[Evaluation of anthropometric measurements with consumption of portulaca oleracea seeds in patients with asthma]

Background: Today, the relationship between asthma and obesity in many studies is reviewed and weight control is used as a way for control of symptoms and severity of asthma along with other treatment protocol. Portulaca oleracea is consumed for weight loss in some countries

Objective: The experiment is designed to study the effect of Portulaca oleracea seeds on anthropometric measurements in asthmatic patients

Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, 59 patients with asthma disease divided to intervention [n=31] and control [n=28] groups. First group received asthma treatment and consisting 10g/day P. oleracea seeds in two doses in the morning [fasting] and before dinner with a glass of water for 8 weeks. Participants in second group received only asthma treatment. At the beginning and end of the study, anthropometric measurements were measured on each subject

Results: The anthropometric measurements including weight, body mass index and waist circumference indicated any significant differences between two groups after completion of the study [P?0.05] but hip circumference and waist-to-hip ratio had significant decrease [P= 0.003] and increase in intervention group [P= 0.04], respectively

Conclusion: Consumption of Portulaca oleracea seeds influence on some anthropometric measurements likes hip circumference and waist-to-hip ratio in asthmatic patients. However, the effects of them on other anthropometric measurements need further investigations.Keywords: Anthropometric Measurements, Asthma, Obesity, Portulaca oleracea seed

antioxidant effect of camellia sines/son on the liver damage induced by tioacetamide in male mice

Flavonoids play an important role in non-enzymatic reaction against oxidative stress. These are polyphenolic compounds in tea structure that could be reacted with free radicals and neutralized them. In this study, we investigated the anti-oxidant impact of Camellia Sinesis on the liver of thioacetamide-injected male albino mice. In this study, 40 male mice were categorized in five groups of eight. The first group was control. The second and the third group received 100 mg/kg and 150mg/kg of thioacetamide, respectively. The fourth group received 100 mg/kg thioacetamide followed by black tea [5 gr/100] and the fifth one received 150mg/kg thioacetamide followed by black tea [5 gr/100]. Tioacetamide was given via intraperitoneal. After that, for 30 days, they were only fed on black tea [5 gr/100]. At the end, catalase [CAT] and glutathione peroxidase [GPx] activity were measured. Based on the results, catalase [CAT] and glutathione peroxidase [GPx] activity were significantly increased in the groups of Thioacetamide and black tea compared to those of only Thioacetamide groups [p<0.05]. The increase of these enzymes in tea groups shows the anti-oxidant effect of black tea that can be caused by Catechin

[Diagnostic value of physical examination for topographic detection of infratentorial lesions in patients with cerebrovascular syndromes]

The Detection of neurologic signs for topographical disorders in central nerves system can prevent unnecessary neuroimaging techniques such as MRI. This study was performed to determine the diagnostic value of physical examination for topographic detection of infratentorial lesions in patients with cerebrovascular syndromes. This descriptive study was done on 200 patients with cerebrovascular syndrome in Qaem Hospital in Mashhad, north-east Iran during 2011. Regarding to topographic physical examination, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and accuracy of signs of syndromes were compared to MRI as gold standard method. The accuracy of tetraparesis and crossed syndromes for localization of brain lesion in brainstem was 79% and 83%, respectively. The accuracy of hemiataxia for localization of brain lesion in ipsilateral cerebellar hemisphere was 98%. The accuracy of Wallenberg syndrome for localization of brain lesion in posterolateral medulla was 98%. Using clinical neuro-examination skills and accurate topographic physical examination can prevent unwanted MRI technique for the diagnoses of cerebrovascular syndromes

[Indications of penetrating keratoplasty in Kerman during 2004-2006]

Background and Aims: This study was carried out to determine the leading indications for corneal transplantation in Kerman province

Methods: Medical records of 186 patients underwent corneal transplantation during 3 years [2004-2006] in Shafa Medical Center were evaluated retrospectively. The initial diagnosis and causes of corneal grafting were recorded. Infectious keratitis [Bacterial, Fungal, and acanthamoeba keratitis], corneal opacity and scarring, keratoconus, bullous keratopathy, regrafting, corneal dystrophy and degeneration, herpes simplex keratopathy [active keratitis], etc. were considered as indications of corneal transplantation

Results: A total of 186 patients [110 males, 76 females] were included in the study. Mean age of patients was 47.7+/- 24.3 years [6-85]. The leading indications of grafting was corneal opacity [32.3%] followed by keratoconus [22.6%], bacterial keratitis [15.6%], aphakic bullous keratopathy [6.7%], pseudophakic bullous keratopathy [6.5%], regrafting [4.8%], herpes simplex keratopathy [3.8%], fungal keratitis [1.6%], corneal dystrophy [1.6%] and spheroidal degeneration [1.6%]

Conclusion: Corneal opacity and scarring were the most common indications of corneal transplantation that might be due to high prevalence of infectious keratitis in this region

Role of dipstick in detection of haeme pigment due to rhabdomyolysis in victims of Bam earthquake

Avoiding life-threatening complications of rhabdomyolysis depends on early diagnosis and prompt management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of urinary dipstick test in the detection of haeme pigment in patients who were at risk of acute renal failure [ARF] due to rhabdomyolysis after suffering injury in the Bam earthquake. Serum creatine phosphokinase [CPK] level was used as the gold standard for prediction of ARF. ARF developed in 8 [10%] of 79 patients studied. We found no significant differences in the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of dipstick urine and serum CPK tests for identifying patients who were at risk of ARF. However, dipstick urine test is an easy test that can be performed quickly at an earthquake site

[Antimicrobial activities of Dorema auchri]

Due to emerging of resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics, investigations for novel antimicrobial agents have always been one of the major preoccupations of the medical society. Traditional medicine systems have played an important role during human evolution and development. Today, a number of medical herbs around the world have been studied for their medicinal activities. Amongst the several herbal medicine used as a medicine, Dorema auchri is yet another potent herbal medicine which has not been extensively studied for the medicinal uses in comparison has not been extensively studied for the medicinal uses in comparison with other herbal medicine. Dorema auchri has a long history of use as a sore and food additive in Yasuj, Iran. However, not much scientific work has been conducted on Dorema auchri antimicrobial activities. The present study aimed to study the antimicrobial properties of Dorema auchri on some pathogen microorganisms. In the present study was conducted at Yasuj University of Medical Sciences in 2009. After collection and preparation of hydro alcoholic extract of Dorena auchri, the extract was used to study its activities against human pathogen microorganisms [overall 10 microorganisms]. The determination of minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC] and minimum lethal concentration were evaluated for this extract. The antimicrobial potent of Dorem auchri extract was compared with commercial antibiotics. Each experiment was done three times and collected data were analyzed by SPSS using ANOVA and Chi-Square tests. Findings of this study showed that in 10 mg/ml concentration, all bacteria were resistant to Dorema auchri extract. In 20mg/ml concentration, only Staphylococcus areus and Staphylococcus epidermis showed zone of inhibition [ZOI] 10 mm and 13 mm respectively. In 40 mg/ml concentration, the maximum ZOI was 15 mm in Staphylococcus areus and 80 mg/ml concentration, the maximum ZOI was 20 mm in Staphylococcus areus. The acceptable MIC and MLC were 20 mg/ml and 40 mg/ml in Staphylococcus areus, Staphylococcus epidermis and Streptococcus pneumonia respectively. Our data clearly indicated that the Dorema auchri extract have antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus areus. Staphylococcus epidermis and Streptococcus pneumonia comparable with standard antibiotics

[Prevalence of abuse of ophtalmic anesthetic drops among welders in Kerman city [2007]]

Abuse of topical anesthetic drops causes serious ocular complications. Obtaining information about the prevalence of anesthetic drops abuse among high risk groups specially welders is necessary for taking appropriate strategies for prevention. The present study aimed at determining the prevalence of anesthetic drops abuse among welders in Kerman. In this cross-sectional study, 390 welders selected randomly were asked for the consumption of anesthetic drops by using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS 11.5 software. In whole, 314 ones [80.5%] said that they use tetracaine and of whom 295 ones [93.9%] had used the drug frequently. Lack of time for referring to Physician, high cost of visiting by physicians, spontaneous relief of symptoms and no other therapeutic measure by physicians were the most important reasons of self-treatment in welders. In whole, 216 ones [69.3%] had heard about these drugs from their coworkers, 85 ones [27.2%] from physicians, 51 ones [16.3%] from pharmacy personnel and 9 ones [2.9%] from their family members. The prevalence of abuse was significantly higher in those with post secondary educational level [P<0.05]. Most of the subjects [97.4%] had got the drugs from pharmacies and without prescription. High prevalence of anesthetic drops abuse among welders and probably other similar jobs and educated people, their prescription by general practitioners and their selling in pharmacies without prescription requires more serious measures for prevention

[Determination of lactate level in serum and joint knee synovial fluid in patients with arthritis]

There is not a suitable marker in dilution method in analysis of biomarker in joint fluid. In past, dye dilution method was used for joint fluid, but there were some errors. The aim of this work is the use of rate change lactate level in serum and synovial fluid of patients with arthritis by application of dilution method and direct aspiration as a biomarker. In this cross-sectional study synovial fluid were obtained from 30 arthritis patients by direct aspiration. Also, serum sample were obtained from these patients. Serum and synovial fluid lactate level was measured by standard biochemical methods. For analysis results Students t-test was used and P was less than 0.05. lactate concentration increases in synovial fluid [14.1 +/- 2.3 mg/dl] in compare with serum [12.9 +/- 2.1 mg/dl], but the differences were not significant [p>0.05]. The difference between lactate concentration in synovial fluid and serum is not significant. The rate change of lactate concentrations in synovial fluid and serum was stable

[Prevalence of obesity and its related lifestyle pattern in male personnel of Jundi-Shapour University of Medical Sciences - 2005]

Obesity and overweight are major underlying factors for many chronic diseases. Considering the increasing obesity among people with low levels of physical activity especially administrative personnel, assessing obesity prevalence and its relationship to lifestyle patterns in sedentary jobs plays a key role in finding appropriate solutions for this problem. All male personnel working in administrative posts at Jondi-Shapour University of Medical Sciences filled out questionnaires on some aspects of their lifestyles; their anthropometric data were also obtained. Study variables were body mass index [BMI], body fat percent [BFP], physical activity patterns, smoking and drug usage. Body fat percentage was measured by the BIA method using on Omron BF-300 analyzer. Statistical data were analyzed by ANOVA, t-and Pearson coefficient tests using SPSS version 11.5. Prevalences of overweight and obesity among male personnel were 26 and 52 percent, respectively. Seventy-one percent reported no exercise in their daily activity. A significant reverse relationship was found between physical activity and BMI, BFP and waist circumference [r = -0.31, -0.32, -0.34, respectively, P<0.001]. Ninety-five percent used to go to work driving their own vehicles or using public transportation. There was a significant relationship between the ways they attend their work, BMI, and BFP. BMI and BFP were significantly higher among older subjects. No significant relationship was found between subjects' BMI and their ethnicity, education levels, smoking habits, drinking tea and coffee, working period, having breakfast and drug usage. Considering the association between low physical activities and high BMI and BFP, it is suggested that university personnel should be made aware of their daily calorie intakes and need to arrange a regular plan for their physical activity

[Measles immunity in infants at the time of delivery and 6 months age in Yasouj]

Measles is an acute and highly contagious viral disease and although its morbidity remarkably decreased, it is still common in children of developing countries and is a main cause of mortality in children. The purpose of this study was to determine measles immunity in new-born infants and infants with 6 months age from Yasouj. This longitudinal study was conducted in 2004-2005. A consent form was filled in by children's parents and subsequently 3 ml of maternal and cord blood was collected from a total of 94 full-term pregnant women and their neonates who attended the labor ward of Emam Sajad hospital, Yasouj, to test using ELISA. Anti-Measles antibody was tested for 77 of the newborns. Data were analyzed using t X[2], Fisher and Correlation tests. 43.9% of the mothers and 48.9% of the newborns were immune to measles at the time of delivery, but only 10.4% of infants were immune at the age of 6 months [P<0.001]. There was a significant relationship between mothers' antibody titer and their newborn [P<0.001]. There was a significant difference in the level of measles immunity between the mothers and the newborns [P<0.05]. Birth-weight, sex, birth order, place of mother's residence and mother age had no significant effect on measles immunity of the infants. Regarding the low immunity level of the neonates at the birth time and at the 6 month age, postpone of beginning of vaccination against measles is not good idea and it may increase the risk of the disease in the children under one year

[Opinion of high school students of Kerman towards affecting on narcotics tendency [2005]]

Iran is the most dangerous region in the world due to high consumption and confiscation of narcotic substances and also the growth of addiction. The recognition of affecting factors on addiction requires a qualitative study on high risk people in which even the hidden aspects of addiction pathology could be investigated. To identify the viewpoint of high school students towards affecting factors on addiction tendency. This was a qualitative study performed in 2005 using brain storming in problem finding workshops on 352 students in 9 high schools, selected in stratified randomized sampling model in Kerman. The data were conceptually analyzed considering words, phrases and concepts. The most frequent fields were Finance [20.1%], Family [19.1%] and Relationships [14.8%] among those phrases like youth high pocket money of rich family, contraband commerce as an easy job and abuse of children in drug consignment were new concepts cited in relation to earlier fields. Categories such as Knowledge, Attitudes, Multimedia and Education were found in 8.9, 8.9, 7.9, 6, and 5.7% of declarations, respectively. Positive attitudes, faulty knowledge of therapeutic use of opium, gathering session of noble youths and university entrance exam were among the recorded phrases cited in recent categories. Other categories were seen in less than 5% of phrases. Considering the economic and social distortion due to the change of values, social status and personality patterns, the capacity building in augmentation of personal, social and cultural protective factors in whole population in field by addressing the internal stratus of values and attitudes are proposed

effect of ginger biscuit on nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy

Nausea and vomiting of early pregnancy [NVP] are often alleviated by eating dried biscuits or food. Natural products such as ginger have been suggested as herbal medicine for its treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of ginger in biscuit form for the treatment. This study was performed on 65 pregnant women with NVP before 17 weeks' gestation during 2004-2005. The subjects were randomized in a double-blind design and divided into two groups to take biscuits. Ginger [0.5 g] as fine powder was incorporated in each biscuit. Subjects received 5 ginger biscuits per day or an identical placebo biscuit for 4 days. They graded their severity of nausea using visual analog scales and recorded the number of vomiting episodes in the previous 24 hours and again during 4 consecutive days. Obtained data between two groups were compared using Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon Sumrank and Kruskall-Wallis H tests. All subjects except 3 in the ginger group remained in the study. The visual analog scores of post-therapy minus baseline nausea decreased significantly in ginger [2.6 +/- 1.83] compared with the placebo group [1.4 +/- 1.97, p=0.015]. The number of vomiting episodes also decreased in ginger [0.96 +/- 1.2] and placebo group [0.6 +/- 1.4]. Ginger in biscuit form is effective for relieving the severity of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy

[Outcomes of keratorefractive surgery for management of postkeratoplasty astigmatism in keratoconus]

To evaluate the outcomes of keratorefractive surgery for correction of postkeratoplasty astigmatism in keratoconus. In this retrospective study, surgical records of 45 eyes of 45 patients that underwent relaxing incisions with or without compressive sutures were evaluated. The minimum interval between complete suture removal and operation was 1 month. Location and extent of incisions were determined by topography. Intraoperative keratoscopy was performed to determine if compressive sutures were needed. Mean age at the time of corneal graft surgery was 29.6 +/- 9.1 years. Mean interval between keratoplasty and keratorefi-active surgery was 18.4 +/- 8.8 months. Follow up period was 17.2 +/- 12.3 months. Preoperative refractive astigmatism was 7.25 +/- 1.59 D and keratometric astigmatism was 8.33 +/- 2.37 D. After surgery, these values reached 4.14 +/- 1.67 D and 4.42 +/- 1.88 D, respectively [P<0.0001]. Moderately 0.34 D myopic shift occurred. BSCVA was 2 20140 in 76.5% of the eyes before and 93.3% after surgery. Mean BSCVA in Log MAR was 0.28]20140] before and 0.17 [20130] after surgery [one Snellen line increase of vision], P<0.0001. Keratorefractive surgery by relaxing incisions with or without compressive sutures is a safe and effective procedure to reduce postkeratoplasty astigmatism in keratoconus

[ study on chemical composition of Ajowan [Trachyspermum ammi] essential oil produced in Qazvin]

Ajowan is one of the medicinal plant cultivated in Iran. The Ajowan essential oil is mostly used in food, health and pharmaceutical industries. To determinate the chemical composition of Ajowan essential oil cultivated in Qazvin. Twelve samples of Ajowan seeds were collected from a research farm [Qazvin Agriculture and natural resources research center] in 1381. The essential oil was obtained byhydro-distillation technique and further analyzed by GC and GC/MS for determination of chemical compositions. The content of essential oil in different samples were ranging between 3.1% to3.5%. Nine chemical constituents were indentified. Themol, e-terpinene and p-cemene were the major constituents of oil. Ajowan essential oil produced in Qazvin was mainly composed of thymol [40-45%]

multicenter study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of heberon [interferon alfa-2b] in combination with ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in Iran

interferon and ribavirin is the most effective treatment for chronic hepatitis C today. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thrice-weekly Heberon [interferon alfa-2b] in combination with ribavirin as first-line treatment of chronic hepatitis C.A total of 97 treatment-naive patients received Heberon three million units thrice-weekly subcutaneously in combination with ribavirin for 12 months. Serum HCV RNA levels were measured before and during therapy and 6 months after the end of therapy. End-of-treatment and sustained virological responses was defined as an undetectable HCV-RNA level at the end of treatment, and 6 months after treatment was completed [end of follow-up], respectively.In an intent-to-treat analysis, HCV-RNA was undetectable at the end of treatment in 49.5% of patients. At the end of follow-up, sustained virological response was 36.1%. Combination treatment was generally well tolerated. Six patients stopped therapy because of side effects: severe cytopenia [n=4], depression [n=1], and hyperthyroidism [n=1]. Common side effects of therapy include: Flu-like syndrome [85.6%], generalized alopecia [41.2%], injection site inflammation [37.1%], mood changes [36%], anorexia [34%] and weight loss [32%].Heberon as an IFN product in combination with ribavirin for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C is relatively safe, feasible, and potentially efficacious. It has comparable results in achieving end-of-treatment and sustained viro-logical responses in chronic hepatitis C

[Comparison of intraocular lens power, keratornetric values, and axial length of fellow eyes]

Purpose: to compare the intraocular lens [IOL] power, keratometric values, and axial length of both eyes

Methods: in a case series, 100 patients were selected by simple randomized sampling. Keratometry was performed by Goldman keratometer, axial length was measured with contact method, and PC IOL power was calculated with A constant 118.5 by SRK II formula in both eyes of all patients. Inclusion criteria were axial length of 22-26 mm, an isometropia 50.50 diopter, age 315 years, and good patient cooperation. The values of both eyes were compared and statistically analyzed

Results: keratometry, axial length, and intraocular lens power of fellow eyes had no clinically significant differences. Axial length of eyes in men was significantly longer than women. Mean keratometric values of women's eyes was significantly more than men. There was no significant difference in intraocular lens power between men and women. The IOL power difference was 51 diopter in 89% of cases and 52 diopters in 99%. The IOL power difference was 0.61 +/- 0.65 diopter in women and 0.45 +/- 0.53 diopter in men which was not statistically significant

Conclusion: there are usually acceptable results of IOL power calculation by using fellow eye criteria. This can be used in medium sized eyes with less than 0.5 diopter an isometropia. Sometimes there is a surprise result, which may be related to precision of used formula or experience of examiner

[Successful treatment of an intracorneal epithelial cyst: a case report]

Purpose: to report a case of corned epithelial cyst and its treatment

Patient and findings: a 14-year-old girl with history of strabismus surgery 9 years ago, was referred due to a white lesion in her right cornea. The lesion has been detected first in the nasal limbus 3 years ago and enlarged gradually. Because of progression toward the corneal center and threatening of the visual axis, surgery was done. The lesion was removed and at the same time, ethylic alcohol 96% was injected and applied. No recurrence was seen until 11 months after surgery

Conclusion: corneal epithelial cysts are benign lesions the removal of which is necessary if center of the cornea is threatened. With timely removal of the lesion, vision will be preserved and with meticulous surgery, no recurrence will occur

[Results of penetrating keratoplasty in macular corneal dystrophy]

Purpose: to evaluate the outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty [PIS] in macular corneal dystrophy [MCD] at Labbafinejad Medical Center, Tehran-Iran [1986-2002]

Methods: in a descriptive study, records of patients with MCD who had undergone PK were reviewed. All cases were recalled for a complete ocular examination. Patients who participated in the recall examination with at least 6 months follow up were enrolled in the study

Results: sixty-two eyes of 39 patients were included. The age of patients at first examination [before keratoplasty] was 30 +/- 12 [12-58] and at the time of keratoplasty was 34 +/- 10.3 [13-58] years. Duration of follow up after PK was 52 +/- 47.3[6-190] months. Best corrected vision before surgery in LogMAR notation was 1.4 +/- 0.4 [4/100]. After PK, uncorrected visual acuity improved to 0.6 +/- 0.44 LogMAR [20/28] [P<0.0001] and best spectacle corrected visual acuity [BSCVA] at the end of follow up was 0.2 +/- 0.32 LogMAR [20/32]. Spherical equivalent refractive error after surgery was -2.28 +/- 3.24 diopters and refractive astigmatism was 3.32 +/- 2.05 diopters. Suturing technique had no effect on final astigmatism after PK [P=0.9]. BSCVA in 36 eyes who were operated before 35 years of age was 0.16 +/- 0.37 LogMAR and in 26 eyes operated at or after age 35 was 0.26 +/- 0.25 [P=0.005]. Immunologic graft rejection occurred in 12 eyes [1 9.4%] during the follow up period. The first rejection occurred at 6.1 +/- 3.5 [2-14] months after PK. Graft opacification and failure occurred only in one eye following ocular trauma and wound dehiscence. The rest of the grafts [98.4%] were clear at the end of follow up

Conclusion: PK in patients with MCD improves vision significantly with excellent graft survival rates. In this study, patients who underwent PK before 35 years of age had better final visual acuity

Nephrotoxicity of isosorbide dinitrate and cholestasis in rat: the possible role of nitric oxide

Background: nitric oxide [NO], a major chemical form of endothelium-derived relaxing factor and an important regulator of vascular tone, is released by endothelial cells. The role of NO is not restricted to the vascular system, and it participates in the regulation of renal hemodynamics and renal excretory function. There are increasing evidences indicating that the elevated levels of NO play a primary pathogenic role in the glomerular injury and renal failure

Objectives: we sought to investigate the renoprotective or nephrotoxic effects of various doses of isosorbide dinitrate as an exogenous model, and induction of cholestasis as an endogenous model of NO overproduction on renal function and structure

Methods: parameters such as plasma and urine p-nitrophenyl- N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase [NAG]-activity, urea and creatinine levels were measured

Results: urea, creatinine and NAG-activity in rats treated by different doses of isosorbide as well as in cholestasis induced rats, were higher than control group. This elevation was significantly pronounced at higher doses of isosorbide

Conclusion: no overproduction would be nephrotoxic due to oxidizing products of NO, peroxynitrite anion [ONOO-], formed by the reaction of NO and superoxide radical [O2-]