Evaluation of serum nitric oxide level in patients with oral lichen planus

Statement of Problem: Oral lichen planus [OLP] is a chronic inflammatory oral mucosal disease with indefinite etiology. In recent researches, free radicals have been deliberated as the possible etiology of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases

Purpose: This study was aimed to evaluate the stress oxidative status with the nitric oxide [NO] index in a sample of Iranian population

Materials and Method: In this descriptive-comparative study, serum NO level was assessed in 20 OLP patients as the case group and 20 healthy individuals as the control group. Collected data were analyzed by adopting two Sample t-test, using SPSS 16 software. The statistical significance level was set at p< 0.05

Results: The mean serum NO levels in OLP patients and healthy controls were 17.1 +/- 3.4 ng/ml and 14.5 +/- 2.7 ng/ml respectively; which revealed a significant statistical difference [p= 0.009]

Conclusion: The results of the current study with its limitation may support the premise that higher serum levels of NO in patients with OLP might activate the process of lymphocytes and cellular immunity system; hence, possibly endorsing the effect of serum NO in pathogenesis of lichen planus

Evaluation the effect of swimming time on dental erosion among swimmers

Erosion is a multi-factorial process that occurs during life and it happens by many external or internal factors. The current study aimed to evaluate the relation of swimming time and dental erosion among swimmers. In this descriptive-analytical study, 84women individuals were selected. The case group included 42 swimmers who swam more than 6 hours per week and the control group comprised of 42 swimmers who swam less than 6 hours. The information regarding dental erosions and other data was collected by questionnaires. The dental erosion evaluation was performed using Smith-Knight index. X[2] was utilized for statistical comparisons. The P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Findings revealed that the dental erosion proportions was similar among two groups and there was no relation between swimming time and dental erosion among swimmers [p-value= 0/6, X[2] 0.26]. There was no relation between swimming time and dental erosion among swimmers. Therefore, the role of swimming time on dental erosion was not proved

[Serum zinc level in children with acute gastroenteritis admitted to Kashan Shahid Beheshti hospital]

Zinc is an essential micronutrient for growth and proper immune function. Zinc deficiency may contribute to the incidence, prevalence and severity of diarrhea and can also cause failure to thrive in children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the serum zinc level in children with diarrhea. This cross-sectional study was performed on 105 children with acute watery diarrhea referred to Kashan Shahid Beheshti hospital during 2008-9. To test the serum zink level, a sample of venous blood [5-cc] was taken. In addition, the age, sex, the duration of diarrhea, the length of hospitalization and FTT were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, T-test and ANOVA. Among the 105 children, 48.6% were male and half of them aged more than 12 months. The results showed that the mean serum zinc level in hospitalized children and diarrhea duration more than 3 days was lower than the other children [P=0.023 and P=0.004, respectively]. Moreover, the mean serum zinc level in children with FTT was lower than the children without FTT [P<0.001]. Duration of diarrhea, the length of hospitalization and FTT in children with low serum zinc levels was more than the other children

[Evaluation of serum hepatitis B antibody level in vaccinated children after 14 years in Kashan, Iran]

Hepatitis B vaccination has been conducted in neonates in the routine vaccination in Iran since 1993. This study was carried out to evaluate the serum hepatitis B antibody level in vaccinated children after 14 years in Kashan, Iran. This prospetive cohort study was conducted on 200 fourteen-year-old children which were selected via a simple random sampling method in Kashan, Iran drung 2008-09. This subjects were have been vaccined according to the govermental guildline at 0, 2 and 6 months old. Two ml blood specimens were obtained from children and serum hepatitis B surface antibody [anti-HBs] and hepatitis B core antibody [anti-HBc] were determined by ELISA method. Immunity was interpreted as anti-HBs>/= 10 IU/L. Data were analyzed using SPSS-13, Chi-Square and Fisher's exat tests. 92% girls and 95% boys, totally 187[93.5%] children had serum anti-HBs>/= 10 IU/L. Anti-HBc was positive in 3 [3%] girls and 5[5%] boys, totally 8[4%] which all of them had serum anti-HBS/= 2.5 kg [P<0.05]. The immunity following the complete series [0, 2, 6 months old] of hepatitis B vaccination remained detectable after 14 years

comparison between zinc sulfate and chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwashes in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis

Patients undergoing high-dose chemotherapy for hematological malignancies are susceptible to development of oral mucositis, and no effective modality has been reported for its prophylaxis and treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of zinc mouthwash on chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis lesions. In this double-blind randomized trial, patients under chemotherapy for acute leukemia were divided into two test and control groups of 15 patients each. The groups were homogeneous with respect to medical history, tumor characteristics, and therapeutic details. The test group received 10ml 0.2% zinc sulfate mouthwash, and the control group received 10ml 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash, twice a day for a period of two weeks. Spijkervet scale was used to grade the severity of mucositis at every other week during eight weeks. The severity scores were analyzed with repeated measure ANOVA using SPSS 13.0 computer software. Mean severity scores were generally lower in the test group compared to the controls at all four time intervals evaluated; but only, the differences in weeks of 2 and 3 were statistically significant [P=0.025]. Zinc mouthwash used in conjunction with chemotherapy may reduce the severity of oral mucositis lesions in patients with leukaemia

Short term outcome of patients with hematochezia and normal initial colonoscopic findings: do they really need further screening?

In a significant number of the patients with hematochezia, colonoscopy turns out to be normal and therefore is unable to determine the cause of bleeding. This study investigates outcomes and possible necessity for further work up in cases of hematochezia with normal colonoscopy. Ninety-seven patients with normal colonoscopy were followed for at least one year from the time of colonoscopy by regular visits and phone calls. Mortality and recurrent bleeding were recorded as primary end points. Those with recurrent or continued hematochezia were invited for a new visit and further work up. Among the ninety seven patients, nine cases [9.3%] were lost at follow ups, 10 experienced rebleeding [10.3%], and the remaining 78 [80.4%] were apparently healthy and had no further complaints. There were two mortalities during the follow up, one due to gastric cancer and the other due to cerebrovascular accident. It is unusual for the cases of hematochezia with a normal initial colonoscopy to have recurrent bleeding as a result of a significant missed lesion in the colon

[ effect of acupressure at the 3[rd] point of liver channel on quality of life of female students with primary dysmenorrhea in Tehran teacher training center in 2008: a randomize clinical trial]

Dysmenorrhea affects women's quality of life; moreover it results in physical, mental, social and economical problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acupressure at the third point of liver channel [liv3] on quality of life in female students of Tehran Teaching Training [Tarbiat Moallem] Center with primary dysmenorrhea. This single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 194 female students of Nasibeh Tarbiat Moallem center in Tehran who had had inclusion criteria. In the first cycle, the severity and duration of pain and quality of life were determined. Therefore, the participants were randomly assigned to either experimental or control group. In the second, third and fourth cycles, acupressure at liv3 and placebo point during 3-7 days before menstruation for 20 minute were carried out. In the fourth cycle, participants completed SF-36 questionnaire after menstruation again. Data-gathering Instruments used in this study included wrong-Baker faces pain scale, Beck-21 questionarre, SF-36 questionnaire, clock, Acuhealth tens pro 900 set, force guage. Data were analyzed with SPSS 16 and x[2] test, Man Whitney U, independent and paired test. P values were set as 0.05 [p<0.05]. There was no significant difference in mean quality of life dimension between two groups in the first cycle [p>0.05] but there was a significant difference in mean quality of life dimension between two groups in the fourth cycle [p<0.05]. The comparison between the first and the fourth cycle in two group showed a significant difference in all dimension [p<0.05] but there was not any significant difference between two cycles in Role Emotional functioning dimension in experimental group [p>0.05]. Moreover, there was no significant difference between two cycles in Role Emotional functioning and social functioning dimensions in experimental group [p>0.05]. with regard to the results of this study, acupressure at liv3 point is suggested as useful, effective, cheap and available treatment for primary dysmenorrheal

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

[ effect of Benson relaxation technique on anxiety level and quality of life of patients with irritable bowel syndrome]

Irritable bowel syndrome [IBS] is the most common functional bowel disorder which both the bowel and the brain are involved in this syndrome. Combined medical- relaxational therapy has been suggested to decrease anxiety and relieve symptoms, make better feeling of self health and improve the quality of life in these patients. This study was designed to determine the effects of Benson relaxation technique on anxiety level and quality of life of patients with irritable bowel syndrome. In a clinical trial, 30 patients with irritable bowel syndrome were selected and randomly placed into two groups: case and control. The control group was treated by only usual medical therapy but the case group was treated by combined medical - relaxational therapy. The two groups continued therapy for three months. The anxiety of patients was measured by Spielberger test [State and Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI]]. The quality of life of patient with regard to irritable bowel syndrome, was measured by BS-QOI with subscales 8, before intervention, 1 week and 3 months after intervention in both groups. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive and Mann-whitney, repeated measurement test and chi-square statistical methods. State and trait anxiety mean of the case and control groups two weeks before and one week after intervention didn't show any significant differences. But after three months the results showed a significant difference between the two groups [p<0.05]. There wasn't significant difference in scales of quality of life before intervention. One week after the intervention, differences of both group in four scales of dysphoria, health worry, social reaction and relationship were meaningful and the function of case group was more undesirable than that of the control group. Three months after completing the process, there wasn't a meaningful increase in sex function in case group in comparison with the control group but there was a significant recovery in the case group in other performance scales [p<0.001]. The quality of life of patients in control group compared to case group decreased or did not change significantly after 3 months. Performing Benson relaxation therapy is effective in reducing anxiety level coinciding with improvement quality of life; therefore relaxation therapy can be recommended as an effective care program

[Relation between C.32 A>T Polymorphism in TLR7 and response to treatment in Chronic HCV-infection]

Hepatitis C virus [HCV]-infection leads to development of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatoma. Both the liver damage and extrahepatic manifestation of HCV are immune-mediated. Since HCV is an RNA virus, a role for toll like receptor 7 [TLR7] in the immune response against HCV is likely. The aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of C.32T allele of TLR-7 in general and chronic HCV hepatitis, and its effect on treatment of HCV. This case -control study was carried out on 154 patients of chronic hepatitis C in 2008-2009. The patients were selected from referrals to Hepatitis clinic at Shahid Motahari Polyclinic affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran which had indication of treatment. The patients were randomly selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Control group consisted of 225 healthy subjects. The frequency of C.32T allele of TLR-7 was determined in154 patients with chronic HCV-infection, and in 225 healthy controls. Treatment with interferon-alpha and ribavirin was performed after genotype determination. Sustained virologic response [SVR] and end treatment response [ETR] were determined and effect of C.32T allele of TLR-7 on outcomes of treatment was evaluated. The frequency of C.32T allele of TLR-7 in patients with chronic hepatitis C was 15.33% in male, 14.67% in female and totally 15.2%. The frequency of C.32T allele of TLR-7 in healthy control group was 16.24% in male, 10.3% in female and totally 14.67%. The rate of Sustained Virologic Response [SVR] was 75%, but in patients that had C.32T allele of TLR-7, SVR was 55% [p=0.046]. c.32A>T single nucleotide polymorphism of TLR-7, by impairment of TLR-7 function, can be considered among host factors that had unfavorable effect on response rate to treatment of patients with chronic HCV hepatitis

Oral manifestations of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and presentation of a case

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome [EDS] is a rare syndrome, primarily diagnosed by clinical findings and family history. The clinical manifestations of EDS in the orofacial region consist of extra-oral and intra-oral manifestations. Its prognosis depends on the [sub] type and the proper, early diagnosis of the syndrome. The purpose of the present paper is to discuss the manifestations of this syndrome, especially its oral manifestations, and to present a case

[Discrimination of dominant H. pylori strains isolated from patients with different gastroduodenal pathologies by protein profiling]

It is not clear what factors determine divergent outcomes of infections caused by H. pylori. The aim of this study was to differentiate H. pylori strains isolated from the patients with different gastroduodenal pathologies by protein profiling. The protein profiles of different strains of H. pylori isolated from 3 groups of patients with ulcerative disease, nonulcerative gastritis and cancer disease were analyzed using 1D-SDS-PAGE. Based on the highly divergent protein patterns, the similarity of the strains inside each group was 75%, 76.47% and 78.57% for cancerous, ulcerative and no ulcerative groups respectively, while about 30.76% of the protein bands were common in all strains isolated from three groups of the patients. Some of the observed bands were significantly specific for each group. We speculated that some H. pylori strains might be more associated with a specific disease than others, leading to the clustering of some, but not all, strains within each disease group. This study showed that protein profile can be a criterion used for discriminating of dominant states in different gastric clinical states. Specific and dominant proteins of different strains isolated from three groups of patients under the study could be welcome candidates for further exploration to be used both for laboratory tests, which analyze disease-specific H. pylori strains, and for diagnosis of different diseases and outcomes associated with this widespread bacterium

Do infants using baby walkers suffer developmental delays in acquisition of motor skills?

Development is a complex process, completed over a specific period of time, through the maturation of the nervous system. It is affected by genetic, ethnic, nutritional, social, and economic factors; one of the environmental factors affecting the acquisition of motor skills in infants is the use of baby walkers. Since this device is very commonly used for infants in our country, we conducted this study to evaluate its effects on the acquisition of motor skills in this age group of children. This longitudinal study was conducted in 2005 on 300 infants referring to the Primary Health Care Centers of Kashan district in 1384; the infants were divided into two groups of 150 babies each, with the case group using baby walkers, while the other 150, the controls, did not. All babies were followed for two years, and the ages for acquisition of motor skills were documented during face-to face or telephone interviews with the parents. Data were analyzed using the T-test and the Chi Square test. Of the study population, 175 babies [58.33%] were male. The mean age of acquisition of motor skills including rolling, crawling, moving on hands and feet, sitting without and with help, standing and walking dependently and independently were found to be delayed in infants using baby walkers, a difference between the two groups of walker users and non- walker users that was statistically significant [P<0.001]. Considering the adverse effects that walkers have on the acquisition of motor skills in infants, as demonstrated by the results of this study, we do not recommend the use of baby walkers in infants

effect of Benson relaxation therapy on anxiety level and severity of symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome [IBS] is the most common functional bowel disorder. Stress triggers or aggravates it's symptoms. This investigation is carried out to determine the effect of Benson relaxation therapy on anxiety level and severity of symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. In this clinical trial 30 patients with irritable bowel syndrom were randomly divided into case and control groups. The control group was treated by only usual medical therapy but the case group was treated by combined medical-relaxational therapy. The two groups continued therapy for three months. Anxiety level and gastrointestinal symptoms of case and control groups were compared at three different times [two weeks before intervention and one week and three months after intervention]. Also, patients were asked to document 6 common gastrointestinal symptoms in their daily symptom diaries, 2 weeks before intervention to 3 months after intervention. At the end of each week, these symptoms were compared in the two groups. Data was analyzed using chi square, Man - Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests. Mean state and trait anxiety of the case and control groups two weeks before and one week after intervention did not show significant difference. But the results after 3 months showed a significant difference [p<0.001].The mean severity of gastrointestinal symptoms, 2 weeks before intervention, was significantly higher in case group, but the comparison of gastrointestinal symptoms severity, 1 week after intervention, did not show any significant difference between the two groups, and 3 months after intervention a significant difference was observed in the two groups [the control group had more severe symptoms than the case group]. The comparison of 6 common gastrointestinal symptoms based on weekly self-report showed that abdominal pain, eructation and distention were significantly lower in case group, but there was no significant difference between diarrhea and constipation. Three months Benson relaxation therapy significantly decreased the state and trait anxiety level and severity of symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Comparison of metronidazole and furazolidone against giardia lamblia in children

This study was conducted on children infected by Giardia lamblia to evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of Metronidazole and Furazolidone drugs in Kashan. One hundred twenty two individuals infected with Giardia lamblia were assigned in 2 groups. They were 5-12 years old. Patients were surveyed four weeks following the therapy with Metronidazole and Furazolidone. Results were compared using chi-square method. Of 122 infected patients, 68.8% were urban residents, 43.4% were females and 56.6% were males. Abdominal pain was the most common clinical symptoms [84.2%]. Four weeks after the therapy, the efficacy of metronidazole and furazolidone were 87 and 81.6%, respectively. Malaise [12.9%] and dark urine [25%] was the most frequents side effects of metronidazole and furazolidone, respectively. With respect to the efficacy of antiparasite drugs in the treatment of giardiasis, further studies in different parts of the country are highly recommended

Evaluation of association between hyperlipidemia and periodontitis

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In recent years some evidence has been presented regarding the association between periodontal and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was the evaluation of association between hyperlipidemia and periodontitis. In this case-control study, levels of plasma lipids in 40 subjects with periodontitis [CPITN score III or IV] were measured and compared with 40 age and sex matched controls. Data were analyzed using t-student test with P<0.05 as the limit of significance. Total cholesterol [CHL] and triglyceride [TG] were significantly higher in case group compared with control group. [P=0.045 and P=0.016 respectively]. HDL and LDL cholesterols were higher in cases but showed no significant differences with controls. The relative frequency of pathologic values of CHL and TG were significantly greater in cases compared with control group [P=0.005 and P=0.001 respectively]. Based on the findings of this study, hyperlipidemia may be associated with periodontitis in medically healthy peoples but whether periodontitis causes an increase in levels of serum lipids or whether hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for both periodontitis and cardiovascular disease need to be further investigated

[ prevalence of migraine headache in patients with bipolar type I disorder in Army university of medical science]

Background: The propose of this study was to determine the prevalence of the migraine headache among patients with Bipolar type I disorder. Previous research has shown an increase in migraine headache in bipolar type I disorders. But the information is sparse concerning the prevalence of migraine in subgroups of the affective disorder

Materials and Methods: 120 subjects, who visited during 3 month, were evaluated. There were 74 men and 46 women. Patients with bipolar type I disorder consecutively admitted in 506 Army hospitals were examined with interview based on DSM-4 diagnostic criteria. Migraine headache was diagnosed according HIS-criteria. Interviews with patients were accomplished by the researcher

Results: Of the 120 patients with bipolar I disorder 12[10%] had migraine headache. Onf the 46 women 7[15%] and of the 74 men migraine 5[6%] had migraine headache. the most frequency of migraine was in patients aged 30-40 [20.5%]

Conclusion: Migraine headache was seen with increased frequency in the bipolar I disprder population. Because the clinical statement for missing migraine are enormous, recognition of the common comorbidity of migraine headaches with bipolar I disorder is necessary

[ prevalence of migraine headache in patients with Bipolar type I disorder in Army university of medical science]

Background: The propose of this study was to determine the prevalence of the migraine headache among patients with Bipolar type I disorder. Previous research has shown an increase in migraine headache in bipolar type I disorders. But the information is sparse concerning the prevalence of migraine in subgroups of the affective disorder

Materials and Methods: 120 subjects, who visited during 3 month, were evaluated. There were 74 men and 46 women. Patients with bipolar type I disorder consecutively admitted in 506 Army hospitals were examined with interview based on DSM-4 diagnostic criteria. Migraine headache was diagnosed according HIS-criteria. Interviews with patients were accomplished by the researcher

Results: Of the 120 patients with bipolar I disorder 12 [10%] had migraine headache. Onf the 46 women 7 [15%] and of the 74 men migraine 5 [6%] had migraine headache. the most frequency of migraine was in patients aged 30-40 [20.5%]

Conclusion: Migraine headache was seen with increased frequency in the bipolar I disorder population. Because the clinical statement for missing migraine are enormous, recognition of the common comorbidity of migraine headaches with bipolar I disorder is necessary

Introduction of an indirect haemagglutination test as a rapid diagnostic method in comparison with ELISA using antigen B for diagnosis of human hydatid disease

Early diagnosis of human hydatid disease by detecting the specific antibodies in patients' sera is considered as an important step in treatment of infection. But the diagnostic efficiencies of assays greatly depend on the characteristics of antigen that is used and various conditions in performance. In present study, we tried to st and ardize an indirect haemagglutination test, using antigen B for diagnosis of hydatid disease. Sera from 80 patients with surgically confirmed hydatidosis and 40 sera from healthy donors were examined. To detect the cross-reactant antibodies, 53 sera from patients with other parasitic infectious and diseases were applied in this study. IHA was performed with sheep RBC that was sensitized by various concentrations of crude antigen and antigen B. The best results were obtained by IHA with applying antigen B [10 micro g/ml] for 40 min at 37°C or 60 min at room temperature. Diagnostic value of antigen B [sensitivity 93.75%, specificity 100% and efficiency 97.12%] was significantly higher than related value of crude antigen [sensitivity 65%, specificity 100% and efficiency 83.81%] in IHA under the optimum condition. Sensitivity and specificity of ELISA using crude antigen [10 micro g/ml] were obtained 80% and 94.62%, respectively. Corresponding values of ELISA using antigen B were also obtained as 72.5% and 98.92%, respectively. It is suggested that the IHA, as a serological assay, is a valuable method with high diagnostic efficiency for serodiagnosis of hydatid disease, when is performed by purified antigen B. It is a rapid diagnostic assay with any needs neither for expensive instruments nor expert personnel so is useful for seroepidemiological studies and field trial in endemic areas