Relation between body humors and hypercholesterolemia: an iranian traditional medicine perspective based on the teaching of Avicenna

Cardiovascular diseases are among the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. One of the important risk factors of cardiovascular disease is hyperlipidemia especially high levels of serum cholesterol. Due to the importance of hypercholesterolemia, being a serious condition, various treatments are used to control it, regardless of the cause, most of treatments, focused on reducing the level of serum lipids. This study aims to determine various view points for hypercholesterolemia in Iranian traditional medicine. We used several Iranian traditional medicine resources and literatures; then based on these texts; a pilot study was designed to assess their effects in 10 patients with high plasma cholesterol. The sign and symptoms in main digestive organs [Stomach and liver] were also evaluated. Some patients showed hepatic temperament but all patients had gastric temperament. With reference to Iranian traditional medical texts and literatures, the organs involved in the process of digestion, particularly the stomach and the liver play the most important role. Yet the proper function of stomach as the first step involved in the digestion chain should be emphasized

effect of support group method on quality of life in post-menopausal women

Quality of life in post-menopausal women and menopausal symptoms are closely related concepts. Influence health education policy in order to promote health and adopt a menopause lifestyle requires alternative strategies, including health training programs with community - based interventions. The current study aims to survey the effects of support groups on quality of life of post-menopausal women. A blind field trial [2010] was conducted at Saadatmandii Clinical Center [Robat Karim, Iran]. 110 women were selected randomly divided into test and control groups [consisting of 55 ones]. Menopause specific quality of life questionnaire [MENQOL] was used for evaluation of life quality before and three months after intervention; there was no intervention in the control group. Data were analyzed by using SPSS/16. Qualitative variables were analyzed using chi-square tests and quantitative variables were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon test, paired T-test and independent t-test. There was significant difference between vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, sexual aspects and life quality of this group pf women [P<0.001]. There was no statistically significant difference in the quality of life of women in control group. According to the results method of support group can lead to improved quality of life for postmenopausal ones and it can be appropriate healthcare policy to promote health and improve life quality of this group of women

[Vitamin d alterations in food regimens and synaptic transmission in neuronal circuit]

In nervous system, through specific channels and some ionotropic receptors, calcium ion involves in synaptic transmission vitamin D takes an important role in cellular regulation as well. Calcium ion plays an important role in synaptic transmission through specific channels and some receptors such as NMDA receptors in the nervous system. In the present study we asked if alterations in vitamin D content of food regimens influence electrophysiological phenomena in hippocampal neuronal circuits. Adult rats under normal food regimen [CON], vitamin-D-free regimen [CON-D] or with a supplement of calcitriol [CON+D] were used in this study. Stimulating Schaffer colateral excitatory post synaptic field potentials [EPSP] were recorded in CA1 area of hippocampus. For inducing of long term potentiation [LTP] high frequency stimulation [HFS] was used as a tetanic stimulation. Changes in the amplitude of EPSPs were considered for comparison of the 3 tested groups. Our findings indicated that there was no difference between EPSP amplitude of the CON, CON+D and CON-D rats. On the other hand, LTP was induced only in the CON and CON+D animals. According to the findings, it seems that vitamin D deficiency considerably affect potentiation of the synaptic transmission. The probable mechanism can be vitamin D regulation of intracellular calcium concentration

effect of touch therapy by mothers on anthropometric indices in preterm newborns

The effect of touch on the growth of newborns has been achieved by educated staff, but touch therapy by mothers, as the most important care provider for their infants, has not been focused in previous studies. In this randomized controlled trail and double blind study which was conducted at Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2010, 60 preterm newborns, which were discharged from neonatal intensive care unit [NICU], were randomly allocated to a control and a touch therapy group [30 newborns in each group]. Touch therapy was directly instructed to the mother, also offering guide booklets to the mother. Touch was provided by mother for three periods, 20 minutes each, per day, until term corrected age. In two groups, neonate weight by the electronic weighing scale with an accuracy of +/- 10 grams, height with an infant meter, also head and chest circumference with a non-stretchable cloth-tape were measured at the time of discharge following the term corrected age. The statistical data was analyzed by the SPSS software using Kolmogrov Smirnov, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square, Independent T-test and Fisher test. The mean age, type of delivery, level of education, employment and socio-economic status in mothers of the two groups, also weight, sex and other neonate characteristics had no statistical differences. At the term corrected age, there were no differences in mean of height, head and chest circumference between two groups, but the interventional group showed an average weight gain more than the control group, [3373 +/- 270.3, 2905 +/- 372.6 gr] which was statistically significant [p=0.04]. It means that neonates in intervention group gained 468 grams more than the control group. Between all anthropometric measurements, only weight was affected by touch therapy. This might be due to the speed of weight gaining compared to increase in height, head and chest circumference

Beneficial effect of GABA on experimentaly induced diabetes in CD1 mice

Gama amino butyric acid [GABA] is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian nervous system. Pancreatic beta cells in islets of Langerhans express GABA at the levels comparable to those encountered in the central nervous system. The concentrations of GABA and the number of GABA secreting cells, decrease in diabetic patients and experimental diabetes models. Reports on effects of GABA on insulin secretion have been controversial. In this study we investigated whether or not GABA administration in an animal diabetes model can change insulin and glucagon secretion and improve diabetic symptoms. Seven-week old CD1 mice were used. For inducing diabetes, 40 mg/kg of streptozotocin [STZ] was given intraperitoneally for 5 days. Two months after diabetic induction, animals were divided into two groups, one receiving 200 ?mol of GABA, while the other group received phosphate buffer solution [PBS] for two and half months. After 42 days, the glucose concentration in the GABA treated group decreased significantly compared to the untreated group and the first day. After two and half months, water consumption in the GABA treated group decreased significantly in comparison to the control group. Plasma insulin level increased significantly [0.989 +/- 0.67 vs 0.779 +/- 0.11] while plasma glucagon level decreased significantly [91.71 +/- 4.52 vs 130.07 +/- 18.78]. Glucose tolerance test in the GABA group returned to normal levels. GABA administration by regulation of insulin and glucagon secretion could help treat some diabetic symptoms, and could possibly be used in the future as a therapeutic tool in diabetes

[Effects of complementary therapies on pain and labor outcomes in nuliparous women referred to delivery unit in Fatemiyeh Hospital in Shahrood city [2003-2005]]

Labor pain is the most severe pain in the world and its control is the main goal of maternity care. Nowadays, complementary therapies are suggested in order to labor pain elimination and there is controversial idea about applying of these methods. This study assessed the effects of emotional support and non pharmacological pain relief in labor. In this experimental study, 300 nuliparous women [150 women in control and 150 in empirical group] with single pregnancy, cephalic presentation and spontaneous labor who referred to the Fatemiyeh hospital, Shahrood, Iran, were evaluated. 150 women of empirical group received non pharmacological pain relief methods, including massage therapy, breathing techniques, relaxation, effleurage and emotional supports. No one of them received pharmacological pain relief methods. Pain intensity in the first and second stage of labor was determined by verbal numeric analog scale. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U, Chi- square and Fisher exact tests. There was no difference in mean of age, level of education, residency [rural or urban], vaginal exam in admission time and interventions in labor between two groups. In control group, cesarean request [26.6% vs 16.2%, p < 0.05], ventous applying [4.5% vs 0%, p < 0.01], duration of the first [p < 0.001] and second stage of labor [p < 0.05 [and mean of pain score in the first [p < 0.01] and second stage] p < 0.001 [of labor was greater and mean apgar score in 1 min [p < 0.01] was less than experimental group. This study showed positive effects of complementary therapies on pain relief and labor outcomes. So, education of pregnant women, progress in willingness for vaginal delivery and presenting the complementary therapies are recommended in labor units

[Effect of GABA on plasma cytokine concentration and beta and alpha cell mass in CD1 diabetic mice]

Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disease associated with T lymphocytes function in beta cells. This process can increase cytokine secretion, which can cause beta cell inflammation and death. Since GABA, [y-aminobutyric acid] is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter, and low concentration of GABA can increase cytokine secretion, the aim of this study was demonstrate to the inhibitory effect of GABA administration on cytokine secretion and decrease in beta cell death and also to show the ability of beta cells in insulin secretion. Seven week old CD1 mice were used. To induce diabetes, animals received 40 mg/kg of STZ five days continuously. Two months later, animals were divided into two groups, one receiving 200 micromole of GABA and the other [controls] the same volume of PBS for 10 weeks. Serum glucagon levels, and alpha cells significantly decreased in the [IL12 IL1beta, TNF alpha] mass and some cytokine levels in the GABA group. Plasma insulin level and beta cell mass significantly increased in comparison to the control group. From the results of this study we conclude that GABA administration causes inhibition in cytokine secretion, improves beta cell mass and increases insulin secretion. May be, in the future, if GABA shows no side effects we can use GABA for type one diabetes

[Effect of pontic width on stress distribution in abutment teeth and their supporting structures by finite element analysis]

Fixed partial dentures and single restorations reveal differences in the pattern and quantity of stress. The most important factors affecting stress distribution in abutments are occluso-gingival height and bucco-lingual width. In this in vitro study a finite element analysis was performed to evaluate changes in the pattern and quantity of stress in pontics with different widths. Three PFM models were created, one with a conventional width and the other two demonstrating 20% and 40% width-reduction. The models were fabricated to replace a mandibular first molar. A load of 700 N was applied vertically to the center of the pontic and the stress patterns were examined by finite element analysis. Maximum stress concentration was observed in the supporting bone of the abutment teeth mesial to the premolars, distal to the molars and in the apical portions of the premolars. The 20% and 40% width-reduction of the pontics caused a similar amount of stress reduction in the supporting tissues of the abutment teeth. Stress concentration sites were also observed at the furcation area and the cervical regions of the distal aspect of the premolars and mesial aspect of the molars. The reduction in stress values within tooth structure was proportional but less than the 20% and 40% width-reduction of the pontics. Reduction of pontic width caused a considerable amount of stress reduction in the supporting bone and a smaller amount in tooth structure

[Finite element stress analysis on the effects of the changes in length of pontic on the stresses carried from pontic to abutments]

Stress in fixed partial dentures is different in pattern and quantity compared with single restoration. Length of bridge has a direct effects on stress of abutments. This study evaluates the changes in pattern and quantity of stress with the pontic length variation. We can use the results to design the dimension of pontic and also in fixed partial denture treatment planning when the load applied to bridge is important. In this in vitro study, the finite element method was used to analyze mechanical behavior of prosthesis and its supporting structures when a fixed prosthesis with two designs replaces a mandibular first molar. In finite element stress analysis method, models were designed similar to the actual one with ANSYS computer software. Two PFM bridge models with normal pontic were designed which one of them was 3-unit F.P.D and the other was 4-unit F.P.D. Physical properties of Ni-Cr-Be alloy, dentine, PDL, spongy and compact bone were determined for the software program. A 700 N load was applied vertically to the center of pontic, and then stress in abutment, bone and prosthesis were analyzed by ANSYS software. Stress concentration was in the mesial of premolar, apex of premolar and distal of molar [13.4 MPa] in the supporting bone of 3-unit F.P.D. Stress pattern in the bone was the same in 3-unit F.P.D and 4-unit F.P.D. When the length of pontic was doubled, stress in the bone was doubled too [26.2 MPa]. Stress concentration in 3-unit F.P.D was in distal of premolar [cervical region], mesial of molar [cervical region] and Furca in tooth structure [45.8 MPa]. Maximum stress in 3-unit F.P.D prosthesis was respectively in joints [511 MPa], distal margin of premolar and mesial margin of molar. Maximum stress in 4-unit F.P.D was in the joint of two pontic [1903 MPa]. When the length of pontic was doubled, stress in the bone was doubled too. Maximum stress concentration in 3-unit F.P.D was in the distal joint. In 4-unit FP.D, maximum stress was in the joint between the pontics

[Surveying the frequency of neural tube defects and the effective factors in pregnant women refereed to Fatemiyeh Hospital in Shahrud]

After cardiac defects, neural-tube defects [NTD] are the most congenital structural defects with a worldwide incidence of 1.4 to 2 per 1000 live births. This defect is due to failure of the neural tube to close spontaneously between the 3[rd] and 4[th] wk of uterine development. The control of risk factors related to NTD, may reduce the associated psychologic problems. For this case-control study, women referred to delivery room in Fatemiyeh Hospital in Shahrud were enrolled. Totally, 100 women with normal fetus or neonate in a systematic randomized sampling were chosen as a control group. Control group were compared with women who delivered fetus or neonate with NTDs in foresaid time for the following factors: drug use, overt diabetes, getting fever and receiving X-ray around the conception's time. During 4.5 years, 55 women [3.7 in 1000] had fetus or neonate with NTD. According to determined odds ratio, none of the surveyed factors were effective. There were no statistical difference between two groups in folic acid consuming and all women consumed folic acid after third month of pregnancy. Hydramniose, as a complication of NTDs, was more frequent in case group than controls [20.9 vs 0.01, p<0.001]. Although the precise cause of neural tube defects remains unknown, some factors may influence normal development of CNS. In our study none of the surveyed factors were affective, thus, epidemiological studies are recommended. According to studies, more than half of NTDs could be prevented with daily intake of folic acid throughout the conceptional period, so intake of 400microcg folic acid daily [according to CDC and ACOG recommendations] is offered in all women in reproductive age who referred to the health care settings in Iran

Soft tissue and dentoskeletal changes in class II division 1 patients following extraction and non-extraction treatment

Treatment with or without extraction in class II division 1 cases and their effect on the skeletodental and soft tissues in orthodontic treatment are in debate. Assessing the changes of hard and soft tissues in class II division 1 patients can evaluate facial esthetics following different treatment plannings. The purpose of this study was to compare the changes in subjects with class II division I malocclusions treated with and without extraction. Lateral cephalograms, photographic pictures, OPG radiographic and dental casts of 80 class II division 1 patients aged 12-17 [mean age: 13.6 +/- 1.7], among 900 referred patients to private office, were evaluated at two stages: Pretreatment and posttreatment. 40 patients [20 males and 20 females] had premolar extraction and 40 patients [20 males and 20 females] were treated non-extraction using head gear. All of them were treated with classic edgewise [0.22] system. Eighteen hard and 10 soft tissue landmarks were identified on each cephalogram. All landmarks were identified and checked. Thirty-six skeletal, dental and soft tissue linear and angular measurements were derived. Pearson Rank correlation and student t tests were used to analyze the data and compare the incremental changes between the groups before and after treatment. Absolute dimension within each sex and in extraction group were recorded before and after the treatments. Significance level for statistical comparisions was predetermined at p