[ relationship of febrile convulsion with serum magnesium level in children between 6 months and 5 years of age]

Seizure is the most common neurological disorder among children that not only is known as a diagnosis but also as a clinical manifestation of several underlying diseases. Its pathogenesis is not yet known, but the genetic background and alterations in neurotransmitters and the rare elements such as magnesium may be involved. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between magnesium levels in children and seizure. This study was a case - control study and included 78 children aged between 6 months and 5 years with febrile convulsion and 74 children hospitalized for reasons other than febrile seizure in Besat Hospital from 2011 to 2012. Demographic characteristics, history and duration of disease were obtained from their parents and if the patients met the inclusion criteria, blood samples were taken for serum preparation. After preparation of serum using Hitachi 902 automated analyzer and Pars Azmoon kits, magnesium levels were measured in milligrams per liter by spectrophotometeric method. Normal range of magnesium level was considered 15-23 mg/ liter. Using SPSS version 18, descriptive statistic tests and t-test, the data were used to compare magnesium levels in both sexes and groups. We used chi-square and OR calculation to calculate the odds ratio for seizures. The highest frequency belonged to seizures with duration of 5 minutes [24%] and tonic-clonic seizures [74/4%]. Mean levels of magnesium in the boys and girls were 22/87 +/- 3/18 and 24/77 +/- 5/89 respectively, which showed a statistically significant difference [p = 0.018]. The mean magnesium level was 24/09 +/- 3/87 in children with seizure and 23/40 +/- 5/50 in healthy children which had no differences [p = 0.37]. The odds ratio for the risk of seizure in children with magnesium deficiency was 1.38.s. In general we can say that magnesium levels in children with seizure and healthy children do not differ and deficiency of this element alone cannot cause seizure, although we found higher than normal levels of magnesium in most children in our study

[Collaboration coefficient of researchers of Tehran university of medical sciences in international publications]

Introduction: Collaboration between researchers at domestic and international level is an extensive form of scientific collaboration emphasizing the importance and benefits of collaborative research. This study was aimed at investigating the rate of collaboration between researchers in Tehran University of Medical Sciences with their counterparts in other countries and institutions in the Web of Science publications

Methods: This was a survey using scientometrics indicators. The instrument of the study was the Web of Science in which the scientific products of Tehran University of Medical Sciences including 5781 records were investigated between 2006 and 2010.To determine the collaboration between researchers, collaboration coefficient formula was used

Results: The authors' collaboration coefficient mean was 0.64 showing their high interest in collaborative research. Investigation into scientific products showed that the rate of scientific collaboration was lower at the international level [22%] than the domestic level. The results showed that the researchers in Tehran University of Medical Sciences had scientific collaboration with 69 countries. The lowest annual growth rate [3.7] was related to international collaboration. Main partners of Tehran University of Medical Sciences were the USA, UK, and Canada, respectively. Based on the number of co-authors, the highest collaboration rate belonged to the documents with five to eight authors. This rate increased from 33% in 2006 to 45% in 2010

Conclusion: The findings indicated that co-authorship and collaboration in the period studied is on the rise for Tehran University of Medical Sciences suggesting researchers' interest in scientific collaboration

Recombinant human erythropoietin reduces plasminogen activator inhibitor and ameliorates pro-inflammatory responses following trauma

Besides its hematopoietic effects, erythropoietin [EPO] by mobilization of iron and modulation of some inflammatory cytokines has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate these effects of erythropoietin and its impact on organ function in traumatized patients. Twenty-six ICU-admitted traumatized patients within 24 hrs after trauma were randomly assigned to the EPO [received EPO, 300 units/Kg/day] and Control [not received EPO] groups. The inflammatory biomarkers including Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha [TNF-alpha], Interleukin 1 [IL-1], Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 [PAI-1] and Nitrotyrosine were recorded at the admission, 3, 6 and 9 days thereafter. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHE II] and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment [SOFA] scores were also recorded. Results: Among 12 patients [EPO group] TNF-alpha level at the day of 9 [P=0.046], and within EPO group at the days of 3 [P=0.026 ameliorate], 6 [P=0.016], and 9 [P=0.052] were significantly lowered. Level of IL-1 and PAI-1 decreased significantly at days of 3, 6 and 9 post intervention. Also there were significant differences between two groups in the SOFA score during three measured time intervals [the first, third and seventh days]. From the results of this study it seems that injection of erythrocyte stimulating agent is well tolerated and inhibits the inflammatory response and oxidative stress following trauma

Analysis of the environmental projects risk management success using analytical network process approach

It is commonly recognized that knowledge is the only source of core competence of environmental projects in the knowledge based companies, but the productivity rate of knowledge workers is always low. Based on knowledge workers' characteristics, in this paper, we seek to identify knowledge workers factors influencing on the Environmental Projects Risk Management success [EPRM], then knowledge strategies present for EPRM success. Finally, the best strategy selects using Analytical Network Process [ANP] approach. It is hoped that this paper will help Environmental Projects managers to implement different corresponding measures. A case study is presented where this model and validates at the Daru-Pakhsh Company

Effects of vitamin E administration on APACHE II score in ARDS patients

The acute respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS] is a common clinical disorder caused by injury to the alveolar epithelial and endothelial barriers of lung. In ARDS patients, oxidative stress is increased and plasma antioxidant levels are reduced. Vitamin E has an important role in antioxidant defense mechanisms. In this study the effect of vitamin E on decrease of APACHE II score in ARDS patients was investigated. Twenty patients [mean [SE]: age = 51.2 +/- 6.41 years] with ARDS were enrolled. After diagnosis based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, ten patients as treatment group received 600 IU vitamin E daily intramuscularly. Control group received normal saline as placebo. Plasma samples and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHE] II score were obtained before administration, 4hrs and 12hrs after each intervention and repeated three days for each patient. Results were analyzed by use of an SPSS software package with a repeated-measures analysis of variance [ANOVA]. Significant changes were observed in APACHE II score from first to seventh measurement [p=0.0001] in treatment group, but vitamin E concentration altered significantly in only first to seventh measurement [p = 0.019]. From the results of this study, it seems that the use of vitamin E as a lipid-soluble antioxidant along with other supportive measures is beneficial in decreasing APACHE II score in ARDS patients

Multiplex reverse transcription-PCR assay for detection of type A influenza virus plus differentiation of avian H7 and H9 hemagglutinin subtypes in Iran

Avian influenza virus [AIV] infection is a major cause of bird and human morbidity and mortality. We aimed to evaluate a specific and sensitive multiplex RT-PCR that can simultaneously detect influenza type A viruses and differentiate the two most important subtypes of avian influenza viruses H7 and H9 subtypes. A multiplex reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction [mRT-PCR] was developed and optimized for the detection of type A influenza virus. Simultaneously avian H7 and H9 hemagglutinin subtypes was differentiated. Three sets of specific oligonucleotide primers were used in this test for type A influenza virus, H7 and H9 heamagglutinin subtypes. The mRT-PCR DNA products were visualized by gel electrophoresis and consisted of fragments of 313 bp for H7 and 428 bp for H9 hemagglutinin subtypes, and 101 bp for type A influenza virus. The common set of primers for type A influenza virus were able to amplify a 101 bp DNA band for any of the other subtypes of influenza A virus The mRT-PCR assay developed in this study was found to be sensitive and specific. No specific amplification bands of the same sizes [313 and 428 bp] could be amplified for RNA of other influenza hemagglutinin subtypes, nor specific amplification bands of type A influenza [101 bp] for Influenza B, C, or other viral or bacterial pathogens tested in this study

[ effect of hydroalcoholic extract of mentha piperita [complement treatment] on severity of depressed patients]

Depression is a prevalent psychiatrical disease and among the most disabling psychiatrical health problems in various societies. It has been estimated that, till the year 2020, depression will be the second prevalent disease after cardio-vascular disease and will include 15% of the human diseases. This study was carried out to determine the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Mentha piperita [complement treatment] on patient's depression severity. This is a triple blind random clinical trial research carried out on depressed patients referred to the Shahid Mofateh Clinic of Yasouj city during 2007-2008. The patient's depression severity was evaluated by Beck questionnaire and they were divided into 5 groups as random allocation and each group consisted of 24 persons. Then, Hydroalcoholic extract of Mentha piperita was given to four groups at the rate of 10.0mg, 50.0mg, 100.0mg and 200.0mg respectively per day and the fifth group received placebo. The treatment was continued for a period of two months. After this period, again the depression rates of patients were evaluated with the help of same questionnaire and were compared with the rates before the intervention. Collected data were analyzed with the help of descriptive tests, x[2] statistical test, one way variance analyzed and variance with repeated measurements. The results of the study indicated that the highest anti depression effect was seen in those patients who received 100.0mg and 200.0mg of the extract and the lowest rate allocated to the groups of 50.0mg, placebo group and 10.0mg respectively. Statistical analysis using repeated measurements confirmed the difference at the level of 0.1 between the mean of depression rate of the five research groups before and after intervention [p=0.078]. Based on the results of the current study, spearmint juice at the rate of 100.0mg and 200.0mg can be used as supplement in treatment of depressed patients. However, more studies are needed to find out the proper dose of the extract

Correlation between red blood cell membrane fatty acids and plasma lipids with clinical severity of retinitis pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa [RP] is an inherited retinal dystrophy caused by the loss of photoreceptors and characterized by retinal pigment deposits visible on fundus examination. Low red blood cell membrane fatty acid content e.g. docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] in retinitis pigmentosa may influence retinal function. The aim of this study was to evaluate red blood cell membrane fatty acid content and plasma lipid levels and determine their associated effects on the severity of disease. In a comparative cross-sectional study, 35 males and 16 females with RP [mean age= 35.7 years] were evaluated. Red blood cell membrane fatty acid content [DHA] and plasma lipid levels were measured as well as visual acuity and field. Both visual acuity and visual field were significantly associated with red blood cell membrane fatty acid content [DHA] [P<0.05]. However, the plasma lipid levels, except of total cholesterol, were not associated with visual acuity and visual field of RP patients [NS]. Current survey showed a significant association between severity of RP and fatty acid content [DHA]

[Comparison of hemiseptal intrabony defects treatment with a bioabsorbable membrane and flap debridement alone]

Most periodontal treatments aim to reduce probing depths and maintaining or improving attachment. One of these techniques for treatment of intrabony defects is guided tissue regeneration [GTR]. The aim of this study was to compare one-wall intrabony defects treatment with GTR and flap debridement alone. Eight patients aged 32-43 years participated in this randomized controlled clinical trial. In the test side, a collagen membrane was used after flap/debridement but in the control side, only flap/debridement was performed. Clinical treatment outcomes were evaluated 6 months after surgery. Paired t-test was used for analyzing the data. A mean reduction in pocket depth value of 5.5 mm and mean bone fill of 2.75 mm occurred in the test group. A mean reduction in pocket depth value of 5.7 mm and mean bone fill of 1.5 mm occurred in the control group. The difference between the two treatments was statistically significant in terms of bone fill [P = 0.01] and reduction in hemiseptal defect depth [P = 0.00]. Based on the results of this study using barrier membranes produced better clinical parameters of one-wall intrabony defects and proved to be superior to access flap alone

Prevalence of different types of strabismus in Labbafinejad Hospital

Determining the out come of strabismus surgery in Iranian hospitals and comparing their results with reference centres could pave the way for improvement of our techniques. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of different strabismus types and their surgical out comes in Labbafinejad hospital. For this cross-sectional study, 550 medical files of patients referring with strabismus during a 10-year period [1995-2005] to Labbafinejad hospital in Tehran, were reviewed. Those who had not referred for follow up, were excluded. Mean age of patients was 11.39 +/- 8.6 years and 61.5% were female. The most common strabismus type was exotropia observed in 339 patients [61.5%]. Other types were as follow: 109 esotropia [19.8%], 76 [13.8%] intermittent exotropia, 11 [2%] V anisotropia, 8 [1.5%] hypertropia, and 7 [1.4%] hypotropia. Surgery was conducted successfully in 90.3%. Despite good surgical out comes, the late attending of patients for treatment may lead to therapeutic failure

Prevalence of colour vision deficiency among male guidance school students

Colour blindness is a frequent entity, mostly occurred among males. It is mainly genetically in origin, however, acquired cases have been described. The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of colour vision deficiency among male guidance school students. This descriptive study was performed on 500 randomly selected male guidance school students from different districts of Tehran. They were tested for congenital colour blindness using [Ishihara] pseudoisochromatic color plates. Totally, 26 students were found to have color deficiency [5.2%] among whom 18 had relative colour deficiency whereas 8 had complete deficiency. Twelve [2.4%] students showed deuteranomaly, 6 [1.2%] had protanomaly, 5 [1%] had protanopia and 3 [0.6%] had deuteranopia. Colour blindness is more frequent in males. Most of the cases are hereditary, meanwhile, they usually have problem in differentiating red and green colours

Determination of [226] Ra and [228] Ra concentrations in foodstuffs consumed by inhabitants of Tehran city of Iran

The presence of primordial radionuclide in human habitats has always been a source of prolonged exposure. Measurement of naturally occurring radionuclides in the environment can be used as baseline to evaluate the impact of non-nuclear activities and also routine releases from nuclear installations. A total of 56 samples from 18 different foodstuff including root vegetables [beetroot, carrot, onion, potato, radish and turnip], leafy vegetables[lettuce, parsley, spinach and white cabbage] and lentil, kidney bean, Soya, eggs, rice, meat, tomato and cooking oil were purchased and analyzed by low level gamma spectrometry. The [226] Ra concentrations from root vegetables varied from 13-62 mBqkg[-1] [fw] with turnip of highest concentration, i.e. 62mBq kg[-1]. Among leafy vegetables; parsley showed the maximum concentration of [228] Ra equal to 173 mBqkg[-1] [fw]. [226] Ra and [228] Ra contents in the soya, 394 and 578 mBq kg[-1] [fw] was much higher than those of other samples respectively. Results indicate that foodstuff consumed by Tehran inhabitants have low radium content and are safe, as far as radium concentrations is concerned

[ effect of using diazepam on the memory function of the patients undergoing general anesthesia]

Introduction and Objective: in order to decrease the worries and anxieties in the patients undergoing general anesthesia before and after the surgery, the specialists in this field use benzodia zepins drugs specially diazepam. This was because these drugs have relaxation and forgetfulness effects

Materials and Methods: this study is a clinical trial done in a randomized double-blind form. In order to determine the effects of diazepam on memory power, the Wechsler test was applied on 40 patients [37 male, 3 female] referring to the Amir-AL-Momenin [NAHAJA] hospital in Bushehr city during the year 1382

Results: the results showed that there was no difference between the average total marks in case and control groups before and after using anesthesia. This means the drug diazepam had no effect on memory power as a whole. There was significant difference between pre and post -anesthesia scores in recall, number repetition and logic memories in case group, but there was a significant difference only for recall memory in control group[p<0/05]

Conclusion: in this investigation it was found out that the drug diazepam has no effect on memory function and the anesthesia especially forgetfulness which has been mentioned in the medical test may not be so correct and needs more investigation

[ study on lidocaine pharmacokinetic behavior following endotracheal administration in ICU]

Introduction: the endotracheal route for drug delivery is a valuable alternative in emergency conditions in which intravenous access is difficult or impossible. Liodcaine is an antiarrhythmic agent with tracheal absorbency, commonly used in cardiac emergenices

Objective: the purpose of this study was to investigate Lidocaine pharmacokinetic behavior following endotracheal administration in critically ill patients

Materials and Methods: 14 mechanically ventilated critically ill patients received 2mg/kg lidocaine 2% [diluted as necessary with 0.9% Saline up to total volume of 5-10 ml] via an endotracheal tube. Five positive pressure breaths were provided immediately after instillation of the drug into the airway and then patients connected to the ventillator again. Venous blood samples were drawn for 4 hours after lidocaine administration and plasma concentrations determined by HPLC method

Results: after 5 min, average lidocaine concentrations reached the therapeutic range [1.5-5 ?g/ml] and remained in this range for 30 minutes. Volume of distribution [Vd] was found to be 0.7 +/- 0.3 L/Kg, and clearance [Cl] 4.29 +/- 1.4 ml/min /kg. These valuse are lower than those described previously for healthy volunteers [P< 0.001], but similar to those described in ICU patients [P > 0.05]. Half life was 113.1 +/- 34.1 min and was not different from parameters published previously for healthy and ICU patients [P > 0.05]

Conclusion: in conclusion, endotracheal administration of Lidocaine can provide therapeutic levels in critically ill patients.It is not definitely clear that the technique of endotracheal drug administration or the unstable physiologic condition of the patients alters the pharmacokinetics of lidocaine

Role of magnesium loading test in detecting hypomagnsemia in critically ill Patients

Magnessium [Mg] deficiency has not usually been considered in clinical practice due to lack of relevant blood tests and because the symptoms are often vague and non-specific. Serum concentrations may not adequately reflect Mg status. Mg Loading Test [MLT] can provide information on total body Mg stores. We prosectively studied 21 critically ill patients [10 males, 11 females] admitted to the ICU, to investigate the prevalence of Mg deficiency. Their mean age was 50 +/- 21 years. To determine serum Mg, venous blood specmens were obtained just before the MLT. Mg sulfate [30 mmol] was infused during an 8-hr period and 24-hr urine samples were collected from the starting of Mg infusion. Although low serum Mg [<1.8 mmol/L] was present only in 2 patients, MLT showed Mg deficiency in 18 patients. MLT detected Mg deficiency in 13 out of 14 patients with normal serum Mg, in 2 out of 2 subjects with hypomagnesemia, and in 3 out of 5 cases with hypermagnesemia. Of 7 fetal cases, 6 occurred in individuals with hypomagnesemia [6/18] and 1 death occurred in the normomagnesemic group [1/3]. There was no relationship between Mg retention, age [r=0.33, p=0.63] and serum Mg concentrations [r=0.15, p=0.925]. There was a significant correlation between Mg uptake and APACHE II score [r=0.46, p=0.035]. In conclusion, Mg depletion is highly prevalent in ICU patients according to MLT. MLT is superior to serum Mg in determining actual Mg status in this group. Therefore, we suggest that MLT, and not serum Mg, should be carried out in patients when Mg deficiency is suspected

role of non adrenergic non-cholinergic system in the peristaltic reflex of guinea pig ileum

The effect of some endogenous components -endogenous opiates, cholecystokinin [CCK], vasoactive intestinal polypeptide [VIP] and somatostatin-as inhibitory or excitatory transmitters in the local nervous pathways involved in peristaltic responses was examined. The peristaltic reflex was studied using a modification of the Trendelenberg preparation. In each preparation, the luminal distension pressure was increased in sudden steps of 1 cm H2O at intervals of 10, until peristalsis was initiated. Morphine inhibited the rhythmic peristaltic activity. The inhibitory effect of morphine was characterized by a decreased activity of both the longitudinal and circular muscle layers. Addition of naloxone to the organ bath reversed this inhibitory effect of morphine. Using distension pressures which evoke only tetrodotoxin-sensitive peristaltic contractions, the mechanism rapidly ' 'fatigues". This fatigue can be reversed by naloxone. Higher distending pressure, which can evoke tetrodotoxin-resistant activity, produced persistent peristalsis with intermittent activity seize. Addition of naloxone reversed the blockade leading to a continuous uninterrupted peristalsis. Proglumide or dbcGMP [selective inhibitor of the effects of CCK] increased the threshold pressure necessary to cause the peristaltic reflex and blocked all responses to threshold distension,Cholecystokinin or caerulein decreased the threshold of distension pressure required to evoke the peristaltic reflex. Furthermore, it increased the height and duration of the responses. The excitatory effect of CCK or caerulein was blocked by proglumide or dbcGMP. VIP increased the threshold of distension required to cause the peristaltic reflex and blocked the responses to threshold distension of longitudinal but not circular muscle layers. Somatostatin has been proved to exert an unusual effect on peristalsis. At high concentration it decreased the duration of the responses but had no effect on the height of rhythmic activity. It is concluded that the activation of intramural neurones by distension causes the release of inhibitory and excitatory transmitters, such as endogenous opiates which interrupts peristaltic activity and CCK which enhance the peristaltic reflex at a synapse with cholinergic neurones since CCK releases acetylcholine from intrinsic nerves. VIP and somatostatin are involved in the peristaltic reflex but the mechanism of their actions are not studied in this work

Endogenous release of opiates by repetitive electrical field stimulation in the Guinea-pig and rat ileal longitudinal muscle

The effect of repetitive electrical field stimulation and the response of the guinea-pig and rat ileal longitudinal muscle to single pulse stimulations was examined. Single pulse field stimulation produced twitch contraction which was inhibited by repetitive field stimulation [10Hz, 40V, 0.5 msec for 5m]. This inhibition was largely, though never completely, reversed by naloxone. Contractions due to exogenous acetylcholine and histamine were also inhibited after repetitive field stimulation. The inhibition of acetylcholine response was party reversed by naloxone whereas that of histamine was not. Contractions due to single pulse field stimulation or to either acetylcholine or histamine were inhibited by prior exposure to high concentrations of acetylcholine as a substitute for high frequency stimulation. The inhibitory responses were resistant to naloxone. The inhibitory responses to acetylcholine and histamine after exposure to the lowest concentration of acetylcholine was seen in preparations treated with tetrodotoxin or hemicholinium. The inhibition of the histamine response by acetylcholine pretreatment was prevented by mepyramine. Response to histamine, but not those to single pulse field stimulation or acetylcholine, were inhibited by prior exposure to histamine. It is concluded that repetitive field stimulation possibly initiates two distinct inhibitory processes. One involves the release of endogenous opiates and is probably mediated by inhibition of acetylcholine release. The second type of inhibition is not mediated by endogenous opiates and can be explained by post-junctional desensitization. The non-specific desensitization to histamine is probably a consequence of histamine release from mast cells by acetylcholine