High occurrence of potentially-pathogenic free-living amoebae in tap water and recreational water sources in South-West Iran

The present study was conducted to evaluate the presence of potentially pathogenic free living amoebae in drinking and recreational water sources in south-western Iran. From 75 collected water samples, 40 samples (53.3%) were positive for free living amoebae identified using morphological tools. Interestingly, all recreational waters in Ilam city included in the present study were positive for Acanthamoeba, Vahlkampfidae and Vermamoeba. Thirty percent of tap water samples in Ahvaz city were also positive for potentially pathogenic Free Living Amoebae. Moreover, the three genera identified in the present study have been previously reported as keratitis causative agents in Iran. The present research highlights the need to improve filtration methods for tap waters and to establish awareness in recreational water sources in Iran, in order to prevent Free Living Amoebae related infections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the isolation of potentially pathogenic free living amoebae including Acanthamoebae, Vermamoebae and Vahlkampfiids in the South-West of Iran.

[ effect of dietary Aloe vera gel extract supplementation on lipid peroxidation of broiler breast fillets during frozen storage]

To improve the oxidative stability of meat products, the use of the dietary form of natural additives, especially those with plant origin is increasing. Aloe vera plant, the in vitro antioxidant effect of which has been previously discussed, is a potential candidate for this purpose. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of feed supplementation with Aloe vera gel extract on lipid peroxidation of broiler breast fillets during frozen storage. Fifty-four 1-day old broilers were allocated into three groups [basal diet as control, basal diet supplemented with 100 and 300 mg/kg methanol extract of Aloe vera gel] and fed for 6 weeks. In the term, chicks were slaughtered and their breast fillets were stored at -20[degree sign]C for 9 months. Lipid peroxidation was assessed after 1, 3, 6 and 9 months of frozen storage using chemical [PV and TBARS] and sensory evaluations. Results indicated that incorporation of 300 mg/kg Aloe vera gel methanol extract in broiler diets caused the delay of lipid peroxidation in raw breast meat [with 9.6 meq/kg, 92.67 micro g/kg and 6.3 in PV, TBARS and Sensory evaluations, respectively] in comparison with control sample [with 15.2 meq/kg, 139.33 micro g/kg and 3 in mentioned evaluations] at the last day of the experiment [p<0.05]. This study showed that methanol extract of Aloe vera gel can be considered as a dietary supplementation substance in chicken diet and can delay the oxidative spoilage of chicken breast fillets during frozen spoilage

[Topical effects of glycirrhizic acid on allergic rhinitis in comparison to the beclomethazone treatment]

Drug treatment of Allergic rhinitis is based on anti-histaminic and antiinflammatory drugs. Glycyrrhizic acid is an effective ingredient of liquorice root that has affirmed anti-histaminic and anti-inflammatory natures. The present study has evaluated the clinical efficacy of local glycyrrhizinic acid drop for treatment or reduction of allergic rhinitis. A double blind clinical trial study was preceded on patients with allergic rhinitis that referred to the ENT clinic of Baghiyatallah hospital. The severity of rhinitis symptoms [rhino rhea, Sneeze, pruritus, congestion] were evaluated before and after treatment with either beclomethasone nasal spray [standard] or glycirrhizic acib nasal drop. Also, complications of treatments and rate of recovery were recorded. The rate of allergic rhinitis symptoms including, sever rhinorhea, Sneeze, pruritus and congestion were lowered significantly after consuming of either glycyrrhicinc acid or beclomethasone nasal spray on day 3. While, more reduction of moderate sneeze and congestion was seen prominently in patients who received beclomethasone, but patients with mild symptoms were increased in beclomethasone treated group. This study showed that efficacy of glycyrrhizinc acid nasal drop is closely similar and comparable to the beclomethasone nasal spray in treatment of severe symptoms of allergic rhinitis. So, this drug can be premier for treatment of severe allergic rhinitis, because of more accessibility and less complications than chemical drugs

investigation on the effects of the Aloe Vera extract on the thickness of the retina in male diabetic rats

Retina is a part of the central nervous system derived from the neuroectoderm and made up of 5 layers. In this study, the changes in the thickness of the retinal layers as a consequence of diabetes and effect of Aloe Vera gel extract in male rats were assessed. Thirty Sprague Dawley adult male rats [175 +/- 25 g] in two age groups [4 and 8 weeks] were divided into 6 groups of 5 as control, diabetic and diabetic receiving 400 mg/kg Aloe Vera extract. Diabetes was induced by IP injection of 50 mg/kg of STZ [streptozotocin]. The animals were weighed and their blood sugar was measured by glucometer before STZ administration and 24 h thereafter. Animals were anesthetized with sodium thiopental [40 mg/kg] via IP injection. After removal of eyes on both sides, retina was dissected out precisely and fixed in 4% glutaraldehyde, post fixed in osmium tetroxid 1%, dehydrated and then embedded in TAAB resin. Thin sections [1 ?m] were stained with toluidine blue stain and viewed under light microscope. Ten slides were prepared from each animal. The results revealed reduction of the blood glucose levels and body weight in treated rats in comparison to diabetic groups. The thickness of neural retina and its layers were different as well. In the group treated with Aloe Vera the thickness of retina and its layers retained their normal histologic structures

To explore identifying the influencing factors of divorce in Tehran

The aim of this explorative study was to identify influencing factors as main causes of divorce among couples in Tehran. Three hundred persons from family court of Justice participated from March 2006 to March 2007 in this study. Structured interviews in addition a standard questionnaire were employed. The results indicated that the most causes were psychological factors [96.3%], socio-cultural factors [87.3%], sex problems [88%], economic factors [80.3%] and violence [84.3%] in participatnts. Premarital counseling suggested for couples to prevent divorce in Iranian community

[Proliferative pigmented pilomatricoma: an immunohistochemical study of CK[7], CK[8] and P[53] expression]

Pilomatricomas are cystic hair follicle neoplasms originate from matrix cells which is produced by hair shaft and Inner root sheaths of this zone region of the inferior part of the hair follicle there is cornification patterns are present. These structures are recognized almost exclusively in dogs. A five-year-old, male intact boxer dog was presented with a large pedunculated mass in medial aspect of elbow region. The histopathological findings were confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The tumor was BCC like with lobules of tumor basal cells and shadow cell-like necrotic cells showing central keratinization. Immunohistochemically, the CK7was negative that revealed this tumor could not to be a BCC. Positivity for CK8 revealed that this tumor originated from hair sheath. Nonentity of invasion and metastasis and negativity for P53 iniplicated that the turn or was benign. This tumor was proliferative pigmented pilomathcoma because of a large number of basal cells of lobules and melanophages in the interlobular fibrous tissue. This report can be useful in oncoming reclassification of canine skin tumors

Prevalence of dyspepsia and its correlation with demographic factors and lifestyle in Shiraz, Southern Iran

Dyspepsia is a common disorder that can present many clinical dilemmas in patient management. Although not life-threatening, the symptoms are long-lasting, interfere with daily activities and have a significant impact upon quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of dyspepsia and its relationship with demographic and socioeconomic factors, and lifestyle in an apparently healthy population in Shiraz, southern Iran. In a population-based study, 1978 subjects aged 35 years or older were interviewed from April to September 2004. A questionnaire consisting of demographic factors, lifestyle data and gastrointestinal symptoms was completed for each participant. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were determined. The prevalence of dyspepsia was 29.9%. The dyspeptic patients were classified as having ulcer-like [27.9%], dysmotility-like [26.2%] or unspecified dyspepsia [45.9%]. The prevalence was higher in females, water-pipe smokers, NSAIDs users, and in those with psychological distress, recurrent headache, anxiety, nightmares and past history of gastrointestinal disease. Dyspepsia had an inverse relationship with consumption of pickles, fruits and vegetables, and with duration of meal ingestion. Subjects with dyspepsia symptoms were more likely to restrict their diet, take herbal medicine, use over-the-counter drugs, consult with physicians and consume medication advised by their friends. This study reveals that dyspepsia has a high prevalence in Shiraz, southern Iran and is associated with several demographic factors, lifestyle and health-seeking behavior

Effects of Vitex agnus - castus extract on after- discharge threshold, seizure stages and kindling acquisition in male rats

Vitex agnus - castus extract [Vitex] is available in dosage forms for female disorders treatment. This extract has shown controversial effects against seizures induced by Maximal electroshock [MES] or pentylenetetrazole [PTZ]. In the present study the anti-seizure activity of Vitex against acquisition of amygdala kindling was evaluated in male rats. Methods: Intact male rats were stereotaxically implanted with a tripolar and 2 monopolar electrodes in amygdala and dura respectively. The threshold of AD emerging was determined in each animal. Then, Vitex or solvent was injected and AD threshold was determined again. Also, Vitex injection was continued daily and seizure stages [S1 to S5] and ADDs were recorded 30 min post Vitex injection till development of full kindling. Vitex treatment increased the AD threshold significantly more than 2.5 times and decreased the after-discharge duration [ADD]. Although, the number of trials increased significantly by Vitex for exhibition of stages 1 [S1] to S3, but this effect was not significant for development of S4 and S5 [generalized seizures]. The cumulative ADDs difference between control and Vitex group was only significant for S3 - S5. Conclusions: Vitex may induce a protective effect via increment of stimulation threshold and decrement of ADD at least against focal epilepsy in amygdala neurons. Regarding to its limited effects on kindling acquisition at late stage with generalized seizures, Vitex may postpone the progress of epileptic activity at initial stages

Association between PPD and quanti FERON gold TB test in TB infection and disease among HIV-individuals in southern Iran

Tuberculosis is one of the most common diseases among HIV-infected patients. A person with a positive tuberculin skin test [TST] acquiring HIV infection has a 3-13% annual risk of developing active tuberculosis. The diagnosis of TB in HIV infected patients may be difficult. QuantiFERON-TB Gold [QFT-G] test is a novel method as an aid for diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. We evaluated the association between TST and QFT-G test in latent TB infection [LTBI] and TB in HIV-infected patients. One hundred and seventy six HIV-infected subjects from Shiraz Consultation and Behavioral Modification Center [SCBMC] entered our study. The individuals were screened for TST, using 5TU purified protein derivative [PPD]. Also, blood sample was provided for QFT, measuring INF-gamma response to M. tuberculosis antigen. Of 176 participants, 98.3% returned for evaluation of TST results. Among them, 63% and 37% were negative and positive for TST, respectively. All the participants returned for QFT-G sampling. Of them, 64.8% and 27.8% were respectively negative and positive for the test and 7.4% showed undetermined results. The agreement between PPD and QFT-G in their negative results was 39.9% and 8.1% in their positive results and the overall agreement was 50%. Disagreement of TST-/QFT[+] was noticed in 19.7% of the subjects and TST[+]/QFT- disagreement in 24.9%. CD4[+] count <100 mm[3] was seen in 5.9%, >/= 100 and < 200 mm[3] in 17.1% and CD4[+] T cell count >/= 200 mm[3] in 76.9% of subjects. As the agreement rate between QFT-G and TST in HIV-infected patients was fair, a strategy of simultaneous TST and QFT-G testing would maximize the potential for LTBI diagnosis in HIV-infected subjects

Outcome and characteristics of patients on the liver transplant waiting list: Shiraz experience

The only curative therapy for end-stage liver disease is transplantation but due to a shortage of available donor livers the waiting list mortality is high. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome and characteristics of patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation in Shiraz, southern Iran during the period from April 2004 to March 2007. Medical records of all chronic liver disease patients >/= 14 years that were on the waiting list for liver transplantation at the Nemazee Hospital Organ Transplant Center during April 2004 to March 2007 were reviewed. Hospital records were used to retrieve demographic, clinical and laboratory data. Records of the referring gastroenterologists provided information about the etiology and complications of liver disease. The patients were followed at the end of the study period by clinic visits or telephone contact. There were 646 patients on the waiting list for liver transplant during April 2004 to March 2007. Hepatitis B was the most common etiology of liver disease [31.2%]. Of those on the waiting list, 144 patients 22.3%] underwent liver transplant and 166 [25.7%] died while waiting for a transplant. The mean waiting period for transplant was 6.6 months. Receiving a transplant was correlated with the etiology of liver disease and Rh blood group [p<0.05] but had no significant association with gender or ABO blood type. Among non-transplanted patients, survival was lower in those who had a history of encephalopathy, SBP or uncontrolled ascites and in patients with a Child-Turcotte-Puph [CTP] class C and/or a Model of End-stage Liver Disease [MELD] score >/= 15. Hepatitis B virus is the most common cause of end-stage chronic liver disease amongst patients on the waiting list for liver transplant in Shiraz, southern Iran. Patients with a MELD score >/= 15 particularly those with a history of SBP, hepatic encephalopathy or uncontrolled ascites are recommended for waiting list enrollment

[Study of the effects of hexamethylenetetramine [HMT] on the number of pleural visceral layer mast cells in rats after exposure to sulfur mustard [HD]]

Background and Objective: sulfur mustard is a potent chemical vesicant warfare agent that remains a significant military and civilian threat. Inhalation of sulfur mustard gas causes inflammation and injury to airways and bronchioles. Mast cells promote allergic reactions when exposed to some chemical compounds such as HD. Hexamethylenetetramine has been shown to protect human lung cells against HD toxicity and has also been shown to be effective against the chemical warfare agent phosgene in vivo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of HMT on the number of mast cells in the lamina propria of visceral layer of pleura in male rats after exposure to sulfur mustard

Materials and Methods: twenty seven Albino Wister male rats weighting 200+/-20 gr were randomly divided into 5 groups [Normal Saline [N.S], HMT, HD, Pre-exposure and Post-exposure]. HD, Pre-exposure and Post-exposure groups received sulfur-mustard and N.S group received Normal Saline as a solvent by intratracheal catheter. HMT, Pre-exp and Post-exp groups received HMT via intra-peritoneal for 14 days. After the day 14, body weight changes, the rate of lung tissue injury and the number of mast cells measured in the pleura's visceral layer of the rats' lungs

Results: histological examination and mast cells count showed no significant difference when compared among NS, HMT, Pre-exposure and Post-exposure groups. However, significant reduction was seen in the number of mast cells in HMT and NS groups in comparison with the HD group [p < 0/001]. The number of mast cells in the Pre-exposure and Post-exposure groups was also significantly lower than that of the HD group [p < 0/001]

Conclusions: from the results of this study it can be concluded that HMT may have a positive protective and therapeutic effect on lung tissue in rats

[Effect of olive leaf on mild to moderate hypertension resistant to normal treatments]

Regarding to the patient's unwillingness toward lifestyle modification or drug therapy for hypertension and asymptomatic nature of this disease, the control of hypertension is difficult and may be resistant is some instants. On the other hand the popular tendency to the herbal medicines to treat disease including hypertension is grown. Based on animal and human individual reports of antihypertensive effects of olive leaf extract, and lack of well controlled human clinical trials, in this study the effects of olive leaf on mild to moderate and resistant blood pressure was evaluated. In this placebo controlled double blind randomized clinical trial, 64 patients with mild to moderate hypertension referring to Heart Clinic, Baghyatollah Hospital were randomly assigned to receive treatment with olive leaf powder, 1000 mg daily or placebo. Patients underwent Holter monitoring for 24 hours at the beginning and end of the treatment. For each patient demographic information, risk factors of atherosclerosis and co-morbid medical conditions were recorded as well as maximum systolic and diastolic blood pressure, minimum systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and maximum and minimum heart rate before, during and after the treatment were recorded by holter manitoring. The treatment groups were similar according to sex, age, height, weight, BMI [Body Mass Index], and risk factors of atherosclerosis. Significant reduction occurred in mean and maximum systolic blood pressure in the olive leaf extract group, but reduction in diastolic and mean arterial pressure was not significant in this group. In the other hand, in the placebo group, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure underwent significant increase after the treatment. According to the results of this study, olive leaf extract is an effective agent in reducing the blood pressure especially systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Based on the role of isolated systolic hypertension in patient's complications, this botanical material is a suitable adopted drug for reducing the cardiovascular risks in the hypertensive subjects

Clinical characteristics of colorectal cancer in Southern Iran, 2005

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality and represents a major public health problem in developed countries. The objective of present investigation was to determine the epidemiologic aspects and clinical characteristics of colorectal cancer in Shiraz, southern Iran. This was a retrospective study carried out during 2000-2005, and comprised 491 subjects with pathologically documented colorectal cancer. They were registered in Fars Cancer Registry, affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, southern Iran. A questionnaire including data on demographic information, histological types of cancer, site of primary cancer and metastasis were completed by trained interviewers. Among 491 subjects, 57.2% were male and the most common age was 65-75 years. Patients under 45 years of age represented 22.8% of all colorectal cancer cases while 32% were over 65 years old. Those with a history of cancer in their first-degree relatives included 26.9% of the patients. Adenocarcinoma was the most common reported histological type of cancer [96.1%]. Among all subjects, 60.7% suffered from abdominal pain, 28.4% abdominal distention and 28.0% rectal bleeding. Other symptoms included diarrhea/constipation, nausea/vomiting, urogenital problems and mass sensation. The most common sites of metastasis were lung, brain and ovary

[Evaluation of combination therapy with interferon and ribavirin in patients with chroni hepatitis C: a genoty based study]

About 200,000 of Iranian population are infected with Hepatitis C Virus. On the basis of Iranian consensus on management of chronic hepatitis C [CHC] infection in 2004, combination therapy with conventional alpha-Interferon [IFN] plus Ribavirin is the first therapeutic choice in CHC patients. Data are limited on treatment response rate in most areas of the country. To assess the treatment results, we performed this study in a referral center in province of Fars, in Iran, to compare with the response rates to therapy in Western patients. A total of 118 patients with CHC [males 88%] with mean age of 37.47 [SD 11.4] years, mean Histologic Activity Index of 8.21 [SD 4.5], and mean pretreatment Alt level of 81.26 [SD 72.86] were enrolled in the study. IFN 3 million unit/TIW plus Ribavirin 1-1.2 gr/d were administered for 6-12 months [depending on genotype], and the patients were followed up for 6 months period to assess sustained virologic response [SVR]. The most common route of acquisition of the virus was intravenous drug using seen in 39.8% of patients. 40.7% were infected by genotype 3a, 22% 1a and 9.3% by 1b. Seventy- three patients completed the course of therapy. End of treatment response [ETR] was achieved in 54 [74%] patients. SVR rate was 48% with a relapse of 13.7%. Hepatic decompensation was seen in 2 [2.7%] patients in follow-up period. With respect to the duration of therapy, genotype of viruses was not significantly different in both responders and non-responders [0.05]. Despite the different genotyping pattern ETR and SVR rates were comparable in Iranian CHC patients treated by combination therapy of conventional IFN plus ribavirin in comparison with Western patients. SVR was greater in cases with pretreatment lower HAI

Job satisfaction in basic and clinical faculty members in Shiraz University of medical sciences, Iran

Shiraz University of Medical Sciences as one of the oldest and largest universities of medicine in Iran with 50 years history has more than 450 faculty members and 5000 students. This study is an attempt to find out the level of job satisfaction among Shiraz University of Medical Sciences' faculty members. In midterm of 2003-2004, data on job satisfaction level among 404 faculty members from all schools of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were collected. The translation of Spector's job satisfaction score was used including 34 questions in 9 items of job satisfaction and each one based on Likert's Scale with score an of 1-5. A question related to overall job satisfaction of faculty members was added. Of all faculties,, 252 responded to the questionnaire and 70.1% expressed satisfaction in response the added question. The mean scores of job satisfaction in items of coworkers, work nature, supervision, management methods, academic relations, promotion, salary and suitable benefits were 3,771, 3.265, 2.557, 2.454, 2.395, and 2.376 out of 5 respectively [F=223. 8, p=0.0001]. In the promotion item, the satisfaction of female faculty was lower than male subjects. The level of job satisfaction was not different between clinical faculty members of Medical School with or without private activity. The results of linear regression analysis between the items of job satisfaction revealed that reimbursement and fringe benefits could predict the overall job satisfaction [r[2]=0.70, p<0.01].. As a whole, the faculty members of the university were satisfied with their jobs, but a correction in reimbursement, benefits and promotion regulations especially in lower academic ranks is needed to improve the level of job satisfaction in this group

Prevalence of hydatidosis in nomadic tribes of southern Iran

In order to assess the prevalence of Echinococcus granulosus [EO] infection [hydatidosis] in nomadic tribes of southern Iran, 1000 individuals from a total population of 112,519 were selected by randomized single blind cluster sampling method and studied from 1994-1995. The study included: [1] a physical examination by a gastroenterologist, [2] abdominal ultrasonography [US], and [3] detection of anti-EO-antibodies [EOA] by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] and counterimmunoelectrophoresis [CIE]. The statistically significant prevalences were: US: 1.8%, CIE: 6.8%, and ELISA, 13.7%. The rate of infection varied with age, sex, education, occupation, life style, geographical location of tribal subgroups and the frequency of contact with dogs and cattle. The power of agreement between a combination of each two methods were significant as determined by kappa statistics method. The results obtained indicated that a combination of ELISA and CIE was the most reliable method with a high sensitivity and specificity

Exfoliative cytology in the esophageal carcinoma

In this study, the results of endoscopic biopsy and exfoliative cytology in the diagnosis of esophageal carcinoma, are compared. Among one thousand cases clinically suspicious of, or at risk for esophageal carcinoma, 20 proved to be malignant on surgical specimen. Brushing cytology was positive in eighteen and biopsy, in seventeen cases. All of the negative cases [30] were diagnosed correctly by both cytology and biopsy [no false positive]. False negative cases in biopsy [3] were diagnosed by cytology and false negative cases in cytology [2 cases] were correctly diagnosed by biopsy. All benign and malignant cases were, therefore correctly diagnosed by combined cytology and biopsy. It is concluded that performing both esophageal biopsy and brushing cytology will improve the diagnostic accuracy without adding inconvenience to patient

Anti-HCV seropositivity among multiply transfused patients with B-thalassemia major in southern Iran

To evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis C in multiply transfused patients with beta thalassemia major [Cooley's anemia], 100 females and 88 males within the age range of 1-27 years were studied prospectively. Liver function tests were correlated with HCV antibody status. Fifty-one [27.1%] patients were seropositive for anti-HCV antibody; this correlated with the mean patient age, and the duration and amount of blood transfusion. No differences were detected regarding sex or history of splenectomy. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and globulin levels were significantly higher and albumin was significantly lower in infected patients. It is concluded that multiply transfused thalassemic patients are at high risk for HCV infection. Thus, routine screening of blood products for this virus is suggested

nephrotic syndrome: prediction of steroid responsiveness from clinical and laboratory manifestations

Steroid responsiveness related to epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics in 58 Iranian nephrotic children showed the responsiveness to be 72.2% in Children of 9 months through 6 years of age as compared against 50% in older patients. The rate of steroid responsiveness was higher in males [68.5%] than females [56.5%] Neither the season of onset nor the preceding upper respiratory infections did affect the responsiveness to prednisone. Hypertension, hematuria, azotemia, and acidosis solely or in various combinations were encountered in 54% of steroid responsive patients, and were absent in 18.1% of steroid non-responders. Children with persistent hypertension and/or hematuria were invariably steroid resistent. In patients with mild or no hypercholesterolemia, the incidence of non-responsiveness to prednisone was 71.4% as compared to 32% in those with significant hyperlipidemia, and 36.2% in the whole group. This study indicates that correlation between hematuria, hypertension and/or azotemia of nephrotic syndrome and the lack of response to steroid is less accurate than is generally believed. Lack of significant elevation of serum cholesterol is associated with an increased chance of non-responsiveness to steroid. Older age and female sex do increase the rate of non-responsiveness to prednisone. Recent clinicopathological studies in childhood nephrotic syndrome have shown that about 85% of patients have minimal change disease [1-3]. More than 94% of children with minimal change nephrotic syndrome respond to steroid whereas those with major glomerular pathology are generally steroid non-responsive [1/3].Therefore, responsiveness to steroid is a useful predictor of the underlying renal pathology. But it may take several weeks before the pattern of response to steroid is elucidated and routine use of large doses of steroid in all children with nephrotic syndrome could be harmful to some [1]. Although high selectivity index of proteinuria has a good correlation with responsiveness to steroid most hospital laboratories are unable to determine the differential clearance of urinary proteins. The purpose of this study is to examine the usefulness of the usual clinical and laboratory data at the time of diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome for predicting the pattern of response to steroid in a group of Iranian nephrotic children