[Protective effects of aqueous extract of internal septum of walnut fruit on diabetic hepatopathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice]

Backgrounds and Aim: Treatment of diabetes by ethnomedicinal plants which have fewer side effects than chemical drugs has been on the rise. In this study we assessed hepatoprotective and antidiabetic effects of aqueous extract of internal septum of walnut fruit [ISWF] on diabetic mice

Material and Methods: In this experimental study 35 mature male mice were made diabetic by administration of 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin intraperitoneally. The mice were randomly divided into 5 groups. The negative [non diabetic] and positive [diabetic] control groups received normal saline and the 1[st], 2[nd] and 3[rd] treatment groups received 0.5 mg/kg of glibenclamide, 200 and 400 microl/kg of aqueous extract of ISWF through gavage respectively for 15 days. On the last day, serum levels of blood glucose, ALT [alanine aminotransferase], AST [aspartate aminotransferase] and ALP [alkaline-phosphatase] were measured. After tissue processing, we measured total volume of the liver, hepatocytes, sinusoids, portal vein, central vein, hepatic arteries and bile ducts in the sections of the tissues

Results: Use of aqueous extract of ISWF in the treatment groups led to significant decrease in blood glucose levels, AST and ALP enzymes and also total volume of liver, sinusoids and central vein [p<0.05] compared to those in the non-treated diabetic group

Conclusion: According to the results, aqueous extract of ISWF, can regulate the blood glucose level and inhibit hepatic damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Self-reported versus proxy reported quality of life for breast cancer patients in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Since quality of life [QoL] is subjective, self-reported QoL is the main source of assessment; however, in some situations the patient cannot evaluate his/her own status. In this cross-sectional study, 148 patients with breast cancer referred to the Cancer Institute of the Islamic Republic of Iran and their caregivers were selected through the consecutive sampling method. Five oncologists from this centre also evaluated the QoL of these patients. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire was completed by these 3 groups and the results compared. The patient-caregiver intra-class correlation coefficient [ICC] for all 15 QLQ.C30 domains was moderate to good [ICC = 0.41-0.76]. Agreements between QoL scores of patients and those of oncologists were moderate to good, except in the 4 domains. In the patient-caregiver comparison there was 55% exact agreement, and for the patient-physician comparison agreement was 45%. The findings can be used in the patients' decision-making process and care planning when patients with breast cancer are unable to self-report the QoL

[Removal of acid black 1 dye by carbon nanotube-dendrimer composite: operation parameters, isotherms and kinetic]

Organic dyes are the major pollutants produced in many industries and have different adverse effects on water resources. The aim of this study was to synthesize a novel adsorbent with high adsorption capacity and evaluate its efficiency in removing organic dyes from aqueous solutions in a batch system. This study was an applied research in which carbon nanotube composite-dendrimer was synthesized and its chemical properties was evaluated by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Acid blue 1 dye was selected as a model to evaluate the decolorization capacity of the adsorbent. The effects of the parameters influencing the adsorption process such as initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose, pH and the effect of inorganic salts were also studied. Longmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and pseudo first order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were used for data evaluation. In this study removal of acid black 1 dye by carbon nanotube-dendrimer composite followed the Longmuir and Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. We also found that the synthesized adsorbent had a maximum adsorbent capacity equal to 690 mg/g, when the concentration of dye was 100 mg/l. We concluded that carbon nanotube composites - dendrimer can be used as an effective adsorbent for removal of dyes form colored effluents

Evaluation of the care for diabetes patients by general practitioners in the province of Khouribga, Morocco

Diabetes is a disease of concern due to its increasing frequency and high cost of care. This cross sectional study evaluated the types of care provided to diabetes patients in primary care for management of the condition. Between December 2010 and March 2011, 54 general practitioners [GPs] in health centres in Khouribga province were asked to complete a pretested questionnaire on their care of diabetes patients. For type 2 diabetes, 46% of the GPs would prescribe diet and lifestyle treatment alone. The practice setting influenced how treatment was managed for type1 diabetes patients: 88.5% of rural doctors prescribed premixed insulin versus 58.3% of urban GPs [P = 0.02]. Insulin analogues were prescribed by 20.8% of urban GPs as against 3.8% of rural GPs [P = 0.09]. There are several shortcomings in the quality of care for diabetes patients. Training GPs could be a solution, especially with the lack of specialists in our country

Trends of skin cancer incidence in 6 geographical regions of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2000-2005

Data about the incidence of skin cancer in the Islamic Republic of Iran are lacking. This study investigated trends in the incidence of skin cancer [ICD-10 category C44, other malignant neoplasms of skin] in 6 regions using data from the Iranian cancer registry from 2000 to 2005. The standardized incidence rates in each year were calculated by the direct method using the standard World Health Organization population and a Poisson regression model was applied to analyse trends. Over the study period, 30 701 cases of cancer were identified, rising from 2353 in 2000 to 8484 in 2005. The male-to-female ratio was 1.6. The age-standardized incidence rose significantly from 3.8 cases per 100 000 in 2000 to 13.0 in 2005 [slope = 0.26], and the same trend was seen in all regions except the region to the east of the Caspian Sea. This increasing incidence of skin cancer in the Islamic Republic of Iran is similar to that reported in other countries

Prevalence of food contamination with Listeria spp. in Kermanshah, Islamic Republic of Iran

Listeria monocytogenes is a human pathogen causing serious diseases. We aimed to determine food contamination with Listeria spp. in Kermanshah, Islamic Republic of Iran. Samples [185 dairy, 187 meat products and 158 ready-to-eat foods such as salads] were randomly collected from markets. After processing, samples were cultured in half-Fraser and Fraser broth followed by cultivation on PALCAM and Oxford media. Confirmatory tests including carbohydrate utilization were performed on isolates to determine species. Bacteria were isolated from 66/530 samples [12.5%]. Meat products showed the highest [27.2%] and dairy products the lowest [3.8%] contamination rates. L. innocua was found in 56 [10.6%] samples, but L. monocytogenes was only found in 3 samples [0.6%]. The results indicate that the rate of contamination with L. monocytogenes, even for ready-to-eat foods, was low but for other Listeria spp., in particular strains of L. innocua, the rate of contamination was higher, suggesting that more control on food sanitation is required

Study of operated primary and secondary [recurrence] hydatidosis in hospitals of Kermanshah, west of Islamic Republic of Iran

Cystic echinococcosis, caused by the larval stage of Echinoccocus granulosus, is a global public health threat. The aim of this study was to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of cases of primary and secondary hydatid cyst in the west of the Islamic Republic of Iran. A retrospective record review was made in 7 public and private hospitals in Kermanshah from 2004 to 2009. Of 526 files of suspected cases analysed, 291 cases of hydatid cyst had been operated upon and confirmed. Of the patients, 51.5% were females, 57.7% lived in urban and suburban areas and the largest age group [17.5%] was 31-40 years. The major organs involved were liver [64.9%] and lung [26.8%] and 18 cases [6.2%] were confirmed as secondary hydatidosis. Most patients [79.4%] had been treated with albendazole.Kermanshah province should be considered an endemic region for human hydatid cyst disease; greater efforts in prevention are needed

[Factors affecting time to pregnancy, Kermanshah, Iran, 2011]

The time needed to achieve a wanted pregnancy is referred to as time to pregnancy [TTP]. Due to differences in lifestyles and geographical locations in different countries, factors affecting TTP may be different in various countries. This study was conducted in 2011 to determine factors affecting time to TTP in Kermanshah, Iran. In this case-control study 174 women with TTP>12 months [cases] and 587 women with TTP/= high school diploma; OR=0.854, CI 95%=0.741-0.984], frequency of intercourse in a week [OR=0.728, CI95%=0.631-0.839], blood group A compared to O [OR=0.639, CI95%=0.405-1.01], and non-exposure to smoking [OR=0.606, CI95%=0.380-0.965]. On the other hand, factors increasing TPP were a woman's irregular menstrual cycle [OR=3.701, CI95%=2.127-6.441], lack of physical activity [OR=1.920, CI95%=1.263-2.918] and a body mass index [BMI] higher than 25 [OR=2.221, CI 95%=1.489-3.312]. According to the results of this study, a high BMI and lack of exercise increase, while factors such as frequency of intercourse decrease the length of TTP. Couples seeking medical intervention for pregnancy often disregard factors associated with TTP. It is recommended that care-providers support these couples, promote their awareness, and give them suitable advice

[Assessment of 3[rd] grade junior school girl students' knowlege and attitude toward puberty age sanitation]

Adolescence is a critical period in any individual's life, and puberty is the most important change within this period. Care for the girls' health condition is very important because they play a crucial role in fertility and reproduction. Since today's girls are tomorrow's mothers and their health is so important. To investigate the junior school girls' knowledge and attitude toward sanitation in Lahijan, northern Iran, in 1388-1389. For the purpose of this cross-sectional study, 384 female students in 3[rd] grade of junior school in Lahijan were selected through random cluster sampling in 1389. Questionnaire was used for data collection and the collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16, T test and Ch-square and Pearson correlation coefficient. The average age was 14.08 years and average age variable of menarch was 12.3 +/- 1.04. Level of awareness was good in the majority [60.41%] and they had a positive attitude toward the puberty. Results showed a significant positive correlation between mothers' levels of education and their daughters' awareness [p<0.05]. Based on the results of Pearson Correlation coefficient and p<0.05, we understood there was a meaningful relationship between source of awareness and attitude toward puberty sanitation. Also, there was a meaningful relationship between the level of awareness and attitude toward puberty sanitation area, too [p<0.05]. The present results demonstrate an improvement in the level of awareness and attitude to psychological and somatic health in puberty period, compared to those during the last decade. Since the source of awareness has been the mothers in the majority of the studied cases, it could be suggested that mothers' awareness should be promoted and students should be encouraged to consult their teachers, books, journals and the related materials in order to enhance their knowledge about physiologic, psychological and behavioral changes which occur during puberty and thereby to avoid the negative consequences and improves their awareness

[Comparison of protective antibody level against hepatitis B in accelerated and conventional vaccination]

The vaccination against hepatitis B is a front line defence for all at-risk groups. Conventional methods of hepatitis B vaccination [0, 1 and 6 months] is considered a long process. But vaccination at shorter intervals [0, 10 and 21 days] is suggested to achieve rapid immunity. This study was carried out to compare for the protective antibody level against hepatitis B in accelerated and conventional vaccination. In this descriptive and analytical study 160 health personnel of Imam Reza hospital of Kermanshah, Iran with no history of vaccination against hepatitis B were selected and divided into two groups during 2009. The volunteers were received vaccination according to accelerated [0, 10 and 21 days] and convetional [0, 1 and 6 months] methods. The antibody titer measured two years after the final dose of vaccination. The acceptable level of antibody was considered higher than 10 IU/ml. After two years the acceptable level of antibody was observed in 94.5% and 97.9% of subjects in accelarated and conventional methods, respectivley. This difference was not significant. This study showed that there is not significant differences between accelerated and conventional methods in antibody production against hepatitis B antigen

[Quality/quantity changes in oil and morphological traits of medicinal pumpkin [cucurbita pepo L.] under different cultivation practices]

Medical pumpkin is a medicinal plant that has a special place in the pharmaceutical industry, and evaluation of quantitative and qualitative yield is a under different agronomic treatments is necessary. Investigating of quality/quantities yield of oil and morphological traits of Cucurbita pepo. affected of planting date and row arrangement. This study was done as split plot on complete randomized blocks design with 3 replications at Research field of Aburaihan College, University of Tehran in 2010 and 2011 years. Treatments were included 3 main plots of planting dates [20 Apr, 21 May and 21 June] and 3 subplots of row arrangement [1, 1.5 and 2 meter between two rows]. In this study evaluated 1000 seeds weight, seeds number in fruit, seeds weight per fruit, seed yield, seed produce index, oil percentage and oil yield. The year had not significant effect on any traits expect of oil percentage and seeds number in fruit. The interaction of planting date and row arrangement were significant in all quality and quantity traits. Maximum of seed yield, seed oil percent and oil yield were obtained in 1 meter row spacingx21 may treatment and 1.5 meterx21 June treatment. Maximum of unsaturated fatty acids percent and minimum of saturated fatty acids percent were obtained in planting date of June with 1.5 and 2 meter row spacing. According to significant effect of row arrangement and planting date on seed and oil yield of medical pumpkin, quality and quantity growth followed economic yield of this plant could be improved by using appropriate agronomic management

Household catastrophic health expenditure

Fairness in financial contribution for health was determined by WHO [World Health Report, 2000] as the third goal of health systems which is measured by fairness in financial contribution index [FFCI]. The aim of this study was to estimate FFCI and quantify extent of catastrophic household heath expenditures. We conducted a descriptive study during May 2008. Subjects were chosen by "Systematic Random sampling" among residents of Maskan's population-based research center [Maskan Center] in Kermanshah, Iran. After completing informed consent form, we collected data using a questionnaire by interview with head of family. In order to describing data and estimating FFCI, we used descriptive statistics and WHO methodology, respectively. Households with catastrophic expenditures and impoverished households were defined as those with health expenditures over 40% and 50% of their ability to pay, respectively. The mean age of head of families was 48.96 +/- 12.86 years. From 189; 12.7% of household's heads were female. 75.1% of households were covered by at least one health insurance scheme. FFCI was 0.57. The proportion of households facing catastrophic health expenditures was 22.2% [95% CI=16.3%-28.1%]. The rate of FFCI among participants implied an inequality in health financing contribution. In addition, many of households [22.2%] faced catastrophic health expenditures while according to WHO estimation, the figure in the whole country was 2% in 1999. Our study revealed the importance of protecting households against the costs of ill-health

[Comparison and evaluation of Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces excretory/secretory proteins in PBS complemented with glucose, DMEM and RPMI culture media]

Preparation of proper antigens is an important issue in serology of hydatidosis. Investigators have been able to obtain excretory/secretory antigens [E/S Ags] by short-term culture of protoscoleces in a couple of culture media. However, no data are available about production rate of such antigens in different culture media. The present study was carried out to evaluate the production of E/S Ags [proteins] in PBS complemented with glucose, DMEM and RPMI culture media. To obtain E/S proteins, protoscoleces of echinococcus were cultured in PBS complemented with 10% glucose, RPMI and DMEM for 72 hours. Proteins secreted in culture media were concentrated and assayed. To characterize different components, proteins were electrophoresed on SDSPAGE. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. The mean concentration of E/S proteins in PBS medium in 24 hours of culture was significantly higher than DMEM and RPMI [P<0.05]. However, such a difference was not observed between E/S proteins in DMEM and RPMI media. E/S proteins obtained from PBS medium were separated into 12 major bands and the two other media into 14 major bands within a range of molecular masses of 16 to 67 kDa. PBS complemented with glucose is more appropriate than the two other media for E/S proteins production. The best time to obtain E/S proteins is the first 48 hours of culture

Dermatological problems in kidney recipients in Yazd Province, Iran

Kidney transplantation is one of the effective methods to treat kidney disease. In a kidney transplant, due to the use of many immunosuppressive drugs, the body is often subjected to various benign, premalignant and malignant dermatoses. The early diagnosis and effective treatment of such conditions can potentially reduce morbidity and mortality. To determine the distribution of dermatoses in patients who have received kidney transplants. This cross-sectional study was performed on 120 kidney transplant recipients in Yazd University Hospitals in two years. The patients were examined by a dermatologist and diagnosis was made on the basis of clinical observations. Biopsies and scraping of the lesions were taken whenever necessary. 120 evaluable patients included 84 males and 36 females with mean age of 32 years. A total of 116 patients developed dermatological symptoms, which included: hypertrichosis [78.3%], photosensitivity [70%], cushingoid face [60%], gingival hyperplasia [43.3%], warts [40%], pityriasis versicolor [33.3%], steroidal acne [26.6%], herpes simplex [13.3%] herpes zoster [10%], nonmelanoma cancer [10%], oral candidiasis [6.6%], striae [6.6%], actinic keratosis [6.6%] and sebaceous hyperplasia [3.3%]. Skin lesions are a significant problem in kidney transplant recipients. A careful monitoring of these patients is recommended in order to detect these lesions in early stages and treat them

[Ethnopharmacology of nepeta binaludensis Jamzad a highly threatened medicinal plant of Iran]

Nepeta binaludensis Jamzad, is an endemic and rare perennial medicinal plant belonging to Lamiaceae which distribute in limited area in Binalud mountains in Northeast of Iran. Over- exploitation and unsustainable herbal collection of this plant by local gathers and also limited distribution in specific habitat made it an endangered species. Study the ethnomedicinal uses of this species. A survey base on interviews with local informants and traditional healers near the wild habitats of this plant was conducted during years 2003 and 2004. Results showed that the aerial parts of this species are used mostly by local people to treat digestive disorders, nervous disorders and depression. Also this people use this plant to treat common colds, and rheumatism [in external use]. Traditional healers use this plant mostly as a nervous tranquil and anti depression while they use it for treatment of different diseases such as headache, migraine, digestive disorders, rheumatism, respiratory disorders, asthma, common colds, colic and cardiovascular disorders. The most popular medicinal preparations are decoction, infusion and distillation [aromatic waters]. This study showed that this species is used widely by local people and traditional healers for different medicinal uses which result to over-exploitation and unsustainable herbal collection of this plant and made it an endangered species

Catastrophic health expenditures in Kermanshah, West of Iran: magnitude and distribution

Health policy makers are concerned about protecting people from catastrophic health expenditures and subsequent impoverishment. This study aimed to describe the magnitude and distribution of catastrophic health expenditures in Kermanshah western Iran. In this descriptive study, during May 2008, 189 households were chosen by "Systematic Random sampling" among the community of Maskan in Maskan Center for Population. After getting the informed consent forms signed, data were collected using a questionnaire by interviewing the head of the families. The cut-off point for catastrophic expenditure was defined as health expenditures over 40% of households' capacity to pay. From a total of 189 households, 22.2% [42] households [95% CI 16.3% - 28.1 ] incurred catastrophic health expenditures. Out of 42 households, from 11.9%, the head of family was female. 40.5% had one member younger than 12 years old, 26.2% had one member older than sixty years old, and 9.5% were households with at least one member with chronic condition. In addition, 19% were uninsured. In addition, because of financial burden of health expenditures 21.4% of the households sold their jewels, 16.6% used up their savings and 47.6% were in debt. Compared to 2% of general population facing catastrophic health expenditure, 22.2% was a high proportion. Our study revealed the importance of protecting households against the cost of ill-health

Investigating the accuracy level of tests of history taking, exercise and myocardial scan with drug or with exercise in diagnosing women's anatomic lesion of coronary arteries

Coronary artery disease [CAD] is the most common cause of death in the world. Finding an accurate way to detect the CAD in early stages is important. In this study, our aim was to assess the rates of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of history taking, exercise test and myocardial scan with drug or exercise, in the diagnosis of CAD in the patients who undergo angiography. In a cross-sectional study, 420 female patients who referred to Razavi and Javad-AL-Aeme Hospitals for angiography during 2007 to 2008, were studied. Having done the angiography, we came to determine which method [history, exercise test or scan] was the most appropriate for preparing the patient for angiography. To do so, their rates of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Sixty five percent of the subjects were suffering from CAD. The mean age of the patients was 58 years. Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes and smoking were detected in 39%, 42%, 24% and 5% of the cases, respectively. The rates of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were respectively calculated as 3%, 78. 1%, 47.2% for history taking; 57.1%, 80%, 26.1% for exercise test and 73.1%, 90.9%, 15.3% for myocardial scan with drug. According to the results of this study and with regard to the relatively high cost of perfusion scan and exercise test, it seems that history taking has a high rate of accuracy in predicting and diagnosing CAD. Exercise test, in comparison with myocardial scan, has lower rates of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity in women

Effects of L-carnitine added to erythropoietin in anemic chronic renal failure patients on Hemodialysis

Chronic renal disease [C.R.D] is a pathophysiological process due to progressive and irreversible decrease in number and function of nephrons in the kidney. Anemia is one of the most important complications in CRD patients. Anemia is caused mainly due to diminished production of erythropoietin [EPO], which is treated by weekly injection of the EPO. L-carnitine added to EPO can increase the efficacy of EPO. Present study, from March 2003 until September 2004 [18 months], evaluates the effects of L-carnitine added to EPO in 30 patients at Shaheed Rahnemon hemodialysis center of Yazd. Each patient was administered one oral table [250 mg] of L-carnitine, twice a day along with EPO for 90 days. EPO was in the form of injection 2000 iu/sc after dialysis. [three times per week]. One questionnaire was completed for each patient, which included demographic characteristics, type of disease, duration of the hemodialysis, Hb and Hct levels, transferrin saturation and ferritin levels. Hb, Hct and transferrin saturations were measured on days 1, 45 and 90. Results were analyzed by paired t test and analysis of variance. Results of this study showed that the mean Hb levels and Hct were significantly raised up to 1.1 mg/dl [P. value<0.001] and 2.7% [P.Value<0.001], respectively. In addition, significant decrease of 5.75% in transferrin [P.Value< 0.001] and 121 ng/ml in ferritin levels [P.Value< 0.001] was observed. Efficacy of EPO plus L-carnitine was affected only by duration of hemodialysis and not by age, sex or causes of CRD. L-carnitine added to EPO increases the efficacy of EPO after 3 months

[Investigation of knowledge and attitude of family health workers about IUD, Norplant and DMPA in Health Care Centers in East of Guilan between 2001- 2002]

Introduction: in Iran, the health care is mainly carried out by health networks in the different areas and in these health networks, the urban health care centers and health workers with providing family planning services for women have the main role in the development of family planning programs. Therefore, for providing high quality and varied services, frequent assessment is necessary

Objective: the purpose of this study is to determine knowledge and attitude of family health workers about IUD, Norplant and DMPA in health care centers in east of Guilan between 2001-2002. Materials and Methods: This study is a descriptive research that was performed in 2001-2002. The number of research samples were 63. Research samples were according to study population. The method of sampling was convenience. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire during one month. Then, for statistical analysis an anova test was used

Results: the majority of subjects [55/6%] had high knowledge about IUD and most of them [79.4%] were well- informed of DMPA and 58/7% of family health workers in this study had average [moderate] knowledge toward Norplant. According to the findings of this survey, the majority of subjects [96/8%], [72/6%] and [84/1%] respectively had positive attitudes about IUD, DMPA and Norplant. Also, knowledge was only related to accessibility of new scientific resources [references] [p<0/005] and attitude was only related to information sources [p<0/05]

Conclusion: with regard to the research findings and low or moderate knowledge of the magority of family health workers about Norplant and considering the statistical relationship between knowledge and accessibility of new scientific data and relationship between attitude and information sources, frequent evaluation and provision of formulated instructions and modern scientific resources and training classes or continuing refreshment course for family health workers are necessary

[Effects of group counseling program with women on knowledge, attitude, and practice [KAP] of their husbands regarding family planning in Zahedan health centers in 2002]

Male involvement is one of the main factors in good performance of family planning programs, and interspouse communication appears to be a precondition for its success. A quasi-experimental study [before and after counseling] was conducted in Zahedan in 2002, to investigate the effect of group-counseling with women on KAP of their husbands concerning family planning. Forty four women with two or more children who had not used contraception were selected by non-probability sampling from 3 health centers. After completing a questionnaire asked from women and their husbands and determining their educational needs, women in 5 groups, 8 members, each participated 3 Counseling sessions. The program was evaluated one month after intervention [by a questionnaire and a checklist]. T-Paired Test showed that mean scores of knowledge and attitude of women and their husbands before and after intervention were significantly different [P<000.1]. After intervention, 43% of cases selected one of the contraceptive methods [P<0.00001]. Findings showed that we can improve the KAP of husbands regarding family planning by appropriate counseling of women