Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal
Year:2016 | Volume:18 | Issue:9|Papers Count:21

Introduction: Retrorectal cysts are rare benign lesions which are frequently diagnosed in middle-aged females. According to their origin and histopathologic features, retrorectal cysts are classified as squamous-lined (dermoid or epidermoid) cysts, postanal gut (tailgut) cysts, and rectal duplications (enteric or enterogenous cysts, enterocystomas). Described in this case report is an extremely unusual patient, a woman who simultaneously had a retrorectal cyst and an ovarian serous cystadenoma in addition to a long history of misdiagnosis and multiple unsuccessful surgeries.Case Presentation: The patient was a 45-year-old female who presented with back pain, rectal fullness, constipation, and urinary symptoms. Upon her first pregnancy, a cystic pelvic mass had been misdiagnosed as an ovarian cyst. During the following 17 years, she had undergone several ineffective operations. The last CT scan and MRI studies revealed two separate noncalcified, unilocular, cystic lesions with well-defined borders in the retrorectal and retroperitoneal spaces. Two cysts were excised completely by a combined abdominoperineal approach. Pathological assessment revealed a dermoid cyst and an ovarian serous cystadenoma. No complications occurred during the 18 months of follow-up.Conclusions: Coexistence of a retrorectal cyst and a serous cystadenoma is very unusual. Retrorectal cysts are rare entities that remain a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Misdiagnosis and multiple unsuccessful surgeries are common. Complete surgical removal is the treatment of choice and requires a multidisciplinary approach in complicated cases.

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a common autoimmune system disease which affects the central nervous system. It has been documented that interleukin-25 (IL-25) plays key roles in suppressing Th1 responses, which is increased during MS.Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the c424C/A polymorphism within the IL-25 gene in MS patients in comparison to healthy controls.Patients and Methods: In this case-control study, 74 patients with MS and 75 healthy controls were selected. Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used in order to determine c424C/A polymorphism within the IL-25 gene.Results: The results showed that there was no statistical significant difference in distribution of genotype (AA, AC and CC) and allele (A and C) frequencies between MS patients and healthy controls (P=0.901 and P=0.728, respectively).Conclusions: In conclusion, it appears that the c424C/A polymorphism within the IL-25 gene has no significant relationship with MS, and this polymorphism is probably not associated with MS complications, its onset and gender distribution.

Background: Tracheal stenosis is one of the worst complications associated with endotracheal intubation and it is the most common reason for reconstructive airway surgeries. Due to various local risk factors, the incidence rate of tracheal stenosis may vary in different countries. In order to estimate the incidence rate of post-intubation tracheal stenosis (PITS) in patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), a follow-up study was planned. As there was no similar methodological model in the literature, a feasibility step was also designed to examine the whole project and to enhance the follow-up rate.Objectives: To estimate the PITS incidence rate in patients admitted to ICUs, as well as to evaluate the feasibility of the study.Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted in five hospitals in two provinces (Tehran and Arak) of Iran from November 2011 to March 2013. All patients admitted to ICUs who underwent more than 24 hours of endotracheal intubation were included.Upon their discharge from the ICUs, the patients received oral and written educational materials intended to ensure a more successful follow-up. The patients were asked to come back for follow-up three months after their extubation, or sooner in case of any symptoms developing. Those with dyspnea or stridor underwent a bronchoscopy. The asymptomatic patients were given a spirometry and then they underwent a bronchoscopy if the flow-volume loop suggested airway stenosis.Results: Some seventy-three patients (70% men) were included in the study. Multiple trauma secondary to motor vehicle accidents (52%) was the most common cause of intubation. Follow-ups were completed in only 14 (19.2%, CI=0.109 - 0.300) patients. One patient (7%, CI=0.007 - 0.288) developed symptomatic tracheal stenosis that was confirmed by bronchoscopy. The barriers to a successful follow-up were assessed on three levels: ineffective oral education upon discharge, improper usage of educational materials, and difficulties to attending follow-up visits. There were also some important obstacles in terms of human, time, material, and cost resources, as well as data management.Conclusions: To enhance the follow-up rate, three strategies were proposed: patient-focused strategies such as emphasizing patient education upon discharge and providing rewards; structural-focused strategies such as scheduling home visits and uploading questionnaires onto the research center’s website; and provider-focused strategies such as selecting coordinators with good communication skills. All necessary resources should also be re-arranged for a multicenter national study.

Background: Considering both diet and energy expenditures possess some influence on weight status, research into dietary determinants of obesity is challenging but essential to rational planning of well-organized interventions to avoid obesity.Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether dietary factors were predictive of overweight and obesity in adolescents in the Iranian population.Patients and Methods: A total of 840 students, ages 15 - 17, from six schools were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. A diet patterns approach often has been used to describe the eating patterns in adolescents. Height, weight, and waist circumference anthropometric indices, physical activity, waist hip ratio, and BMI measurements were determined. Daily dietary data and weighed food records were collected in 2010 and 2011. Abdominal obesity was defined according to world health organization guidelines, and the relationship between dietary predictor variables and the measures of adiposity were determined by using linear regression. Usual dietary intakes were assessed in an experimental study of Esfahani students.Results: In total, 38.5% of girls and 32.2% of boys had a Western dietary pattern as the more prevalent pattern. The diet quality of adolescents with the lowest score on each dietary pattern was compared with those recording the highest scores. Those with the Western dietary pattern score were less likely to exercise and had a higher prevalence of general obesity. Adolescents in the greater quartile of the Mediterranean dietary patterns had the lowest odds of being overweight (OR 0.50, 95%; CI 0.27 - 0.73) and obese (OR 0.48, 95%; CI 0.15 - 0.80) than those in the lower quartile, whereas those in the greater quartile of the Western dietary pattern had the highest odds of being overweight (OR 1.69, 95%; CI 1.10 - 2.04) and obese (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.05 - 1.84). Higher consumption of a Western dietary pattern and a salty dietary pattern were associated significantly with obesity (P<0.05). Intake of a Western dietary pattern and a salty–sweet dietary pattern were associated positively with measures of adiposity, namely body mass index and waist circumference.Conclusions: This study showed significant associations between the seven dietary patterns and overweight and obesity among adolescents. Using dietary patterns within adolescents can provide important information on dietary consumption, and this approach is clearer and much easier to follow.

Background: Only limited data are available for evaluating the effects of the administration of grape seed extract (GSE) on the metabolic status of female volleyball players.Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the effects of GSE administration on the metabolic status of female volleyball players.Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed among 40 female volleyball players. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups, with members of the test group (n=20) taking 300mgof GSE twice a day for eight weeks and members of the control group (n=20) taking a placebo pearl for the same period. Fasting blood samples were taken before and after the eight-week intervention period in order to determine the related variables.Results: Supplementation with GSE resulted in a significant rise in the plasma glutathione (GSH) level (+265.5±344.2 vs.+2.2 ±378.2mmol/L, P=0.02), as well as a significant decrease in the malondialdehyde (MDA) level (-1.4±2.0 vs. -0.2±1.2 mmol/L, P= 0.01) when compared to the placebo group. In addition, when compared to the group that received the placebo, the subjects who received GSE had significantly decreased serum insulin concentrations (-23.4±23.4 vs.+1.8 ±25.2 pmol/L, P=0.002), a decreased homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (-0.7±0.7 vs.+0.2±0.9, P=0.002), and an increased quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (+0.01±0.01 vs. -0.01±0.02, P=0.03). The administration of GSE had no significant effects on creatine phosphokinase (CPK), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and lipid concentrations when compared with the administration of the placebo. However, after controlling for baseline NO levels, age, and baseline BMI, the changes in the plasma NO concentrations were significantly different between the two groups.Conclusions: In conclusion, taking GSE for eight weeks had beneficial effects on the plasma GSH, MD Alevels, and markers of insulin metabolism of female volleyball players.

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Research indicates that coronary atherosclerosis is the most frequent cause of CHD. Evidence is scarce concerning the clinical efficacy of fibrinogen or neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) measurement in risk-stratifying patients with chronic stable angina.Objectives: To examine the independent and incremental prognostic value of fibrinogen and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for angiographically-detected coronary artery disease (CAD).Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, angiography was performed for 183 Iranian patients with chronic stable angina with exercise ECG-determined intermediate risk. Generalized estimated equations were used to obtain the odd ratio (OR) of CAD for a 1-unit increase in log-NLR and a 1-SD increase in plasma fibrinogen. Models were adjusted for established CAD risk factors.Integrated discriminatory improvement index (IDI) and net reclassification improvement index (NRI) were used as measures of predictive ability for CAD, combined with traditional risk factors by NLR and fibrinogen.Results: The mean age of the participants was 57.5, with 51.9% being male. Only 12% of participants had angiographically determined patent coronary arteries. The numberof participants with one, two, and three-vessel stenosis were 76, 31, 31, respectively, while 45 did not have stenosed vessels. NLR and fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in patients with stenosis in two (2.4 and 512 mg.dL-1) or three (2.6 and 517 mg.dL-1) coronary arteries, as compared to the group of patients with no significant involvement (2 and 430 mg.dL-1) (all P<0.01). Patients with a higher NLR and a higher fibrinogen levels were more likely to have higher grades of CAD. OR log-NLR=1.36 (95% CI: 1.05 - 1.94) and OR Z-Fibrinogen=1.61 (95% CI: 1.18 - 2.22). When NLR and fibrinogen were added to the traditional risk factors separately, the NRIs were 0.170 (0.023 - 0.324) and 0.380 (0.214 - 0.543), respectively. The NRI was 0.460 (0.303 - 0.620) when both NLR and fibrinogen added to traditional risk factors simultaneously.Conclusions: NLR and fibrinogen predicted CAD, independent of traditional CAD risk factors. Both measures (whether separately or together) substantially enhanced the predictive performance of traditional risk factors for identifying patients with CAD.

Background: Migraine is one of the most debilitating medical conditions and has a high socioeconomic burden. As conventional therapeutic methods do not entirely alleviate the symptoms, new alternatives are being considered.Objectives: This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of zonisamide compared with sodium valproate in the management of migraine headaches.Patients and Methods: In the current double-blind, parallel, randomized, controlled trial, 96 patients with a migraine diagnosis based on the international headache society (HIS) criteria were selected. They were divided randomly into two groups; the case group was given zonisamide, and sodium valproate was given to a control group. In addition to the side effects of the drugs, the severity, duration, and frequency of migraine attacks were evaluated at baseline and at three months.Results: The 96 selected patients were divided randomly into two treatment groups (zonisamide n=48, sodium valproate n=48). Seven patients were excluded from analysis because of early dropout, leaving 89 (n=45; n=44) patients for analysis. While using zonisamide, six (13%) patients complained of fatigue, and two (4%) patients encountered noticeable appetite and weight loss. In the control group, five (11%) patients reported dizziness, and four (9%) patients faced obvious appetite and weight gain. Both drugs were considerably efficient in reducing further attacks. There was no statistically significant correlation between frequency or severity of migraine attacks and the drug used for treatment in three months of follow-up.Conclusions: Both medications are effective in reducing migraine attacks. It will be important to consider the drugs’ adverse effects and availability and patients’ medical and socioeconomic condition to select the appropriate treatment.

Background: Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) have not been shown to have major effects on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in normal-weight women. However, we have limited information about the effects on women at high risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes due to being overweight and obese.Objectives: To evaluate the effects of second and third generation contraceptive pills on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in overweight and obese women.Patients and Methods: This triple-blind controlled trial was performed on 137 healthy women aged 18 - 40 years with a body mass index of 25-34.9 (kg/m2) who were referred to health centers in Tabriz, Iran from 2014 to 2015. The women were randomly divided into groups who were to take 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol/150 mcg levonorgestrel (EE/LGN) (n=69) or 30 mcg ethinyl estradiol/150 mcg desogestrel (EE/DSG) (n=68) with an allocation ratio of 1: 1 for three cycles. As primary outcomes, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were assessed; total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and 2-hour plasma glucose in the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (2-hour 75-g OGTT) were assessed as secondary outcomes.Results: The differences in lipid and carbohydrate parameters were not significant between the two groups, except for HDL-C (Adjusted MD ( CI95%) =7.00 (2.98 to 11.02)). HDL-C decreased with EE/LGN (P=0.016) and increased with EE/DSG (P=0.004). LDL-C and TC increased in both groups, whereas TG increased only with EE/DSG (P<0.05). Compared with the baseline, FPG levels did not differ significantly in both groups, but EE/DSG increased 2-hour 75-g OGTT (P=0.010).Conclusions: We observed no significant differences between the two groups in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, except for HDLC.Considering the importance of overweight and obese women’s health, studies with longer follow-up periods are recommended in this respect.

The hepatitis B virus (HBV), a type of hepatitis viruses, can lead to morbidity and mortality in the world (1). Despite the progress occurred in antiretroviral therapy, the number of people who die due to chronic HBV infection or the number of cancer cases associated with hepatitis B are increasing (1). It is estimated that about 2 billion people worldwide have serologic evidence of hepatitis B, of which 240 million are chronic carriers and one of them die due to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma every year (2)...

Background: Clinical studies are giving increased importance to quality of life assessments as measures of the relative effectiveness of prevention and treatment programs used during pregnancy and antenatally.Objectives: The aim of this study was to validate the Quality of life gravid arum (QOL-GRAV) questionnaire for Iranian women during the pregnant period Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional methodological study, content validity following back and forward translation was assessed by a panel of experts. Using the two-stage cluster sampling method, 565 pregnant women referred to health care centers from April to June 2015 in Tabriz, Iran were enrolled in the study. Construct validity by assessing the factor structure, and convergent and discriminant validity were evaluated using scale-item correlations and known group analyses. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were assessed in a sample of 30 pregnant women by the Cronbach’s a coefficient and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC).Results: The QOL-GRAV showed good content validity (CVI value=0.95 and CVR value=1), internal consistency (a=0.79), and test–retest reliability (ICC=0.86). The results of the CFA for two-factor models indicate an acceptable fit of the proposed model (RMSEA; 90% CI=0.083; 0.068–0.099, CFI=0.95, GFI=0.96, and AGFI=0.92).Conclusions: The findings support the validity and reliability of the Iranian version of the QOL-GRAV questionnaire. Therefore, it is recommended to be used for both clinical and research purposes.

Background: Melanoma Inhibitory Activity 3 regulates the plasma level of LDL cholesterol. The c.3169+315G>A single-nucleotide polymorphism of the MIA3 gene has been reported to be associated with serum coronary artery disease (CAD). However, there have been no studies analyzing the association of this polymorphism with CAD in Iranian individuals with CAD.Objectives: Therefore, in the present study we have investigated the potential protective effect of the rs3008621 MIA3polymorphism in 188 subjects with and without CAD.Materials and Methods: Genotyping of the MIA3 gene was undertaken using Taq Man real-time PCR in all subjects. Anthropometric and biochemical features, including HDL, LDL, and TG were assessed in all subjects.Results: The CAD patients had significantly (P<0.05) higher BMI and significantly higher levels of TG, LDL, SBP, and DBP, while the level of HDL was lower compared to that of the control group. the MIA3 gene polymorphism was not associated with CAD in our population sample.Conclusions: The MIA3 polymorphism is unlikely to play an important role in CAD in the Iranian population. However, further studies are needed in a larger population to confirm this.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (types 1 and 2) leads to secondary complications such as neuropathy, which reduce a patient’s quality of life. Apelin and its receptor, APJ, have been shown to have antinociceptive effects and to decrease blood glucose levels.Objectives: The present experimental study was conducted in Iran and investigated the role of apelin, which is used to manage type 1 diabetes mellitus, during exercise training.Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats (n=36) were assigned by simple random allocation to six groups (n=6): non-diabetic (ND), diabetic (D), sedentary non-diabetic (SND), sedentary diabetic (SD), exercise non-diabetic (END), and exercise diabetic (ED).Diabetes was induced by a single subcutaneous injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). Exercise training consisted of treadmill running 60 minutes/day×5 days/week for 10 weeks. The tail-flick test was used to assess the thermal pain threshold, and an apelin enzyme immunoassay kit was utilized to assess plasma apelin levels.Results: Plasma apelin level was higher (0.3 vs.0.1, P<0.0001) and the tail-flick latency was lower (2.2 vs.3.8, P<0.0001) in the D group than in the ND group. After the training program, plasma apelin levels decreased in the exercise groups, and the tail-flick latency increased in the ED group. No correlation was found between apelin blood concentrations and tail-flick latency following the training program in the ED group.Conclusions: These findings suggest that apelin does not play any significant role in regulating the pain threshold in type 1 diabetes mellitus during exercise training.

Introduction: Sphingobacterium multivorum is a Gram-negative, nonfermentative bacillus that rarely causes disease in humans. In the medical literature, only a few cases of infections caused by this organism have been reported. Almost all the reported cases of this infection were associated with conditions that decrease immunity.Case Presentation: To the best of our knowledge, we are reporting the first case of bacteremia and acute meningitis caused by S. multivorumin a young immunocompetent adult.

Background: Over the past several years, breastfeeding has been associated with many benefits as well as protective effects against many diseases. There is limited evidence for the relationship between breastfeeding and the incidence of leukemia.Objectives: In this study, we evaluate the correlation of childhood leukemia and lymphoma with breastfeeding duration in children in southern Iran.Patients and methods: Through this case control study, we compared 123 patients with leukemia and lymphoma to a control group of 137 healthy children. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi-square test and t-test as well as logistic regression methods. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.Results: Our findings showed that breastfeeding duration had no significant difference between cases and controls. However, the rural living percentage in patients with leukemia and lymphoma was higher than in the control group (39.8% versus 14.6% [P<0.001 and OR=3.87]) and parents’ exposure to chemical materials during the war between Iran and Iraq was higher in sick patients (6.5% versus 0% [OR=20.2%]).Conclusions: The current study showed that breastfeeding duration has no protective effect against childhood leukemia and lymphoma.In addition, we suggest that some factors such as living in a rural area, smoking during pregnancy, parents’ exposure to chemical materials and low socioeconomic status can increase the incidence rate of childhood leukemia and lymphoma.

Background: In humans, convulsive diseases such as temporal lobe epilepsy are usually accompanied by learning and memory impairments. In recent years, the role of gap junction channels as an important target of antiepileptic drugs has been studied and discussed. Quinine, as a gap junction blocker of connexin 36, can abolish ictal epileptiform activity in brain slices.Objectives: The role of quinine in memory retrieval in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) -kindled rats was examined using a step-through passive avoidance task.Methods: Forty rats were used in this experimental study in groups of 10 animals. Quinine (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg, i.p.) and PTZ (35 mg/kg, i.p.) were injected into the rats before the start of the learning test. Then, retention tests were conducted after the treatments ended.Results: Quinine could attenuate seizure severity at doses of 15, 30 and 60 mg/kg compared with the control at the beginning of the kindling experiment by lowering the mean seizure stages (P<0.01, P<0.001, P<0.001). Quinine at doses of 15 and 30 mg/kg could significantly increase memory retrieval compared with the control in the retention test 24 and 48 hours after training (P<0.05).Quinine at a dose of 60 mg/kg increased latency to enter the dark chamber 24 and 48 hours after training (P<0.001). The results of the retention test one and two weeks after training of quinine were not significant (P>0.05).Conclusions: Quinine may decrease the severity of seizure and improve the memory retrieval of animals by inhibiting the gap junction channel. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of quinine.

Background: The current medical treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is pegylated interferon plus ribavirin, but just 50% of genotype 1 HCV patients and about 80% of HCV genotype 3 patients are treated completely. Recently, the rs12979860 C/T polymorphism, which is located 3 kb upstream of the IL28b gene that codes IFN3, shows a powerful association in response to the treatment in HCV patients.Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between IL28b single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and treatment outcomes among chronic HCV patients in Iran.Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 108 blood samples were collected from chronic patients in Iran; 50 unrelated healthy subject samples were also collected. Genomic DNA was extracted, and rs12979860 SNP was done by PCR-RFLP. Finally, products were detected on 12% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.Results: The analysis of data for C/T SNP showed that the CC genotype is more common in the control group than in the group of patients. In contrast, the frequency of TT as a mutant genotype is more frequent in patients than in uninfected people. In addition, results showed a statistically significant relationship between CC, CT, and TT genotypes in sensitive and resistant groups (P value:< 0.001, Or: 0.003, CI: 0-0.047). This relationship was also examined in terms of allele frequency, to determine whether the possibility of resistance to treatment in patients with T allele is more than in patients who carry C allele (P value:<0.001).Conclusions: These results showed a significant effect between rs12979860 SNP and sustained virological response (SVR) rate in Iranian patients with chronic HCV. To decrease the cost of long treatments and to prevent severe side effects, determining this polymorphism at the beginning of treatment can be very helpful for patients and physicians.

Background: During recent decades, research in Iran in the area of the Quran and medical science has been seriously engaged in. With respect to the tendency toward spirituality and alternative medicine, we tried to find other aspects of the influence of the Quran.Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of vocalizations of the Holy Quran with and without translation on the consequences of pregnancy (the prevalence of preterm delivery, caesarean delivery, and neonatal anthropometric indices) in women admitted to health care centers in Urmia, Iran.Materials and Methods: This was a three-armed parallel-group randomized clinical trial in which 168 pregnant women (25-28 weeks) in their first and second pregnancies were divided into three groups of 56 (Holy Quran with translation, Holy Quran without translation, and control group) by randomized blocking. The intervention was implemented once a week for three weeks in the health center, and on other days of the week, the participants listened at home to a CD they were given. The intervention and the control groups all received routine pregnancy care once a week. These mothers were tracked during their labor. Outcomes including gestational age at delivery, delivery type, and neonatal anthropometric indices were recorded based on the mother’s records.Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of demographic and obstetric characteristics before the intervention. In comparison with the control group, the probability of preterm delivery was lower in the Holy Quran with translation group (odds ratio: 0.3, CI 95%: 0.1-1.2) and in the Holy Quran without translation group (0.6, 0.2-1.9) as compared to the control group. However, this difference was not statistically significant. Similarly, the probability of caesarean delivery was lower in the Holy Quran with translation group (0.6, 0.3-1.4) and the Holy Quran without translation group (0.5, 0.2-1.2) as compared to the control group. Based on one-way ANOVA, there was no statistically significant difference between the study groups regarding the infants’ anthropometric indices.Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, despite the lower prevalence of preterm labor and caesarean section in the intervention groups as compared to the control group, no statistically significant effect was seen. This was apparently due to the small sample size.

Background: Advances in coronary artery surgery have reduced patient morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, patients still have to face physical, psychological, and social problems after discharge from hospital.Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of Pender’s health promotion model in predicting cardiac surgery patients’ lifestyles in Iran.Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 220 patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in Mazandaran province (Iran) in 2015. The subjects were selected using a simple random sampling method. The data were collected via (1) the health-promoting lifestyle profile II (HPLP II) and (2) a self-designed questionnaire that included two main sections: demographic characteristics and questions based on the health-promoting model constructs.Results: Spiritual growth (28.77±5.03) and physical activity (15.79±5.08) had the highest and lowest scores in the HPLP II dimensions, respectively. All the health promotion model variables were significant predictors of health-promoting behaviors and explained 69% of the variance in health-promoting behaviors. Three significant predictors were estimated using regression coefficients: behavioral feelings (b=0.390, P<0.001), perceived benefits (b=0.209, P<0.001), and commitment to a plan of action (b=0.347, P<0.001).Conclusions: According to the results of the study, health-promoting model-based self-care behaviors can help identify and predict cardiac surgery patients’ lifestyles in Iran. This pattern can be used as a framework for discharge planning and the implementation of educational interventions to improve the lifestyles of CABG patients.

Introduction: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a rare but life-threatening reaction to drugs such as carbamazepine and allopurinol. The condition is characterized by skin rashes, fever, hematological disturbances, lymphadenopathy, and organ failure, most probably hepatic dysfunction. To date, only a few cases of valproate-induced DRESS syndrome have been reported.Case Presentation: We report on the case of a 60-year-old man who had been treated with valproic acid some time before being referred to Kowsar Hospital, Semnan, Iran in December 2015. He was given valproic acid 1000 mg PO, and after 20 days, he had developed widespread rashes, fever, esophagitis, cervical lymphadenopathy, and tender hepatomegaly. Laboratory results at Kowsar showed a drop in hemoglobin, in addition to lymphocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and elevated serum transaminases. DRESS was diagnosed, and corticosteroid therapy was initiated. Administration of the culprit drug to the patient was also stopped. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) improved the general condition of the patient.Conclusions: Only a small number of case reports have described valproic acid-induced DRESS syndrome; therefore, the condition is difficult to prevent. Rechallenge with valproic acid should be avoided in patients with a history of reaction to the drug.

Background: Observational studies indicate a positive association between homeopathy and pain relief and quality of life improvement in women with dysmenorrhea. However, there are no interventional studies in this area.Objectives: To evaluate an association between homeopathy and pain relief and quality of life improvement in a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial with 2 parallel arms.Methods: Fifty-four students with primary dysmenorrhea residing at the dormitories of the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, who had moderate or severe menstrual pain, were randomized to receive either homeopathic remedy or placebo. The homeopath and participants were blinded to treatment assignment. Primary outcomes were pain intensity and quality of life assessed using a 10-cm visual analog scale and short-form 36 (SF-36), respectively, and the secondary outcome was number of analgesic pills used.Results: Each group comprised 27 students; eventually, 26 in the homeopathic and 21 in the placebo group were followed up. There was no significant difference between the groups for either pain intensity (adjusted difference: -0.44; 95% CI: -1.43 to 0.54) or any other outcomes. Compared with the baseline scores, statistically significant improvements were observed in pain intensity (P= 0.021) and physical health (P=0.020) scores only in the homeopathic group; and in the mental health score in both groups (P= 0.014 in the homeopathy group and P=0.010 in the placebo group).Conclusions: This study could not show any significant effect of homeopathy on primary dysmenorrhea in comparison with placebo. Considering the possible effect of the homeopath and the homeopathic remedies prescribed on the results of such interventions, further studies are needed to help us arrive at a conclusion.

Background: Individuals suffering from chronic low back pain (CLBP) experience major physical, social, and occupational disruptions. Strong evidence confirms the effectiveness of Alexander technique (AT) training for CLBP.Objectives: The present study applied an integrative model (IM) of behavioral prediction for improvement of AT training.Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study of female teachers with nonspecific LBP in southern Tehran in 2014. Group A contained 42 subjects and group B had 35 subjects. In group A, AT lessons were designed based on IM constructs, while in group B, AT lessons only were taught. The validity and reliability of the AT questionnaire were confirmed using content validity (CVR 0.91, CVI 0.96) and Cronbach’s (0.80). The IM constructs of both groups were measured after the completion of training. Statistical analysis used independent and paired samples t-tests and the univariate generalized linear model (GLM).Results: Significant differences were recorded before and after intervention (P<0.001) for the model constructs of intention, perceived risk, direct attitude, behavioral beliefs, and knowledge in both groups. Direct attitude and behavioral beliefs in group A were higher than in group B after the intervention (P<0.03).Conclusions: The educational framework provided by IM for AT training improved attitude and behavioral beliefs that can facilitate the adoption of AT behavior and decreased CLBP.