Biomechanical changes of the common carotid artery and internal jugular vein in patients with multiple sclerosis

Purpose@#Investigations of the hemodynamic changes of the venous system in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have shown contradictory results. Herein, the biomechanical parameters of the internal jugular vein (IJV) and common carotid artery (CCA) of MS patients were extracted and compared to healthy individuals. @*Methods@#B-mode and Doppler sequential ultrasound images of 64 IJVs and CCAs of women including 22 healthy individuals, 22 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients, and 20 primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) patients were recorded and processed. The biomechanical parameters of the IJV and the CCA walls during three cardiac cycles were calculated. @*Results@#The IJV maximum and minimum pressures were higher in the MS patients than in the healthy subjects, by 31% and 19% in RRMS patients and 39% and 24% in PPMS patients. The venous wall thicknesses in RRMS and PPMS patients were 51% and 60% higher than in healthy subjects, respectively. IJV distensibility in RRMS and PPMS patients was 70% and 75% lower, and compliance was 40% and 59% lower than in healthy subjects. The maximum intima-media thicknesses of the CCAs were 38% and 24%, and the minimum intima-media thicknesses were 27% and 23% higher in RRMS and PPMS patients than in healthy individuals, respectively. The shear modulus of CCA walls in RRMS and PPMS patients was 17% and 31%, and the radial elastic moduli were 47% and 9% higher than in healthy individuals. @*Conclusion@#Some physical and biomechanical parameters of the CCA and IJV showed significant differences between MS patients and healthy individuals.

Pre-hypertension and the risk of diabetes mellitus incidence using a marginal structural model in an Iranian prospective cohort study / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-hypertension and its sub-classification on the development of diabetes. METHODS: In this cohort study, 2,941 people 40 to 64 years old without hypertension or diabetes were followed from 2009 through 2014. According to the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC)-7 criteria, we classified participants into normal and pre-hypertension groups. The effect of pre-hypertension on the 5-year incidence rate of diabetes was studied using inverse probability of treatment weighting. We modeled the exposure and censored cases given confounding factors such as age, sex, body mass index, smoking, economic status, and education. RESULTS: The 5-year incidence rate of diabetes among people with pre-hypertension and those with normal blood pressure (BP) was 12.7 and 9.7%, respectively. The risk ratio (RR) for people with pre-hypertension was estimated to be 1.13 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90 to 1.41). The RRs among people with normal BP and high-normal BP, according to the JNC-6 criteria, compared to those with optimal BP were 0.96 (95% CI, 0.73 to 1.25) and 1.31 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.72), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that participants who had higher levels of BP (high-normal compared to optimal BP) had a higher risk of diabetes development. With regard to the quantitative nature of BP, using the specifically distinguishing of stage 1 hypertension or high-normal BP may be a more meaningful categorization for diabetes risk assessment than the JNC-7 classification.

Transition in tobacco use stages and its related factors in a longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES@#Considering the increase in the non-communicable diseases associated with tobacco use in recent decades in Iran, it is necessary to have a general view of the current condition. This study aimed to identify factors associated with tobacco use and to estimate the probability of a 5-year transition in the stages of tobacco use in an adult population.@*METHODS@#In this study, 5190 people in the 40-64-year-old population of Shahroud (North East of Iran) were interviewed in 2009 and 2014 on tobacco smoking. The association of independent variables with tobacco smoking was evaluated using the population-averaged logit model. We calculated smoking transition probabilities from non-smoking to current smoking and past-smoking stages during a 5-year span.@*RESULTS@#The prevalence of current tobacco smoking in 40-69-years age group was 11.1% (95% CI 10.3-12.0), 1% among women (95% CI 0.8-1.3) and 25.6% among men (95% CI 23.7-27.6). During this 5-year period, the probability of transition of a non-smoker to an overall current tobacco smoker was 2.3%. Meanwhile, 18.5% of the overall current tobacco smokers had changed into past smokers. Unemployed (OR = 2), male gender (OR = 53.9), widow/widowers (OR = 5.4), divorces (OR = 3.3), and high economic status (OR = 1.2) are associated to tobacco smoking.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Compared with the other studies, the prevalence of tobacco use in this population is low but transition rate of non-smokers into current smokers or past smokers is high. Conducting interventions on determinants of starting and quitting smoking and education and awareness raising on the risk and harms of smoking seems necessary.

Pre-hypertension and the risk of diabetes mellitus incidence using a marginal structural model in an Iranian prospective cohort study / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-hypertension and its sub-classification on the development of diabetes.METHODS: In this cohort study, 2,941 people 40 to 64 years old without hypertension or diabetes were followed from 2009 through 2014. According to the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC)-7 criteria, we classified participants into normal and pre-hypertension groups. The effect of pre-hypertension on the 5-year incidence rate of diabetes was studied using inverse probability of treatment weighting. We modeled the exposure and censored cases given confounding factors such as age, sex, body mass index, smoking, economic status, and education.RESULTS: The 5-year incidence rate of diabetes among people with pre-hypertension and those with normal blood pressure (BP) was 12.7 and 9.7%, respectively. The risk ratio (RR) for people with pre-hypertension was estimated to be 1.13 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90 to 1.41). The RRs among people with normal BP and high-normal BP, according to the JNC-6 criteria, compared to those with optimal BP were 0.96 (95% CI, 0.73 to 1.25) and 1.31 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.72), respectively.CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that participants who had higher levels of BP (high-normal compared to optimal BP) had a higher risk of diabetes development. With regard to the quantitative nature of BP, using the specifically distinguishing of stage 1 hypertension or high-normal BP may be a more meaningful categorization for diabetes risk assessment than the JNC-7 classification.

Pre-hypertension and the risk of diabetes mellitus incidence using a marginal structural model in an Iranian prospective cohort study / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-hypertension and its sub-classification on the development of diabetes.@*METHODS@#In this cohort study, 2,941 people 40 to 64 years old without hypertension or diabetes were followed from 2009 through 2014. According to the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC)-7 criteria, we classified participants into normal and pre-hypertension groups. The effect of pre-hypertension on the 5-year incidence rate of diabetes was studied using inverse probability of treatment weighting. We modeled the exposure and censored cases given confounding factors such as age, sex, body mass index, smoking, economic status, and education.@*RESULTS@#The 5-year incidence rate of diabetes among people with pre-hypertension and those with normal blood pressure (BP) was 12.7 and 9.7%, respectively. The risk ratio (RR) for people with pre-hypertension was estimated to be 1.13 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90 to 1.41). The RRs among people with normal BP and high-normal BP, according to the JNC-6 criteria, compared to those with optimal BP were 0.96 (95% CI, 0.73 to 1.25) and 1.31 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.72), respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Our results showed that participants who had higher levels of BP (high-normal compared to optimal BP) had a higher risk of diabetes development. With regard to the quantitative nature of BP, using the specifically distinguishing of stage 1 hypertension or high-normal BP may be a more meaningful categorization for diabetes risk assessment than the JNC-7 classification.

Assessing emissions of volatile organic componds from landfills gas

Background: Biogas is obtained by anaerobic decomposition of organic wastes buried materials used to produce electricity, heat and biofuels. Biogas is at the second place for power generation after hydropower and in 2000 about 6% of the world power generation was allocated to biogas. Biogas is composed of 40-45 vol% CO[2], 55-65 vol% CH[4], and about 1% non-methaneVOCs, and non-methane volatile organic compounds. Emission rates are used to evaluate the compliance with landfill gas emission regulations by the United States Environmental Protection Agency [USEPA]. BTEX comounds affect the air quality and may be harmful to human health. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene isomers that are generally called BTEX compounds are the most abundant VOCs in biogas

Methods: Sampling of VOCs in biogas vents was operated passively or with Tedlar bags. 20 samples were collected from 40 wells of old and new biogas sites of Shiraz' landfill. Immediately after sampling, the samples were transferred to the laboratory. Analysis of the samples was performed with GC-MS

Results: The results showed that in the collection of the old and new biogas sites, the highest concentration of VOCs was observed in toluene [0.85ppm] followed by benzene [0.81ppm], ethylbenzene [0.13ppm] and xylene [0.08ppm]

Conclusion: The results of the study showed that in all samples, most available compounds in biogas vents were aromatic hydrocarbon compounds. These compounds' constituents originate from household hazardous waste materials deposited in the landfill or from biological/chemical decomposition processes within the landfill

Survey on air pollution and cardiopulmonary mortality in Shiraz: an analytical-descriptive study

Expanding cities with rapid economic development has resulted in increased energy consumption leading to numerous environmental problems for their residents. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between air pollution and mortality rate due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in Shiraz. This is an analytical cross-sectional study in which the correlation between major air pollutants [including carbon monoxide [CO], sulfur dioxide [SO2], nitrogen dioxide [NO2] and particle matter with a diameter of less than 10 micro [PM10]] and climatic parameters [temperature and relative humidity] with the number of those whom expired from cardiopulmonary disease in Shiraz from March 2011 to January 2012 was investigated. Data regarding the concentration of air pollutants were determined by Shiraz Environmental Organization. Information about climatic parameters was collected from the database of Iran's Meteorological Organization. The number of those expired from cardiopulmonary disease in Shiraz were provided by the Department of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. We used non-parametric correlation test to analyze the relationship between these parameters. The results demonstrated that in all the recorded data, the average monthly pollutants standard index [PSI] values of PM10 were higher than standard limits, while the average monthly PSI value of NO2 were lower than standard. There was no significant relationship between the number of those expired from cardiopulmonary disease and the air pollutant [P > 0.05]. Air pollution can aggravate chronic cardiopulmonary disease. In the current study, one of the most important air pollutants in Shiraz was the PM10 component. Mechanical processes, such as wind blowing from neighboring countries, is the most important parameter increasing PM10 in Shiraz to alarming conditions. The average monthly variation in PSI values of air pollutants such as NO2, CO, and SO2 were lower than standard limits. Moreover, there was no significant correlation between the average monthly variation in PSI of NO2, CO, PM10, and SO2 and the number of those expired from cardiopulmonary disease in Shiraz

prevalence of astigmatism and its determinants in a rural population of Iran: the "nooravaran salamat" mobile eye clinic experience

The prevalence of astigmatism, and the astigmatic axis, and their determinants were evaluated in a rural population of Iran. In a cross-sectional study conducted from May to August 2011, 13 villages in the vicinity of the city of Khaf in northeast Iran were investigated in this study. All the examinations including visual acuity, refraction, slit-lamp biomicroscopy and fundoscopy were performed in a Mobile Eye Clinic. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Only phakic eye that could be reliably refracted without a previous history of ocular surgery were included. Out of 2635 participants who were screened, 2124 were analysed for this study of whom 52% were female. The prevalence of astigmatism was 32.2% [95% confidence intervals [CI]: 30.2-34.2]. Astigmatism significantly increased from 14.3% in the under 15-year-old age group to 67.2% in the age group of over 65-years old [P < 0.001]. The prevalence of With-The-Rule [WTR], Against-The-Rule [ATR], and oblique astigmatism was 11.7%, 18.1%, and 2.4%, respectively. ATR significantly increased with age [P < 0.001]. The mean corneal astigmatism was 0.73 D which linearly increased with age [P < 0.001]. Attention must be paid to astigmatism in rural areas due to the high prevalence. Further studies are suggested to discover the role of the environmental and genetic factors. It seems that environmental and occupational factors in the villages cause a significant increase in the prevalence of astigmatism with age. A high percentage of participants had ATR astigmatism, which was more common at older ages.

Corneal topography patterns in the Tehran eye study: warning about the high prevalence of patterns with a skewed radial axis

The purpose of this study is to determine the distribution of corneal topography patterns in Tehran. In this population-based study, a total of 442 individuals were randomly selected by cluster sampling for complete ophthalmologic examination. A total of 404 [788 eyes] met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in this study. Orbscan II [Bausch and Lomb Surgical, Salt Lake City, USA] was used to determine the anterior segment indices and axial power maps for each eye. On the basis of the axial power maps, the symmetric bowtie [SB] [29.0%] and asymmetric bowtie with inferior steepening [16.7%] patterns were the most prevalent and the irregular [3.3%] and superior steepening [1.5%] patterns the least prevalent. Asymmetric bowtie pattern with a skewed radial axis [AB-SRAX] was seen in 7.6% of eyes. These cases had both thinner and steeper corneas compared with round and SB ones [P < 0.014 and P< 0.006]. Maximum anterior elevation in 5 mm zone, of AB-SRAX corneas were higher; than other patterns [P< 0.01] except for superior steepened and inferior steepened ones. The distribution of corneal topographic patterns in Iranians seems like other Asian population on the whole. The 7.6% prevalence of AB-SRAX patterns may be a warning on keratoconus prevalence in our population. This is in line with recent regional reports

Trend in cataract surgical rate in Iran provinces

The aim of this study was to determine the trend of changes in Cataract Surgical Rate [CSR] in the provinces of Iran during 2006 to 2010 and identify high risk areas. This report is part of the national Iranian CSR Study. The percentage change in CSR in 2010 compared to 2006 was conducted in each province, retrospectively. One hundred and ten centers were chosen from all provinces, to determine CSR in each, the weight of major [>3,000 annual surgeries] and minor [3,000 annual surgeries or less] centers was calculated based on the number of selected centers, and multiplied by the number of surgeries in each province. In eight provinces, CSR was decreased by 1-60%. One province [Booshehr] showed no change. Eighteen provinces had 2-79% increase. No 2006 data was available in three provinces. North Khorasan had the most decrease while Kerman had the most increase in CSR. Six of these 8 provinces had CSR>3,000 despite a decrease in 2010, but North Khorasan had CSR<3,000 over the whole 5 year period. In 4 provinces, CSR had a gap from 3,000 despite anascending trend, and in two, the gap was quite considerable. Although CSR has an improving trend in most provinces in Iran, it is decreasing in some provinces, and despite an already low CSR, the exacerbation continues. The growing population of over 50 year olds calls for prompt measures in such provinces. Even in improving provinces, some lag behind the minimum recommended by WHO, and the growth rate of the over 50 population reveals the necessity of immediate planning

Effect of anterior chamber depth on the choice of intraocular lens calculation formula in patients with normal axial length

To compare the accuracy of Sanders-Retzlaff-Kraff II [SRK II] and 3[rd] and 4[th] generation intraocular lens [IOL] formulas and to compare the effect of different anterior chamber depths among the IOL formulas in cataract patients with normal axial length [AL; 22.0-24.5 millimeters, mm]. A retrospective chart review was performed of patients with normal AL who underwent cataract surgery. The SRK II and 3[rd] generation IOL formulas [Hoffer Q, SRK T, Holladay l] were compared to the 4[th] generation Haigis formula. For analysis, preoperative anterior chamber depth [ACD] was divided into three subgroups- =/<3, 3-3.5, and >/= 3.5 mm. The mean error [ME] and mean absolute error [MAE] of each formula was compared for each subgroup against the total. The difference between the ME and MAE of the formulas were compared for each ACD subgroup. P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study sample was comprised of 309 eyes. The MAE were 0.56 D, 0.52 D, 0.51 D, 0.50 D, and 0.50 D with Haigis, Hoffer Q, SRK T, Holladay 1, and SRK II formulas, respectively The Haigis formula was a significantly weaker predictor than the SRK T [P < 0.00l] and Holladay 1[P= 0.035]formulas. The ME with Haigis formula was -0.23 D which changed to -0.06 D with ACD >/= 3.5 mm [P = 0.002]. The ME was -0.24 D with SRK II and changed to -0.09D with ACD 0.05, all comparisons]. The SRK II formula can predict refraction in patients with normal AL and ACD less than 3 mm with less error and is preferred over other formulas. The Haigis formula is the preferred choice in patients with a normal AL and ACD longer than 3.5 mm. The prediction accuracy of Hoffer Q, SRK T, and Holladay 1 is comparable in normal AL

Outline of changes in cortisol and melatonin circadian rhythms in the security guards of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

According to the literature, a large number of people working in industries and service providing personnel, such as firefighters, physicians, and nurses are shift workers. The spread of shift working in industrial societies and the incidence of the problems resulting from shift working have caused the researchers to conduct studies on this issue. The present study also aimed to investigate melatonin and cortisol circadian rhythms in the security guards of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. The present study was conducted on 20 security guards of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. In order to collect the study data, blood samples were taken from the study subjects in different times of the day [1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, and 22] and cortisol and melatonin levels were determined using the radioimmunoassay and enzyme immunoassay techniques, respectively. The results showed that as the intensity of light increased at night, the plasma cortisol level increased, as well. Besides, no statistically significant difference was found between the plasma cortisol levels in natural light and 4500-lux light. On the other hand, a significant difference was observed between the plasma cortisol levels in natural light and 9000-lux light as well as 4500- and 9000-lux lights. The study findings also showed that as the intensity of light increased at night, the plasma melatonin level decreased. In addition, a statistically significant difference was found between the plasma melatonin levels in natural light and 4500-lux light. Nevertheless, no significant difference was observed between the plasma melatonin levels in the natural light and 9000-lux light as well as 4500- and 9000-lux lights. The present study aimed to investigate the subsequences of shift working in the security guards of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and showed that occupational exposure to bright light could affect some biological markers, such as melatonin and cortisol secretion

Assessment of contrast sensitivity and aberrations after photorefractive keratectomy in patients with myopia greater than 5 diopters

This study aimed to assess changes in contrast sensitivity and aberrations in cases of myopia greater than 5.0 diopter [D] who had photorefractive keratectomy [PRK]. In this semi-experimental study, 20 eyes of ten patients were studied. Inclusion criteria were at least 5.0 D of myopia, stable refraction in the past year, no history of refractive surgery, a minimum corneal thickness of 480 micro m, and having surgery in both eyes. Exclusion criteria were the presence of any corneal condition. In addition to the routine tests, aberrometry and assessment of contrast sensitivity was done using the WaveLight Allegro Analyzer and the VectorVision CSV-1000. After PRK using the Concerto Excimer Laser [WaveLight, Alcon], patients were scheduled to have follow-up visits at 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year after surgery. Contrast sensitivity with glare showed an increasing trend only at the spatial frequency of 3 cycles per degree [cpd] [P=0.013]. Contrast sensitivity without glared increased postoperatively at special frequencies of 3, 6, and 18 cpd [P<0.05]. The preoperative level of higher order aberrations root mean square [HOA RMS] of 0.24 +/- 0.08 reached 0.71 +/- 0.25 at 12 months after surgery. Assessment of comma and trefoil showed no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative values, but the amount of spherical aberration changed from a mean preoperative value of 0.0 +/- 0.09 to 0.27 +/- 0.15 at 12 months after surgery. In the treatment of myopia greater than 5.0 D, PRK with the Concerto Excimer Laser can improve contrast sensitivity in certain spatial frequencies. This is while HOA RMS and spherical aberration increase.

Efficacy of intacs intrastromal corneal ring segment relative to depth of insertion evaluated with anterior segment optical coherence tomography

To evaluate the effect of implantation depth of Intacs microthin prescription inserts [Addition Technology Inc, Fremont, California] on visual and topographic outcomes in patients with post- laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis [LASIK] ectasias. Retrospective, observational case series. In this case series, 16 eyes of 12 patients were evaluated. All cases were post-LASIK ectasia that had undergone intrastromal corneal ring segment [ICRS] implantation. The planned insertion depth was 70% of stromal thickness using a manual dissector. At least 12 months postoperatively, all eyes underwent Visante [Carl Zeiss Meditec] AS-OCT to determine insertion depth. Cases were categorized into 3 groups based on the measured implantation depth: 40-59% thickness; 60-79% thickness; and >/= 80% thickness. Visual, refractive and topographic outcomes were evaluated relative to implantation depth. The lowest improvement in the study parameters ocurred when the implantation depth was >/= 80%. In this group, uncorrected visual acuity [UCVA] and best spectacle corrected VA [BSCVA] improved less than 0.5 lines. Manifest refractive spherical equivalent [MRSE] and mean keratometry [Km] change was less than 0.5 diopters [D]. The greatest improvements were observed with implantation depth of 60-79% where UCVA and BSCVA increased by 4.5 and 2.5 lines respectively, and MRSE and Km changed by approximately 2.00 D. Less improvement was found when ICRS were implanted between 40-59% of stromal thickness. Implantation of ICRS greater than 80% of stromal thickness may have no effect on visual and topographic status

Analysis of familial aggregation in total, against-the-rule, with-the-rule, and oblique astigmatism by conditional and marginal models in the Tehran eye study

The purpose was to determine the familial aggregation of the total, against-the-rule [ATR], with-the-rule [WTR], and oblique astigmatism by conditional and marginal models in the Tehran Eye Study. Total, ATR, WTR, and oblique astigmatism were studied in 3806 participants older than 5 years from August 2002 to December 2002 in the Tehran Eye Study. Astigmatism was defined as a cylinder worse than or equal to -0.5 D. WTR astigmatism was defined as 0 +/- 19[degree sign], ATR astigmatism was defined as 90 +/- 19[degree sign], and oblique when the axes were 20-70[degree sign] and 110-160[degree sign]. The familial aggregation was investigated with a conditional model [quadratic exponential] and marginal model [alternating logistic regression] after controlling for confounders. Using the conditional model, the conditional familial aggregation odds ratios [OR] [95% confidence interval] for the total, WTR, ATRs, and oblique astigmatism were 1.49 [1.43-1.72], 1.91 [1.65-2.20], 2.00 [1.70-2.30], and 1.86 [1.37-2.54], respectively. In the marginal model, the marginal OR of the parent-offspring and sib-sib in the total astigmatism were 1.35 [1.13-1.63] and 1.54 [1.13-2.11], respectively; WTR 1.53 [1.06-2.20] and 1.94 [1.21-3.13] and; ATR 2.13 [1.01-4.50] and 2.23 [1.52-3.30]. The model was statistically significant in sib-sib relationship only for oblique astigmatism with OR of 3.00 [1.25-7.20]. The results indicate familial aggregation of astigmatism in the population in Tehran adjusted for age, gender, cataract, duration of education, and body mass index, so that the addition of a new family member affected with astigmatism, as well as having a sibling or parents with astigmatism, significantly increases the odds of exposure to the disease for all four phenotypes. This aggregation can be due to genetic and/or environmental factors. Dividing astigmatism into three phenotypes increased the odds ratios

Frequency domain electroretinography in retinitis pigmentosa versus normal eyes

Purpose: To compare electroretinogram [ERG] characteristics in patients with retinitis pigmentosa [RP] and normal subjects using frequency domain analysis

Methods: Five basic ERG recordings were performed in normal subjects and patients with a clinical diagnosis of RP according to the ISCEV [International Society of Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision] protocol. Frequency domain analysis was performed by MATLAB software. Different frequency domain parameters were compared between the study groups

Results: Peak frequency [Fmod] of flicker and oscillatory responses in RP patients showed significant [P<0.0001] high pass response as compared to normal controls. Peak frequency [Fmod] of the other responses was not significantly different between the two groups

Conclusion: In addition to conventional ERG using time domain methods, frequency domain analysis may be useful for diagnosis of RP. Oscillatory and flicker responses may be analyzed in frequency domain. Fast Fourier transform may reveal two distinct high pass responses [shift to higher frequencies] in Fmod. Time and frequency domain analyses may be performed simultaneously with many modern ERG machines and may therefore be recommended in RP patients

Celiac disease in patients with chronic psychiatric disorders

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of celiac disease in Iranian patients suffering from chronic depression or schizophrenia. Psychiatric disorders are common in untreated celiac disease. Two hundred Iranian inpatient men with in chronic phase of depressive disorders or schizophrenia, and 200 age-matched healthy male subjects were screened for celiac disease by anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA antibodies. The mean age of the study patients was 37 years. One [1%] schizophrenic and two [2%] depressive patients were positive for anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA antibodies; duodenal biopsy was not possible in these subjects. In the control group one [0.5%] individual was positive for anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA antibodies, but had normal duodenal histology. The difference between patients and controls was not statistically significant. The frequency of celiac disease serology in schizophrenic and depressive inpatients was not significantly higher than that in the general population. We would therefore not advocate systematic serologic screening in these patients, but alertness to celiac disease should be kept in mind

prevalence and determinants of pterygium and pinguecula in an urban population in Shahroud, Iran

While pterygium is considered a common eye disorder, the etiology and pathogenesis is still not known. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of pterygium and pinguecula in the over 40 population of Shahroud and assess associated factors. The present study is part of the phase one of the Shahroud Eye Cohort Study conducted in 2009, in which the target population was people between 40 and 64 years of age. Ophthalmic examinations were performed by two ophthalmologists who made the diagnosis of pterygium and pinguecula. We used Chi-square tests, analysis of variance, and multiple logistic regression tests to examine associations. Of the 6311 invitees, 5190 people participated in the study [response rate: 82.2%]. The prevalence of pterygium in at least one eye was 9.4% [95% CI, 8.6-10.3], while 2.9% [95%CI, 2.4-3.3] had bilateral pterygium. The prevalence was significantly higher in men [11.4% vs. 8.0%], and remained relatively constant with age, while the prevalence in women significantly increased with age. The prevalence of pinguecula was 61.0% [95%CI, 59.1-62.9] in at least one eye, and 49.0% [95%CI, 47.1-50.9] in both eyes. The age difference between those with and without pinguecula was significant and the prevalence was significantly higher among men than women [70.6% vs. 53.8%]. The prevalence of pterygium in our study was lower than reported rates in the world but higher than Tehran and was significantly associated with age, gender, working outdoors, and the level of education. The prevalence of unilateral and bilateral pinguecula falls in the mid range and was significantly associated with age, male gender, smoking, working outdoors, and level of education

Six year trend in cataract surgical techniques in Iran

To determine the cataract surgery techniques performed in Iran from 2000 to 2005. Materials and Methods- This study was part of the Iranian Cataract Surgery Survey [ICSS] which was a retrospective cross-sectional study. All major ocular surgery units and 10% of randomly selected minor units throughout Iran were included. Excluding the 2 week Iranian New Year holiday, 1 week per season between 2000 and 2005 [a total of 24 weeks] was selected for each center, and data on all cataract surgeries performed during these weeks were collected by reviewing patient records. The ANOVA repeated measure test was performed to determine longitudinal changes with a P<0.05 denoting statistical significance. Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens [IOL] implantation has become the surgical method of choice in Iran, increasing from less than 7% in 2000 to 57% in 2005 [P<0.000l]. Extracapsular cataract extraction showed a reverse trend compared to phacoemulsification, decreasing from greater than 91% in 2000 to 41% in 2005 [P<0.000l]. Intracapsular cataract extraction and lensectomy were rarely performed without significant changes over time [P>0.05] Phacoemulsification with IOL implantation has become the preferred cataract surgery method in Iran during recent years

association between refractive errors and cataract: the Tehran eye study

To determine the association between refractive errors and different types of cataract in Tehran, Iran. In a cross-sectional survey with a stratified cluster sampling approach, refractive errors were tested under cycloplegia. Myopia and hyperopia were defined as a spherical equivalent refractive error <-0.5 diopters [D] and more than +0.5 D, respectively. Cataract was graded according to the Lens Opacities Classification System III classification and the association between refractive errors and cataract was assessed. Of 1434 participants over the age of 40 years who participated in the study, data from 1313 right eyes were analyzed. The mean age of the participants was 52.7 +/- 10.0 years, and 58.3% [n = 767] were female. Overall, myopia was more prevalent among those with cataract [odds ratio [OR]: 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38-2.89]. Based on the type of cataract and refractive errors, the odds of myopia was significantly higher with nuclear cataracts [OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.14-2.87]. The odds of myopia was higher for cases of nuclear cataract with some degrees of posterior subcapsular cataract [PSC] [OR: 3.33, 95% CL 1.42-7.80]. Of nine participants with cortical cataract, seven participants had hyperopia [OR: 3.77, 95% CI: 0.78-18.31]. Individuals with nuclear and PSC showed a significantly higher prevalence of myopia while the prevalence of hyperopia was lower in those with cataract. High myopia was seen in higher grades of nuclear cataract. The high percentage of hyperopia was also significant in patients with cortical cataract. More studies are necessary to clarify the correlation between cortical cataract and hyperopia