future balance between training and demand for radiologists in Iran

The present study aimed to evaluate the balance between training and demand for radiologists in the Iranian health care system between 2008 and 2027. A total number of 250 clusters were randomly selected from urban and rural areas of Iran, of which 168 were selected from urban areas and 82 were selected from rural areas. In order to collect basic medical data and to determine the number of radiology visits in the last two weeks, questionnaires were prepared and sent out to the subjects' houses. Information on the number of radiologists as well as statistics on the Iran's population were provided by the Medical Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran [IRI] and the Statistics Center of IRI, respectively. Radiologists were visited 245 times during a two-week time period, which resulted in an average referral to radiologists of 0.125 for each individual. Our results indicated a slight shortage of radiologists in 2008, which is expected to disappear till 2023. Afterwards, the training of radiologists is expected to slightly surpass the demands. Results from the present study suggested that an overall balance between training and demand for radiologists in Iran is likely to happen in near future

Amantadine versus methylphenidate in children and adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomized, double-blind trial

Background: The aim of the present study was to further evaluate, under double blind and controlled conditions, the efficacy of amantadine for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] in children and adolescents as compared to methylphenidate. Materials and methods: this was a 6-week randomized clinical trial. Forty patients [28 boys and 12 girls] with a DSM-IV-TR diagnosis of ADHD were the study population of this trial. All study subjects were randomly assigned to receive the treatment using capsule of amantadine at a dose of 100- 150 mg/day depending on weight [100 mg/day for <30 kg and 150 mg/day for >30 kg] or methylphenidate at a dose of 20-30 mg/day for a 6- week double blind, randomized clinical trial. The principal measure of outcome was the Teacher and Parent Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV. Results: No significant differences were observed between the two groups on the Parent and Teacher Rating Scale scores [df=1; F=0.02; p=0.86 and df=1; F=0.01; p=0.89, respectively]. Side effects of decreased appetite and restlessness were observed more frequently in the methylphenidate group. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that amantadine significantly improved symptoms of ADHD and was well tolerated and it may be beneficial in the treatment of children with ADHD. Nevertheless, the present results do not constitute proof of efficacy

Coronary artery disease and its risk factors status in Iran: a review

Coronary artery disease [CAD] is a leading cause of mortality, morbidity, and disability in the world. The high prevalence and morbidity associated with CAD in Iran is one of the most pressing health problems. We have reviewed the status of CAD and prevalence of its traditional and novel risk factors based on the published papers in recent years that may have an impact on the rate of CAD in Iran. Evaluation of current impact of metabolic syndrome in Iran was the other aim of this review, as it contributes to pathogenesis of coronary artery disease. We reviewed all PubMed indexed related studies. Some evidences from national articles which were published by the Ministry Of Health and Medical Education Research Council Certified Medical Journals of Islamic Republic of Iran were also included. The prevalence of CAD, coronary risk factors and metabolic syndrome in Iran is higher than Western countries and similar to some Middle East countries. There are limited data with regard to novel coronary risk factors in Iran. Primary and secondary prevention of CAD including life style modifications and dietary interventions strongly recommended in Iranian population