Comparing carotid intima-media thickness between the type 1 diabetesmellitus and healthy individuals

Increased carotid intima-media thickness [CIMT] is considered as a marker for early detection of atherosclerotic changes in the arterial walls. The purpose of this study was to assess CIMT in type 1 diabetic patients compared to controls. A case-control study was performed on 34 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and 33 healthy people in Kashan during 2013-2014. The inclusion criterion was the diabetes history more than one year and the exclusion criteria were the use of antihypertensive or lipid reducing drugs, smoking, family history of cardiovascular disease, any complications of diabetes and any chronic disease. The weight, height, blood pressure and CIMT of the patients were measured. Moreover, laboratory tests including fast blood sugar, Hb Ale and lipid tests were performed. Sixty-seven subjects [34 type 1 diabetes patients and 33 healthy controls] were evaluated. The mean history of diabetes mellitus was 76.03 +/- 51.44 months. The mean age of the healthy subjects was 15.35 +/- 5.73 years and for the patients 15.25 +/- 7.94 years. Mean CIMT in healthy subjects was 0.439 +/- 0.06 mm and in patients 0.478 +/- 0.05 mm [P=0.005]. Moreover, maximum CIMT was higher in the patients than in the controls [P=0.01]. The multiple linear regression showed that CIMT was about 0.012 units higher in diabetic patients than in controls, and also CIMT was increased 0.012 units per one unit increase in HbAlc values. The mean CIMT in patients with type 1 diabetes was higher than in the controls and positively correlated with the history of diabetes, while it does not correlate with the lipid profiles, blood pressure and body mass index

[ effect of Entonox on severity of pain and mother hemodynamic and fetus apgar in natural vaginal delivery]

Labor pain, is one of the severe pains which is experienced by humans. Fear of this pain is caused elective cesarean for delivery in women. One of the safe and inexpensive drug methods for pain relief in delivery is entonox. In this study, the effect of entonox on the severity of pain, mothers hemodynamic and fetus apgar in natural vaginal delivery was investigated. In this clinical trial study, 60 women with an equal qualification who refferd to hajar hospital in Shahrekord were randomly chosen for vaginal delivery. They were randomly divided into two groups, one group [case] received entonox gas and other group [control] did not. Entonox was given to mothers by a mask after start of active phase of labor. The case group received entonox up to the end of the second phase of delivery, and the effect of entonox was recorded on the severity of pain and mother hemodynamic condition. Fetus apgar in natural vaginal delivery was compared between two groups. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytic tests. The mean of pain scores in case group was 3.98 +/- 2.7 and 5.60 +/- 3.8 for control group [P=0.03] and it was 7.20 +/- 0.6 and 10 for each group in the second phose of delivery respectively. There were no significant differences between two groups in the maternal blood pressure, fetal heart rate and apgar scores. The mean of maternal heart rate and respiratory rate in case group were more than control group, but nausea and vomiting in the first and second stages of labor in case group were more than control group. In vaginal delivery, entonox can create adequate and effective analgesia without major complications for mothers and fetuses, and this can reduces the complications of cesarean section

Malaria screening of blood donor in Zahedan

Transfusion transmitted malaria is an ever present risk in endemic areas and the real threat for blood safety. There is a need for an effective malaria screening program and development of donor deferral criteria for the country. We evaluated the potential usefulness of Elisa screening for malaria antibody and antigen, thick and thin blood film, and polymerase chain reaction [PCR] among Zahedan blood donors. A total number of 384 blood donors in Zahedan in 2009 were screened for malaria parasite by thick and thin blood film using giemsa staining technique, Elisa antibody and antigen test, and PCR. The overall malaria antibody prevalence was 4.7%. In blood donors living in endemic regions, where there were reports for local Malaria transmission, the rate was 7.9%. The results of all antigen test, thick and thin blood films, and PCR were negative. The present donor deferral system seems optimal at present; however, a small risk of transfusion transmitted malaria remains. In an endemic region like Sistan and Baluchestan the use of Elisa antibody test was an interesting alternative for the screening of blood donors

[Offering a proper framework to investigate water quality of the Atrak river]

The Atrak River is an important water supply resource in the Razavi Khorasan, Northern Khorasan and Golestan provinces. This river is the line border of Iran and Turkistan countries. Unfortunately, lack of water quality and quantity data due to nonexistence of a proper surface water quality monitoring station network is one of themain problems for water quality evaluation in the Atrak River. The main objective of the research is to offer a proper framework for surface water quality evaluation regarding to the mentioned limitations. In the first step, proper surface water quality monitoring stations along Atrak River are selected and water quality conditions are indicated using water quality index [WQI] model. The second step is allocated for determining trophic states of the river. Finally, the river water quality modeling is carried out for one of the most important index of water quality in the Atrak River i.e. total dissolved solids [TDS] based on proposed method by Oconnor [1976]. Results of WQI model showed that most of the stations were in the moderate class. The result also showed that most parts of this river had trophic condition. Finally, based on findings of O'Conor model it is demonstrated that the salinity status observed in these four stations originated from the base flow and therefore, salinity is affected by the natural sources. This methodology in the research can be used in rivers which don't have the proper surface water quality monitoring stations and therefore encountered with lack of water quality data. It can provide the proper strategy and management tasks to reach the good water quality conditions

prevalence and associated parameters of smoking among students of Art University in Tehran

Background: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of smoking behaviors among students of Art University in Tehran, Iran. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on 400 participants of Art University. A self-administrated, anonymous questionnaire was used for data gathering. Results: The prevalence of smoking was 30.3% including 44.7% of men and 15.9% of women [p<0.001]. The mean duration of smoking was 4.93 3.41 years. There was a significant association between smoking behaviors among students and their gender, duration of study, income status, the existence of smoking among family and absence of one parent. Conclusion: The prevalence of cigarette smoking among students of the Art University seems to be high. Utilizing proper methods to increase the level of knowledge might lead to a decrease in prevalence of smoking among this population

Prevalence and associated factors of persistent diarrhoea in Iranian children admitted to a paediatric hospital

To identify the frequency and associated factors of persistent diarrhoea in a paediatric hospital in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, children admitted with acute diarrhoea were followed prospectively until resolution of the episode. Persistent diarrhoea developed in 19.6% of the 424 diarrhoea cases. Children with persistent diarrhoea were significantly younger than those with acute diarrhoea [15.3 versus 29.4 months]. Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli was the most prevalent pathogen in both groups, but otherwise the profile of symptoms and isolated organisms was similar in the 2 groups. History of dietary change prior to admission and use of antibiotics and anticholinergic drugs in the acute phase were significantly higher in the persistent than acute diarrhoea cases

Does group prenatal care affect satisfaction and prenatal care utilization in Iranian pregnant women?

The need to provide high quality prenatal care services, which take account of women's views and specifically address their need for information, support and communication, has been advocated and group prenatal care, had been suggested as one of the ways to achieve this objective. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of group versus individual prenatal care on satisfaction and prenatal care use. This was a cluster-randomized controlled trial with the health center as the randomization unit that conducted in 2007. Satisfaction was measured through a standardized questionnaire, and the Kotelchuck Adequacy of Prenatal Care Utilization Index was used to measure prenatal care utilization. We recruited 678 women [group prenatal care, [N=344] and individal prenatal care, [N=334] in the study. Women in group prenatal care model were more satisfied than women in individual prenatal care model in all areas evaluated, including information, communication, co-ordination and quality of care. Group care women were significantly more likely to have adequate prenatal care than individual care women were [OR=1.35 95% CI=1.26-1.44]. Group prenatal care was associated with a significant improvement in client satisfaction and prenatal care utilization. This model of care has implications for the planning and provision of prenatal services within public health system, which is moving toward a better quality health care, and increasing use of services

[Comparison of enamel fluoride uptake between three different glass ionomers used in orthodontic banding: an in vitro study]

Decalcification of the teeth remains a problem during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. It has been suggested that fluoride-releasing glass ionomer cements could decrease the risk of enamel decalcification under orthodontic bands. The objective of this study was to compare enamel fluoride uptake from three different glass ionomer cements [Aqua Cem, Resilience and Bandite] used for band cementation in permanent teeth in vitro. In an experimental in vitro randomized trial, 33 sound premolars that were extracted for orthodontic purposes were randomly divided into thee groups. In each group one of the glass ionomer cements was tested. A 6 mm diameter adhesive tape was placed over the center of buccal enamel surface of each tooth and then the entire surfaces of them were painted with two layers of an acid protective nail polish. After removing adhesive tapes, brackets were cemented with one of the cements over the window. Then all the specimens were immersed in 5ml deionized water for one month. Brackets were debonded and remnants of cements were removed. The windows were etched with 1mI perchloric acid 0.5 M for 60 seconds and then 4 ml of 0.5 M Total Ionic Strength Adjustment Buffer [TISAB] was added to perchloric acid. Fluoride and calcium concentration of the solutions were determined by Potentiometer and Inductively Coupled Plasma, respectively. The depth of etch and fluoride concentration in the enamel were calculated, and the results were analyzed with one way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test. In Resilience the mean fluoride concentrations group were higher and depths of etch were lower than in the other two groups. But there was no statistically significant difference between them. It seemed that an increase in fluoride uptake may be capable of rendering a tooth more resistant to dental decalcification

[Comparative study of the burden in caregivers of schizophrenic and End Stage Renal Disease [ESRD] patients]

Different studies have shown that caregivers of patients suffering from chronic physical or mental disorder endure a considerable burden. Authors decided to evaluate such burden on two groups of caregivers, [schizophrenic and ESRD patients], since few studies have been carried out regarding this subject in Iran. In an experimental, cross sectional, comparative, two-tier cohort study, 60 caregivers [30 of Schizophrenic and 30 of those suffering from End Stage Renal Disease], were selected as convenient groups. Demographic questionnaires and FBIS were completed for both groups and results were reviewed by SPSS software based on t test. Caregivers of Schizophrenic patients endured a heavier burden in comparison with those suffering from ESRD by a meaningful difference, [0.05%]. The results achieved from subgroups also showed that; caregivers of both groups bear almost similar economic burden. In subgroup of objective burden, the caregivers of schizophrenic patients endured more burdens in comparison with patients suffering from ESRD, with once again a meaningful difference. Moreover, in subgroup of subjective burden, the caregivers of Schizophrenic patients endured more burdens comparing to patients suffering from ESRD, however the difference was not meaningful. This study revealed that the caregivers of Schizophrenic patients experience more burdens, both objective and subjective, in comparison with patients suffering from ESRD

[Isolation of shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli [STEC] from meat samples by PCR in Tehran and evaluation of antibacterial patterns of isolated strains]

Shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli [STEC] is an emerging foodborne pathogen of worldwide public health importance. This bacterium has been reported as an etiological agent of many outbreaks and sporadic cases. Studies in different countries have shown that food items maybe contaminated by this pathogen. The present study was carried out to determine the frequency of STEC contamination of meat samples, collected in Tehran, as well as defining genotype and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of isolated bacteria. In a period of one year [from 1 July 2004 to 30 June 200, 250 beef samples were collected from different markets of Tehran city. For detection and isolation of STEC from beef samples, conventional culture and PCR were applied. Then, Antibacterial resistance patterns of isolated strains were determined by standard disk diffusing method. Among 250 beef samples, 47[18.8%] were positive for stx genes by PCR. However, only 30[12%] successful isolations of bacteria were made. Of the 30 STEC isolates, 24 [80%] carried the stx2 gene only, while 2 [6.7%] isolates gave positive results for both stx1and stx2. Four isolates [13.3%] possessed stx2 and eae genes. According to the antibiotic resistance tests, all isolates were susceptible to Gentamicin, Imipenem, Norfluxacin, Enrofloxacin, Nalidixic acid, Ciprofluxacin and Ceftazidime. The percentages of isolates that were resistance to the other antibacterial agents were as following: Olendeomycin:100, Erythromycin:100, Cephalothin:67, Amoxycillin-Clavulanic acid: 46.6, Chlortetracycline: 13.3, Tetracycline: 10 and Streptomycin: 6.6. Results of this study indicate that retail raw meats may often be contaminated with antimicrobial-resistant STEC and cautionary efforts are necessary in order to prevent them from contaminating with this bacterium