[Association of homocysteine, vitamin and blood factors with preeclampsia in pregnant women]

Preeclampsia is a disease with worldwide importance to mothers and infants, where it accounts for 20-80% of the strikingly increased maternal mortality. The lack of enzymes added to the homocysteine metabolism or the cofactors necessary for its metabolism [folate, B6 vitamin, B12 vitamin] cause hyperhomocysteinemia. Abnormal serum lipid profiles such as cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyceride are associated with endothelial dysfunction. Recently high levels of B-HCG have been identified as a potential marker for developing preeclampsia. The purpose of this study was to identify the possible association of homocysteine, vitamin and some serum factors levels with preeclampsia in pregnant women. A case control study was performed prospectively on normotensive healthy pregnant women [80] and pregnant women diagnosed with preeclampsia [80] referring to Imam Sadjad hospital in Yasuj, between September 2004 to August 2005. in addition to the obstetric evaluation and laboratory examination in the 3rd trimester of gestation, blood samples were taken from all cases for homocysteine and vitamin B12, folic acid, triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, B-HCG analysis. The samples were evaluated by Immunoassay [ELISA]. Univariant and logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of outcomes. The mean plasma level of total homocysteine was significantly higher in preeclamptic women compared with normal pregnancy [p<0/05]. No significant differences were observed in B12 concentrations and plasma folic acid [P>0.05]. Triglyceride and cholesterol levels were significantly higher in preeclamptic women compared with normal pregnant women [p<0/05]. LDL and HDL levels were not correlated with preeclampsia. There was no significant association between preeclampsia and B-HCG levels. Homocysteine, triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations increase in preeclampsia but decrease of vitamin B12 and folic acid levels was not observed in preeclampsia. LDL, HDL and B-HCG levels were not different preeclamptic women and women with normal pregnancy

[ knowledge level and attitude of pre-university students of Yasuj city towards AIDS in 2003]

AIDS is not only a health problem but also a socio-cultural intricacy followed by economical consequences. Since a definite treatment has not been found so far and considering the importance of adolescence of status of school in health education, this research has been carried out with the aim to determine the knowledge level and attitude of pre- university students towards Aids. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study which was performed on 400 pre university students at the high-schools of the Yasuj city in 1382. The subjects were selected through regular and random sampling. The data collections device was a questionnaire including demographic information and questions about knowledge and attitude toward AIDS. The data were then analyzed by SPSS software and descriptive and inferential statistical tests. Findings showed that most of the cases [98.2%] have heard about the disease. The source of getting information for most of students [63%] was mass media such as radio, TV, Newspapers and magazine. The knowledge level of most of the cases [77.5%] were good and their attitude were desirable [77%]. The study also showed a significant difference between the knowledge level of samples with sex, educational field, parent's occupation and mother's education and their attitude with their sex and mother's occupation and education [p<0.05]. There was also a significant difference between knowledge level and attitude of sample with their sex and mother's occupation and educatine. Findings revealed that most of the subjects had got their information from the mass media and the level of knowledge of most of them was good and their attitude was desirable. Thus extensive use of health education programs through mass media is recommended