Effects of different carriers for adsorption of [125]I on brachytherapy sources

One of the key techniques for the preparation of 125I seeds is adsorption of 125I onto silver bits coated by palladium [pd]. Carriers played an important role in the adsorption of 125I on palladium. KI is used as a carrier for fixing of 125I onto silver wire bits coated with palladium. Three procedures KI, KOH, NH4OH were investigated for adsorption of 125I activity by different carriers. Adsorptions percentage of [125]I on treated silver beads showed about 85% by using KI as a carrier, the KOH showed 74% and 65% for NH[4]OH. The results indicated that, the use of KI as a carrier was suitable for adsorption of 125I on treated silver seeds with Pd than KOH and NH[4]OH

[ radiographic assessment of the prevalence of pulp stones in patients referred to rafsanjan faculty of dentistry in 2008]

Pulp stone [PS] is foci of calcification within the dental pulp whose etiology remains yet unknown. The prevalence of PS has been reported to very variable in other studies. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of PS in city of Rafsanjan. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out by periapical or bite-wing radiographs in 800 patients having referred to the department of oral and maxillofacial radiology of Rafsanjan dentistry school. Opaque masses were considered as PS in the coronal portion of the pulp. The data were analyzed by t-test and Chi-square statistical procedures. The prevalence of PS was calculated to be 20% in 800 patients [21.7% men, 18.9% Women]. There was no significant relationship between PS and gender. As age increased, the prevalence of PS increased [p<0.0001]. There was a significant difference between the mean age of the patients with PS [31.7 +/- 9.62 years] comparable to patients without PS [28 +/- 8.75 years] [p<0.0001]. The prevalence of PS was higher in first molar teeth. With regard to the results of this study, the prevalence of PS is rather high and increases with age. The high prevalence of PS and the probable common mechanism between PS and other diseases can be basis of designing more studies

[Evaluation of the influence of intravenous carnitine on hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in end stage chronic renal failure patients under hemodialysis]

Anemia is present in 60-80% of hemodialysis patients. Recombinant erythropoietin is the treatment of choice for anemia in these patients, but it is expensive. Many researchers have shown the effect of carnitine on anemia. Therefore, this work was designed to evaluate the influence of intravenous carnitine on hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in chronic renal disease patients who were under hemodialysis. This study was accomplished on 29 patients who were under hemodilysis for at least one year and did not have other reasons for their anemia. Using balance block randomization method the patients divided in to two groups: placebo group [n=15] and case group [n=14]. After each dialysis session [3 times a week for 3 months] the case group was injected 1 gr intravenous carnitine while the placebo group received 1 gr distilled water. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding sex and age. The average amount of hemoglobin and hematocrit was equal in two groups before the intervention. But, finally after the intervention the amount of hemoglobin and hematocrit significantly increased in the case group [P=0.001 and P=0.003 respectively]. Findings of this study revealed that carnitine increases the amount of hemoglobin and hematocrit in hemodialysis patients and improves their anemia. However, further studies with more patients are recommended

Frequency of and barriers to utilization of mental health services in an Iranian population

This study in 2005 compared the need for mental health services, actual use of services and barriers to use by 3 groups in Shiraz city in the Islamic Republic of Iran: a sample of the general population, parents of children with mental illness and primary-school teachers. Among the general population, 76.0% reported that they had wanted help in the previous 6 months and, of these, 50.0% actually sought it. The rates for parents of children with mental problems were 81.3% and 55.4% and for teachers were 60.0% and 35.0% respectively. The most common barriers to service use were logistic, especially the cost of and inconvenient access to services. Barriers related to perceptions of mental health services were also important, such as lack of trust and perceptions of friends/family

[ effects of low doses of diagnostic x-rays on cellular and humoral immunological responses in balb/c mice]

The immunosuppressive effects of high doses of ionizing radiation have long been known. Recently, in human and experimental animal models it has been reported that low dose radiation may have immunostimulatory effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low doses of diagnostic X-ray on cell mediated and humoral immune responses in a Balb/c animal model. In this experimental study, three groups of male Balb/c mice were exposed once, twice and three times to 30 mGy X-ray radiation. Two to 4hrs after the irradiation, the delayed type hypersensitivity [DTH] and humoral responses to sheep red blood cell [SRBC] were measured and compared to the responses of sham and control groups. The mean titer of anti-SRBC antibodies in two-times irradiated [74.66 +/- 26.12] and three-times irradiated [128 +/- 70.1] groups were significantly higher than those of the control [26.66 +/- 8.26] and sham [28.8 +/- 20.86] groups [p<0.001]. However, no significant differences were observed between the mean titer of anti-SRBC antibodies in one-time irradiated [22.4 +/- 8.76] and either control or sham groups. Similarly, comparing DTH responses showed that the differences between either two-times irradiated [12.2 +/- 3.9] or three times-irradiated [6.9 +/- 3.7] and control [4 +/- 0.2] or sham [4.3 +/- 3] groups was statistically significant [p<0.001]. Theses results showed that twice and three-times irradiated mice demonstrated significant stimulatory effects on both DTH and antibody responses. However, one-time irradiated animals did not exhibit any bio-positive effect on DTH and humoral responses. Moreover, no statistically significant difference was observed between the DTH and antibody responses of two-times and three-times irradiated mice

Evaluation of bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates collected at Tehran regional blood center

In spite of major advances in the field of quality assurance in the process of collection, preparation and storage of platelets, bacterial infection following platelet transfusion remains a major problem in transfusion medicine. The present study was carried out in order to evaluate bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates collected at Tehran Regional Educational Blood Transfusion Center. Bacterial growth of samples of platelet concentrates was studied in blood agar, EMB and thioglycollate broth after 48 hours at 37°C. The use of differentiation tests was made when any bacterial growth was observed. Simultaneously, the samples were also cultured in thioglycollate broth and studied for any turbidity or color change within 7 days. Any changes made the samples to be cultured in blood agar and EMB. Finally, the contamination rate and the ratio of contaminating bacteria were determined. Out of 7700 samples, three fourth [5775 samples] were taken from the cord and one fourth [1925] from both the bag and the cord. Out of 7700 samples of platelet concentrates studied, 14 [0. 18%] were found positive for bacterial contamination. The contamination rate was estimated to be one in every 550 tested platelets [0. 18%]. Since in cases of blood bag contamination, the cord had been contaminated as well, there was then no difference on whether the sample was taken from the bag or cord. The bacteria identified were as follows: Staph. epidermidis [n=4], Staph. saprophyticus [n=2], Acinetobacter [n=5], Bacillus sp. [n=3]. The results show that screening platelet concentrates for bacterial contamination is necessary for blood transfusion centers and hospital blood banks

[ bio-positive effects of burned radioactive lantern mantle powder on the wound healing in rat]

Poor educated people in some parts of Iran use burned mantles as a wound healing powder to prevent the bleeding and infections caused by injuries. Some lantern mantles contain low levels of radioactive thorium for maximizing the light output, while non-radioactive mantles contain yttrium. Although radioactive lantern mantles may cause a minimal radiation health hazard, it is generally believed that it would be dangerous when inhaled or ingested. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of burned radioactive lantern mantles on wound healing. Twenty rats were divided randomly into two groups of 10 animals each. After inducing general anesthesia, full thickness excision wound [314 +/- 31.4 mm[2]] was made on the dorsal neck in all animals. The 1st group received topical burned radioactive lantern mantle powder at 1st-3rd day after wound excision. The presence of radioactivity in the mantle was detected using a Monitor-4 survey meter. The 2nd group received non-radioactive lantern mantle powder at the same days. Accurate blind surface measurement of the wounds was performed by transparency tracing to assess the wound healing at 1st, 3rd, 7th, 10th and 15th days after excision. A progressive reduction in the wound area of both groups was observed. However, for thorium treated group, the rate of recovery was significantly enhanced compared to that of the control group. Although this value in the thorium group was not significantly different from that of the control group at the 3rd and 5th days after wounding, a statistically significant difference was observed between these two groups at the day7, day10 and day 15. The mean wound surface in thorium and control groups were 150.20 +/- 15.87 and 186.37 +/- 12.68 mm[2] at day7 [p<0.001], 92.90 +/- 15.97 and 134.12 +/- 14.19 mm[2] at day 10 [p<0.001], 1.40 +/- 0.41 and 8.56 +/- 2.04 mm[2] at day15 after wounding, respectively [p<0.01]. These findings suggest that low-level radioactive burned mantle accelerates wound healing in rats. However, as thorium oxide is a known human carcinogen, more research is needed to clarify if low levels of radioactive burned mantle can be utilized for enhancing wound healing

Indications for brain CT scan in patients with minor head injury

Minor head injury is the most common type of head injury. Despite its high prevalence and a lot of studies, there is much controversies about the management of these patients. We performed this study to find indications for brain CT scan according to clinical signs and symptoms. We did this prospective cohort study in two university hospitals [Alzahra and Kashani] for one year enrolling 682 consecutive patients with minor head injury [GCS = 15] and recording all clinical signs and symptoms to find which could be used as predictors for brain injuries. X[2] and logistic regression with 95% confidence interval were used for analysis. Of 682 patients, 46 [6.7%] had brain injuries in CT scan. All patients with abnormal CT scans had at least one of the following risk factors: post traumatic amnesia, post traumatic unconsciousness, post traumatic seizure, headache, confusion, vomiting, focal neurological deficit, skull fracture, coagulopathy or history of taking anticoagulants and age more then 60 years. We didn't find any abnormality in brain CT scan of patients who did not have any of these factors on admission. Confusion, Vomiting, skull fracture and age > 60 years had significant correlation with brain injuries. We also found those patients who had more than one risk factor had more abnormalities in CT scan. Not all patients with minor head injury need brain CT scan. Clinical factors can be used as indications for brain CT scan in these patients

[Congenital intestinal malrotation as the serious cause of neonatal intestinal obstruction]

Congenital intestinal malrotation as an abnormal embryonic intestinal rotation and fixation leads to various clinical presentations of high complete or incomplete intestinal obstruction, especially midgut volvulus and extensive intestinal loss that may cause short bowel syndrome or death of the patient. we conducted this study to assay clinical presentations, surgical findings, mode of management and outcome of neonates with intestinal malrotation. We studied retrospectively data of 25 neonates with intestinal malrotation in 3 hospitals of the Tehran University of Medical Sciences [1985-2003]. Patients consisted of 17 males and 8 females. 5 [24%] patients had extensive intestinal gangrene that resulted in short bowel syndrome in 2 patients. 7 [20%] patients died, 5 of them due to intestinal volvolus and 2 other due to associated anomalies and sepsis. Most common clinical signs and symptoms were vomitus [96%], bilious vomiting [80%], constipation [24%],], coliky abdominal pain [23%]. Abdominal distention was observed only in patients with volvolus [38%]. Obstipation [31%] and rectorragia were seen only in patients with volvolus and intestinal gangrene. 28% of neonates had associated anomalies. Malrotion was suggested by abdominal X-ray in 3 out of 12 [25%], barium enema in 9 out of 11 [81.8%], and gastrointestinal follow through in 3 out of 4 [75%] examinations. 3 patients were surgically managed according to only one abdominal X-ray. Ladd procedure was performed in all patients and other necessary corrective operations for associated anomalies included intestinal resection with anastomisis in 5 and intestinal resection with entrostomy in 2 cases. To prevent extensive intestinal loss due to intestinal volvolus in neonates with abrupt bilious vomiting, malrotation must be excluded, and if a volvulus is suspected, emergency laparotomy should be undertaken

[Serum Lipid levels in children of parents with premature coronary artery disease]

The lipid factor is currently considered o be the main agent responsible for cardiovascular risk in young individuals. Several epidemiological studies have shown that atherosclerosis begins in childhood. Therefore consensus was obtained that the earlier the control begins, the better results are achieved. There are many controversies around early identification of hyperlipidemia in children. The aim of this cross-sectional study was the evaluation of serum Lipid levels in children of parents with premature coronary artery disease [CAD]. For this purpose, 76 children between 2-10 years old [38 children belonged to parents with premature CAD and 38 age and sex-matched controls belonged to healthy parents] were studied. The height, weight and body mass index were similar in both groups. Serum cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL[C] and LDL[C] levels after 10 hours fasting were measured twice at 1-week interval. Data were analyzed with EPI 6 and [P<0.05] was considered as significant. Mean cholesterol and LDL[C] were respectively 167 +/- 20 and 135 +/- 30 mg/dl in the case group and 101+20 and 121+20 mg/dl in the control group that shows statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. There were no differences between the 2 groups in triglyceride and HDL[C] levels and only 6 children in the case group had LDL[C] level greater than 160 mg/dl, while there was no case with LDL[C] level of greater than 160 mg/dl in the control group. According to the results total cholesterol and LDL[C] levels were higher in children of parents with premature CAD, and this necessitates the evaluation of serum lipid levels in children of parents with premature CAD

[ survey of etiology of intestinal obstruction in a pediatric surgery center in Tehran]

Intestinal obstruction is a common cause of abdominal surgery in pediatric age group. A delay in diagnosis and treatment of this disease can lead to serious complications. This study has been conducted to evaluate different causes of intestinal obstruction. 231 children were operated on intestinal obstruction. Prior to surgery all patients underwent a labarotory examination consisting of CBC, abdominal X'ray and, if necessary, gastrointestinal [GI] study with contrast media or CT-Scan and sonography. Final diagnosis was reached by surgical findings. 231 children were operated due to intestinal obstruction. Among these, 128 cases, [55.4%] were male and 103 cases [44.6%] were female. The causes of intestinal obstruction were: Incarcerated hernia in 41 cases [17.7%], GI atresia in 38 cases [16.4%], malrotation in 32 cases [13.8%], anorectal malformation in 29 cases [12.5%] and benign or malignant masses inside or outside GI tract in 28 cases [12.1%]. The most common causes of intestinal obstruction were: incarcerated hernia, GI atresia and malrotation

[Serum lipid levels in children of parents with premature coronary artery disease]

The lipid factor is currently considered to be the main agent responsible for cardiovascular risk in young individuals. Several epidemiological studies have shown that atherosclerosis begins in childhood. Therefore consensus was obtained that the earlier the control begins,the better results are achieved. There are many controversies around early identification of hyperlipidemia in children. The aim of this cross-sectional study was the evaluation of serum lipid levels in children of parents with premature coronary artery disease [CAD]. For this purpose, 76 children between 2-10 years old [38 children belonged to parents with premature CAD and 38 age and sex-matched controls belonged to healthy parents] were studied. The height, weight and body mass index were similar in both groups. Serum cholesterol,triglyceride, HDLc and LDLc levels after 10 hours fasting were measured twice at one-week interval. Data were analysed with Epi 6 and p < 0.05 was considered as significant. Mean cholestrol and LDLc were respectively 167 +/- 20 and 135 +/- 30 mg/dl in the case group and 101+20 and121+20 mg/dl in the control group that shows statistically significant difference between the two groups. There were no differences between the two groups in triglyceride and HDLc levels and only six children in the case group had LDLc level greater than 160 mg/dl,while there was no case with LDLc level of greater than 160mg/dl in the control group. According to the results total cholestol and LDLc levels were higher in children of parents with premature CAD, and this necessitates the evaluation of serum lipid levels in children of parents with premature CAD

effect of aspirin on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors-induced cough: a double blind clinical trial

Dry cough is the most common adverse effect and limiting factor of all angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitors [ACEIs]. Prostaglandins have been pinpointed as playing an important role in the genesis of this problem. This double blind clinical trial desinged to study the efficacy of 500 milligram [mg] of aspirin comparing with placebo in controlling Enalapril-induced cough. The subjects were 32 patients who had developed Enalapril-induced cough.They were randomized into two groups: a group of daily dose of aspirin, 500 mg and a group of placebo for a treatment period of 4 weeks. Mean of cough severity was compared between two groups before treatment and weekly, until 4 weeks. Mean of cough severity in aspirin and placebo groups before and at the end of first week of treatment did not show any significant difference. After the second, third, and fourth weeks, cough severity scores were significantly reduced in aspirin group [p<0.001]. 500mg aspirin, once daily, can suppress or abolish Enalapril-induced cough and this finding proposes alternative therapeutic approach for ACEIs-induced related cough. Dry cough is the most common adverse effect and limiting factor of all angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitors [ACEIs]. Prostaglandins have been pinpointed as playing an important role in the genesis of this problem. This double blind clinical trial desinged to study the efficacy of 500 milligram [mg] of aspirin comparing with placebo in controlling Enalapril-induced cough. The subjects were 32 patients who had developed Enalapril-induced cough.They were randomized into two groups: a group of daily dose of aspirin, 500 mg and a group of placebo for a treatment period of 4 weeks. Mean of cough severity was compared between two groups before treatment and weekly, until 4 weeks. Mean of cough severity in aspirin and placebo groups before and at the end of first week of treatment did not show any significant difference. After the second, third, and fourth weeks, cough severity scores were significantly reduced in aspirin group [p<0.001]. 500mg aspirin, once daily, can suppress or abolish Enalapril-induced cough and this finding proposes alternative therapeutic approach for ACEIs-induced related cough

unusual case of hydatid cyst

Hydatidosis is a parasitic disease in all over the world which is caused by a Cestode [tape worm]. Liver, lung, and brain are the most Common involved organs and involvement of muscles and bones is unusual. We report a 32 years old man who had low back and radicular leg pain. He had a paravertebral mass with involvement of Spinal column. This patient was operated with differential diagnosis of tumor or hydatid cyst. The final diagnosis was hydatidosis of paravertebral muscles and vertebral column

Depression in nursing students of Shiraz University of medical sciences

Background: university students are important parts of all educational systems. They are susceptible to different psychiatric disturbances, which in turn may cause considerable problems with their course programs. Depression is among the most important indices for investigation on human mental health status. This research was planed to study the prevalence and characteristics of depression and its consequences [suicidality, hopelessness, etc.] in nursing students at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Methods: all undergraduate nursing students at Fatemeh College of Nursing and Midwifery were tested with Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]

Results: this research revealed that 60% of students were depressed, 34% of them had mild depression, 18.4% moderate, 6% relatively severe and 1.6% severe depression. Mean score of BDI was not significantly different between female and male subjects [13.8 +/- 9 in females vs. 15.2 +/- 10 in males; total 14.1 +/- 11]

Conclusions: This research shows that there is still a high proportion of University students having depression, which necessitates considerable attention to their problems

Iranian blood transfusion, donor safety program: Effect of long-term plasmapheresis on plasma proteins

Plasmapheresis is a well-recognised method for harvesting plasma. It was introduced in the 1950s and is currently employed worldwide. This method has been in use in Iran since 1979. To evaluate the efficacy of donor safety program used at the Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization. A comparison is made of the protein concentrations between the first-time and long-term plasmapheresis donors, using protein gel electrophoresis. The effect of vaccination for collection of hyper-immune plasma was also studied. Results/Our data comprising a 10-year evaluation of the current programmes, demonstrates no significant difference between the groups studied. This indicates safety of the plasmapheresis procedures in plasma procurement