[Technical evaluation of WebDa information websites of medical universities in Iran]

Introduction: Databases have very important roles in providing health information; therefore, their technical quality is of great importance. The technical assessment of WebDa news in Medical Universities in Iran was the aim of the study

Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 16 WeDda from among all WeDda of the Medical Universities were selected through systematic stratified sampling based on the ranking of the universities [three Type I, eight Type II, and five Type III universities]. A valid questionnaire for technical evaluation of health information Web site with the Alpha 0.93 was used for data collection. Data analysis was done through SPSS using descriptive tests

Results: None of the websites could achieve a high score concerning the given indicators. The highest mean scores were related to easy access and loading [4], formatting [3.4], ease of use [3.4] and the lowest mean scores were related to user right [1.4], interaction with users [2.5] and layout [2.7]. Also, the mean scores for ease of use, graphics quality and logos were 3.3 and 3.1 and 3.1, respectively

Conclusion: The majority of technical indicators in information WebDa news are at intermediate level. Therefore, in order to enhance the technical level of WebDa, it is suggested to increase the visual attraction and interaction with users along with improving the contents

[Oak poisoning [Quercus castaneifolia] mortality report in a sheep flock]

Within a few consecutive days, 8 cases of lambs' mortality were reported from the Golestan National Park area [Golestan province]. According to the farmer's claims, the disease has occurred only in less than one year old lambs whose major feeding was free grazing in the oak rich areas and also collected and manually feeding with new and fresh buds of this tree. Ascites, hydrothorax, hydropericarditis, intestine, abomasum and mesenteric subserosal accumulation of fluid, and swelling of the kidney with cortex hemorrhage was observed in necropsy. Microscopic pathology revealed tubular and glomerular nephritis with tubular hyaline casts and mucosal necrosis with submucosal and serosal edema of GI specimens. Based on available epidemiological data, macro and microscopic pathology, oak poisoning is the most likely cause of mortality in this flock. It seems the major cause of mortality is the high sensitivity of these young animals and furthermore, the farmers insistence on feeding them the fresh buds of this tree

effect of exercise on level of general health of pregnant women referred to a prenatal-care-clinic of Baghiatallah hospital

Prenatal care is one of the most confident and basic services to protect fcto-maternal health. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of physical exercise on level of general health of pregnant women. This was a quasi-experimental clinical trial study. The research samples included 60 primigravid women referred to the prenatal-care clinic of Baghiatallah hospital in Tehran. The participants were randomly divided to two experimental and control groups. The experimental group was trained for 1.5-2 hours in groups with 3 to 4 members and then they began to practice. No training was performed for control group. Level of general health of two groups was investigated by general health questionnaire [GHQ-28], before and 8 weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed by analytic and descriptive statistical testes. Sixty primigravid women with average age of 26/11 years and average gcstational age of 8/13 weeks participated in the study. The education level of majority of participants was highschool diploma and they have no history of exercise during pregnancy. Before intervention, the total scores for GHQ were 38/06 and 29/46 in experimental and control groups, respectively. After intervention, the total scores were 19/2 and 27/5 in experimental and control groups, respectively. T test showed a significant difference between two groups his before and after the intervention [p<0/05]. The mean scores for all dimension of general health showed significant difference between two groups of study [p<0/05]. Results showed the positive effects of physical exercises on physical and psycho-social dimension of general health of pregnant women

[Relationship between sleep quality and body mass index in chemical warfare victims with bronchiolitis obliterans]

Background: sleep is one of the basic requirements of human and any disruption in the normal flow of sleep, in addition to causing psychological problems, can also reduce a person's performance

Objective: This study was aimed to determine the relationship between the sleep quality and body mass index in chemical warfare victims with bronchiolitis obliterans

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the respiratory clinic of Baqiyatallah Hospital in winter of 2007. A total of 93 victims of chemical warfare with bronchiolitis obliterans referred to the respiratory clinic were selected by nonprobability and convenience sampling method. Body mass index, as a variable impact on quality of sleep, was evaluated for its relationship with sleep quality. Sleep quality was measured with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]. Data were analyzed by descriptive and analytic statistics including Spearman's rank correlation, chi-square test, and the independent-samples t-test

Findings: Over 95% of subjects had undesirable sleep quality and the rest [4.4%] with desirable sleep quality. The mean BMI was 26.68 +/- 3.88. Of total population, 65.6% were overweight or obese. There was no significant correlation between sleep quality and BMI [P>0.05]. A significant correlation between the psychological disorders and undesirable sleep quality was found [P<0.05]

Conclusion: According to the data obtained, future studies regarding the psychological disorders and treatment protocols to improve the quality of sleep in chemical warfare victims are recommended

[Physiological variations in fiber and follicle characteristics of Chios, Arkha Merino x Moghani and Suffolk x Moghani sheep in response to photoperiod]

Wool growth is influenced by photoperiodic period of different seasons; under similar nutritional conditions, more wool is produced in longer photoperiodic season. In this study, the effects of photoperiod on fiber and skin follicle characteristics of three sheep breeds were studied. Forty non-pregnant and non-milking ewes [Chios, Arkha Merino x Moghani and Suffolk x Moghani breeds] with a similar age were selected. Equal numbers from each breed were divided into two groups [20 ewes/group], and the two groups were treated with a natural photoperiod [open natural environment: 12 hours light - 12 hours dark] and an artificial photoperiod [8 hours light and 16 hours dark] for 50 days. All animals were fed ad libitum with a similar diet including alfalfa, straw and barley at maintenance level. At the end of the treatment period, 50 g of wool was collected from the left mid side area [about 20 cm from the spinal column on the third rib] by a laboratory wool clipper, and a skin biopsy was taken from the right mid side area using a 1 cm diameter trephine. The following fiber characteristics were measured: staple length, fiber diameter, percentage of medullated and non-medullated fibers, wool efficiency. Analyzed follicle characteristics included follicle type ratio, follicle density, and follicle activity. A randomized design analysis of the data and comparison of means were performed with Duncan's new multiple range test. Results indicated that the primary follicle density in sheep under a natural photoperiod were significantly [p<0.01] lower than under an artificial photoperiod. The secondary to primary follicle ratio in sheep under a natural photoperiod were significantly [p<0.01] higher than in sheep under the artificial photoperiod. The percentage of inactive secondary follicles in sheep under the natural photoperiod were significantly [p< 0.05] lower than in sheep treated with the artificial photoperiod. Both natural and artificial photoperiod had no effect on fiber characteristics

[ rare anatomical variation of sciatic nerve and its relationship with piriformis muscle]

Sciatic nerve is the thickest nerve of the body which is formed by ventral branches of L4, L5, S1, S2 and S3 of spinal nerves as a part of sacral plexus in pelvis. It leaves the pelvis via the greater sciatic foramen below piriformis muscle and descends between the greater trochanter and ischial tuberosity, along the back of the thigh and dividing into the tibial and common peroneal [fibular] nerves, at a varying level proximal to the knee. In addition, the piriformis muscle, the intrapelvic muscle, may compress the sciatic nerve and causes the piriformis syndrome. At present case, sciatic nerve was divided in the pelvis and left the pelvis via supera piriformis, inferapiriformis and interapiriformis. According to the reports about the variations of sciatic nerve regarding to its leaving and dividing point, it is important in surgical operations, muscular injection in gluteal regions and piriformis syndrome

[ anatomical variation of extensor indicis muscle: a case report]

The extensor indicis is a narrow, elongated skeletal muscle in the deep layer of the dorsal forearm that originates from the one third of the distal posterior surface of the shaft of ulna below the origin of the extensor pollicis longos and interosseous membrane. It runs through the fourth tendon compartment with the extensor digitorum under the extensor retinaculum. The extensor indicis joins to the ulnar side of the extensor digitorum communis opposite the head of the second metacarpal bone. This muscle allows independent extension of the index finger. In a cadaver dissection we observed two extensor indicis muscles with the same origin but two separate belleis and tendons. One of them was attached to the dorsum of the index finger and another one to the tendon of extensor digitorum muscle and to the index finger via extensor expansion

[Survey the stress resources on academic staff members in Guilan University, Guilan University of Medical Sciences and Islamic Azad University]

One of the most important issues which affected on efficiency of academic staff members and particularly on teaching and learning process is stress. Survey the stress resources on academic staff members in Guilan University, Guilan Medical Sciences University and Islamic Azad University. Since first month of 2007 to the end of the 2008, 186 academic staff members in Guilan University, Guilan University of Medical Sciences and Islamic Azad University were selected base on Kerjesy and Morgan and cluster sampling. Robbins and MacKay questionnaire were used for collecting information related to the different variables in the present research. This questionnaire consisted of two different parts which included 20 items about signals of vocational stress which was covered three months ego and 50 items which investigated vocational stress and vocational experiences in one year ego. In general, academic staff members had stress signals and resources in medium rate. But this signal in male staff is more than female. Although, in some part of the results, there was no significant difference among three mentioned universities, but there was a significant difference in other findings of individual characteristics such as gender, study and number of children with vocational stress resources in two different gender of staff members. According to the results, majority of academic staff members had stress in medium rate. There was a significant difference between male and female academic staff members, So that, male academic staffs showed more stress with respect to the type of university, study and stress resources

[ 81 year old man with two malignant lesions [SCC of esophagus and malignant thymoma]]

Despite the high incidence of esophageal and thymic carcinoma in human being, co-existence of these two malignant lesions is very rare. In this study we have reported an 81 year old man with a huge mediastinal tumor [Thymoma] and Squamous Cell Carcinoma [SCC] of esophagus. An 81 year old man presented with hiccups and progressive dysphagia for solids and was admitted in our hospital as a case of SCC of thoracic esophagus. Pre-operative evaluation showed a huge anterior mediastinal mass. The patient's past history goes back to about 4 years ago, when he was admitted in another center for ophthalmic surgery and chest radiography showed an anterior mediastinal mass. Because of his chief complaint [dysphagia], the patient underwent operation and through the left thoracotomy incision complete resection of mediastinal tumor and esophagectomy was done. Despite the high incidence of esophageal and thymic carcinoma in human being, co-existence of these two malignant lesions is very rare

[Effect of phenolic extracts of peel and pulp of tampson orange with different rootstocks on the inhibition of soybean oil oxidation]

Recently, undesirable symptoms have been reported from the consumption of synthetic antioxidant and in the laboratory animals have been led to carcinogenesis and liver damage. There have been many efforts to replace the synthetic antioxidant with natural antioxidants extracted from plant sources. The comparison of different rootstock of tompson orange regarding to phenolic and flavonoid compounds in both peel and pulp of the fruit and evaluation of antioxidant activity of selected extracts in soybean oil. Peels and pulps of four orange rootstocks were examined for their phenolic and flavonoid compounds. In order to investigate the antioxidant activity of selected extracts, different concentrations were added to soybean oil [without antioxidant]. Peroxide value [PV] and thiobarbitoric acid [TBA] index were measured at certain period of time and their activities were compared with synthetic antioxidant [butylated hydroxyanisole [BHA], butylated hydroxytoluene [BHT]]. The results showed that content of phenolic compounds in peel of poncirus rootstock was 31.1 mg GAE/g extract and was higher than other rootstocks and the minimum content of phenolic compounds was measured from pulp part of sour orange rootstock [6.9 mgGAE/g extract]. The lowest and highest among of flavonoid compounds were related to the pulp part of citromela rootstock [1.4 mgQuE/g extract] and the peel part of citrange rootstock [41.3 mgQuE/g extract] respectively. The phenolic and flavonoid contents in peel part were higher than pulp part in all the fruits tested. For the oven test, selective extracts in peel and pulp part of the fruit were poncirus and citromelo rootstocks respectively. More concentrated extracts [600 and 1000 ppm] could be to protect the crude soybean oil from oxidation. The peel extract with 1000 ppm concentration was the only natural extract which was comparable with BHT antioxidant of 200 ppm concentration. The results showed that the phenolic and flavonoid contents were different based on the type of rootstock. Peel and pulp extracts [peel, particularly] can act as a natural antioxidant and can be added to foods after supplementary experiments

[Survey the effect of educational intervention through the BASNEF model on preventive behaviors according to mental health in girl adolescents]

This study was conducted in order to considering the importance of early cognition of mental illnesses and the role of health education in mental health promotion in adolescence. Investigate the effect of educational intervention through BASNEF model on preventive behaviors according to mental health in girl adolescents. This was a Quasi-experimental study which female students of secondary schools were randomly divided into two groups; intervention and control groups. Multi stage cluster sampling, a valid questionnaire covering demographic variables and items related to BASNEF Model- based was administered to 106 students. The intervention group composed of 11 educational sessions [60 min each] through discussion and lectures. The students were tested by questionnaire that made of different variable based on BASNEF model for one month after education. Following the educational intervention, the mean score of enabling factors was significantly increased in both intervention and control groups [p<0.0001]. Also a significant difference was demonstrated in the mean score of attitude and desired behaviors [p<0.0001] [p=0.005] in two groups. No significant difference was demonstrated in the average of subjective norms in intervention and control groups[p=0.896]. The findings of current study confirmed the effectiveness of BASNEF Model- based educational intervention on the variables of enabling factors, attitude and healthy behaviors, but it seems that much more time is needed to change subjective norms

[Problems of trainers in view of educational responsible persons in red crescent society branches of Tehran province in 2007-2009]

It is important to attract and to maintain the relief, first-aid and rescue trainers as a useful source and capital in the society. Therefore, this paper aims to study trainers' problems in view of responsible persons for training in Red Crescent Society Branches of Tehran Province in 2007-2009. Regarding the goals and subject matter of this survey, it was used descriptive, cross sectional and also library resources and documentary research methods. By using a research-made questionnaire, all educational responsible persons of Red Crescent Society Branches of Tehran Province were selected in 2007-2009. According to the results, a significant number of trainers have expressed that there were some problems in the way of the trainers evaluating. The educational responsible persons believed that branch educational problems are more than public problems in the center. Educational responsible persons are recommended to identify and to maintain the skilled and experienced trainers in branch based on their capabilities and quality of teaching

Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a report of 15 cases

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension [CTEPH] is a serious and underdiagnosed disorder with significant morbidity and mortality. It is thought to result from single or recurrent pulmonary thromboemboli arising from the sites of venous thrombosis, often from the lower limbs. Surgical correction of anatomical obstructions [endarterectomy of pulmonary artery] is the treatment of choice in these patients, and the patients outcomes are good. The mortality rate in some centers is about 5%, but in others it is up to 30%. We started pulmonary endarterectomy in Shaheed Rajaie Heart Center [RHC] in Iran four years ago. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy is performed under hypothermia and total circulatory arrest with cardiopulmonary bypass. All patients are evaluated in our hospital for known risk factors of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli. Right heart catheterization and measurement of pulmonary artery pressure and vascular resistance are performed in some of the patients and left heart catheterization in those who are over 45 years of age. CT angiography of the pulmonary artery with multi-slice CT scan is done in all patients before and after endarterectomy. Patient selection for successful endarterectomy is based on CT angiography and perfusion lung scan with consideration of pulmonary vascular resistance in some cases. During a 4-year period, 15 patients [5 female and 10 male] underwent this type of surgery in RHC. Their mean age was 35.87 [min. 18, max. 55] years old. The mean pulmonary artery systolic pressure by echocardiography was 87.60 mmHg [min. 55mmHg, max. 140 mmHg, SD 23.26 mmHg] and the mean pulmonary artery pressure was 46.43mmHg [min. 23 mmHg, max. 60 mmHg, SD 11.70 mmHg]. Mean surgery time was 5.33 hours [min. 4hrs, max. 14 hrs, SD. 2.46 hrs], mean bypass time was 138 minutes [min. 84, max. 220, SD=43.28 minutes], mean intubation time was 49.88 hours [min. 7 hrs, max. 216 hrs, SD 61.66 hrs], and intensive care unit stay time was 5.43 days [min. 3, max. 9, SD=1.98]. Two fatalities occurred due to bleeding and shock. The mortality rate was 20%. IVC filters were placed in a minority of the patients who had clear-cut evidence of lower extremity deep vein thrombus as a cause of pulmonary thromboembolic events. Pulmonary endarterectomy is the treatment of choice in CTEPH with an acceptable mortality rate and a good prognosis. It is possible to perform this procedure without recourse to more sophisticated evaluations with an acceptable mortality rate in patients who have segmental lobar or main pulmonary artery organized clot

[Survey on paper recycling potential in the head offices of Mazandaran province]

Recycling is one of the best alternatives in solid wastes management. Recycling has few benefits from the viewpoint of economics and environmental. Paper and cardboard are the valuable recyclable materials in solid wastes. The rate of paper recycling is 35% in world. The major production source of paper and cardboard wastes is private and governmental offices and organizations. To be informed about paper production is very important in the solid wastes recycling Thus, the aim of this study was to determine production rate of paper and cardboard waste and also to determine paper recycling potential in the 20 head offices of Mazandaran province. This study was conducted in the 20 head offices of at province center. The offices were selected by chance. This study was conducted four months in 2006. paper waste was separated after suspension of work. Collected material weighed on the sensitive scales. Separation and measuring was done for a week per month. The results showed that more than 2 tons of paper waste was produced in the twenty offices. The maximum and minimum of paper production was in education and recycling organization, respectively. The maximum and minimum of production rate was 2.08 and 0.192 kg per capita in month that was in the education and Jihad-e-Agriculture organization, respectively. Also the maximum and minimum of paper waste was produced at first work day of week [Saturday] and last work day of week [Thursday], respectively. However, it was not significantly [P >0.05]. Paper recycling operation and marketing was done in an office. Findings of this study indicated that office solid waste management needs more notice in Iran. And also calculations showed that paper recycling is economical

[Effects of bupivacain infiltration on insulin, glucose, prolactin and cortisol responses to operative stress after unilateral inguinal hernoiraphy among 3-7 year-old children]

Operative stress and post-operative pain are important issues in medicine. After any types of surgery, the stress hormones release responding to pain. In this study we applied Bupivacain infiltration in surgical wounds of inguinal hernia amongst children aged 3-7 years and evaluated its effects on some stress hormones and plasma levels of glucose. In this prospective study, 116 children aged 3-7 years [24 females, 92 males] undergone unilateral repair of inguinal hernia under general anesthesia at Mofid children hospital during 2005-2007, were devided into 2 groups. Perincisional wound infiltration of 1-2 mg/kg of Bupivacain was performed in experimental group. In both groups, 10-15 mg/kg of Acetaminophen suppository were recommended at the recovery room. 4 ml of blood samples were obtained at three distinct stages [preincisional stage, at the end of operation and 4 hours after operation] to measure the insulin, prolactin cortisol and glucose plasma levels of subjects. Post operative pain was measured objectively by Hannalla scale. In both groups plasma prolactin levels increased at the end of operation along with insulin, cortisol and glucose. However, these differences became statistically significant just for insulin. There were no significant differences between other variables. In addition, although the plasma concentration of above mentioned variables became lesser in the 4[th] hour of postoperative period in experimental group, there were no statistically significant difference compared to those of control group. Wound infiltration of Bupivacain decreases the stress hormones and pain during the post-operative period. We recommend this type of infiltration applying long-acting anesthetic agents with fewer numbers of side-effects

[ 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

BVDV induced gastro-neuropathy outbreak in a feedlot calves around Tehran [Iran]

An outbreak of a lethal disease was reported in 4-6-month-old Holstein calves in a feedlot around Tehran. The signs of central nervous system and gastrointestinal system [GI] involvement were observed in the diseased animals. Necropsy samples of GI, liver, kidney, spleen and lung from 3 died animals were prepared for histopathological examination. Blood and formalin-fixed ear notch samples of 6 calves were submitted for RT-PCR, antigen-capture ELISA [ACE] and immunohistochemistry [IHC] for the detection of BVDV. The results of ACE on buffy coats were negative but RT-PCR of all 6 cases and IHC of 4 cases were positive for BVDV infection. Based on the clinical signs and pathological findings in the GI system and brain, we strongly suggest that the BVDV may represent a gastro-neuropathogen strain. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first outbreak of gastro-neuropathogenic BVDV infection in Iran, which may be acquired postnatally

[Immunohistochemical study of inflammatory pseudotumors of the orbit at Farabi hospital, Tehran, Iran]

To verify the myofibroblastic origin of spindle cells by immunohistochemistry in idiopathic inflammatory pseudotumor [IPT] of the orbit. We reviewed a series of 32 orbital IPTs for expression smooth muscle actin [SMA], Vimentin, Desmin and anaplastic lymphokinase [ALK]. The study was performed on histologic samples of 33 patients with a diagnosis of orbital IPT. The lesions expressed SMA in 51.7%, Vimentin in 72.0% and Desmin in 17.2%. All lesions were negative for ALK. Reactivity for SMA in spindle cells may indicate their myofibroblastic origin. The absence of ALK expression in all cases strongly suggests that these lesions, although histologically similar, are biologically distinct from their soft tissue counterparts. IPTs which are negative for ALK may be characterized by one or more chromosomal aberration involving regions other than 2p23

[Results and outcomes of band ligation among 95 cases with esophageal varices in Taleghani Hospital between 2002 and 2007]

Endoscopic Variceal Ligation [EVL] is considered the selective method of therapy for patients who suffer from esophageal varices. In this article we evaluated the results and outcomes of patients who underwent EVL with multiband ligators due to their esophageal varices. We studied 95 cases of esophageal varices who underwent EVL at Taleghani Hospital between 2002 and 2007. EVL was applied because of active bleeding, primary or secondary prophylaxis for esophageal varice of grade 2 or above. The process was repeated every 3-4 weeks until the varices were occluded or become to grade 1 varices or small thrombosed ones. Their demographaic data were gathered and analyzed as well as all the 1 informations about their recent procedure. Our studied subjects had the mean age of 51.53 +/- 15.31 [ranged from 15 to 81]. The average number of sessions for performing EVL were 1.81 +/- 1.07 [ranged between 1 and 8 times]. The mostprevalent cause for applying EVL was active bleeding. Complications were significantly more in patients whom were candidated for EVL by reason of active bleeding, compared to those who underwent EVL for either primary or secondary prophylactic reasons [P=0.02]. Among cases who had developed any complications, the numbers of ligation sessions were significantly more than other patients [2.58 +/- 1.25 vs 1.40 +/- 0.66, P<0.001]. There was no case of death due to this mode of therapy. EVL as a selective mode of therapy for treatment of esophageal varices possesses a few cosequential complications and its application, therfore, is reasonable

[Calcium absorption from calcium acetate in comparison with calcium carbonate in healthy women]

Osteoporosis is a life threatening disease. One of the important etiologies of osteoporosis is low calcium intake from daily dietary intakes, making calcium salt administration in pharmacological form or as a food additive highly recommendable as a protective mechanism againt this disease, especially in women. Calcium acetate is a water soluble agent whereas calcium carbonate [which is routinely used in pharmacological forms of calcium salts] is not easily dissolved in water; hence we decided to compare the bioavailability of calcium carbonate to that of calcium acetate. During a clinical trial study, 20 normal female volunteers with the appropriate inclusion criteria were enrolled. On the day of study, fasting urine specimens were collected from all subjects, and 2 hours after a meal, a solution of calcium carbonate was administered to all participants and then, again, urine specimens were collected after 4 hours. After a 10 day washout period, this test was repeated with calcium acetate. The results were analyzed with paired t test. The mean increase in urine calcium was 38.55 +/- 6.1 mg and 36.33 +/- 6.14 mg after administration of calcium carbonate or calcium acetate respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between calcium absorption from calcium carbonate and calcium acetate. Regarding the beneficial effects of calcium acetate as a soluble salt, in comparison with calcium carbonate and based on the results of this study indicating the similarity in calcium absorption from these two salts, calcium acetate can be administered as an appropriate substance for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Indeed it can be used in enriching the liquid comestibles