[ function of vulnerable and at-risk women in prevention of HIV/AIDS]

Regarding little information about sexual behavior of vulnerable women to AIDS, mentioned in the second report of Ministry of Health and Medical Education [2006], this study has been conducted to determine the function of vulnerable and at-risk women to AIDS in Tehran in 2009. This descriptive study was done on 128 vulnerable and at-risk women who participated in this study in Tehran in 2009. The samples were a combination of available visitor passed to Drop-in Centers, behavioral or triangular clinic and those who were introduced by participant women through Respondent Driven Sampling. Data were collected by trained interviewers. Quantitative and qualitative descriptive statistics was reported as numbers, percentages, and, also, Mean and Standard deviation respectively. Analytical findings and determination of differentiations and correlation were evaluated based on Chi-squared test. In this study only 22 [17.2%] of participants mentioned that they have always used condom. Partner unwillingness was the most common reason [64%] for not using condom. Twenty-four percent of participants have received free condom from triangular, Drop-in and health centers in the last year. Only 32[25%] had done HIV test. The study showed the function of at-risk women in prevention of HIV/AIDS is not satisfactory. If the situation continues in this way, vulnerable women and society will be at more risk

[Correlation between visual analogue scale and short form of McGill questionnaire in patients with chronic low back pain]

Pain assessment in patients with chronic pain is very important. This study was performed to evaluate the pain severity and the correlation between visual analogue scales [VAS] and short form of McGill questionnaires in patients with chronic low back pain. In a prospective descriptive study, pain intensity in 150 patients who were referred to the Physiotherapy Ward of Baghiatallah Hospital in Tehran, was measured by Mc-gill and VAS pain questionnaires, and then the correlation between these questionnaires was evaluated. Data was analyzed by Pearson correlation and regression statistical tests. The patients' pain intensity score was 8.36 +/- 0.9 by VAS and 39.04 +/- 4.2 By Mc-gill questionnaire, respectively. The data show that most of our samples had severe pain. The correlation between VAS and Mc-gill was r=0.86 that shows a very good correlation between these questionnaires. VAS as this formula predicts McGill: McGill=4.727+4.1[VAS], R[2]=0.771. Regarding the importance of pain evaluation and excellent correlation between VAS and Mc-gill, and the fact that VAS questionnaire is very easy to be completed, it seems that VAS questionnaire is superior to short form to McGill pain questionnaire to evaluate pain in patients with chronic low back pain

Effect of phytase supplementation on zinc, iron and calcium status in rats fed with diet containing Iranian high phytate bread [Sangak]

Restricted mineral bioavailability of minerals in Iranian breads due to high levels of phytic acid has been reported for more than 50 years. Bread intakes still provide over one-third of the food energy through out the country. Hence improving bread mineral bioavailability can play an important role in decreasing the prevalence of many mineral deficiencies. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of phytase supplementation on blood, liver and bone zinc, blood and liver iron and femur bone calcium in growing Wistar male rats, fed a diet containing high phytate Iranian bread [Sangak]. Thirty weaning Wistar rats were assigned to the phytase [Aspergillus niger] or the control group for 6 weeks. The diet was designed based on Iranian food patterns and 34.2% of energy was supplied from Sangak bread with high amount of phytic acid. Feed intakes, weight gain, liver and femur bone weight did not differ between the groups. Blood zinc was higher in the phytase group [p=0.03], indicating the positive effect of phytase supplementation on blood zinc levels, independent of the growth process. Other variables did not show any differences between groups. We conclude that the addition of high phytate Iranian bread phytase to the diet can improve blood zinc status in growing rats

[ relationship between food intake and dental caries in a group of Iranian children in 2009]

Dental caries is the most common chronic disease in relation to sugary items. So the purpose of this study was to find the relationship between food intake and dental caries in 6-11-Year-Old children. This study was descriptive with random selection on 203 children. Data collection techniques were interview, clinical examinations and completing the food frequency questionnaire and information form. Consumption of food groups and basis information compared with dental caries prevalence, severity of dental caries in whole teeth and DMFT/dmft index separately. Quantitative and qualitative Data analyzed with appropriate tests and with the use of SPSS software, version 16.The frequency of using dried fruit, salty snack and confectionary group's with dental caries prevalence and sugar, salty snack and confectionary group's with severity of whole teeth decay showed a significance relationship [P<0.05]. The frequency of using sugar and pastry group's and snacks during the day had a positive relationship with DMFT/dmft index and dairy group had the negative relationship [p<0.01]. Using of afternoon snack, snacks during the day and sugar group had a positive correlation and brushing teeth during past 6 months, and mothers education had a negative correlation with DMFT/dmft index [p<0.01]. The main factor in incidence of dental caries were frequency of using sugary, sugary-starch foods, foods that stick to the teeth and irregular brushing [at least once a day]

Seroprevalence of acanthamoeba antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis patients by IFAT, Tehran, Iran 2007

This preliminary study was conducted to discriminate the prevalence of Acanthamoeba antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis [RA] patients and healthy controls to analyze the correlation between these two groups. From October 2006 to August 2007 a total of 121 serum samples from RA patients attending the Rheumatolgy Department at Shariati Hospital in Tehran were obtained and stored at -20°C until using by indirect fluorescent-antibody test [IFAT]. RA was diagnosed according to the American Collage of Rheumatology classification criteria. The organism used in this study was isolated from various water resources in Tehran, Iran cultured axenically and then went on a PCR assay based on 18S rRNA to identify the genus Acanthomoeba. Indirect immunofluorescence antibody [IFA] staining of serum samples was carried out to detect anti Acanthomoeba antibodies. In culture, out of 22 samples, 13 [59%] were grown in xenic but only two in axenic medium. PCR amplified a 904bp fragment, specific for Acanthamoeba. Of examined serum samples, Acanthamoeba antibodies were present in 70 [57.8%] and 52 [41.2%], respectively. The highest titer of antibodies [1:320] was detected in one patient with RA. Our study supports the hypothesis that some parasitic microorganisms can involve and contribute toward the development of rheumatoid syndromes

[Comparison of effects of three diets containing "Fish Oil", "Iranian fat consumption pattern", and "standard" diet on serum glucose and insulin sensitivity in Wistar rat]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fish oil containing diet versus Iranian fat consumption pattern and standard diets on serum glucose and insulin sensitivity in Wistar rat. Thirty female Wistar rats were randomly allocated to three dietary groups: a standard diet [containing soy bean-oil], diet containing fish oil and diet containing mixed oil which was designed based on Iranian population fatty acid intake. Dams in each group were fed one of the diets during pregnancy and lactation and the pups were also weaned onto the same diet. Fasting serum glucose [Photometry] and insulin [ELISA] in pups were assessed and insulin sensitivity calculated on puberty. Fasting serum insulin in fish oil-fed group was significantly less than two other groups [P=0.018] and insulin sensitivity in fish oil-fed rats was significantly more than two other groups [P=0.002]. It seems a diet containing fish oil [rich in long chain omega-3 fatty acids] causes more insulin sensitivity comparing to diet containing soy bean oil [rich in omega-6 fatty acids] and diet with Iranian population fatty acid intake pattern [rich in saturated fatty acids]

[Comparison of the effects of cow's milk, fortified soy milk, and calcium supplement of plasma adipocytokines in overweight and obese women]

Obesity is an escalating public health problem. Adipose tissue synthesizes and secretes a variety of biological molecules, termed adipocytokines that may contribute to obesity-linked metabolic abnormalities, including cardiovascular diseases. We compared the effect of cow' milk, calcium fortified soy milk and calcium supplement of adipocytokines in premenopausal overweight and obese women. In this clinical trial, 100 healthy overweight or obese premenopausal women were randomly allocated to one of the following dietary regimens for 8 weeks: 1] a control diet 2] a calcium-supplemented diet containing 800mg/d calcium carbonate 3]a high milk diet containing three servings of low fat milk or a 4] a soy milk diet containing three servings of calcium fortified soy milk [all of them providing a 500kcal/day deficit]. At baseline and after 8 weeks, anthropometric indices and plasma leptin, adiponectin, TNF alpha, CRP, and IL-6 were measured. Plasma CRP and leptin were significantly correlated with all anthropometric indices except for WHR, and plasma adiponectin had significant negative correlation with WHR at baseline. Although plasma leptin, CRP, and IL-6 decreased significantly in all groups [P<0.01], except for CRP in the control group, there were no significant differences among four groups. Results showed that a 500kcal/d deficit diet has beneficial effects on plasma adipocytokines, but calcium intake, either as calcium carbonate or as milk, causes no differences, and merits further research

[Anti-giardia activity of carum copticum on giardia lamblia cysts in vitro]

Giardiasis, a wide-spread, small intestine parasitic infection, is one of the main causes of human diarrhea, especially in young children. The prevalence of Giardia lamblia was reported to be between 1 and 25 percent; however, it is considerably higher under poor sanitary conditions. Metronidazole is used for the treatment of Giardiasis but it may have undesirable side effects. Carum copticum, a medicinal herb, has been used for its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiprotozoal effects for centuries. The present study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro effects of alcoholic extract, and essential oil from Carum copticum on Giardia lamblia. In this experimental study, Giardia lamblia cysts were incubated with the two different extracts of Carum copticum under standard laboratory conditions. After 60 minutes Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations [MIC] of Carum copticum alcoholic extracts and essential oil were 100 mg and 8 mg/ml, respectively. After 120 minutes, MIC of Carum copticum alcoholic extracts and essential oil were 75 mg and 6 mg/ml, respectively; and after 180 minute MIC of Carum copticum alcoholic extracts and essential oil were 75 and 4 mg/ml, respectively. Findings of this study indicate that Carum copticum is effective against Giardia lamblia in vitro

Genetic diversity among entamoeba histolytica and entamoeba dispar strains in gastrointestinal disorder patients in Tehran, Iran

Since the first description of Amebiasis, we still do not have a proper answer to the question of why disease and symptoms develop in only 5 to 10% of those infected with E. histolytica. It has been speculated that a spectrum of virulence levels among the E. histolytica strains contribute to the outcome of amebic infection. In this study, beside determination of prevalence rate of E.histolytica and E.dispar in gastrointestinal disorder patients, genetic diversity in non-coding locus 1-2 was investigated to identify genetic differentiation of Entamoeba in positive isolates. A total of 1700 stool samples were checked from patients referred to clinical laboratories affiliated with Shahid Beheshti Medical University; samples were examined by direct and formalin detergent methods. Twenty seven cases of E. histolytica/E. dispar were detected and total genomic DNA was extracted from stool samples. E. histolytica/E. dispar complex were determined by PCR with two sets of species-specific primers from locus 1-2 gene. The purified PCR products were sequenced and the results were compared with known E. histolytica and E. dispar sequenced data. PCR for locus 1-2 gene amplified a fragment of about 430 bp in 21 out of 27 samples and was identified as E. dispar. One isolate showed a band of about 340 bp and was identified as E. histolytica. PCR were negative in five samples which were discarded. With PCR and sequencing of the PCR products a reliable genetic diversity in size, number and position of the repeat units were seen among the Iranian E. dispar isolates in locus 1-2 gene. Eight new E. dispar genotypes were found in this study and submitted to the Gen Bank/EMBL/DDBJ. The only Iranian E. histolytica isolate [NH1 E.h IR] was completely similar with the KU2 [Accession No. AB075706] strain reported from Japan

Genetic characterization of cryptosporidium spp. among children with diarrhea in Tehran and Qazvin Provinces, Iran

Cryptosporidium is an intracellular apicomplexan parasite that infects a wide range of vertebrates including humans. Cryptosporidiosis is a major cause of diarrhea in children with and without human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infection in developing countries. More recently, the molecular methods for identification of morphologically indistinguishable species have been developed. The aim of this study was to determine the characterization of various species of this coccidian among children with diarrhea by using molecular methods. Fecal samples were collected from 1263 children with diarrhea who referred to Pediatrics Medical Centers in Qazvin and Tehran, two central provinces of Iran. Initial identification of Cryptosporidium was carried out by Zeihl-Neel-sen acid-fast staining method of stool samples. DNA was extracted from positive microscopically samples and were subjected to a two step nested PCR-RFLP based on SSU-rRNA gene. Out of 1263 collected samples, 31 [2.5%] were found to be contained Cryptosporidium oocysts. RFLP analysis showed that 80.6% of the positive isolates were Cryptosporidium parvum, 16.1% C. hominis and 3.2% had mix infection pattern of both C. parvum and C hominis. Our results showed that the zoonotic pattern of transmission is predominant and has considerable significance in epidemiology of Cryptosporidiosis in the study areas

In vitro antiamoebic activity of Iranian Allium sativum in comparison with metronidazole against entamoeba histolytica

Amoebiasis is due to infection with the protozoan parasite Entamoeba hislolytica. The patients infected with E. histolytica must be treated right after definite diagnosis and no need to treat infected individuals with E. dispar isolates. Metronidazole is used as a drug of choice against amoebiasis. However, like a lot of other chemical agents, this drug has its own side effects. This prompted us to carry out, an in vitro research into antiamoebic effect of Iranian Allion, sativum [garlic], which has been used for centuries, as an herbal medicine, without harmful side effects. Hydro-alcoholic, hexanic extracts and essential oil of 100 gram of crushed A. sativum was isolated and the minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC] of the extracts and essential oil in comparison with metronidazole were obtained on trophozoite of E. histolytica, HM-1: IMSS strain in TYI-S-33 medium. The MIC for A. sativum hydroalcoholic. hexanic extracts and essential oil after 24 hours was 60mg mL[-1], 4mg mL[-1] and 0.4mg mL[-1], respectively. After 48 hours the MIC for A. sativum hexanic extract and essential oil was 3mg mL[-1] and 0.3mg mL[-1], respectively. MIC for metronidazole was obtained 2 micro g mL[-1] and 1.5 micro g mL[-1] after 24 hours and 48 hours, in that order. Iranian A. sativum is effective on the trophozoites of E. histolytica species and the essential oil exhibited the greatest antiamoebic activity, at the lowest MIC

[Effects of iron supplementation with or without vitamin C on oxidative stress and iron status in iron deficient female college student]

Iron excess disturbs the antioxidant system through pro-oxidants mechanisms. In this study, oxidative stress indices were compared between iron deficient and healthy subjects and effects of iron supplementation with and/or without ascorbic acid on performance of the antioxidant defense system, levels of oxidative stress and iron status in iron deficient female students were determined. In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 60 NAID and 30 normal students [control] were selected from 289 female students at the dormitory of Shaheed Beheshti University [MC], Tehran. Hemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations were measured by cell counter and ELISA, respectively. After matching, NAIDM students were randomly assigned into the intervention group receiving 50 mg/d elemental iron supplements without [group I] and/or with [group II] 500 mg/d ascorbic acid for 12 weeks. Serum malondialdehyde [MDA], Total Antioxidant Capacity [TAC] and serum ascorbic acid were measured at the beginning and the end of the 6th and 12th weeks in the groups studied. Student's t and repeated measurements tests were employed to analyze the data using SPSS software. Mean TAG in group Ill was significantly higher in NAID subjects at the beginning of the study [3.87 +/- 0.47 vs 3.4 +/- 0.41 mmol/mL; p<0.001]. At the end, serum TAC significantly increased in supplemented subjects, not only compared to the baseline values [within group], but also in comparison with controls [between groups] [5.1 +/- .3 vs 4.7 +/- 0.04 mmol/mL; p<0.001]. In contrast, serum MDA concentrations decreased from 1.7 +/- 0.14 to 1.1 +/- 0.09 nmol/mL [p<0.001] and from 1.9 +/- 0.18 to 1.7 +/- 0.15 nmol/mL [p<0.001] in groups I and II, respectively, after 6 weeks of supplementation. Serum MDA concentration however increased to 1.7 +/- 0.15 nmol/mL at the 12th week [p<0.001]; although the same results were seen in group II, but the mean MDA concentration was significantly less than the value at the beginning [1.4 +/- 0.1 vs 1.9 +/- 0.18 nmol/mL; p<0.03]. It seems that the status of the anti-oxidant defense systems significantly improves among NAID young female subjects within the first few weeks after iron supplementation especially with ascorbic acid, an approach recommended for more efficient control of iron deficiency

[Gender difference in myocardial infarction events between patients with and without conventional risk factors: the modares heart study]

Investigations show that gender may have an important role in cardiovascular disease. Some authors have reported differences in risk factor profiles between men and women, while others have been unable to reach such conclusions. The objective of this study was to determine and compare the profile of conventional risk factors and hematologic-metabolic parameters and relative risk between male and female patients with myocardial infarction [MI]. This cross-sectional study analyzed data between 1994 and 2006 on 594 MI patients [70.2% male and 29.8% female]. The gender subgroups were compared with regard to selected blood parameters and risk factors. Male ratio and relative risk of MI were also determined. The average age, hemoglobin [Hb], hematocrit [Hct], mean corpuscular hemoglobin [MCH], mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration [MCHC], total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose [FBG] were significantly different between males and females [p<0.05]. The mean Hb and Hct in males with and without hyperlipidemia [HLP] and a family history of MI were significantly different [p<0.05]. Relative risks of HLP, diabetes mellitus [DM], and hypertension [HTN] for females were higher than males in all age groups. The relative risk was 6.16 times higher for females with three factors- HLP, DM, and HTN- combined. Hyeprlipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension were more common among women [p<0.001]. The results of this study confirm that the relative risks of HLP, DM, and HTN in causation of MI in women were higher than men in all age groups. With the exception of MCV, the other hematological parameters in men were higher than in women with MI, while metabolic parameters in women were higher than in men

[Prevalence of menopausal symptoms at perimenopausal period in Kermanshah city]

With respect to increased life expectancy and increased number of middle-age and old population, recognizing the problems and needs of people at these ages can help in promoting the health level of them particularly women. One of the problems of middle-age women is menopause. This descriptive study was conducted to determine the prevalence of menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal women in Kermanshah city. 460 women between 40 - 60 referring to 9 healthcare centers in Kermanshah city were randomly selected. Data were collocted by a questionnaire consisted of items regarding demographic characteristics, menstrual status, menopausal symptoms and Beck depression inventoiy scale Analysis of data showed that 39% of subjects were perimenopausal with mean age of 45.4 +/- 3.7. The majority of subjects was married [86%] and most of them [46%] had school diploma. The mean number of their children was 4 +/- 2. The prevalence of menopausal symptoms was as follows: hot flush [25.3%], night sweats [20.2%], sleep disturbance [36%], palpitation [18%], headache [30.9%], vaginal diyness [6.3%], joint pain [39.3%], vertigo [18%] and depression [39.3%]. Some demographic characteristics of women had correlation with menopausal symptoms such as age, number of children, level of education, educational level of husband, job and sport activities. The prevalence of menopausal symptoms at perimenopausal period was more than other studies in Asian countries and was similar to studies on Caucasian women in European countries. With respect to the prevalence of these symptoms and vulnerability of women, researchers recommend consultation for recognizing and treating these symptoms in middle-age women

sample coverage approach for estimating the size of the population with application to death undercount

Existence of numerous statistics and sometimes contradictory from unique phenomena is one of the problems and difficulties that prevent policy makers and administrators to take the right steps and make correct decisions. Generation of numerous statistics and sometimes contradictory by relevant organizations on mortality registration has created much uncertainty among governmental administrators and decision makers. This difference between statistics shows that a type of undercount exists in information collecting system of these organizations. Sample coverage approach is one of the procedures that might enable one to remove this deficiency. This study was accomplished to estimate the number of deaths of Bushehr province in year 2000 and to correct the death undercount. First, death information was obtained from three sources: Statistics System Development Department, Health Promotion and Health Network Development Department of Ministry of Health and Medical Education, and Census Organization of Iran. Then information of each source that was based on the first name, last name, gender and residence of dead people was entered to computer. Finally, a number of soft wares such as Access were used for obtaining common cases of sources. The data were then analyzed by SPLUS software and the following results were obtained. Without considering the number of newborn deaths, the total number of death in Bushehr province was estimated at 660 cases with an estimated standard error of 5 cases. However, only 641 cases had been reported by relevant organizations, As a result, 19 cases attributed as undercounts [2.88%] were estimated by these organizations. Results of this research has been shown that a type of undercount exists on mortality registration and could be obtained us an acceptable estimation for this undercount by using sample coverage approach

Study ofMDA, antioxidant vitamins, lipoproteins serum levels and anthropometry parameters in coronary artery disease patients

To compare the serum level of MDA [malondialdehyde], antioxidant vitamins, lipoproteins and anthropometry parameters, of 40 patients with coronary artery disease [CAD] and at least one vessel stenosis more than 70% and 40 healthy persons [control group] with mean age of 53.7 +/- 9.45 years were selected for this study. All patients and the healthy controls were evaluated in aspects of anthropometry parameters including weight, height, Basal Metabolic Index [BMI] and waist to hip ratio, angiographic status of coronary arteries [only in patient group], serum levels of triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL2, HDL3, MDA and vitamins E and C. Results showed that BMI and waist to hip ratio in patients were significantly elevated in control group [p<0.01] whereas serum levels of antioxidant vitamins were lower [p<0.001]. Serum levels of MDA in the patients were increased significantly in comparison with the control group [p<0.001]. LDL/HDL ratios were higher and Vitamin E/Cholesterol ratios were lower of patients compared to the control group. These results suggest that decrease of antioxidant vitamins and increase of MDA serum levels play important roles in the pathogenesis of CAD

Reliability of transvaginal ultrasound in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy

Transvaginal ultrasound [TVS] was used in the assessment of 101 patients clinically suspected of having an ectopic pregnancy [EP]. Transvaginal ultrasound allowed earlier demonstration of an interauterine pregnancy in 9 [8.8%] patients without confusion with a pseudosac. Of the 76 patients with an ectopic pregnancy, this was positively identified in 28 [36.8%] patients. A live extrauterine fetus was seen in 3 [3.9%] patients, 48 [63.1%] patients had scan findings suggestive of ectopic. Transvaginal sonography is advocated as the technique of choice in patients suspected of having an ectopic pregnancy