Increased Mercury release due to exposure to electromagnetic radiation as a limiting factor for using dental amalgam

Background: although it is one of the most toxic nonradioactive elements, mercury is widely used in dental amalgam. Mercury is a toxic element which can damage various organs such as central nervous system, renal, respiratory and hematologic systems. The adverse health impacts associated to exposure to some common sources of electromagnetic fields including laptop computers, mobile phones, MRI and mobile phone jammers have been evaluated by our laboratory in our previous investigations. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of X ray exposure on microleakage of amalgam restoration

Materials and Methods: standardized class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surfaces of 46 non-carious freshly extracted human premolars. The teeth were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Experimental group were exposed to X-ray using an intraoral radiography machine at 60 kVp, 0.1 s, 7 mA with 2.5 mm Al total filtration. The absorbed dose was 245.0 +/- 0.5 microGy. All specimens were placed in 2 % basic fuchsin solution for 24 hours. Then the specimens were sectioned and microleakage was assessed according to dye penetration using a stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis was performed with the Mann-Whitney U-test

Results: microleakage was significantly higher in the X-ray exposed teeth compared to those of the non-irradiated samples

Conclusion: the results of the present study suggest that X-ray exposure increased microleakage of amalgam restorations

[Enactment of professional ethics standards compliance in patients and nurses prospective]

Introduction: the ethical standards compliance in nursing practice will lead to improve nursing services; therefore this must be regarded as main goal for hospitalized patients

Objective: the aim of study was to determine the professional ethics standards compliance in nursing practice from nurses and patients prospective in 2012

Methods: this is a descriptive comparative study that was conducted with partnership of 160 registered nurses were chosen by census and 504 hospitalized patients were selected by quota sampling from medical and surgical wards affiliated to training hospitals of the Medical Sciences Jahrom University. Study tool was a questionnaire list, 31 questions for nurses and 22 questions for patients. Data analysis performed using, SPSS 16, connected Chi-Square, correlation and Mann-Whitney tests

Results: according to the nurses' perspective 72% had responsible aspect and respectful patients care quality performance was 70%. However from patient's perspective 40% of nurses had responsible aspect, quality performance 45% and patients respect 69% to meet ethical standard. There was significant difference between nurses and patients perspective in sight of responsibility and quality care performance

Conclusion: the results showed that there is difference between patients and nurses' perspective about professional ethics standards compliance. To improve quality care performance education and training of ethical standards compliance is essential

Reproductive effects of dietary soy phytoestrogens, genistein and equol on farmed female beluga, Huso huso

In this study, 54 five-year-old farmed female beluga at stage II of sexual maturation were treated with 0 [control], 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 g of dietary soy equol [EQ] and genistein [GE] per each kilogram [kg] of diet during a year. Blood samples were collected and ovarian biopsy was performed quarterly. Results showed that 64.4% of the Huso huso sexually matured at EQ 0.4 g/kg and reached stage IV of sexual maturation. Oocytes diameters increased significantly at all concentrations of EQ and 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 concentrations of GE and reached a maximum [3 +/- 0.2 mm] at 0.4 g/kg EQ concentration at the end of experiment [P<0.05]. Blood plasma testosterone [T] level was 0.3 +/- 0.06 ng/ml at the beginning and reached a maximum [21.04 +/- 1.91 ng/ml] at EQ 0.4 g/kg at the end of the experiment [P<0.05]. 17a-estradiol [E2] levels increased significantly at some concentrations of GE and EQ at the end as compared to the beginning, reaching a maximum [12.6 +/- 1.04 ng/ml] at EQ 0.4 g/kg at the end of the experiment [P<0.05]. 17- hydroxy progesterone [17á-OHP] levels showed no significant difference [P>0.05]. In conclusion, EQ at a 0.4 g/kg concentration showed more powerful positive reproductive effects than other concentrations of EQ and GE in farmed female H. huso. Comparatively, EQ showed more estrogenic effects on ovary development in comparison to GE concentrations. Its use is therefore suggested as an additive to diets to induce ovary development in Huso huso

[Perspective of patients about compliance with standards of professional ethics in nursing practice]

Nursing ethics is an essential part of the nursing profession and compliance with it is expected from the part of health care institutions. This study was aimed at determining perspective of patients about compliance with standards of professional ethics in nursing practice. This is an analytical study using quota sampling. The study conducted after participation of 504 hospitalized patients in medical and surgical wards of Jahrom hospitals in Iran. Data gathering tool was a researcher-made questionnaire with 22 questions. The tool examined compliance of the patients with professional ethics and was designed in three dimensions including: responsibility taking, improving quality care of the patients, and patient respect. Then the data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Nurses showed good ethical practice in different dimensions including 40% in responsibility dimension, 45% in improving quality care dimension, and 69% in respecting patient. Independent T test showed a significant difference between the type of ward [Medical Surgical ward], and compliance with ethics in responsibility dimension [P=0.03 and R=2.3]. Furthermore, there was a significant difference between compliance with age and professional ethics. Nurses showed good compliance with ethical practice in different dimensions; thus, it is recommended to hold in-service training courses in this theme and remove barriers for a better compliance with professional ethics in the health care system

[Effects of dietary supplements of pediasure and carnitine on the anthropometric indices in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia under chemotherapy, in Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman, Iran]

Malnutrition is a common complication of cancer and cancer treatment in children. This occurs in 50% of these patients. Dietary supplements may have a significant effect on the response to treatment, survival, recurrence, mortality, and complications induced by chemotherapy in these children. The effects of Pediasure and Carnitine intake on anthropometric indices in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia [ALL] have been investigated in this study. This clinical trial was conducted in 34 new cases of childhood ALL under chemotherapy, in Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman, Iran. The patients were divided by randomized design into two groups; 17 cases and 17 controls with mean age of 5.79 +/- 3.97 and 7.17 +/- 3.66 years, respectively. 100-150 cc Pediasure every other day for one month and 50 mg/kg per day Carnitine were given to case group. Anthropometric indices including skin fold thickness [SFT], weight, height, and arm circumference were measured at the beginning of the study and 6 months later. Anthropometric indices were compared in these two periods. Data were analyzed using paired t-test. Mean of SFT [mm], weight [Kg], height, and arm circumference [cm] at the beginning of the study in case group were 7.20 +/- 3.29, 18.05 +/- 9.67, 107.35 +/- 24.47, and 15.88 +/- 4.17 and in control group were 10.57 +/- 6.23, 22.38 +/- 11.1, 115.82 +/- 22.29, and 16.05 +/- 4.02, respectively. After 6 months of study these indices in case group were 7.29 +/- 0.80, 18.35 +/- 2.31, 108.11 +/- 5.88, and 15.98 +/- 1 and in control group were 10.61 +/- 1.52, 22.88 +/- 2.67, 116.34 +/- 5.37, and 16.16 +/- 0.97, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in the two time periods. Although the differences of SFT were not statistically significant, this finding was clinically important [P = 0.05]. In spite of observed acute malnutrition in both groups, effects of dietary supplements on anthropometric indices did not show significant differences between groups. This may be related to many factors such as number of subjects under study, duration of intervention, and that the case group consumed only 100-150 Kcal/day energy more than the control group [we are not free in prescribing dietary supplement to these patients because of relapse risk and other unknown adverse effects of supplements]. Therefore, further studies are recommended

[ effect of partnership care model on depression of adolescents with beta-Thalassemia]

Introduction: Thalassemia is a chronic genetic disease which similar to any other chronic illnesses it influences people's psychological state. And they can be at the risk of getting depression. This study was designed to examine the impact of Partnership Care Model on Depression of Adolescent with beta-thalassemia

Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed by selecting 60 Adolescents with beta-thalassemia whom were randomly selected and classified into two groups of intervention [n=30] and control [n=30] groups in Shaheed Dastgheyb Hospital in Shiraz. The partnership care model of 4 main steps of orientation, sensitization, control and evaluation in the experimental group was administered for 3 months. Data collection tool was Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 questionnaire that assessed adolescents' depression before and after 3 months which was completed by both groups. The data were analyzed using SPSS v.16 and chi-square, t-tests and paired t-test

Results: There was no significant difference in depression score between two groups before intervention p= [0/532]. But the difference was shown significant between two groups after intervention using independent t test P = [0/0001]. Pair t test showed a significant difference in the depression reduction in the test group after the intervention P= [0.001], whereas the mean depression score of the control group showed more reduction after the intervention than before the intervention, however the difference wasn't significant p= [0/621]

Conclusion: Applying partnership care model can reduce level of depression in adolescents with beta-thalassemia. Therefore, it is recommended to use this model to reduce depression in adolescent with beta-thalassemia

[Comparison the effect of two methods, patient controlled analgesia and intramuscular injection after abdominal surgery in patients admitted to Amir Al Momenin hospital in Ahwaz]

70 percent of patients experience the pain after surgery as the most common complication. Lack of pain relief after surgery can lead to surgical complications, prolonged duration of hospitalization and delayed recovery. The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of two methods, patient controlled analgesia and intramuscular injection inpatients after abdominal surgery. This clinical trial study was conducted through convenience sampling on 60 patients referred to Amir Al Momenin hospital for abdominal surgery in Ahwaz in 2010. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups [30 in each group] of patient's controlling their pain through infusion pump [intervention group] and intramuscular injection [control group]. For gathering data demographic information form and the visual analog scale VAS were used. Pain severity and analgesic drug consumption was assessed every 6 hours during 24 hours after surgery. The data were analyzed by SPSS 16, repeated measures ANOVA test. There was a significant difference between the two groups in relation to the mean of pain severity and the extent of drug consumption after abdominal surgery, where as the pain level in the intervention group was less than the control group [P=0.03], but the mean of drug consumption in the intervention group was more than the control group [P<0.001]. According to study findings, education of patient controlled analgesia can be effective way to reduce pain after surgery, thus this method will be had a critical role in promotion of quality of nursing care and increasing of patient communication with staff.

Mucocele accompanied by a traumatic neuroma: a case report

Mucocele and traumatic neuroma are two lesions related to the traumatic events; however there is only one reported case in which these two entities were perceived simultaneously. The current study reported a 21-year-old man who complained of painless recurrent swelling, accompanied by paresthesia on his left lower labial mucosa. He had a previous history of similar lesion and had been treated with surgery and cauterization last year. The primary clinical impression was a recurrent mucocele. Microscopic surveys displayed a traumatic neuroma in the vicinity of a mucocele which seems to be arising from the previous surgical treatment

[ effect of peer-led education on depression of multiple sclerosis patients]

Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic and degenerative disease related to the central nervous system that causes depression in patients. Peer group can better encourage their peers to select the appropriate behavior. This study aimed to determine the impact of peer-led education on depression of multiple sclerosis patients in 2011. This quasi-experimental study was performed by selecting 110 multiple sclerosis patients and allocation of randomized two groups of tests and control groups [each group included55 patients].The MS Society of Iran was the research environment. After preparing the peer group, six training sessions were held during six weeks by peer group for the test group. Data collection tool was a questionnaire named Beck Depression Inventory [BDI] to assess patients' depression; this was completed by both groups before and4months after the program. The data were analyzed using SPSS v.16 software and chi-square test, paired T and independent T. There was no significant difference in depression score between two groups before intervention but the difference was shown significant between two groups after intervention using independent t test [P=0.001]. Pair t test showed a significant difference in the depression reduction in the test group after peer group performance [P=0.000], whereas the same test showed no significant difference in the control group. Peer-led education caused depression reduction in patients with MS. Hence use of this teaching method in multiple sclerosis and patients with chronic diseases is recommended

Mesenchymal stem cell; biology, application and its role in regenerative medicine

Mesenchymal stem cells have extensive potential to proliferate and differentiate into different cell lineages. Their differentiation capability in vivo and in vitro makes them ideal tools for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In the present study more than 100 recent published articles which are about isolation, culture and differentiation of MSCs were reviewed for application of MSC in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Clinical applications of MSCs seem to be in two distinctive lines: bio-scaffold design without immunological responses as well as multipotent stem cell without clinical obstacles. MSCs due to their capacity of self-renewability, multilineage differentiation and immune modulatory effects are of great therapeutic potential for cell and gene therapy of congenital and degenerative disorders

Cementoblastoma: report of a case with a long-term pain

Cementoblastoma is a rare benign neoplasm of cementoblastic origin which is usually represented with marked swelling and severe pain. In this article, the mechanism of pain generation and definite diagnosis of a cementoblastoma related to the first mandibular molar with a long-lasting dull pain have been discussed

Eosinophilic granuloma: report of a misconstrued case

Eosinophilic granuloma [EG] is the mildest and localized form of a group of diseases named Histiocytosis X. It is a destructive osseous lesion characterized by presence of a vast number of eosinophils and histiocytes. It has a neoplastic nature especially in the chronic forms. Based on the site of the lesion, three types are elucidated: 1- intraosseous 2- alveolar 3- mixed. In the last two types, extensive alveolar involvement and loosening of the teeth clinically may resemble aggressive periodontitis [AP]. We report a case of EG which was initially diagnosed and treated as AP. The rapid progress, diagnostic problems, etiologic factors and the consequences of late diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic granuloma are discussed. This explicates why dentists need to know the differential diagnosis of EG with AP for early diagnosis and treatment

effect of hydroalcoholic extract of olive leaves on blood pressure in rat model of two-kidney, one-clip goldblatt hypertension

In Iran's traditional medicine, the leaves of olive tree are of value for the treatment of hypertension. This study was designed to examine the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of olive leaves in rat model of two-kidney, one-clip hypertension and to further explore whether its hypotensive activity was mediated by enhancing the basal release of endothelium-derived nitric oxide. Animals were divided into two main groups including sham-operated and renal artery-clipped ones. The latter was further divided into 5 groups of untreated rats, vehicle-treated rats, which received daily oral administrations of one ml distilled water, and extract-treated rats receiving olive leaves extract at 50, 150 or 500 mg/kg in the same volume of vehicle starting the next day after the operation. Four weeks later, mean blood pressure and heart rate were measured under anesthesia before and after the administration of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [L-NAME]. Mean arterial pressures, and right kidney and heart weights of untreated and vehicle-treated renal artery-clipped rats were significantly higher but left kidney weights were significantly lower than those of shamoperated animals. However, there was no significant difference between the heart rates of these groups. Compared to vehicle-treated renal artery-clipped rats, treatment with hydroalcoholic extracts of olive leaves at 50, 150 or 500 mg/kg/day was associated with significantly lower mean arterial pressure, right kidney and heart weights but did not affect heart rate or left kidney weights. The intravenous administration of L-NAME resulted in a significant increase in mean arterial pressure in sham-operated and extract-treated rats whereas there was no change in renal artery clipped or vehicle-treated groups. The findings of the study show that hydroalcoholic extract of olive leaves prevents the clipinduced increase in mean arterial pressure, which might be partly mediated by enhancing the basal release of nitric oxide

comparative survey of organizational commitment based on personal traits: a case study on nurses in Yazd training hospitals

Organizational commitment has been defined as [the relative strength of an individual's identification with and involvement in a particular organization]. Organizational commitment and factors that predict it has emerged as a promising area of research in recent decade for there is a strong evidence of link between high levels of commitment and favorable organizational outcomes. The main objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the staffs personality traits [introversion - extraversion] and organizational commitment. This comparative - applied study was carried out in 2009-2010. The research population consisted of nurses working at Shahid Sad doghi and Shahid Rahnemoon hospitals. The sample [n=175] was selected by random sampling method. The data were collected by 2 valid questionnaires.organizational diagnosis questionnaire [ODQ] and Eysenck personality questionnaire [EPQ]. Data analysis was performed through SPSS[14] software using descriptive statistics and independent T-Test. The results of research indicated that the introvert and extrovert nurses are different in regards with their organizational commitment [p-v = 0/000]. Also, the organizational commitment was significantly different in both personality groups [introvert, extrovert] in terms of age group [P=0.003, 0.046] and job tenure group [p = 0/002, 0/042]. In the introvert group, organizational commitment was different based on the employment status [p = 0/017] but there was no difference in any group in terms of sex and marital status. The research results indicated that personality traits as a predictor of organizational commitment should be considered in human resources management

[Screening of DFNB4 locus in Iranian families with hereditary hearing impairment]

Mutations in the SLC26A4 gene in the DFNB4 locus is responsible for syndromic [Pendred syndrome] and non-syndromic hereditary hearing loss [HHL]. In many populations, mutations in this gene have been reported as a second cause of HHL. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of SLC26A4 mutations in our HHL consanguineous families. After completing clinical evaluation and obtaining signed consent forms from each family, we included 80 families with two or more affected individuals, referred to the Genetics Research Center [GRC]. All families that previously tested negative for the DFNB1 locus were candidates for homozygosity mapping using STRs for DFNB4 locus. Families localized to this region were subjected to complete DMA sequencing. Twelve out of 80 families were mapped to DFNB4. Sequence analysis of 12 linked families revealed 10 mutations in 8 families. [T420I, 1197delT, G334V, R409H, T721M, R79X, S448L, L597S, 965insA, and L445W]. The T420I, G334V, L597S and R79X were novel mutations; we did not find any mutation in the four linked families, nor did we detect any nonsyndromic families with mutation in the SLC26A4 gene. We have been able to identify mutation in the SLC26A4 gene in only 8 of 80 families. In 12 families, we detected some degree of diffuse or nodular goiter; three out of 12 families showed thyroid function impairment and in five of 12 families there were positive prechlorate discharge tests. Eight families that showed mutation had normal temporal bone scan. This investigation, demonstrated that the SLC26A4 gene mutation is the most prevalent syndromic hereditary hearing loss in Iran, a finding in accordance with reports from other countries

Parasitic infections [helminth and protozoa] in cases referring to Yazd central laboratory, 2002-2004

Intestinal parasites have world wide prevalence and are considered to be as one of the leading hygienic and economic problems in the world. It can be said that there is nowhere in the world without parasitic infestations. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients referring to Yazd Central Laboratory in 2000-2002. The present study was a cross-sectional, analytic and descriptive study including 13388 stool, specimens examined by two methods; Formalin-Ethyl Acetate and direct Method for intestinal parasites and Scotch tape method for Enterobius vermicularis. 13388 samples examined included 6913 women and 6475 men. Parasites were observed in 1151 cases [8.6%] including 618 [53.7%] men and 533 [46.3%] women, respectively. Of these, 98.6% were infected with protozoa and 1.4% with helminths. Giardia lambdia [41.05%], E.coli [27.45%] and Blastocystis hominis [15.51%] were the most common infecting organisms. Helminth infections were few, but the highest frequency was related to Hymenolepis nana and Enterobious vermicularis. Maximum frequency was reported in summer. There was a significant association between stool consistency and infestation by intestinal parasites [P=0.002]. There was a significant relationship with sex, too [P=0.001]. In the present study, the most common parasites were Giardia, E.coli and Blastocystis hominis [higher than five], but the prevalence was less as compared to previous similar studies in other regions, which could be because of the hot and dry weather, better personal hygiene and improved sewage system of Yazd

faunestic study of rodents in Yazd with emphasis on rural reservoirs of cutaneous leishmaniasis

Leishmanioses are important parasitic diseases presenting in three clinical forms; visceral, cutaneous and muco-cutaneous. Some rodents are the reservoir hosts of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis. The disease prevails in many rural areas of Yazd Province. This was the first comprehensive study on the fauna of rodents in Yazd and was conducted to determine the fauna, distribution and abundance of rodents during 2004-2005. The Rodents were collected by 30 Sherman live traps weekly from different parts of Yazd Province. The rodents were identified morphologically in the laboratory. To determine the Leishmanial infection of rodents, two smears of each ear lobe were prepared, fixed and stained by Geimsa and observed under light microscope. A total of 106 rodents were collected and subsequently 6 species were identified as follows: Meriones libycus [52.8%], Rhombomys opimus [20.8%], Mus musculus [12.3%], Tatera indica [7.5%], Nesokia indica [5.7%] and Rattus rattus [0.9%]. Of these 6 species, 8.1% of Meriones libycus and 5.9% of Rhombomys opimus were infected with Leishmania parasites. In the present study, leishmanial infection of Rhombomys opimus and Meriones libycus was determined. These species are the main reservoir hosts of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran. Control operations are recommended in the hypoendemic and mesoendemic foci of the disease

[Ocular symptoms and signs in professional video-display users]

To compare the prevalence of ocular symptoms and signs in professional video-display users [VDU] and non-users. This cross-sectional case-control study was performed on bank staff who used computer for their task as the VDU group and staff who did not work with computer as controls. Ocular symptoms were evaluated based on a questionnaire and signs were detected according to complete ocular examination. The VDU group included 34 male and 23 female subjects with mean age of 30.7 +/- 6.8 years and controls included 25 male and 31 female subjects with mean age of 27.6 +/- 7.2 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding age and sex. Ocular symptoms included burning and tearing in 79% vs 45% [P=0.037], dry eye sensation in 66% vs 32% [P= 0.022] and asthenopia in 64.8% vs 40% [P=0.044] of the VDU group vs controls, respectively. Dry eye based on Schirmer test of less than 10 mm after 5 minutes was found in 40.3% vs 10.7% in the VDU group and controls, respectively [P=0.012]. Tear break up time of less than 10 seconds was seen in 43.8% of the VDU group and 8.9% of the control group [P=0.044]. Heterophoria was present in 33.2% of the VDU group vs 5.3% of controls [P=0.032]. There was no difference between the two groups regarding myopia [54.3% in the VDU group vs 39.2% in controls]. Ocular complaints such as burning and tearing, dry eye sensation and asthenopia were more prevalent in video-display users

[Efficacy of preoperative topical diclofenac for prevention of post-cataract surgery inflammation]

To evaluate the efficacy of pretreatment with diclofenac sodium 1% eye drop for prevention of post-cataract surgery ocular inflammation. A double blind clinical trial was performed on 111 patients who were scheduled for phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation [PE+IOL] at Feiz Hospital, Isfahan-Iran. Cases with traumatic cataract and complicated surgery were excluded. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups: [1] controls; [2] treatment with one drop of diclofenac sodium 1% QID one day before surgery; and [3] treatment with one drop of diclofenac sodium 1% QID for three days preoperatively. All eyes received topical steroid and antibiotic, postoperatively. Postoperative anterior chamber [AC] reaction, ocular pain, burning, red eye, atonic mydriasis and intraocular pressure were evaluated on days 1, 3, 14 and 30. The study included 70 male and 41 female subjects with mean age of 61.03+8.35 years. Ocular pain was significantly more prevalent and severe in controls compared to other groups on postoperative days 1, 3 and 14. AC reaction was also more prevalent and severe in controls than the other two groups only on the first postoperative day. The prevalence and severity of red eye on days 1, 14 and 30 postoperatively were higher in controls compared to the two other groups without any difference by the third postoperative day. Eye burning was more prevalent in the control group than the other two groups only on days 1 and 3. The active treatment groups had no difference in terms of the above-mentioned characteristics at any stage; except for AC reaction on the first postoperative day which was more severe in the one-day treatment group compared to the three-day group. There was no significant difference between the three groups regarding relative miosis intraoperatively. Postoperative changes in intraocular pressure were within normal limits in all groups. Pretreatment with diclofenac sodium 1% can reduces the incidence and severity of post-cataract surgery AC reaction, eye burning, red eye and ocular pain, particularly during the first postoperative week

[Dry eye following keratorefractive surgery]

To compare tear secretion values following LASIK [laser in situ keratomileusis] and photorefractive keratectomy [PRK]. Patients referred to Aban Eye Clinic [Isfahan, Iran] for refractive surgery were randomly assigned to LASIK or PRK. Exclusion criteria were contraindications for refractive surgery, usage of topical ocular drugs, dry eye and reoperation. Schirmer test was performed pre- and 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The study included 176 eyes of 88 patients [30 male and 58 female] with mean age of 24.7 +/- 3.5 [range 19-34] years. Each group included 44 patients without any statistically significant difference regarding age, sex, mean spherical equivalent and corneal thickness. Mean values of Schirmer test were 13.5 +/- 5.3 mm in the PRK group and 14.5 +/- 7.1 mm in the LASIK group [P=0.08] preoperatively which reached 11.7 +/- 4.2, 12 +/- 4.1 and 12.7 +/- 5 mm in the PRK group and 13.5 +/- 3.6, 14.3 +/- 5 and 14.2 +/- 5.1 mm in the LASIK group at 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively, respectively [P=0.07, P=0.09 and P=0.17, respectively]. There were 4 cases [4.5%] of dry eye 6 months postoperatively in the LASIK group vs nill in the PRK group [P= 0.04]. Tear secretion decreases following both PRK and LASIK, however it seems to be more severe after LASIK