prevalence of dyspepsia symptoms and its correlation with the quality of life among Qashqai Turkish migrating nomads in Fars Province, Southern Iran

To determine the prevalence of dyspepsia and its correlation with quality of life in Fars Qashqai Turkish migrating nomads from Southern Iran. During 2010 we enrolled 397 Qashqai migrating nomads from Southern Iran who were 25 years of age or older. Participants completed a questionnaire that consisted of demographic factors, lifestyle data, gastrointestinal symptoms, and the Short-Form 36 Health Survey [SF-36] questionnaire. There was a 48% prevalence of dyspepsia symptoms among participants. The prevalence was higher among females, those less than 35 years of age, married participants, and those with a low body mass index [BMI]. The correlation between dyspepsia and quality of life was significant. Dyspeptic patients were classified into ulcer-like [27.9%], dysmotility-like [26.2%], and unspecified [45.9%] groups. A significant correlation existed between dyspepsia symptoms and consumption of dairy products, drinking water and tea before and after meals, smoking, dysphagia, reflux, heartburn, and use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen. The high prevalence of dyspepsia in Qashqai nomads necessitates educational health programs for the migrating tribes in order to decrease prevalence of this disease

possible non-genomic epileptogenic properties of estradiol attenuated by MK801 and DNQX in amygdala kindled rats

Although the epileptogenic properties of estrogens have been widely demonstrated in several models and species, the mechanism[s] by which estrogens can acutely change seizure parameters including after discharge and seizure duration remain remains to be determined. In the present study, we examined the role of NMDA [N-methyl-D-aspartate], non-NMDA and estrogenic receptors in estradiol benzoate [EB] effects on kindled seizure parameters. Different groups of fully kindled male rats received either EB [30 microg /kg]; EB plus MK801 [2 mg/kg, as NMDA antagonist]; DNQX [7.5 mg/kg]; tamoxifen [TAM, 0.1 mg/kg, as non-NMDA antagonist] or intra-amygdala injection of anisomycine [30 mmol/ml, a protein synthesis inhibitor]. Kindled seizure parameters including after discharge duration [ADD] and stage 5 duration [S5D] were determined at 0.25 and 3 h post sesame oil [EB solvent] or EB treatment. While pretreatment with either MK801 or DNQXcould block the ADD prolongation induced by EB at 0.25 h, they had no effect on S5D prolongation at 3 h. Moreover, application of anisomycine or TAM had no effect on estradiol induced ADD and S5D prolongation. These results indicate that both NMDA and non-NMD A receptors could be involved in EB induced ADD prolongation. The observed short term non-estrogenic receptor or protein synthesis dependent effects of EB may provide a non-genomic mechanism for the stimulatory effects of the steroid on seizure activity

[Assessing and managing the risk of surgery in patients with liver disease]

Advancements in medical science have led to the development of complex surgeries that improve survival in patients with liver disease. Assessments of the indications and contraindications for surgery and risk factors are the most important steps prior to any surgery in this population. Particular attention is essential to assess for the presence of pre-surgical ascites, hepatic encephalopathy and renal dysfunction. The most important risk factors for that increase mortality include anemia, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, hypoalbuminemia, hypoxemia, concurrent infections, malnutrition, elevated Child Pugh and MELD scores,portal hypertension, prolonged prothrombin time and type of surgery. Advancements in anesthesiology have prevented surgical complications among patients with liver disease. Increased symptoms of liver failure and complications result in high mortality following surgery. This review article presents useful recommendations for safe surgery among patients with liver disease who are surgical candidates

Correlation of quality of life with gastroesophageal reflux disease amongst Qashqai nomads in Iran

Gastoesophageal reflux disease [GERD] is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases encountered in today's clinic practice. GERD symptoms are troublesome and disruptive to the physical, social and emotional well-being of many patients. This is a cross-sectional study performed on Qashqai nomads or Fars Province in southern Ian to determine the impact of GERD on quality of life. We randomly selected 748 subjects over the age of25 years. Subjects completed two questionnaires conducted by interviews. The first one consisted of questions on gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. The second questionnaire was the Short Form Health Survey [SF-36], a generic health-related quality of life instrument that consists of 36 items divided into eight dimensions. It has a 0-to 100 point scale where higher scores show better functioning and well-being. Of 748 Qashqai migrating nomads who participated in the study, 717 subjects [mena age: 43 +/- 14.2 years] completed the GERD questionnaire and only 372 subjects completed the SF-36 questionnaire due to their busy lifestyles, and GERD was reported in 106 subjects [28.5%]. For all dimensions of SF-36, the mean score was consistently lower in patients with GERD was reported in 106 subjects [28.5%]. For all dimensions of SF-36, the mean score was consistently lower in patients with GERD compared to non-GERD subjects [P<0.001]. The dimension most frequently impaired was role-physical [40.9 vs. 77.3] followed by role-emotional [44.7 vs. 77.5], physical functioning [66.9 vs. 84.6], and general health [46.8 vs. 63.8]. An association existed between impairment in quality of life and frequency [P<0.05], but not severity, of GERD symptoms

study of prevalence of faked psychotic symptoms in malingerers referred to Tehran Center of Forensic Psychiatry in 1389

As in many authorities, psychotic problems appear to be commuting. Claim of psychiatric disorder has become an important basis for offenders to defend themselves. Aim of this study was to investigate faking symptoms in forensic psychiatry evaluation of malingerers in Tehran. in a cross-sectional survey, in 1389, perpetrators with a judicial order were assessed by two psychiatrists, using American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 4th Edition [DSM-IV] standards for mental disorders at the Tehran center for forensic psychiatry. Forty one cases identified as malingerers and were evaluating in another specific conversation. Collected data analyzed with statistical methods and p<0.05 used for significance. In this study, behavioral symptoms [75.6%], Mood and affect symptoms [65.9%], cognitive function symptoms [56.1%], thought process symptoms [46.3%], perceptual disorder symptoms [34.1%] and thought content symptoms [19.5%] were observed respectively. Only thought process symptoms were significantly increased based on the educational level [p=0.045]. There was no statistically significant difference among other groups. In general, simulating the symptoms of mental illness is more likely to be observed in low socioeconomic estates and many will attempt to mimic simple symptoms of behavioral as well as mood and affect disorders. Probably, intelligence and reasoning ability of defendants has a close relation to expressed symptoms that should be considered during psychiatric interview

survey of divorce incidence in divorce applicants in Tehran

To study the qualification of divorce main factors so that it would be clarified proper consultation-intervention solutions to decrease it by counseling methods in the courts and counseling clinics. The divorce is categorized as the most tragic of social phenomenon, the damages and problems of which undergone by the couple and their families before and after divorce and the effective factors of this phenomenon incidence have been studied for many years. Divorce has different factors and it can never clarify a specific one as the main factor of divorce. This survey studied the divorce creating factors in divorce applicants in Tehran Family courts [Shahid Mahalati-Vanak] during 2010-2011. The applicants of sampling group were including 300 referred ones from the courts, and the research method was descriptive and cross-sectional accomplishing by structured interview. Findings were shown as frequency and percent. The results showed that the important factors of divorce request are including in order of psychic factors [93.3%], social and cultural factors [87.3%], sexual factors [88%], economical factors [80.3%], and violence [84.3%], and it may be multi-factors as well. In addition to recommendation for more study in these fields, the results of this survey suggest to apply the necessary programming in teaching and counseling before the marriage as well as the necessity of informing the couple in receiving professional consults in time of problem incidence and proceeding for divorce in order to prevent from divorce incidence

Migraine risk factors in Qashqai migrating nomads: an adjusted multiple correspondence analysis approach

To determine the migraine risk factors in Qashqai migrating nomads using an adjusted multiple correspondence analysis approach. In summer 2006, 750 Qashqai migrating nomads aged 25 years or older in Fars Province, Southern Iran were enrolled using a multiple-stage cluster random sampling. A questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics, lifestyle and migraine diagnosis was used for each subject. The association of each risk factor was assessed using an adjusted multiple correspondence analysis. The prevalence of migraine was 18% in males and 28% in females. It was higher in overweight and obese subjects, those who consumed roasted foods, widows, female gender and in the age group of 35-50 years old. Multiple correspondence analyses were suitable choices to determine detailed results of complex categorical data in migraine risk factors

[Cloning and evaluation of expression of a novel overlapping region of NS3 gene of Hepatitis C virus by expressing vector]

In this project, our aim was to construct a novel expressing vector harboring a new sequence from overlapping region of NS3 gene of HCV from infected Iranian patient. The partial NS3 [pNS3] gene was amplified by Nested-RT-PCR method using sera of HCV infected patients harboring genotype 1a. After purification and cloning the pNS3 into TA-cloning vector, the best colony was selected based on Blue/White screening and colony-PCR following by confirmation with sequencing and restriction digestion with BglII. The sequenced gene was compared with other reference sequences using alignment softwares. The resultant pNS3 gene subcloned into the expression vector, IRES vector, followed by selection the suitable clones by 2 different colony-PCRs. The gene expression was evaluated using GFP detection, RT-PCR and western blotting techniques after transfection of the IRES-pNS3 vector into the 293 cell line. After pNS3 sequence amplification by RT-PCR, sequencing results showed high homology among the sequences with other reference sequences. This result also showed that it belonged to genotype 1 of HCV. Colony-PCR showed the insertion of gene into expressing vector with the right orientation. GFP expression, RT-PCR and western blotting confirmed transfection of vector, expression of pNS3 gene and production of its protein in 293 cells respectively. This novel expressing vector harboring partial region of NS3 gene in compare to full NS3 gene maybe more useful in immune induction by antigen presenting cells due to absence of genes responsible for protease activity of the protein in the setting of HCV vaccine

[Study of the prophylactic effects of amifostine on decrease of lung tissue injuries in the acute phase in rats exposed to sulfur mustard]

Inhalation of Sulfur mustard [HD] will cause lung epithelial inflammation and injury. There are different results from the prophylactic effects of amifostine [AM] on protection of lung epithelial tissue against HD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prophylactic effects of AM on protection of rat lung tissue exposed to HD. In this study twenty Albino Wistar adult male rats weighting 200 +/- 20 grams were used. Rats were divided randomly into 4 groups [5 rats in each group] as below: Normal saline group [NS], AM group, HD group [0.25% HD] and HD+AM group. Normal saline and HD solution were injected by intra tracheal catheter. Animals in AM and HD+AM groups received AM by intra peritoneal injection for 14 days daily. All rats were killed after 14 days; parts of the base of right lungs were removed, fixed and processed for histological evaluation by Toluidine blue, H and E staining and apoptotic cell death study by the TUNEL Apoptosis Detection Kit. In addition, glutathione level was measured in all specimens. No significant differences were revealed between Saline and AM groups in any of the aforementioned tests. Significant reduction of mast cells in lung tissue of the HD+AM group was shown when compared to the HD group. Lung tissue inflammation in the HD group was significantly more severe as compared to HD+AM group. In addition, amifostine in HD+AM group could prevent excess reduction of GSH level. The number of apoptotic cells in the HD group was significantly higher than the HD+AM group. Administration of amifostine before exposure to HD in rats prevents collection of mast cells, and excess reduction of GSH level in lung tissue; in addition it can partially reduce pulmonary edema and alveolar cell death apoptosis

protective effects of N-acetl-cysteine, oxo-thiazolidine-carboxylate, acetaminophen and their combinations against sulfur mustard cytotoxicity on human skin fibroblast cell line [HF2FF]

Using human skin-fibroblast cell line HF2FF, the efficacy of some drugs was evaluated against sulfur mustard [SM] cytotoxicity. The drugs were the sulfhydryl containing molecule including Nacetylcysteine [NAC], 2-oxo-thiazolidine-4-carboxylate [OTC] and acetaminophen as glutathione [GSH] stimulator pathway. The protective effects of NAC [0.1 mM], OTC [1.8 mM], and acetaminophen [25 mM] alone or in combination with each other were evaluated on SM [180 micro M]-induced cytotoxicity. NAC and OTC were applied with SM simultaneously and acetaminophen 30 min before SM exposure, incubated for 1 h and then were rinsed and incubated with fresh medium. The efficacy was evaluated by determination of cells viability, intracellular GSH level and catalase activity 1 and 24 h post SM exposure or co-treatments. The cells viability was decreased 21.8% and 55.2%, respectively for 1 and 24 h post SM [1 h exposure] incubation. So, the 1-h SM exposure and 24-h treatment incubation were selected for evaluation. While, NAC alone treatment increased the cells viability [25%], GSH level [320%] and catalase activity [18%], the most effective combination was NAC plus OTC and acetaminophen which increased more significantly the cells viability [about 40%], GSH level [470%] and catalase activity [100%]. The most effective combination was NAC [0.1 mM] plus OTC [1.8 mM] and acetaminophen [25 mM] which should be used before or concomitant with SM exposure. These drugs may reduce SM toxicity possibly by increment of GSH level and catalase activity. This efficacy needs to be confirmed by in vivo study

healing effects of Teucrium polium in the repair of indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats

To determine the healing effect of Teucrium polium [T. polium] in indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. In the fall of 2007, 250 Sprague-Dawley rats provided by the Shiraz University Laboratory Animal Center were divided into 4 equal groups including control [70 rats], and 3 experimental groups [60 rats each], and each group received different doses of T. polium. Ten rats were used to study the induction of gastric ulcer by indomethacin [25 mg/kg/stat]. After 24 hours, their stomachs were evaluated for any mucosal ulcer. The T. polium extract was administered orally, 24 hours after indomethacin administration. In the experimental group, 10 animals were sacrificed after 24, 48, and 72 hours, after administration of T. polium, and at one, 2, and 4 weeks, and in the control group identically after the administration of distilled water. In rats treated with indomethacin, multiple ulcers were evident. After 4 weeks of treatment with T. polium, more re-epithelialization, proliferation, mucosal hyperplasia, migration of the gastric epithelial cells, and decrease in inflammatory cells were observed. The T. polium reduced the ulcer indices by >50% after one week, >80% after 2 weeks, and >90% after 4 weeks. The healing effect of T. polium may be due to antioxidant activity along with the ability to modulate the mucin secretion, prostaglandin synthesis, and epidermal growth factor receptor expression. These results along with the non-toxicity properties of T. polium suggests it as a promising anti-ulcer compound

Cytotoxic and oxidativc stress caused by cadmium and lead on human skin fibroblast cells

Heavy metals are important occupational and environmental pollutants that cause damage to various organs. Although there is no effective therapy for such a poisoning, metallothionein has been shown to play a key role in the detoxification of cadmium [Cd]. Evidence in the literature suggests that superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase constitute important defense mechanisms against oxygen toxicity in the cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cadmium chloride and Pb-acetate on antioxidant enzymes in the human skin fibroblast cells [HF2FF]. The human skin fibroblast [HF2FF] cells were incubated in serum-free medium containing 20 pM CdCI[2] for 18 hr three times a week. The same exposure to an equimolar dose of Pb-acetate was performed, After each exposure and after three times exposure the cells were collected and cell viability, the contents of superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase, glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px], GSH and malondialdehyde [MDA] were measured. Cd caused cytotoxicity and inhibition of glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px] and SOD activity, as well as depletion of the reduced form of glutathione [GSH] in the cell. The level of lipid peroxidation [LP] was increased, but catalase activity was not significantly altered. These defects were increased with repeated exposures. The same exposure to an equimolar dose of Pb-acetate evoked only inhibition of GSH-Px and SOD. The values of GSH, catalase and LP activity remained unchanged. The inhibition of GSH-Px and SOD may be considered as an important biomarker of the toxic effect of metals

blocking activity of different toxins against potassium channels Kv3.4 in RLE cells

K[+] channel toxins are essential tools for the first purifications, analysis of subunit structures and brain localization of voltage-gated K[+] [Kv] channels. The effects of a lot of toxins on Kv are not fully known. Using whole-cell patch clamping technique the action of a series of toxins on Kv3.4 current in rat liver cells with expressed Kv3.4 channels [RLE] cloned cells was investigated. The cells were grown in Williams E medium and after 6-8 days, they were suitable for patch clamping. A family of currents was recorded during voltage-clamp steps to various potentials applied from a holding potential of-60 mV to 60-80 mV in 10 mV increments. Upon depolarization, all channels were opened with a sigmoidal time course, reached to the peak within a few 10[th] of milliseconds and then slowly inactivated. Bath application of tetraethyl ammonium [TEA] or 3, 4-diaminopyridine [DAP] reduced the current dose dependently and inhibited it completely at 3 mM and 25 micro M respectively. The Bunodosoma granulifera [BgK] and Heteractis magniflca [HmK] toxins at concentrations up to 30 and 10 micro M respectively could not completely inhibit the current. On the hand, toxins such as beta-bungarotoxin, corotoxin, novel toxin and dendrotoxins I [DIP] and K [DPK] even in high concentrations [up to 100 mM] had not any significant effect on Kv3.4 current. Comparison of chemical structures of these effective agents with other reported effective toxins such as blood depressing substances [BDS 1 and II] show no homology between them, but specially the potency of 3, 4-DAP is comparable with these toxins. These results showed that, the Kv3.4 is more sensitive than other K[+] channels to 3, 4-DAP. The sensitivity of this channel to the TEA is low [at mM concentration]. More investigation is necessary to find more selective and potent inhibitor of Kv3.4 channels