[Effect of raisin consumption on some coagulation factors and total serum antioxidant capacity in hyperlipidemic patients: a randomized clinical controlled tria]

Introduction: High circulating levels of hemostatic factors are associated with increased CVD risk. Raisins contain polyphenolic compounds which can reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In this study the effect of black raisin consumption on some coagulation factors, lipid profile and serum Total Antioxidant Capacity [TAC] in hyperlipidemic patients was evaluated

Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 40 hyperlipidemic patients [25 women, 13 men], mean age of 41.05 +/- 10.4 years, participated and were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group consumed 90 gr black raisins for 5 weeks while the control group received no intervention. Plasma levels of fibrinogen and factor VII, lipid profile and TAC were determined at baseline and after 5 weeks of intervention. Physical activity and 24-hour recall were also evaluated questionnaire at baseline and at end of the study. Data were analyzed using independent T-test and paired T-test and significant was set at P values<0.05

Results: Physical activity and energy intake did not differ significantly between the two groups. After 5 weeks of daily intakes of raisin, TAC was significantly increased in the raisin group compared to the control group [P=0.001]. Although levels of lipid profile, factor VII and fibrinogen were decreased in the raisin group, they were not significant compared with control group [P=0.459, P=0.633]. Mean serum total cholesterol [P=0.018] and LDL-C [P=0.01] was significantly reduced, compared to baseline, but no significant difference was observed between the two groups [P=0.797, P=0.855]

Conclusion: These results indicate that consumption of black raisin which is rich in polyphenolic compounds has beneficial effects on serum antioxidant capacity in patients with hyperlipidemia

Distribution of ABO blood groups and rhesus factor in a Large Scale Study of different cities and ethnicities in Khuzestan province, Iran

Background: The demand for blood and blood products has increased due to advances in medical science, population growth and increased life expectancy. This has increased the need for various blood groups in Khuzestan province because of the higher incidence of thalassemia and other blood transfusion dependent disorders in this province

Aim of the study: Due to the presence of various ethnic groups in Khuzestan province, several types of blood components are required. Knowing the distribution of blood groups in different blood collection centers and tribes is vital for proper object oriented blood collection

Subjects and methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of 29,922 donors visiting Ahvaz transfusion center, affiliated centers and mobile teams [except for teams established in garrisons] during three months in 2014. Forward and reverse blood grouping was conducted based on hemagglutination and hemolysis reactions. Data analysis was done by Chi-square test using SPSS software

Results: The highest percentage of blood groups in Khuzestan province was related to blood group O [40.21%] with the highest prevalence in Izeh and the lowest in Shadegan. The second most prevalent group was A for which Ramhormoz and Bandar-e Emam Khomeini had the highest percentage, and AB blood group had the lowest percentage and was most frequent in Shadegan. Moreover, blood group B was the most prevalent after group O among different ethnicities except for Bakhtiaris

Conclusion: Our study showed ethnicity-related prevalence. Overall, the blood group O had the highest prevalence and AB the lowest percentage among the ethnicities, indicating a significant difference with studies in other parts of the world

Sequence analysis of lysozyme C from the scorpion mesobuthus eupeus venom glands using semi- nested RT-PCR

Lysozyme is an antimicrobial protein widely distributed among eukaryotes and prokaryotes and take part in protecting microbial infection. Here, we amplified cDNA of MesoLys-C, a c-type lysozyme from the most common scorpion in Khuzestan Province, Southern Iran. Scorpions of Mesobuthus eupeus were collected from the Khuzestan Province. Using RNXTM solution, the total RNA was extracted from the twenty separated venom glands. cDNA was synthesized with extracted total RNA as template and modified oligo [dT] as primer. In order to amplify cDNA encoding a lysozyme C, semi-nested RT-PCR was done with the specific primers. Follow amplification, the fragment was sequenced. Sequence determination of amplified fragment revealed that MesoLys-C cDNA had 438 bp, encoding for 144 aa residues peptide with molecular weight of 16.702 kDa and theoretical pI of 7.54. A putative 22-amino-acids signal peptide was identified. MesoLys-C protein was composed of one domain belonged to c-type lysosyme/alphalactalbumin. Multiple alignment of MesoLys-C protein with the related cDNA sequences from various organisms by ClustalW program revealed that some of the conserved residues of other c-type lysosymes were also seen in MesoLys-C. However, the comparison suggested that Mesobuthus eupeus of Khuzestan and east Mediterranean Mesobuthus eupeus belonged to different subspecies

[Disease-free survival of postoperative gastric cancer patients: a competing risks analysis]

Many researchers have studied survival [time to death] of gastric cancer patients. Although gastric cancer diagnosed in early stages can be cured by surgery, chance of relapse still exists after operation. Hence, we should consider both events, that is, relapse of the disease and death, in order to be able to make a more precise estimation for survival of the patients. The purpose of this study was to use the competing risks method to estimate the cumulative incidence functions [CIF] of the relapse of disease and death and consequently to estimate the postoperative disease-free survival. A total of 330 patients admitted to Iran Cancer Institute and operated between March 1995 and March 1999 were enrolled in the study. They were followed up for at least 5 years to estimate their 5-year disease-free survival. Information on their demographic, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics, as well as on the type and time of occurrence of the first event [relapse of disease or death] after surgery was collected from their medical records. The direct parametric method was applied to estimate CIFs of relapse of the disease and death, while to adjust the effects of some covariates the parametric regression model was used. Data analysis was done using the R software and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The findings were compared with the results obtained on the basis of data analysis in which the competing events were not considered. The median follow-up time was 37.9 months. Of all the patients 13% experienced relapse and 60.9% death as the first event after surgery. The CIFs of relapse of disease and death 5 years after operation, with due consideration of covariates, were estimated at 11.0% and 68.6%, respectively. Age, stage of disease, and complementary treatment were statistically associated with the CIF of death, while only complementary treatment was related to the CIF of relapse. Older patients and those in more advanced stages of disease were more likely to die after operation. Moreover, while complementary treatment after operation decreased the CIF of relapse of disease, it increased the CIF of death. The disease-free survival of patients 5 years after surgery was 20.4% [considering the effects of some covariates]. The competing risks method is recommended for analyzing survival data because of its capability in considering different events and, therefore, making it possible to make more precise estimations. By using this method, considering smaller variance estimates for model parameters and also narrow confidence intervals for the cumulative incidence functions of competing events, it is expected to obtain more precise results. Unfortunately, the results have revealed that the disease-free survival of gastric cancer patients is low in Iran

[ effect of zinc supplemention on glycosylated hemoglobin in type II diabetic patients]

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic disorders due to partial or complete deficiency of insulin or insulin resistance. The most common problems is uncontrolled diabetes are chronic complication including renal and cardiovascular failure. Zinc as an essential trace element, can affect some aspects of insulin synthesis, secretion and function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation in diabetes control status in a group of type-II diabetic patients. In this clinical trial, 60 fdiabetic patients [type-II] were divided in 2 groups, randomly. One of them consumed 25 mg/day zinc and the other had 50 mg daily for 2 months. Fasting blood glucose [FBS], 2 hour post prandial blood glucose [2hpp], glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c], and serum levels of zinc were evaluated in patients before and after zinc supplementation. Wilcoxon and Man-Whitney tests were used for statistical analysis. 22 patients in each group with the mean age of 48 years completed the study. Serum levels of zinc in the group with 25 mg/day supplementation didn't show significant change, but in the second group increased significantly after supplementation [160 +/- 30 micro g/dl vs 140 +/- 30, p=0.002]. HbA1c significantly reduced after supplementation [9.7 +/- 1.86 vs 8.9 +/- 1.5, p=0.02]. There were not significant changes in FBS and 2hpp before and after zinc supplementation. Our results indicate that elevation of zinc level in diabetic patients has favorable effect on HbA1c and diabetes control status. It is assumed that some of the diabetic patients suffer from a latent zinc deficiency and this may by unfavorably diabetes control status

[Six-month intra-individual variations of plasma lipoprotein [a] in College students]

Lipoprotein [a] [Lp[a]] is a cholesterol-rich particle with atherothrombogenic properties. Plasma level of Lp[a] is mainly determined genetically, but other factors may also affect it. There is little available data on normal range and biological variations of Lp[a] among Iranian population. To evaluate the biological variations of Lp[a] and other serum lipids in 30 college students during a six-month period. This was a descriptive analytical study in which the fasting serum levels of Lp[a], lipids, and lipoproteins of 30 college students [20 females, 10 males, age ranged between 22 to 26 years, who were clinically health, and coming from various regions of Iran] were measured once a month over a 6-month period. Intra-individual standard deviations, variances and coefficients of variations [CV] were determined for Lp[a], total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG], high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C], and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-C]. Plasma Lp[a] with a mean of 14.7 +/- 12.7 mg/dl showed an intra-individual CV ranged from 5.4 to 53.4% with a mean of 11%. The Lp[a] variations were negatively correlated with Lp[a] concentration and changes in TC, and LDL-C levels. Total intra-individual CV for other lipids ranged from 11% for TC to 24.5% for TG. Plasma Lp[a] showed intermediate mean concentration and relatively high intra-individual variations in our study population. This variation was similar to that of total cholesterol, but hardly lower than triglycerides. Plasma Lp[a] variations was negatively related to cholesterol variations and Lp[a] concentration

[Effect of sour tea [Hibiscus sabdariffa] on blood glucose, lipid profile and lipoproteins in diabetics]

Hibiscus Sabdariffa is widely cultivated in tropical areas and its red persistent calyx is the major component possessing a sour taste that is used in beverages and food colorants. As a traditional medicine, it is claimed to be effective against kidney stones and urinary bladder stones, and is also used for its antibacterial, antifungal, hypocholesterolemic, antispasmodic and antihypertensive actions. We conducted this study to evaluate the effects of sour tea on blood sugar, lipids and lipoproteins. This sequential double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 60 diabetic patients in the Yazd Diabetic Research Center. Patients were assigned randomly into two groups, the sour tea [ST] and the ordinary tea [OT] group. Sachets containing one spoonful of sour or ordinary tea were given to the patients, based on random numbers. They were instructed to consume one glass of boiled water, boiled for 20-30 min, 2 times daily between their meals in the morning and afternoon, for 30 days. Fasting blood samples were taken at the beginning and at the end of the study for measuring blood glucose, hemoglobin A1C, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides, Apo AI, Apo B100 and Lp[a]. Data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical package. A total 60 patients were recruited, 53 of whom completed the study [27 in ST and 26 in OT]. Except for Lp[a] and Apo AI, means of all lipids and lipoproteins at the beginning, were significantly decreased or increased [HDL-C] compared with the related means at of the end of the study in the sourtea [ST] group however, only the mean for HDL-C was significantly increased [approximately 16.7%] at the end of intervention in in the ordinary tea [OT] group. The mean for fasting blood glucose at the end of study did not differ significantly with the initial mean in both groups. In contrast, the mean of hemoglobin A1C was significantly decreased in the ST group. The results showed that sour tea has significant effects on blood lipid profiles in diabetic patients however, it did not have significant effects on blood glucose or hemoglobin A1C. Drinking sour tea can be recommended for diabetic patients

[Evaluation of chemical urine dipstick for detection of albuminuria]

Microalbuminuria is a marker for nephropathy in diabetic patients and recognition of albuminuria is an important step for early detection and evaluation of diabetes complications. To assess the reliability of urine dipstick tests for detection of albuminuria. The first morning urine samples from candidates for urinanalysis were collected and the results of dipstick tests for protein on 200 selected samples recorded. Urine albumin concentration was determined by electroimmunoassay and the level of urine creatinine determined by Jaffe method. The albumin/creatinine ratio was further calculated as an index of urine albumin excretion rate. Comparing with reference method, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value [PV+], and negative predictive value [PV-] of dipstick test for detection of microalbuminuria were calculated. Based on results obtained by dipstick test, 69 urine samples were negative for presence of protein, 51 trace [ +/- ], 22 [1+], 27 [2+], and 31 [3+]. Detection limit of dipstick for urine albumin concentration ranged from 58 to 585 mg/L with a mean of 280 mg/L. When the reference method for detection of protein in urine samples was used, 35 urine specimens were negative for albuminuria, 85 with microalbuminuria, and 80 with macroalbuminuria. Dipstick test was found to produce false positive and negative results of 3 and 25%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PV+, PV- of dipstick test for detection of microalbuminuria were calculated at 70, 86, 96, and 37.5%, respectively. Chemical dipstick test is of poor sensitivity for detection of microalbuminuria. However, the severity of albuminuria among considerable numbers of diabetic patients is high enough to be detectable by urine dipsticks. While the positive predictive value of chemical urine dipstick tests are more or less at acceptable limit, the negative predictive values are controversial and need to be reevaluated by more sensitive and specific methods

Prevalence and molecular identification of mediterranean glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Khuzestan Province, Iran

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6Pd] deficiency is the most frequent genetic enzymatic disorder in human, which is inherited as an X-linked gene. It encodes a housekeeping enzyme, which is vital for cell survival. According to previous investigations, Mediterranean mutation [C563T] of g6pd gene is the most prevalent mutation in some provinces of Iran and neighboring countries. We aimed to study the Mediterranean mutation of g6pd gene in Khuzestan province of Iran. A total of 1064 randomly selected male blood samples were selected in Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, in 2008 and screened for G6PD deficiency using fluorescent spot test method. In order to determine the frequency of G6PD Mediterranean variant, 144 G6PD deficient samples were analyzed by PCR-RFLP method. Eighty-one out of 1064 random selected screened samples were G6PD deficient, so a 7.6% frequency was obtained for G6PD deficiency. In addition, 105 out of 144 collected deficient samples had Mediterranean mutation that resulted in a 72.91% allel frequency. Corresponding to other investigations in Middle East countries and some provinces of Iran, we found that the Mediterranean mutation of g6pd gene was the most prevalent variant and G6PD deficiency occurred in a high frequency

Evaluation of CT scan and MRI findings of pathologically proved gliomas in an Iranian population

The aim of this study was to report the main CT scan and MRI findings of gliomas in a group of Iranian patients. The MRI and CT scan of 96 pathologically proven patients of gliomas were retrospectively evaluated in a period of five years in our university affiliated hospital. We included all cases who had both CT scan and MRI in our study. Among our patients, 60 [62.5%] were male and 36 [37.5%] were female. The mean age of our patients was 41.8 +/- 19.3 [7-78]. The most common location of tumor was in the parietal lobes [54.2%] followed by the temporal lobes [52.1%], and the frontal lobes [39.6%]. The most common subtype was glioblastoma multiform in 42 patients [43.8%]. Edema, cystic formation, and hemorrhage were more frequently found in MRI in comparison with CT scan, while CT scan showed calcification better than MRI. In contrast to many other studies, the most common site of gliomas in our patients was parietal lobes

TTV prevalence in Ahwaz blood donors by using semi-nested PCR

Occurrence of new infectious agents threatens access to zero risk in blood transfusion and enhancement of blood safety. Although sensitive methods are available for diagnosis of hepatitis, yet some hepatitis cases do not have a known etiology. In 1997, the novel DNA virus was isolated from post-transfusion serum samples of patients affected by non-A-G hepatitis. Nowadays this novel virus is known as transfusion-transmitted virus. This circular single stranded unenveloped and virucidally resistant virus is the first human circovirus and has universal distribution. It is believed that TTV may cause hepatitis and aplastic anemia. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of TTV in healthy blood donors in Ahwaz and set up N22 PCR for subsequent first-time viral studies in south region in Iran. In 2003, We studied the presence of TTV DNA by using Okamoto primers with PCR in plasma of blood donors in whom serologic tests for hepatitis A-C and HIV-Ab were negative. Our study showed that the virus prevalence in blood donors was 23.7% [60/253] and there was not any significant differences between prevalence of TTV and background variables. Our findings showed the same prevalence rate as in neighboring countries; however, in comparison with thalassemic patients that were studied in parallel with the present research, the difference was significant [143/250; 57.3%]. It shows the importance of blood transfuison in transmission of the virus

[Effect of terbutaline on performance and some blood biochemical parameters of broiler chicks]

To study the effects of different levels of beta-adrenergic agonists on performance and some blood biochemical parameters of male and female broiler chicks. Factorial study [5treatment x 2 sexes] as completely randomized design. Three hundred Cobb male and female broiler chicks. Twenty one day old chickens were fed with 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg terbutaline/kg of diet for 3 weeks. After then, performance[Feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio], weight of whole body and carcass of chicks and the concentration of serum glucose [GLC], cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG], creatine kinase [CK], glutamic oxaloacetic transferase [GOT] and blood urea nitrogen [BUN] of chicks were determined at the end of experiment. Analysis of Variance of the data and Duncan's multiple range tests. While different levels of terbutaline had not any effect on the body weight gain of chicks, feed conversion ratio of the roosters reduced in response to 5 and 10 mg terbutaline /kg the highest weight of the whole body and carracas of male and female chiks were seen with mg terbutaline kg of diet. Increased dietary level of terbutaline made increase in the concentration of GLC. The highest concentration of blood TC and TG were seen by 10 mg terbutaline. Different levels of terbutaline had not any effect on the concentration of CK, GOT and BUN. Results showed that 5 mg terbutaline /kg in grower diet made increase in whole body and carcass weight of male and female broiler chicks. Furthermore, it improved the feed conversion ratio in roosters

[Evaluation of correlation between fructosamine and glycated hemoglobin]

Fructosamine or glycated plasma proteins are used to assess the short term diabetes control. Fructosamine concentration dependends on blood glucose level, protein concentration and half-life of proteins. Some have reported that measuring fructosamine without considering protein concentration is of no value. To investigate the relation between fructosamine, albumin and total protein and also the effect of fructosamine correction on capacity of this assay to assess the glycemic condition. Fifty diabetic patients from diabetes center in Yazd [Iran] were selected. The levels of fructosmine, albumin and total protein were determined once a month for a duration of two months followed by measurement of glycated hemoglobin after two months. Fructosamine and glycated hemoglobin were measured by colorometric method based on nitro blue tetrazulium and ion exchange chromatography method, respectively. The correlation between glycated hemoglobin and fructosamine, fructosamine corrected with albumin and total protein were 0.941, 0.908 and 0.9 [P<0.001]. No correlation was found between fructosamine, albumin, and total protein. Mean of albumin and total proteins were 4.3 and 6.3 g/dl. Regarding our data, fructosamine correlation at normal range of albumin and total protein did not affect fructosamine capacity in assessing diabetes control and under such condition albumin and total protein showed no effect on fructosamine concentration

Relationship between plasma levels of zinc and lipid oxidizability in diluted plasma

Zinc [Zn] is an essential trace element that has been regarded as having antioxidant properties. Some epidemiological studies have indicated the protective effect of Zn on lipid and lipoprotein peroxidation, but the underline mechanism is poorly understood. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between plasma Zn and copper-induced lipid peroxidation parameters in diluted plasma. in 100 healthy adult men [36.82 +/- 10.33 years], fasting plasma levels of Zn, lipids, bilirubin, urate, malondialdehyde [MDA] and copper induced lipid peroxidation were evaluated. Lipid oxidation estimated by monitoring the change of conjugated dienes in 60-fold diluted plasma after addition of 60 maicroM Cu[2+] and MDA was determined by thiobarbituric acid method. A significant correlation [r=0.24, p=0.024], between Lag-time [104 +/- 33min] and plasma Zn levels [128.76 +/- 108.33 microg/dl] was found; however, no significant correlation was found between other parameters of lipid oxidation kinetics and MDA with plasma Zn levels. Based what the results indicated there is a delay in Cu-induced plasma lipid oxidation by higher levels of plasma Zn, but Zn level has no effect on finals oxidation products. It seems that Zn interferes with for Cu in the formation of an active oxidizing complex

[Evaluation of electroimmunoassay and clinitek-100 for detection of microalbuminuria]

Detection of microalbuminuria is an important laboratory test for evaluation of diabetic complications. A reliable method for determination of urine albumin is critical in this process. In the present study, we set-up and evaluated an electroimmunoassay [EIA] method for measearing the amount of albumin in urine. The reliability of Clinitek-100 Instrument was evaluated for screening of microalbuminuria as well. In this study which was the evaluation of a diagnostic test, anti human albumin antiserum was prepared following the immunization of rabbit and the EIA method was set-up for albumin determination. The ratio of albumin to creatinine, as the index of albumin excretion rate, were calculated for 61 urine samples of diabetic patients. Finally, the reliability of EIA and clinitek-100 for detection of microalbuminuria were evaluated. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] was used as a reference method for determination of urine albumin and for detection of microalbuminuria as well. The detection limit for EIA method was 2 mg/L, with analytical range of 2-200 mg/L. The intra-assay coefficient variation [C.V] of various albumin concentrations were 3.34 to 5.57%, whereas the regression coefficient was 0.996 [r=0.996]. The sensitivity and specificity of EIA-test for detection of microalbuminuria were 95% and 83%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of Clinitek-100 for microalbuminuria detection were 67% and 94%, respectively. The EIA is a precise and specific method for determination of urine albumin and detection of microalbuminuria, but it is time consuming and unsuitable for single test reports. Clinitek-100 is specific and fast for delection of microalbuminuria. This method is suitable for single reports, but its negative results in test are controversial. We suggest that more care be taken for the clinitek-100 results and the negative results should be re-examined by other sensitive methods

[Effects of rapeseed meal and iodine supplement on broiler chicks]

To study the effects of rapeseed meal and iodine supplementation on performance, organs weight and some biochemical parameters of broiler chicks. Completely randomized design with 3 dietary treatments. One hundred and twenty one-day-old Arian broiler chicks [mixed male and female]. Chickens were categorized into 3 groups: soybean meal, rapeseed meal, and rapeseed meal plus iodine [2mg/kg]. feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were determined at the end of starter, grower, finisher and whole priod states Moreover, the values of relative weight of liver, gallbladder, heart, spleen, gizzard, abdominal fat pad and carcass accompaning with serum concentrations of triiodothyronine, thyroxine, gamma glutamyltransferase and alanin aminotransferase were determined at 49 day of age. Significant differences among treatments determined by Duncan's multiple range tests. While rapeseed meal [RSM] reduced, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio, iodine supplement did not affect body weight gain and feed conversion ratio during starter, grower and whole period states. In contrast to iodine treatment the highest weight of gallbladder and its ratio to whole body weight were seen with RSM. The weight of abdominal fat pad and its ratio to whole body weight were reduced in RSM and RSM puls iodine supplementation. Iodine Supplementation had effect on the concentration of thyroxine, triiodothyronine gamm glutamyltransferase and alanin aminotransferase in RSM group. The complete replacement of rapeseed meal with soybean reduced performance and concentration of triiodothyronine hormone, and increased some organs weight, idoine supplementation had no effect on erfrmanc

[The effect of adding mannitol to lidocaine on the anesthesia of teeth with inflamed pulp in cat]

Achieving complete anesthesia in the presence of inflammed pulp is one of the main problems in root canal therapy, and researchers are trying to find a more efficient anesthetic drug for these cases. The main goal of this study was to compare the analgesic effect of lidocaine and lidocaine mixed with mannitol in teeth with inflamed pulp. By using an electrophysiological method the anesthetic effect of lidocaine and lidocaine - mannitol injections on 24 mandibular canine teeth belonging to 12 cats were compared. At the first stage, right and left canines were exposed to the oral cavity for about 3 days in order to induce pulp inflammation. At the second stage, the inferior alveolar canal was exposed by a surgical flap and the extraction of the covering bone. Then recording electrodes were connected to the inferior alveolar nerve and stimulating electrodes were connected to the canine's teeth. The teeth were stimulated by increasing the voltage with a stimulator. The lowest voltage that produced the highest amplitude of the neurological wave was considered as the main voltage of the study and neurograms were recorded before and after drug injections in each tooth. Lidocaine and lidocaine - mannitol were used alternatively for each side of the mandible. Mann Whitney test was used for data analysis. Based on the obtained results there is no significant difference between the two anesthetic agents in decreasing the amplitude of the neurological wave

Evaluation of the effects of CT- guided neurolytic celiac block for managing intractable upper abdominal pain

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic result of CT-guided celiac plexus block for managing intractable upper abdominal pain due to pancreatic carcinoma or chronic pancreatitis. We treated 22 cancer patients who were on regular narcotic medication. After an IV infusion of 10mL/kg Ringer's lactate solution, all patients were rolled onto prone position, and lidocaine was used to infiltrate the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Then CT guided injection of the celiac plexus was performed with 25 mL 50% ethyl alcohol with 0.25% bupivacaine. Vital signs, quality of analgesia and any adverse effects were recorded. The age range of our patients was 68.63 +/- 7.48 years and weight was 64.68 +/- 7.54 kg [mean +/- SD].All patients had a history of abdominal operation due to disease and also a history of morphine injection due to pain. In 100% of our patients, sedation in the first hour was gained; excellent pain relief was achieved in 86.4% of cases during the first 24 hours after the procedure. No serious complications occurred in the study, a 30% drop in systolic blood pressure or even more was found in 13.6% of the cases, while nausea and transient orthostatic hypotension requiring no treatment developed in 31.8% and 100% of the cases respectively, and mild diarrhea was reported in 18.1% of the cases for two weeks. CT-guided neurolytic celiac block appears to be a safe and effective technique for relieving abdominal pain due to cancer

[ situation of new risk factors of cardiovascular disease in urban population of Isfahan]

During recent years, many epidemiological studies on risk factors of cardiovascular disease [CVD] have been performed among which are fibrinogen, activity of factor VII, lipoprotein [a], and homocysteine as new CVD risk factors. Through completed studies, it is found that in urban population of Isfahan more than one risk factor [hypertension, smoking, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and obesity are seen in 32% of men and a descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in 1998-99 and 409 subjects [175 men, 234 women] were randomly sample. Then each subject underwent a blood test, electrocardiography, medical examination and daily physical activity assessment. Nutrient intakes were obtained through assessment of food consumption as 3-day recall. Personal information and anthropometric measurements were also recorded. Fast blood sugar and serum lipids were measured by auto analyzer Elan 2000; lipoprotein [a] by ELISA; hemocystein by HPLC; fibrinogen by turbidimetry and factor VII by calculating coagulation time compared to standard time. Statistical analyses were done by t-tests. The results showed that mean fibrinogen, factor VII, lipoprotein [a], and hemocystein were 244.9+/-7 mg/dl, 118.3+/-58 per cent. 13.3+/-13 mg/dl and 11.5+/-3 micro mol/lit respectively in studied population. By comparing these new CVD risk factors over the world, it was determined that their- levels were in the normal range in urban population of Isfahan. The level of fibrinogen and hemocystein are higher and lower in women than those in men, respectively that is compatible with many other studies