Herpes simplex virus in saliva of patients with Bell's palsy

Acute idiopathic peripheral facial paralysis [Bell's palsy] is the most common disorder of the facial nerve. Most patients recover completely, although some have permanent disfiguring facial weakness. Many studies have attempted to identify an infectious etiology for this disease. Although the cause of Bell's palsy remains unknown, recent studies suggest a possible association with Herpes Simplex Virus-1[HSV-1] infection. In this case-control study we investigated the presence of DNA of HSV in the saliva of 26 patients with Bells palsy in first and second weeks of disorder compared to normal population who were matched in sex, age, as well as history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and labial herpes. In the case group 3 and 7 patients had positive polymerase chain reaction [PCR] for HSV in first and second weeks of disease respectively compared to 4 in controls. It means that there was not any relationship between Bell's palsy and HSV in saliva either in first or in second week. Two and 6 of positive results from the sample of first and second weeks were from patients with severe [grade 4-6] Bell's palsy. Although the positive results were more in second week in patient group and more in severe palsies, but a significant relationship between Bell's palsy or its severity and positive PCR for HSV was not detected [P >0.05]

relation of hyperhomocysteinemia to cognitive function and brain atrophy in patients with multiple sclerosis

Cognitive impairment may be a common even at the onset of multiple sclerosis [MS] In this case-control study, we tried to find out the probable relationship between homocysteine levels and cerebral atrophy or cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis. One hundred fifty six patients who had MS according to McDonald diagnostic criteria were included in this study. Patients' age, gender, and educational level, MS duration and clinical type, disability, cognitive function state based on minimental state examination [MMSE], presence of hyperhomocysteinemia, and brain atrophy were evaluated. There was no statistically significant relationship between hyperhomocysteinemia and cognitive status. Total homocysteine levels had a significant correlation with MMSE score only in those patients with elementary level of education. Also total homocysteine levels and overall cerebral atrophy did not indicate significant relationship according to those independent variables mentioned above except in the patients with EDSS less than 6. "When mteicaudate ratio > 0.10 was applied as a criterion for cerebral atrophy, we found that hyperhomocysteinemia related significantly to intercaudate ratio > 0.10 in females, aged between 21 and 30 years, MS duration

Food consumption pattern in the Islamic Republic of Iran and its relation to coronary heart disease

A study was conducted to determine and evaluate the Iranian food consumption pattern in relation to coronary heart disease and dietetic risk factors. Nationwide data collected in our recent surveys were analysed. The findings reveal plant foods to be the basis of the Iranian diet. Of the total energy intake, 66% and 22% came from carbohydrates and fats respectively. The share of fat from different food groups was: meat and eggs 22%, dairy products 10%, fats and oils 58%. The percentage of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids was 11.3%, 6.8% and 2.1% of the total energy intake respectively. Although the general food pattern of the population falls within the accepted ranges, the trend in the past 30 years reveals a twofold increase in fat intake