Journal of Inflammatory Diseases
Year:2005 | Volume:9 | Issue:36|Papers Count:23

Background: Some plants and their aqueous extracts are used as traditional treatments for diabetes. Cinnamon as a preferred candidate shows anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic effects. Objective: To determine the effect of cinnamon extract on blood glucose level of diabetic rats. Methods: The present work was an experimental study in which seventy NMRI male rats (180-250gr) were divided into 2 major groups named as normal and diabetic group. Normal group was further subdivided as control, cinnamon and insulin subgroups in which the latter two received suspensions of cinnamon 60mg/kg per day and intraperitoneal injections of insulin (5μg/kg), respectively. In four diabetic subgroups, diabetes was induced by ip injection of streptozotocin (40mg/kg). These groups were marked as diabetic control, diabetic/cinnamon, diabetic/insulin and cinnamon plus insulin subgroups. Findings: Our results showed that the oral administration of cinnamon had not significant effect on normal cinnamon subgroup. Insulin injection in normal rats reduced glucose concentration from 99.1 to 52.1 mg/dl. Glucose concentration in diabetic groups with treatment of cinnamon, Insulin and both of them were measured 121.6, 69.6 and 41.4 mg/dl, respectively. Reduction of glucose concentration in these subgroups show asignificant change in comparison with control diabetic subgroup, 366.5 mg/dl (p<0.001). Conclusion: Cinnamon can reduce blood glucose concentration in diabetic rats and it seems that the cinnamon effect to be probably linked with potentiating action of cinnamon on insulin.

Background: Stroke is a major cause of death and disability in all societies and the disability resulting from stroke most commonly presents as hemiplegia or hemiparesis. Objective: To determine the biomechanical impairments of gait in hemiparetic patients and also to evaluate the effects of functional, balance and strengthening exercises (FBS) protocol on treatment of these impairments. Methods: This clinical trial was performed in Kahrizak Charity Foundation in 2003. Thirty-four hemiparetic patients were assigned randomly as either an experimental group or a control group, and their gaits were assessed using gait part of functional, balance and strength scale (FBSS) before and after 12 sessions of intervention. The experimental group received FBS protocol and the control group was delivered with the same protocol but strengthening exercises. The data were analyzed using independent and paired t-tests, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon test. Findings: In experimental group, the  measure of gait patterns increased from 25.8 to 36.8, velocity from 27.65 to 39.8 m/min and stride length from 67.9 to 90.1 cm (P<0.0001). In control group measure of gait patterns increased from 18.8 to 22.2, stride length from 42 to 45.7cm (P<0.0001) and velocity from 15.6 to 16.4 m/min (P=0.002). In experimental group, the cadence changed from 82.8 to 88.5 (P=0.113) and in control group from 71.6 to 69.8 step per minute (P=0.157). The mean differences of gait patterns - i.e. velocity and stride length between two groups were statistically significant (P<0.0001), however the mean difference of cadence was not significant.     Conclusion: The results of this study support the effectiveness of muscle strength training to improve gait patterns, velocity and stride length in the chronic stage of rehabilitation following stroke.  

Background: Sleeping is a biological rhythm controlled by many structures and neurotransmitter systems in brain. Previous evidences suggested that Orbitofrontal Cortex (OFC) is probably involved in sleeping time and the duration. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the role of OFC area in duration and the time of sleeping by electrical lesions. Methods: Male Wistar rats were used in this experimental study. Rats were surgically implanted bilaterally guided cannulae aimed at the OFC by stereotaxic instrument. One week after recovery, a primary assessment of sleeping duration was made by Angel behavioral method followed by lesioning of OFC using a lesion-maker (electrical electrode). Measuring the behavioral manifestations continued for time and the sleeping duration. Findings: The data found in our study was indicative of a significantly increased sleeping time (P<0.01) following the electrical lesioning of OFC. Conclusion: Our findings showed that OFC of rat’s brain may play an important role in regulating the sleeping process.  

Background: Ajowan is one of the medicinal plant cultivated in Iran. The Ajowan essential oil is mostly used in food, health and pharmaceutical industries. Objective: To deteminate the chemical composition of Ajowan essential oil cultivated in Qazvin. Methods: Twelve samples of Ajowan seeds were collected from a research farm (Qazvin Agriculture and natural resources research center) in 1381. The essential oil was obtained by hydro-distillation technique and further analyzed by GC and GC/MS for determination of chemical compositions. Fingdings: The content of essential oil in different samples were ranging between 3.1% to 3.5%. Nine chemical constituents were indentified. Themol, d-terpinene and p-cemene were the major constituents of oil. Conclusion: Ajowan essential oil produced in Qazvin was mainly composed of thymol (40-45%).  

Background: 80-90% of psychiatric patients are on drug therapy after discharge from hospitals. Noncompliance is a common clinical problem and a major cause in hospitalizing the psychiatric patients. Objective: This study was to determine the factors effecting medication compliance in patients admitted to psychiatric wards in hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of medical sciences, Tehran. Methods: The current work was a descriptive correlational study in which 100 patients admitted to psychiatric wards in Taleghani and Imam Hossein hospitals were selected on the basise of objectives and availability. Data collection was carried out using observation technique and a combination of questionnaires, information forms, and checklists. The data were analyzed using SPSS, t-test, ANOVA and ‍‍Pearson correlation. Findings: seventy seven percent of cases showed good compliance, and those with relative and poor compliance were 20% and 3%, respectively. There was a significant correlation between medication compliance and several factors including individual factors such as job (P=0.02), illness-associated factors such as nihilism delusion (p=0.001) and finally treatment-associated factors such as drowsiness side effect (p=0.03). Conclusion: Comparatively, hospitalized patients with no job and those with nihilism delusion and with drowsiness side effect showed weaker tendency to medication compliance than the other cases and so should be strictly monitored for medication compliance.  

Background: Diabetes mellitus has several ophthalmic complications among those the retinal complication is considered to be the main cause of poor sight or loss of vision. Objective: To evaluate and determine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and also the factors influencing the progression of disease. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at Bouali medical center (Qazvin) in a period between the years 2000-2001 in which 188 eyes from 94 patients with type one and type two diabetes were selected for the study. The patients underwent complete eye examination including indirect, three mirrors contact lens and +90 funduscopy lens. The results of examinations and the risk factors were recorded in an information form. The data were analyzed using t-test, X2 and odd's ratio. Findings: Among the patients (57 females and 37 males) 24 had type 1 (juvenile type) and 70 had type 2 diabetes (adult type). Nineteen male patients (51.4%) and 30 female patients (52.6%) had diabetic retinopathy (OR= 0.95). The mean age of the cases with retinopathy was 62.08±14.17 years and for those without retinopathy 47.31±12.9 years. The mean duration of diabetes with retinopathy was 109.27 months whereas in those without retinopathy it was 53. 96 months (P=0.0001). The mean preprandial blood glucose concentrations in the first and second groups were 280.43 and 156.84 mg/dl, respectively. Retinopathy change was found in 49 patients (51.1%) in whom 65.3% showed non proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and 34.7% with a proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Conclusion: Prolong Diabetes, age and hyperglycemia are the main causes of retinopathy. So the cooperation of internist in referring diabetic patients to ophthalmologists is recommended.       

Background:  Some studies have shown that eyes undergo a hyperopic shift after the presbyopia, whereas others have reported a myopic shift. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine types and the degree of refractive errors before and after presbyopia. Methods: This was a cross sectional study carried out at the department of optometry (Mashhad University of Medical Sciences) in 2001. Following routine optometric examination, the type and degree of refractive errors of 500 patients before and after presbyopia were statically analyzed using X2 and student t-tests. Findings:  The prevalence of hyperopia was 19.4% before presbyopia which later increased to 40.1% (p<0.001). Following the occurrence of presbyopia, against-the-rule astigmatism increased to 12.3% whereas the with-the-rule astigmatism decreased to 12.9% (p<0.001). The distribution of oblique astigmatism was 3.7% and 3.4%before and after presbyopia, respectively. The gender had no effect on refractive errors before and after presbyopia. Conclusion: The presbyopia caused a reduction in optical power of eyes and also increased hyperopia. Reduced rigidity of the upper tarsal plate associated with presbyopia, caused an increase in the against-the-rule astigmatism.    

Background: Nausea and vomiting are considered as two common clinical complications following anesthesia and surgery. The occurrence of such complications causes the patient to be kept in recovery room and hospital for longer periods of time and also leads to electrolyte disturbances, dehydration and hemorrhage from the site of sutures. Objective: To compare the incidence of post tubal ligation vomiting in patients following the application of two different anesthetic techniques (mask and combination of cuffed pharyngeal tube and esophageal obtorator tube). Methods: This was a single blind, randomized clinical trial in which 122 cases as candidates for tubal ligation were studied at Qazvin Kosar hospital in 2001-2002. The subjects, all with ASA class I, were randomly divided into two groups as A and B. The anesthetic drug for induction and maintenance was similar in two groups. Ventilation of patients was carried out using masks in group A and a combination of cuffed pharyngeal tube (Tashayod tube) and a tracheal tube inserted into esophagus in group B. Findings: There was no statically significant difference between the incidence of vomiting among both groups with values of 23.3% and 14.5% for groups A and B, respectively  When parameters such as mean age, weight and the duration  of  surgery were compared in two study groups, no significant difference was found, statistically. Conclusion: The incidence of post tubal ligation vomiting in study groups following the application of two different anesthetic techniques was similar.  

Background: Invasive diagnostic procedures such as coronary angiography, in most cases, are accompanied by stress and anxiety in patients which in turn may affect the hemodynamic signs. Objective: To determine the effect of premedication on hemodynamic parameters in patients under coronary angiography, who were hospitalized in heart and post-angio unit at shahid Beheshti heart center in Zanjan during the year 2003. Methods: This was a quasi-exprimental study in which 40 patients under angiography were selected and marked as premedication and control groups for the purpose of this research. Data collection tools were two forms used to record hemodynamic parameters during 8-12 hours and half an hour pre-, during and post- angiography and also a questionnaire to record demographic data. In premedication group, patients were taken drugs including Diazepam, Chlorpheniramine, Metoclopramide and Hydrocortisone. In control group, patients were taken only routine nursing cares. In both groups, hemodynamic parameters were measured during 8-12 hours and half an hour pre-, during and post- angiography. The data were analyzed statistically using SPSS. Findings: There was no significant difference between control and premedication hemodynamic parameters (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, L.V.P pressure, end diastolic pressure, systolic and diastolic aorta pressure) (p>0.05) . Conclusion: There were no significant changes in hemodynamic signs between control and premedication groups.    

Background: Different methods are used for diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTI), however, they have different specificity, sensitivity and time consuming procedures. Objective: To evaluate and comparing the urine culture results with gram stained smears of urine in diagnosis of urinary tract infections. Methods: This research was conducted on 100 hospitalized patients with clinical signs and symptoms compatible with UTI. Urine cultures and gram staining were performed on urine samples of all patients. Findings: Urine culture was positive in 75 (75%) of patients. Gram stained smears on urine sediments were  positive in 68 (68%) of patients. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of gram staining were 85%, 84% and 94% respectively. Conclusion: Gram stained smears of urine, as a diagnostic assay for UTI, is not as sensitive as urine cultures, but it takes only a few minutes to be performed, comparing with urine culture which takes several days.  

Background: There are thousands of workers in Iran exposed to carbon black used in tyre manufacturing plants, regularly. This compound has been shown to be carcinogenic as there are several PAHs contaminating the carbon black. Objective: To measure PAHs in carbon black used in Iran industries and also comparing the imported carbon black with domestic ones marked as A & B, respectively. Methods: Through a cross-sectional study, samples from different kinds of carbon blacks (imported and domestic ones) were obtained. PAH extraction from these samples was carried out using micro Soxlet. Six different kinds of PAHs including benzo (a) pyrene, dibenzo (a, h) antracen, phenaterene, fluoranthene, chrysene and anthracene were further analyzed by GC-FID method. Finding: Both imported and domestic types of carbon blacks were contaminated with all six kinds of PAHs, unexceptionally. However, the total concentration of six PAHs was different among study samples (P<0.001). Chrysene and anthracene showed to have the maximum and the minimum concentration, respectively. The highest contamination of carbon blacks was associated with product manufactured by factory A followed by factory B with lowest contamination. Conclusion: The data obtained from the present research showed that both types of carbon blacks used in this study were contaminated with PAHs. Comparing our results with some other studies was indicative of presence of a higher contamination in this soot. Therefore, Iranian occupational health system is recommended to place the carbon blacks in carcinogenic class and provide new OEL for working places.  

Background: Helicobacter pylori is known as the most common causative agent of bacterial infection in human which causes peptic ulcer and gastric tumor. Objective: To investigate the incidence of HP infection in different endoscopic lesions from 125 patients in Qazvin Bouali Sina hospital Methods: This was a descriptive study on endoscopic lesions of patients referred to Bouali Sina hospital in 2001-2002 (June-January). The present study was an endoscopic-based observation in which the data collected through using a questionnaire, endoscopic finding and also a biopsy from antrum for rapid ureas test if the patient was suitable to be included in our study. The data was further statistically analyzed using SPSS. Findings: The incidence of H.P in duodenal ulcer was 70%. Other findings were: normal endoscopic appearance (58.8%), gastric ulcer (43.7%), erythema of antrum (62.2%) and esophagitis (40.7%). Epigastric pain was the most common clinical manifestation among the first four groups whereas the hurt burn was the dominant complaint in esophagitis group. Conclusion: Following the administration of different treatment protocols against HP infection, the incidence of HP decreased in different gastrointestinal diseases.  

Background: Uncertainty exists regarding the surgical approach to the contralateral side in children who have unilateral inguinal hernia. Objective: To evaluate the necessity of bilateral inguinal exploration in unilateral inguinal hernia among preschool age group.   Methods: In present study 84 children (78 boys & 6 girls) were investigated during 6 months in 2005. Routinely, all preschool age children were subjected to contralateral exploration when a unilateral hernia was present. All operations were carried out by a qualified pediatric surgeon. Preoperative and postoperative diagnoses, along with descriptive surgical findings were tabulated and analyzed using X2 test.  Finding: Thirty eight children (42.5%) had bilateral inguinal hernia. It was noted that children with left inguinal hernia were more likely to have a positive result (63.3% vs. 35.2%). Conclusion: Based on data found in our study, a bilateral exploration is necessary when a unilateral inguinal hernia is present. 

Background: The use of non-prescribed antibiotic in children with diarrhea causes higher microbial resistance, poor therapeutic effects and excessive costs for both family and the government. Objective: To determine the use of non-prescribed antibiotic in diarrheal children by mothers. Methods: Through a descriptive study at Qazvin Qods children hospital (2001), 301 diarrheal children were assessed. A questionnaire was used to collect the information based on replies given to questions made to mothers. The questionnaires contained demographic information and specific questions on history of antibiotic use, the reason for and also questions to evaluate the mother's general knowledge on antibiotic and so on. Findings: Mother's and children's mean age were 25.37 years and 24.48 months, respectively. Sixty percent of cases were from an urban setting. Most mothers (23.6%) were found to have primary education. Two hundred mothers (66.2%) had given antibiotic to their children prior to admission to the hospital and among those, 35 (17.5%) reported the use of non-prescribed antibiotics. The most common medicines given by others (37.1%) were pills and syrups routinely used in diarrhea treatment followed by co-trimoxazol (22.8%). The reasons for use of non-prescribed antibiotic were based on a positive experience in previous diarrhea treatment in 40% of cases and lack of trust in doctors in 11.4% of cases. Ninety four mothers (33%) were found to be unfamiliar with antibiotics. Conclusion: However the use of non-prescribed antibiotics was less than our expectation. Programs for promoting the knowledge of mothers and also their education on drugs' contraindication are necessary. 

Background: According to importance of drug use in pregnancy and the occurrence of fetal anomalies and other complications, the evaluation of knowledge in pregnant women on drug use and also the degree of drug use is neccesary.Objective: To determine the degree of knowledge in pregnant women on drug use. Methods: The present sudy was conducted on 400 pregnant women who were reffered to prenatal unit at Kosar hospital (Qazvin). The subjects filled in a questionnaire contanied 18 questions.Finding:  Among the women under the study, %61.5 were using drugs prescribed by their doctors and %9.6 without a doctor prescription. The most common drug used was ferrous sulfate (%56.5). The majority of drug useres (%74.3) had no knowledge of drug complications with a history of abnormal fetus delivery (%8) among them. Drug use without doctor prescription was most common in medical community (%16.7).Conclusion: The data showed a lack of adequate knowledge  in pregnant women on drug complications routinely used in pregnancy.

Background: Intra operative cytology is a rapid, cheap, nonaggressive and valuable method for diagnosis of breast lesions. Objective: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of intra operative cytology of breast lesions.  Findings: Out of total specimens, 37 were benign, 4 diagnosed as suspected malignancy associated with hypercellularity and moderate cell atypia, 29 malignant, 3 misdiagnosed due to hypercellularity and absence of cellular atypia. All 4 inflammatory lesions were diagnosed correctly. Diagnostic accuracy of benign, malignant and inflammatory lesions was 90%, 90% and 100%, respectively.Conclusion: Intra operative cytology is a rapid, cheap and valuable method in evaluating the entire margin of a tumoral mass and with good results in maintaining the physical appearance (cosmetic). It also helps for a better management of breast lesions. 

Background: During the month of Ramadan most patients with eye problems suffer from eye strain such as blurred vision, headache, eye fatigue, itchy eye, watery eyes, burning, irritation, gritty eye sensation and decreased visual efficiency. Objective: This clinical study was to determine the effects of fasting on visual system from a patient point of view. Methods: This survey was carried out in city of Qazvin during the religious month of Ramadan and also in the following month in 2003. The cases were 152 (39/7%) males and 231 (60/3%) females who were visited either in Boali hospital or private clinics. The patients were in an age group of 16 to 70 years. All recommended tests were performed and each patient had a general ocular test followed by ophthalmoscopy, keratometry and anterior segment tests. The IOP examination was also provided if necessary. The data were analyzed statistically using SPSS. Finding: About 88% of patients believed that there was no correlation between fasting during Ramadan and eye problems. On the contrary, only (3%) of patients had a positive view on the existence of a relationship between fasting and eye problems. Twelve out of 382 patients stated that eye problems were caused by fasting and 19 patients (4/96%) mentioned of a low correlation between fasting and eye problems. However, 334 patients (87/9%) believed that there was no correlation between fasting and eye problem such as eye fatigue, itchy eye, watery eyes, burning, irritation, gritty eye sensation, decreased visual efficiency and so on. Conclusion: From a patient point of view, there was no correlation between fasting in Ramadan and eye problems.  

Determining the AIDS-associated educational requirements for students of medicine and other allied fields is an important stage for planning and improving the degree of knowledge among the students of medical sciences. This study was couducted to assess the degree of knowledge on AIDS among the students of medical sciences. Through a descriptive random sampling study in 2003, 100 students took part in this research.  The information was collected by questionnaire. Results indicated that most medical and dentistry students had appropriate knowledge on AIDS whereas the majority of laboratory sciences students shown to have poor knowledge. The data obtained from the present study can be used for developing an education curriculum particularly on laboratory field.