[Comparison of specificity and sensitivity of ultrasonography and computed tomography with endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography in diagnosis of biliary tract stones]

Cholelithiasis have concomitant with biliary tract stones [BTS] in about 10-15% of the affected patients. This study was carried out to compare the specificity and the sensitivity of ultrasonography and computed tomography [CT scan] with the endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography [ERCP] for detecting of the biliary tract stones and to evaluate the efficacy of the ERCP therapy. In this descriptive study, 135 patients suspected of BTS whom were candidate for the ERCP were gone under investigation. Ultrasonography of the gallbladder, liver, biliary tract, oral and IV contrast of abdominal CT scan and the ERCP were conducted for each patient. ERCP was considered as key critria to define BTS. The specificity and sensitivity of the ultrasonography and CT scan and the success rate of the therapeutic ERCP was estimated. BTS were observed in 112 patients by ERCP method. The specificity and sensitivity of the ultrasonography was 72.3% and 73.9%, respectively. The specificity and sensitivity of the CT scan was 50.8% and 91.3%, respectively. The success rate of the therapeutic ERCP was estimated as 76.9%. Ultrasonography as a non-invasive, non-expensive and well sensitivity method which is recommended in patient screening of biliary tract stones in compare to ERCP and CT scan

[Effect of educational program on knowledge and health belief model structures about acquired immune deficiency syndrome [AIDS] among high school female student in Isfahan, Iran]

Although acquired immune deficiency syndrome [AIDS] is a vital medical problem but it is more prominant as a personal behavior social cultural phenomenon. Adolescents have been identified as risk population in immune deficiency virus. Health education is only effective method to prevent AIDS. This study was carried out to determine the effect of educational program on knowledge and health belief model structures about acquired immune deficiency syndrome [AIDS] among high school female student in Isfahan, Iran. This quasi-experimental study conducted on 72 female students whom divided equaly into case and control groups. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics, knowledge and health belief model. Educational interventions were performed in lecture and group discussion. Data were analyzed using SPSS-18, paired t-test and independent t-test. There were no significant differences in knowledge, perceived severity, benefits and barrier in two groups before intervention. After intervention, there were significant increases in knowledge, perceived severity, perceived benefits and perceived barriers [P<0.05], in the intervention group, but there was not significant increases in perceived susceptibility. Education based on health belief model can improve knowledge, perceived severity, benefits and barriers in female student. More educational sessions are required for improving perceived susceptibility in high school female students

Hepatoprotective effects of purified oleuropein from olive leaf extract against ethanol-induced damages in the rat

Olives and olive oil contain large amounts of oleuropein. This phenolic compound is responsible for their bitter taste and pungent aroma and has been recognized as a powerful hypotensive, hypoglycemic and antioxidant agent. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties of oleuropein on ethanol-induced oxidative damage and to examine its beneficial effects on liver function. Thirty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four equal groups: the first group served as untreated control

The second group of rats were given ethanol [4 g/kg] orally. Group 3 received oral oleuropein [15 mg/kg]

The final group of rats were fed ethanol [4 g/kg], 120 min after oral administration of oleuropein (15 mg/kg]

All of the treatments were applied for 4 weeks via gavage. Administration of ethanol to rats induced toxicity in their liver, as shown by the significant elevation in the serum levels of transaminases, total cholesterol as well as liver histopathological findings. Elevation of glutathione peroxidase activity, the hepatic main antioxidant enzyme, and total glutathione was observed to suppress oxidative stress in the ethanol group

TBARS [an indicator of lipid peroxidation] concentration is also increased in ethanol-treated rats

In contrast, oleuropein during ethanol treatment in rats resulted in a higher antiperoxidative enzyme activity, catalase, and inhibited toxicity to the liver, as monitored by the reduction in ALT and AST levels and TBARS concentration. It is suggested that oleuropein possesses beneficial antioxidant effects against ethanol-induced liver toxicity, and therefore use of olive leaf extract may have prophylactic value in reducing the common complications resulting from oxidative stress in alcoholism?

[Knowledge and practice among women about self-medication based on health belief model]

The majority of medicines are associated with some form of side effects due to high prevalence of self- medication in Iran .There is not any drug without side effects; the prevalence of self- medication in Iran's provinces is increasing. This study was done to determine the knowledge and practice among woman about self -medication based on health belief model. This cross- sectional study carried out on 385 women whom referred to health centers in Isfahan, Iran during 2008. Data were collected by a questionnaire including knowledge, practice and health belief model structures. The mean score of knowledge was 82.97 +/- 13.80 and means score of perceived susceptibility 72.48 +/- 17.11, severity 71.60 +/- 14.73, benefits 68.29 +/- 17.13 and barriers 61.64 +/- 19.67. 86% of women have done self-medication at least in one disease in 6 months earlier including: cold 225 [57.6%], headache 28 [53.7%] and anemia 51 [13.2%]. The main reasons for self -medication were previous experience and medicine accessibility .The main reasons to avoid self -medication was the side effects of medicine. Self-medication can be prevented thought increasing knowledge and education about severity of drug side effects