effects of betanin of beetroot in polycystic ovary syndrome induced rat

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] as a common cause of infertility is the endocrine disorder among reproductive-aged women. Nevertheless, the management and treatment of this major problem is not deterministic, and surrounded by many controversies

Objective: In this study the effects of betanin, as red pigment present in red beetroot, in the PCOS induced rats are evaluated

Methods: Sodium valerate was injected intraperitoneally into wistar female rats to induce PCOS for 25 days. The rats were randomly divided into five groups: a normal control group without sodium valerate, Sham [sodium valerate-induced PCOS] group received 0.5 ml distilled water , metformin group and two groups that received betanin at doses of 8 and 16 mg/kg/ day for 30 days after they were administered sodium valerate. The Glucose, lipid profile, gonadotropine hormones were determined using calorimetric assays in PCOS induced rats. Histological examinations were carried out on hematoxylin-eosin stained sections using light microscopy

Results: When compared with sham, betanin caused low ovarian cysts with a high incidence of ovarian primary, antral, graafian follicles and corpus luteum. The plasma glucose, cholesterol, LDL and LH levels were found to be diminished significantly in rats with PCOS whereas plasma HDL and FSH levels were significantly increased

Conclusion: The betanin affected the cysts and follicles of the PCOS induced rats

Population pharmacokinetics of imatinib and its application to the therapeutic drug monitoring: Middle East CML population

Introduction: Despite the outstanding results generally obtained with Imatinib in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia, some patients show sub-optimal or no response. To evaluate the relationship between steady-state trough plasma concentration and clinical response in CML patients. The objectives of this study were to assess the variability in Imatinib pharmacokinetics and to explore the effects of several demographic and biological covariates on the disposition of Imatinib

Methods: A population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on 170 plasma samples from 74 adult Iranian chronic myeloid leukemia patients. A population pharmacokinetics model was developed to evaluate the influence of covariates on clearance and volume of distribution

Results: A one-compartment model with first-order absorption appropriately described the data, giving a mean [+/-SEM] clearance of 14.3l [+/-1.0] and a volume of distribution of 347 l [+/-62]. Clearance was influenced by body weight, age and gender. By considering these covariates the interindividual variability decreased from 47% to 19%. A large proportion of the interindividual variability [19% of clearance and 45% of volume of distribution] remained unexplained by these demographic covariates

Discussion and Conclusion: By considering morphological and biological covariates, a unique covariate model could be used to accurately describe Imatinib pharmacokinetics in our population and because of the pharmacokinetic variability of Imatinib and the reported relationships between its plasma concentration and efficacy and toxicity, the usefulness of therapeutic drug monitoring as an aid to optimizing therapy should be further investigated

[ relationship between dietary diversity score and obesity in Tehranian adults: a case-control study]

Introduction: The aim of current study was to compare dietary diversity score [DDS] among obese, overweight and normal-weight Tehranian adults

Materials and Methods: This was a casecontrol study conducted on 200 cases [100 obese and 100 overweight] and 300 controls, all aged over 18 years with [normal-weight matched by socioeconomic status], in Tehran. The study was based on self-administered questionnaires, including a 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire [FFQ], a simple self-report physical activity questionnaire and a sociodemographic questionnaire. DDS was computed based on the scoring of the five food groups of the United States Department of Agriculture [USDA] food guide pyramid according to the Kant et al method. Anthropometric measurements including height, weight, waist and hip circumferences were measured and body mass index [BMI] and waist-to-hip ratio [WHR] were calculated

Results: Mean DDS in obese [5.65 +/- 1.32] was higher than in overweight participants [5.23 +/- 1.23] and that of overweight participants was higher than normal-weight ones [4.97 +/- 1.42], [P<0.001]. The odds of obesity increased with increase of each one unit of DDS [OR,1.46; 95%CI,1.22-1.74] and slightly weakened after adjusting for age, sex, marital status, smoking, socioeconomic status, physical activity and energy intake [OR,1.34; 95%CI,1.07-1.68]

Conclusion: There was a significant positive association between DDS and obesity among Tehranian adults, emphasizing the need for more investigations to recommend increasing dietary diversity to improve health in adults

[Determine of association quality of life and stress coping method among the caregiver of patient with multiple sclerosis; MS society, Ahvaz 2008]

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that involves central nervous system. This disease which causes incapability in adult happens after traumatic accidents. 7000 cases are added annually to MS patient in Iran. This study was conducted to determine the quality of life and stress coping method among the family member and multiple sclerosis caregivers. 200 cases of family members and caregivers of patient with MS and dependent to Ahvaz MS society enrolled in this descriptive study. Three inanimate questionnaires were used to evaluate the cases. 108 male and 90 eligible female enrolled in this study. The quality of their life was normal physically, psychologically and socioeconomically. Generally, the quality of the males' life was better than the females', especially psychologically. Majority of male and female used normal and good coping method, and we also found a direct and statistically significant correlation between the level of education and the quality of life among the caregivers. Higher level of quality of life among the caregiver with higher level of education and use of suitable stress coping method among them, revealed the necessity of socio-economical supports and contour programs for educating family members and caregiver of patient with multiple sclerosis, especially for caregiver with lower level of knowledge and education

[Treatment and outcome of malignant external auditory canal and middle ear tumor in Ghaem hospital - Mashhad]

External Auditory Canal and Middle Ear tumor are rare. Its unspecific symptoms make the physician confuse and has not a good prognosis. The aim of this study was to access the prevalence and comparing of middle and external ear carcinoma [Squamous Cell Carcinoma or Basal cell Carcinoma] in demographic factors and kind of management. In this cross sectional study we evaluated the patients with squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma of external and middle ear who treated in ENT ward of Ghaem hospital Mashhad during 1995- 2009. We randomly selected 63 patients and followed them up for 2-24 months. Our findings showed that of total 47 patients with external auditory canal malignant tumors had either SCC [46.81%] or BCC [53.19%]. In the other hand of 16 patients with middle ear malignant tumor showed either SCC [93.75%] or BCC [6.25%]. Two- year survival in external auditory canal malignancies was much better than middle ear malignancies. The rates of recurrence in external auditory canal malignancy and in middle ear malignancy were 13% and 50% respectively. The best management in this malignancies is en block resection

Digestive and liver disease statistics in Iran

Gastrointestinal and liver diseases [GILD] are among the most common causes of morbidity in Iran and constitute a substantial proportion of mortality which imposes enormous economic consequences. Our purpose is to collect information and report current statistics on physician visits, hospitalizations, and deaths due to common GILD in Iran. Data on the leading causes of death were obtained from the Iranian Ministry of Health, Office of Health Statistics. A total of 213,322 deaths were reported from March 2003 to February 2004 [excluding mortality from the Bam earthquake] which equaled 4.4 deaths per 1000 population. Of these, 36,575 were due to accidents. Causes of death were reported on the basis of the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases [ICD-10; 1992]. The leading causes of hospitalization were obtained from the database of the GILD ward in Shariati Hospital, one of the largest and best known gastroenterology referral hospitals in Iran. Similarly, leading causes of out-patient referrals were identified from a large multi-physician outpatient clinic in Tehran. The five leading gastrointestinal causes of death in order of frequency were: gastric cancer, hepatobiliary cancer, liver cirrhosis, esophageal cancer, and colorectal cancer. The five leading causes of hospitalization in the GILD ward of Shariati Hospital were: liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, peptic ulcer disease, cholycystitis and cholangitis, and colorectal cancer. The most common outpatient diagnosis was gastroesophageal reflux disease followed by irritable bowel syndrome [IBS], duodenal ulcer [DU], non-ulcer dyspepsia, and chronic hepatitis B [HBV]. Gastrointestinal and liver malignancy along with chronic liver disease constitute the main GILD reasons for hospitalization and deaths in Iran. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, IBS, and chronic HBV are the most common GILD outpatient diagnoses

[Assessment of body image and its relationship with eating disorders among female students of Islamic Azad University, Tehran center branch]

One of the prevalent psychological disorders, mainly occurring at the end of adolescence and early young hood, is eating disorder which is characterized by abnormal pattern of eating and miscognition of body weight and food consumption. The aim of this study was to determine the body image and its relation with the eating disorder among female students of Islamic Azad University in Tehran center branch. In this descriptive-correlative study, EAT [eating attitudes test] and MBSRQ [multidimensional body self relations questionnaire] were administered to 400 female students selected randomly by stratified sampling. Data were analyzed by chi-square and exact Fisher test using SPSS ver.14 software. Majority of students [87%] had negative body image. According to eating attitudes test [EAT], 21.5% of students had eating disorder. Eating disorder diagnostic inventory [EDDI] revealed that 1.8% and 7.8% of students had anorexia nervosa [AN] and bulimia nervosa [BN], respectively. There was significant correlation between eating disorders and body mass index [p<0.05] and father job [p=0.05]. The prevalence of eating disorder among Iranian female students is almost similar to other countries. The majority of people with negative body image had eating disorder, however there was no significant correlation between body image and eating disorders

Correlation between emotional intelligence and socioemotional adjustment in preuniversity girl students in Tehran in 2008

with regards to the importance of emotional intelligence in stress modification and adjusting behaviors, this study was carried out to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence and socioemotional adjustment in pre university girl students in Tehran in 2008. In this descriptive study, 300 pre university students in Tehran were selected via multi stage stratified random sampling. The instruments for data collection included demographic information, baron emotional intelligence questionnaire and adjustment inventory for high school students. Data were analyzed by means of chisquare test and Pearson correlation coefficient. the results of the study showed that there was a significant correlation between emotional intelligence and socioemotional adjustment [p<0.01]. Also, the majority of students had good level of emotional adjustment [%56], and moderate level of social adjustment [%39/7]. Regarding the meaningful association between emotional intelligence and the above mentioned variables, training on the emotional intelligence factors in order to promote potential for facing the problems and effective adjustment is mandatory for students

[Evaluation of anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of methanol extracts of some species of Stachys and Melia]

The gram-negative bacterium Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori], identified in 1982, is now recognized as the primary etiological factor associated with the development of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. The growing problem of antibiotic resistance by the organism demands the search for novel compounds from plant based sources. The present study is aimed at evaluating the anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of 10 Iranian plant extracts on clinical isolates of H. pylori. Gastric biopsy samples were obtained from patients presenting with gastroduodenal complications. H. pylori was isolated from the specimens following standard microbiology procedures. The disk diffusion method was used to determine the susceptibility of 12 isolates to methanol plant extracts [Fruit and leaves of Melia azedarach, Melia indica and aerial parts of Stachys setifera, Stachys turcomanica, Stachys trinervis, Stachys subaphylla, Stachys byzanthina, Stachys persica, Stachys inflata, Stachys laxa]. The plants tested at 8 mg/disc concentration demonstrated anti-Helicobacter pylori activity with zone diameters of inhibition ranging from 12-38 mm. Of these, Stachys setifera [aerial parts], Melia indica [Fruit] and Melia azedarach [leaves] showed the most potent anti -H. pylori activity on the isolates. Due to the rise in antibiotic resistance, new sources of anti-H. pylori drugs are needed. The use of medicinal plants may have potential benefit in eradicating such problems. According to the results of this study, further studies will be necessary to investigate the effects of other plants of Iran against H. pylori infectio

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal sex by molecular analysis of maternal plasma after 8 weeks of gestation

Prenatal diagnosis of fetal sex is usually performed by invasive methods such as sampling through amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. One potential non-invasive approach involves analysis of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma or serum. The objective of our study was to investigate the feasibility of using fetal DNA in maternal plasma for prenatal diagnosis of fetal sex. In this experimental study, a nested polymerase chain reaction [PCR] techniques was developed for fetal SRY gene identification using cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 32 pregnant women at the gestational period from 8 to 13 weeks and cell-free DNA was extracted by the phenol/chloroform method from plasma. The nested PCR was carried out to amplify the fragment of SRY gene by two sets of PCR primer pairs. Analysis was then performed on the PCR product. Specifically, the presence of Y-chromosome sequences in maternal blood plasma indicated that the fetus is male, whereas lack of signal will indicate that the fetus is female. Among the 32 pregnant women, SRY sequences were detected in 14 plasma samples after nested PCR amplification, while the 18 women bearing female fetuses had the negative results. The sensitivity of this technique was 87.5%. The phenol/chloroform extraction of fetal DNA in maternal plasma is an effective and simple method, and the nested PCR amplification of SRY sequence is a convenient and low-cost approach for the non-invasive early prenatal diagnosis of fetal sex

Level of anxiety and its correlation with some individual characteristics in patients with myocardial infarction in hospitals related to Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Branch [2005-2006]

The most important factors of anxiety in individuals are diseases and their treatment. Although anxiety is an alerting process, it can affect quality of life or makes the treatment longer. This study was performed to determine the relationship between level of anxiety and some of individual characteristics in patients with myocardial infarction [MI] in hospitals related to Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Unit. This study was performed on 200 patients with MI from 3 hospitals related to Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Unit. Data were collected with questionnaires, which were filled by interviews. The questionnaire had two parts: 26 questions about some individual characteristics, and the second part comprised Spill Berger standard criteria including 40 questions about anxiety level. "Content validity" method was used for ascertaining validity and "test-retest" method for reliability of tools. The subjects were all in the age range of 22-34 years with a mean of 25.98. Results indicated that 76.5% of study population was married, 64% had a history of hospitalization due to other causes, and 33% knew about their stress and anxiety. On the basis of total anxiety scores [TAS], 8% of individuals had mild [40-79], 47.5% had moderate [80-119], and 44.5% had severe [120-160] anxiety. There were a direct and statistically significant relationship between the level of anxiety and age, gender, marriage status, occupation, job satisfaction, number of children, adequacy of income, site of living, insurance, living conditions, level of liking their visitors, relationship with other family members, anxiety background among the first degree family members, his/her description of personality, description of family environment, present physical health status, and preference to have information about the illness [P < 0.05]. There is a direct and statistically significant relationship between the level of anxiety and individual characteristics of patients with myocardial infarction

Comparative survey of problems in thalassemia major patients with regular and irregular follow ups of therapeutic principles

Thalassemia is one of the important chronic hereditary diseases. There are nearly 20000 thalassemia major patients in Iran. Multiple blood transfusion and aggregation of iron load cause numerous complications which can be reduced by regular treatments. This study was conducted to determine and compare the problems of thalassemia major clients in regular and irregular follow ups of therapeutic principles. This study was performed as a cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of all thalassemia major clients over 40 years of age having referred to the center of adult thalassemia in Tehran. 224 clients were divided into regular and irregular groups. A questionnaire was used for data collection. Based on difference between the averages of regular and irregular groups the average rate of psychological problems was 22.7%, sociological problems 18.7%, and economic problems 17.6%. Based on average differences between the two groups, important psychological problems include fatigue due to long periods of treatment [1.5], future hopelessness [1.4], and lack of self confidence [1.2]; sociological problems include community unawareness of the disease [1.3], difficult access to various specialists [1.1], and lack of ongoing training classes [1.0]; finally economic difficulties include access to necessary drugs and equipment [0.93], quality of free equipment [0.92], and family support [0.8]. These are the prominent problems addressed in irregular treatment follow ups. Results have revealed that psychological problems had a more distinct effect relative to social and economic problems on the therapeutic irregular follow ups

[Preoperative oral dextromethorphan versus clonidine to prevent tourniquet-induced cardiovascular responses in orthopedic patients under general anesthesia]

Both preoperative oral dextromethorphan [DM] and IV clonidine attenuates arterial blood pressure and increases the heart rate during tourniquet inflation. Effect of preoperative oral clonidine on these variables was not investigated. We designed this study to compare the effect of preoperative oral DM or clonidine on hemodynamic changes during tourniquet inflation in patients undergoing lower limb surgery under general anesthesia. Seventhy-five patients were randomly assigned into three groups DM [n= 25 DM 30 mg], Clonidine [n= 25 clonidine 3 micro g/kg], and control [n= 25 placebo] groups. DM, clonidine, or placebo was given orally ninety minutes before induction of anesthesia. Systolic, Diastolic, Mean arterial blood pressure [SAP, DAP, MAP], and heart rate [HR] were measured at 0, 30, 45, 60 min after the start of tourniquet inflation, before tourniquet release [BTR], and 20 min after tourniquet deflation [20 ATR]. SAP, DAP, and MAP were significantly lower in the Clonidine group compared with control after 45, 60 min tourniquet inflation and at BTR [p<0.05]. Twenty minutes after deflation, DAP and MAP in the control group was still increased significantly compared with the clonidine group [P< 0.05]. Preoperative oral Clonidine 3 micro g/kg significantly prevented tourniquet-induced systemic arterial pressure increase in patients under general anesthesia better than oral DM

[Magnesium sulfate pretreatment to alleviate pain on propofol injection: a comparison with ketamine or lidocaine]

Propofol causes pain and hypotension when it was injected. Magnesium [Mg] and ketamine are antagonists of the N-methyl-d-aspartate [NMDA] receptor ion channel and cause analgesia. In view of the analgesic activity of Mg and ketamine, we tested the effect of intravenous administration of magnesium sulfate in reducing pain induced by propofol. Two hundred ASA I-II adults patients undergoing elective ophthalmic surgery were randomly assigned into four groups of 50 subjects in each groups. Group M received magnesium sulfate 2.48 mmol, Group K received ketamine 10 mg, Group L received lidocaine 1% [30 mg] and Group C received normal saline, all in a volume of 5 mL followed by 5 mL of 1% propofol 30 s later. Pain was assessed on a four-point scale: 0 = no pain, 1 = mild pain, 2 = moderate pain, and 3 = severe pain at the time of pretreatment and propofol injection. Eighty-eight percent of patients in the control group had pain during iv propofol as compared to 34%, 28%, and 18% in the magnesium, ketamine, and lidocaine groups respectively [P<0.01]. Incidence of mild, moderate, and sever pain were significantly lower in groups K, L, and M compared to group C [P<0.05]. Ketamine, lidocaine, and magnesium pretreatments were same effect in attenuating pain during the propofol injection [P>0.05]. Intravenous pretreatment of magnesium, ketamine, and lidocaine are same effect in attenuating propofol-induced pain

[Association of C - reactive protein and body mass index with duration of mechanical ventilation in critically Ill trauma patients]

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and presence of a relationship between predictors of body mass index [BMI] or C-reactive protein [CRP] and duration of mechanical ventilation, in trauma patients who were admitted to the intensive care unite [ICU]. Furthermore, we compared their prognostic significance, with known indicators such as, the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment [SOFA] score. This prospective observational study was preformed on 72 admitted critically ill trauma patients in a general ICU setting, in Alzahra Medical Center of Isfahan University. Patients were categorized by duration of mechanical ventilation to the group A [ 7 days]. The severity of illness was assessed by the Revised Trauma Score [RTS] calculated on the first admission to the ICU unit. The biological status of the patients was assessed by the serial measurement of CRP on admission to ICU [T1], at 48, 72 hours subsequently, and on the beginning day [T2] or discontinuation [T3] from mechanical ventilation. Data on BMI, serum albumin, and the SOFA score, were also collected on T2 and T3. There was no significant difference between two groups in demographic characteristic or RTS. On T3, the SOFA score, BMI, albumin, and CRP were significantly higher within group B patients, as compared with group A [P < 0.01]. The incidence of low BMI [ 10 mg/L] on T2 was 72.2% [52/72] and 81.9% [59/72] respectively. The incidences of low BMI or high CRP in group B patients were significantly higher on T2 or T3, as compared with group A [P < 0.05]. CRP or BMI on T3 had high specificity for predicting more than seven days of MV. On T3, the SOFA score, serum albumin, CRP, and BMI provided significantly good discrimination [area under curve > 0.5] in descending order. Mean serum CRP level within 72 hours after admission to the ICU or on T3 was significantly more in group B patients, as compared with group A [P < 0.01]. The most significant predictor more than seven days of mechanical ventilation was CRP followed by BMI on T3. Both the BMI and CRP comparables with the SOFA score can be used in estimating the risk of prolonged mechanical ventilation. It is also concluded that maintaining the level of BMI or CRP in normal range, could shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation

[Chondro-protective effects of pomegranate on experimental osteoarthritis]

To study the effectiveness of pomegranate juice [PJ] on osteoarthritis [OA], we used mono-iodoacetate [MIA], an inhibitor of glycolysis, in tibiofemoral joint of mice that promotes loss of articular cartilage similar to that noted OA. Pomegranate juice [PJ] is increasing in popularity because of its high antioxidant content, already known to help prevent heart disease. However, no histopathological studies have undertaken in vivo to investigate whether PJ protect articular cartilage. We described the histopathology in the subchondral bone and cartilage of mice knee joint treated with a single intra-articular injection of MIA [0.1 mg] and sacrificed at 1, 14 and 28 days post injection. Then, the beneficial effect of oral PJ was studied in different groups; group 1: administration of PJ [4ml/kg], group 2: administration of PJ [10ml/kg] and group 3: administration of PJ [20ml/kg]. Histopathological changes in knee joints were studied after two weeks. Histologically, the early OA was characterized by areas of chondrocytes degeneration/ necrosis sometimes involving the entire thickness of the articular cartilage in the tibial plateaus and femoral condyles. Changes to the subchondral bone and proteoglycane contents, were observed and also, there was focal fragmentation and collapse of bony trabeculae with fibrosis and necrosis. Synovial cell proliferation was noted. Interestingly, administration of PJ in different group of mice prevented the negative effects of iodoacetate, in a dose dependent manner. Chondrocyte damages were significantly prevented and proteoglycane were less affected, especially in group receiving high amount of PJ and no cell proliferation and inflammatory cell were detected in synovium. Fast and progressive damage to articular cartilage is induced by single intra-articular injection of MIA, which mimic exactly human OA. In this study, the effectiveness of PJ in improvement of histopathological damages is emphasized and its chondroprotective effects in vivo are highlighted

effect of prayer on blood pressure of women in Isfahan in 2005

Hypertension is one of the most important, non-contagious diseases. Every year many people either die or suffer from it. Therefore, the first step is to screen prehypertensive people and change the manner of their life style. Nowadays, prayer in complementary alternative medicine [CAM] is known as an important factor in changing people's lives. This study is done with the goal of defining the effects of prayer on blood pressure of women in Isfahan. This study is a random controlled clinical trial. There were 60 pre hypertensive women aged 25-45 years randomly selected. They were divided into 2 groups of intervention and non-intervention based on their criteria to be included in the study. In intervention group, they were given tapes of selected prayers but in non intervention group they were not. The data were collected by questionnaires, checklist and interviews. Both groups were not identical regarding age, occupation, marital status, and educational level. The findings showed that in intervention group, systolic blood pressure before intervention was 132.93 mm/Hg and after that 128.70mm Hg [with a decrease of 4.23 mm/Hg]. Diastolic mean blood pressure before intervention in intervention group was 84/42 mm/Hg and after 83.48mm/Hg with a nearly 1 m/Hg decrease. The difference between the mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressures before and after intervention was significant [P<%5]. This research suggests that saying prayers as a part of complementary medicine is a non-Medicational way with no side effects in prehypertensive people

[Knowledge of general practitioners about acute otitis media]

Acute otitis media [AOM] is one of the most common disease during childhood, therefore, every physician must be oriented about its diagnosis and treatment. This study was conducted to assess efficiency and performance of our medical educational system. This descriptive study was performed on 100 general practitioners requesting them to fill a questionnaire composed of questions dealing with diagnosis, treatment and follow up of AOM. Totally, 100 general practitioners with the mean age of 28.6+/-2 years wee enrolled. Averagely, 30.5% of questions had been answered correctly. Our general practitioners' knowledge about AOM was poor, thus, we should revise our medical educational system

Digestive and liver diseases statistics in several referral centers in Tehran, 2000-2004

Gastrointestinal and liver diseases [GILD] are among the most common causes of morbidity and substantial proportion of mortality with enormous economic consequences in Iran. We aimed to collect and report the most recent statistics on deaths, symptoms, physician visits, and hospitalizations for common gastrointestinal and liver diseases in gastrointestinal referral centers of Tehran. Data on the leading causes of death were obtained from Iranian Ministry of Health, office of Health Statistics, [Table 1]. A total of 189,747 deaths in the 23 [out of the 28] provinces of the country] were reported during March 2003 to February 2004. Causes of death were reported on the basis of the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases [ICD-10; 1992]. The leading causes of hospitalizations were obtained from the database of the GI ward of Shariati hospital, one of the biggest and well known GI referral hospitals in Iran, through years 2000 to 2004. Data on the leading symptoms prompting an outpatient clinic visit and related physician's diagnosis were gathered from a large multi-physician outpatient clinic, located in Tehran, during 2000-2004. The first 5 leading gastrointestinal causes of death in the country were: stomach cancer, hepatobiliary cancers, cirrhosis of liver, esophageal cancer and colorectal cancer respectively. The first 5 leading causes of hospitalizations in GI ward of Shariati Hospital were cirrhosis of liver, hepatitis, peptic ulcer diseases, cholycystitis and cholangitis and colorectal cancer. The most common outpatient diagnosis was GERD followed by IBS, DU, Non-ulcer Dyspepsia, and chronic hepatitis B. GI and liver malignancy along with chronic liver diseases constitute the main GI and liver etiology for hospitalization and death in Iran.Gastroesophageal reflux disease, IBS, DU, Non ulcer Dyspepsia, and Chronic HBV are the most common outpatient diagnosis in Iran

randomized comparative study of the side effects of TCu380A and CuSafe300 IUDs in clients referring to Karaj health centers in 2003

Over 500, 000 women die each year from pregnancy-related complications among whom, 13% are due to unsafe abortion. This study was conducted to compare the side effects of TCu380A and CuSafe300 IUDs including bleeding, pain, and infection during a 6-month period in Karaj health centers in 2003. It was a randomized single'blind clinical trial, during which 270 candidates applied for IUD were randomly placed in two groups of IUD TCu380A and CuSafe300. Having inserted the IUD, its location was controlled by sonography. The side effects were recorded in the following 1, 2, 3, 6 months. Bleeding was more commonly occurred during the first month of implantation in both groups, however, at the 1st, 2nd and 6th month, bleeding was significantly lower in CuSafe300 group. Meanwhile, pain was more frequently happened during the first month in both groups while at all intervals CuSafe300 users were complained of pain and infection significantly less than the other group. The 6th month was complicated more commonly with infection among all subjects. Although the CuSafe300 IUD is more expensive than TCu380A, females who have encountered problems while using TCu380A IUD are strongly recommended to insert CuSafe300