Effect of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on quality of life in rectal cancer patients undergoingpreoperative Chemoradiotherapy

Objectives: This study set out with the aim of evaluating the effect of conjugated linoleic acid [CLA] supplementation on quality of life in rectal cancer patients undergoing to preoperative chemoradiotherapy

Methods: In this study, 33 volunteer patients with rectal cancer treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy were allocated in the CLA [n=16] and the placebo groups [n=17]. The CLA group and placebo groups received 3 gr CLA/d and 4 placebo capsules for 6 weeks respectively. Before and after intervention, quality of life of patients was assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30

Results: At the end of study, the mean scores of physical function, role function, and cognitive function enhanced significantly in the CLA group while reduced remarkably in the placebo group. Symptom scales improved in the CLA group at the end of study. Comparison of changes in fatigue, pain and diarrhea scores were statistically significant between two study groups [P<0.05]. When we compared the global health status scores between two groups, significant changes were observed [P<0.001]

Conclusion: It appears that CLA may be helpful in rectal cancer patients by improving global quality of life. Although, other clinical trials with large sample size are needed to achieve more precise results

[Investigation of relationship between expression of lewis b antigen and helicobacter pylori induced peptic ulcer in Sari]

Background and Objectives: It has been indicated that some blood groups act as receptors for pathogens. There is a controversy over the relationship between Lewis blood group antigens and H. pylori infection which is one of the main causes of peptic ulcer. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Lewis blood group antigens and H. pylori induced peptic ulcer

Material and Methods: Blood and saliva samples from 60 patients with peptic ulcer caused as a result of H. pylori infection and 44 healthy individuals [control group] were collected. Types of Lewis antigens and secretory state of subjects were determined using direct agglutination and saliva tests, respectively. In order to find the relationship between Lewis blood group antigens and H. pylori induced peptic ulcer, Chi-Square test using SPSS statistics software version 17.0 [SPSS Inc., U.S.A.] was applied

Results: Seventy two percent of the patients and sixty one percent of the healthy individuals were secretor and expressed Lewis B antigen. No significant relationship was observed between Lewis blood group antigens and H. pylori induced peptic ulcer

Conclusion: No significant correlation was found between Lewis B antigen and presence of H. pylori induced peptic ulcer. Further studies for identification of the role of other factors like Lewis X and Sialyl Lewis X in binding, colonization and virulence of H. pylori infection are recommended

effect of vitamin d supplementation on adiposity, blood glycated hemoglobin, serum leptin and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in type 2 diabetic patients

Since tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] could be one of the risk factors at the development of diabetes complications; as well as serum leptin deficiency is related to increased susceptibility to infections in diabetic patients, they are potential indices from the preventive medicine viewpoint. This study was conducted to represent the effect of supplemental vitamin D3 on serum leptin, TNF-alpha and adiposity in type 2 diabetic patients. In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, study sample was selected through type 2 diabetic patients [n = 51]. A total of 26 patients were orally supplemented by vitamin D3[400 lU/d] [vitamin D group] and 25 patients by placebo [placebo group] for 14 weeks. The blood glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] and the serum ionized Ca, leptin, TNF-alpha, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25[OH] D] were measured at the two groups in the baseline and postintervention stages. It was shown that despite of theplacebo group, serum 25[OH] D and serum leptin was significantly increased [P = 0.001 and P= 0.002, respectively], while serum TNF-alpha was decreased significantly [P = 0.001] in vitamin D group. The remaining parameters, including body fat mass and HbA1c had no alterations between baseline and postintervention stages in vitamin D group. This study may advocate vitamin D supplementation among type 2 diabetic patients due to its beneficial effects on prevention of diabetes complications

Treatment of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis: sertraline for non-responders to desmopressin

One of the challenges in the management of primary monosymptomatic enuresis [PME], especially in adolescents, is response failure to medical regimens such as desmopressin. This prospective study aimed at addressing the efficacy of sertraline in the treatment of 25 adolescents [13-18 year old] with PME having experienced failure to previous desmopressin therapy. Patients were recommended to take one oral tablet of sertraline [50 mg] every morning after meal for 3 months. The patients were followedup every 6 weeks, the final visit being 6 months after treatment termination. Comparing the number of wet nights in the pretreatment nocturnal records with the follow-up visits revealed a significant reduction [P=0.01]. The primary efficacy outcome was achieved in 18 [72%] of the 25 patients; 12 patients had full response, whereas six patients showed partial response. Four [16%] of the 25 children presented with a relapse after 6 months of follow-up. Drug-related adverse events were rare. Sertraline effectively reduced the number of wet episodes in adolescents with PME who had experienced failure to desmopressin therapy. With respect to the favorable efficacy outcome of this medication and the scarce drug-related adverse effects, sertraline can be proposed as a novel treatment for PME

Epidermolysis bullosa, dental and anesthetic management: a case report

Epidermolysis bullosa [EB] is a group of rare inherited skin and mucous membrane disorders in which blister formation may arise spontaneously or following a minor friction. Various patterns of inheritance are explicated for the disease. The disease has a profound effect on oral mucosa and may result in high prevalence of dental caries. General anesthesia is sometimes the only choice for dental treatments in patients with EB. The following case report describes the dental and anesthetic management of an 12.5 -year-old girl with dystrophic type of EB. The patient was followed up every 6 months. New carious lesions were detected one year after the treatment, on the last visit. Presenting a perfect dental care to children with this disorder can be challenging for the in charge specialist, both pediatric dentist and anesthesiologist

Platelet volume indices in patients with varicocele / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate platelet volume indices (mean platelet volume [MPV], platelet distribution width [PDW], and platelet large cell ratio [P-LCR]) in varicocele patients, and compare it with platelet volume parameters in healthy controls. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 2 groups: group 1 included 51 varicocele subjects and group 2 consisted of 50 healthy control subjects of similar ages. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-K2 anticoagulant between 8:30 AM and 10 AM following an overnight fast. Platelet volume parameters (MPV, PDW, and P-LCR) were measured in both groups within 2 hours of sampling. RESULTS: The mean PDW, MPV, and P-LCR were 13.9+/-2.5%, 10.1+/-1.3 fL, and 27.3+/-7.8% in varicocele patients, respectively, and were 12.6+/-2.4%, 9.3+/-1.1 fL, and 21.9+/-6.4% in the control group, respectively. The mean PDW, MPV, and P-LCR were significantly higher in the varicocele group than the control group. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that vascular components may play an important role in the pathophysiology of varicocele; therefore, there is a great need for prospective studies to confirm this relationship.

Effects of royal jelly supplementation on glycemic control and oxidative stress factors in type 2 diabetic female: a randomized clinical trial / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>It has been proposed that royal jelly has antioxidant properties and may improve oxidative stress and glycemic control. Therefore, we investigated the effects of royal jelly supplementation in diabetic females.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this pilot, parallel design randomized clinical trial, 50 female volunteers with type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated to the supplemented (25, cases) and placebo (25, cases) groups, based on random block procedure produced by Random Allocation Software, given a daily dose of 1,000 mg royal jelly soft gel or placebo, respectively, for 8 weeks. Before and after intervention, glycemic control indices, antioxidant and oxidative stress factors were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After royal jelly supplementation, the mean fasting blood glucose decreased remarkably (163.05±42.51 mg/dL vs. 149.68±42.7 mg/dL). Royal jelly supplementation resulted in significant reduction in the mean serum glycosylated hemoglobin levels (8.67%±2.24% vs. 7.05%±1.45%, P=0.001) and significant elevation in the mean insulin concentration (70.28±29.16 pmol/L vs. 86.46±27.50 pmol/L, P=0.01). Supplementation significantly increased erythrocyte superoxidase dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and decreased malondialdehyde levels (P<0.05). At the end of study, the mean total antioxidant capacity elevated insignificantly in both groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>On the basis of our findings, it seems that royal jelly supplementation may be beneficial in controlling diabetes outcomes. Further studies with larger sample size are warranted.</p>

Effects of infants' birth order, maternal age, and socio-economic status on birth weight

To determine the effects of infants' birth order, maternal age, and socioeconomic status [SES] on birth weight. This cross-sectional study included a sample of 858 mothers recruited over a 6-month period in 2010, in a defined population of 9 urban health centers, and who were admitted for their infants first vaccination. Maternal clinical data, demographic data, and infants' birth weight were obtained from the interview and maternal hospital files. Multiple regression and analysis of variance were used for data analysis. First and fourth births had lower birth weights compared with second and third births in all maternal ages in controlling parity, birth weight increases with maternal age up to the early 24, and then tends to level off. Male gender, maternal age 20-24 years, second and third births had a significant positive effect on birth weight. Lower family economic status and higher educational attainment were significantly associated with lower birth weight. For women in the 15-19 and 40-44 years age groups, the second birth order was associated with the most undesirable effect on birth weight. Accessibility of health care services, parity, maternal age, and socioeconomic factors are strongly associated with infants' birth weight

Correlation of serum free carnitine with serum ferritin and vitamin C levels in type II diabetic men

Diabetes is a major health problem worldwide. Type II diabetic patients are reported to have higher ferritin and lower vitamin C concentrations. Considering the role of ascorbic acid in carnitine biosynthesis and the limited information on free carnitine correlations with ferritin and vitamin C levels in diabetic patients without microvascular complications, this case-control study was conducted to determine ferritin and vitamin C levels in hyperlipidemic-diabetic men comparing to healthy controls; the correlation of free carnitine with ferritin and vitamin C levels were also studied in these patients. Thirty-five hyperlipidemic-diabetic and seventy healthy men, were included in the study by the convenience sampling method. Body Mass Index, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, ferritin and vitamin C levels were assessed in both case and control groups; moreover, serum free carnitine was measured in both groups. Dietary assessments were performed using 24 hour recall and food frequency questionnaires. Blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, and HDL concentrations were significantly higher in the case group. Mean serum ferritin concentrations were higher in diabetics comparing to controls [93.22 +/- 0.27 vs. 44.66 +/- 4.23 microg/l]; whereas, mean plasma vitamin C in these patients were lower than the healthy subjects [0.68 +/- 0.07 vs. 0.89 +/- 0.05]. Positive correlations were observed between free carnitine and vitamin C levels. According to the results, it could be suggested that vitamin C supplementation in diabetic patients with hyperlipidemia might be useful. In addition, inclusion of serum ferritin assay in routine evaluation of diabetic patients could be beneficial

[Using tunica albuginea autograft from crural segment for the treatment of Peyronie: one year results]

The etiology, pathophysiology and treatment of Peyronie's disease remain unknown. Few medical therapies have positive effect on this condition. However, penile curvature is the major symptom of Peyronie's disease, which can be treated by surgical reconstruction. There are many surgical techniques for correcting penile deformity but there is the lack of a gold standard procedure. We present a surgical technique to correct penile deformity in Peyronie's disease. In this case series study, we treated 14 patients with stable Peyronie's disease with significant curvature that precluded intercourse. We excised the fibrous area and the gap was covered with a graft removed from the crural segment of the corpora cavernosa. In 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up there were straightening of penis in 92.8, 92.8 and 78. 2% of patients and acceptable erectile function in 100, 92.8 and 85.7%, respectively. Thirteen and eleven of 14 patients were satisfactory with the cosmetic and functional result of surgery, respectively. No severe perioperative complication was noted. Present technique may be considered as a treatment option in patients with curvature due to Peyronie's disease. Tunica albuginea auto graft from crural segment seems to be an appropriate grafting material for this technique

[ result of transrectal ultrasound guided 10-4 cores biopsies of the prostate]

The diagnostic tool in prostate cancer is prostate biopsy but recently classic biopsy has low efficacy. In recent years, trans-rectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy is a standard method in prostate cancer diagnosis. In the present study, we report our experience about ultrasound guided 10-14 core prostate biopsies at a hospital in Mashhad. The study included 196 men with PSA values of >/= 10 ng/ml or 10 ng/ml >/= PSA level >/= 4 ng/ml and Free PSA/ Total PSA ratio was less than 20%. These patients underwent transrectal ultrasound [TRUS]-guided 10-14 core prostate biopsy. Of the 196 patients, cancer in 73 patients [37.2%], intraepithelial neoplasia in 14 patients [7.1%] and benign prostatic hyperplasia in 108 patients [55.1%] were diagnosed. Transrectal ultrasound guided 10-14 core prostate biopsy diagnosed prostatic cancer in 25% of 14 patients who had no prostatic cancer with traditional biopsy. There were non significant associations between age and total and free PSA. There was a non significant correlation between the free PSA and Gleason score, but there was a significant correlation between the Gleason score and total PSA. This study shows that the TRUS-guided 10-14 core biopsies yield a better prostate cancer detection rate than the classic biopsy

[Comparison of non-HDL cholestrol level with LDL, cholesterol and other lipids markers level regarding investigation of lipoproteins disorder in hospitalizedpatients in Mazandran Heart Hospital]

Considering some restrictions of serum low density lipoprotein [LDL] as a marker for Coronary Artery Disease [CAD] risk factor and also the importance of apo B as a signinificant risk factor for CAD, measurement of non-HDL cholesterol has great value as a risk factor for CAD. Non-HDL cholesterol [total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol] contains all lipoproteins including apo-lipoproteins. In this study, 200 hospitalized patients [100 men and 100 women] with the diagnosis of CAD, documented by coronary angiography and 100 persons with normal angiography were recruited as case and control groups, respectively. Non-HDL cholesterol non-HDL-c was compared with LDL- cholesterol as a risk factor for CAD. Measured levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, lipoprotein atherogenic a [Lpa] and non-HDL-c were significantly higher than those in control group. HDL level was lower in patients group. Correlation analysis showed that non-HDL-c [and not LDL cholesterol] had a higher reverse correlation triglyceride level. Measurement of non-HDL-c could be a good marker in atherogenic lipoproteins. Furthermore, due to potential power of its other atherogenic lipoproteins, it cannot be measured by LDL alone

[Prevalence of positive hepatitis delta virus in patients with positive Hepatitis B surface antigen and its correlative factors in Sari]

Hepatitis Delta Virus [HDV] agent, or HDV, is a defective RNA virus that infects with HBV [Hepatitis B Virus]. 15 million people around the world are infected to HDV. There are different statistics in Iran and other countries about HDV incidence, according to accomplished studies. This study was done for determining HDV incidence in sari and considering its correlative factors. This study was done in a descriptive procedure on 167 patients. Correlative factors like demographic data and the ways of receiving disorder, history of tattoo, blood transfusion, were multi partner and IV drug abusers were considered. Diagnosing of blood Anti HDV in patients was by ELISA [Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay] way. We couldn't find any evidences of advantage of HDV in patients. Among 167 HBS-Ag positive subject [63 [37.7%] women and 104 [62.3%] men] were included. Average age of participants was 35.52 +/- 14.036. 2 subject had an addiction history [1.7%], 15 subject [9%] had a blood transfusion history, 4 [2.4%] were multipart and 1 [0.6%] had tattoo history and 2 [1.2%] were Prisoners previously. There wasn't any positive Anti-HDV Ab [Anti- Hepatitis Delta Virus Antibody] in studied patients. It shows that HDV is not endemic in sari

effect of folic acid supplementation in beta-thalassemia major: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

Folic acid is a coenzyme for many important biochemical reactions including synthesis of purines, pyrimidines, and nucleoproteins. The recommended daily allowance of folic acid is 65 - 200 micro g/day for infants and children. The recommended dose for deficiency states is 1000 micro g/day; the effects of excess amounts of folic acid are unknown. The role of folic acid in preventing progression of arteriosclerosis is rather a new issue. Thrombotic events related to slightly elevated levels of homocystein in adults may be decreased by daily consumption of 1 mg of folic acid together with 5 - 100 mg of pyridoxine

En Bloc Kidney Transplantation from Pediatric Cadaveric Donors to Adult Recipients

The shortage of cadaveric donors for kidney transplantation has led to the expansion of the criteria used for donor selection, such as the use of pediatric cadaveric donors. In this study we reviewed our results of en bloc kidney transplantation of pediatric cadaveric donors to adults. From May 2001 to May 2005, 245 cadaveric kidney transplants have been performed in our hospitals. Seven of these were en bloc kidney transplantations in adult recipients from marginal pediatric donors [age < 5 years, donor weight < 15 kg, high creatinine clearance, or kidney length < 8 cm]. We reviewed their records. Follow-up [range, 3 to 24 months] included ultrasonography, dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy, and magnetic resonance imaging. Serum levels of creatinine ranged between 0.8 m/dL to 1.9 mg/dL during the follow-up period. One patient died of myocardial infarction 3 months postoperatively. One-year graft and patient survivals were both 85.7%. Complications included acute tubular necrosis in 1 patient [managed by conservative therapy and dialysis for 2 weeks], renal vein thrombosis in 1 [treated by anticoagulation], and subcutaneous hematoma in 1. There were no urologic complications. Median size of the grafts was 7.2 cm preoperatively that reached 9.6 cm, 3 months postoperatively [P =.018]. Twelve months following operation, the median size of the grafts reached 11 cm [P =.045]. En bloc pediatric kidney transplantation is a safe and suitable alternative for adult recipients. One-year graft and patient survivals are acceptable and complication rate is low

p53 protein in serum and urine samples of patients with bladder transitional cell carcinoma and its overexpression in tumoral tissue

The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of p53 protein in serum and urine samples of patients with bladder transitional cell carcinoma [TCC] and their relation with the overexpression of p53 in the tumoral tissue. A total of 39 patients with bladder TCC were evaluated for p53 protein in their serum and urine samples and the overexpression of this marker in their tumoral tissue. Of 39 patients with bladder TCC, 29 [74.4%] had tissue specimens positive for p53 protein overexpression, 20 [51.3%] had p53 protein in their serum samples, and 27 [69.2%] had this protein in their urine samples. A positive immunohistochemical finding was more common in higher grades of the bladder tumor [P = .03], but not in higher stages [P = .07]. Eighteen of 20 patients [90%] with a positive serum for p53 showed protein overexpression in the tumoral tissue of the bladder [P = .03]. Of 27 patients with a positive urine sample, 25 [92.6%] had p53 overexpression in their bladder tissue, and of the remainder 12 patients with a negative p53 protein in their urine samples, 8 [66.7%] had no evidence of p53 protein overexpression in their tumoral tissue [P < .001]. The grade and stage of tumor had no correlation with serum or urinary p53. According to our findings, a positive serum or urine sample for p53 protein is highly associated with the overexpression of p53 protein in the tumoral tissue of patients with bladder TCC

Relation between consumption of foods which contain vitamin C and leukocyte ascorbic acid concentration with preeclampsia risk

Preeclampsia is a common disorder in pregnancy which threatens maternal and fetus life. Hypertension disorders are the third major cause of maternal mortality. Oxidative stress has an important role in pathophysiology of preeclampsia, and the toxicity of free radical oxygen is neutralized at presence of antioxidants such as vitamin C, E and beta-carotene. In this case control study, 103 women with preeclampsia and 100 women with normal pregnancy have been studied during postpartum hospital stay. Food Frequency Questionnaire was completed by them and their blood sample was collected in order to determine the concentration of intra leukocyte ascorbic acid. Data have been analyzed by using of statistical test such frequency student t-test, Mann Whiteny U, Pearson correlation coeficient and chi-square. The daily mean number of fruit and vegetable consumption in the control group was higher than the case group. However the difference between two groups was not significant. Only 17.5% of cases and 16% of controls consumed less than the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. The daily mean consumption of ascorbic acid in the case group was significantly lower than the, control group. [P=0.04]. 18.4% of cases and 13% of controls consumed vitamin C less than the daily recommended value of 85 mg. The mean level of leukocyte ascorbic acid in the control was lower than case group. But the difference was not significant between two groups. In. spite of weak correlation between leukocyte ascorbic acid level and vitamin C consumption in all of the study subjects and in the case group, significant positive correlation was observed in the control group [p =0.02, r =0.2]. The increased mean of intra leukocyte ascorbic acid in case group can be due to the response to the oxidative stress of preaclamsia or can be caused by halting of ascorbic acid transfer from maternal blood to fetus or both of them. The weak correlation between intra leukocyte ascorbic acid density and the consumption of vitamin C may be produced by reasons which have been mentioned above or can be due to incorrect food production which it contains. According to these results, the consumption of foods which contain vitamin C, can prevent or control severity of preeclampcia in the pregnancy period

Important diagnostic and surgical points in horseshoe kidney surgery

From April, 1983 until December, 1987, 15 patients with horseshoe kidneys underwent surgery in Shahid Labbafi Nejad Medical Center. Pyelolithotomy was done in 11 cases, pyeloplasty in 2 cases, and nephrectomy in 2 cases. Symphysiotomy was performed in 14 of these patients. Preoperative angiography was not done in any of the cases and midline transperitoneal approach was utilized in all of the cases. We consider angiography an unnecessary invasive procedure in the great majority of the horseshoe kidney operations. Midline transperitoneal approach is far superior to flank approach in horseshoe kidney surgery. We also prefer symphysiotomy in these cases, since it improves drainage from horseshoe kidney pelvices