[Lifestyle of patients with high blood pressure in rural areas of Jahrom, Iran]

Introduction: Choosing the wrong lifestyle could underlie the occurrence of serious diseases including hypertension which is a crucial threat to health. This study examined the lifestyle of patients with hypertension in rural health centers of Jahrom, Iran

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 78 patients with hypertension who were over 30 years old, in Jahrom in 2013. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. The questionnaire consisted of two parts of demographic characteristics and behavioral questionnaires reflecting the lifestyle of the study population. Data analysis was performed using the statistical software SPSS19

Results: The mean age of participants was 63.02 +/- 14.23 ranging from 30 to 70 years. 30.8% were male and 69.2% female. Average years of living with hypertension was 8.4 +/- 5.8. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients were 128.39 +/- 14.01 and 80.96 +/- 10.44, respectively. The mean BMI of patients was 24.8 +/- 4.6. Blood Pressure of 53.75% of patients was above the defined threshold equal to or greater than patients were smokers and 20.5% of them used hookah. 14.1% of the patients had regular physical activity. The most frequent behaviors were following the physician›s instructions [61.5%] and taking the medicines regularly [70.5%] and the least frequent behaviors were having regular physical activity [14.1%] and avoiding the stress [17.9%]

Conclusion: The results of this study indicated poor lifestyle and behaviors particularly avoiding stress and physical activity. Therefore, education and training is necessary for the studied subjects to adopt healthy lifestyle

[Hygiene status in urban bakeries of Bandar Abbas in 2012]

Introduction: Bread, the staple food for most people in the world, especially the Middle East, including Iran has particular importance from nutritional, health, and social points of view. It is critical to pay attention to the hygiene status of production and consumption of bread. This study was done to investigate the hygiene status and consumption of baking soda in the bakeries of Bandar Abbas, Iran, in 2012

Methods: This is a descriptive study conducted in Bandar Abbas, Iran. The study population consisted of all types of bakeries in the urban area. To check the status of health and personal hygiene of bakeries, the check list of Iranian Ministry of Health was used. PH in the samples was tested based on the method presented by Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran [No. 37]. The pH of each specimen was measured in triplicate separately, and the average value was recorded as the pH of bread produced in that bakery

Results: In terms of health status, 6.4% of bakeries were at good level, 27.9% at moderate and 65.7% at weak level. Totally, 14.2% of bakeries used baking soda in their bread production, mostly with Lavash [21%] and Taftoon[16%] breads

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, health status, particularly, personal hygiene, was not desirable. Moreover, baking soda consumption was also common in bakeries. Hence, control of health status and avoiding baking soda consumption in the bakeries are necessary

[Related factors to choose cesarean section among Jiroft pregnant women]

Introduction: Although caesarean section as a way to save both mother and child has been accepted in an emergency state, but its harmful consequences such as infectious diseases, anesthesia complications, and postpartum depression which could be a threat to the health of the mother, child, family and the community. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with cesarean delivery choice among pregnant women living in the city of Jiroft

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 145 pregnant women attending public and private medical centers in Jiroft. Data collection instrument was a questionnaire designed by the researchers. The validity of the questionnaires was confirmed and the reliability was assessed using Cronbach›s alpha coefficient which was 84%. Data were analyzed by SPSS v.19 and Logistic regression test was used [p-value=0.05]

Results: The mean age of the study participants' was 4 +/- 34 years and 75% of the women in the study chose cesarean delivery as the best method. Most participants in the study were pregnant for 7 - 5month [35.25%] and experienced the first pregnancy [44.1%]. The majority of them [52.4%] reported friends and family as a source of information for choosing cesarean section as the delivery method. The results of logistic regression showed that the location of prenatal care, abortion, economic status, place of birth, family history of cesarean delivery, and previous cesarean were significantly related with choosing cesarean as the delivery method

Conclusion: A high percentage [75%] of participants in this study had chosen cesarean section as the delivery method. Therefore, authorities should consider it as a public health problem. A way to overcome this problem is increasing the awareness of pregnant women of normal delivery benefits through the education

[Prevalence of musculoskeletal and cumulative trauma disorders in aluminum industry]

Introduction: The lack of agreement between job demands and worker capacity and repetitive / restless working may lead to cumulative trauma disorders. These disorders occur during months and years of facing with extra-physical and psychological stressor in work environment. This study was conducted among workers of an aluminum industry in Hormozgan to determine the prevalence of CTDs and MSDs. The result of this study can be used to develop CTD preventive strategies in the workplace towards improving workers health

Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study 200 workers from 6 production units of the factory were studied by Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaires [NMQ] and the prevalence of CTDs and MSDs was measured. Data analysis was performed by Spss 15 software and chisquare test

Results: The highest percentage of neck and waist CTDs was found in crane drivers and the highest percentage of wrist/hand and shoulders CTDs respectively were found in welding and Anode production workers. A Significant relationship was found between the CTDs at waist and height and age, weight and work history at 0.05 significance level. In addition, work history and age showed a significant relationship with wrist/hand CTDs

Conclusion: The high prevalence of CTDs in this study with regarding to this point that majority of the studied workers had a short work history indicated that attention to this problem is necessary. Therefore application of control measures to eliminate or reduce exposure of employee to the ergonomics stressors associated with the development of CTD is recommended

Visceral coccidiosis in a common mynah [Acridotheres tristis] due to Isospora sp. infection

A captive adult common mynah [Acridotheres tristis] died shortly after a course of seizure and opisthotonous with an illness characterized by severe lethargy, depression, loss of appetite, polyurate, and urate discoloration. Abdominal distention and hepatomegly, visible over the abdominal skin, were noticed clinically. At necropsy, severe enlargement of liver with general discoloration was obvious. Histopathological findings included schizonts and gametes in the intestine, especially in the duodenum. Cytology from impression smears revealed intracyto-plasmic Atoxoplasma-like zoites in the inflammatory cells especially macrophages within the liver and in the contact smears prepared from the liver, lung, and spleen. Based on postmortem findings of the organisms in blood mononuclear cells and in impression smears of liver and Giemsa stained impression smears of liver, the spleen and lung atoxoplasmosis caused by Isoapora sp. was specified as the cause of death. According to the literature, visceral coccidiosis [atoxo-plasmosis], described here, could be considered as one of the severe causes of mortality among captive birds

[Survey of the burn wound healing by Iranian traditional medicine from the herbalists or herbal medicine vendors in the Mazandaran province]

A Burn injury is a major health problem in the developing countries. Various treatments were applied for treatment of burn wounds by Iranian traditional medicine for thousands of years ago. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the natural products based on treatment of burn wounds by herbalists or herbal medicine vendors in the Mazandaran province. This research was a cross-sectional study; and all herbalists or herbal medicine endors were enrolled in this study. Snow ball sampling method was used with a questionnaire. Demographic data, methods of treatment for wounds, itching and pain were collected. The results were analyzed. In this study, 29 herbal and 4 animal based products were recommended by herbal medicine vendors for treatment of burn wounds. The results showed that 77 percent of respondents to treatment of burn wounds by natural products were recommended. Aloe Vera gel was the first choice for treatment of burn that was recommended by the herbalists. These results are interesting to find new drugs for treatment of burn wound healing with regards to Iranian traditional medicine. Since there are limited animal and clinical studies for approval of these natural products, future studies are needed for assessment of these traditional medicines for treatment of burn injuries

Evaluating the resistance of eimeria Spp. field isolates to anticoccidial drugs using three different indices

In this study, the presence of resistance to diclazuril, amprolium+ethopabate and salinomycin, representing some of the commonest anticoccidials in Iran's poultry industry, against three mixed Eimeria field isolates were investigated. Three Eimeria field isolates, collected from typical broiler farms in Iran, were propagated once, inoculated to 480 broilers, comprising 30 chicks in each treatment. The non-medicated or medicated diets containing one of the above mentioned anticoccidials were provided ad-lib. Drug efficacy was determined using the Global index [GI], Anticoccidial Sensitivity Test [AST] and Optimum Anticoccidial Activity [OAA]. None of the field isolates were fully sensitive to the selected anticoccidials. All isolates showed reduced sensitivity/partial resistance to salinomycin. Resistance to amprolium+ethopabate was evident and partial to complete resistance was recorded for diclazuril. Limited efficacy of the selected anticoccidials is obvious. Considering the cost of continuous use of anticoccidials in the field, altering the prevention strategy and rotation of the anticoccidials with better efficacy, would prevent further economic losses induced by coccidiosis.

Vector ecology and susceptibility in a malaria-endemic focus in southern Islamic Republic of Iran

This study aimed to carry out a malaria situation analysis, species composition and susceptibility levels of the main malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi, to different insecticides in Bashagard. A longitudinal survey was conducted in 2 randomly selected villages in Bashagard. Malaria vectors were sampled by dipping method for the larvae and hand catch, night-biting catch, total catch, and shelter pit collection for the adults. Standard WHO susceptibility tests were used for a variety of insecticides on F1 progeny of An. stephensi reared from wild-caught females. In total, 693 adult anopheline mosquitoes and 839 third and fourth-instar larvae were collected and identified. They comprised 7 species; the most abundant adult and larvae anopheline mosquito was An. Dthali [40.7% and 30.5% respectively]. An. Culicifacies[24.2%] and An. Stephensi [16.7%] were the next most common species for adult mosquitoes. An. Stephensi was fully susceptible to malathion and pyrethroid insecticides but resistant to DDT and tolerant to dieldrin

[Colorimetric evaluation of cercon zirconia and metal ceramic restorations in two thicknesses of veneering porcelain]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zirconia and base metal cores on the color of restorations. Furthermore, the effect of different backings on the color of cercon zirconia was evaluated. The specimens were Cercon zirconia and metal ceramic discs with "high Au" and "base metal" alloys. Cercon zirconia discs were veneered with veneering shade of A2 and two thickness of porcelain [0.7 mm, 1.2 mm]. There were 3 discs in each group. Metal ceramic discs were made of "nickel-chromium" alloy [Verobond] and "high Au" alloy [World 89] and two shades [A2, A3.5] and two thicknesses of veneering porcelain. 3 types of backing [high Au, nickel-chromium and A3 shade composite] were made for Cercon zirconia discs. Spectrophotometric evaluation of zirconia discs [on 3 backings] and metal ceramic discs was done. One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests were used for data analysis. There were no significant differences between the amounts of L*, a*, b* for Cercon zirconia on different backings [P>0.05]. In comparison between different core groups, a* was significantly higher in metal ceramic groups compared with that of zirconia groups [P<0.05]. Cercon zirconia can completely mask the underlying backing

Role of HFE gene mutations on developing iron overload in beta thalassaemia carriers in Egypt

A case-control study aimed to determine the prevalence of C282Y, H63D and S65C mutations of the HFE gene in beta thalassaemia carriers and investigate their influence on iron absorption. A total of 41 beta-thalassaemia carriers and 40 control subjects without haemoglobinopathies were screened for the C282Y, H63D and S65C mutations by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism. The iron status in these subjects was studied and correlated with the HFE gene mutations. H63D, S65C and C282Y allele frequencies were 30.5%, 13.4% and 7.3% respectively in [3-thalassaemia carriers and 10.0%, 2.5% and 0.0% respectively in the control group. Compound heterozygosis was found in 10 carriers [24.4%]. The transferrin saturation level was high in compound heterozygote cases. Our study has shown that the HFE gene mutations are common in Egypt among beta-thalassaemia carriers compared with normal controls

Isolation of chlamydophila psittaci from pet birds in Iran

Avian chlamydiosis is one of the most important infectious diseases of birds. Despite the rapid growth of exotic bird populations in Iran, there is little or no information on the specific infections that these types of birds carry. In this study, conventional isolation methods were used in cell culture to study occurrence of infection in pet birds. Samples from the conjunctiva, choana, and cloaca and/or droppings were provided from 17 birds of different species. The samples were used to infect McCoy cell culture to isolate Chlamydophila psittaci. The inoculated cells were fixed, stained by Giemsa, mounted on slides using Entellan_ and observed by light microscope for the presence of typical chlamydial inclusion bodies. Chlamydophila psittaci was isolated from four birds including a ring-necked parakeet [Psittacula krameri], an Alexandrine parakeet [Psittacula eupatria], an African grey parrot [Psittacus erithacus], and a Timneh grey parrot [Psittacus erithacus timneh]. All negative cultures were passaged a further two times. To the best of our knowledge; the report represents the first isolation of chlamydia from birds in Iran

Genotype and antiretroviral drug resistance of human immunodeficiency virus-1 in Saudi Arabia

To analyze antiretroviral drug resistance and determine the genotype of human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]-l in Saudi patients by sequencing an amplified region of the viral pol gene. This retrospective study analyzed data from plasma samples submitted for genotypic drug sensitivity monitoring. Samples were analyzed at the Special Infectious Agent Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center of King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from August 2004 to June 2009. The Viroseq2.5 kit [Celera/Abbott] was used with ABI Prism 3100 sequencer. All patients were Saudi nationals and were on antiretroviral therapy, some experiencing treatment failure. Based on protease region [PR], genotypes of 63 samples were as follows: C:22, G:21, B:9, CRF02_AG:5, D:3, A:l, F:l, and J:l. Based on reverse transcriptase region [RT], genotypes were as follows: C:23, G:24, B:9, CRF02 AG: 2, D:2, A:l, and F:l. Antiretroviral susceptibility testing results were as follows: 52% of the isolates were susceptible to all 3 major classes of antiretroviral drugs used, 41% had mutations known to confer high level resistance to one or more of the nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors, 16% had mutations known to confer high level resistance to non-nucleoside analogues reverse transcriptase inhibitors, 13% had mutations known to confer high level resistance to one or more of the protease inhibitors [PI]. Most isolates were susceptible to 2 or at least one class of antiretroviral, and only 3% of the isolates had resistance to several members of all 3 classes. Antiretroviral resistance is not uncommon in Saudi patients on antiretroviral therapy

Homocystein level n patients with breast cancer; post therapeutic effect on its level

Hyperhomocysteinemia has become established as one of the most common conditions linked to vascular events including both venous and arterial thrombosis. More recently, there has been interest in the potential links between total homocysteine [Hcy] and cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the level owf homocysteine in patients with breast cancer and to evaluate the effect of treatment on its level being linked to the development of vascular events including thrombosis. The study was done on 20 patients suffered from breast cancer. Control group included 10 healthy female subjects who were age matched with the studied patients. The entire participants were subjected to full clinical examination. Assessment of homocysteine level, CBC, ESR, coagulation profile, lipid profile, liver function test and kidney function test were done for all participants. After breast cancer patients had undergo modified radical mastectomy and finished 6 cycles of chemotherapy [FAC] protocol; [5-Flurouracil+Cyclophosphamide+Adriamycin] serum Hey, were measurcd again. Despite the trend towards higher Hcy levels in patients with breast cancer before treatment and after chemotherapy when compared with the normal controls, such difference was statistically not significant [p alue=0.19 and 0.66, respectively]. However, plasma Hey concentrations after chemotherapy showed significant decrease compared to their levels before starting treatment [p value=0.002]. Plasma Hey levels may be a risk factor for breast cancer. Future studies are needed to prove causality and provide insight on the mechanism of action of Hey in breast tumorigenesis. The significant decrease in plasma Hey concentrations after tumor resection and chemotherapy would require a large randomized trial for confirmation and to address the factors that would help for prevention of vascular complications including venous thrombosis in patients with cancer

Comparison of oral ibuprofen and indomethacin on closure of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants

Although intravenous indomethacin and ibuprofen are widely used for closure of patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants, these formulations are unavailable in the Islamic Republic of Iran. In this study of the therapeutic effects of oral treatments, 20 preterm infants were randomized to oral ibuprofen [1x10 mg/kg, then 2x5 mg/kg at 24-hour intervals] or oral indomethacin [3 x 0.2 mg/kg at 24-hour intervals]. Complete ductal closure was seen in 7/10 of the indomethacin and 8/10 of the ibuprofen group. The difference was not significant. There was no reopening after the ductal closure during the hospital stay or in the follow-up visits in either group and no excessive increases in the blood urea nitrogen or serum creatinine levels were observed

Comparative invitro evaluation of microleakage of adhesive resin core buildup with amalgam

Amalgam and adhesive resin core with cemented dowels are commonly used to restore endodontically treated teeth. These restorations have widely been studied for their mechanical properties; however, less is known about their sealing ability. In this study, we compared the microleakage of adhesive resin core buildup [Core Max II] of amalgam and adhesive in enamel margins and compared it with amalgam. In this interventional experimental parallel group study, 30 intact human premolars were randomly selected. Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal surface of each tooth with occlusal margin in enamel and gingival margin in cementum. Then, the teeth were divided into two groups with 15 teeth. Next, one group was filled with amalgam and another group with Core Max II according to manufacturer's instructions. After thermocycling and dye penetration, the teeth were sectioned and microleakage was assessed. Data were analyzed by T-student and paired t tests through SPSS VII with 95% confidence interval. 1. The mean microleakage of occlusal margins [enamel] of adhesive resin core, Core Max II [30.84 +/- 5.01] was significantly greater than amalgam Oralloy [13.07 +/- 3.5] [P=0.001]. 2, The mean microleakage of cervical margins [cementum] of Core Max II [39.81 +/- 4.92] was not significantly different from amalgam [34.56 +/- 2.03]. However, the mean for Core Max II was greater than amalgam [P=0.337]. 3. The mean microleakage of cervical margins of amalgam [34.56 +/- 2.03] was significantly greater than occlusal margins [13.07 +/- 3.50, P=0.001]. 4. Mean microleakage of cervical margins [cementum] of adhesive resin core, Core Max II [39.81 +/- 4.92] was not significantly different from occlusal margins [enamel, [30.8 +/- 5.01, P=0.197]]. Amalgam restorations especially at enamel have less microleakage than adhesive resin cores [Core Max II] and the mean microleakage of enamel margins is less than cementum margins

[Evaluation of some of the temporomandibular disorder etiologic factors in women referred to Mashhad Dental School]

Various evidences show a higher prevalence of temporomandibular disorder [TMD] in women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate T.M.D etiologic factors in women referring to Mashhad Dental School. Twenty-five patients with jaw clicking and 19 with M.P.D syndrome were randomly selected among female patients referring to Mashhad dental school. Seventeen women with no signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder were used as the control group. The women were between the ages of 18 to 40. All of them were examined for TMD and etiologic factors such as Parafunctional habits [Bruxism and Clenching] and premature contacts in eccentric movements. The level of blood estradiol and progesterone status were also recorded. The data were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis and Chi-square tests through SPSS software. Although there was a difference in level of blood estradiol and progesterone between TMD patients and control group, this difference was not significant. There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding parafunctional habits [P<0.001]. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding eccentric premature contacts [P=0.098] In this study, the most important TMD etiologic factor was parafunctional habits [Bruxism and clenching] and the second effective factor was eccentric premature contacts. There was no relation between the level of blood estradiol and progesterone and the incidence of TMD in women

Long-term follow-up of children with steroid-responsive Nephritic Syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is one of the most remarkable diseases in childhood. The majority of patients have prompt response to corticosteroids. Methods: In this study, we retrospectively evaluate the outcome of patients with steroid-responsive nephritic syndrome. Medical records from January 1996 to September 2006 were reviewed to identify all children with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome at the Pediatric Medical Center, Tehran, Iran. Initial steroid therapy was 60 mg/m[2] per day for four weeks. Levamisole, a steroid-sparing agent, was prescribed at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg on alternate days in conjunction with alternate-day prednisolone. If no benefit was observed by three months, levamisole was discontinued and immunosuppressive therapy with cyclophosphamide at a dose of 3 mg/kg daily for 8 weeks, or cyclosporin A at a dose of 3-5 mg/kg was prescribed. Of 745 children with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome, 63.1% of patients were male. The most common causes were minimal change disease [98/324, 30.2%] and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis [81/324, 25%]. At presentation, microscopic hematuria was found in 22.6% of the patients. During follow-up, 9.2% had no relapse at any time, while 15.8% were frequent relapsers. The remission period ranged from 3.5 to 168 months. At the last follow-up, 57.6% of the patients were in remission, 37.7% relapsed and 29 children developed chronic renal failure. The outcome of nephrotic syndrome was not associated with age or gender. The end clinical status of patients correlated with duration of remission, number of subsequent relapses and response to cytotoxic agents. Conclusion: Steroid-responsive nephrotic syndrome in children should be followed over a long period, especially patients with early relapse. Relapse was seen in more than 90% of patients. Documentation of histopathology by renal biopsy may be helpful to identify those at increased risk for a poor outcome

Intestinal perforation by multiple ectopic pancreatic tissues in a neonate with multiple congenital anomalies

Ectopic pancreatic tissues of the gut are usually found incidentally during laparotomy or are reported in the autopsy findings. Rarely these ectopic pancreatic tissues may cause symptoms such as hemorrhage, pancreatitis, intussusception or perforation. We present a case report of the presence of multiple ectopic pancreatic tissues in the gut causing hemorrhage and perforation in a preterm, extremely low birth weight neonate with multiple congenital anomalies

[Comparison of the remaining smear layer following use of manual and rotary instruments with various speeds]

Endodontic smear layer [SL] can reduce the apical seal and adaptation of gutta-percha to root canals [RCs]. Instruments with adequate flexibility and proper speed create less smear during RC preparation. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the amount of SL following canal preparation by hand and rotary instrumentation. Sixty freshly extracted single-rooted teeth with minimum curvatures were divided into two groups. All canals in group 1 were instrumented with SS-type K-files using a step-back technique. The remaining teeth constituting group 2 were divided into 3 subgroups and prepared by employing the GT profile system at rotational speeds of 1000, 8000, and 24000 rpm. In both groups, 2 teeth were selected as controls, which were placed in 17% EDTA for 15 minutes and then washed with 5.25% Naocl. All specimens were cut bucco-lingually, and evaluated under an electron microscope. Kruskal-Wallis and Man-Whitney U tests were used to compare the groups. A significant difference in the amount of SL was not observed between the three rotational speeds at the coronal portions of the RCs. These sections were cleaner in the 1000 and 24000 rpm groups. No significant difference was found between the two instrumentation techniques in the apical portions. The mean size of the smear plug was larger and showed a greater amount of attachment in group 1 as compared to group 2. Ni-Ti rotary instruments produced a thinner SL with less attachment to the root canal walls making it easy to remove with sufficient irrigation