[Measurement of facial movements with photoshop software]

Although there are several methods to evaluate facial nerve palsy, most of them are not objective. In case of symmetric movements of face, photoshop software is useful for objective assessment of facial nerve injuries. In this descriptive-analytic study, the facial movements of sixty normal subjects [30 females and 30 males] were photographed. Displacement of facial movements in specific landmarks was measured by Photoshop software. The collected data then were analyzed by SPSS software. The mean displacement of forehead wrinkles and landmarks on cheeks in right and left sides was respectively 10.6 mm, 10.1 mm and 9.4 mm, 9.7 mm. The mean displacement of oral commissure in right and left sides during smile was 11.8 mm and 11.5 mm. The comparison showed no significant difference between both sides [P>0.05]. The mean distance between landmarks [lateral canthus, oral commissure and Cheek] and axis of face were compared too. The results showed that both sides were symmetric. Facial movements were measurable by Photoshop software and this method was applicable to assessment of facial nerve palsy and also synkinesis

[Evaluation of hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity of methanolic extract of capparis spinosa in rats]

Certain herbal medicines are being marketed without standard toxicological study. Although people believe that herbal medicine don't have toxic effects, there are some reports indicating the toxicity of herbal medicine. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate hepatic and renal toxicity of percolated extract of Capparis Spinosa that has an analgesic effect and is traditionally used for treatment of rheumatism, gout and also used for its analgesic and anti inflammatory activities. In this study, the doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of methanolic extract of C. Spinosa were administrated by oral gavages for 7 days in rats. Normal saline, 5 ml/kg was given to the control groups. Each group contained 6 male rats. On the 8 th day, serum and urine samples were collected for liver function tests [ALT, AST, ALP] and renal function tests [BUN, Cr, urine ALP and ALP]. The livers and kidneys were isolated for histopathological studies. There were no significant differences in ALT and AST levels of the control and extract treated groups, but there was a significant increase in ALP levels only at doses of 200 mg/kg [p<0.05]. The histopathological studies of livers showed no evidence of hepatotoxicity at dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Renal function tests including BUN [Blood Urea Nitrogen] and Creatinine were significantly increased after oral administration of 400 and 800 mg/kg [p<0.05]. The histopathologic studies of kidneys showed evidence of renal toxicity at doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg. The results suggest tat methanolic extract of C.Spinosa has no liver toxicity, but it seems that it results in renal toxicity, especially in high dosage