[The association between body composition and level of leptin in serum among aged 6-10 year old Tehranian students]

Introduction: the association between body composition and the hormones has been explored in a limited number of studies. Hence, this study was performed to examine the association between body composition and serum level of leptin among children

Materials and Methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted among 111 students aged 6-10 years, who were selected from 20 elementary schools in Tehran. We measured fasting plasma leptin by radioimmunoassay. The bioelectrical impedance was used to determine the subjects' body fat mass [FM], fat free mass [FFM] and their distribution in the body. The subjects' physical activity and sleep were recorded for a week by an accelerometer [Actigraph]

Results: results of this study showed no significant difference between boys and the girls regarding the level of leptin, FMI [Fat Mass Index, calculated using FM divided by height squared] and FFMI [Fat Free Mass Index, calculated using FFM divided by stature squared] [P>0.05]. FMI and FFMI in girls were not significantly associated with leptin whereas in boys, leptin was significantly associated with FMI [beta=-0.32, P=0.0001] and FFMI [beta=-0.28, P=0.01] after adjusting for age, physical activity, sleep, dietary intake, and watching TV and computer games

Conclusion: leptin may influence the gender-related differences of body composition during childhood in boys. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings

[Prevalence and etiology of heart murmurs in 2-24-months-old infants Kerman, Iran]

Background and Aim: Congenital heart disease is one of the most common malformations at birth that require timely recognition and treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and etiology of detected heart murmurs and association between congenital heart disease and heart murmurs. Recognition of murmurs etiology would help us to manage and treat them properly

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 2757 infants between two to 24 months in Kerman city, Iran were enrolled. The infants who had heart murmurs in physical exam were referred to pediatric cardiologist for more evaluations such as echocardiography

Results: 2757 infants were screened for the presence of heart murmurs and murmurs were heard in 145 [5.29%] including 71 girls [49%] and 74 boys [51%]. Innocent and pathologic murmurs prevalence was 49 and 51 percent, respectively. Altogether, left to right shunts [ventricular ceptal defect [VSD], atrial ceptal defect [ASD], patent ductus arteriosus [PDA], atrioventricular septal defect [AVSD]] were the most common cardiac abnormalities in this study. The most common heart lesion was ventricular septal defect [21.6%]. There was a significant correlation between younger infants, lower weights and girl sex with congenital heart disease

Conclusion: On base of our study, the incidence of pathologic heart murmurs related to congenital heart disease is more than innocent murmurs in infants; with accurate heart exam and timely screening, we can prevent irreversible heart complication in these ages

Effects of polygonum aviculare herbal extract on proliferation and apoptotic gene expression of MCF-7

One of the most common malignancies in women is breast cancer. Although several treatments for breast cancer are available, application of herbal medicine as a supplementary treatment is a new option to help curing the disease. In this study anticancer effects of Polygonum avicular herbal extract was investigated. Polygonum avicular extract was obtained by methanol. MCF-7 cell line was treated with different concentrations of Polygonum avicular [50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300,350 400 ng/ micro l] for different time lengths [6, 12, 24, and 48 hrs]. MTT assay and Flow Cytometry were used to evaluate cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. RT-PCR was also carried out to evaluate the expression of apoptotic genes. Results showed that Polygonum avicular induced cytotoxicity in MCF- 7 cell line at concentrations higher than 300 ng/ micro l and this was confirmed by the highest rate of cell death as measured by Trypan Blue and MTT assays. RT-PCR results showed up-regulation of P53 and down-regulation of Bcl-2 proteins which implied the ability of Polygonum avicular to induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells and confirmed its anticancer property. Further studies are required to evaluate effects of the extract on other apoptotic genes

[ frequency of M34T, 167delT, 235delC and 35delG mutations in GJB2 gene in autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss patients in west Azarbaijan]

Mutations in GJB2 gene is the most common cause of autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss in many populations. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of 35delG, 167delT, M34T, 235delC mutations in West Azarbaijan population. 129 patients from 96 families were studied. Mutations were detected using ASOPCR and PCR-RFLP methods. Totally, 65.89% of cases were sporadic and the remaining [34.11%] were familial. Six out of 8 cases with 35delG mutation and one case with 235delC mutation were offspring of consanguineous union. Mutations of 35delG were detected in 8 families. 167delT and M34T mutations were not found but 235delC was detected only in one family. On the other hand, 13 out of 258 chromosomes had 35delG mutations. Five patients were homozygous and 3 were heterozygous for 35delG mutation. It means that, in 5.04% of the patients the major reason for hearing loss was 35delG mutation. One out of 258 [0.39%] chromosomes had heterozygous 235delC mutation. It can be concluded that the other genes or mutations could result in autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss in West Azerbaijani population

Cell-based regenerative therapy as an alternative to liver transplantation for end-stage liver disease: experience from Iran

Several types of cells including mature hepatocytes, adult liver progenitor cells and human embryonic stem cells, fetal liver progenitor cells, bone marrow derived hematopoietic or mesenchymal stem cells, and um- bilical cord blood cells both in rodents and humans have been reported to be capable of self-replication, giving rise to daughter hepatocytes, both in vivo and in vitro. They have been shown to be able to repopulate liver in both animal models of liver injury and in patients with liver disease and to improve liver function. Human embryonic stem cell therapy seems to be a great promise for the treatment of liver cirrhosis, but there is no human clinical application due to ethical concerns or difficulties in harvesting or safely and efficiently expanding sufficient quantities. In contrast, adult bone marrow-derived hematopoietic or mesen- chymal stem cells, which can be easily and safely harvested, have been used in clinical trials to treat several chronic diseases including chronic liver disease. Cell therapy offers exciting promise for future treatment of cirrhosis and metabolic liver diseases, but significant technical hurdles remain that will only be overcome through years of intensive research. There is also serious concern about the long-term safety of stem cell therapy and the possibility of tumor development. Herein, we present our experience with cell therapy in treatment of chronic liver disease in Iran

Comparison of knowledge, attitude and practice of urban and rural households toward iron deficiency anemia in three Provinces of Iran

Lack of nutritional knowledge is one of the most important reasons of nutritional problems and consequently improper practice, which can lead to several complications. This study has been designed in order to compare knowledge, attitude and practices of the urban and rural households regarding iron deficiency anemia [IDA] in Boushehr, Golestan and Sistan and Balouchestan provinces in 2004. The sampling method at household's level in each province was the single-stage cluster sampling with equal size clusters. The necessary data were gathered with a structured questionnaire and via the interviews between the questioners and the eligible people in each household. Comparison of frequency of variables between urban and rural areas were tested by chi square test. A total of 2306 households were selected as overall sample size. In urban areas, people recognized iron food sources better than rural areas. Knowledge level of respondents about vulnerable group for IDA and the favorite attitude of households toward IDA were better in urban areas of Sistan and Blouchestan and Golestan provinces. In Sistan and Balouchestan and Golestan, rural households who drank tea immediately before or after meal was more than urban ones. The majority of pregnant and lactating mothers [except for rural areas of Bushehr] did not take iron supplement regularly. Less than 60 percent of children used iron drop regularly. Knowledge, attitude, and practice levels of households toward IDA were not acceptable. One of the best ways of improving nutritional practice is nutritional education with focus on applying available food resources

[Prevelance of adynamic bone disease among dialysis patients reffer to Tehran Dialysis Center]

Background: during the last few years the spectrum of renal osteodystrophy [ROD] in dialysis patients has been studied thoroughly and the prevalence of the various types of ROD has changed considerably. Whereas until a decade ago most patients presented with secondary hyperparathyroidism [HPTH], adynamic bone [ABD] has become the most common lesion within the dialysis population over the last few years

Materials and Methods: in this study [n=127], the prevalence of ABD in the memorialized patients [more than 3 months dialysis] was evaluated by means of these biochemical markers [especially PTH<100]. Clinical data on the patients included were recorded at the moment of blood sampling

Results: HPTH was found in only15% of the patients, whereas ABD appeared to be the most frequent renal bone disease as it was observed in 44% of the cases. There was no significant difference between groups in age, sex and serum Albumin, Hb levels. Patients with ABD had significantly higher serum calcium and phosphor levels, whilst HPTH patients were associated with higher serum Alp level

Conclusion: ABD is the most prevalent type of ROD in this population

Content analysis

Content analysis was used first in communication sciences. Today, it is frequently used in media analysis. In other sciences such as nursing, researchers apply this method in their studies. In spite of the importance of this method in nursing research, there was not enough Persian material on the subject. Therefore, this review study wasconducted to clarify and describe definitions, classifications, principles and conceptual bases of content analysis. Persian and Enghlish foreign articles and books were used in this review study. Most scholars believe that content analysis is a research tool used to determine the presence of certain words or concepts within texts or sets of texts. Some categorize it as a data analysis technique. Texts can be defined broadly as books, book chapters, essays, interviews, discussions, newspaper headlines and articles, and historical documents. Using content analysis, researchers analyze the presence of meanings and relationships of such words and concepts, then make inferences about the messages within the texts, the writer[s], the audience, and even the culture and time of which these are a part. Content analysis can be used in both quantitative and qualitative researches

Comparison of anesthesia success rate and pain perception in children using 27- and 30gauge short needles

The most important aspect of child behavior management is pain control. Since dental injection is usually considered as the most stressful procedure in dentistry, good pain control during injection and dental procedures is a major factor affecting children's cooperation. The purpose of this study was to compare pain perception and efficacy of anesthesia in inferior alveolar nerve block using 27- and 30-gauge short needles. In this clinical trial study which was conducted according to a split mouth design, 27- and 30-gauge needles were used for all patients. Forty patients between 5 and 8 years of age requiring local anesthesia for pulpotomy treatment in both mandibular second primary molar teeth were selected. Immediately after injections, pain ratings were obtained using face and SEM scales. Both nurses and children were blind about the type of used needles. Data were analyzed using Wilcox on Matched-pairs Signed-ranks Test. The 30-gauge resulted in significantly lower pain than 27-guage needles. The success rate of local anesthesia technique was 95% for both types of needles. There was a significant correlation between the two pain measurement methods for both gauges [p < 0.01]. The mean intensity of pain was higher in girls than boys with both gauges. There was no significant difference between age groups regarding pain intensity. Due to the less pain experience and similar efficacy with the use of 30- compared to the 27-gauge short needles, it can be concluded that the use of 30-gauge needle is more appropriate for inferior nerve block anesthesia in children

Preliminary screening for the levels of testosterone hormone in the market meat in Tehran

Many xenobiotic and natural compounds such as testosterone have been used and sometime misused to improve the growth of cattle and other livestock animals. In order to control the testosterone hormone residues in meat and to ensure the safety of Iranian consumers, a monitoring system must be put in place to address the concerns. The present study was undertaken to detect and quantify the levels of testosterone residue in the market meat. Cattle meat samples were collected randomly from the market in Tehran. A total of 120 samples of cattle meat were analyzed for the level of testosterone by Enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay [ELISA] method. The average experimental value of testosterone in cattle meat was 810.9 ng/kg. The average value of cattle meat testosterone was significantly upper than FDA [Food and Drug Administration] allowable level but was in agreement with the values proposed by JESFA [Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives]. So it seems that the present status of this anabolic hormone in market meat is not at risk but there is need to routinely monitor this chemical as a food quality control measure

Protective effect of Johne's disease attenuated vaccine in an intensive non-tuberculosis free dairy

This study was carried out to control Johne's disease [JD] without interfering with tuberculosis [TB] control programme. A dairy herd [n>1500 heads] was used over a period of 6 years, from 1994 to 1999 for this investigation. The herd had a history of heavy infection with Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis [MAP] with culling rates of 1.5 and 5%, in 1991 and 1995, respectively. The mean annual losses due to the reduction in milk yield, pregnancy rate and carcass weight was about $32000. In addition, the farm has had positive tuberculin test. During this study, 2070 calves within 31 days of age, were inoculated once subcutaneously, with MERIAL JD attenuated vaccine, in the middle of brisket region. The vaccine protected the herd against JD effectively, so that from 1995 up to the end of 1999, the means of JD culling among 2-year-old vaccinated and unvaccinated cattle were 0.52 and 19.4%, respectively. This vaccination had no side-effects on TB control programme that was conducted by the comparative tuberculin test. In the site of inoculation, fibrocaseous inflammation, while increasing in size, was developed. during 2 years, on the majority of animals, this reaction disappeared; only in less than 1.5% of instances the lesion became tumoral. and permanent. These animals had no clinical abnormality. While inoculating the vaccine, the insertion of vaccine germ contaminated needles in fingers of vaccinators usually caused temporary, hard and painful inflammation. In one occasion, a progressive granuloma caused by vaccine germ was diagnosed histopathologically and treated with suitable antibiotics

[Consideration of relation between CEA amount and stage of colorectal cancer in patients referred to Taleghani in 2005-2006]

Background: evaluation of association between CEA amount and stage of colorectal cancer and answer to this question: If CEA amount increases appropriately with stage progression?

Materials and Methods: this descriptive research was performed on 120patients with colorectal cancer, who were admitted in Taleghani hospital from beginning to end of the year 1384. The necessary information was gathered through questionnaire and evaluated by spss program [version 11.5]

Results: aquired information showed that in stage D, in most cases, CEA amount was more than 100 ng/ml which means 30 times more than normal range, but in other stages of disease was no significant correlation between CEA amount and stage

Conclusion: about association between CEA and stage of colorectal cancer, which was the major goal of this research, information show that in the most of cases [ 66,6%] in stage D, CEA amount was 30 times more than normal range, but in other stages of desease was no significant correlation between CEA amount and stage. So CEA amount lonely can't be definite presentative for rate of progression of disease. Although amount of more than 100 ng/ml will probably express metastasis of colorectal cancer [stage D]

[Seroprevalence of hepatitis C infection and associated factors in addicts imprisoned at Khezrabad prison, Sari]

Though incarcerated populations are at a high risk of developing hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection, prisoners are not routinely screened for HCV infection. Approximately, 1 in 4 of the nearly 2 million prisoners in the U.S. is infected with HCV. Injection drug abusers are currently the main risk group. Among intravenous drug abusers over the world, the prevalence of HCV varies from 50-90% with an annual incidence of 10-30%. Prisons are a high risk environment for hepatitis C infection because of high incidence of drug abuse and high risk sexual activities. Serologic evidences show that HCV infection is present in one out of every three prisoners. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis C infection and its associated factors among addicted prisoners in Khezrabad prison of Sari. This was a cross - sectional study done in September 2001 at the Khezrabad prison for addicts in Sari. 312 addicts participated in the study and were selected by simple random sampling method. Their blood samples were tested by third generation enzyme immunoassay [EIA-3: sensitivity 100%, specificity 100%] at Sari's blood transfusion center. The data was collected via a questionnaire and interview. 230 prisoners [74%] completed the questionnaires. Associated factors of Hepatitis C infection were compared in 82 anti-HCV positive addicts [the affected group] and 148 anti-HCV negative addicts [the unaffected group]. There were no significant differences about confounding variables between the two groups. Statistical analysis was done by chi[2], t test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Of the 312 addicted prisoners, 96 [30.8%] were anti-HCV positive. Major associated factors with Hepatitis C infection in the affected group included; duration of addiction [mean 174 months], duration of imprisonment [mean 48 months], methods of drug usage [injection 82% and intranasal 44%], length of alcohol consumption for more than five years [60%], tattooing [66%], shared usage of needles [31%] and razors [53%], multiple sexual partners [>74%] and the type of drugs [especially heroin 90% and hashish. 64%] [p<0.05] On multivariate logistic regression analysis, significant independent risk factors for HCV infection included tattooing [OR 100, 95% CI], multiple sexual partners[OR4.97,95%CI]and history of surgery[OR 6.23,95% CI ] . Hepatitis C infection is highly prevalent in addicted prisoners and high risk and unsafe behaviors are the main factors of contamination

Therapeutic effects of vitamin D and calcium in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] is the most important cause of oligoovulation and anovulation in women of reproductive age and in infertile women. Considering insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia in this syndrome, it is believed that calcium, as well as vitamin D, will have a unique role in correcting the impairment in insulin secretion and help the development of oocytes in mammals. Therefore, this study was carried out with the objectives of evaluating the effects of calcium on human ovulation and on the size of follicles in comparison with the current use of metformin. In this research, all PCOS patients [In accordance with the Rotterdam criteria and diagnosis confirmation by a gynecologist] who attended the infertility unit of Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Center from 2004 to 2005, after expressing their willingness to participate in the research were assigned to three 20-patient treatment groups as it follows: The cases were treated daily with: 1] Calcium/Vit. D [1000/mg], 2] Calcium/Vit. D [1000 mg] and metformin [1500mg] or 3] Metformin [1500mg] tablets for 3 months and were followed up for 3 more months. After this 6-month period, the size of dominant follicles, regularity of menses and pregnancy were checked for. After data collection and entry, statistical analysis [Kruskal Wallis, t-test, ANOVA and Generalized Estimating Equation [GEE] Regression] on the basis of the hypothesis, with a significance level of p=0.05 was performed by using SPSS software [Version 11]. Considering the response to treatment by the patients [Dominant follicle >/= 12mm in size], GEE showed that the response was significantly higher during the 5[th]-6[th] months in the Calcium/Vit. D and metformin treatment group than the ones from the other groups [p= 0.03]. Considering the effects of metformin in reducing and regulating insulin production, and vitamin-D in regulating and correcting serum insulin levels, simultaneous administration of these two medications is suggested for the treatment of insulin impairment and reduction of androgen levels for better oocyte maturation

Job satisfaction of nurses in Shaheed Beheshti Hospital

Work is one of the interesting things that people can think or talk about. All of the managers must know factors related to motivation and job satisfaction. Studies show that job satisfaction in nursing and health care settings is low. Low job satisfaction diversely affects on nursing care. It causes decreased quality care, and increased hospitalization as well as cost. This descriptive study was conducted to determine nurses' job satisfaction at Shaheed Beheshti Hospital in Yasooj, 2004. All subjects including 115 nurses were selected. Data were collected by a questionnaire validated and made reliable by content validity and test-retest reliability respectively. 70% of the subjects had university degree and the rest had high school diploma. Average age was 33.45 +/- 10.25. 54.6% of them were female and 45.6% were male. 89.7% were married and 10.3% were single. Findings showed that 80% of the subject didn't have job satisfaction and 20% had enough job satisfaction. 62% of the subjects didn't have job security and 37.4% felt it. 89% had enough satisfaction about managers and 11% had occasional satisfaction. Results showed that most nurses were dissatisfied, which can be related to job insecurity, low job improvements and general vision of society about nursing particularly at small towns. Accordingly, nursing should be known to people

case report of esophageal intramural hematoma

The patient is a 69 years old female presented with chest pain and rapidly progressive dysphagia. Then she suffered of hematemesis and aphagia. In evaluation of patient, a intramural hematoma obstructing esophageal lumen was demonstrated which was accompanied with mucosal ulceration and bleeding. It appears that this complication occurred in the context of concomitant use of alendronate with aspirin in this patient

[Epidemiological aspects of low back pain in nurses]

Among all occupation, the highest rate of musculoskeletal injuries especially back pain is seen in nurses. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of back injuries in nursing personnel and to study how individual and occupational characteristics affect it. Following ethical approval, 1226 nurses were randomly selected from 13 hospitals in Mazandaran province in the north of Iran. Data were gathered by questionnaires included individual and occupational characteristics, prevalence of back pain, probable causes and its effects on nursing activities. Point, one month, 6 month, one year and lifetime prevalence of LBP [Low back pain] in nurses reported 51.5%, 56.3%, 58.9%, 59.6% and 62%, respectively. Lifting heavy things was the most common cause of back injury [30.4%]. Prolonged standing and rest were found to be the significant aggravating and relieving factors, respectively [57.6% and 59.2%]. Absence from work because of LBP during the last month was reported 33.7% of the sample. There was a significant correlation between the type of ward and LBP [P<0.001], the highest prevalence of LBP was in emergency ward and the lowest one was in NICU and urology ward. There was also a reverse correlation between job satisfaction and prevalence of LBP in nurses [P<0.001]. The results demonstrate that the magnitude of LBP amongst nursing personnel appears to be high and associated with some occupational and individual characteristics. Therefore, more resources should be allocated to prevent such an injury in nursing profession

Pregnancy success rate in timed intercourse and IUI in patients with hypothalamic amenorrhea

Hypothalamic amenorrhea is one of the most prevalent problems leading to anovulation in which decrease in pulsatile release of GnRH is seen. Patients affected with hypothalamic amenorrhea who want to become pregnant must be induced by exogenous gonadotropin or GnRH to ovulate. Most patients consider this method inappropriate because they are forced to carry the mini-pump with them even while they are sleeping. The GnRH pump is not available in Iran. For this reason, exogenous gonadotropin is use then Timed Intercourse [TI] or intrauterine Insemination [IUI] are recommended to the patients for induction of ovulation. Otherwise, In Vitro Fertilization [IVF] or even Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection [ICSI] techniques are used. IT is an easier and cheaper method compared to IVF and IUI. The objective of this study is compare the pregnancy success rate of the two methods of TI and IUI. In this clinically retrospective study, hypothalamic amenorrhea patients who referred to infertility clinics of Reproductive Health Research Center, Tehran, Iran and registered between April 1999 to march 2005 were considered. TI or IUI, after induction of ovulation was administered and the rate of successful pregnancies was compared. The cases with infertility due to the male factor, uterine anomaly and fallopian tube obstruction were excluded. In the TI group, from 27 cycles, there were 19 pregnancies [70.73%]. In the IUI group, from 29 cycles there were seven pregnancies [24.13%]. The difference between these two methods was significant [P=0.05]. Duration of infertility, men age, and other demographic characteristic were not insignificant between the two groups. The results of this study provide support TI as the first-line treatment for hypothalamic amenorrhea. Considering the ease, low cost, and lack of demand for equipment are some of advantages of this method

[Prevalence and risk factors of low back pain in school children age 11-14 years]

Low back pain [LBP] is common in youth, although `associated with chronic pain in adults. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of LBP in school children age 11-14. A cross sectional study was carried out on school children aged 11-14 in north of Iran. Using random multistage sampling 5000 children were selected. Demographic, mechanical and lifestyle data as well as the prevalence and LBP characteristics were collected by a questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS [version11] software. Of the original sample, 4813 [96.2%] children returned the questionnaire. Point, last month, last 6 months and annual prevalence were 15%, 14.4%, 15.6%, and 17.4%, respectively. LBP was significantly correlated with age [p<0.05], lifting [p<0.05], position and duration of watching TV, doing homework and duration of exercise [p<0.05]. The results indicated that the prevalence of LBP in school children is relatively high. Further studies evaluating the effect of different preventive strategies to reduce the prevalence of LBP in school children is strongly recommended