[ effectiveness of Islamic religion therapy and breathing and HRV biofeedback therapy on increasing HRV and decreasing depression among CABG patients]

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Islamic based religious psychotherapy, breathing-based meditation and HRV biofeedback therapy on increasing HRV and resonance frequency [psychophisologic harmony] and decreasing depression among CABG patients

Material and Method: Sixty CABG patients were selected and randomly assigned to three groups: religion, breathing techniques and control ones. Each group consisted of 20 patients The experimental groups received a weekly two-hour session with homework for eight weeks to increase psychophysiolgical harmony. The control group received only their normal hospital interventions. HRV and resonance frequency and DASS-21questionnaire were used for patient assessment before and after intervention. One way ANCOVA and descriptive graphs were used for data analysis

Results: The results showed that religion related intervention led to increased psychophysiolgical harmony and decreased depression in CABG patients

Conclusion: Most CABG patients developed some degree of depression which may be ignored in the treatment centers. Therefore psychological intervention and breathing-based meditation intervention are recommended

Echocardiographic findings in professional wrestlers

Cardiac changes caused by different types of physical exercise have been reported by many studies. The aim of this study was to compare the cardiac parameters among wrestlers and control subjects by two-dimensional echocardiography. In this study, 32 wrestlers registered in an adult team of a wrestling club and competed in national wrestling league were selected. The control group included 30 age-matched students with normal level of activity. All subjects underwent at rest M-Mode echocardiography. The parameters determined and compared consisted of the interventricular septal thickness, left ventricular internal diameter [LVID] in diastole, ejection fraction [EF], left ventricular mass [LVM], posterior wall thickness [PWT], and left ventricular hypertrophy [LVH]. The mean values of LVID [50.3 +/- 5.3 VS. 46.8 +/- 5.3 mm], LVM [219.7 +/- 50.7 VS. 166.8 +/- 44.2 gr], PWT [10.1 +/- 1.4 vs. 8.6 +/- 1.3 mm], and the frequency of LVH [34.4%vs.13.3%] were significantly higher in wrestlers compared with those of the control group; however, there was no significant difference between interventricular septal thickness and ejection fraction in either groups. The present study showed that LVID, LVM, PWT and the frequency of LVH were significantly higher in wrestlers than in control subjects. This can result from regular exercise and physical activity. Increase in LVID was probably due to types of exercises in wrestlers that beside of strength training emphasis on endurance training. However, there was no significant difference between interventricular septal thicknesses

[Evaluation of the rate of occupational exposure to wheat flour dust in wheat flour mill factories in Hamedan]

Wheat flour is a complex organic particle containing an array of different allergic and antigenic components. Exposure to flour dust may result in a variety of respiratory problems such as allergic responses, occupational asthma and allergic rhinitis. The aim of the present study was to assess the concentration of inhalable dust and gliadin of flour dust as an important wheat flour allergen and to determine the relationship between concentrations of flour dust and that of gliadin in the air breathed by the workers in different workstations of wheat flour mill factories. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. 64 air samples were collected by means of universal air sampling pumps. Inhalable flour dust density was measured by gravimetric method and flour dust gliadin concentration was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. The mean flour dust density was higher than that of permissible limit in all wheat flour mill factories [1.64-4.68 mg/m3] and showed a significant positive relation with gliadin concentration [R2 = 0.708, p<0.05] in all factories. In addition, Inhalable dust density and gliadin concentration have been different in different stations of the factories and were highest in flour packing workstation. This study revealed the density of Inhalable flour dust had been higher than the level of permissible limit [0.5 gr/m3] and the workers in Hamadan flour mills are exposed to a dangerous level of flour dust, and inhale a high level of gliadin in all flour packing unites of the factories in Hamedan

[ comparison of the effect of chlorhexidine gluconate 2% and alcohol ethylic 70% in prevention of phlebitis]

Over 80% of hospitalized patients receive IV therapy through peripheral catheters during a hospital stay. This technique of therapy has numerous complications such as phlebitis which can affect the patient's health state. The prevalence of phlebitis in Iran is higher than other countries. So, according to high prevalence of phlebitis and insufficient researches about chlorhexidine gluconate solution as a selective disinfectant for prevention of phlebitis, research in this subject seems necessary. This research is a clinical trial study which was done on hospitalized patients in Tabriz Imam Khomeini hospital in internal wards. For this aim collectively 60 patients were studied in chlorhexidine gluconate 2% and Alcohol ethylic [Ethanol] 70%.The Samples were selected through available sampling and divided in two groups randomly. Data collecting tool was observing checklist which includes two sections: demographic characteristics and standard scale of phlebitis signs and symptoms. This research showed that incidence of phlebitis in chlorhexidine group was 36.7% and in Alcohol ethylic group was 53.3% which there was no significant differences between both groups [p>0.05]. Although there were no significant differences between using of two solutions on prevention of phlebitis, but incidence, signs and symptoms of phlebitis in chlorhexidine group was lower than Alcohol ethylic group. So, it is suggested as a selected solution for disinfecting of catheter insertion site.

[Comparison of the effects of propofol versus thiopental induced anesthesia on postoperative nausea and vomiting]

Postoperative nausea and vomiting [PONV] are common and unpleasant complications. Various drugs are used for prevention and treatment of PONV. But it stands to reason to overcome this problem by the anesthetic drug itself. In this study, the effects of propofol versus thiopental on PONV were evaluated. This was a double blind clinical trial. In a period of 8 months, ninety patients [aged between 18-50 years] who had been scheduled for elective surgery [ASA physical status I] were entered into this study and randomly divided into two comparable groups; group A received 2 mg/kg propofol IV and group B received 5 mg/kg thiopental sodium for induction of anesthesia. Each group included 45 patients. The patients were observed for 12 hours for PONV [2 hours after operation in the recovery room and 10 hours in the surgery ward. The results were processed with SPSS soft ware and analyzed by means of student t-test. The results of this study showed that in propofol group the number of episodes of nausea and vomiting was less than that of thiopental group which revealed a significant difference [p < 0.05]. The mean age of the patients was 29.4 +/- 9. 51.12% of the patients were female and 48.86% were male which revealed no significant difference between the two groups. Propofol is more beneficial than thiopental for the prevention of PONV and it is recommended to be used for induction of anesthesia, when PONV may be life threatening

[Assessment of the effect of addition of propofol to remifentanil on seizure duration, homodynamic change and recovery from anesthesia]

General anesthesia is required to perform ECT. The hypnotic drug used for induction of anesthesia in ECT may affect the duration of seizure and recovery from anesthesia and also homodynamic change. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of addition of remifentanil to propofol for induction of anesthesia in ECT on seizure duration, homodynamic change and recovery from anesthesia. Twenty ASA 1 and 2 patients scheduled for ECT underwent induction of anesthesia for two times randomly with remifentanil-propofol [study group] or saline-propofol [control group]. ECT induced via bilateral electrodes and after injection of 0.5 Mg atropine, 50 Microgram remifentanil [study group] or 3 ML saline and 1Mg propofol, 0.5 Mg/Kg succinylcoline [control group]. Then the patients were oxygenated with 100% oxygen via face mask. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate were measured before induction of anesthesia and 1, 5 and 10 minutes after termination of seizure. Duration of seizure, time of opening of the eyes on command after anesthesia and time for sitting and walking 10 meters without help were also measured and recorded. Data were introduced into SPSS soft ware and analyzed by means of T test and ANOVA. P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Systolic and diastolic pressures as well as heart rate increased after induction of seizure in both methods but this increase was significantly higher in control group. Duration of seizure was the same in two groups. The time for opening of the eyes on command and sitting without help after termination of seizure were similar in both groups. Our study shows addition of remifentanil to propofol for induction of anesthesia in ECT has no effect on duration of seizure and recovery from anesthesia but modifies the homodynamic response to ECT

[Comparison of serum leptin in major beta -talasemia patients and normal subjects]

Leptin, is a adipocyte-derived hormone. Exogenous leptin allows the recovery of the reproductive function. In humans, leptin correlates positively with body mass index [BMI]. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of leptin with toxic effects of iron overload. In a cross sectional study in 2006, we compared the serum leptin level of thalasemic patients with normal group. Blood samples were collected from 219 patients with Cooley's anemia, [119 males, 100 females] and 137 normal subjects [86 males, 51 females]. Leptin was measured by a commercial ELISA kit. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Mean serum leptin level was 5.33 +/- 5.02 ng/ml in thalassaemic males. It was significantly lower than controls [9.43 +/- 7.8 ng/ml] [P<0.001]. Thalassaemic females had lower leptin levels [12.12 +/- 11.4 ng/ml] than normal females subjects [14.6 +/- 13.1 ng/ml] [P<0.001]. Furthermore, the physiologically positive BMI/leptin relationship disappeared in thalassaemic patients. It seems that the adipocytes of thalassaemic patients are unable to maintain adequate leptin production. These results suggest that adipose tissue dysfunction can be considered as one of the endocrinepathies affecting thalassaemic patients

[Hypothyroidism and type 1 diabetes mellitus]

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is frequently associated with autoimmune thyroid disease. Genetic susceptibility to autoantibody formation in association with autoimmune thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes mellitus has been described with varying frequencies. To investigate the prevalence of anti-thyroid peroxidase [anti-TPO] and also the overt and subclinical hypothyroidism in type 1 diabetic patients. In this case-control study, 65 subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus and 65 unrelated normal controls were recruited for detection of anti-TPO and thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]. Radioimmunoassay [RIA] was used for anti-TPO and TSH detection. Out of 65 type 1 diabetic patients, 18 [27.7%] were positive for anti-TPO and 18 [27.7%] with abnormal serum TSH level. Among the patient group, 11 [16%] were found to have overt hypothyroidism and 7 [10.8%] with subclinical hypothyroidism. The mean anti-TPO levels were higher in patients with overt hypothyroidism [238.18 +/- 223.69 U/ml] than in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism [36.38 +/- 22.46 U/ml]. Of a total of 11 patients with overt hypothyroidism, 9 [81.1%] showed abnormal anti-TPO levels, whereas positive anti-TPO was detected in 57% [4 out of 7] of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. The presence of anti-TPO in 27.7% of type 1 diabetic patients confirmed a strong association between autoimmune thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes mellitus, Thus, for early detection of autoimmune thyroid disease in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the measurement of anti-TPO and TSH, preferably at the onset of disease, is recommended

[Comparison of the prevalence of microbial contamination in packed and unpacked redmeat and chicken mea tat retail outlets and department stores in southern Tehran]

Despite advances in disease prevention and food materials technology, food borne diseases are still a major problem in both developed and developing countries. Moreover, meat plays a key role in transfer of bacteria, especially "Zoonotic" to humans. Therefore, we decided to investigate the outbreak of pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella,Campylobacter. Yersinia and Aeromonas in red meat and chicken offered as packed and unpacked in areas under the authority of Tehran university of medical sciences 630 samples including 315 raw chicken meat and 315 raw red meat samples were collected and tested for a period of one year from July, 2004 to August.2005. Samples were collected from shops selling packed meat and chicken as well as shops selling unpacked meat and chicken in different parts of the south of Tehran The methods used for the laboratory investigation were based on Iranian National Standard Procedure No. 2394. Of the 630 samples of chicken and meat, 183 samples [29%] were contaminated. 49.2 percent of the contaminated samples were chicken meat and 8.9 percent were red meat. From the total, 71 samples were contaminated with salmonella [11.3%], 68 samples with Campylobacter [10.8%], 26 samples with Yersinia entrocolitica [4.1%] and 18 samples with Aeromonas [2.9%]. In red meat samples, microbial contamination was observed in 4.9% of packed and 10.3 percent of unpacked samples. Contamination rate of chicken samples was higher including 59.3% of packed and 45.7% of unpacked chicken samples. The observed difference between the remitting samples of packed and unpacked chicken was statistically significant. [P< 0.05] Our results indicated that although the centers selling packed and unpacked red meat from south of Teheran showed different microbial contamination rate, the differences were statistically insignificant. [P> 0.05]

[ analysis of status of added colors to dried sweets in South of Tehran using thin layer chromatography]

Foodstuffs additives are a general term for materials that are added to the foodstuffs in order to increase durability and to improve the appearance, composition, taste and food nutritional value. Colors are classified in this group and are added to foodstuffs in order to increase their attraction. Colors may cause illness such as allergy, rash and hyper activation in children and also they may debilitate the Immune system, Anaphylaxis reactions may also occur and they may have cancerous effect. The aim of this survey was to analyze status of added colors to the dried sweets which are produced in south of Tehran city. 191 samples of dried sweets were randomly collected and analyzed from south of Tehran areas. First, the samples were de-colored by Clorhidric Acid, and then were analyzed after refining by Thin Layer Chromatography [T.L.C] method. Samples were identified by taking Retention Factor [RF values] into consideration. 93.2 percent from the total samples contained colors. Among chromatic samples, 42 samples [22%] out the total samples, contained artificial, non-edible colors and 96 samples [50.3%] from the total samples contained artificial and edible colors [for Industrial Producers] and 40 samples [21%], contained natural colors. Sunset yellow color was detected more than other added colors in sweets. Low costs, stability, PH, purity, and environmental conditions, motivate the producers for high utilization of edible colors without considering their possible hazards and/or their edible quality aspects. It is suggested that, based on the findings of this study and high consumption of colors

Prevalence and Causes of stick injuries, in medical personnels of Kurdistan University's hospitals and dealing with such injuries due to contaminated sharp tools in 1383

Needle stick injuries can cause transmission of 3 important blood viruses [HCV-HBV-HIV] to health care personnel. Generally these injuries inflict loss of life and property on the health care personnel, so that the medical associations of different industrial countries have scheduled important plans in order to take care of patients, provide personnel education and guarantee the health of physicians and medical staff. Considering the prevalence rate of blood-borne diseases in African and Asian countries, as well as our country, it is important to scrutinize the reasons and prevalence rate of these injuries to take proper preventive measures. This study was conducted with the aim of determination of the prevalence rate of needle stick injuries in the personnel of health care centers of Kurdistan's medical university. This descriptive-Analytic study was conducted in the university's hospitals. A questionnaire including necessary information was designed and sent to the personnel of the hospitals. The sampling method was census. 847 individuals filled out the questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed by means of SPSS statistical software. The findings of this study showed that the majority [73.7%] of the subjects were female. The mean age was [36.1 +/- 7.07] years old. Most of the subjects had the bachelor degree [47.9%]; [74.5%] of them were nurses, 5.5% midwives, 3.3% anesthetists, 7.7% personnels of the laboratory and 9% were the radiology staff. About 57.5% of the subjects had experienced splashing of blood or secretions into their mouth or eyes. In most cases, needles and angiocatheters were responsible for injuries in 43.77% and 35.3% of the cases respectively. According to the staffs opinion the most important predisposing factors included haste and being inundated with work. There was a significant difference between professions and needle stick injuries [p<0.05]. Prevention of needle stick injuries should be regarded a priority. Providing safe medical equipments regardless of their costs, in addition to necessary education for health care staff, should be taken into consideration. Special centers for treatment and follow up of the injured personnel should be allocated

[Comparison of Imipramine, Desmopresine and conditional therapy in enuresis treatment of children]

Background and Objective: enuresis is a problem in children. In this research the success, rate and recurrence of Imipramine, Desmopresine and conditional therapy has been studied in enuresis treatment of children

Materials and Methods: this study was done on 84 enuresis child between 7-11 years old which were selected by screening at the schools. Patients divided randomly to 3 groups: The 1st group received 25 mg of Imipramine every night. The 2nd group was treated with 20 micg of Desmopresine intranasaly every night. The 3rd group used alarm for conditioning every night. All groups were treated for one month, and 2 weeks without enuresis meaned success

Results: all physical finding and laboratory tests were normal in all patients [FBS, U/A, U/C, kidney and bladder sonography]. Patients had in average 8.5 years old. 77.3% of cases were boys and 22.7% were girls. Success rate for therapy was 71.4%, 60% and 50% in-groups 1-3 respectively. Recurrence rate 6 months after therapy was 10%, 55.5% and 25% in-groups 1-3 respectively

Conclusion: imipramine persists as cheep, available, well-tolerated and effective way of treating enuretic patients. Due to high recurrence rate, Desmopresine is just recommended as a temporary treatment