[Comparison the effects of ginger [Zingiber officinale] jelly and piroxicam jelly on pain of knee osteoarthritis]

Background and Aim: Oral drugs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which are used to relieve pain are associated with certain side effects in the patients with knee osteoarthritis. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a herbal drug, Zingiber officinale jelly, and piroxicam jelly on pain relief, morning stiffness, and physical performance in the patients with knee osteoarthritis

Material and Methods: In this semi-experimental study one hundred and twenty patients with osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to three groups of 40. Z. officinale 2% jelly, piroxicam jelly, and placebo were given twice a day for 14 days to the 1[st], 2[nd] and 3[rd] groups respectively. Concurrently, diclofenac tablet 100mg/ day was given to all groups. Physical examination was performed before intervention and two weeks after completion of the treatment. The level of pain was measured by use of visual analogue scale. Furthermore, the WOMAC index was used to investigate the effect of pain on the patients' performance. Using SPSS software, data were analyzed by paired t-test, chi-square and ANOVA

Result: There were no significant difference between Z. officinale jelly and piroxicam jelly in relation to relief of overall pain and morning stiffness, [P>0.05]. The relief of pain [P=0.01] and morning stiffness [P=0.002] were significantly more marked in the piroxicam-treated group compared to those in the placebo group. Improvement of the physical functioning was not significantly different between the piroxicam-treated and Z. officinale-treated groups [P>0.05]

Conclusion: Z. officinale jelly and piroxicam jelly were effective in pain relief, amelioration of morning stiffness, and improvement of physical functioning in the patients with knee osteoarthritis, and there were no significant differences between the effects of the jellies

[Prevalence of fungi in patients with allergic rhinitis in Shahrekord, Iran (2009)]

The identification of fungi agents causes allergic rhinitis is crucial for the appropriate diagnosis prophylaxis and treatment of patients suffering from the disease. This study was done to evaluate the prevalence of fungi in patients with allergic rhinitis in Shahrekord, Iran. This case-control study was done on 124 patients whom referred to Kashani hospital in Shahrekord, Iran during 2009. 62 patients with allergic rhinitis were selected as case group and 62 patients without allergic rhinitis were considered as controls. Direct smear and culture of nasal secretion were performed to identify the fungi. Also IgE level's were measured for all participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16, Chi-Square and independent t-tests. The fungi from culture medium of nose exeretion were isolated from 15 [24%] cases and 5 persons [8%] in control group. The most common isolated fungi were Aspergillus [8%] and Penicillinum [6.5%]. In direct smear the fungi agent were found in 23% and 8% in case and control groups respectively. The IgE titre in 31% of cases with allergic rhinitis was higher than 100 IU/mL, but this titre of IgE only was seen in 4.8% of control group [P<0.05]. This study showed that the fungi can be considered as induce of allergic rhinitis

[ effect of life skills face to face meeting on mental health of children of divorce]

Children of divorce are exposed to so many problems such as: psychiatric disorders, failing to have social communication and personality disorders. The purpose of life skill program is to improve psycho-social skills in order to cope and interface with new and routine challenges and circumstances in life. This study was conducted to assess the effects of life skills training on mental health problems of children of divorce. In This interventional study, 60 children of divorce were randomly selected from Shahrekord city and divided into two groups of intervention and control, 30 in each group. After completing the pre-test SDQ questionnaire, the intervention group was trained for life skills with emphasis on the problems of divorce. Again after two months of study the SDQ questionnaires were completed. Data were analyzed by independent t-test, pair t-test and Chi square. In comparison between interventional group and control group, before training, there was not a significant difference between the mean scores of emotional symptoms, conduct disorder, hyperactivity, problems between peers and good social behavior and the total score [P>0.05]. After training the mean of, conduct disorder, peer problem and total score were significantly decreased in the intervention group [P<0.05]. Holding the group and face to face meeting on life skill training with stressing on the children of divorce is an important factor in increasing the mental health of children and their families

[ evaluation of anti-rabies antibody titer in vaccinated individuals in Shahrekord district]

Background and aims: Rabies is a viral disease which occurs commonly through the bite of a rabid animal. Anti rabies vaccination is an important prophylaxis after having contact with the disease agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-rabies anti-body titer among individuals who have had received 3-5 times anti-rabies vaccine

Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, according to the data collected from Shahrekord health centers, the blood serums of 63 individual's encountered animal bites within 4 years were collected and their anti-rabies antibody titer was tested using Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test [RFFIT]. The anti-rabies titer more than 0.5 ul/ml was considered as protected against rabies. Data were analyzed using Spearman and the dependant t-test

Results: In this study, 30 individuals were vaccinated 3 times and other 33 individuals were vaccinated 5 times. In all cases, 5 individuals received rabies vaccine together with Human Rabies Immune Globulin [HRIG]. The mean time since last vaccination was 23.3+/-9.6 months [range, 5-38 months] and the mean antibody titer against rabies was 2.5+/-1.9 IU/ml [range, 0.4- 14 IU/ml] only 3 individuals [4.8%] had the anti rabies titer less than recommended titer [0.5 IU/ml]. There was no significant relationship between the numbers of vaccinations, individual's gender, mean time since last vaccination and the age of the individuals with antibody titer against rabies [P>0.05]

Conclusion: In the case of encountering to suspected human rabies, it is better to check their serum anti-rabies antibody titer. If their anti body value is below than the global standard, they should receive a secondary doze of anti-rabies vaccination

[ frequency and risk factors of Helicobacter pylori in children of 6 years old from Shahrekord in 2006]

Helicobacter pylori is a common bacterial pathogens in human. The organism is associated with development of acute and chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer diseases, and gastric cancer. The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in children ranges from 10% to more than 80%. High prevalence occurs in developing countries. This aimed to determine the frequency and risk factors of Helicobacter pylori in children of 6 years old from Shahrekord in 2006. In this descriptive and analytical study, a total of 215 stool samples from children selected none randomly at age of 6 years. Infection was determined based on antigen immunoassay in stool using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. [Diaper kit, Italy]. Data were analyzed using X2 and Regression Logistic tests. According the results, 50 of 215 [23.3%] children, were positive for the H.pylori. There were no significant differences between the prevalence of H.pylori infection and sex, smoking of parent, abdominal pain growth of children, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, peptic ulcer in parents and history of breast milk [P>0.05]. But there was a significant relationship between the prevalence of H.pylori infection and history of stomach cancer in their family and level of education in their parents [P<0.05]. Less than a quarter of the children studied tested positive for H.pylori. Thus, the promotion of health services should be considered

[ survey on quality of life in patients with myocardial infarction, referred to Shahrekord Hagar hospital in 2005]

Myocardial infarction [MI] is a common and dangerous disorder that threat people life and affects their quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess quality of life in patients with MI were referring to Shahrekord Hagar hospital. In this descriptive and analytical study, 150 patients who suffered from MI, were selected as sample from CCU patients in Shahrekord Hagar hospital. Via interview and referring to patients files data were collected using two sectional questionnaire that included demographic characteristic and standard questionnaire [SF36]. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test. Mean age of the patients was 55.7 +/- 10.5 and quality of life in majority of subjects under investigation was fairly favorite [53%]. Quality of life in majority of samples in general status [62%], social and occupational [65%] or sleep [61%] status was favorite. However, physical activity in 62% of samples was unfavorite. There was a meaningful correlation between period of diseases and quality of life [P<0.05]. But there was no relation between other demographic variations such as: age, gender and marital status, occupational or economical status and the quality of life. Also there is a meaningful relation between general status, social status, sleep status or physical activity with quality of life [P<0.05]. Medical staffs, especially nurses should pay attention to all dimensions of quality of life in planning care in MI patients. Because unacceptable attention to all these dimensions may cause disturbance in patients' quality of life

[Chronic incisional pain after open appendectomy]

Although appendectomy is the most common emergency abdominal surgery, there is no epidemiologic study on chronic pain after open appendectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and possible risk factors of chronic pain following this common surgical procedure. In this cross-sectional survey, a questionnaire was completed regarding the pain at the surgical site by calling available patients who had undergone open appendectomy from 1999-2004 in a hospital in Fasa. The patients records were checked for the results of pathology. Out of 1130 patients operated by open appendectomy, 155 were available. The mean time left after appendectomy was 28 months. At the time of study, 41 [26%] patients still had pain at the site of operation and 9.85% of them had severe pain at rest and 22% suffered from severe pain during daily activities. Chronic pain was significantly more common among patients who had the memory of severe acute post-operative pain and there was no significant difference in the chronicity of pain according to age, sex and positive appendectomy. Chronic post-appendectomy pain is provalent. It is more common in patients with severe acute post-operative pain but it seems not to be related with age, sex, and positive appendectomy

Survey of the risk factors of hydatid cyst infection in Lordegan area of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province of Iran, 2004

Hydatid cyst is a zoonotic disease and is distributed worldwide. The disease is endemic in most parts of Iran and due to presence of husb and ry jobs, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province of Iran is potentially one of the high risk areas for the disease. Seroepidemiological investigations in this province revealed that Lordegan area had a high prevalence of Hydatid cyst. This survey was performed to find the risk factors of the disease in Lordegan area. This descriptive and analytical study was performed on 500 cases selected randomly from all the people above 15 years old in Lordegan area. A questionnaire containing risk factors of the disease was filed in by each individual. Thirty butcher shops were also inspected and were asked about Hydatid cyst risk factors. Healthy drinking water was available for 88.2%. Effective washing of vegetables was practiced by 54.4% of the individuals. 7.2% were aware about transmission routes of the disease. In 8.4% of cases foods were exposed to dust. Dogs were kept at home of 22.4% of the cases and 42.6% of the individuals kept domestic animals in their houses. 75% of them expressed the presence of stray dogs in their living places. Questionnaire forms filled by butchers showed that in 30% of the cases, stray dogs were present in the butchery places and in 20%, the dogs were fed by infected meats. 40% of the butchers blow under the skin of slathered livestock to facilitate the process of skin off. Results of this survey indicated that all people especially butchers should be subjected to health education about risk factors of Hydatid cyst

effect of Amirkabiria odoratissima extract on gastric acid and pepsin secretion level in rat

Amirkabiria odoratissima is widely used as an odorant in east south provinces. Many people believe that this plant is useful in treatment of some gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of the plant extract on the secretion rate of acid and pepsin in the stomach of the rats studied. This is an experimental study involving 3 groups of rats, 8 in each group. The control group received placebo and case groups were received 100 mg/kg and 16.2 mg/kg of Amirkabiria odoratissima by gastrodeodenostomy canola. After anesthesia with nesdonal, 50 mg/kg IP, rats were gone under surgical process, tracheotomy. Subsequently, stomach secretion obtained using Wash Out method included in the first and the second base and measured acid by titrimetry method and pepsin by Anson method. Data were analyzed using t and ANOVA methods. The amount of acid significantly decreased in both Amirkabiria odoratissima groups compared to control group [p<0.001]. However, there was no significant change in pepsin secretion [p>0.05]. Using of Amirkabiria odoratissima decreases gastric acid secretion and may be useful in patients with gastro intestinal disorders

[ evaluation of Papanicolaou [Pap] smear processing in the health centers of Shahrekord in 2005]

Papanicolaou [Pap] smear screening is an effective method of detecting cytological changes in cervix before they lead to cervical cancer. To determine the quality of process of Pap smear and comparison of pathologist and cytologist reports about quality of obtained samples and accuracy of diagnosis, this study was performed. In this cross sectional study which performed during spring and summer 2005, the processing of a total of 160 Pap smears were observed randomly by standard checklist. Also a total of 360 Pap smear samples reported by a cytologist were examined by a pathologist and the Kappa correlation coefficient was compared between the two reports. The function of midwifes in patient recording was 96.15% good and 3.85% poor. The function for Pap sampling was 88.72% good and 11.28% poor. In the pathologist report, the quantity of specimen, infection cellular changes, inflammation reactive changes, cell abnormality were reported were 308[85.5%], 12[3.3%], 232[64.4%] and 3[0.83%], respectively. There was significant relationship between pathologist and cytologist reports [p<0.05]. According to the result, the quality of processing of Pap smear, the quality of obtained samples and accuracy of diagnosis were acceptable. However, we suggest more supervision and attention about midwifes and cytologists practices

[Comparison of self-esteem and coping responses in infertile and fertile couples from Shahrekord, during 2003-2004]

Infertility is an illness in which, women during a years of sexual intercourse and without the use of contraceptive methods, are unable to become pregnant. Self-esteem is a psychological method by which a person assesses oneself. Coping responses are conscious rational ways for dealing with the anxieties of life. Psychological researches in infertile couples showed that infertility is a bio-psychosocial crisis that can create psychological problems in these individuals. Therefore, the aim this study was to compare self-esteem and coping responses in fertile and infertile couples from Shahrekord during 2003-2004. In a cross-sectional study so couples of fertile and so couples of infertile referred to gynecology clinic of Hojar hospital in Shahrekord were selected, randomly, during 6 month period. Questionnaire included Coper Smith self-esteem, Billings and Moos coping responses. Sata were analyzed by t-test and Spearman correlation. The results showed that the average of self-esteem scores in infertile couples [27.3] is less than [32.7] fertile couples [p<0.05]. Also there was no significant difference between infertile and fertile couples on the coping responses [p>0.05]. Psychologic effects of infertility is very important and should be considered intensivery in in fertile couples to decrease the following problems

[ response of tinea capitis to treatment with a two-week oral terbinafine]

Dermatophytosis is a superficial infection caused by a group of closely related fungi, Dermatophytes. Trichophyton and Microsporum species are only Dermatophytes with the capacity of invasion to hair [tinea capitis]. Terbinafine, one of the anti-dermatophytosis drugs which is recommended for the treatment of this infection for a period of 2 to 6 weeks depends on the sensitivity and severity of the infection. The best duration of therapy is not clear yet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the response of tinea capitis to treatment with a two-week oral terbinafine regimen. We tested 29 clinical isolates of dermatophytes using both direct smear [%10 KOH solutions] and culture [saburow and dextrose agar medium]. Nine cases were Microsporum and twenty cases were Trichophytons. Patients were treated with oral terbinafine for two weeks and then tested clinically by the same method three times during 2.5 months for detection of the fungi. SPSS software and Fisher-test were used for data analysis. At the end of treatment period, direct Smear showed that 7 cases of ectotria and culture was negative for 20 [100%] cases of Trichophytons and positive for 9 [100%] cases of Microsporums. A two-week oral terbinafine regimen is recommended for treatment of Trichophyton infections but not for Microsporum infections

Effect of social working in reduction of elderly health needs

Background: Health care for increasing number of elders is an important aspect of health care systems and social workers can play an effective role to meet the elders needs

Objective: This study was performed to assess the effects of using health workers to meet the elders' needs

Methods: In this field trial 75 elders above 60 years old in Isfahan were involved by a simple random sampling. Elders' needs were assessed by a questionnaire before and after a 6 month social workers' care with collaboration of volunteer social workers. Data were analysed by SPSS software and paired t and ANOVA tests

Findings: After intervention the emotional and health related needs scores were decreased significantly [Paired t-test, P0.0001]. There was significant relationship between marital status and education with mean of needs reduction but no significant relationship between age and sex, with mean of needs reduction

Conclusion: Results indicated that social services with a low cost process and using existing facilities can make a significant decrease in elders' needs

[Lectin histochemical survey of glycoconjugates role in development of anterior pituitary gland in rat]

Adenohypopliysis originates from the oral ectoderm that first appears as an invagination named Rathkes pouch. The development of the anterior pituitary gland [APG] is dependent on several factors such as induction, interaction with the microenvironment and certain genetic factors. These regulate developmental processes such as cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and morphogenesis. Glycoconjugates e the important components of extracellular matrix and cell surface and have an important key role during embryogenesis. In this study we used lectin heistocliemichal technique as a tool to study distribution of glycoconjugates d their changes during histogenesis of APG. Horse radish peroxidase [HRP] labeled focus specific lectins, from Aleuria aurantia [OFA] Ulex europeus [UEA-I] and Lotus tetragolobus [LTA] were used on 5 micron paraffin sections of rat embryos [n=60] from days 10 of gestation [El0] to the time of birth. The result of this study demonstrated that the reaction of APG cells with OFA started from E, and its reactions increased with proceeding differentiation. Some cells reacted with UEA-1 from Ell and increased to El6 and then decreased afterward. LTA did not react with any cells during development. Our finding also indicated that glycoconjugates with terminal sugar Fucose may play a key role in APG development. In conclusion, the glycoconjugates on the cell surface and extra cellular matrix might be involved in regulation of embryonic development such as APG

[Cell surface molecular differentiation during rat adenohypophysis morphogenesis using lectin histochemistry]

Introduction: It is well known that glycoconjugates on the cell surface of embryonic cells as well as extracellular matrix [ECM] are involved in many developmental phenomena including cell differentiation and maturation. These molecular events have not received proper attention during pituitary cell differentiation. The purpose of this study was to investigate glycoconjugate distribution on cell surface during adenohypophysis embryogenesis

Material and Methods: Using lectin histochemistry, 5microm normalin fixed, paraffin embedded Rat embryonic sections from day 10 to 20 of gestation [N=90] were incubated with different HRP-lectins from Triticum vulgaris [WGA] Arachis hypogaea [PNA] and Griffonia simplicifolia [GSA1- B4] specific for terminal sugars Sialic acid, N-acetyl galactosamine and alpha-D- galactose ofcomplex glycoconjugates respectively. On the basis of intensity of staining that was determined by Gong's method, sections were graded and non-parametric statistical test [Kruskal Wallis] was used to compare differences between samples

Results: The results demonstrated that the reaction of adenohypophysis cells with WGA started from gestational day 13[E13] and increased with proceeding differentiation during the following days [P<0.05]. A few cells reacted with PNA from E13 and increased to E14 [P<0.05] and then identified to E17 and decreased afterward [P<0.05]. GSA1-B4 didn't react with any cells during development. Our findings also indicated that glycoconjugates with terminal sugars sialic acid and N-acetyl galactosamine may play a critical role in adenohypophysis development

Conclusion: The appearance and changes of Glycoconjugates on the cell surface with terminal sugars such as acid sialic and N-acetyl galactosamine may play a key role in tissue interactions and lead to developmental changes in certain embryoniorgans such as adenohypophysis

Relationship of conjunctival and corneal calcification with secondary hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis patients

Hyperphosphatemia is the consequence of end stage renal failure. Inadequate control of serum phosphorus results in elevated Ca'P product with subsequent soft tissue deposition in the form of conjunctival and corneal calcification. In this study, we evaluated the relationship of conjunctival and corneal calcification with secondary hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis patients. Patients and methods: This is a descriptive-analytic study performed on 24 hemodialysis patients. We measured serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, iPTH and conjunctival and corneal calcification using slit-lamp microscope according to a modification of Porter's criteria. The duration of hemodialysis was 30.7 21.7 months. 24 patients participated in this study. The biochemical values were: Ca: 9.1 0.8 mg/dl, P: 6.5 2.2 mg/dl, ipTH: 488 326 pg/ml, Ca'P: 51.5 16.6 The mean of conjunctival and corneal calcification score was 7.1 4. There was a positive correlation between conjunctival and corneal calcification with a duration of hemodialysis [p=0.033, r=0.436], Ca'P product [p=0.007, r=0.538]. P [p=0.006, r=548] and iPTH [p= 0.028, r=0.449]. There was no correlation between conjunctival and corneal calcification with the age of the patients, serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase. There is a positive correlation of serum phosphorus, Ca'P product and iPTH with conjunctival and corneal calcification and no significant correlation with serum calcium implying that there is a central role for phosphorus in calcium-phosphorus deposition in soft tissues like cornea and conjunctiva, underscoring further attention to phosphorus control in hemodialysis patients