Investigating the altitude effect on the quantity and quality of the essential oil in Tanacetum polycephalum Sch.-Bip. polycephalum in the Baladeh region of Nour, Iran / 中国天然药物

Medicinal plant are grown and produced in different ecosystems and sites under the influence of different potential factors, including the altitude as one of the vital determinants in the quantity and quality of the plants. One of the species that grows in the highlands is Tanacetum polycephalum, an aromatic perennial of the Asteraceae. This species is characterized to be antiseptic, analgesic, anesthetic, disinfective, expectorant, anti-cancer, anti-allergic, and conducive to low blood pressure. The purpose of this study is to investigate the essential compositions in the aerial parts of T. polycephalum at the time of flowering, and in three different altitudes of the Baladeh region of Nour. Thus, the essential oil was extracted from the aerial parts in the flowering stage of the plant at three altitudes of 1 600, 2 400 and 3 200 m using a water distillation method, and the essential oil compositions were identified using GC and GC/MS instruments. One-way ANOVA method was conducted to analyze the obtained data using SPSS, and a Duncan test was administered to compare the means. The results indicated that the essential output obtained from the altitudes of 1 600, 2 400 and 3 200 m was (0.74 ± 0.01)%, (1.09 ± 0.02)%, and (1.32 ± 1.2)%, respectively, so that the altitude of 3 200 m revealed the greatest quantity, and the altitude of 1 600 m represented the smallest quantity. Moreover, the essential oil compositions showed the highest percentage in the altitude of 3 200 m and the lowest percentage at the altitude of 1 600 m. The results showed that as the altitude increases, the essential oil compositions revealed the greater quantity and percentage in the aerial parts of T. polycephalum.

5-HT[1A] receptor activation improves anti-cataleptic effects of levodopa in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats

In Parkinson_s disease [PD] prolong use of L-DOPA causes some motor disorders such as wearing-off and L-DOPA induced dyskinesia [LID]. In this investigation the effect of 8-OHDAPT, as a 5-HT[1A] agonist on anti-cataleptic effect of L-DOPA in 6-hydroxydopamine [6-OHDA] lesioned male Wistar rats was investigated. Catalepsy was induced by unilateral injection of 6-OHDA [8 micro g/2 micro l/rat] into the central region of the SNc. After 3 weeks as a recovery period, animals received intraperitoneally [i.p.] L-DOPA [15 mg/kg] twice daily for 20 days, and anti-cataleptic effect of L-DOPA was assessed by bar-test at days of 5, 10, 15 and 20. The results showed that L-DOPA had anti-cataleptic effect only until the day of 15, and its effect was decreased on the day of 20. On the day of 21, rats were co-injected with three different doses of 8-OHDAPT [0.1, 0.5 and 2.5 mg/kg, i.p.] and L-DOPA [15 mg/kg, ip]. 8-Hydroxy-2-[di-n-propylamino] tetralin [8-OHDAPT] improved anti-cataleptic effect of L-DOPA at the dose of 0.5 mg/kg. Moreover the effect of 8-OHDAPT on anti-cataleptic effect of L-DOPA [15 mg/kg, ip] was abolished by 1-[2-methyoxyphenyl]-4-[4-[2-phthalamido] butyl] piperazine hydrobromide [NAN-190; 0.5 mg/kg, i.p.] as a 5-HT[1A] receptor antagonist. According to the obtained results, it may be concluded that activation of 5-HT[1A] receptors by 8-OHDAPT may improve anti-cataleptic effect of L-DOPA in a 6-OHDA- induced rat model of PD. Further studies are required to clarify the exact mechanism of interaction between 5-HT[1A] and dopaminergic neurons

[Effect of parents' shift work on strengths and behavioral problems of their children, aged 7-12 years old, among shift workers of private and university hospitals in Tehran city]

Shift work and rotational shift schedule interrupt interaction of the parents with their children. As shift workers [nurses, midwives, enrolled nurses, nurse aid and operating rooms' technicians] are obliged to have shift words, the present study designed to assess the effects of their shift word on strengths and behavioral problems of their children, aged 7-12 years among shift workers of private and university hospitals in Tehran city. Using a cross sectional study design, 489 shift workers drawn from private and university hospitals in Tehran city were selected along with their children's teachers. Data were collected using Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire [SDQ], specific to parents and teachers including scales of emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, peer relationship problems and prosocial behaviors. All statistics were computed by the SPSS software using chi-square, logistic regression [stepwise method], and spearman and ANOVA tests. No significant relationships were found between parents' shift with strengths and difficulties problems of their children based on their self-reported questionnaire. It was revealed that some of demographic factors have significant correlations with the scales such as number of children and their gender with conduct problems, parents educational level, gender, their shift work schedule, history of physical/psychiatric diseases of children with emotional symptoms and parents' educational degree with hyperactivity/inattention, parents' gender. History of morning-evening and evening-night and rotational shifts with peer relationship problems and finally parents' gender and history of rotational shifts with prosocial behaviors. The study didn't demonstrate impact of shift work on behavioral problems of shift workers' children. However, behavioral and emotional problems of the children were correlated with some of their parents' demographic and job related factors which calls for considering it among shift workers of nursing profession

Farsi version of the strength and difficulties questionnaire self-report form: the normative data and scale properties

This study was performed to evaluate the normative data and psychometric properties and the internal consistency of the Farsi [Persian] version of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire [SDQ] self-report form, as a screening tool in a community-based sample of 12 to 17 year-old adolescents of urban Tehran. In this investigation, 1105 adolescents [12 to 17 years old], selected from 250 clusters from all the 22 municipality areas of Tehran, responded to 25 questions of the Farsi version SDQ self-report form. The frequency of each symptom domains according to Goodman's cutoff points and 90th percentile and the mean score in each subscale were determined. The 90th percentile cutoff points were somewhat different from those of the previous reports. Using Goodman's cutoff points, the prevalence of symptom domains was relatively high. For example, 13.7 percent of the adolescents studied had total scores equal to 20 or more. There were significant correlations between different subscales and their constituting questions. Self-report form of SDQ is a valuable tool in the screening of adolescent psychopathologies. Frequency of majority of the symptom domains seems to be higher in the adolescents in Tehran urban areas

[Primary lung abscess: unusual situation in child a case report and review of literature]

Lung abscess is a localized area of non tuberculosis suppurative necrosis of the parenchyma of lung, resulting in formation of cavity containing purulent materiel. It is uncommun in child. A 3 years boy was admitted with prolonged fever and dyspnea. Chest X ray showed a thick walled hydric cavitation opacity containing an air-fluid level. Chest ultrasound examination showed collection of 6,8 cm of diameter in the right pulmonary field with an air-fluid level. Hemoculture showed Staphylococcus aureus. Patient presented septic shock and surgical drainage was indicated. Histological examination confirmed diagnosis of lung abscess. Any inderlying condition was noted and diagnosis of primary abscess was made. Patient demonstrated complete recovery. He's asymptoamtic with normal chest X ray and pulmonary function after 3 years of evolution. Lung abscess represent a rare cause of prolonged fever in child. An underlying condition must be excluded to eliminate secondary abscess. Long term follow up of pulmonary function is capital

effect of supportive and cognitive- behavioral group therapy on bam earthquake survivors with post- traumatic stress disorder

Psychological debriefing is a way for prevention and reduction of post- traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] symptoms. Many studies have shown the efficacy of cognitive- behavioral therapy in treatment of post- traumatic stress disorder. Only some evidence is available about using these techniques in large scale disasters. This study was done to evaluate the efficacy of psychological debriefing and cognitive- behavioral group therapy combination on Bam earthquake related PTSD symptoms. In a before-after trial, we evaluated the effect of single session psychological debriefing and three sessions of group cognitive-behavioral therapy on PTSD symptoms of Bam earthquake survivors. Individuals with severe PTSD or other psychiatric disorders needing pharmacological interventions were excluded. Before, immediately and 3 months after interventions, we evaluated PTSD symptoms by clinically- administered PTSD scale for DSM-IV and analyzed them. 95 persons were included in the study; 11 and 25 people were excluded during the first month of interventions and the 3 month follow- up period, respectively, because of migration. The frequency of PTSD symptoms and the frequency, intensity and severity of avoidance symptoms reduced during 3 month period of study which was statistically significant [p<0.05]. No effect was obsereved regarding the frequency, intensity and severity of hyper- arousal, re-experience and the intensity and severity of total PTSD symptoms. Psychological debriefing and group cognitive- behavioral therapy may be effective on avoidance and the frequency of total PTSD symptoms

[Supportive and cognitive behavioral group interventions on Bam earthquake related PTSD symptoms in adolescents]

Psychological debriefing has been widely advocated for routine use following major traumatic events. Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, art supportive therapies, and sport and recreational support activities are other interventions for reducing posttraumatic stress disorder. We assessed the effects of theses methods individually and in combination on reduction posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in adolescents who had experienced Bam earthquake. In a field trial, we evaluated the efficacy of psychological debriefing, group cognitive-behavioral therapy, art and sport supportive interventions in 200 adolescents with PTSD symptoms who survived of Bam earthquake and compare it with a control group. Patients were randomly assigned to one of intervention programs including: group cognitive-behavioral therapy; group CBT plus art and sport interventions; art and sport interventions without group CBT; and control group. Thirty one individuals were excluded because of migration. A statistically significant reduction in overall PTSD symptoms as well as in avoidance symptoms was observed after group cognitive-behavioral therapy. There was no significant difference in reduction of overall PTSD and avoidance symptoms between the other groups. Psychological interventions in form of group cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce the symptoms of PTSD symptoms but we couldn't find the art and sport supportive therapy alone or in combination with group CBT to be useful in this regard

[ effect of psychosocial supportive interventions on PTSD symptoms after Bam earthquake]

Many studies have shown the efficacy of cognitive' behavioral therapy and psychological debriefing in treatment of post traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] and a few evidences are available for using these techniques in large scale disasters. This study aimed to asses the effect of some psychological interventions in reducing PTSD symptoms after Bam earthquake in different age groups. In a before-after quasi experimental clinical trial, we compared the efficacy of one session of psychological debriefing and three sessions of group cognitive-behavioral therapy in bam earthquake PTSD symptoms in different age groups. We evaluated PTSD symptoms before and immediately and three months after interventions by CASP scaling system and analyzed data. one hundred and thirty persons entered in the study and 51 persons excluded during interventions because of migration. Interventions were showed to be effective only in short term period. The means of PTSD symptoms frequency and severity of avoidance symptoms were reduced during three months period of study which were statistically significant P<0.05. Interventions showed no efficacy for recall symptoms in long term and hyper arousal symptoms in short term and long term periods. There was no statistically significant difference among age groups. Psychosocial supportive interventions may be effective on some of the PTSD symptoms but there is no difference in different age groups

Trauma/Grief Group play therapy effect on Bam earthquake related emotional and behavioral symptoms in preschool children: a before after trial

Depressive, anxious, aggressive and regressive behaviors are the most common psychiatric symptoms following natural disasters in children. Art, play and behavioral techniques are used for reducing these traumatic symptoms. We studied the effect of 12 sessions of group play therapy in children 3 to 6 years old who had been exposed to the Bam earthquake directly. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of 12 sessions of group play therapy with cognitive-behavioral approach for the preschool aged children who had been exposed to the Bam earthquake directly and had lost at least one of their first degree family members. Mental retarded children and those with psychiatric or severe medical problems that needed medications were excluded. Before and after interventions we evaluated post traumatic, emotional and anxiety symptoms by using Yule's PTSD scale and behavioral symptoms by Rutter's questionnaire. Then we compared before and after interventions scores. At first 19 children were included in the study, 13 of them completed at least two thirds of the interventional sessions. We excluded six children who participated in fewer sessions. The mean scores of Yule's PTSD scale and Rutter's questionaire reduced during interventions which was statistically significant. Trauma/grief focused group play therapy may be effective in reducing post traumatic symptoms of natural disasters in preschool aged children