Researcher Bulletin of Medical Sciences
Year:2004 | Volume:8 | Issue:5 (35)|Papers Count:19

Background: Intestinal parasites are among the most common heath problems in most of the countries. Since it could be asymptomatic and also with respect to the role of environmental factors in this regard, the present study was conducted in Iran in the form of a national survey "health and disease" to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites.Materials and methods: It was a cross sectional study. 1097 urban clusters (8776 families) and 590 rural clusters (4720 families) were selected through a random sampling. Stool exam was performed for subjects aged 2 years or above and the following intestinal parasites were examined: ascaris, giardia, entamoeba hystolitica, ancylostoma, taenia, tricocephal, etc. Then, the role of sex, age and site of infection was determined.Results: Of 53995 samples, 45128 samples were studies among which 45.8% were for males and 61% belonged to urban residents. Totally, 19.3% of the samples were infected where the infection rate was 19.7% in males and 19.1% in females. Giardia (10.9%) and ascaris (1.5%) were the most common protozoa and helminthes, respectively. Infection was revealed in 25.5% of subjects aged <25 years and 11.6% of subjects aged >70 years (p<0.000). Urban residents have lesser infectious disease Assistant professor, compared to rural residents (16.4% vs. 24.3%, p<0.000).Conclusion: Intestinal infection is quite common in Iran. With respect to its known side effects, the true etiology should be specified and preventive and therapeutic approaches should be considered.

Backgrounds: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Controlling HCV-related liver diseases is an important matter of health concern among such patients. Nowadays, liver diseases are a major cause of death in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Materials and methods: To investigate the prevalence of HCV infection in patients on hemodialysis and its associated risk factors, we conducted a retrospective case series of 838 patients on hemodialysis in Tehran. Patients were selected randomly (cluster sampling) and all were checked for anti-HCV antibodies, using ELISA technique and then to confirm the positive samples with RlBA.Results: Totally, 111 patients (13.2%) were infected. Considering univariate analysis, longer duration on hemodialysis (p=0.000), more weekly dialysis sessions (p=0.03), history of blood transfusion (p=0.03) and history of previous renal transplantation (p=0.01) were associated with higher rate of HCV infection. However, on multivariate analysis, hemodialysis duration (p=0.000) and blood transfusion (p=0.02) remain significant as risk factors for HCV acquisition. The more units transfused, the more the rate of HCV infection.Conclusion: It seems that early transplantation and avoidance of blood transfusion as much as possible - for example by using erithropoietin- are the two most important practical interventions to reduce HCV exposure rate in patients on hemodialysis.

Background: Data regarding the effect of macronutrients on metabolic responses such as insulin, norepinephrine and blood sugar is not informative. This study was designed, therefore, to explore these effects.Materials and methods: This clinical trial was carried out on 10 healthy subjects and 15 NIDDM (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) patients. Metabolic responses such as insulin, norepinephrine and blood sugar were determined before and 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes after the intake of wheat starch, Na caseinat and olive oil. Statistical analyses were performed by analysis of variance with repeated measures, independent-t-test and dependent-t test.Results: The study population included 10 healthy subjects (4 females and 6 males) with the mean age of 36.6±5.8 years, and mean BMI 24±1.2 Kg/m2; and 15 NIDDM subjects (4 females and 11 males) with the mean age of 38.9±5.2 years and mean BMI 24±1.6 Kg/m2. Metabolic responses in each group showed significant difference following the intake of macronutrients (p<0.05). Baseline insulin was higher in NIDDM patients (NS). Baseline norepinephrine was higher in healthy subjects (p<0.05). Insulin increased significantly following the intake of macronutrients in healthy subjects (p<0.05). The latter increased significantly following intake of carbohydrate and protein (p<0.05) however did not differ significantly following the fat intake. Norepinephrine increased significantly following the intake of carbohydrate, protein and fat in both groups (p<0.05). Postprandial blood sugar significantly increased in healthy subjects (p<0.05). However, in NIDDM subjects it increased significantly following the intake of carbohydrate and protein and diminished following the intake of fat (p<0.05). Postprandial systolic blood pressure increased in healthy subjects (p<0.05), while systolic blood pressure did not change significantly following intake of carbohydrate and protein. It was diminished after the intake of fat in NIDDM patients (p<0.05). Conclusion: The effects of macro nutrients on metabolic responses were different in healthy and NIDDM subjects. Further studies are highly recommended.

Background: Anterior cervical disectomy is quite a common surgical procedure in neurosurgery, for which, there is still controversies regarding the fusion. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of fusion on anterior cervical disectomy in a group of patients underwent surgical procedure in Imam Hossein hospital between 2000 and 2002.Materials and methods: For this clinical trial 40 subjects were included. Diagnosis was based on clinical findings and MRI studies. Patients underwent the standard procedure of anterior cervical disectomy and were randomly assigned in two groups of with and without fusion. Fusion was removed form iliac crest. The efficacy of these two therapeutic approaches was determined according to the post-operation pain at days 8th, 30th, and 90th. On the other hand, surgical complications as well as complications of the site of fusion were noted.Results: There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the age, sex, and type and level of involvement. Patients who have not received fusion have reported pain 25%, 35%, 30%, and 20% at days 1st, 8th, 30th, and 90th following the operation. However, in the other group these figures were 20%, 30%, 30%, and 20%, respectively (NS). Pain at the site of fusion was 50% at the first day and 30% and 20% at days 30th and 90th. Complication rate was similar in both groups.Conclusion: Fusion does not change the surgery outcomes of anterior cervical disectomy. With respect to its known side effects anterior cervical disectomy is recommended without fusion.

Background: Nerve conduction studies (NCS) are performed worldwide; however, we do not have standard values for our society. Motor nerve distal latency is a common electrodiagnostic study. The present study has performed on females aged 20-30 years to draw standard values for their median motor nerve distal latency.Materials and methods: Normal values of median motor nerve distal latency of both hands of 400 healthy females were determined. All candidates were right-handed. Standard techniques of electrodiagnostic studies were used and values of hands were analyzed by means of t-test.Results: The mean distal latency of median nerve of right and left hands were 3.36±0.23 and 3.29±0.24 msec, respectively. This difference did not reach the statistical significance.Conclusion: For some neurologic disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, the normal values of electrodiagnostic parameters are required. Our findings have showed the distal latency of median nerve in females who are at increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Background: Prior investigators have proposed the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in squamous cell of carcinoma. This may influence on prevention programs, epidemiologic studies, and of course, herapeutic approaches. The present study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of human papillomavirus in squamous cell carcinoma of cervix in patients referring to hospitals affiliated by Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences during a 3-year period (1999-2002).Materials and methods: Forty patients ranging in age from 40 to 78 year were selected from registries of pathology departments, for whom, the diagnosis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed. The histologic subtypes were identified and immunohistochemistry was performed. The prevalence of human papillomavirus was determined.Results: A positive nuclear reaction was detected in 40% of cases (16 out of 40), 11 cases (69%) of which were in the large cell non-keratinizing group, 4 (25%) were in the large cell keratinizing group and 1 (6%) belonged to poorly differentiated small cell group. Statistical analyses showed no significant difference between the various groups.Conclusion: Our findings indicated that the prevalence of HPV infection in squamous cell carcinoma of cervix in our country is lower than other countries. However, further investigations in larger scales, using more sensitive assays are necessary to estimate the true prevalence ofHPV infection in our country.

Background: The role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the appearance of some sort of B-cell neoplasm such as Burkitt's lymphoma has approximately been proved. With respect to the prevalence of Burkitt's lymphoma in Iran and related topics on treatment and prevention, the present study has assessed the association between the EBV and Burkitt's lymphoma.Materials and methods: It was a descriptive study. Paraffin-embedded blocks of 101 samples with the diagnosis of Burkitt's lymphoma were studied using immunohistochemistry and histochemistry techniques in Kiel University in Germany.Results: Of 101 samples, the diagnosis of Burkitt's lymphoma was confirmed in 65 cases (64.5%), among which 3 cases (4.6%) had been infected by EBV.Conclusion: Since there was a weak association between EBV and Burkitt's lymphoma and also with respect to the prevalence of Burkitt in Iran, other possible etiologic factors should be considered.

Background: The use and sales of herbal medications have increased dramatically over the past several years. Pharmacists are in an ideal position to educate patients about herbal medicines. This study was intended to determine the knowledge of pharmacist regarding herbal medications.Materials and methods: A survey was distributed to pharmacists at two continuing education programs in Tehran between January and February 2002. The survey evaluated demographic data and IS-item herbal medicine knowledge tests.Results: Of the 106 pharmacist surveyed, 66.67% practiced in a pharmacy, 11.88% had previous education on herbal medication and 45% accessed to herbal medication information. The average score on the herbal knowledge test was 9.31 (maximum score of 15). Pharmacists with access to herbal medication information scored significantly higher than those who had no access to herbal medication information (p<0.01).Conclusions: Our results have revealed that pharmacists with access to herbal medication information were more knowledgeable about these products. With the increasing use of herbal medications, there is a greater need for pharmacy training programs in this area.

Background: Considering the complications of meconium in amniotic fluid and different reports of the incidence and its related factors, the present study was conducted to determine the association between the meconium and asphyxia in neonates born in Shohada-e-Tajrish Hospital between 2001-02.Materials and methods: It was a cross sectional study. Our exclusion criteria were congenital anomalies and uncertained last menstrual period. Initial data including maternal age, gestational age, history of other diseases (cardiac, renal, convulsions, addictions), neonatal weight, Apgar score, presentation, intra uterine growth retardation, and oligohydroamions were recorded. Asphyxia was considered if acidemia does present (PH<7.1) in the umbilical blood.Results: Of 311 neonates, 58 (18.5%) had meconium in their amniotic fluid. There was no correlation between asphyxia and meconium. There was also no correlation between maternal age, gestational age, order of birth and maternal diseases with the presence of meconium.Conclusion: Our results were in accordance with previous studies. We could not find any correlation between the meconium and asphyxia. To determine asphyxia, detecting other markers of asphyxia like erythropoietin is highly recommended.

Background: Neonatal period is one of the most important periods of life; however, we still know very little about management of poisoning in newborn infants. Thus, the present study was conducted in Loghman-e-Hakim during a 5-year period, 1996-2001.Materials and methods: It was a retrospective study of existing data type. All neonates who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of poisoning were included. Age, type of poisoning material, clinical features, duration of hospitalization, and therapeutic outcomes were all determined.Results: The study population included 34 boys and 16 girls. 70% of subjects were 14 days or older. The most common cause of poisoning was opium (78%). The most common causes of opium poisoning were irritability and diarrhea. The most frequent clinical manifestations were: poor feeding (86%), cyanosis (66%), myosis (64%) and respiratory distress (58%). The mean duration of hospitalization was 3.6±1.9 days. Finally, only 2 were died (one due opium and the other due to mercury vapor).Conclusions: Informing families about serious poisoning especially opium and further attention of physician to non specific signs of poisoning in neonatal periods is recommended.

Background: Considering the increasing incidence of cosmetic rhinoplasty and conflicting data in this regard, and in order to assess the role of mental health and self-concept in rhinoplasty patients, this study was performed at Taleghani hospital in Tehran during the academic year 2002-03.Material and methods: This is a case-control study, for which 52 rhinoplasty patients as well as 52 control subjects who were matched according to the age, gender, marital status, economic status, education and occupation, were included. Data was gathered using "General Health Questionnaire- 28" and "Roger's selfconcept questionnaire". For data analysis t-test, chi-square and Fisher's exact test were used.Results: Mental health (including the total score and the scores of subs cales for depression, anxiety, somatic complaints, and social incompatibility) and self-concept did not differ between the two groups.Conclusion: Our findings failed to find any correlation between mental health and self-concept. Further studies are strongly recommended with special attention towards economic, social and cultural aspects.

Background: With respect to the increasing incidence of committing suicide in health care centers Kordkouy, the present study was conducted to determine the epidemiology of committing suicide Kordkouy.Materials and methods: It was a cross sectional study. Having referred to persons intending to commit suicide or their relatives initial data were obtained. Those residing in cities other than Kordkouy, those with unclear address or repeated ones were omitted. The prevalence of successful committing suicide as well its related factors were determined.Results: Of 77 cases who have intended to commit suicide, 59 were included among whom 21 were males. The mean age of males was 21.2±6.3 and for females were 25.9±10.2 years. 10.2% of these subjects successful suicide, to our surprise all of them were males. 60% of females were married and 81 % of males were single (p<0.005). Males have attempted suicide at 11 o'clock and females at 12. 84.5% of females and 40.9% of males have attempted suicide by means of drugs.Conclusion: The prevalence of committing suicide was high. Further analytical studies are strorgly recommended to determine the causes of the problem.