Effect of 8 weeks resistance training on sphingosine-1-phosphate level and gene expression of SK1 enzyme, isoforms of MHCs in skeletal muscles of male Wistar Rats

Sphingosine-1-phosphate [S1P] is involved in regulation of proliferation, differentiation, hypertrophy and anti-apoptosis and activation of satellite cells. This study was done to evaluated the effect of 8 weeks resistance training on sphingosine-1-phosphate level and gene expression of SK1 enzyme, isoforms of MHCs in skeletal muscles of male Wistar rats. This experimental study was done on Twenty four 8-week-old 190-250 gr male Wistar rats. The rats were allocated randomly into control [N=12] and training [N=12] groups. Resistance training was done using a 1 meter height ladder with 2 cm grid with an 85 degree incline, and weights attached to rat's tails. The content of S1P present in the chloroform layer was determined by means of high performance liquid chromatography [HPLC]. Determination of relative mRNA expression was performed by Real-time PCR. Data were analyzed using SPSS-17, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and independent t-test. Resistance exercise training increased the total content of S1P in FHL [fast-twitch] and soleus [slow-twitch] muscles in comparison with control group [P<0.05]. Resistance exercise training changed the gene expression of FHL SK1, SOL SK1, FHL MHC I, Sol MHC I, FHL MHC IIa, Sol MHC IIa, FHL MHC IIb, Sol MHC IIb, FHL MHC IIx, Sol MHC IIx in comparison with control group [P<0.05]. This study showed that S1P level and gene expression of SK1, MHCs increased at skeletal muscles after training

[ effects of Portulaca oleracea L [purslane] on psychologic symptoms and malondialdehyde level in schizophrenic patients]

Despite the availability of antipsychotic drugs, a large number of patients with schizophrenia do not show a good response to monotherapy with these drugs. In this study we evaluated the effect of purslane on psychologic symptoms and malondialdehyde [MDA] level in schizophrenic patients in Sina Hospital. This randomized clinical trial study was carried out on 60 chronic schizophrenic patients treated with risperidone in Sina Hospital in Joneghan, Iran between 2011 and 2012. Patients were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The control group received risperidone 6mg/day and biperiden 4mg/day for 8 weeks. The Patients in the intervention group received 1g extract of purslane daily in addition to risperidone and biperiden for 8 weeks. The scales for assessment of positive symptoms [SAPS], assessment of negative symptoms [SANS] and MDA level were recorded at the baseline and at the end of the 8[th] week of study. Data analysis was performed by using mean, SD, student t-test and paired t- test. At the end of the study, the respective mean scores of positive symptoms were 47.93 +/- 18.56 in the intervention and 57.1 +/- 14.83 in the control group [P<0.05], and the mean scores of negative symptoms were 40.83 +/- 11.03 in the intervention and 46.13 +/- 9.34 in the control group [P<0.05].In addition, the MDA levels of the patients in the intervention and control groups were 3.25 +/- 1.25 and 5.43 +/- 1.76 respectively [P<0.05]. According to findings of this study, simultaneous use of purslane and respridone can lead to improvement of psychological condition and decreased MDA level in the patients with chronic schizophrenia

[Comparison between the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of dill and statins on lipid profile]

A transient increase of blood concentration of lipids after meal is able to increase the risk of atherogenesis. This study aimed to determine the effects of Anethum graveolens L. [dill] consumption on atherosclerosis and hepatic risk factors. In an experimental study, 32 male New Zealand rabbits were randomly allocated to four groups to receive normal diet, a diet containing 1% cholesterol, a diet containing 1% cholesterol plus 200 mg/kg dill powder, and a diet containing 10 mg/kg lovastatin. Risk factors of atherosclerosis including glucose, total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], apolipoprotein B [ApoB], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], nitrite, nitrate, fibrinogen, and factor VII were measured and compared between different groups.Consumption of dill caused a significant reduction in glucose compared to the hypercholesterolemic diet group. Dill powder significantly decreased LDL-C, TC, AST, ALT, and fibrinogen. No significant differences were found between dill group and hypercholesterolemic diet group in ApoB, factor VII, nitrite, and nitrate. According to our findings, postprandial consumption of dill may have beneficial effects on atherosclerosis and hepatic risk factors

[Comparing quality of marital relationship of spouses of patients with and without a history of myocardial infarction]

Myocardial infarction [MI] is a life threatening event and often reduces the quality of life of patients and their families' particularly close and intimate persons such as spouses. The aim of study was to determine quality of marital relationship of spouses of patients with and without a history of myocardial infarction. This descriptive-comparative study has been done on 162 spouses of patients with myocardial infarction admitted in educational hospitals of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences by convenience sampling method and 162 spouses of healthy persons [324 married individuals]. Data were collected by "Perceived Relationship Quality Components [PRQC] questionnaire with approved validity and reliability in Iran. Data was analyzed with SPSS/16. 42% of the samples were male and 58% female, with an overall mean age of 47.89 +/- 5.95, average length of common life 25.32 +/- 7.48. In addition, 56.7% of the respondents had diploma or higher education. The results also illustrated that the mean score of quality of marital relationship on the dimensions of satisfaction, passion and love in patient' spouses with a history of myocardial infarction was 13.37 +/- 5.03, 10.67 +/- 4.56, 19.56 +/- 2.56 respectively and in healthy persons spouses was 18.92 +/- 2.85, 18 +/- 3.14, 20.37 +/- 1.36. U-Mann Whitney test results determine that these differences are statistically significant [P<0.001]. MI disease has a negative impact on the overall quality of marital relationship, especially on the dimensions of satisfaction, passion and love between couples. Hence, the inclusion of family educational programs and couple therapy in heart disease rehabilitation program is important in order to improve the quality of marital relationship and subsequent quality of life patients and their family's needs

[ effect of sesame oil on the liver phosphatidate phosphohydrolase and serum lipoproteins in hypercholesterolemic rabbits]

Nowadays, the effect of medicinal plants on the reduction of the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis has been confirmed. Liver phosphatidate phosphohydrolase [PAP] is a key regulatory enzyme in the glycerolipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of sesame oil on liver PAP activity, liver triglyceride, liver cholesterol and serum lipoprotein levels in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. In this experimental study 27 New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to 3 groups [n=9]. Group1 [control] was fed with standard diet. Group II [hypercholesterolemic group] animals received hypercholesterolemic diet [1%] without treatment. Group III was fed with hypercholesterolemic diet [1%] plus sesame oil [5%]. After two months, liver PAP activity, liver triglyceride and cholesterol content, serum lipoproteins and malondialdehyde, and antioxidant capacity were measured. One way ANOVA was used for analysis of the mean values of the variables and for pair-wise comparison of the groups we used Tukey's test. Group III had a significant decrease [P< 0.05] in the liver PAP activity compared to group II. In group II, consumption of the enriched cholesterol diet led to a significant elevation [P< 0.05] in serum lipoproteins compared to group I [control]. Also, sesame oil in group III decreased the serum lipoproteins, liver triglyceride, and liver cholesterol in comparison to group II [p<0.05]. However, a significant elevation [P< 0.05] in serum antioxidant capacity and a significant reduction in malondialdehyde level occurred in group III compared to group II [P<0.05]. Sesame oil can be effective in reducing risk factors of cardiovascular diseases by decreasing serum lipids through making desirable alterations in serum lipoproteins. Also addition of sesame oil to hypercholesterolemic diets can reduce the liver PAP activity resulting in reduced liver triglyceride synthesis, which can decrease the risk of development of fatty liver in hypercholesterolemic diets

[ beneficial effects of vaccinium myrtilus L. intake on atherosclerosis risk factors in male New Zealand rabbits]

The increase in the blood concentration of lipids after meals has a significant effect on induction of atherosclerosis. Vaccinium myrtilus has an antioxidant activity, and in this study, we aimed to determine the effects of this plant on atherosclerosis risk factors. In an experimental study, 24 male New Zealand rabbits were randomly designated into three groups of 8 rabbits: Group 1, normal diet; Group 2, a diet containing 1% cholesterol; and Group 3, a diet containing 1% cholesterol and 2% Vaccinium myrtilus powder. The blood glucose, total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], apolipoprotein B [ApoB], Alanine aminotransferase [ALT], Aspartate aminotransferase [AST], LDL-C [low density lipoprotein], nitrite, nitrate, fibrinogen, and factor VII, which are considered as atherosclerosis risk factors, were measured before the experiment and 3 hours after feeding. The data were analyzed using One-Way Analysis of ANOVA. The P-values below 0.05 [P<0.05] were considered as significant. Consumption of Vaccinium myrtilus significantly decreased the concentrations of LDL-C, TC, aminotransaminases [AST, ALT], ApoB, and fibrinogen compared to the hyper-cholesterolemic diet group [P<0.05]. However, there were no significant differences was found between the group taking Vaccinium myrtilus and hyper-cholesterolemic diet group with regard to the serum glucose, TG, factor VII, nitrite, and nitrate [P>0.05]. The results of this study show that acute consumption of Vaccinium myrtilus might have a protective effect on some atherosclerosis risk factors

[Effect of alcoholic extract of Tanacetum parthenium on acute pain in rat]

Background: The use of medicinal plants to reduce pain is important. Tanacetum parthenium has been introduced as an analgesic agent in traditional medicine and is widely used to relieve neuropathic pain and headache

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic effect of Tanacetum parthenium ethanolic extract on acute pain

Methods: This study was carried out on 100 male mice weighing 30-35g. Acute pain was investigated using a hot plate test with set point 48 [degree]C and cut off time of 30 seconds. In this experiment 100 mice were divided into 10 groups as follows: 1] control group; groups 2-6 received 10, 20, 30, 40 and 80 mg/kg of alcoholic extract, respectively; group 7 received 100 mg /kg ibuprofen; group 8 received 0.5 mg /kg morphine; group 9 received 0.5 mg/kg naloxone; and finally group 10 received naloxone and extract. Ethanolic extract of aerial parts was prepared by maceration method and later its analgesic effect was studied at different doses of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 80 mg/kg, i.p. The effect of ethanolic extract and fractions were compared with the analgesic effect of morphine and ibuprofen as standard analgesic drugs. Naloxone was used to study the opioid system. Data were analyzed by SPSS using Kruskal Wallis test

Findings: Results obtained from this study showed that the ethanolic extract of Tanacetum parthenium produced an analgesic effect [P<0.05] at two doses of 30 and 40 mg/kg, i.p. The analgesic effect of extract was not lower than that of morphine [10 mg/kg, i.p.], and ibuprofen [100 mg/kg] [P<0.05]. Application of naloxone showed no inhibition on analgesic effect of the extract [P<0.05]

Conclusion: The analgesic effect of Tanacetum parthenium was also comparable to that of morphine and ibuprofen, both well known for their analgesic effects. Further investigations to establish a link between the analgesic effect of Tanacetum parthenium and particular phytochemicals, are recommended

[Effect of electromagnetic field [3mT frequency] on heart ulatrastructure in mice]

Background and aim: Due to the conditions provided by the modern life, the human being is exposed to electromagnetic field [EMF]. Appliance such as microwave oven, mobile phone, computer and power producing systems which have an extensive role in human life are the source of EMF. Epidemiological and experimental studies have shown the adverse effect of EMF on biological systems. Previous works, using light microscopes have shown that EMF could produce morphological changes in cardiovascular system. However, there are few studies regarding ultrastructural effect of EMF on living tissues. The aim of the present study was to investigate ultrastructural changes of cardiovascular system in EMF-exposed rats

Methods: Wistar rats were exposed to 3mili tesla EMF for 4 months, 4 hours/ day. After the experimental period, rats in control and experimental groups were sacrificed and tissue samples were prepared from the heart for electronmicroscopic studies

Results: The studies on the endocardium revealed that there was nuclear condensation and destruction of subendocardial layer in experimental group. In myocardium, in addition to nuclear condensation the mitochondria were also vague. There was a remarkable gap between the endothelial cells and basement membrane in the vessels of heart tissue. Epicard layer in EMF-exposed group was thinner than the control group

Conclusion: The obtained changes in the present study indicate the harmful effect of EMF on cardiovascular system after long-term exposure. It demands a protective policy for human being from probable effects of EMF

[Physiological variations in fiber and follicle characteristics of Chios, Arkha Merino x Moghani and Suffolk x Moghani sheep in response to photoperiod]

Wool growth is influenced by photoperiodic period of different seasons; under similar nutritional conditions, more wool is produced in longer photoperiodic season. In this study, the effects of photoperiod on fiber and skin follicle characteristics of three sheep breeds were studied. Forty non-pregnant and non-milking ewes [Chios, Arkha Merino x Moghani and Suffolk x Moghani breeds] with a similar age were selected. Equal numbers from each breed were divided into two groups [20 ewes/group], and the two groups were treated with a natural photoperiod [open natural environment: 12 hours light - 12 hours dark] and an artificial photoperiod [8 hours light and 16 hours dark] for 50 days. All animals were fed ad libitum with a similar diet including alfalfa, straw and barley at maintenance level. At the end of the treatment period, 50 g of wool was collected from the left mid side area [about 20 cm from the spinal column on the third rib] by a laboratory wool clipper, and a skin biopsy was taken from the right mid side area using a 1 cm diameter trephine. The following fiber characteristics were measured: staple length, fiber diameter, percentage of medullated and non-medullated fibers, wool efficiency. Analyzed follicle characteristics included follicle type ratio, follicle density, and follicle activity. A randomized design analysis of the data and comparison of means were performed with Duncan's new multiple range test. Results indicated that the primary follicle density in sheep under a natural photoperiod were significantly [p<0.01] lower than under an artificial photoperiod. The secondary to primary follicle ratio in sheep under a natural photoperiod were significantly [p<0.01] higher than in sheep under the artificial photoperiod. The percentage of inactive secondary follicles in sheep under the natural photoperiod were significantly [p< 0.05] lower than in sheep treated with the artificial photoperiod. Both natural and artificial photoperiod had no effect on fiber characteristics

Irritable bowel syndrome: a review article

Irritable bowel syndrome [IBS] is the most prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder noted in the general population worldwide. Its chronic nature, signs and symptoms which vary periodically from mild to severe have many negative effects on the quality of life for the sufferer; therefore the appropriate treatment of these patients is highly important. Patients should be informed by their doctors that the nature of the disease is benign, and educated on how to deal with and control symptoms of the disease. This article sets out a review of recent studies on the prevalence of IBS in Iran and appropriate methods for management of patients affected by IBS

[ effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Zizipus vulgaris L. on burn healing]

Traditionally, burn wound healing activities have been claimed for Zizipus vulgaris L, but there is not any evidence in literature for this effect of the plant. Therefore, this work was carried out to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Zizipus vulgaris L. on burn healing. In an experimental study burn wounds were made by placing a hot plate with a surface area of 1.5 cm[2] for 10s on the back of animals. 40 mice were designated in 4 groups. Animal were treated with vehicle or test substance two times per day for 21 days. The first group received nothing, second group Vaseline. Third and fourth group 1% and 10% Jujba ointment two times/day, respectively. Percent of burn wounds healing and total time required for complete healing were evaluated. Results showed that 1% dose of Jujuba extracts had significant burn wound healing compared to control group [P<0.01]. Zizipus vulgaris L. has considerable healing effect on burn wounds and its usage might be beneficial in these patients

[Outcomes and prognosis of treatment for retinoblastoma with primary chemotherapy and focal treatment]

To determine globe and patient survival in children with retinoblastoma at a major referral center in Iran. Hospital records of 156 eyes of 105 patients with retinoblastoma referred to the Ocular Oncology Center at Rasoul Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran from 2001 to 2007 were reviewed. Demographic data, family history, presenting symptoms, duration of symptoms, ocular findings and treatment modalities were evaluated. Main outcome measures included patient survival with the event of death, and globe survival with the event of enucleation. Mean age at the time of diagnosis was 28.5 +/- 23.0 [range 3-120] months. Mean follow-up was 30.9 +/- 29.0 [range 3-72] months. Male to female ratio was 47/58. Five patients had positive family history. Involvement was unilateral in 52% and bilateral in 48% of patients. Enucleation was performed as primary treatment in 76 eyes [48.7%] and as secondary treatment for recurrence in 11 eyes [7.1%]. Sixty nine eyes [44.2%] were salvaged by different globe preserving modalities. Kaplan-Meier 5-year survival estimate for globe preservation according to the International Classification of Retinoblastoma [ICRB] was 100% for group A, 93.5% for group B, 86.7% for group C, 57.1% for group D and 0% for group E. Kaplan-Meier estimates for 5-year patient survival was 100% for ICRB groups A and B, 92.3% for group C, 73.3% for group D and 79.9% for group E. Five year patient survival rate was better in ICRB groups A to D than in group E [P=0.004]. Advances in treatment, early diagnosis and prompt referral have improved the prognosis of patients with retinoblastoma in terms of globe and patient survival

Determining the prevalence of metabolic syndrome phenotypes among heypertensive patients in Isfahan and Markazi provinces in Iran

Studies have shown that there is a relationship between metabolic syndrome and coronary heart disease. Hypertension is a common risk factor of both cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome phenotypes in patients with hypertension in Isfahan and Markazi provinces in center areas of Iran. This cross-sectional study was implemented in Isfahan and Markazi provinces in year 2001. Sampling method was random-clustering. 12514 people from both sexes who were above 19 years old were considered which based on ATP HI, 1936 person of them had metabolic syndrome. Based on the definition, these people were those who at least had three of the following factors abnormally: HTN, FBS, TG, HDL and WC. Also hypertension was considered for all groups. Data was analyzed using Chi square test and Odds ratio. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 0.6% to 7.5% in central areas of Iran. The most prevalent of metabolic syndrome was in hypertensive women with high TG and WC and the least prevalent was in hypertensive men with these two phenotypes: 1-high FBS and WC, and 2-high FBS and low HDL [p<0.05]. Overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome in hypertensive people in the most of urban population was more than rural population. Results showed that hypertension is associated with different metabolic syndromes, especially in women with central obesity and dyslipidemia which necessitates more attention in preventing and treatment of the disease in this high risk group

[Prevalence and cause of smoking in the medicine students]

Young smokers have been more exposed to great stresses and mishaps in their lives, compared to non-smokers. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of tendency to cigarette smoking and its reasons among medical students. This cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study was carried out on the population of medical students in Tehran. Two hundred and eighty students were selected by classified randomization from the students in term one, four and seven [students in each term was considered a separate group]. Inclusion criteria were the same for all groups. The questionnaire comprised 45 questions including 29 common questions, 5 questions for smokers, 3 questions for recreational smokers, 7 questions for ex-smokers, and 2 questions for non-smokers. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test by SPSS-10 sofware. There was no female smoker among the students, except 5 percent of the students in term seven who had smoked recreationally. The most important reasons for cigarette smoking were for pleasure and decreasing anxiety. However, maintaining the health was the most important reason for the lack of tendency to smoking among male non-smokers. Female non-smokers had also the reason of unacceptable social impact of smoking for their disinclination. The results of current study showed that medical students are predisposed to have tendency to cigarette smoking due to psychological stresses, which are most probably related to their academic major

Antispasmodic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of thymus vulgaris on the guinea-pig ileum

The widespread use of medicinal herbs among the general population gives rise to the possibility of therapeutic or toxic effects in patients that use these plants. The effects of Thymus vulgaris [TV] hydroalcoholic extract on the contractile responses of the isolated guinea-pig ileum were investigated. Male guinea pigs that were starved for 24 hours were decapitated after cervical dislocation, and terminal ileum were removed. Segments were fixed at a resting tension of 0.5 g in an organ bath containing in Tyrode solution at 37°C, which was bubbled with 95% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide. The effects of the Thymus vulgaris extracts at six concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 6 mg/ml. Each segment served as its own control. Paired Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis. p < 0.05 was considered to be significant. Thymus vulgaris inhibited the contractile response in a dose-dependent manner in 0.6mg/mI concentration decreased the amplitude of the muscles up to 60% [t = -5.67, P<0.02]. This inhibitory activity was blocked by Granisetron and inhibited the contractions induced by acetylcholine, the activities of this plant may be due to the anticolinergic effect and block of serotoninergic pathways. Regression analysis had shown that with increasing in extract concentration the effect of extract was increased [r = 0.96, p<0.001]. The coefficient of extract dose was 0.089 mg. Our results demonstrate that extract prepared from the plant of Thymus vulgaris inhibited electrical induced contractions of the guinea-pig ileum when tested in vitro. This effect is dose dependent and reversible

[Invasive gastric cancer with metastasis to biliary tract presenting as primary colangiocarcinoma]

Gastric cancer is a relatively common cancer that can metastasize to multiple organs such as liver and the biliary tract. The patient is a 60-year-old woman who was admitted for severe abdominal pain, icterus, rised liver enzymes and a mass at the bifurcation of the common bile duct in MRCP [Magnetic Resonance Cholangio pancreatography] and was diagnosed as a case of primary colangiocarcinoma [Klat skin]. Patient was scheduled for stenting. Because of aggravation of abdominal pain. Upper GI endoscopy was performed and an extensive tumoral mass was found from body down to the pylorus of stomach. The pathology report of biopsies obtained from mass was Signet Ring cell adenocarcinoma of stomach which had metastasized to the biliary tract

Production of Egg Enriched with Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Laying Hens

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of different levels of flaxseed [0, 5, 10 and 15% of diet] and copper [in the form of cupric sulfate pentahydrate, 0 and 250 ppm of diet] on fatty acids and cholesterol in egg yolk of laying hens. A total of 128 White Leghorn layers aged 50 weeks were used in a factorial design and randomly assigned to 8 treatment groups. The experiment lasted 120 days. The birds were fed ad libitum on the experimental diets. Cholesterol concentration and fatty acids in plasma and egg yolk were measured monthly and bimonthly, respectively. Egg yolk cholesterol was extracted using modified Folch procedure and measured using Zak's method. The results showed that experimental diets had no effect on plasma cholesterol. The different levels of flax had no significant effects on egg yolk cholesterol but the presence of copper with flax at levels of 5 and 10 percent decreased cholesterol in egg yolk [mg per gram yolk] significantly [P<0.05]. The egg cholesterol [mg per egg] in the group treated with 15% flax without copper also decreased significantly [P<0.05]. The unsaturated fatty acids of egg yolk increased significantly in all experimental diets [P<0.05]. The highest ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids was observed in groups treated with 10% and 15% flax diets. This experiment showed that feeding flaxseed to laying hens can increase omega-3 fatty acids of egg yolk

Antihypertensive drugs used by hypertensive patients in the provincial cities of Isfahan, Najaf Abad and Arek

Hypertension is the most prevalent chronic disease encountered by physicians. Its prevalence has been reported at 18% in Isfahan province. Hypertension control decreases the risk of stroke and coronary events by 50% and 15%, respectively. According to the World Health Organization [WHO], the rate of blood pressure control stands at 12.5%. Effective hypertension control requires measures such as screening, diagnosis, lifestyle improvement, and drug therapy. The type of drug regimen prescribed to the hypertensive patient is of key importance in achieving optimal control. The present study was performed to determine the type of drugs used by hypertensive patients in urban and rural areas of the provincial cities of Isfahan, Najaf-Abad and Arak. This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in the provincial cities of Isfahan, Najaf-Abad and Arak in 2000-2001, as part of Isfahan Healthy Heart Program [IHHP]. Cluster sampling method was used to select 10674 individuals from the urban and rural areas of the said provincial cities. The patients had systolic or diastolic blood pressure readings of >/= 140 and >/= 90, respectively, or received antihypertensive medications. Data were entered into the EPI5 software and analyzed with t-test using SPSS. A total of 2015 hypertensive individuals [18.9%] were identified. Awareness of being hypertensive and rate of treatment and control of hypertension measured 47%, 23% and 9% respectively. Of 670 patients under treatment, 527 had been treated with one drug type, 133 with two drug types with 35 different combinations, and 30 used three drug types with 25 different combinations. Among single-drug regimens, beta-blockers were the most common choice [23%] and atenolol and methyldopa were the most frequently prescribed drugs, respectively. The frequency of diuretics use was 0.9%. Inappropriate combinations such as atenolol and propranolol were seen among two- and three-drug regimens [nine patients]. Drug regimens used by many hypertensive patients are not consistent with standard protocols; these regimens are ineffective in blood pressure control and lead to increased side-effects and subsequently patient noncompliance. Thus, education of physicians and other healthcare providers on hypertension and antihypertensive treatment is essential

case report of esophageal intramural hematoma

The patient is a 69 years old female presented with chest pain and rapidly progressive dysphagia. Then she suffered of hematemesis and aphagia. In evaluation of patient, a intramural hematoma obstructing esophageal lumen was demonstrated which was accompanied with mucosal ulceration and bleeding. It appears that this complication occurred in the context of concomitant use of alendronate with aspirin in this patient

Couple communication in family planning decision-making in Zahedan, Islamic Republic of Iran

A qualitative study in Zahedan, Islamic Republic of Iran, used focus group discussions with 120 people in 8 main groups to underst and more about couple's decision-making and the role of men in family planning. The study included men and women from Sunni and Shia sects as well as theologians from both sects. Shiites, lay people and theologians, believed that both husb and and wife play a major role in decision-making about family planning, while Sunnis believed that men are the main decision-makers. All participants believed that men have an important role in family planning, but also that men do not like attending family planning clinics. Religious tenets were important in couple's decision-making about using contraceptives but there were confusions over different teachings