[Effects of organic fertilizers of compost and vermicompost on qualitative and quantitative triats of lemon verbena]

Background: The vermicompost and compost as an alternative of chemical fertilizers for plant nutrient and improvement soil conditions is one of the principles of sustainable agriculture, environmental protection and food safety

Objective: This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of different amounts of municipal solid waste compost and vermicompost on quantitative and qualitative traits of lemon verbena

Methods: Greenhouse experiment was conducted as factorial based on randomized complete blocks design with three replications. In this study three the ratio of the volume of municipal solid waste compost and vermicompost with loamy soil containing 0: 100, 90: 10 and 80: 20 were studied

Results: Effects of municipal compost and vermicompost on all traits were significant [P<0.05] and caused increasing dry weight, plant height, number of leaves, chlorophyll index, photosynthesis, essential oil percentage and oil components. So that level of 20% for each fertilizer had the greatest impact on the studied traits than the control. The interaction effect of compost and vermicompost were significant on dry weight and essential oil percentage [P<0.01], photosynthesis, limonene and linalool percentage of essential oils [P<0.05], But had no significant effect on plant height, number of leaves, chlorophyll index and percentage of essential oil linalool

Conclusion: The effect of vermicompost application was better than compost in all studied traits. Combined use of compost and vermicompost improved qualitative and quantitative traits of lemon verbena compared to individual consumption. But in the treatment of 20% vermicompost with 20% compost was obtained best result. Therefore fertilizers complete each other's effects

[Effects of mycorrhizal fungi on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of anise plant [pimpinella anisum] under salt stress]

Background: Salinity is one of the most important factors limiting growth and crop production. Mycorrhizal fungi as a biological fertilizer provides food needs plants and can be useful in decrease the effects of environmental stresses on plants

Objective: Improving quantitative and qualitative traits of anise plant using mycorrhizal fungi under salt stress

Methods: This study was done in greenhouse of the research farm of the Islamic Azad University [Saveh branch] as factorial based on randomized complete blocks design. The first factor was mycorrhiza inoculation in three levels of non-inoculated, inoculated with Glomus intraradices strain and inoculation by Glomus mosseae strains and second factor was salinity in three levels control or non-saline water, salinity 50 Mm and 100 Mm

Results: The salinity and mycorrhiza affected all studied traits [P<0.01]. The interaction of salinity and mycorrhiza was significant on the number of seeds per plant, Essential oil percentage of seed and K concentration in leaves [P<0.01], plant height, plant dry weight, number of umbels per plant, number of shed in the umbrella, number of seeds in the shed and sodium concentration in leaves [P< 0.05]. Increasing soil salinity decreased all the studied traits, So that greatest damage was observed at 100 Mm salt. Of course salinity decreased sodium concentration of leaves. Also mycorrhizal inoculation improved all the studied traits in the saline and control condition than non inoculated plants

Conclusion: The results showed that mycorrhizal inoculation with both strains improved plants growth and essential oil of anise in salinity conditions, and effect of Glomus mosseae strain was better on anise than Glomus interaradices strain

[Volatile constituentes from leaf and flower of achillea nobilis L. subsp. neireichii from north of Iran]

The genus Achillea [Asteraceae] is comprised of about 115 species in over the world. Remarkably, 19 species of this genus are found in the flora Iranica. This genus has been used in folk medicine. Investigation of the essential oil from leaf and flowers of Achillea nobilis L. subsp. Neireichii. The aerial parts of A. nobilis L., subsp. Neireichii were collected during the flowering stage from Damash village, West of Roodbar, Gilan Province, in July 2007. Leaves and flowers were separately hydrodistilled for 3 hours, using a Clevenger-type apparatus to yield 1.8% [w/w] and 1.0% [w/w] of yellow oil, respectively and analyzed with GC and CG/MS. The constituents of the essential oil were identified by comparison of their mass spectra and retention indices [RI] with those given in the literature, co-injection and authentic samples. Forty-four [86.8%] and forty - two [93.4%] compounds were characterized in the oil of flowers and leaves of A. nobilis subsp. neireichii, respectively. 1,8-cineole [10.3%] and geranyl isovalerate [8.4%] were the major constituents in the oil of the flowers, also 1,8-Cineole [17.0%] and trans-verbenol [14.1%] were the major constituents in the oil of leaves. The oil of flowers and leaves of A. nobilis subsp. neireichii consist of monoterpens [59.8% and 72.2%] and sesquiterpens [22.2% and 12.6%], respectively

[Influence of closure and non-closure of the visceral and parietal peritoneum on post cesarean morbidity]

One of the most important issues in promoting mother and child health is reducing the morbidity rate after cesarean section. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of closure and non-closure of the visceral and parietal peritoneum on post cesarean morbidity in women attending Shabihkhani Maternity Hospital in Kashan, Iran. This study was conducted with a single blind randomized clinical trial method on 100 parturient women that underwent emergency or elective cesarean section. Patients with previous cesarean section and or abdominal surgery, diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and premature rupture of membrane and pre operative bleeding, were excluded from this study. Then, the participants were randomly divided into two groups: in one group both peritoneal layers were closed while in the other group, they were not closed. Post operative morbidity including fever, bleeding, post operative pain, analgesic consumption and time of operation were assessed. Data were analyzed with t-tests, and chi2 and a P<0.05 were considered significant. In this study, there were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to age, gestational age, the reason for caesarean section and gravidity, nor were there any differences with respect to the incidence of fever or bleeding and was similar between the two groups, but there was a significant difference between the two groups regarding to feeling of severe pain [P=0.0003], analgesic consumption [P=0.0003] and time of operation [P=0.004]. In the non-closure group, dose of analgesic drugs, pain severity and time of operation were less than those of the other group. The Findings showed that non-closure of peritoneal layers as a shorter and simpler procedure has no influence on increasing post cesarean morbidity. Therefore, due to maternal health promotion and early neonatal breastfeeding, non closure of peritoneal layers is recommended

[ efficiency analysis of medical records departments of Tehran university of medical sciences hospitals with data envelopment analysis [2007-2009]]

Analysis of efficiency in hospitals, as the most expensive operating unit of the health system, is very important. This costly unit has several departments that one of them is medical records. This study is trying to analyze the efficiency of medical records department for the enhancement of using medical records facilities. In this study, technical, scale and managerial efficiency of medical records department has been studied by data envelopment analysis method, and assuming the scale efficiency variable and the input axis. Information used in this study was the input variables [number of technician personnel and lower and Master of Science personnel and higher], output variables [number of emergency and outpatient and inpatient medical records and the number of filing unit visitors to respond] during 2007-2009. The average technical efficiency of medical records departments is 84 percent, that indicates there is at least 16 percent capacity for an increase in performance. Average of management and scale Performance in units during the 3 years of study are 95 and 89 percent respectively. Most input surplus is relevant to technician and lower personnel. The average performance of these units in general hospitals is 80 percent and in specialized activities is 92 percent. Relationship between studied indicators in this study with performance medical records departments showed that using such as employee personnel with undergraduate degrees and higher and educated in medical records filed, the use of managers with enough experience in this department and more use of computer systems for unit activities can fill 16 percent capacity of performance improvement in these units

Pulmonary function test results in patients with ulcerative colitis

Pulmonary complication of IBD includes airway inflammation involving small and large airways, pulmonary paranchymal disease and serositis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Pulmonary Function Test [PFT] abnormality in ulcerative colitis [UC] patients. During spring and summer of 2006, PFT [spirometry and body box plethysmography] of 50 UC patients were compared with 50 healthy persons matched for age and sex [control]. Data collection form including demographic specification and UC condition were filled. Mean age of patients was 37.2 years [SD=14.5]. Active UC was seen in 24% of patients while 18% of patients suffered from severe UC. PFT results included 42% air trapping [only increase in residual volume/total lung capacity], 20% small airway obstructive pattern [only decrease in maximal expiratory flow at 25-75% of vital capacity], 12% restrictive ventilation defect, 2% obstructive airway, 2% hyperinflation and 6% upper airway obstructive pattern. There was a significant relationship between small airway obstructive pattern and duration of UC and no relationship was noticed between other pulmonary disorders and severity, activity, duration of UC. According to high prevalence of air trapping, small airway disease may be the prominent feature of lung involvement in UC patients. Therefore a meticulous work up for respiratory diseases is necessary in UC patients

Aggressive kaposi sarcoma in a new case of HIV; case report and review of the literature

Kaposi sarcoma [KS] is an angioproliferative tumor that mainly involves mucocutaneous tissues, but extracutaneous spread to lymph nodes, G1 tract, lungs, liver, pancreas, heart, and testes can occur in AIDS-associated KS. Patients with pulmonary KS may be symptomatic or present with an asymptomatic abnormality on chest radiography. A 28-year -old man presented with a one month history of rashes, cough, weakness and malaise. He has been an intravenous drug user since 5 years ago. The rashes were first noted in his face and then spread to his oral cavity and trunk. Skin biopsy was compatible with KS. Kaposi sarcoma of the tip of the nose has been introduced as a sentinel sign for Kaposi sarcoma of the lung. This case is a young man with mucocutaneous and pulmonary KS as a new HIV patient

[Serum zinc levels in patients with acne vulgaris]

Acne vulgaris is the most common disorder of pilosebaceous units which can develop serious psychological disabilities. It is clear that nutritional minerals [such as zinc] can intricately be involved in pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders such as acne vulgaris. This study was conducted to measure the serum zinc level in patients with acne vulgaris and compare it with healthy controls. We studied 30 patients with acne whom were matched in their age, sex and place of residence with healthy controls. Their serum zinc levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. Mean serum level of zinc in acne patients and controls were 92.42 +/- 37.6 micro g/dl and 101.3 +/- 43.41 micro g/dl, respectively. Although, the mean serum zinc level was lower in acne group, it was not statistically significant [P=0.32]. It seems that relative decrease of serum zinc level in acne patients can further highlight the role of this trace element in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among children in Rasht, northern Iran

Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] infection usually occurs during childhood, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori infection among children in primary schools of Rasht, a northern Iranian city. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 961 primary school students in Rasht. Samples were randomly selected and stored at -20°C until analysis. The stool assay was performed using the HP AgT kit. Overall 475 boys and 486 girls, aged 7 to 11 years were evaluated. A total of 384 [40%] children were diagnosed as H. pylori positive by the stool test. A higher prevalence of H. pylori was found in the stools of individuals who consumed well water and municipal tap water when compared to boiled water [p<0.05]. There was no significant difference between the rate of H. pylori infection and individuals' ages, gender or socioeconomic levels. The results of this study suggest that the source of drinking water may play a role in transmission of H. pylori. Transmission can be minimized with the use of boiled or mineral water

effects of arsenic trioxide and zoledronic acid on malignant plasma cells derived from bone marrow cells of multiple myeloma patients

Multiple myeloma [MM] is a disease of plasma cells that has fatal consequences. New agents associated with molecular targets have prompted clinical investigators to design new treatment strategies initially for advanced MM and later for newly diagnosed MM, with encouraging preliminary results. We devised a project to assess the mechanisms of action of two drugs, Arsenic trioxide [ATO] and Zoledronic acid [Zometa] on Bone marrow mononuclear cells [BMMCs] derived from patients. Bone marrow samples were collected from 10 patients after receipt of formal consent. BMMCs were collected from samples. In two parallel sets of experiments, BMMCs were treated with 0.5, 2, 6 micro M ATO and 0.1, 10, 100 micro M Zometa, for 72 h. The following analyses were then performed on treated cells as compared to untreated cells [assumed as control]: cytotoxicity using Micro culture tetrazolium test [MTT assay]; matrix metalloproteinase-2 zymography; comparative gene expression analysis of IL-6, vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-l]. MTT assay showed significant proliferation inhibition in ATO high dose treatment [6 uM]. However, no significant inhibitory effect of Zometa was seen. Zymography analyses showed significant decrease in gelatinolytic activity in treated cells. Analyses of gene expression using Real-Time RT-PCR methodology showed significant decrease in IL-6, ICAM-1, and VEGF genes as normalized against Hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase normalizer and as compared with untreated cells. Both ATO and Zometa could significantly decrease MM cells critical phenotype and genotype. This finding could support the hypothesis that ATO or Zometa could inhibit growth and metastasis of malignant cells

Migraine headache and acid peptic diseases in children

Although there are some studies on correlation between migraine headache and GI symptoms, they did not significantly support the correlation between migraine headache and acid peptic diseases. This case control study aimed to find such a correlation. There were 70 patients [5-15 years old] who had endoscopic documented acid peptic diseases. The frequency of migraine headache in this group and also in a group consisting of a sample of normal population [300 individuals] without any GI problem in the past year was determined by a questionnaire. The frequency of migraine headache was determined in each kind of acid peptic disease in the patients, being 92.9%, 68.6%, 24.3%, 4.3%, and 4.3% among patients with gastritis, esophagitis, doudenitis, gastric ulcer, and duodenal ulcer, respectively. The frequencies of migraine headache among the normal population and acid peptic disease group were 11.3% and 22.9%, respectively. The difference was found to be statistically significant. Our findings showed a significant correlation between migraine headache and acid peptic diseases, especially esophagitis and gastritis. This result accords with that in some of the previous studies

[ effect of maternal Ramadan fasting on growth parameters of their breast-fed infants]

Breast feeding is the best feeding pattern for infants. As a large number of mothers are fasting during the Ramadan, the aim of this study was to determine the impact of maternal Ramadan fasting on growth parameters of the infants whom fed only with maternal breast milk. This cohort study was performed from the beginning of Ramadan till the end of the following month in 1385. A total of 60 infants who fed only with maternal breast milk aged ranging from 15 days to 6 months were selected. Based on their mother fasting, they were divided in two groups of case [27 infants who their mothers were fasting] and control [33 infants who their mothers were not fasting]. The growth statue of the infants were evaluated using parameters weight, height, head circumference, during Ramadan and the following month. Using descriptive and analytical statistics, analysis of variance and independent t-tests data were analyzed. The mean age and sex of the infants was the same [P>0.05]. Weight, height and head circumference of the infants increased by 21, 7 and 6 percent, respectively during the study [P<0.05]. The repeated analysis variance showed that there was no significant difference in increasing of growth parameters between fasting and non-fasting mothers [P>0.05]. Ramadan fasting of mothers with exclusively breast-feeding infants did not adversely affect on the growth parameters of their infants

[Effect of Cannabis sativa L. [Isfahan variety] powder on serum lipid profile in male rats]

Hemp is considered a nutritional and narcotic plant; whole hempseed has almost 3% saturated fatty acids and 28% unsaturated fatty acids. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of hempseed on lipid profiles of male rats. After acclimatization, at the beginning of the experiment [day 0] animal feeding was stopped and after 14h fasting the animal was anesthetized by ketamine/xylazine combination and 2ml a heart sample blood was taken. The rats were fed normal diet [modified AIN-93M pellet] and 5g/Kg of hempseed powder solution [HPS 40%] via gavages daily for 30 days and at the end of experiment [day 31] blood samples were taken again. The lipid parameters were measured by enzymatic-colorimetric techniques. In spite of omega 3, omega 6 unsaturated fatty acids that are highly present in hempseed, short term hempseed feeding of hempseed additive in male rats did not improve lipid profile the mean fasting serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-C levels increased, while the mean fasting HDL-C decreased. In fact, no [p<0.05] statistical significant changes were observed in levels of the above mentioned parameters. Obviously the Isfahanian variety of the Cannabis plant has high content of an orexigenic, narcotic component [Tetrahydrocannabinol: THC], which does not alter the lipid profiles of rats; if used over a long time it may lead to development of dyslipidemia

comparative study on structured continuing medical education programs with 25 and 5 credit points according to the viewpoints of general physicians in Golestan province

Since the year 2004, structured Continuing Medical Education [CME] programs with 25 credit points were each divided into five programs of 5 credit points which were shorter in duration. The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative study on the two programs, in terms of program success, relevance to professional needs, and participants' satisfaction. This descriptive study was carried out on four programs with 25 credit points during the year 2003 and four programs with 5 credit points during the year 2004 in Golestan province. The tool used for this research was a questionnaire designed by the ministry of health for the evaluation of CME programs which were completed by the participants at the end of each session. The questions were arranged in three sections: the success of the programs in strengthening the previous information and presenting new scientific topics, the relevance of programs content with participant's professional needs, and their satisfaction with the programs. The sample size for the three-day programs [25 credits] was 121 persons and for one-day programs [5 credits] was 64. Data analysis [descriptive analysis and Mann-Whitney test] was done using SPSS software. One-day programs were considered as successful according to 76.9% of the participants, while 59.6% of participants rated the three-day programs as successful. Seventy five and nine percent of participants of one-day and 57.4% of three-day programs considered the contents relevant to their profes-sional needs. Seventy nine and seven percent of participants, in one-day and 66.2% in three-day programs were satisfied with the programs. There was a statistically significant difference between the success, relevance, and the satisfaction between one-day and three-day programs. The results of this research indicate that as a whole the success rate of 5-point CME programs was better than 25-point ones. This could be attributed to their better focus on subjects, shorter duration, and more diversity in topics. Therefore it is suggested that CME organizers, focus their efforts to increase the diversity and quantity of one-day CME programs for general physicians by using new scientific resources

Clinical characteristics of colorectal cancer in Southern Iran, 2005

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality and represents a major public health problem in developed countries. The objective of present investigation was to determine the epidemiologic aspects and clinical characteristics of colorectal cancer in Shiraz, southern Iran. This was a retrospective study carried out during 2000-2005, and comprised 491 subjects with pathologically documented colorectal cancer. They were registered in Fars Cancer Registry, affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, southern Iran. A questionnaire including data on demographic information, histological types of cancer, site of primary cancer and metastasis were completed by trained interviewers. Among 491 subjects, 57.2% were male and the most common age was 65-75 years. Patients under 45 years of age represented 22.8% of all colorectal cancer cases while 32% were over 65 years old. Those with a history of cancer in their first-degree relatives included 26.9% of the patients. Adenocarcinoma was the most common reported histological type of cancer [96.1%]. Among all subjects, 60.7% suffered from abdominal pain, 28.4% abdominal distention and 28.0% rectal bleeding. Other symptoms included diarrhea/constipation, nausea/vomiting, urogenital problems and mass sensation. The most common sites of metastasis were lung, brain and ovary

Efficacy and complications of endoscopic balloon dilation in treatment of benign gastric outlet obstruction

Gastric outlet obstruction [GOO] due to peptic stricture is one of three known complications of peptic ulcer disease and usually requires therapeutic intervention for symptoms relief. After Benjamin SB who primarily used balloon dilation for treatment of GOO in 1982, some series has been published investigating procedure efficacy with different results. The purpose of this study is to investigate efficacy of balloon dilation in some Iranian patients with GOO and also the probable role of some other factors on responsiveness. 23 patients were enrolled in a 10 month duration prospective case study and followed for mean of 30 weeks. some factors such as gender, age, cigarette smoking, Helicobacter pylori [H.p] infection, stenosis diameter, symptom duration, degree of weight loss, dilation sessions, response to therapy and time to response after procedure were registered for each patient. Mean age was 49.5 years and most patients were in the 5th decade of life. 2 and 23 of patients [8.7% and 91.3%] were female and male, respectively. the most common symptoms among patients were epigastric fullness and heart burn [each 87% of patients], nausea [82.6], vomiting [78.3%] and pain [69.6%]. 21 out of 23 patients were asymptomatic at end of study. 18 of 21 patients with response to therapy underwent only one session of dilation. There was not any statistically significant correlation between response to therapy and any one of factors as, gender, H.p infection, cigarette smoking, symptom duration and stenosis diameter. Time to response was shorter in males comparing to females [2.7 vs 8 weeks respectively] [p=0.002]. Trans the scope [TTS] balloon dilation of GOO in short term is effective and safe. if in long term, symptom recurrence rate proves to be acceptable, it will be recommended as first line treatment of benign GOO. Also it seems that use of fluoroscopy has not any additional advantage in increasing efficacy of the procedure

[Hydatid cyst components effect in prevention of hymenolepis nana infection in rat]

Background and Objective: Regarding prospective effects and cross immunity between some species of parasites, obtained antigens of a parasite can be used to prevent other parasitic diseases and adjuvant of this effect can be increased. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydatid cyst components in prevention of H. Nana in rat

Methods: 40 rats with the same sex and age were selected after gaining confidence in nonexistence of any parasitic disease. They were divided into 2 groups and each group were divided into 4 subgroups. In one group, antigen of fluid, protoscolex, germinal layer were injected respectively and in the other group, these antigenic materials were used with an adjuvant. Control group was considered for both groups. The immunization was performed by multiple injection. One week after injection of antigenic materials, H. Nana eggs were received orally by rats. After observation of H. Nana in stool of rats in control group, blood sample was taken from all rats. Different biochemical tests and immunological and parasitological tests were performed on sera and stool samples, respectively

Findings: Different protein measurements especially gammaglobulin indicated that membrane of hydatid cyst had the strongest antigenic effect in comparison to 2 other parts of cyst and hydatid cyst fluid showed the weakest one

Conclusion: Stool test in control group and exposing egg showed that this group was infected. It was not seen any exposing egg in rats that immunized with different hydatid cyst components. Statistical and biochemical results demonstrated that this effect increased by using adjuvant with different hydatid cyst components and its results showed that immune effect would be increased after injection of adjuvant