Human cystic echinococcosis in west Azerbaijan, northwest Iran: a retrospective hospital based survey from 2000 to 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hydatidosis in west Azerbaijan, Iran during a 10 year period [2000-2009]. We surveyed medical records of infected patients with hydatid cyst who had been operated in four hospitals in Urmia City, the capital of West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Several parameters were analyzed including age, sex, place of residency, hospitalization time, and the location of cysts. Of 294 cases, 53.3% were female and 46.7% were male with the mean age of 39.4 years [5- 93]. The average number of operated cysts per year was 29.4 [0.98/100,000 of population]. The most affected age group was 20-30 year olds [18.7% of the cases]. Cysts were localized in liver and lung in 57.5% and 21.8% of cases respectively and the average hospitalization time was 9 days. Single organ involvement was seen in the majority of patients and 28 [9.5%] cases had multiple involvement. The distribution of residence in patients showed 108 [36.9%] of them to have urban origin and 185 [63.1%] were rural residents. The lowest number [n=17] and the highest number of operation [n= 48] recorded in 2000 and 2007, respectively. The prevalence of hydatidosis is high in this city and further studies are needed for evaluation of economic burden and risk factors for CE in this region.

Pediculosis capitis among primary school children and related risk factors in Urmia, the main city of west Azarbaijan, Iran

Pediculosis capitis is cosmopolitan health problem. In addition to its physical problems, its psychological effects especially on pupils are more important. This study was conducted to determine the Pediculosis capitis among primary school pupils and also find out the role of probable related risk factors in Urmia city, Iran 2010. 35 primary schools of Urmia City according to the defined clusters randomly have been selected during 2010. 2040 pupils [866 boys and 1174 girls] were included and examined individually and privately by experts. Presence of adult or immature lice or having nits less than 1 cm from the hair basis were defined as positive. Data about demographic features and factors which their effect should be determined were recorded in standard questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS software with proper statistical test. Infestation was determined around 4%. Girls show significantly greater infestation. The availability of suitable warm water for bathing and hair length [separately in girls and boys] are significantly related to infestation load as well as infestation among different age groups. There was no significant relation between parent's education and job and infestation as well as bathing repetition per week and the kind of energy source which they have. Also there is no significant correlation between educational grades and head lice infestation. The head louse pediculosis is a health problem and remains a health threatening for school children. Effective risk factors should be determined carefully and regionally. Proper training plays a great role in order to prevent and control the problem

Risk factors associated with borderline intelligence in schoolchildren: a case-control study

To determine risk factors associated with borderline intelligence during intra-uterine life, delivery and the neonatal periods. In a case-control study, 200 school children in first grade, age six years were recruited. A standard intelligence quotient [IQ] test was used for psychometric testing. Cases had a borderline intelligence [70 to 84 score] and normal controls had an IQ of 85 or above scores. Cases and controls were matched for gender. Regression analysis showed that mother's illiteracy [Adjusted OR=2.7, 95% Cl, 1.6-4.2, p=0.001], familial history of mental retardation [AOR=2.1, 95% Cl, 1.4-3.5, p=0.002] and maternal drug consumption during pregnancy [AOR=1.7, 95% Cl, 1.1-2.5, p=0.003] were the main adjusted risk factors associated with borderline intelligence in childhood. No significant association was found between adverse birth outcomes including low birth weight and prematurity and borderline intelligence in children. Intelligence quotient [IQ] of schoolchildren is affected by both prenatal and postnatal factors as well as social determinants such as parental education. Controlling these factors has important implications for preventive strategies in psychological, maternal and child health programs worldwide

[Assessment the education compariment to two ways: group education and computer education on quality of life in the children 8-12 years suffering from asthma in the Valiasr Hospital of Zanjan]

Asthma is one of the chronic diseases of childhood that affects patients' quality of life. Planned education is considered as an important factor in management of sufferers from chronic diseases. Subsequent implementation of such programs leads to almost 70% decrease in chronic diseases and reduction of the confined-to-bed individuals. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of group vs. computer education on the quality of life in 8-12 year old children suffering from asthma in Zanjan Vali-e Asr Hospital. This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 80 children aged 8-12 years who were suffering from moderate to mild asthma. Data collection tool was a questionnaire in which 11 items were about individual characteristics and 25 items were about quality of life concerning physical, psychological, mental and social dimensions. Samples were selected by a non-random method and then they were randomly divided into two categories; group and computer education. The questionnaires were completed by the researcher before and after the intervention. After one month the data were collected and then analyzed statistically. According to the analyses, mean and ranking of the quality of life in our study, regarding WHO standards, indicated an increase in the quality of life and there was a significant increase after the intervention in the quality of life in both groups [p<0/05]. The findings showed that not only education in both ways was helpful in the improvement of the quality of life, but the computer based education had an outstanding impact on it. Therefore, perseverance and promotion of the quality of life by means of continuous computer education for these patients are recommended

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among mentally disabled children and adults of Urmia, Iran

The prevalence of intestinal parasites infection in institutions for mental retardation of Urmia City, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran was investigated. This descriptive-cross sectional study was carried out in institution of mentally retarded patients of Urmia city in 2007-2008. Fecal samples of 225 less than 29 year old mentally disabled individuals were examined using direct smear, formalin-ether concentration. Beside their scotch tape samples were observed for Enterobius eggs. Statistical evaluation was performed by SPSS 10. Of 225 mentally retarded persons, 118 [52.4%] and 107 [47.6%] were female and male. The overall prevalence of infection was 20.4% and that of male, and female were 20.5% and 20.3%, respectively. 17.3% of examined individuals had protozoa infection and 3.1% showed Enterobius vermicularis eggs. The infection rates of detected intestinal protozoa were Entamoeba coli 9.7%, Giardia lamblia 6.2%, Iodoamoeba butschlii 5.7%, Blastocystis hominis 4%, and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 0.4%. Forty percent of 1-5 year, 22.8% of 6-14 year, 22.2% of 15-18 year, and 16.8% of more than 18-year age groups, had positive results in their tests. According to IQ test results, 23.8% of less than 25 score group, 19.6% of 25-50, 17.2% of 50-75, and 40% of 75-90 groups were infected. More efforts for increasing sanitation level and prompt diagnosis and treatment of infected persons in these institutions are necessary

Relationship between dhea and dhea-s with anthropometric indices in women with different grades of obesity

Dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA] and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEA-S] are the most abundant steroids in human plasma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between DHEA and DHEA-S and anthropometric indices in women with different grades of obesity. This cross- sectional study investigated 170 women; 35 normal weight [BMI= 18.9-24.9], 33 overweight, [BMI = 25-29.9] as 36 women [BMI= 30-34.9] as obese grade I, 33 [BMI = 35-39.9] as obese grade II and 33 [BMI>40] as obese grade III. Body mass index was defined as weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters. Serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and glucose were measured by commercially available enzyme immunoassay kits and the glucose oxidase method, respectively. There was a negative and significant correlation between DHEA and age in the normal [r=-0.457, P=0.006] overweight [r=-0.414, P=0.017] obese l [r=-0.402, P=0.015] obese ll [r=-0.391, P=0.024] and obese III [r=-0.354, P=0.043] groups, respectively. Also a negative and significant correlation was found between DHEA-S and age in overweight [r=-0.394, P=0.019], obese grade I [r=-0.455, P=0.005] and obese grade II [r=-0.390, P=0.023] groups respectively. We found a positive and significant correlation between DHEA and frame size in individuals of the Obese I, Obese II and Obese III groups, and also a positive and significant correlation between DHEA-S and frame sizes in individuals of these three groups. Results showed that serum levels of DHEA decrease with increasing grades of obesity, whereas serum levels of DHEA-S increase with increasing obesity

[Effect of lactobacillus acidophilus on adults habitual constipation in gastrointestinal clinic of Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad: a pilot study]

Constipation is a common problem in elderly subjects. Probiotics have been suggested to improve intestinal motility and to reduce fecal enzyme activity. In this study, the effect of lactobacillus acidophilus tablets on elderly subjects was compared with placebo. Elderly subjects [n = 48] with chief complaint of constipation were enrolled in a randomly double-blind study. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: control group, receiving placebo every 8 hours for one month, and study group, receiving lactobacillus acidophilus tablet every 8 hours for one month. Subjects with lactose intolerance and other pathologic conditions were omitted. At the end of 4 weeks, all subjects were questioned on the relief of constipation and other symptoms. Response to treatment and complications were compared between the two groups. In subjects receiving lactobacillus acidophilus, 50%[13 subjects] responded well and had relief of constipation, 23.1%[6 subjects] showed relative response and 26.9%[7 subjects] did not respond. In subjects receiving placebo, 40% [6 subjects] had relief of constipation, 13.3% [2 subjects] responded relatively well and in 46.7% [7 subjects] no response was seen [p=0.388]. New signs were observed in 5 subjects [19.2%] receiving lactobacillus acidophilus and 1 subject [6.7%] receiving placebo. After 4 weeks, 2 subjects [7.7%] receiving lactobacillus acidophilus and 1 subject [6.7%] receiving placebo re-experienced constipation. Some relief of constipation could be observed with lactobacillus acidophilus tablets, but there was no significant difference between the two groups

[Changes of serum leptin levels in healthy women with different grades of obesity and its correlation with hormonal and anthropometric factors]

Obesity is associated with a number of endocrine and metabolic abnormalities. Leptin is a peptide that is strongly correlated with adiposity and is a potential determinant of obesity and its complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum leptin levels with anthropometric and hormonal factors in healthy women with different grades of obesity. This cross- sectional study enrolled 38 women with BMI ranging between 18.9-24.9, as the normal weight group, 35 women with BMI 24.9-29.9, as overweight, 37 women with 29.9-34.9, as obese grade I and 34 women with BMI 34.9-39.9, as obese grade II. Body Mass Index was defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters. Serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, insulin, cortisol and Leptin were measured by commercially available enzyme immunoassay kits. There was a dramatic, continuous increase in serum leptin concentration when the degree of obesity was increased and concordance was seen with serum insulin concentrations. There was a direct and significant correlation between serum leptin concentration and BMI in obese subjects[r= 0.736, P< 0.001]. We found significant correlation between dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations and cortisol [r= 0.237, P< 0.05]. There was a significant negative correlation between leptin and insulin in grade 2 obese subjects[r= - 0.566, p< 0.05] and a significant positive correlation between cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in grade 2 obese subjects [r=0.610, P<0.001]. Serum leptin levels continuously rose with increasing degrees of obesity and serum leptin concentrations were strongly correlated with BMI. Concentrations of insulin and cortisol increase with increasing serum leptin levels

[Comparison of serum leptin levels of non-diabetic and diabetic obese subjects and its relationship to anthropometric indices]

Leptin, the product of the ob gene, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to compare serum leptin level in non-diabetic and type 2 diabetic obese subjects and assess its relationship to anthropometric indices. This cross-sectional study was performed on 35 obese subjects with type 2 diabetes and 35 non-obese, non-diabetics. Fasting lipid profiles were measured using enzymatic methods. The NycoCard HbA1c Kit was used to measure HbA1c. Serum leptin, insulin and glucose levels were measured by an enzyme immunoassay, using a commercially available kit and glucose oxidase methods respectively. The insulin resistance index was calculated by homeostasis model assessment [HOMA-IR]. The mean of insulin resistance index [HOMA-IR], HbA1c, diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride and fasting glucose in diabetics were significantly higher than in non-diabetic subjects [P < 0.05]. Serum leptin levels were significantly lower in diabetics than in non-diabetics [21.51 +/- 2.18 vs. 30.36 +/- 2.46] and were significantly higher in women than in men [31.85 +/- 17.96 vs.12.80 +/- 9.02] in the diabetic and [36.11 +/- 10.99 vs. 23.55 +/- 15.72] in non-diabetic groups. There was a direct and significant correlation between serum leptin levels with hip circumference [r= 0.450, p= 0.04] in diabetics and [r=0.590, p=0.000] in non-diabetics, and between leptin and BMI [r= 0.666, p= 0.000] in diabetic and [r= 0.490, p= 0.003] in non-diabetic groups. Since the mean serum leptin level is lower in obese diabetes, compared to non-diabetics, further studies are required to clarify the mechanisms of lower leptin levels in obese diabetic subjects

Effects of anti-mosquito salivary glands and deglycosylated midgut antibodies of anapheles stephensi on fecundity and longevity

With the aim of controlling malaria by reducing vector population, the effects of antibodies produced against salivary glands and deglycosylated midgut antigens of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes on fecundity and longevity of the same species were tested. Three deglycosylated preparations of midgut and two preparations of salivary glands were produced, conjugated with aluminum hydroxide gel, and subcutaneously injected to shoulders of TO [Turner Out-bred] mice. After 4 immunizations and assurance of enough antibody production against utilized antigenic suspensions, effects of blood feeding on immunized and control mice were assayed. Insoluble preparation of midgut showed the strongest effect with 23.5% reduction in egg laying, and increasing death rate of vectors in third day after feeding. No significant reduction in fecundity or survivorship was seen with other preparations. Anopheles midgut insoluble antigens are potential candidates for designing vaccines against malaria vectors and further investigations need to be done to find effective antigens and the best way of their use