Protein-protein interaction networks [PPI] and complex diseases

The physical interaction of proteins which lead to compiling them into large densely connected networks is a noticeable subject to investigation. Protein interaction networks are useful because of making basic scientific abstraction and improving biological and biomedical applications. Based on principle roles of proteins in biological function, their interactions determine molecular and cellular mechanisms, which control healthy and diseased states in organisms. Therefore, such networks facilitate the understanding of pathogenic [and physiologic] mechanisms that trigger the onset and progression of diseases. Consequently, this knowledge can be translated into effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, the results of several studies have proved that the structure and dynamics of protein networks are disturbed in complex diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. Based on such relationship, a novel paradigm is suggested in order to confirm that the protein interaction networks can be the target of therapy for treatment of complex multi-genic diseases rather than individual molecules with disrespect the network

Effects of obstructive sleep disorfers on dental growth in children: a case control study

Obstructive sleep disorders and their effects on dental and maxillofacial growth has long been debated. Adenotonsillar hypertrophy as the most common cause of Obstructive sleep disorders with its consequent impact on dental growth has recently gained greater attention and its treatment may help prevent or reverse these effects. In this corss-sectional study 120 children were enrolled. 60 patients assigned to undergo adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep disorders were compared with 60 children without obstructive sleep disorders. Both groups were matched in terms of gender and age. Dental casts and measurements with caliper were used. Crowding of upper and lower teeth, anterior open bite, posterior cross bite, overjet, class II malocclusion, width of upper and lower dental arches were documented and compared. Differences were found in crowding of upper and lower teeth, anterior open bite, posterior cross bite, overjet, class II malocclusion and width of upper and lower dental arches. This study suggests the effects of obstructive sleep disorders on dental growth, probably due to the long term impact of the position of the head, mandible and tongue to keep the airway open in oral breathing

Pattern of animal-related injuries in Iran

Animal related injuries as most common causes of human morbidity have different pattern by geographical zones. We aimed to explore the main descriptive epidemiology of animal-related injuries in both rural and urban areas in Iran. Between 2000 and 2004, we collected the data of all the cases of animal related trauma hospitalized for more than 24 hours in eight cities [Tehran, Mashhad, Ahwaz, Shiraz, Tabriz, Qom, Kermanshah, and Babol]. Further evaluations were conducted on 17753 eligible subjects. Of 17753 traumatic patients, 40 subjects [0.2%], had animal-related injuries. The highest rate was seen in Tabriz with 11 cases. Upper and lower extremities were the most frequent sites of trauma and they were injured in 13 and 11 cases respectively. Dog bite and cow-related injuries were responsible for 40% and 32.5% of injuries respectively. Amputation of the phalanx was done in 2 cases due to dog bite and bull gore occurred. One thoracotomy, one laparatomy and one craniotomy were done. One patient needed fasciatomy due to snake bite. Educating the patients could decrease the incidence of morbidity of these injuries

Does post septoplasty nasal packing reduce complications?

The main issues in nasal surgery are to stabilize the nose in the good position after surgery and preserve the cartilages and bones in the favorable situation and reduce the risk of deviation recurrence. Also it is necessary to avoid the synechia formation, nasal valve narrowing, hematoma and bleeding. Due to the above mentioned problems and in order to solve and minimize them nasal packing, nasal splint and nasal mold have been advised. Patients for whom the nasal packing used may faced to some problems like naso-pulmonary reflex, intractable pain, sleep disorder, post operation infection and very dangerous complication like toxic shock syndrome. We have two groups of patients and three surgeons [one of the surgeons used post operative nasal packing in his patients and the two others surgeons did not].Complications and morbidities were compared in these two groups. Comparing the two groups showed that the rate of complication and morbidities between these two groups were same and the differences were not valuable, except the pain and discomfort post operatively and at the time of its removal. Nasal packing has several risks for the patients while its effects are not studied. Septoplasty can be safely performed without postoperative nasal packing. Nasal packing had no main findings that compensated its usage. Septal suture is one of the procedures that can be used as alternative method to nasal packing. Therefore the nasal packing after septoplasty should be reserved for the patients with increased risk of bleeding

[Pathogens of suppurative chronic otitis media [SCOM] in Iran]

Chronic suppurative otitis media is still highly prevalent in our country. The most common symptoms are otorrhea and hearing loss. Result of common microorganisms are with an amount of variation within different countries. The present study was conducted to find out common various microorganisms associated with SCOM patients and current antimicrobial susceptibility pattern as a guide to therapy. This study was done at Booali and Milad Hospital in Tehran between 2001-2003. This descriptive study was done on ear secretions of 940 patients [1000 discharging ears]. All patients were evaluated through detailed history, clinical examination, schuller's view and P.T.A. Secretion samples were collected from discharging ear [s] and cultured in blood agar, MC conkey and SOA. Drug sensitivity test of isolated bacteries was done Pseudomonas aeruginosa and staphylococcus aureus were commonest in the same of 17% in secretions. Aspergilus niger [12%], proteous mirabilis [8%], klebsiella pneumoniea [8%] were in text steps. Tubramycin [100%], Ceftizidim [98%], cyprofluxacin [93%], Gentamycin [75%] were effective against pseudomonas aeruginosa. Amikasin, gentamycin, Vancomyein, chloramphenicol. cephalothin, Erythromycin and cotrimoxazol were 100% effective against staph aureous. Cyprofluxacin was 97% effective against staph aureous. We suggest culture and antibiogram for draining ear and if not possible, its better to use antibiotics that are effective for commonest patogens [Pseudomonas aeruginosa and staphylococcus aureus]. Ciprofluxacin is a good antibiotic for management of SCOM. It is effective and more safe than other effective antibiotics like aminoglycosides

Treatment efficacy of children with acute otitis media by otoacoustic emissions

It is well documented that children exhibit a high prevalence and incidence of otitis media. Otoacoustic emissions [OAEs] offer great potential for clinical testing of cochlear function in children. The aim of the present study was to determine the applicability of OAEs to assess hearing acuity in children with acute otitis media who were scheduled for middle ear treatment. In a analytic cross-sectional design, 54 children with acute otitis media were evaluated by pure tone audiometry [PTA], tympanometry and distortion-product otoacoustic emissions [DPOAEs]. PTA thresholds and, DPOAE amplitudes and signal to noise ratios were compared before and after treatment course. The data were analyzed by SPSS 16 software. Air conduction thresholds were significantly different from post-treatment thresholds [p<0.05] We found significant differences between pre treatment and post- treatment DPOAE amplitude and signal to noise ratios at 500 Hz - 5000 Hz [p<0.05]. Although we found any air-bone gap in 10 patients after treatment course, but DPOAEs were seriously affected in these patients. Acute otitis media can be monitored by DPOAE measurement pre- and post-treatment. In addition, DPOAE is more sensitive than pure tone audiometry for assessment of these subjects

Persian competing word test: Development and preliminary results in normal children

Assessment of central auditory processing skills needs various behavioral tests in format of a test battery. There is a few Persian speech tests for documenting central auditory processing disorders. The purpose of this study was developing a dichotic test formed of one-syllabic words suitable for evaluation of central auditory processing in Persian language children and reporting its preliminary results in a group of normal children. Persian words in competing manner test was developed utilizing most frequent monosyllabic words in children storybooks reported in the previous researches. The test was performed at MCL on forty-five normal children [39 right-handed and 6 left-handed] aged 5-11 years. The children did not show any obvious problem in hearing, speech, language and learning. Free [n = 28] and directed listening [n = 17] tasks were investigated. The results show that in directed listening task, there is significant advantage for performance of pre-cued ear relative to opposite side. Right ear advantage is evident in free recall condition. Average performance of the children in directed recall is significantly better than free recall. Average row score of the test increases with the children age. Persian words in competing manner test as a dichotic test, can show major characteristics of dichotic listening and effect of maturation of central auditory system on it in normal children