[Assessment of surgical success rate and acoustic test findings in children after tympanostomy tube insertion]

Otoacoustic emissions are low density sounds produced from intact cochlea measurable in the presence of an intact conduction structure. The goal of this study was to assess the surgical success rate after tympanostomy tube insertion by Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission [DPOAE] and Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emission [TEOAE] as methods of evaluation of postoperative hearing. A descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 130 patients with OME. Audiometrical tests included TEOAE, DPOAE that were performed before, one month and three months after surgery on patients and results were compared. Prior to surgery, TEOAE and DPOAE responses were not recordable in any of the patients, whereas after surgery, the responses were significant. OAE tests can be used as objective, simple tests in children, especially in toddlers who are not able to cooperate in performing PTA before surgery. These tests can be also be used for follow up of patients for hearing loss improvement and resolvement of middle ear effusion

[Hijama through the passage of time]

Blood-letting is defined to be the withdrawal of blood from a patient. Considering the mysterious, life-saving, and occassionally miraculous nature of blood during the evolving history of man, civilization, and science, this red liquid being the token of life and death throughout centuries was used as evidence for clinical diagnosis of special diseases or otherwise as definite and soothing treatment of patients. Based on the existing evidence, hijama or blood withdrawal in cultural and religious beliefs and customs of certain tribes has had even a special status in saving man from devil or evil forces. The accessible old documents show the expansion of blood drawing as a known life-saving element and treatment method in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome in different forms including hijama. However, the development of medical sciences, particularly transfusion medicine and blood transfusion sciences, the treatment and preventive role of hijama and other methods like arteriotomy and leech cupping started to get less prominence except for some eastern countries especially Islamic states where hijama is still employed to relieve soul and treat diseases as a tool of preserving traditions. In Iran, considering the available standards based on which potential blood donors with recent hijama experience are defered for one year, it is necessary to raise awareness of all those involved in the field of blood transfusion and the whole community about the history of hijama so as to see how we can better deal with this historical and traditional controversial topic

Quantitative determination of methanol in plant water produced in Mashhad by spectrophotometry method

Methanol is a toxic aliphatic alcohol that is widely used in industry as a solvent. Poisonings occur from accidental or awareness ingestion of it. In this study, the amount of methanol in ten plant water was evaluated. Five samples from each plant waters that related to six factories collected and analyzed by spectrophotometric method. The results showed that the highest [1477.7 +/- 23.8 ppm] and the lowest [79.4 +/- 3 ppm] amount of methanol was related to dill and egiptial willow water, respectively. Since, the chronic use of plant water may induce methanol toxicity, it is recommended to determine a safe limit for it

Study of the relation between clinical and pathological findings of tonsillectomy specimens of patients

Most hospitals routinely examine microscopically all tonsillar and adenoid specimens from healthy pediatric patients complaining of recurrent infections or obstructive sleep apnea. Concern over missing the rare, unsuspected and significant diagnosis propagates this practice. Clinical examination for asymmetry could obviate the need for routine microscopic examination of tonsil and adenoid specimens in patients aged 16 years old and younger. A prospective controlled trial was carried out in one institution using database of 305 patients aged 16 years or younger who underwent tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy between 2003 and 2007 at the Shaheed Sadoughi Hospital. Patients with unilateral tonsillar enlargement were entered in this study. Patients who had risk factors for malignancy were excluded. After excision, two tonsil specimens were measured before sending for histological examination. Matched controls with symmetric tonsils underwent the same procedures. Preoperative diagnosis of tonsil asymmetry with the postoperative histological diagnosis was evaluated. Of the 305 patients undergoing tonsillectomy, 106 patients [34.75%] had asymmetric tonsils. In the control group 102 patients had symmetric tonsils. The analysis showed statistically no significant difference in the age, sex, indication of surgery and type of surgery between the two groups. Most of the specimens had reactive lymphoid hyperplasia in both the groups [58.49% and 54.9%, respectively]. Histological examination showed no malignancies or unusual pathological findings in both the groups. Tonsil asymmetry may be apparent in patients with normal physical examination, secondary to benign hyperplasia or anatomical factors. Therefore, the presence of tonsil asymmetry without risk factors like progressive enlargement of the tonsil, concomitant neck adenopathies, history of malignancy or immunocompromise may not indicate malignancy. Microscopic examination of all routine tonsils and adenoids for individuals aged 16 years or less is not indicated, but careful gross examination is still recommended

[Seroepidemiology of the human Herpesvirus [HHV-8] in the haemodialysis patients blood donors and HIV-positive individuals in city of Tehran]

Human herpes virus 8 [HHV-8], also known as Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus, is believed to be the infectious trigger for Kaposi sarcoma. HHV-8 transmission takes place via different routes such as saliva, sexual intercourse, mucosal contact and possibly blood transfusion. The objective of this study was to determine HHV-8 seroprevalence in otherwise healthy blood donors as immunocompetent hosts, in HIV positive individuals [immunocompromised hosts], and in hemodialysis patients as multi-transfused patients. This is the first time that research of this magnitude on HHV-8 prevalence is conducted in Iran. The study method was analytic-observational. We measured HHV-8 antibody levels in 118 hemodialysis patients, 35 HIV positive subjects and 256 healthy blood donors. The primary test method was ELISA; positive results were confirmed by IFA [immunofluorescence assay]. Subjects with positive results on both ELISA and IFA were regarded as HHV-8 cases. Overall, 20 hemodialysis patients [16.9%], 16 HIV individuals [45.7%] and 5 blood donors [2%] had HHV-8 antibodies. Analysis with ?2 tests did not show any significant association with sex [p=0.24], blood transfusion or the number of transfused blood units [p=0.36 and 0.73, respectively]. But there was positive correlation between age and the presence of antibodies [P=0.01]. Serologic prevalence of HHV-8 in blood donors [as apparently healthy individuals] proved to be lower than in other studies and, in some cases, equal to the figures from other countries. The high prevalence of HHV-8 antibodies in HIV positive individuals may be partly attributed to high-risk sexual behavior and repeated exposure to pathogenic agents. The higher prevalence of HHV-8 antibodies in hemodialysis patients as compared to blood donors [normal individuals] may be related to specific dialysis procedures or multiple transfusions with the resulting potential for infection

[Evaluation of antidepressant effect of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of silybum marianum l. seed in mice]

Depression is one of the most psychiatric disorders that there are many treatments for it. Milk thistle is a plant which has many pharmacologic effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer. It is reported that silymarin [main component of milk thistle] increase the concentration of some neurotransmitter in brain. Evaluation of the antidepressant effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of milk thistle. We investigated the antidepressant effect of aqueous [0.72, 1.26, 1.80 g/kg] and ethanolic [0.24,0.42,0.6 g/kg] extracts using modified forced swimming test in mice. The ethanolic extract did not have any effect on the duration of immobility of mice. However, the aqueous extract significantly reduced the duration of immobility versus the control group. Aqueous extract of milk thistle showed antidepressant effect in animal model

[Assessment of spontaneous healing rate of traumatic tympanic membrane perforations and three months follow up; Yazd Forensic Medicine]

Traumatic tympanic membrane [TM] perforation is a common injury of the ear with a high rate of spontaneous healing if the patients strictly adhere to water precautions. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors involved in the spontaneous healing of traumatic TM perforations in order to ascertain the best treatment plan including observation, paper patch and finally surgery. In this correlative-descriptive study, we recorded the outcome of each patient with three-month follow up. Included in this study were a total of 202 forensic medicine patients from the Dept. of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at the Yazd University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran. All patients included in this study had traumatic TM perforation. Based on otoscopic examination, the perforations were classified as pinpoint or large. All patients received an audiometry exam and were followed for three months. The data was collected using a special form and analyzed by chi-square test, Fisher exact test and ANOVA. This study consisted of 118 male and 84 female patients with a mean age of 23.6 years [6-48 years]. The types of trauma included compression injury [104 patients], instrumental injury [59 patients], burn-slag injury [2 patients] and blast injury [1 patient]. One hundred and eighty patients had pinpoint TM perforations, 99.4% of which healed spontaneously by the second month, and 32 patients had large TM perforations, 50% of which healed spontaneously by the second month. During the first month, 87.3% of the patients observing water precautions had healed, however the healing rate was only 5.6% in patients not adhering to water precautions, who suffered from otorrhea. Therefore, during this study, 185 [91.58%] patients had spontaneous healing by two months and only 6 patients of remaining 17 patients healed with paper patch. The mean hearing loss at 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz was 10.55 dB [5-30 dB]. In our experience, patients with traumatic TM perforations have higher spontaneous healing rate when observing water precautions. Furthermore, we recommend observation and paper patching for three months before attempting any surgical intervention in such patients

Need-assessment and research priorities-setting in IBTO Research Center

Setting research priorities in the cycle of research management is critical. The limitation in human and financial resources and policy changes are the most significant reasons necessitating research priorities to be set. Research prioritization can materialize and be effective at different levels ranging from macro and national to educational and research levels. To this end, IBTO Research and Education Deputy by this study has embarked on a serious measure in organizing and orienting investigations in IBTO.First the necessity of the implementation of the project was elaborated in the Research Council and priorities were set. Then, different procedures were conducted based on the guidelines of COHRED [Council on Health Research for Development] and by use of priority-setting instruments applied in research institutes. At the end, the results were reviewed by the Research Council so that the final priorities were approved of. In the present study, out of the whole number of forms distributed for priority-setting, blood centers, headquarter managers and consultants, and the faculty members had respectively a share of 64.28%, 33.33%, and 25.92% in responses. At the process of title collection, more responses were received as compared with the priority setting process. Finally, 99 research titles in 16 domains were approved of as final priorities by the IBTO Research Center. Priority-setting was conducted through the method recommended by COHRED for the first time in IBTO. In spite of the participation of the out-of-organization beneficiary, research centers, and scientific associations, the highest rate of participation goes to intra-organizational groups. Approved priorities can be implemented by a call for research, the creation of an evaluation system for recommended projects, and survey of approved projects. Thus, the most use can be made of financial and human resources for priority-setting

[Antidepressant effects of Crocus sativus stigma extracts and its constituents, crocin and safranal, in mice]

As in traditional medicine, saffron is used as exhilarating agent and also our previous study showed the antidepressant effect of saffron extracts, in this study, the effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Crocus sativus stigma and its constituents safranal and crocin were studied for the antidepressant activity using the forced swimming test in mice. The extracts and constituents were injected intraperitoneally to mice. The aqueous [160-320 mg/kg] and ethanolic extracts [200-800 mg/kg] of stigma decreased the immobility time in comparison to normal saline and also like fluoxetine increased the swimming time. In the open field activity test, the aqueous extract reduced total activity but the ethanolic extract increased the stereotypic activity. Safranal and crocin also reduced the immobility time. Safranal increased the swimming time. Both safranal and crocin increased the climbing time. Crocin increased stereotypic activity and safranal decreased the total activity. On the basis of these results, the antidepressant effect of Crocus sativus stigma extracts may be mediated via safranal and crocin. Crocin may act via the uptake inhibition of dopamine and norepinephrine and safranal via the serotonin. Further experiments are needed to clarify these subjects

[Evaluation of Subacute Toxicity of Aqueous Extract of Crocus sativus L. Stigma and Petal in Rats]

The subacute toxicity of aqueous extract of Crocus sativus stigma and petal were studied in rats. Separate groups of animals were given daily intraperitoneal doses of aqueous extract of stigma [0.16, 0.32 and 0.48 g/kg] and petal [1.2, 2.4 and 3.6 g/kg] for two weeks. Blood samples and selected organs were prepared for biochemical, hematological and histopathological experiments. Significant reduction of RBC, HCT and Hb were recorded with all doses of two extracts. Stigma extract did not have any deleterious effect on organs. However, petal extract induced necrosis in liver and lung cells. The results indicated that petal and stigma extracts caused normochromic normocytic anemia and petal extract induced toxic effects on liver and lung

[Hypoglycaemic effect of alcoholic extract of olive [Olea europaea L.] leaf in healthy and diabetic rats]

In this study, the effect of Rosmarinus officinalis aerial parts essential oil was studied on intact memory and scopolamine-induced learning deficits in rats performing the Morris water maze task. The oil was injected intraperitoneally to rats 0.5 h before training for 5 consecutive days. During the training period, four trials were carried out each day. on the 5th day of the experiment, the locomotor activity was assesed using open field test. The oil at the doses of 125-250 mg/kg decreased the latency time to find the platform. The effect of the oil was also evaluated on hyoscine [0.5 mg/kg]-induced learning deficits in rats. The oil reduced the effect of hyoscine on memory. In the open field activity test, the oil at the doses 125-250 mg/kg did not change locomotor activity. The higher dose of rosemary [500 mg/kg] reduced the factors of open field test. The co-administration of oil with hyocine significantly compensated the reduction of locomotor activity in hyosine group alone. On the basis of these results, the R. officinalis aerial parts essential oil improved intact memory and the hyoscine impaired acquisition/performance activity. These agents can potentially be introduced as new drugs in the treatment of cognitive dysfunctions such as Alzheimer's disease

Relationship between chronic lead acetate exposure and hypertension in rat

Effects of 28 days lead acetate [100, 500, 1000 ppm] treatment on hypertension and relationship between blood lead levels and hypertension in male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied. Results of this study showed that lead acetate treatment did not decrease body weight or water consumption, except for lead acetate [1000 ppm] and sodium acetate [500 ppm] which increased fluid consumption when compared with controls. The doses of lead acetate [100, 500, 1000ppm] used in this study, caused blood concentrations of 26.84 +/- 2.23, 43.12 +/- 2.40 and 52.8 +/- 3.44 micro g/dl respectively. Treatment of animals with different doses [100, 500, 1000 ppm] of lead acetate for 28 days, caused a significant change [P< 0.05] in systolic blood pressure when compared to control rats. No dose dependent correlation was observed between blood pressure elevation and blood lead levels in treated rats