[Evaluation of the effects of education based on health belief model on medication adherence in diabetic patients]

Introduction: diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder. This study, conducted in Arak in 2014, aimed to determine the effects of education, based on a health belief model on the adherence to medication among patients with diabetes

Materials and Methods: for this research, a quasi-experimental study, with a before and after design was used for which 130 patients with diabetes of Arak were selected by sampling method and randomly assigned to two groups [65 cases and 65 controls]. The data collection tool used was a questionnaire, the validity and reliability of which had been confirmed. Before the training, the questionnaire was completed for both groups. The intervention group received 4 sessions for one month. Three months after the intervention, both case and control groups completed questionnaires and data were analyzed using the appropriate tests

Results: three months after the educational intervention, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, self-efficacy, internal and external guidelines and performance in the field of medication adherence were all significantly increased with pre-intervention [p<0.05] while the structures, perceived barriers and perceived severity, did not differ significantly to before intervention status [p>0.05]

Conclusion: teaching diabetic patients skills in the context of medication adherence can raise their compliance with medication beneficially affect their health

Prevalence of root dilaceration in adult patients referred to shiraz dental school [2005-2010]

Statement of Problem: Dilaceration is defined as a sudden change in the axial inclination of root or between the crown and the root of a tooth

There is no previous study evaluating its prevalence in south of Iran

Purpose: This study evaluates the prevalence of root dilaceration on the basis of its location in dental arch in a sample of dental patients referring to Shiraz dental school, Iran

Materials and Method: This retrospective study was performed using full mouth periapical radiographs of 250 patients who were referred to Shiraz dental school

Buccal and lingual dilaceration was determined by its known" bull's eye" appearance in the radiographs or if the deviation was in the mesial or distal directions; the angle of 90 degree or greater between the deviation and the axis of root was the inclusion criteria

Results: Root dilaceration was detected in 0.3% of teeth and 7.2% of patients. It was distributed equally between the maxilla and mandible. Mandibular second molar was the most frequent dilacerated tooth [1.6%] followed by maxillary first molar [1.3%] and mandibular first molar [0.6%]

The alveolar nerve was the most common anatomic structure near dilacerated teeth

Conclusion: According to this study, root dilaceration is an uncommon developmental anomaly which occurs mostly in the posterior teeth

[Quality of midwifery care provided to women admitted for delivery in selected hospitals of Yazd]

The World Health Organization emphasizes the evaluation of health services to improve quality of care. Because the main purpose of quality measurement is to identify the weaknesses of a program, this study aims to assess the quality of midwifery care provided to women admitted for delivery in selected hospitals of Yazd medical science university. A total number of 100 women randomly selected and were included in a cross-sectional study conducted in Yazd, Iran. Data were collected in the labor and delivery wards of Shaheed Sadoughi and Afshar hospitals, between September 2010 and February 2011. A valid and reliable observation check list was used for data collection. The validity of check list was accessed by content validity and the reliability was approved by computing spearman coefficient [0. 93]. The check list included 247 items covered the 26 dimension of care across labor process. Observation was done by a midwife who was not practicing at the study sites, and was especially trained in study method. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16. The mean age of subjects was 24 / 43 +/- 5/4 years. The Number of pregnancies of was 1 to 2, in 64 percent of participants in the study. The results showed that the overall quality of midwifery care provided in different stages of labor, was not desirable. The highest scores of quality was related to midwife- mother communication and perennial repair, and the poorest score was related to vital sign control. it is essential that the authorities plan to control the services provided by staff, Installation and implementation of treatment protocols of ministry of health, informing personnel duties and holding workshops to take steps to eliminate the existing shortcomings. The protocols should be translated into action with an enhanced collaboration among midwives, obstetrics and reproductive health programmers

Recombinant outer capsid glycoprotein [VP7] of rotavirus expressed in insect cells induces neutralizing antibodies in rabbits

Rotaviruses cause diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide. Rotavirus outer capsid protein, VP7 is major neutralizing antigen that is important component of subunit vaccine to prevent rotavirus infection. Many efforts have been done to produce recombinant VP7 that maintain native characteristics. We used baculovirus expression system to produce rotavirus VP7 protein and to study its immunogenicity. Simian rotavirus SA11 full-length VP7 ORF was cloned into a cloning plasmid and then the cloned gene was inserted into the linear DNA of baculovirus Autographa californica Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus [AcNPV] downstream of the polyhedrin promoter by in vitro recombination reactions. The expressed VP7 in the insect cells was recognized by rabbit hyperimmune serum raised against SA11 rotavirus by Immunofluorescence and western blotting assays. Rabbits were immunized subcutaneously by cell extracts expressing VP7 protein. Reactivity with anti-rotavirus antibody suggested that expressed VP7 protein had native antigenic determinants. Injection of recombinant VP7 in rabbits elicited the production of serum antibodies, which were able to recognize VP7 protein from SA11 rotavirus by Western blotting test and neutralized SA11 rotavirus in cell culture. Recombinant outer capsid glycoprotein [VP7] of rotavirus expressed in insect cells induces neutralizing antibodies in rabbits and may be a candidate of rotavirus vaccine

Rhazes' prescriptions in treatment of Gout

Among the diseases that clinicians deal with, few do have a documented medical history that can be traced back to several centuries ago. A careful study of Rhazes' Treatments on Gout reveals a lot about the nature and therapy of gout. We managed to study the perceptions about pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnosis, and treatment of gout that have changed over time. We also discussed some of the past and present fallacies regarding this disease. Rhazes provided a detailed description on the vital role of genetics and the relationship between the development of gout, an indulgent way of living, and tophi at a period of time between 1st and 6th centuries AD. This study showed that the findings of Rhazes about treatments of gout were consonant with modern medical theories

[Pap smear test structures for measuring health belief model and factors affecting women in Urban centers covered Zarandieh]

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide and although pap smear is considered as an effective screening program, the level of using screening is low. The purpose of this study is pap smear test structures for measuring health belief model and factors affecting women in urban centers covered Zarandieh. This was a cross-sectional study [descriptive-analytical] which included 265 Urban Women's in Zarandieh. Data collection instrument was a questionnaire included demographic variables and knowledge and health belief model questions. Data was analyzed using chi-square tests, Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, at the significance level of p<0.05. Significant differences were detected between those tested and not tested in mean of score knowledge and all the variables HBM [sensitivity, benefits, barriers, threat and intensity perceived],]p<0.001]. The HBM constructs, age, level of study and knowledge accounted for 30.8% of the variance observed for Pap test. Perceived susceptibility and benefit were the most important predicting factors. These findings can be used to guide the development of more effective educational programs and increase the amount of women's participation in Pap smear

[Frequency and severity of domestic violence in pregnant women]

Domestic violence can place mother and fetus at risk. This issue can be prevented through education and basic knowledge. This study carried out to determine the frequency and severity of domestic violence in pregnant women referred to health centers in Arak, Iran. This cross-sectional descriptive study was done on 400 pregnant women referring in health centers in Arak North-West of Iran during 2009. This research was implemented through questionnaires including the demographic chracteristic aspects of physical violence, emotional, verbal and financial severity and the factors effected violence on pregnant women. Data was analyzed using Chi-Square, one way ANOVA and Tukey tests. The overall prevalence of violence during pregnancy was 34.5%. For this rate, 56%, 48%, 23% and 11% were emotional violence, verbal, financial and physical violences, respectively. Marrige age [P<0.035], partnership lenght [P<0.018], family history of marriage [P<0.001], education [P<0.001], occupation of woman and husband [P<0.001] with the outbreak of violence during pregnancy were significantly associated. This study indicated that the frequency of domestic violence in pregnant women is high, therefore it is sugested women clinic to be established to protect pregnant women suffering from domestic violence during pregnancy

[Health beliefs and performance regarding pap smear test in Zarandieh city women's]

Cervical cancer is the commonest malignancy among women in developing countries. Pap smear is only one proven strategy for the prevention by diagnosis of cervical cancer. The assessment of Health Belief Model construct about the performance s of Pap smear Test and its effective factors among Women's urban centers in Zarandieh. This is a cross-sectional analytical study carried out with 265 Urban Women in Zarandieh. This survey was done by completing a questionnaire based on health belief model. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, independent samples t-test, logistic regression and descriptive statistics. The mean age of participants was 34.6 +/- 4.25 years, and the mean score of all the constructs in this group was higher than that in the group with no history of pap smear [P<0.001].The most common reasons for testing was recommendation by health workers [71%]. Among those who were never tested, low levels of perceived susceptibility [79%] were the most common barrier. Significant differences were detected between those tested and not tested in mean of score of all the variables HBM [sensitivity, benefits, barriers, threat and intensity perceived][p<0.001]. Based on the findings of this study, health care professionals must design educational program about cervical cancer in which both the benefits of Pap smear test and other HBM constructs including sensitivity are utilized

effect of educational program walking based on health belief model on control suger in woman by type 2 diabetics

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an educational program, based on Health Belief Model [HBM], on control sugar in women with type 2 diabetes. This perspective, quasi-experimental intervention study was carried out on 88 women with type 2 diabetes. Data was collected using a questionnaire based on the health belief model, a checklist related to patient practices and recording patient HbAic and FBS levels. All group completed the questionnaire and checklist. Results were documented before and three months after intervention. The patients of the experimental group participated in 4 educational classes during the one month of intervention and again two months after, with 2 sessions as the follow up of the intervention. Data were collected and analyzed. Our findings indicated that mean scores of HBM Model variables, i.e susceptibility, severity, benefit and barriers perceived, were significantly increased in the experimental group compared to controls after intervention. Also, behavioral walking, rates of HbAic [before intervention - 9.59%, after three months - 8.63%] and FBS levels [before intervention 184.63, after three months 151.29] improved significantly among the experimental group, compared to controls [p < 0.001]. Applying the HBM Model proved is very effective in developing an educational program for diabetics, to control their blood sugar and enhance walking. Besides such programs, follow up education for controlling and monitoring are highly recommended

[ effect of body composition and physical activity on basal levels of insulin, glucose, IL-18, IL-6 and CRP and their relationship with insulin resistance]

Obesity and physically inactive lifestyles are associated with an increased risk for developing insulin resistance. It has been confirmed that insulin resistance is a common feature in many inflammatory diseases and can be recognized with overproduced levels of markers such as IL-6, IL-18 and CRP. The aim of this study was to determine whether obesity or inactivity are stronger factors in the develop mental insulin resistance, considering insulin resistance markers such as IL-6, IL-18 and CRP. Thirty-two healthy, male students participated in the present study, age 24. 8 +/- 2.52 years, height 175.47 +/- 6.7, and weight 81.64 +/- 20.14]. Weight and body fat were measured with the body composition set and levels of exercise was determined with the PA-Rscore questionnaire. All subjects based on body fat and levels of exercise were divided into 4 groups: Active obese [n=8], active, non-obese[n=8], inactive, obese [n=8] and inactive, non obese[n=8]. To determine fasting values of IL-6, IL-18, CRP, glucose and insulin blood samples were obtained at 8 a.m. Obese subjects had higher resting levels of IL-6, IL18, CRP and insulin than lean subjects, with no significant difference between active lean and inactive lean subjects at resting levels of inflammatory markers. However there was a significant difference in the resting levels of IL-18 between active and inactive obese subjects [t=-2.51 p=0.031], and also a significant difference in resting levels of IL-6, IL18, CRP, insulin and HOMA between inactive obese with active and inactive lean subjects, IL-18 having the strongest relationship with HOMA [r=0.54 p=0.001]. Results indicated that obesity is a stronger factor than inactivity for development of insulin resistance. On the other hand, activity has anti-inflammatory effects, and hence can decrease the effects of obesity, in the development of insulin resistance

histopathological changes and immunohistochemical findings of acute, chronic nonlupoid and chronic lupoid types of cutaneous leishmaniasis

Dry type localized cutaneous Leishmaniasis due to Leishmania tropica is one of the most prevalent cutaneous parasitic infections in Kerman province. It seems that cellular immune response and the nature of immune inflammatory cells comprising the inflammatory background play a determinant role in this infection. Skin biopsies of 53 patients with acute [<2 years duration], nonlupoid chronic [>/= 2 years duration] and lupoid chronic [new lesions around old scar] types of cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania tropica were studied by hematoxylin-eosin staining for evaluation of inflammatory cells and epidermal and dermal changes. Immunohistochemical staining was used to determine immunophenotypic patterns [CD1a, CD68, CD3, CD8, CD4, CD20] and to evaluate host immune response at tissue level, the correlation between the presence and concentration of certain cell types, and the clinical presentation and duration of disease. Mean percentages of epidermal and dermal Langerhans cells CD1a+ were higher in lupoid than in acute lesions. Also, the predominant T lymphocyte in acute, chronic and lupoid leishmaniasis was T CD8+. It seems that Langerhans cells CD1a+ are responsible for the suppression of the inflammatory response against L.tropica infection and by providing Leishmania antigens in a steady state induce tolerance to the Leishmania antigens and consequently cause cutaneous chronic lupoid leishmaniasis. This study also suggests that T CD8+ play an effective role in parasite elimination and in the process of healing of cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania tropica

[ effect of educational program based on health belief model [HBM] on preventive behavior of self-medication in woman with pregnancy in Arak, Iran]

Self-medication is one of the most serious health problems inducing many problems for society and people. This occurs more in women, because this group may be in sensitive periods, for example pregnancy and milking, therefore, birth abnormal neonatal situations may cause many social and familial problems. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of educational program based on Health Belief Model [HBM] on preventive behavior of selfmedication in woman with pregnancy in Arak, Iran. In this quasi-experimental study two hundred women with pregnancy, and referring to health centers participated. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental and control groups [each group consisting 100 women]. Sampling was done with clustering based on mailing address in the city. Data collection was performed with a questionnaire based on HBM [perceived susceptibility, severity, barrier and benefit, and cues to action and performance checklist about selfmedication was used in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the educational program. Before intervention, data collection for both groups was conducted upon a questionnaire and checklist. Then, intervention was done in 1 month consisting of 4 sessions, each 50 minutes post intervention. 1 and 2 months after intervention, two follow up sessions were held, and 3 months after, data were recollected and analyzed. The average age of case and control groups were 29.2 +/- 4.7 and 27.1 +/- 3.8 years, respectively, and mean time of pregnancy was 7.2. +/- 4.6 weeks. The results indicated that the mean scores of knowledge, perceived susceptibility and performance about selfmedication was lower than average, while severity? barrier and benefit about self medication were in higher than average. The mean score of all HBM elements of experimental group changed significantly after the intervention and in comparison to the control group, and performance of women about selfmedication reduced [p<0/05]. The more the knowledge, perceived susceptibility, severity and benefit are higher, the less will be the women performance about self medication. Findings of this research confirmed the effect on health education based on HBM [compared with educational traditional methods in control group health centers] on self medication in women with pregnancy. Therefore, proposed education based on this model is suggested to be performed in other health center for reducing this problem

[ study of antiviral effects of Glycyrrihza glabra extract on HSV]

The gram-negative bacterium Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori], identified in 1982, is now recognized as the primary etiological factor associated with the development of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. The growing problem of antibiotic resistance by the organism demands the search for novel compounds from plant based sources. The present study is aimed at evaluating the anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of 10 Iranian plant extracts on clinical isolates of H. pylori. Gastric biopsy samples were obtained from patients presenting with gastroduodenal complications. H. pylori was isolated from the specimens following standard microbiology procedures. The disk diffusion method was used to determine the susceptibility of 12 isolates to methanol plant extracts [Fruit and leaves of Melia azedarach, Melia indica and aerial parts of Stachys setifera, Stachys turcomanica, Stachys trinervis, Stachys subaphylla, Stachys byzanthina, Stachys persica, Stachys inflata, Stachys laxa]. The plants tested at 8 mg/disc concentration demonstrated anti-Helicobacter pylori activity with zone diameters of inhibition ranging from 12-38 mm. Of these, Stachys setifera [aerial parts], Melia indica [Fruit] and Melia azedarach [leaves] showed the most potent anti -H. pylori activity on the isolates. Due to the rise in antibiotic resistance, new sources of anti-H. pylori drugs are needed. The use of medicinal plants may have potential benefit in eradicating such problems. According to the results of this study, further studies will be necessary to investigate the effects of other plants of Iran against H. pylori infectio

[Gabapentin effect on visceral pain and its interaction with antinociceptive effect of morphine in mice]

Visceral pain is one of the most common forms of pain which requires new therapeutical drugs. The aim of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effect of gabapentin on induced abdominal contractions and to examine the effect of its co- administration with morphine. In this study, 96 mice received acetic-acid intraperitoneally after administration of saline, gabapentin [1, 5, 10, 50 and 100 mg/ kg], morphine [0.25, 0.5, 1, 3 and 5 m/g kg] or a combination of subanalgesic dose of morphine with subanalgesic and the lowest effective dose of gabapentin. In one group naloxone [5mg/kg/i.p] was injected 20 minutes prior to the injection of acetic acid. Then the number of writhes were counted for 45 minutes. Both gabapentin and morphine reduced writhing in a dose-dependent manner. The number of writhes decreased significantly by gabapentin [50 and 100/ mg/kg] and morphine [0.5, 1, 3, 5 mg/kg] comparing to the control group [P<0.001]. Also, the sub-analgesic dose of morphine [0.25mg/kg] with sub-analgesic and low effective dose of gabapentin [50mg/kg and 10mg/kg, respectively] significantly decreased the number of writhes [P<0.005]. The combination of low effective dose of gabapentin [50mg/kg] and sub-analgesic dose of morphine decreased the number of writhings by 94% as compared to the controls [P<0.005]. The antinociceptive effect of combinational administration was not reversed by naloxone [opioid antagonist]. These data demonstrated the comparable efficacy of gabapentin [50 and 100/ mg/ kg; i.p.] with 0.5mg/kg morphine in visceral pains. Also the combination of subanalgesic doses of gabapentin and morphine, which were ineffective alone, produced significant analgesic effect in writhing model of pain. Therefore, combination of low doses of morphine and gabapentin, due to lower rate of side effects, may be clinically considered as a safer treatment in the management of visceral pains

[Evaluation of the effect of gabapentin in the enhances of the analgesic response to morphine in tail flick of male rats]

Opioids, as drug of choice in acute pain treatment, have many side effects including dependency. Therefore, the combinational therapy of other drugs accompanied with opioids could decrease the side effects, tolerance and opioid dependency. In this study the effect of gabapentin and morphine co-administration was evaluated in acute model of pain. In this experimental study, the antinociceptive effect of gabapentin [30 or 90mg/kg, s.c.] and morphine [0.5, 1 and 3mg/kg, s.c.] alone or in combination with gabapentin were measured by Tail-flick test every 15 minuxtes up to 105 mins in intact adult male rats. Control rats received normal saline. Area Under Curve [AUC], as antinociceptive index, was calculated for each groups. Both gabapentin [90mg/kg] and morphine [1 and 3mg/kg] showed antinociceptive response as compared to controls [p<0.05]. But there was not any significant differences between the [AUC] of 0.5mg/kg morphine and 30mg/kg gabapentin as compared to controls, so these doses were considered as subanalgesic doses. The co-administration of subanalgesic doses of morphine [0.5mg/kg] and gabapentin [30mg/kg] increased significantly AUC as compared to morphine alone [p<0.001]. The co-administration of gabapentin [30 and 90mg/kg] with analgesic doses of 1mg/kg [p<0.005] and 3mg/kg morphine also increased significantly AUC antinociceptive index as compared to controls [p<0.05]. Gabapentin enhanced the antinociceptive effects of both analgesic and subanalgesic doses of morphine in a dose dependent manner in acute pain model in male rats

[Comparison of two methods of fixation with Carnoy's solution and 96% ethyl alcohol in pap smear slides]

Cervical carcinoma is a significant health care problem world wide. The Papanicolaou test is the most common effective tool available for early detection of cervical cancer. Blood could have a negative influence on the quality of the pap smear. Good fixation reduces red blood cells of the back ground slides and can help to improve this technique. One of the effective solutions for hemolyzing red blood cells is using Carnoy's solution. The aim of this study was to compare two methods of fixation with Carnoys solution and 96% ethyl alcohol in bloody pap smear slides. This study was done on 450 bloody slides of pap smear prepared from cervical cells of 225 women who referred for annual screening of cervical cancer from 1384-85 in Zeinabie and Faghihi hospitals in Shiraz. In each case, after observation of contact bleeding, two samples with conventional pap smear method were prepared. In the first method one of the samples was fixed in 96% ethyl alcohol for 5 minute and another sample was fixed with Carnoys solution for 20 minutes. Then the slides were stained with papanicolaou method and were evaluated by two pathologists. Collected data were analyzed with Fishers exact test, Pearson chi-square test and Independent sample T test. Results of this study showed that presence of squamous cells and glandular cells in Carnoys fixed slides was more than alcohol-fixed slides. The reduction of red blood cells of the back ground of slides and increase of slide clearance in Carnoys fixed slides were more than alcohol fixed slides. The diagnosis of inflammatory cells and pathogen microorganisms in Carnoy's fixed slides were more than alcohol fixed slides but diagnosis of epithelial cells and glandular cells abnormalities in two methods was not statistically significant. Carnoys stain can be effectively used for proper fixation of Pap smear slides

[Knowledge of Kerman general practitioners about Tramadol in 2004]

Tramadol is an opioid analgesic indicated for the management of moderate and severe pains. Its side effects, in parts are due to the activation of micro receptors and in parts to increasing central catecholamine and serotonin levels. In the case of long administration, tramadol has a potential to cause dependency, tolerance and also drug abuse. After prohibition of injective diclofenac, considering Iranian's tendency for rapid sedation of pain symptoms, tramadol has been prescribed widely. The aim of this study is to determine general practitioners knowledge about this new drug.This cross-sectional study was arranged by collecting data through a self-administrated questionnaire consisted of 25 questions related to different aspects of drug knowledge. Sample consisted of 244 general practitioners in Kerman and data analysis was performed by SPSS. Out of 173 general practitioners, 49.1% worked in clinics, 34.9% in private offices and 16% in Emergency Units. Mean knowledge score was 30.72 +/- 0.35 out of the maximum of [50]. From all subjects 49.7% had poor knowledge [Z<-1], while 39.3% had moderate knowledge [-11]. The poorest information was in regard to drug classification and pharmacokinetics, while in dosage and side effects subjects' knowledge was better. No correlation was observed between mean score and variables of job experience, duration, place and sex of practitioners. Considering serious side effects and drug interactions of tramadol and also the low level of knowledge of general practitioners about this drug, educational programs and limitation of distribution seems to be necessary

[Antidepressant effect of sour orange flowers extract on lipopolysaccharide-induced depressive-like behaviors in rat]

Based on the documents in traditional medicine regarding the therapeutic effect of Sour orange flowers [Citrus aurantium L.] on the nervous system disorders, this experimental study was conducted to evaluate the pretreatment of Sour orange flowers extract in preventing or reducing depressive-like behaviors induced by systemic injection of lipopolysaccharide [LPS] in rats. To perform this study, percolated extract of sour orange flowers was used. Each experimental group of animals was pretreated with the extract along with drinking water before the injection of LPS. The depressive-like behaviors induced by the injection of LPS consisted of the reduction in the preference for sucrose solutions, food consumption, body weight and inability to pleasure. The LPS-injected rats that were chronically pretreated with the extract improved sucrose preference compared with control group, however this was not significant. Food consumption in extract-pretreated group was significantly increased on day 2 and 3 after the injection of LPS compared with control group [P<0.05]. The effect of extract and LPS on social interaction [consisting of body sniffing and grooming] showed that in extract pretreated rats, the time spent for social interaction was equal to that before the injection [baseline]. However in control group there was a significant reduction in the time spent for social interaction compared to the baseline. Considering the effect of LPS in reduction of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine, the attenuation of Sour orange flowers extract on the effect of LPS might be the result of the effect of extract in increasing the level of this neurotransmitter at their site of the activity. To confirm this, more studies to evaluate the pharmacological effect of extract are required

[Knowledge of Kerman general practitioners about Tramadol in 2004]

Tramadol is an opioid analgesic indicated for the management of moderate and severe pains. Its side effects, in parts are due to the activation of micro receptors and in parts to increasing central catecholamine and serotonin levels. In the case of long administration, tramadol has a potential to cause dependency, tolerance and also drug abuse. After prohibition of injective diclofenac, considering Iranian's tendency for rapid sedation of pain symptoms, tramadol has been prescribed widely. The aim of this study is to determine general practitioners knowledge about this new drug. This cross-sectional study was arranged by collecting data through a self-administrated questionnaire consisted of 25 questions related to different aspects of drug knowledge. Sample consisted of 244 general practitioners in Kerman and data analysis was performed by SPSS. Out of 173 general practitioners, 49.1% worked in clinics, 34.9% in private offices and 16% in Emergency Units. Mean knowledge score was 30.72 +/- 0.35 out of the maximum of [50]. From all subjects 49.7% had poor knowledge [Z<-1], while 39.3% had moderate knowledge [-11]. The poorest information was in regard to drug classification and pharmacokinetics, while in dosage and side effects subjects' knowledge was better. No correlation was observed between mean score and variables of job experience, duration, place and sex of practitioners. Considering serious side effects and drug interactions of tramadol and also the low level of knowledge of general practitioners about this drug, educational programs and limitation of distribution seems to be necessary

[Effects of morphine dependency on bone healing in rat]

Bone fractures usually happen during car accident and sport trauma. Deferent factors influence bone healing such as malnutrition and smoking. Apart from addiction, which is an important individual, social and cultural problems morphine has several effects on body physiology and immune system .This study is performed to assess the effect of morphine dependency on bone healing and has not been reported in the literature until now. 56 rats were divided into two 28-rat groups and were kept under equal laboratory conditions, Rats of the control group were not addicted by adding morphine powder to the water of the other group for 21 days, and they got addicted and were used as case group. Following intraperitoneal naloxone injection and confirming addiction in addicted group a hole was made in tibia of both groups. Biopsies were taken on the 3rd, 6th, 10th and 20th day from 7 addicted and 7 non-addicted rats. Then the results of microscopic examination were statistically analyzed with Mann-Whitney test. The deference between neutrophilic exudates [P=0.002] and granulation tissue [P=0.003] on the 3rd day, percent of neutrophilic exudates [P=0.01] and immature bone [p=0.004] on the 6th day the percent of immature [P=0.00I] and mature bone [P=0.02] on the 10th day and mesenchymal tissue [P=0.02] on the 2dh day was significant It was concluded that bone healing was delayed in the addicted group