[ role of nerve and tendon gliding exercies in the conservative treat ment of carpal tunnel syndrome]

Carpal tunnel syndrome [CTS] with mild to moderate severity can often be effectively treated by Non- Surgical Measures in a primary care environment. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of nerve and tendon gliding exercises in the treatment of CTS. In a prospective randomized controlled trial, 38 hands with the diagnosis of CTS were randomly divided to two groups. Both groups were prescribed to wear a Custom molded wrist splint. The patients in group 2 were also instructed to perfom nerve and tendon gliding exercises. Duration of treatment for both groups were 4 weeks. Patients were evaluated with clinical and electrophysiological parameters, symptom severity scale, and functional status scale. There was statistically significant improvement in all parameters in both groups, The Improvement in group 2 was slightly better, but the difference between the two groups was not significant [p<0.05]. Patient's satisfaction was investigated during the follow up period [5-8 months], A total of 11 [61.1%] of the patients in group land 13 [76.0%] of the patients in group 2 reported good or excellent results but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. Conservative treatment in both groups was effective but without significant difference between them. Further studies with more patients and longer duration of follow up with clinical and electrophysiological parameters are recommended

Assessment of environmental pollutants at Kushk Mine, Iran

To determine the nature and grade of air pollutants at different locations [work sectors] of the mine and also to find out how to institute improvements. Air samples at peak working periods were taken three times, to obtain a median value, using a Drager Quantimeter 1000 with both short- and long-time exposure detection tubes. Underground tunnels, surface mine, milling department, explosive store, chemical laboratory and other important corners of Kushk Mine, Iran.Gases supposed to have evolved because of natural ore distribution or gases produced by different mining and milling procedures. Very high concentration of sulphur dioxide emission [31.5 ppm] on to the surface through the main ventilationl window and also high atmospheric levels of carbon monoxide [62 ppm], oxides of nitrogen [50.2 ppm] and cyanides [11.4 ppm] could be detected. Correction of mechanical defects in the production line and poor engineering lay-out of the plant, together with adequate health and safety education to the persons concerned and good housekeeping can combat pollutions to provide a safe healthy work environment