Jundishapur Scientific Medical Journal
Year:2011 | Volume:10 | Issue:2 (71)|Papers Count:14

Ali ibn Abbas al-Majusi Ahvazi Arjani, known in Europe by his latinized name, Haly Abbas or Ali Abas, was born in Ahvaz or Arjan (Behbahan), located in the Southwestern Iran, in 930 AD. Al-Majusi is best known for his Kitab Kamil as-Sina'a at-Tibbiyya (“Complete Book of the Medical Art”, in Latin “Liber Regius”). The book was not only entirely based on the work of others, but also al-Majusi included his own observations. He dedicated this book to King Adhud al-Dawlah Dilami (died in 983 AD). Al-Majusi served as court physician and worked in the Adhudi hospital in Baghdad. The Maliki is divided into 20 discourses, of which the first ten deal with theory and the second ten with the practice of medicine, such as surgery. It also contains many ethical parameters. Accordingly, it was the textbook on medicine for several centuries after the book was translated into Latin, and it was widely used not only in Persia and Arabic countries, but also in many parts of Europe. He died in Baghadad or Shiraz in 994 AD.

Background and Objective: The most prevalent of dysfunctional gastrointestinal disorders is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which affects more than 50% of patients. The aim of the present study was to compare five personality factors related to mental health between patients of IBS and healthy population in Ahvaz clinics of digestive diseases.Subjects and Methods: Our studied population consisted of 72 patients and 72 healthy people derived from retinue of patients. All patients were clinically investigated by a gastroenterologist for IBS. Psychological variables were evaluated in two groups by the NEO-FFI and GHQ.Results: Differences between two groups were significant in neuroticism, openness, and agreeableness. Scores of neuroticism in patients were significantly higher (P<0.001), whereas scores of openness and agreeableness were lower (was this Significant, P<0.05). However, in terms of openness there was significant differences between both groups (P<0.001).Discussion: There is a relationship between personality traits and health. Some of personality traits such as neuroticism, agreeableness and openness were found to be related to IBS.

Background and Objective: Shift work is a major feature of working life that affects diverse aspects of human life. The objective of this study was to investigate shift work-related health problems and their associated risk factors among employees of petrochemical industries.Subjects and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at 14 petrochemical companies in 2009. Study population consisted of 2357 workers (including 43.7% shift workers and 56.3% day workers). Data on personal details, shift schedule and adverse effects of shift work were collected by anonymous questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, version 11.5. The level of significance was set at <5%.Results: The mean of age in day workers and shift workers was estimated 36.26±8.20 and 34.96±8.08, respectively. Also, the mean of job tenure in both groups was estimated 10.83±7.50 and 10.15±7.55 years, respectively. Although, the results showed that health problems among shift workers was more prevalent than day workers, but the differences were only significant in relation to gastroi- ntestinal and psychological disorders (P<0.05). Multiple linear regressions indicated that in addition to shift working, other variants such as long working hours, type of employment, second job, age and education were associated with health problems.Conclusions: Prevalence rates of gastrointestinal and psychological problems among shift workers were significantly higher than those of day workers. Although, working in shift system was the main significant factor associated with the reported problems, other demographic and work variables were also found to have association.

Background and Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that results in many symptoms. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 8 weeks aerobic and yoga training on physiological cost index (PCI) in MS patients.Subjects and Methods: Thirty women with MS (aged 19-54 years) with Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 1.0 to 4.0 (EDSS), were randomly assigned to one of three groups (n=10 in each group) lasting 8 weeks: treadmill training, yoga or a waiting-list control group. Treadmill training consisted of 8-weeks (24 sessions) of treadmill training (30 minutes), at 40 - 75% of age-predicted maximum heart rate. Yoga group subjects participated in a thrice weekly 60-70 minute sessions of Hatha yoga intervention for 8-weeks. The control group followed their own routine treatment program. Energy expenditure was measured by PCI in the pre- and post-intervention.Results: These results indicate both treadmill training (P=0.00) and yoga (P=0.03) produced a significant improvement on PCI. Furthermore, improvement in PCI was more significantly greater in treadmill training than yoga training group (P<0.01).Conclusion: These results suggest that both training methods are effective in improving PCI in MS patients. However, aerobic treadmill training is more effective than yoga practice in improvement of PCI in people with mild to moderate MS.

Background and Objective: There is impairment in the level of muscle activity of scapular and rotator cuff muscles in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. Exercise therapy is one of the important methods of treatment in these patients. In addition, the application of tape has been suggested in the rehabilitation of patients with shoulder impingement syndrome. The purpose of this study was to study effects of therapeutic exercise associated with facilitative taping of selected shoulder girdle muscles on the activity level of these muscles in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.Subjects and Methods: This study was performed on two groups of 12 subjects from patients with shoulder impingement syndrome, by non-probability convenient sampling method. Electromyography recorded from selected muscles in both groups during movements of flexion and abduction. Electromyography was recorded after a period of exercise therapy associated with tape for one group and without tape for the other group.Results: Comparison of level of electromyography activity of middle and lower trapezius and infraspinatus muscles during flexion and abduction tasks in tape group, before and after treatment shows increase to 17.54% (p=0.41) and in non tape group before and after treatment increases to 2.94 % (p=0.38).Conclusion: The results of our investigation revealed that there is no significant influence of tape application on level of electrical activity of muscles studied during flexion and abduction tasks in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.

Background and Objective: There are a number of radioactive sources for brachytherapy in various shapes and sizes. Ru- 106 (Ruthenium, 106) ophthalmic plaque have been used for many years in treatment of uveal melanoma. The plaques consist of a thin film of 106 Ru, a emitter encapsulated in pure silver. The principle purpose of the present work was to evaluate dose distribution along central axis and two sides axis of eyes plaques. Calibration of eye plaques was performed with use of Monte Carlo code (MCNP4C) and experimental measurement.Material and Methods: The absolute dose was measured at centre and two sides axis of the Ru-106 eye applicators a (PMMA) spherical phantom with a radius of 12mm and height of 28 mm was constructed. To verify experimental measurements, simulation with applicators, TLD and eye phantom was utilized using MCNP4C code a P41.8GHZ personal computer .The run time of MCNP4C for each eye plaque was 4200 min and the * f8 tally and cut off of energy was used.Results: Simulated and practical dose distribution of six different types of eye plaques CCA, CCB, CGD, CCY, COB and CIA in the eye phantom were studied. The absolute and relative depth dose along the symmetry axis and two sides axes of the applicators were also evaluated from the surface to about 9 mm distance with less statistical uncertainty than that proposed by NIST and Bebig. The results are fully well comparable to producers proposed data as shown in the curves and graphs.Conclusions: Precision Monte Carlo comparison of the dose distributions applicators listed and absolute dose distribution of practical method show that these plaques were useful to treat uveal melanoma using Monte Carlo method in radiotherapy.

Backgroud and Objective: Congenital esotropia is one of most common ocular disorder in children with genetic origin. Amblyopia, decreased streopsis and cosmetic problems are its complication that affect person's fate in terms of career psychological issues. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of botulinum toxin A (Dysport) injection in subconjunctival space near medial rectus insertion of both eyes for treatment of congenital esotropia.Subjects and Methods: Thirty babies (aged 6-54 months) with congenital esotropia who were otherwise systemically and neurologically normal were enrolled in this study. Ten units of toxin (Dysport) were injected (under sedation) into the subconjunctival space near medial rectus insertion of both eyes. The angle of deviation was measured six times: after 3 days, 1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after injection.Results: Twelve months after injection ,angle of deviation decreased from 52 ± 17 PD to 27.8 ± 21.29 PD in 86.3% of patients. Success of treatment achieved in 23.3% of patients (P=0.008). In seventeen cases (56.6%) with angle of deviation≤ 45 PD (before injection) improvement was better (p=0.030), 41.1% of this group after 1 month, 70% after 3 months, 76% after 6 months, and 41.1% after 12 months follow up achieved orthophoria.Conclusion: Botulinum toxin A injection into subconjunctival space near medial rectus insertion is a safe method that is not only effective transiently for eye alignment but also can reduce total deviation. Long term improvement seems to be achievable in cases with small angle deviation (equal or less than of 45 PD).

Background and Objective: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the interrelationships among obsessive- compulsive disorder, impulsivity, and serotonin and previous studies produced mixed results. This study aimed at investigating the comparison of impulsivity between responsive and non-responsive obsessive-compulsive patients to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).Subjects and Methods: In an ex post facto design, using Sadock and Sadock's (2007) definition, and through convenience sampling, 27 Obsessive-Compulsive patients were divided into two groups (responsive and non-responsive to SSRI) and were examined through 11th Barratt Impulsivity Scale, Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (symptom checklist), and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV.Results: The mean scores of impulsivity and its components in responsive patients were higher in comparison with non responsive ones. Centroids of responsive and non responsive groups were significantly different regarding impulsivity, attentional, motor, and non-planning impulsiveness (p<0.009). Among the four variables, there were significant differences only in impulsivity (p<0.01), attention (p<0.01) and impulsiveness between responsive and non responsive groups (p<0.05).Conclusion: The findings of this research shows that there is a significant difference in impulsivity level between responsive and non-responsive obsessive-compulsive patients to SSRIs, and the mean score of impulsivity in non-responsive patients is higher. However, attending to some paradoxes in the literature, more researches are needed to provide a comprehensive theoretical explanation for the interrelationships among impulsivity, OCD, and responsivity to SSRIs.

Background and Objective: Serum HDL cholesterol concentration may be affected by different factors. One of this factors is the race of each person. Therefore we studied HDL – cholesterol reference range in different ethnic groups in Ahwaz by regard to age and gender.Subjects and Methods: Serum samples were drown from 601 males and 617 females randomly. This population was divided into main groups according their ethic (i.e Lor, Arab and Persian). Each group was subdivided on the basis of age to three Subgroups (1-15, 16-54 and >54 years). Serum HDL – cholesterol was determined with colorimetric method. All data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 17.0).Results: Mean HDL – cholesterol Concentration in age subgroups of females was statistically different. (P<0.0001).While in males it was not apparent relationship between mean concentration Of HDL – Cholesterol concentration in age subgroups (P=0.630). In male subgroups, mean HDL-cholesterol was significantly different (P<0.05). Lor individuals had the highest and Arab individuals had the lowest mean HDL-cholesterol concentration. But in females such relationship was not seen (P=0.743).Conclusion: In male group the reference range of HDL-cholesterol is affected by race and in female group the reference range of HDL-cholesterol is affected by age.

Background and Objectives: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common age-related urological disorder. Patients can subjectively descript their micturition habits by using the international prostate symptom score (IPSS) but whether or not patients answer correlate with their uroflowmetic findings has not been validated objectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation of patient answers with findings on uroflowmetry studies.Subjects and Methods: eighty six patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were evaluated by IPSS and uroflowmetry. IPSS was divided into voiding and storage symptoms. Waiting time, voided volume, maximum and average flow rates were recorded. The relationship between these parameters was quantified by SPSS software Pearson correlation coefficient.Results: Patients were aged 46 - 79 years old. Age did not correlate by Qmax, Qave, IPSS and voided volume. Voided volumes were 109-647ml (mean=259.5 ml). Qmax was <15ml/s in about 63% of patients (54 patients) independently of age. Qmax was correlated negatively with total IPSS score and voiding symptoms but did not correlate with storage symptoms. Qave correlated only with voiding symptoms (p=0.04) but not with total IPSS and storage symptoms. Waiting time did not correlate with total IPSS, voiding and storage symptoms.Conclusion: There is a close correlation between IPSS and uroflowmetry results. uroflowmetry is a more suitable for LUTS paitents who have improper understanding the IPSS questions due to cultural or language problems.

Background and Objective: Gallstone disease is one of the commonest diseases in GI tract which can be presented as acute or chronic cholecystitis. The severity of cholecystitis is depended on different factors. The aim of this study was to find if there is a difference in the development of complications following laparoscopic cholecystectomy among males and females.Subjects and Methods: The medical evidences of complications among patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy since 2001 to 2006 were analyzed.Results: A total of 101 patients were evaluated. The following complications were recorded: empyema in 6 patients (5.9%) (5 male: 1 female), perforation in 2 patients (1.9%) (2 males: 0 female), gangrene (13.9%) (11 males: 3 females), conversion to open cholecystectomy in 9 patients (8.9%) (all were males), acute cholecystitis in 47 patients (46.5%) (32 males: 15 females) and chronic cholecystitis in 54 patients (53.3%) (9 males: 45 female).Conclusion: According to these results, the incidence of complications and severity of cholecystitis is more common in male gender. Whereas chronic cholecystitis is more common in females. Probability of conversion to open cholecystectomy is more common among male gender. Finally, according to this study, male gender is an important risk factor which can increase the severity of cholecystitis.

Background and Objective: Tooth decay is one of the most common human diseases and it has a close relationship with individual’s behaviors. Access to present information or the status can pave the ground for interventions that can improve oral health status. The health belief model is a framework that shows the relation between some of the constructs related personal perceives and cues to action and self efficacy and behavior. This research was done to determine predictors of health belief model constructs in dental caries index in the boy students, in fifth-grade in the primary school in Dezfool in 2010.Subjects and Methods: This research is an analytic-description type. Initially a questionnaire was self-designed based on model constructs, and validity and reliability was evaluated. Then, 150 students were selected by random sampling method. The collected data form the completed questionnaires were analyzed by SPSS15 software.Results: The results showed that prevalence of tooth decay was %78.7 and M ± SD of dental caries index was 2.59± 2.05. There was a significant relation between dental caries index and perceived susceptibility (P=0.07, r=0.21), severity (P=0.03, r=0.16), barriers (P=0.07, r=0.21), and self efficacy (P=0.04, r=0.17) constructs, but it had no significant relation with perceived benefits and cues to action. In addition, there was a significant relation between dental caries index and tooth brushing behavior (P=0.002, F=4.05), but it had no significant relation with using tooth flossing.Conclusion: The result of this study confirms that we can decrease tooth decay indicator of students by improving tooth brushing behavior.