Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Year:2005 | Volume:12 | Issue:4|Papers Count:12

Introduction: Leptin and Ghrelin are hormones that have been discovered in the last decade and were shown to be involved in appetite and metabolism regulation and body weight. Thyroid hormones are also involved in general metabolism and changes in their circulating levels bring about changes in appetite and body weight. Results of animal and human studies regarding Leptinlevel and its relation to thyroid hormones are opposing each other, and there is no data about Ghrelin level in thyroid malfunction. To determine the relation between thyroid function and circulating levels of Ghrelin and Leptin, we evaluated serum concentration of these hormones in patients with untreated thyroid malfunction. Method: Thirty hyperthyroid and 30 hypothyroid females that were aged between 14-52 years and 30 healthy females with the same age range (control group) were randomly selected. From each participant 5 ml of fasting blood was collected and after processing, serum levels of T4, T3, T3-uptake, TSH, Leptin and Ghrelin were evaluated by radio-immunoassay or enzyme-link immunoassay methods. Results: Evaluated results showed that neither Ghrelin nor Leptin levels show significant change in patients with thyroid malfunction. But there was a positive significant correlation between Leptin level and BMI of all participants (r=0.41, P<0.01). In addition, there were negative significant correlations between Ghrelin and thyroid hormones (r=0.27, P<0.05). Conclusion: The present results show that Leptin variation is due to BMI. Furthermore, negative and weak correlation between thyroid hormones and Ghrelin may indicate that increase in appetite of hyperthyroid patients and its decrease in hypothyroid patients are not due to circulating level of Ghrelin.

Introduction: This study was performed to evaluate the effects of intra-nucleus accumbens shell microinjection of L-arginine (NO precursor) and L-NAME (nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor) on morphine withdrawal signs in male rats. Method: Rats were anaesthetized with a combination of ketamine and xylazine, and placed in stereotaxic apparatus, and a guide cannula was inserted into nucleus accumbens (Nacc) shell, (1.7 mm Anterior to bregma, 0.8 mm bilaterally to bregma and 7.1 mm depth from skull surface). Morphine dependency was induced by subcutaneous administration of morphine (10-20 mg/kg for 5 days), and morphine withdrawal signs were precipitated by naloxone administration (4 mg/kg/ip). Rats received either single or repeated microinjections of saline, L-arginine or L-NAME into Nacc shell during the scheduled periods for 5 days. In Sham group, bilateral canulla was inserted into Nacc shell, but no drug was microinjected, and in saline group only normal saline was injected into Nacc shell in the same way as the experimental groups during the scheduled periods. Control group was intact. Results: The results of this study showed no significant difference between control and saline treated groups in the expression of morphine withdrawal signs. Single dose microinjection of L-NAME / L-arginine, just prior to the last injection of morphine, had no effect on morphine withdrawal signs, but repeated microinjection of L-arginine / L-NAME decreased jumping, rearing and weight loss (only in L-NAME group), as compared to control rats. Conclusion: The obtained results indicate that NO injection in Nacc shell may be involved in some of morphine withdrawal signs.

Introduction: Risk factors for Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) colonization are patient-related factors such as underlying disease or amount of prescribed antibiotics, and hospital-related factors such as duration of hospitalization, type of performed therapeutic procedures, and antibiotic prescription. This nested case control study was performed to determine risk factors of rectal VRE colonization at Shiraz Namazi Hospital. Methods: During December 2003 to July 2004 serial rectal swabs were yielded from all hospitalized patients every 5 days. Susceptibility of detected Enterococci was tested by Minimum Inhibitory concentration dilution method.Results: More than 1000 rectal swabs were taken. A total of 99 of 700 patients (14%) were colonized with VRE (cases) and 59 patients were colonized with Vancomycin-sensible strains (VSE), serving as controls. In the univariate analysis, history of antibiotic use (P=0.04), underlying disease (P=0.01), renal failure due to dialysis (P=0.03), use of vancomycin (P=0.04), use of third generation Cephalosporins (P=0.04), and duration of vancomycin therapy (>7 days) (p=0.02) showed statistically significant differences between the two groups. In the multivariate analysis (logistic regression), presence of underlying disease (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.2 – 4.9; P=0.013) and duration of Vancomycin use (>7 days) were independently associated with VRE colonization. Conclusion: This study, which was the first study on the prevalence of VRE in Iran, demonstrated that VRE prevalence is high in Shiraz, and confirmed earlier observations regarding risk factors for VRE in other countries and determined risk factors that may be considered in interventional strategies for the control of VRE.

Introduction: Based on the documents in traditional medicine regarding the therapeutic effect of Sour orange flowers (Citrus aurantium L.) on the nervous system disorders, this experimental study was conducted to evaluate the pretreatment of Sour orange flowers extract in preventing or reducing depressive - like behaviors induced by systemic injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rats. Method: To perform this study, percolated extract of sour orange flowers was used. Each experimental group of animals was pretreated with the extract along with drinking water before the injection of LPS. The depressive-like behaviors induced by the injection of LPS consisted of the reduction in the preference for sucrose solutions, food consumption, body weight and inability to pleasure. Results: The LPS-injected rats that were chronically pretreated with the extract improved sucrose preference compared with control group, however this was not significant. Food consumption in extract-pretreated group was significantly increased on day 2 and 3 after the injection of LPS compared with control group (P<0.05). The effect of extract and LPS on social interaction (consisting of body sniffing and grooming) showed that in extract pretreated rats, the time spent for social interaction was equal to that before the injection (baseline). However in control group there was a significant reduction in the time spent for social interaction compared to the baseline. Conclusion: Considering the effect of LPS in reduction of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine, the attenuation of Sour orange flowers extract on the effect of LPS might be the result of the effect of extract in increasing the level of this neurotransmitter at their site of the activity. To confirm this, more studies to evaluate the pharmacological effect of extract are required.

Introduction: Hydatidosis or hydatid cyst, caused by the larvae of Echinococcus granulosus, is one of the most serious cestode infections occurring in man and livestocks in Iran. The present study was carried out in order to determine the frequency distribution of patients with hydatid cyst in the city of Kerman based on clinical and demographic features. Method: Medical files of 60 patients with the diagnosis of hydatid cyst (between 1991-2000) undergoing surgical operations in Kerman University Hospitals were studied. Results: From all 60 patients with hydatid cyst, 29 were female (48.4%) and 31(51.6%) were male. The highest frequency rate was among housewife females (69%) and then male farmers (22.5%). Considering age, the highest frequency was observed in the age group of 21-30 years. In regard to the infection location, liver (50%) and lungs (43.3%) were the most affected organs, respectively. The most common clinical symptoms were abdominal pain and cough respectively. Most of the patients were living in rural areas (63.3%). Conclusion: Considering the high frequency of hydatid cyst in the age group of 21 to 30 years old, in farmers housewives and farmers living in rural areas, designing control programs with emphasize on peoples' training, surveillance of slaughterhouses, elimination of stray dogs and treatment of infected pets and sheep dogs is recommended.

Introduction: Identifying factors influencing infants' anthroponmetric indices is very important in improving maternal and neonatal health levels. The present analytical descriptive study has been done to determine the significant factors affecting the nutritional status of infants in Bojnord. Method: In this survey done in 2001 a total number of 566 infants and their mothers were studied. The independent variables included gender of infant, the intrauterine age of infant, birth rank, interval of last delivery, history of abortion or stillbirth, desired or undesired pregnancy, age of mother, mother’s weight near delivery time, mother’s height, pregnancy awareness time, mother’s nutritional knowledge, attitude and practice during the pregnancy, residency area of family, number of family members, and occupation and educational status of parents. The dependent variables included weight for age, height for age, weight for height, and head circumference for age. Conclusion: The most important factors affecting infants' nutritional status were maternal variables. Data gathered by using observation and interview and invariable analysis methods were used to study the effect of independent variables on body measurements. The simultaneous effect of these variables on infant’s nutritional status was studied through doing some multivariable analyses and using the Regression Logistic Model. Results: Results showed that despite the simultaneous effect of variables impacting on nutritional status of weight for age, mother’s height has the most significant effect on this parameter (P=0.033), in a way that the odds ratio of malnutrition of weight for age in infants whose mothers are less than 150 cm high is 5.5 times more than those whose mothers are 150 cm high or more. Furthermore, the variables of mother’s weight in delivery time (P=0.037) and mother’s nutritional attitude (P=0.044) on malnutrition of height for age, variables of infant’s gender (P=0.004) and nutritional practice of mother (P=0.03) on malnutrition of weight for height, variables of mother’s height (P=0.014) and mother’s age (P=0.006) on malnutrition of head circumference for infant’s age had the most significant effects.

Introduction: Dental students are at high risk for occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens (including HBV, HCV and AIDS) via sharps and needle stick injuries (NSIs). The aim of this study was to evaluate sharps and needle stick injuries among dental students and students' practice regarding protective strategies against blood borne pathogens.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 137 dental students during clinical training setting at Shiraz/Iran dental school in 2004. A self administered questionnaire was used for data gathering and completed by 137 (50.4%female &49.6%male) students. Results: From 137 students, 73.7.% reported at least one NSI that most commonly (53%) had occurred in the patient room From all, 85% had information about standard precautions and 94.9% had been vaccinated against hepatitis B. Mean score of practice in protection strategies against blood borne pathogens was 14.3 (of 25). Females' practice in regard to protection strategies was significantly better in comparison to males (P<0.01).Conclusion: These data confirm that dental students have a high rate of NSIs and attention should be directed to increase their knowledge about standard protective strategies against blood borne pathogens.

Introduction: Anemia in pregnancy is a significant public health problem especially in developing countries. Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy may lead to increased risks of preterm delivery, Low birth weight and still birth. This study was undertaken to detect iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women referring to health care centers of Eslamshahr / Iran. Method: In this study, 266 selected pregnant women were divided into three groups of 1st trimester (n=58), 2nd trimester (n=73) and 3rd trimester (n=135) and their venous blood samples were collected for the determination of Hemoglobin (Hb), Hematocrit (Hc), MCV, serum iron, TIBC, Transferrin saturation (TS) and serum ferritin. Data were collected by using a general information questionnaire and daily intake of energy, protein and iron were estimated by using 24hr dietary recall questionnaire. Data were analyzed by frequency, mean and standard deviation and Chi square tests, Anova and Tukey HSD. Results: Comparing to the normal levels, in the first trimester 1.7%, 40.4%, in second trimester 5.7%, 49.7%, and in the third trimester 2.8%, 54.5%, of pregnant women were deficient in Hb and Serum iron respectively. Also in the first trimester 54.5%, in the second trimester 10.4% and in the third trimester 22.7% of pregnant women were deficient in daily iron intake, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in the studied population is high. Hb determination is not enough to detect iron deficiency anemia and ferritin determination is necessary to asses iron stores. Moreover, iron supplements can not completely treat anemia.

Necrotizing fasciitis is characterized by a rapidly progressing necrosis of subcutaneous fat and fascia that rarely occurs in head and neck. It can be life threatening in the case of late diagnosis and antibiotic therapy and without surgical intervention. It is caused by group A streptococci or by a synergistic combination of aerobe and anaerobe micro-organisms and bacterial synergy is an important aspect of the pathogenesis. The disease is most common in diabetics and immuno suppressed patients. Mortality rates have been varied between 8.7% - 74%. Here, a case of necrotizing fasciitis of the neck in a 41- year diabetic woman secondary to odontogenic infection is reported.