[The effect of aqueous extract thymus kotschyanus boiss. et hohen on glycemic control and dyslipidemia associated with type ii diabetes: a randomized controlled trial]

Introduction: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus, a major cause of death and disability, is increasing worldwide. Considering the data available on folk medicine in Iran, this study aimed to investigate hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of the aqueous extract of the plant, Thymus kotschyanus Boiss. et Hohen [Thymus. K] in patients with type II diabetes

Materials and Methods: This study is a clinical trial in which 64 patients, aged 30-60 years, with confirmed diagnosis of Type II diabetes treated with usual anti-diabetic drugs normally were randomly divided into two groups, 1. [receiving usual drugs] and 2. (Receiving Thymus. K aqueous extracts 20 gr/day with conventional therapy]. Three months later, indicators of glycemic control and lipid profiles were reassessed in both groups and compared with baseline values respectively

Results: Results showed that the groups receiving the aqueous extract Thymus. K [20 gr/day for three months] in addition to usual drugs, showed a significant decrease [p<0.05] in FBG and Hb A1C levels and a significant increase [p<0.05] in the beta cell function index [HOMA-Beta] while significantly reducing [p<0.05] is LDL-C levels

Conclusion: The aqueous extract of the plant Thymus. K in patients with type II diabetes along with the usual anti-diabetic drugs, led to better control glucose levels and also helped lower of LDL-C levels

[ role of body image dissatisfaction and mental health in prediction of adolescent obesity among girls]

Introduction: There is rising concern about the increasing prevalence of adolescent obesity in recent decades and despite many studies conducted to elucidate the biological factors of obesity, there is limited data on the psychological factors of obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of body image dissatisfaction and mental health in prediction of obesity

Materials and Methods: This study has a fundamental purpose and the method of data collection is correlational. In this study, 60 students [30 obese and 30 with normal weight] were selected by purposive sampling among the students of schools in Boukan city and the body image questionnaire and general health questionnaire [GHQ] were used to obtain relevant data. Data were analyzed by logistic regression

Results: Results showed that mental health and body image dissatisfaction negatively and significantly predict obesity

Conclusion: Findings demonstrate that mental health and body image are factors affecting weight gain in adolescent girls, indicating that these variables need to be considered in therapy programs aimed at prevention of obesity

[ effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis .L on the level of renal function and liver enzymes in diabetic rats]

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is associated with a wide range of kidney and liver disorders. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of alcoholic extract of aerial parts of Melissa officinalis on indicators of liver function and kidney in diabetic rats

Materials and Methods:Thirtyfive wistar rats were divided into 5 groups [n=7 each] as follows: Control, diabetic control and three diabetic groups, which received alcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis at doses of 100, 200 mg/kg body weight respectively through gastric gavage and glibenclamide 10 mg/ kg, for a period of 3 weeks. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin [STZ]. At the end of this period [21 days], blood samples were collected for measurement of liver enzymes and factors for data analysis

Results: Amounts of enzyme levels of alanine transaminase [ALT] and aspartate aminotransferase [AST] in the group treated with the extract, compared to the diabetic control group showed no significant changes, whereas serum levels of alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and gamma glutamyl transferase [GGT] were significantly reduced [P<0.05], which declined most in the group receiving the minimum dose of the extract. Serum creatinine and urea in the group receiving the highest dose showed a significant decrease compared to other groups [P<0.05]

Conclusion: The extract Melissa officinalis with lower levels of liver enzymes, particularly ALP and GGT and renal markers, urea and creatinine was effective in improving liver function and treatment of diseases of the liver and kidneys

[Effect of self-management empowering model on the quality of life in adolescents and youths with major thalassemia]

Currently, medical advances ensure life-expectancy of chronic patients such as thalassemia. Improvement in the quality of life of these patients requires that medical treatment be combined with psychosocial support. The present study aimed at investigating the effect of self-management empowerment model on the quality of life in adolescents and youth with major thalassemia. This was randomized clinical trial in two groups. 70 Eligible adolescents and youths with major thalassemia were selected through census in Bushehr and Borazjan thalassemia center. Samples were allocated to case and control groups. Data collection tool was quality of life questionnaire [SF-36]. Intervention was performed in three stages. post-test was performed 1.5 months after pre-test in control group and 1.5 months after intervention in case group. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18 and chi-square, independent t-test, and mann-witney [P<0.05]. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of demographic data between the two groups [P>0.05]. As a result, mean difference of eight dimensions of SF-36 quality of life were statistically significant between case and control groups before and after the intervention [P<0.0001]. Education based on self-management empowerment model has a great impact on the quality of life in adolescents and youth with major thalassemia

[Culture of human keratinocytes in serum free medium]

Keratinocytes are useful for cellular transplantation studies in order to improve functional outcome in burn patients and chronic wounds. Recently they have been used for generation of iPS cells with high efficiency. In this study, we described the details on separation, culture and proliferation of human keratinocytes from foreskin samples. In this experimental and qualitative study we obtained neonatal foreskin samples following newborn circumcision under sterile conditions. We used dispase enzyme to separate the epidermis from the dermis. Trypsin enzyme was used for isolation of keratinocyte cells from the epidermis layer. Isolated cells were cultured in type I human collagen-coated dishes and serum-free Epilife medium. We assessed morphological and immunocytochemical aspects of the isolated cells. Morphological and Immunocytochemical analyses revealed that isolated cells have typical keratinocyte morphology and they could express CK14 which is a specific marker of the keratinocytes. The cells were successfully sub-cultured at a split ratio of 1:2 every 4 to 5 days. After passage 10, a significant decrease in the proliferation of the human keratinocyte cells was observed. Morphologically the cells were flat and thin. In this study we improved the method of isolation and cultivation of human keratinocyte from foreskin. Using this method, we isolated human keratinocytes for more than 20 times. Thus, it can be concluded that this method is reproducible in other laboratories

[Association of vaspin rs2236242 gene polymorphism with overweight and obesity in Iranian women]

Globally, the incidence of obesity is rising rapidly, not only in industrialized nations but also in developing countries consistent with which higher vaspin serum concentrations and increased vaspin mRNA expression in human adipose tissue were found to be associated with obesity and insulin resistance in humans. The present study is the first investigation in an Iranian population to examine the possible association of vaspin rs2236242 gene polymorphisms with overweight and obesity in Iranian women. This case-control study was conducted on 91 overweight, 47 obese and 133 healthy control women. The Vaspin rs2236242 gene polymorphism was analyzed using the tetra-amplification refractory mutation system-PCR [T-ARMS-PCR] method. T allele frequency was 0.66, 0.76, 0.8 and A allele frequency was 0.34, 0.24, 0.2 for the control group, and overweight and obese patients, respectively. In the dominant genetic model [comparison of AA+AT vs. TT], A allele showed protective effects on overweight [OR:0.49, 95%CI: 0.28-0.84, P: 0.009] and obesity [OR:0.39, 95%CI: 0.19-0.76, P:0.006]. Moreover, TT genotype in vaspin rs2236242 polymorphism are associated with increased risk of overweight and obesity in women. To conclude, study results demonstrate a significant association between vaspin rs2236242 gene polymorphism, and overweight and obesity in Iranian women

[Nursing students' views on problems in clinical education in the pediatric ward in Bushehr university of medical sciences]

Introduction: Clinical education is the most important part of nursing education and is expected to provide the students with necessary clinical skills. Nursing students face with many clinical education problems in pediatric ward. This study aimed to investigate the clinical education problems in pediatric ward

Method: This cross-sectional study was performed on forth year students and graduate nurses affiliated to Bushehr University of medical sciences. Methods of sampling were census. Data gathering tool was a questionnaire consist of two parts: 1 - Demographic characteristics 2 - Inventory problems of clinical education in pediatric ward. Reliability and validity of the questionnaire were measured. Data analyzed using SPSS version 18

Results: The most important difficulties in clinical education from the students' viewpoint were deficiency of facilities, lack of access to the Internet, lack of pediatric scientific journals in the hospital library, unsuitable hospital library location, and lack of students' evaluation based on training objectives by clinical educators, unclear curriculum and training objectives by clinical educators

Conclusion: It is recommended that nursing education administrators and planners improve students' learning and motivation by application of the results of this research

comparative study of hypolipidemic activities of the extracts of Melissa officinalis and Berberis vulgaris in rats

Hyperlipidemia is a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by an excess of lipids in the bloodstream. Given previous studies on barberry and Melissa officinalis extracts, this study aims at comparing hypolipidemic activities of Melissa officiizalis extract and Berberis vulgaris. For the purpose of this study, 64 Wistar rats were selected and divided into 8 groups [n=8]. The control group was administered with ordinary diet; the sham group was administered with high-fat diet and intraperitoneally 0.2 ml/dl of the extract solvent [normal saline]; and similarly, experimental groups received minimal, moderate and maximum dosages of barberry and Melissa officinalis extracts. The treatment groups was given high-fat diet for 21 days. After this period, blood samples were taken and the gathered data were analyzed using SPSS software. The amount of cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL were increased in the model group compared to the control group, whereas the same substances were decreased significantly in the group receiving the extract compared to the model group [p<0.05]. Hypolipidemic properties of alcohol extracts of Melissa officinalis are more effective than those of Berberis vulgaris. Moreover, it should be noted that it is rather the antioxidant properties of Melissa officinalis and their effects on the increase in thyroid hormones as well as the presence of alkaloid compounds, such as berberine in Berberis vulgaris, that inhibits cholesterol synthesis and enables its excretion

[ experimental study of the effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Chelidonium majus on liver function tests and renal in rats with hypercholesterolemia]

The People believe that herbal medicines are not toxic, but the toxicity of these drugs are reported to be seen. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate hepatic and renal toxicity is Chelidonium majus hydroalcoholic extract. In this study, 35 male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups [n=7], control group with normal diet and sham group with fat diet and experimental groups of animals hpercholesterolemia that received the minimum dose of 100, averaged 200 and maximum dose of 300 mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract Chelidonium majus [that collected from farms in the North of the country] by gavage. After this Period [21 days], blood samples were drawn and levels of liver alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline Phosphatase [ALP], albumin and total Protein as well as renal creatinine and blood urea nitrogen [BUN] were measured. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 17. The ALT was not seen any significant changes between the groups treated with the extract. AST, albumin, total Protein and creatinine increased, but the amount of ALP decreased significantly in high dose of extract. BUN in groups receiving the at least extract dose was not any significant changes compared to the control group but Cholesterol had a decreased significant changes at same dose compared to the control group [p<0.05]. Since the amount of AST, albumin and creatinine extract the maximum dose is increased, especially at doses appear to extract Chelidonium majus have high toxic effects on the liver and kidneys

[Investigating the efficiency of ultraviolet irradiation for inactivation of free living nematodes in water]

Free living nematodes due to their active movement and resistance to chlorination; don't remove in conventional water treatment processes thus can be entered to distribution systems and cause adverse health effects. UV irradiation can be used as a method of inactivating these organisms. This study is done to investigate the effect of ultraviolet lamp on inactivation of free living nematode [Rhabitidae] in water. The effects of duration of irradiation, turbidity, temperature, UV dose and pH are investigated in this study. Ultraviolet lamp used in this study was a 11 watt lamp with intensity of 24 micro w / cm[2]. Contact time required to achieve 100% efficiency for larvae nematodes and adults were 9 and 10 minutes, respectively. Increase of turbidity up to 25 NTU decreased inactivation efficiency of larvae and adult nematodes from 100% to 66% and 100% to 64%, respectively. Change in pH ranged from 6 to 9 did not affect the efficiency of inactivation. With increasing temperature inactivation rate increased. The results showed that there was a significant correlation between the increase in contact time, temperature rise and turbidity reduction with inactivation efficiency of lamp]p<0.001[. Also the effect of the lamp on inactivation of larvae nematode was more than the adults

Effects of silymarin on cadmium-induced toxicity in rats

Cadmium has toxicological significance and there is no effective therapy for its poisoning. The effects of silymarin on the parameters indicative of cadmium-induced toxicity were studied in rats. 130 adult male Wistar rats were divided into 13 groups each comprising 10 rats. 1 group as control group was not administered neither cadmium nor silymarin. Cadmium chloride [3mg/kg/week] was administered intraperitoneally to 12 groups for 6 weeks. The 12 groups were divided into two sets of 6 groups. In the first set, one group was kept as control and silymarin in the doses of 15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 mg/kg/week was administered orally to each group for 6 weeks. In the second set, one group was kept as control and the aforementioned doses of silymarin were administered orally to each group for 6 weeks after 6 weeks of cadmium administration. Blood samples were taken after 6 weeks from the first set and after 12 weeks from the second set to determine AST [aspartate aminotransferase], ALT [alanine aminotransferase] and ALP [alkaline phosphatase] levels and catalase activity. In the first set in all silymarin treated groups, ALP level significantly decreased compared with control and in the second set, AST level decreased significantly compared with control only in groups treated with high doses of silymarin. Different doses of silymarin except the dose of 15 mg/kg significantly increased serum catalase activity compared with control in both sets. Silymarin prevents and reverses cadmium-induced toxicity possibly through its antioxidative property in rats

Interactions between entomopathogenic fungus, metarhizium anisopliae and sublethal doses of spinosad for control of house fly, musca domestica

Metarhizium anisopliae strain IRAN 437C is one of the most virulent fungal isolates against house fly, Musca domestica. The objective of this study was to determine the interaction of this isolate with sublethal doses of spinosad against housefly. In adult bioassay, conidia of entomopathogenic fungus were applied as inoculated bait at 105 and 107spore per gram and spinosad at 0.5, 1 and 1.5 microg [A.I.] per gram bait. In larval bioassay, conidia were applied as combination of spore with larval bedding at 106 and 108 spore per gram and spinosad at sublethals of 0.002, 0.004 and 0.006 microg [AI] per gram medium. Adult mortality was 48% and 72% for fungus alone but ranged from 66-87% and 89-95% in combination treatments of 105 and 107 spore/g with sublethal doses of spinosad respectively. The interaction between 105 spore/g with sublethals exhibited synergistic effect, but in combination of 107 spore in spite of higher mortality, the interaction was additive. There was significant difference in LT50 among various treatments. LT50 values in all combination treatments were smaller than LT50 values in alone ones. Larval mortality was 36% and 69% for fungus alone but ranged from 58%-78% and 81%-100% in combination treatments of 106 and 108 spore/g medium with sublethals of spinosad respectively. The interaction was synergistic in all combination treatments of larvae. The interaction between M. anispliae and spinosad indicated a synergetic effect that increased the house fly mortality as well as reduced the lethal time

[Cloning of catalytic domain of exotoxin A from pseudomonas aeruginosa]

Antibody against Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A can be used in immunotherapy together with antibiotics to treat acute burn patients. Exotoxin A is one of the virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa that comprises of three domains, binding domain, translocation and catalytic domain. The purpose of this study was to construct the recombinant domain of the catalytic part of this microorganism in order to produce antibody against it. Pseudomonas aeruginosa samples were isolated from burn patients hospitalized in Mousavi Hospital, Zanjan, Iran and its species was identified by Biochemical tests. Bacteria genomic DNA and also the catalyhc domain of exotoxin A was amplified by PCR. PCR Products and plasmid extracts was digested by restriction enzymes. Subsequently PCR products and plasmids transformed into E. coli BL21 [DE3]. Clones containing gene of interest was determined by restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing. The sequence homology of the catalytic domain of exotoxin A was compared with that of the published gene data bank. The results showed a complete homology between our gene species and the published genome in data banks. The results of this study showed that about 90% of the isolated bacteria contained exotoxin A and there was a sequence homology between our species and published gene data banks

[Survey of optimal methods for the control of cockroaches in sewers of Qom city]

Domestic sewers and wastewater treatment plants are suitable places for the growth of some types of Cockroaches. Annually the water and wastewater company of Qom city make considerable attempts to overwhelm the problem. The current study is aimed to determine types of Cockroaches and select the optimal methods for their control. In this study, 120 manholes are selected in different locations of Qom city, the numbers of Cockroaches are counted and the Cockroaches are classified into different groups. Then, each group are faced to different insecticides Including Simperator, Diazinon, Dursban Ec, Faikam, Sipermetrin, Icon, Deltametrina and Sulfac. One group of manholes was considered as blank sample during one month. Counting and determination of Cockroaches in these manholes conducted before using insecticides and also five months after it. the study showed that all sewers were 100% polluted by Cockroaches. The number of Cockroaches in manholes range from minimum 4 to maximum 3600 in each manhole. The applied of insecticides including Dursban Ec, Simperator, Sulfac, Dursban, and Deltametrina are used 2 gr in 100 square meter of area of each sewer. The Cockroaches population reduced to approximately zero after application of these insecticides. Spraying sewers by Simperator controlled 100% of Cockroaches. the most effective method for the control of Cockroaches was usage of 2 gr of Dursban [Ec] in squaremeter of area in the beginning of warmseason.If we use 1-1/5months interval between the time of spraying insecticide in selected wells, with using simperator and dursban [Ec] we can overwhelm Cockroaches using Simperator and Dursban Ec. The results of statistical analysis show that reduction of number of coackroaches in one month after using poison is significant [P-value<0.05]. But after 5months it lose meaningful in all of them.Also, reduction of number of coackroaches in blank manholes was not statistically significant

Faunistic study and biodiversity of scorpions in Qeshm Island [Persian Gulf]

Scorpions are known as the most widespread poisonous creatures that cause casualties and death to human. They are distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. Among the sixteen Iranian Island in the Persian Gulf, Qeshm Island is the biggest and is located in the focus of the important internal and international commercial marinelines. Furthermore, thousands of tourists also visit the Island every year for its natural beauties and the siteseeings. The present research study was carried out during 1998-99 throughout Qeshm Island in order to know the species of scorpions, their abundance, the distribution and control strategy in order to reduce the scorpion stings and to safeguard the visitors as well as the local population. Collections were made randomly during the night. Samples were searched by black light and then collected by forceps. A total of 102 scorpions were captured. The scorpions were identified as Buthotus jayakari numbered 42 specimens [41.17%] and B. leptochelys numbering only 7 specimens [6.86%] belonging to the family Buthidae. Androctonus crassicauda was collected in the most parts of the Island and considered as the dominant species. The sex ratio was 1:1.53 in favor of females. B. leptochelys was rare species and by far restricted in its distribution. Considering the high population of A. crassicauda and its wide distribution, it is regarded to be responsible for the majority of scorpion stings in Qeshm Island

[Effects of betamethasone and diclofenac-Na on sulfur mustard induced conjunctival epithelial and goblet cells injuries of rabbits in acute phase]

Sulfur mustard, Bis [2-chlorethy1] sulfide [HD], is one of the first chemical warfare agents to be used on a large scale. Anti inflammatory treatments might have the potential to prevent some aspects of the primary development of HD-induced lesions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate treatment effects of topically applied betamethasone [B] and diclofenac-Na [D] on the conjunctival epithelial lesions following HD exposure. A total of 36 rabbits were used. Animals were randomly divided to three control groups: [1] normal; [2] solution; [3] HD and three experimental groups: [4] betamethasone; [5] diclofenac-Na and [6] betamethasone-diclofenac-Na [BD]. In each group six animals were examined. Right eye of all animals was selected for experiment. In the experimental groups betamethasone and diclofenac-Na were applied after using HD solution. Application of drugs was performed 3 times a day for 2 weeks. Slit-lamp examinations were performed before exposure and subsequently at days 1, 2, 5, 7, and 14 by professional ophthalmologists. Animals were sacrificed after two weeks with chloroform. The eyes were enucleated. Specimens of palpebra were obtained for histological examination. There was not any significant difference between normal and solution groups. HD caused a significant decrease in goblet cells and cell infiltration in conjunctiva, injection and chemosis. All experimental groups were better than the HD group. Betamethasone in combination with diclofenac-Na was more effective than betamethasone and diclofenac-Na alone in decreasing eye injuries. Combination of betamethasone and diclofenac-Na are potential candidates for the treatment of ocular lesions following HD exposure

[Managers' knowledge on patient rights in Tehran hospitals]

Currently, increased knowledge of patients over their rights has been accompanied with greater demands and expectations and thus, it is of prime necessity to all members of medical care including hospital managers, to be fully aware of such rights. To comparatively determine the managers' knowledge on patients rights in Tehran public and private hospitals. This was a cross-sectional study carried out in 2004. All managers of public and private hospitals in Tehran were included [n=70]. Data were collected using a 36-question questionnaire and further analyzed by SPSS. Fisher and chi2 tests were used for statistical analysis. Among the public hospitals managers, 34.5% were found with good level of knowledge on patient' rights, 48.5% with medium and 17% with poor knowledge. In the same way, 23% of private hospitals managers were shown to have good level of knowledge, 54% with medium and 23% with poor knowledge on patient rights. There was no meaningful difference between the levels of knowledge among two groups. Based on data found in our study, lack of good knowledge on patient rights was obvious among the managers of both public and private hospitals. Since the knowledge is considered as a solid base for appropriate functionality, it could be predicted that the performance of hospitals managers on patient rights to be in parallel with the extent of their knowledge. Thus, a comprehensive series of training courses on "patient's bill of rights" for health care members including hospital managers is suggested

Antitussive effect of nigellla sativa in guinea pigs

Several therapeutic effects including anti-asthma and dyspnea have been described for the seeds of Nigella sativa. In previous studies the relaxant and anticholinergic [functional antagonism] effects, histamine H, inhibitory effect, and calcium channel blocking effect of Nigella sativa have been demonstrated on guinea pig tracheal chains. In the present study the antitussive effect of this plant was evaluated. The antitussive effects of aerosols of two different concentrations of aqueous and macerated extracts, one concentration of boiled extract, codeine, and saline were tested by counting the number of coughs produced due to aerosol of citric acid 10 min after exposing animal to aerosols of different solutions [n=7 for each solution]. The results showed significant reduction of cough number observed in the presence of both concentrations of aqueous and macerated extracts, boiled extract and codeine [p<0.05 to p<0.001]. The cough number observed over a period of five minutes in the presence of higher concentrations of aqueous and macerated extracts were also significantly less than those of lower concentrations [p<0.05 for aqueous and p<0.01 for macerated extracts]. In addition there was not any significant difference between cough numbers observed in the presence of all extracts with that of codeine. These results indicated an antitussive effect of Nigella sativa, which was comparable to that of codeine

Comparison of antitussive effect of nigella sativa with codeine in guinea pig

The relaxant and anticholinergic [functional antagonism] effects, histamine H1 inhibitory effect, and calcium channel blocking effect of Nigella sativa have been demonstrated on guinea pig tracheal chains. Several therapeutic effects including antiasthma and dyspnea have also been ascribed to the seeds of Nigella sativa. To evaluate the antitussive effect of this plant. The antitussive effects of aerosols of two different concentrations of aqueous and macerated extracts as well as an extract of concentrated boiled seeds, codeine, and saline were tested by counting the number of coughs produced 10 min after exposing animal to aerosols of different solutions of citric acid [n=7 for each solution]. The results showed significant reduction in the number of coughs obtained in the presence of both concentrations of aqueous and macerated extracts, boiled seeds extract and codeine [p<0.05 to p<0.001]. The cough number induced in the presence of higher concentrations of aqueous and macerated extracts were also significantly less than those with lower concentrations [p<0.05 for aqueous and p<0.01 for macerated extracts]. There was no significant difference between the number of coughs obtained in the presence of all extracts with that of codeine. These results indicate an antitussive effect of Nigella sativa comparable to that of codeine