role of melatonin in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis: a case-control study

The association between the prevalence of multiple sclerosis [MS] and latitude gradient indicates the importance of environmental factors in MS susceptibility. Sunlight's ultraviolet radiation, its ability to influence melatonin, and an imbalance of melatonin in the central nervous system [CNS] may be involved in this process. This case-control study was conducted in Isfahan MS Society [IMSS], Isfahan, Iran. Enrollment was limited to patients with MS referring to the MS clinic of Alzahra and Kashani hospital during January and February 2012. Thirty-five patients with MS and 35 healthy individuals were included in our study. The melatonin levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] kits. There was no significant difference between saliva melatonin level of two groups [patients and healthy individuals] [P = 0.417]; however, after controlling the effect of age, a significant difference [P= 0.022] was found. In the present study, it is proposed that environmental conditions in Isfahan city might have increased the susceptibility to MS, but more studies in different parts of the world are needed to evaluate this claim

Prediction and control of stroke by data mining

Today there are abounding collected data in cases of various diseases in medical sciences. Physicians can access new findings about diseases and procedures in dealing with them by probing these data. This study was performed to predict stroke incidence. This study was carried out in Esfahan Al-Zahra and Mashhad Ghaem hospitals during 2010-2011. Information on 807 healthy and sick subjects was collected using a standard checklist that contains 50 risk factors for stroke such as history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, smoking and alcohol consumption. For analyzing data we used data mining techniques, K-nearest neighbor and C4.5 decision tree using WEKA. The accuracy of the C4.5 decision tree algorithm and K-nearest neighbor in predicting stroke was 95.42% and 94.18%, respectively. The two algorithms, C4.5 decision tree algorithm and K-nearest neighbor, can be used in order to predict stroke in high risk groups

Pizotifen in migraine prevention: A comparison with sodium valproate

Background & Objective: Pizotifen is an alternative option for prophylactic treatment of migraine headache. This study aims to compare the effi cacy and safety of pizotifen with sodium valproate; one of the most-widely used drugs in migraine prevention. Methods: This was a single blind, randomized, parallel-group study. After a 4-week baseline evaluation, patients with episodic migraine were randomly assigned to get either sodium valproate or pizotifen for a period of 12 weeks. Patients were asked to fi ll a headache diary through the study. Headache characteristics and the possible side effects were evaluated throughout and at the end of trial. Results: Forty two patients aged 20 to 49 were recruited to the study. With both drugs, the frequency, intensity and duration of headaches were signifi cantly reduced (p < 0.05). Except for headache duration, pizotifen was signifi cantly superior to sodium valproate in the headache parameters assessed. Total reported side effects were initially higher in patients who received pizotifen (37 vs. 22; P= 0.038); however, persistent side effects were lower for pizotifen (6 vs. 10; P= 0.22). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that pizotifen is a safe and effective drug in migraine prevention.

Comparison of botulinum toxin type-A and divalproex sodium for prevention of chronic and episodic migraine

Background & Objective: There is a need for a more effective and better tolerated prophylactic treatment of migraine. This study aims to compare the effi cacy of botulinum toxin type-A (Dysport) and divalproex sodium (divalproex) as prophylactic treatment in patients with episodic or chronic migraine. Methods: This was a randomized, cross-over, single-center clinical trial. Participants were randomly divided into two treatment groups. Two phases of intervention were arranged (each for three months). In the fi rst phase, patients received either Dysport (125 units) or divalproex (200 mg bid for three months). The patients were left for a three months washout period, and then the treatment agents were swapped in the second stage. The response to each treatment was assessed at the end of each phase. Results: With divalproex, the frequency, intensity and duration of headache, as well as analgesic consumption were signifi cantly reduced (p<0.05) in both episodic and chronic patients. However, Dysport demonstrated signifi cant effi cacy only in patients with episodic migraine. In chronic migraine, Dysport only showed a non signifi cant trend to benefi t in these parameters, with exception of headache intensity,where it resulted in signifi cant improvement from baseline. Divalproex was signifi cantly superior to Dysport, in terms of headache frequency and intensity in patients with episodic migraine. Conclusions: Both Dysport and divalproex are effective prophylactic therapies for patients with episodic migraine. Divalproex but not Dysport was signifi cantly effective for chronic migraine.