medications were assessed after 8 weeks based on the change in HDRS. Finally, 72 patients completed the study and 13 patients [5 from citalopram group, 8 from nortriptyline group], for different reasons discontinued the medication. Data analyzed using descriptive statistical tests and chi square. Demographic data and HDRS scores did not show statistical considerable variance in the two groups. Also, Changes in HRDS scores before the treatment and after 8 weeks were not significantly different between them. Insomnia was seen in 5 patients taking citalopram [13.4%]. Three patients [8.1%] in the citalopram group and one patient [2.8%] in the nortriptyline group complained from nausea in the early treatment phase. Headache was seen in 8.1% and 2.8% in the groups taking citalopram and nortriptyline, respectively. In the patients taking nortriptyline, the most prevalent complaints were dry mouth [28.5%] and drowsiness [22.8%]. Results showed that both drugs are efficient in the reduction of geriatric depressive symptoms and HRDS scores decrease was more than 50% in both groups. No significant difference was seen between the efficacy of two drugs and this result is consistent with the previous studies. These findings need to be confirmed with further researches

[Comparison of psychopathology in medical and non medical College students of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences]

Some psychopathologies and high rates of stress have been reported among medical students higher than others in some reseavehes. Based on importance of mental health in physicians and their responsibilities we designed this study to assess the role of field of study in psychopathology of college students. In this cross-sectional study, 69 medical interns and 57 MSC and PhD students of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, were assessed by a questionnaire concerning age, sex, marital status, habitat and income. Psychiatric evaluation was performed by the use of SCL-25 pnestionaire. The two groups were selected by simple cluster method, then they were compared in their 9 subscore of SCL-25 onestionair Relation between the age, sex, and other variables and psychopathology was assessed. There was no signification difference between the two groups in 9 sub scores of SCL-25 one stionaire [p>0.05]. Psychopathology in general and interpersonal hostility in especial were higher among male students of the two groups. Somatization in married students and depression in single members of both groups was highest. Phobia and paranoid ideas were not related to age, sex, and marietal status. Based on this study no endence was Round to rvove the velation between psychopathology and standing Medicine but other factors like sep and marietnl field of academic study does not related psychopathology and such factors as sex and marietal status seem to need move resemches and have move important role

[ there any difference between patients depression symptoms pattern who come to clinic in different seasons?]

Depression is a serious and prevalent disorder known with persistent pathology of mood as the main symptom. Lifetime prevalence of depression is up to 25 percent. In different studies depression symptoms pattern of patients is reported different by sex, age, season and place and '. For this reason in this study we evaluate the differences of depression symptoms pattern by season. In a prospective descriptive study all of the patients that come to psychiatric clinic of Imam-Reza Hospital in winter of 1382 and summer of 1383 with chief Complaint of depression and were entered to the study all of the patients visited by a psychiatrist and for all of them we were filled both demographic information questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]. Data From different items of depression based on BDI were compared in two groups of winter and summer with 15 percent sensitivity. 101 patients with mean age of 28.94 years enter to the study; mean score of BDI was 27.64 with standard deviation of 12.43. There was no meaningful difference between severity of depression among two groups of winter and summer although items of preoccupation with body and somatic health meaningfully were in winter then in summer [P=0.03]. Total score of BDI in male and female patients were not different meaningfully [without relation to the season], but items of difficulty in beginning of the work [P=0.008] and diminished sexual desire [P=0.018] were meaningfully upper in men than in women. Mean of total score of depression in rural patients were meaningfully upper than urban patients too [P=0.025]. In this study there was no difference between depression symptoms patterns of patients by sex and season