Phytochemical and wound healing effects of methanolic extract of salvia multicaulis vahl. in rat

Background: Plants and their phytochemicals have immense potential for the management of different types of wound. Salvia multicaulis Vahl. is an evergreen shrub species, which traditionally used as a wound healing agent

Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate phytochemicals and wound healing activity of S. multicaulis in an excision wound model

Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening tests were performed on the methanol [80%] extract. Total phenolic content was measured using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed by [DPPH] free radical scavenging test. 2x2 excision wounds were induced in the dorsal area of 30 Wistar rats. Animals were received topical eucerine, 1% phenytoin as well as 5%, 10% and 20% ointments of the plant extract in eucerine base. Wound areas were photographed and wound contraction was calculated as the reduction percentage of wound size compared with zero days. Last day skin samples of wounded area were used for histological evaluations

Results: Collagen deposition for positive control group and A20% were low fibrils and A10% high fibrils and A5% highest fibrils. Total phenolic content was 262.083 +/- 47.15 mg GAE/g extract. IC50 was 54.02 micro g/mL. All concentrations of the extract ointments were significantly effective in the animal model of excision wound [P<0.05] which was also confirmed in histological study

Conclusion: It is concluded that S. multicaulis extract could act as a wound healing agent. This activity is possibly due the high concentrations of phenolic compounds

review of the medicinal plants from the tragopogon Spp.

Tragopogon is a genus of Asteraceae family and Lactuceae tribe. Distribution of this genus in different areas resulted to its dietary and feed applications as well as medicinal uses. Different parts of these plants have been used in treatment of stomachache and digestive disorders

In Iranian traditional medicine they used as hemostatic and wound healing agent in nose, ears, lungs, throat, intestine, stomach, and skin bleeding. Reduction of lipid peroxidation and blood lipid level, antioxidant, antileukemic, and antibacterial effects, and healing effect on inflammatory bowel disease are some of evaluated pharmacologic effects of the plants in this genus. Flavonoids, terpenes, saponins, bibenzyl and hydroisocoumarins, phenolic compounds, and strolls are some of detected phytochemicals of these plants that majority of them have been identified through the chemotaxonomic studies. Some tragopogon plants with high antioxidant effect are able to protect the tissues from the inflammatory disorders and inhibit DNA damage in the determined concentrations

[ survey on the effect of formulating and implementating medical records policies and procedures on the score of policies of accreditation standards for medical records: 2013]

Introduction: One of the important requirements of an accreditation center is the provision of documents and policies in different departments of an organization including medical records departments. The present study was aimed at investigating the impact of formulating and implementing the policies and procedures of medical records on the scores of accreditation policies of medical record departments in the hospitals affiliated to Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in 2013

Methods: The present study was performed on the basis of an interventional method in 2013. All hospitals in Shahrekord province were included. Following the intervention of the formulation and implementation of policy on accreditation of medical records, re-rating policy on accreditation of medical records was measured. The instrument for data collection was a standard checklist and the data were analyzed by SPSS18 using statistical parameters of descriptive and analytical statistics

Results: According to the results of the study, the score for policies of medical records showed a significant difference before and after the intervention indication an increase in scores of policies of medical records accreditation after the intervention [p<0/01]

Conclusion: Given the fact that the performance of medical record departments in the policies regarding audit checklist of all parts of the medical records such as discharging, monitoring and completing medical records within 14 days after discharge, ending the incomplete medical records and making conformity between outpatient and inpatient records after the intervention was very poor and poor, the authorities of medical record departments of hospitals should attempt to develop and practice policies which could be put into practice

[Anti ulcerogenic activity of bunium percicum boiss. essential oil in induced ulcer models in wistar rats]

Bunium percicum is often used in Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders particularly gastric ulcer.This study was done to evaluate the antiulcerogenic effect of Bunium percicum Boiss.essential oil against indomethacin and ethanol - induced ulcer models in Wistar rats. This experimental study was carried out on rats weighing 200-220 g in veterinary college of Urmia University, Iran. LD[50] was calculated based on Lorke's method. To evaluate the short term oral toxicity, animals were allocated into four group of six each. In groups 1-3 animals were received orally 250, 125, 80 mg/kg/bw of Bunium percicum Boiss.essential oil, respectively. Controls were received Tween 80 [2%] orally for 14 consecutive days and monitored daily. Bunium percicum Boiss. essential oil was administered orally at doses of 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg/bw and cimetedin [10 mg/kg/bw] and omopirazol [30 mg/kg/bw] in indomethacin and ethanol-induced ulcer models. The LD[50] was 375 mg/kg/bw. Daily single oral doses of Bunium percicum Boiss.essential oil tolerated behaviorally after 14 days without any alterations in body and organs weight, food, water consumption and serum total protein, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activity. The preventive index in doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg/BW of Bunium percicum Boiss.essential oil was 37.98% and 59.21%, respectively in the indomethacin -induced ulcer model [P<0.05]. In the model of ethanol -induced ulcer, the preventive index in doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg of Bunium percicum Boiss. essential oil was 12.40% and 22.05%, respectively [P<0.05]. The essential oil of Bunium percicum Boiss is completely ''safe'' and at the doses of 40 and 80mg/kg/bw significantly prevent gastric ulcers in animal model

Evaluation of diagnostic value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer

Dissection of the axillary lymph nodes is considered as one of the common measures in management of breast cancer. Edema and limitation in hand movement are accompanied with dissection of axillary lymph nodes. Sentinel lymph node biopsy can be used to evaluate axillary metastasis. This study was carried out to evaluate the diagnostic value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with breast cancer. This descriptive study was performed on 30 selected patients with breast cancer less than 5 cm without any involvement of axillary lymph nodes in Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad, North-East of Iran during 2009 -10. Initially, the lymphoscintigraphy was performed. Subsequently, prior, to the surgery, the blue dye as a marker was injected for detecting sentinel lymph node and with the use of probe gamma counter and observing blue color on lymph nodes, the sentinel node was determined and separated. Finally, axillary dissection was performed for removing the lymph nodes of I and II level in all patients. Among 30 patients who were evaluated for sentinel lymph nodes and axillary dissection, false negative were observed only in two cases [6.6%]. The sensitivity rate was determined to be 84.6%. Considering the high success rate of detection of sentinel lymph node and limited false negative cases, sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended in cases of breast cancer without axillary involvement

[Review of antidiabetic plants in Iranian traditional medicine and their efficacy]

High prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its complications and increasing use of complementary therapies, especially herbal therapies, and the need of developing countries to use their indigenous medical methods, motivated us to introduce some plants used in Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of this disease. The topic of "ziabetes" [the synonym of diabetes] in some of Iranian traditional medical texts were studied and herbal therapies of this disease were collected. Some edible plant compounds introduced and scientific names of plants in these compounds were identified. Pubmed and Scopus databases were searched for studies regarding hypoglycemic effects of these medicinal herbs on animal or human subjects. Many medicinal herbs and; minerals in single or compound form have been used in Iranian traditional medicine. Plants such as Punica granatum, Rosa damascene, Plantago psyllium, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Coriandrum sativum, Portulaca oleracea and Rumex patientia are the most popular ones. Recent studies on animal or human subjects have shown the hypoglycemic effects of some of these plants. Reassessment of the effects of some antidiabetic plants used in Iranian traditional medicine, proved their efficacy mainly in animals. However, we need more clinical trials to prove safety and; efficacy of these herbs and compounds

Use and attitude on herbal medicine in a group of pregnant women in Tehran

While the use of herbal medicines is common in Tehran, there is scant data regarding various aspects of the use of such medicines during pregnancy. The frequency of the use of herbal medicines in a group of pregnant women in Tehran and their attitude to the use of such medicines were evaluated. In this cross-sectional study, 600 pregnant women were studied. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to explore the demographic and pregnancy related data, the extent of use of the herbal medicines, the subjects' sources of information and their attitude regarding such medicines. The data were analyzed using student t- and chi-square tests. Logistic regression was used to determine the predicting factors. 402 [67%] participants had used at least one type of herbal medicine during their current or previous pregnancies, with a mean of 2.71 +/- 1.94 herbs per individual. Two commonly used herbs were peppermint [32.8%] and olibanum [26.3%]. Maternal and Gestational age, family size, children number, frequency of having medical insurance and positive attitude in users were significantly higher than non-users [P values were 0.02, 0.02, 0.001, <0.001, 0.04 and <0.001 respectively]. The score of attitude was the only predictor for taking herbal medicine with the odds ratio 0.89 [95% confidence interval: 0.86-0.92] of logistic regression model for negative attitude. Considering the high frequency of herbal medicine use during pregnancy, pregnant women need appropriate sources of information about these medicines. Further, health care providers should ask pregnant women about taking herbal medicines

[Relationship between major dietary patterns and stunting in Tehrani school children]

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between stunting and major dietary patterns among the first-grade pupils in Tehran in 2008. In this case-control study, children's height [n=3147] was measured in 5 areas of Tehran by expeienced nutritionists using standard protocols. Children with a height lower than the 5th percentile of height for age of the CDC2000 standard were considered as stunted [n = 86, the case group]. Control children were selected randomly from among healthy, non-stunted children with the same age and sex [n=308]. Data on demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, birth weight and length, and duration of breast feeding were collected using standard questionnaires. In addition, two 24-hour dietary recall questionnaires were completed for each subject on 2 cosecutive days by interviewing their mothers. Factor analysis was used to identify major dietary patterns. Logistic regression models were adjusted for sex, mother's age and education, father's education, birth weight, family size, and energy intake. There were significant differences between the stunted children and their control group with regard to sex, birth weight, age of mother, and parents' education of [P<0.05]. Based on the 24-hour dietary recalls, the mean consumptions of dairy products [308 +/- 167 g/day] and dried fruits and nuts [2.58 +/- 9 g/day] in the case group were significantly lower than the respective control values [7.15 +/- 26 and 382 +/- 232 g/day, respectively; p<0.05]. However, consumption of the fat and oils group in the case group [37.85 +/- 29 g/day] was higher than in the control group [30.94 +/- 22 g/day; P< 0.05]. Three dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis: dietary pattern 1, high in bread, potatoes, fats, eggs, relish, other vegetables, sugar, and soft drinks; dietary pattern 2, high in leafy vegetables, fast foods, nuts, other cereals, fruits, legumes, and offal; and dietary pattern 3, high in biscuits and cakes, chicken, dairy products, fruits, etc. Dietary patterns 1 and 2 were not significantly associated with stunting, while children in the third quartile of dietary pattern 3 had a lower risk for stunting as compared to those in the first quartile of that dietary pattern [p<0.05]. It seems that following dietary patterns high in protein [e.g., dairy and meat products] and carbohydrate [e.g., fruits and biscuits/cakes] may reduce the risk of stunting in children

Validation and use of the HFIAS questionnaire for measuring household food insecurity in Varamin-2009

Measuring food insecurity has been an ongoing challenge to researchers. This study was carried out to assess the validity of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale [HFIAS] in measuring household food insecurity in an urban area of Varamin in 2009. In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 400 households from different parts of Varamin, a city south of Tehran, were selected by the multi stage cluster sampling method. Household food security was measured by the 9-item HFIAS questionnaire that asks whether a specific condition associated with the experience of food insecurity ever occurred during the previous 30 days. Based on the HAFIAS questionnaire score, households were categorized in 4 groups according to access to food; food secure, mildly, moderately and severely food insecure access. In the second stage of the study, 30 households were selected from each group. Food security was observed in 21% of households. Mildly, moderately and severely food insecure access was 46.5, 25 and 7.5%, respectively. Based on the responses to the 9 questions of the HFIAS questionnaire, perceptions that food is of insufficient quality [72%], two main factors emerged from the rotated principal component factor including: 1] Insufficient food quality and 2] Insufficient food intake. Both factors explained 77.5% of the total variance. HFIAS has good internal consistency [Cronbach's a= 0.95]. Food insecurity was observed in households in this urban area of Varamin. The HFIAS measurement instrument shows acceptable validity and reliability in measuring food insecurity among households

[Shares of energy and nutrients intakes from subsidized food items in Iranian households in diffferent socio-economic status]

This study was conducted to determine the shares of energy and nutrients intakes from subsidized food items in meeting nutritional requirements of Iranian urban and rural households in different socio-economic [SES] groups. The data collected in the Comprehensive Study on Household Food Consumption Patterns and Nutritional Status of I.R. Iran during 2001-2003 were used in this study. Households were selected by systematic cluster sampling in urban and rural areas and their SES was assessed through in-depth interviews. Assessment of food consumption patterns was done using three consecutive 24-hour diet recalls by trained nutritionists. To determine subsidized food items consumption in the households direct weighing and purchasing tables of major food items [rice, oil, and sugar] and 2-day records were used. In the data file, subsidized and non-subsidized food item subgroups were separated from each other and the shares of each subgroup in supplying energy and nutrients intake in the households were determined. From among the socio-economic variables, some were extracted by factor analysis as indicators of SES based on factor loading. Factor analysis detected 3 significant components for SES. These factors could explain 70% of the variance in SES. The population was divided into three categories [tertiles] according to the factors extracted. The first, second and third tertiles were considered as low, medium and high socio-economic groups, respectively. Finally, the shares of subsidized food items in supplying energy and macronutriets in the 3 categories were estimated. Of the 7158 households studied, 2496 [34.9%] were rural and 4662 [65.1%] urban. The highest consumption of bread was seen in the low SES groups, while the energy, carbohydrate, and protein supplied by bread was low in the high SES groups. The daily per capita consumption of hydrogenated and liquid oils was 82 and 3.6 grams in urban and rural areas, respectively. In spite of increasing non-subsidized liquid oil proportion in urban areas [2.6, 3.0, and 4.1 gram/person/day in the low, medium and high SES tertiles, respectively], consumption of hydrogenated and total oils decreased with increasing SES in both urban and rural areas. The data also showed that in cities, with increasing the SES level the proportions of non-subsidized rice and sugar increased and that of hydrogenated [subsidized] fat decreased. Shares of dietary energy obtained from bread [42.3 +/- 0.5, 37.4 +/- 0.5, and 33.0 +/- 0.5 grams in rural, and 36.4 +/- 0.4, 30.0 +/- 0.3, and 26.4 +/- 0.3 grams in urban, areas in low, moderate and high SES groups, respectively] and hydrogenated subsidized oil were higher, and that from sugar was lower, in low SES groups, as compared to moderate and high SES groups in both rural and urban areas. Finally, in the high SES groups the shares of energy from non-subsidized and total rice, as well as from non-subsidized liquid oil, were higher. In IR Iran, higher SES groups receive lower proportions of their dietary fat, rice and sugar from subsidized food items. In contrast, in the lower SES it is the subsidized food items that supply most of the energy, carbohydrates and proteins

[Comparison of various methods for determination of protein-energy malnutrition with subjective global assessment in hemodialysis patients]

Protein-energy malnutrition [PEM] is prevalent among hemodialysis patients. So far, no study has compared various methods for determination of PEM, including subjective global assessment [SGA], dialysis malnutrition score [DMS], malnutrition inflammation score [MIS], and body mass index [BMI], in hemodialysis patients. The present study was designed to determine sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values, as well as positive and negative likelihood ratios of DMS, MIS and BMI in comparison with SGA as the most common method for determination of PEM in hemodialysis patients. A total of 291 hemodialysis patients were randomly selected by systematic sampling from among 2302 eligible adult hemodialysis patients in Tehran hospitals. The nutritional status of the patients was assessed by completing SGA, DMS and MIS forms and determining BMI. In addition, after a 12- to 14-hour fast, 4-mL blood samples were obtained from each patient before dialysis for measurement of serum urea, creatinine, albumin and total iron binding capacity. Based on SGA, DMS, MIS, and BMI, the prevalence of mild-to-moderate PEM in Tehrani hemodialysis patients was, respectively, 60.5%, 61.5%, 54%, and 16.5%, and that of severe PEM 1%, 1.5%, 1%, and 1%. In comparison with SGA, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, area under the receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios were, respectively, 94%, 88%, 92%, 97%, 93%, 92%, 7.8, and 0.07 for DMS; 87%, 96%, 91%, 97%, 97%, 83%, 22.0, and 0.13 for MIS; and 23%, 91%, 50%, 64%, 80%, 43%, 2.5, and 0.85 for BMI. The results of the present study indicate that the DMS and MIS are almost similar to SGA, in identifying malnutrition in hemodialysis patients, while BMI is not an appropriate index in this regard. In addition, it appears that the DMS is a more appropriate alternative method for SGA in routine hospital assessments

[Socio-economic and cultural factors affecting child feeding practices: an exploratory qualitative study in Damavand]

Early child nutrition plays a vital role in the growth and development not only in infancy but also later in life. This study was carried out to determine the views, beliefs and experience of mothers, caregivers and health professionals about the role of socio-economic and cultural factors in child feeding practices in Damavand, a district located in the north of Tehran, in 2008. In a qualitative study 23 focus group discussions [FGDs] were held with the presence of a facilitator, 2 rapporteurs, and a supervisor. Mothers of under-2-year-old children attended 11 FGDs, and 8 FGDs were arranged for home caregivers [grandmothers], out-of-home care-givers [community child health nurses], and rural and urban health workers. At the end of the field work all the notes taken in the FGDs were coded based on objectives of the study. Then the subgroups for each objective and emerging themes were derived and reported. The data were analyzed using content analysis. Most participants were aware of breast feeding and complementary feeding benefits. However, exclusive breast feeding was not followed precisely and the quality and diversity of the diet of children were ignored. The participants thought that social and economic factors, such as literacy, income, erroneous beliefs, family restrictions, and interference of elderly females, had a role in failure of breast and complementary feeding. Cultural factors appeared to have an important influence on mothers' infant feeding practices and feeding patterns of their children. To overcome the problems related to breast feeding and complementary feeding practices, revision of the current nutritional protocols and educational programs is essential. In addition, involvement of mothers, caregivers, elderly women, and all those involved in child care, in nutrition education activities is recommended

Perspective of pharmaceutical sciences in Iran; Jobs remaining

Iran is growing fast in production of science and technology in the world. Based on experts' opinion and reports of the Institute for Scientific Information [ISI], SCImago Journal and Country Rank, and Scopus it is concluded that the scientific field of Pharmacology Toxicology Pharmaceutics in Iran is growing very fast with great impact on the country science growth. Regarding various elements that have been involved in growth of sciences in Iran, focusing on quality of researches by the proposed methods in the present essay would be the key element of success in future

Recombinant human erythropoietin reduces plasminogen activator inhibitor and ameliorates pro-inflammatory responses following trauma

Besides its hematopoietic effects, erythropoietin [EPO] by mobilization of iron and modulation of some inflammatory cytokines has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate these effects of erythropoietin and its impact on organ function in traumatized patients. Twenty-six ICU-admitted traumatized patients within 24 hrs after trauma were randomly assigned to the EPO [received EPO, 300 units/Kg/day] and Control [not received EPO] groups. The inflammatory biomarkers including Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha [TNF-alpha], Interleukin 1 [IL-1], Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 [PAI-1] and Nitrotyrosine were recorded at the admission, 3, 6 and 9 days thereafter. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHE II] and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment [SOFA] scores were also recorded. Results: Among 12 patients [EPO group] TNF-alpha level at the day of 9 [P=0.046], and within EPO group at the days of 3 [P=0.026 ameliorate], 6 [P=0.016], and 9 [P=0.052] were significantly lowered. Level of IL-1 and PAI-1 decreased significantly at days of 3, 6 and 9 post intervention. Also there were significant differences between two groups in the SOFA score during three measured time intervals [the first, third and seventh days]. From the results of this study it seems that injection of erythrocyte stimulating agent is well tolerated and inhibits the inflammatory response and oxidative stress following trauma

Effects of training in the Morris water maze on the spatial learning acquisition and VAChT expression in male rats

It has been well established that cholinergic pathway plays an important role in learning and memory processes. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of Morris water maze [MWM] training on spatial memory acquisition and expression of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter [VAChT] in male rats. Methods: In this study, training trials of all groups of animals were conducted in the MWM task. Rats received one training session consisting of four trials per day which continued for another four consecutive days. Controls received visible platform MWM training. The escape latency, the traveled distance and swimming speed for each rat were recorded and used to evaluate the performance of the animal during training period. For evaluation of expression of VAChT protein levels, brain tissues from animals in each experiment were obtained immediately after the last trial on the related experimental day and processed for immunohistochemistry staining and western blotting analysis. There was a significant difference between animals subjected to one day training and those receiving four days of training in escape latency and travel distance. There were an apparent increase in VAChT immunoreactivity in the medial septal area [MSA] and CA1 region of the hippocampus in one day and four day trained animals compared with controls [visible group]. Quantitative immunostaining analysis by optical density measurements in the CA1 region and evaluation of immunopositive neurons in medial septal area of brain sections confirmed qualitative findings. Assessment of VAChT protein level expression in hippocampus by western blotting evaluation showed the same pattern of immunohistochemistry results. Overall, results of this study reveal changes in cholinergic neuron activity in different stages of training in the MWM task. Data suggest that there is a significant level of cholinergic neuronal activity during early stages of the training especially in the hippocampus region that may contribute to the apparent increase in VAChT expression

Effects of angipars on oxidative inflammatory indices in a murine model of periodontitis

There are strong evidences linking overproduction of reactive oxygen species and periodontal diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy of Angipars a natural potent anti oxidative agent on markers of the oxidative damages and periodontal inflammation in the rat. Periodontitis was induced by single injection of lipopolysaccharide [LPS] from E. coli [10 micro g/micro l saline] into rat mandibular gingiva. After 10 days, animals in the test group received Angipars [2.1 mg/kg] by gavage once a day and those of control group received same amount of vehicle. The amount of interleukin [IL]-1beta, lipid peroxidation [LPO], and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine [8-OHdG] were measured in gingival biopsy samples and the degree of apical migration of junctional epithelium [JE], alveolar bone resorption, and the number of polymorphonuclears [PMN] were evaluated by histological analysis of block samples of the left mandibular first molars. Periodontitis group showed a significant increase in periodontal IL-1beta, LPO, 8-OHdG, apical migration of JE, alveolar bone resorption and number of PMNs. Angipars treatment resulted in a significant decrease in gingival IL-1beta, LPO, 8-OHdG and the apical migration of JE; however, the reduction of alveolar bone resorption was not significant. The number of PMN increased significantly after treatment with Angipars. While intake of vehicle resulted in a significant decrease in gingival IL-1beta and LPO, the reduction of 8-OHdG, apical migration of JE, and alveolar bone resorption were not significant. Interestingly, PMNs were increased in groups received Angipars or the vehicle. From the results of this study, it seems that Angipars is beneficial in periodontitis by reduction of inflammatory and oxidative damage. Unexpected increase of PMN count by Angipars strengthens the hypothesis that chronic inflammatory disorders like periodontitis may need more time to get best advantage of anti oxidative drugs like Angipars. Regarding role of microbes in pathogenesis of periodontitis, further studies should be focused on antimicrobial effects of Angipars

Prevalence of household food insecurity in the City of Shiraz and its association with socio-economic and demographic factors, 2008

Food insecurity, as a major public health problem during the past two decades, has received the attention of population experts, scientists and policy-makers. In Iran, based on daily energy intake, 20.0% and 23.2% of households were food-insecure in 1996 and 2001, respectively. Studies have also shown that food insecurity is 99.2% among households under coverage of Imam Khomaini Relief Committee and 36.2% in the Asadabadi Region. So far, food insecurity has not been assessed directly at national, provincial or district levels. This study determined the prevalence of household food insecurity and some associated factors in the urban areas of Shiraz, Iran. Measurement of food insecurity and determining its determinants can help policy-makers in planning, monitoring and evaluating food security promotion program. In this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study, 778 households from the urban areas of Shiraz were selected by the multi-stage cluster sampling method. Demographic and socio-economic data were collected using standard questionnaires; household food security was assessed on the basis of the USDA 18-item questionnaire. Factor analysis and the Chi-square test were used for socio- economic status criteria determination and data description, while one-way ANOVA and ordinal and linear logistic regression were used for data analysis and identifying the associated and predictive factors. The software used was SPPS 14. The prevalence of household food insecurity was 44% [food insecurity without hunger 27.8%, and food insecurity with moderate and severe hunger 14.4 and 1.8, respectively]. Food insecurity was greater in female-headed families, those with a larger number of children, or those with children under 18 years old [P=0.05]. It was positively associated with socio-economic status [P=0.0001]. Based on the final ordinal logistic regression, predicting factors for food insecurity were children under 18 years old in the family [CI95%:1.28-2.34, OR:1.73], low socio-economic status [CI95%:6.36-14.44, OR:9.56], and responder [mothers] [CI95%1.01-2.83, OR:1.7]. Household food insecurity exists in Shiraz. Having children under 18 years old in the family and low socio-economic status are the most important causes of household food insecurity. Policies and programs, such as promotion of socio-economic status, and approaches to promote the situation of under 18-year old children, such as school lunch programs, can help reduce food insecurity

Comparison of antioxidant activity and total phenols of some date varieties

Date palms [Phoenix dactylifera L., Arecaceae] are one of the oldest cultivated plants which are used in folk medicine for treatment of various diseases. Due to the presence of antioxidant compounds in this plant and the role of oxidative stress in pathogenesis of chronic diseases, the aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents of date palm fruits extracts with water, methanol 50%, DMSO, and mixture of water-methanol-acetone-formic acid [20:40:40:0.1]. Antioxidant activity of extracts were measured by two tests: inhibition of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] radical and FRAP [Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power]. Among 10 different varieties which were examined, the DMSO extract of Khenizi showed the highest antioxidant activity with the FRAP value of 3279.48 micro mol/100 g of the dry plant and DPPH inhibitory percentage of 56.61%. DPPH scavenging radical and FRAP values of some varieties including Khenrizi, Sayer, Shahabi and Maktub showed a significant increase and were comparable to alpha -tocopherol [10 mg/L] when extracted by DMSO. Formic acid extract of Shahabi variety with 276.85 mg GAE/100 g of the dry plant showed the highest total phenolic content compared to other varieties. There was no correlation between accumulation of total phenol and antioxidant activity of extracts, explaining existence of other antioxiadant components in date

Time course effects of lithium administration on spatial memory acquisition and cholinergic marker expression in rats

The effects of chronic lithium exposure on spatial memory in rats remain controversial. In this study a time course of the effects of lithium, administered systemically, on spatial memory acquisition in Morris water maze was investigated. Lithium [600 mg/L] was administered to four groups of rats in their drinking water; the first group of animals received lithium for one week, the second group for two weeks, the third group for three weeks, and the fourth group for four weeks. As controls, four groups of animals received only normal drinking water for the same period of time. Toward the end of their lithium or water treatment, all animals were trained for four days; each day included one block and each block contained four trials. Test trials were conducted 48 hrs after completion of the lithium treatment. Escape latency, traveled distance and swimming speed were evaluated during testing trials. Brain tissues from animals were processed according to the standard protocols for immunohistochemical analysis. Lithium treatment decreased escape latency and traveled distance, but not swimming speed, compared with controls, suggesting significant spatial memory acquisition enhancement by lithium. Quantitative analysis showed that lithium, particularly after four weeks of exposure, significantly increased the number and density of immunostained ChAT-containing [choline acetyltransferase] neurons in the medial septal area in comparison with control groups. There was also a significant correlation between the number of immunostained ChAT neurons and behavioral measures. These results suggest that chronic oral administration of lithium causes spatial memory acquisition improvement in rats and an increase in ChAT immunostaining levels in medial septal nuclei

Prevalence of stunting, underweight, wasting and overweight among Iranian under-five-year-old children [2000-2002]

A key target of the Millennium Development Goals [MDG] toward eliminating poverty and hunger is to reduce malnutrition among children less than 5 years. Over the past 20 years developing countries have experienced accelerated urbanization and an increase in the incidence of overweight and obesity as a consequence. Monitoring progress of countries toward the MDG requires reliable data on the growth status of children at the national level. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of stunting, underweight, wasting, overweight and obesity among under-five-year-old children of the Iranian households included in the National Comprehensive Study on Household Food Consumption Patterns and Nutritional Status [2000-2002]. Data from 7158 households, with a total of 2562 under-five-year-old children, selected through random systematic sampling from 28 provinces, were included in the study. Trained nutritionists measured weight [with Seca digital balance, to the nearest 100gr] and height [using tape, to the nearest 0.1 cm] of all the household members during three consecutive days, using standard protocols. Age was documented in months, based on birth certificates. For children under two years, weight was based on the mean of two weighings, and recumbent length was measured. Undernutrition was defined as less than 2 standard deviations [2SD] of weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height z-scores, and overweight+obesity as higher than 2SD. The results were expressed based on weighted means of the total country, rural, and urban areas, and for both sexes. The total prevalence of stunting was 13.1% [CI 95%: 11/8%-14.4%] and of underweight 7.6% [CI 95%: 6.6%-8.6%]. Prevalences of stunting and underweight in rural areas were twice those in urban areas. There were statistically nonsignificant gender differences: the prevalences of stunting and underweight were, respectively, 14.2% and 7.3% among boys, and 11.8% and 8.0% among girls. Wasting and overweight were less prevalent the proportion of wasting was 4.5% and of overweight+obesity 5.2%; the prevalence of the latter was similar in rural and urban areas but it was higher among girls. Finally, the prevalence of wasting in urban areas was twice that in rural areas. According to the WHO classifications based on underweight, stunting and wasting rates, Iran is grouped with the countries having low prevalence rates. The high prevalence of overweight in children must be taken seriously, and it is absolutely esential to pay sufficient attention to both ends of the malnutrition spectrum. The findings of this study indicate that in order to achieve the millennium goals, improvements in living standards and the quality of diets is essential