Daneshvar Medicine: Basic and Clinical Research Journal
Year:2009 | Volume:16 | Issue:82|Papers Count:12

Background and Objective: One of the most prominent disturbances in Parkinson's disease (PD) is bradykinesia. The presnt study sought to examine the effect of 1-week motor skill practice, hand to mouth movement on bradykinesia and the impact of motor learning on PD patients. Materials and Methods: In a clinical trial, the performance of 9 right-handed PD patients in reaction time was compared to nine demographically matched healthy control subjects. Participants practiced reaching the hand to mouth movement in response to visual stimulus 120 times each day for 1-week. Using Kinemetrix 3D Motion Analysis system, the effect of motor skill practice on bradykinesia and the influence of motor learning were investigated. The pretest performance was compared to performances the post test, seventh and fourteenth days of the study. Results: Mean RT decreased significantly after 1-week practice in the healthy control group. Patients' mean RT decreased after 1-week practice, but this reduction was significant only between the first and the second test sessions (P< 0.01). However, between the second and the third test sessions only close to the significant level (P= 0.06). Evaluation of the fourth test session, i.e., 1-week after the end of practices, was indicative of a nonsignificant difference between the third and fourth test sessions.Conclusion: Short-term practice can improve bradykinesia in patients with PD but the benefit of practice in the long-term is reduced. Practice is a useful method with sustained effects after 1-week in the mild to moderate PD patients. Further follow up studies on the advantages of longer term of practice and loner retention periods are warranted.

Background: Foeniculum vulgare( Fennel) is a herbal preparation used in Traditional Medicine. In the ancient medicine in Iran, it was used as additive, carminative, antiseptic and antiparasite. The aim of this study was to investigate anti candida activity and immunomodulatory effects of water, ethanol and acetone extracts from Foeniculum vulgare on murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro.Materials and Methods: Anti-Candida albicans effect of the essential oils, Amphotericin B and ketoconazole were determined by Disc diffusion and broth Macrodilution methods. The viability of macrophages was evaluated using MTT assay. Also the production of nitrite was probed using Griess method. Moreover, the ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) production and Fungicidal activity were investigated by NBT assay and Killing method, respectively.Results: The anti-candida activity of the essential oils was strong. MIC and MFC of essential oils were 300 μg/ml and 308mg/ml, respectively. Among the extracts tested, the acetone extract of F. vulgare (F.v-A) revealed a significant increase in NO production (p<0.02). Furthermore, F.v-A had a significant effect on the levels of ROS (p< 0.001) and a strong fungicidal activity in F.v-A treated macrophages.Conclusion: The results indicate that the essential oils of F. vulgare have strong activity against C. albicans. The F.v-A extract shows a reasonable immunomodulatory effect, while using NO assay, NBT assay and killing, on C.albican. More studies on animal models and humans are needed to clarify the exact immunomodulatory effect of F.v-A and to determine its effective components on candidiasis.

Background: Menopause is the consistent pause of menstrual blood for one year period. It is physiologically related to lesser estrogen secretion, which develops cardiovascular disease in women above 50 and is the leading cause of death (more than 50%) among them.Tibolon is a tissue specific composition with low estrogenic, progestagic and androgenic activities. These qualities have desirable effect on menopause symptoms. This study investigated the tibolon effect and compared it to estrogen and progestron (hormone replacement therapy), as predictive markers of cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women in Iran.Materials and Methods: This is a clinical- analytical trial study. 140 women in their menopause period (Aged 45-60) were randomly selected and placed in three study groups. The filled the consent form and paid no expenses. The first group received 2.5 mg of Tibolon pill plus calcium D (500 mg + 200 IU). These cond group received estrogen congoga pill (0.625 mg) plus 2.5 mg medroxi progestron state along with calcium D (500 mg + 200 IU). The third group only received daily calcium D (500 mg + 200 IU). CRP serum level and plasma lipids were compared to each other at the beginning of the study and six months after the treatment.Results: In the first group, HDL, LDL cholestrole and total cholesterol, triglicride were significantly reduced compared to prior to the treatment (P< 0.05).Both methods of Tibolon and HRT increased CRP serum level. However, the increase was more significant in HRT group (P< 0.05). In the second group, the HDL cholesterol and total cholesterol decreased. Nevertheless, triglicride and CPR significantly increased (P< 0.05). On the other hand, LDL and total cholesterol and triglicride decreased significantly (P< 0.05). The intergroup comparison revealed that Tibilon had decreased triglicride, while, HRT increased it compared to the calcium group. Moreover it had decreased HDL, whereas HRT increased it compared to the control group in addition both Tibolon and HRT decreased LDL but increased CRP, similarly. The increase being more significant in the HRT group.Conclusion: Since Tibolon has the same effect as HRT on the decrease of LDL and triglicride serum levels, but less increase at CRP level, it can be an adequate substitute for HRT to eliminate the complications of menopause such as cardiovascular diseases.

Background and Objective: To study the effect of deprenyl on neuroprotective or survival on motoneuron and on gliosis reaction.Materials and Methods: Sprague Dawley rats (250-300 gr) of Razi institution were used to determine the effect of deprenyl (2.50 mg/kg) on neuroprotective or survival on motoneuron and on gliosis reaction through morphometry and immunohistochemistry methods. Results: The results are divided into two parts:1- the result of morphometry for motoneuron.2- Astrocyte and oligodendrocyte count and their percentage. After spinal cord compression, motoneuron in ventral horn decreased with cavitation. While, the changes in study group (deprenyl ) is less than control group( normal saline) one of the groups that had taken Deprenyl for 4 weeks revealed less changes so, after 4 weeks, the neuroprotective effects of Deprenyl increased (P£ 0.05). In addition, Deprenyl had also decreased the gliosis reaction. It was even more effective after 4 weeks (P£ 0.05).Conclusion: For the first time, Deprenyl effect was studied in gliosis reaction. It seems that it decreased the number and percentage of astrocyte and became more effective after 4 weeks. By the way it needs more research to find the effect and mechanism of deprenyl in different dosage.

Background and Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the application of the PRECEDE-PROCEED model in improving the quality of life of people living with epilepsy referring to Baqyatallah hospital of Tehran.Materials and Methods: In this field trial study, 64 patients with Grand-mal epilepsy (aged 18 to 50 years) were assigned to the case and control groups. Educational program was prepared using PRECEDE-PROCEED model for educating patients in the case group. Data accumulation instruments were researcher-made questionnaire that included social and hygienic questions related to epilepsy and the scale on quality of life in epilepsy (QOLIE-31-P). The information needed questionnaires were gathered during organized interviews with selected samples before and two months after the intervention.Results: The findings demonstrated that total average score of quality of life significantly increase in the case group (65.61) as compared to the control group (53.75) after implementing the PRECEDE-PROCEED (P= 0.01); In addition, in two social and psychological dimensions, except for the mental activity and seizure worry subscales, a significant increase was observed. Moreover, t-paired statistical test demonstrated a significant increase in total average scores of quality of life. All dimension and subscales of quality of life except for mental activating patients of case group after intervention (P< 0.05). In this research, no significant increase in the scores of quality of life was observed in the control group.Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the effectiveness o precede-proceed model in improving the quality of life of the patients with epilepsy. Training courses will certainly be influential on this community.

Background and Objective: Evaluation of the results, safety, and stability of ferrara intracorneal ring segment (FICRS) implantation for Keratoconus correction (age range was 24.39±8.32 years).Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 64 eyes of 57 patients with keratoconus and clear cornea that had FICRS implantation were studied. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refractive errors, and corneal data from Orb scan II, and complications were analyzed.Results: The follow-up was 18 months ± 6.45 (SD), the UCVA improved from 1.14 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (Log MAR) ± 0.53 (SD) to 0.48 og MAR ± 0.44 (SD) (P£ 0.001) and the BSCVA improved from 0.44 Log MAR ± 0.40 (SD) to 0.23 Log MAR ± 0.19 (SD) (P£ 0.001). Improvement of main outcome measures were as follows: 4.90 diopter (D) ± 3.33 (SD) for Spherical equivalent (P£ 0.001), 4.16 D ±3.24 (SD) for Spherical refractive error (P£ 0.001), 1.49±2.31 (SD) for cylindrical refractive error (P£ 0.001). Corneal topography showed more improvement of corneal uniformity and irregular astigmatism. Minimum and maximum central corneal powers decreased 1.75 D±5.94 (SD) (P£ 0.03) and 4.75 D±3.33 (SD) (P£ 0.001), respectively. Significant decrease in anterior corneal curvature and posterior best-fit sphere curvature were observed. Segment extrusion one eye (16%), superficial position 1 eye (1.6%), and infectin in 5 eyes (7.8%) had occurred. Conclusion: During 18 months, FICRS implantation improved both UCVA and BSCVA, however, it reduced corneal steepening and astigmatism. Whereas, increased topographic regularity. FICRS implantation was a safe procedure that had led to stable results. This procedure prevented or delayed corneal graft in many cases.

Background and Objective: Ten thousand people undergo cosmetic surgery of their bodies or faces to making themselves more beautiful each year. The primary aim of such surgeries is to increase the individuals' selfesteem and satisfaction due to their new look, which can be a special psychological pattern. The aim in this study is to compare the personality pattern and general health condition of the cosmetic surgery volunteers and the control group. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study, performed in Zarre Hospital in Iran in 2007. There were 50 subject the experimental group (volunteers for rhinoplasty) and the control group were their family members who matched them in age, gender and educational level but did not intend to undergo rhinoplasty."NEO-five factor inventory" (NEO-FFI) was used for personality inventory and "General Heath questionnaire (GHQ-28) was used to assess general health status, and the economical status was evaluated through Delphi questionnaire. Data were analyzed with standard t-test and chi-square test. Results: There was greater openness and extraversion trait but lower neuroticism and agreeableness trait in group the experimental compared to the control group. There were significant differences concerning inventory between the experimental and control groups (P= 0.011). General health condition greater in the experimental group than the control group. However, there were also no differences of economical status between was and control groups. Conclusion: This study indicated the experimental that high obsession trait and low self-esteem were detected in cosmetic surgery volunteers indeed imbalance in other personality traits were also observed. Therefore, it is more recommend able for the patient to consult a psychiatrist before undergoing cosmetic surgery.

Background and Objective: Menorrhagia is defined as menstrual blood loss of greater than 80 ml per cycle. Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common cause of iron deficiency anemia may affect woman's quality of life. Considering importance of menorrhagia, the present study was designed to determine the effect of Vitamin E in the treatment of menorrhagia in patients with DUB.Materials and Methods: Sixty-two women were selected for the study (aged 20-45 years, BMI= 19/8-29 and regular menstruation). Patients who had systemic disease, abnormal pelvic ultrasound, abnormal pap smear or have used hormonal contraceptives, IUD, TL, breast feeding and had serum hemoglobin levels lower than 10 g/dl were excluded. Participants were given 400 IU vitamin E or placebo per day, beginning two days before the expected start of menstruation and continued through the first three days of bleeding and 50 mg ferrous sulfate, from the beginning of menstruation for 7 days. Treatment was continued over four successive menstrual periods. Menstrual duration and amount of MBL were measured using a validated Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart (PBLAC). Hemoglobin assessment was performed both at the beginning and at the end of treatment. Patients' satisfaction and acceptability were also assessed at the endpoints of treatment.Results: Results indicated that PBLAC scores and menstrual duration in the two groups were reduced after the treatment. There were no statistically significant differences between to PBLAC scores after two months (P= 0.342) and four months (P= 0.568), Also, no difference was observed in the menstrual duration after two months (P= 0.738) and four months (P= 0.842) between the groups. In vitamin E group "patient satisfaction" (P=0.004), "desired future treatment"(P= 0.020) were higher than placebo. Conclusion: The results indicate that, vitamin E in comparison to placebo was not effective on menstrual blood loss and menstrual duration reduction. However, since vitamin E relieves menstrual symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, menstrual migraine and it reduces emotional stress moreover, vitamin E has no side effects; these may contribute to high satisfaction and acceptability in vitamin E group.

Background and Objective: Prayer is one of the most common complementary approaches throughout the world and is highly valued in traditional Islamic medicine in Iran. The aim of this study was to explore the views and practices of physicians on using prayer in the clinical practice, in Tehran, Iran.Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study in the year 2008, a convenience sample of 131 physicians was included in this survey. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. SPSS was used to analyze the data. Results: Of participants, 52.7 percent were male with the mean age of 38.4±9 years. About 94.5 percent of physicians said that at times they themselves prayed for their patients. About 31.3% said that their patients "often" requested them to pray for them and 58.8% said they have “occasionally” been asked. About 7.1 percent asserted that they believed prayer could not improve the medical condition of the patients. Moreover, only 2.5 percent said they were taught to pray for health improvement through educational courses.Conclusion: The majority of surveyed physicians would pray for their patients and frequently, the patients had asked them to do so. Developing practical approaches to incorporate prayer into medical practice should be paid attention to. A structured and systematic program based on the results of this study and related investigations can lead to scientific re-introduction of this aspect of Islamic and traditional practice in health promotion.