Hormozgan Medical Journal
Year:2007 | Volume:10 | Issue:4|Papers Count:20

Introduction: The polypeptide cytokine interleukin-1 is found in all body tissues and plays its role in inflammatory changes. Interleukin-1 is known as alarm cytokine in defense mechanism, particularly immunological responses. The interleukin receptor is present in different tissues and in endometrial epithelium and its antagonist will be increased during preimplantation period, therefore it participates in endometrial preparation for embryonic receptivity. Therefore blocking of interleukin receptor inhibits the embryonic implantation. An increase in the interleukin system is observed during menstrual period especially within leuteal phase. Knowledge of the interleukin system and its functional roles as a key molecular factor in implantation is important. The pregnancy success or failure is related to suitable or unsuitable interaction between blastocyst and endometrium, which is affected by paracrine cytokine control. The cytokine 1 has two types as æ and b. the latter is found in the placenta. Its antagonist receptor inhibits the implantation trough interleukin receptor-antagonist complex formation. Interleukin receptor antagonist complex formation can inhibit the interleukin physiological activity without any cytotoxic effects.The interleukin system reaches the highest level of activity during the 4th and 5th days of pregnancy. These findings confirm that blocking interleukin leads to inhibition of blastocyst implantation. It can be concluded that he interaction, secretion, receptivity and other interleukin-related factors have key roles in the implantation and relationship between the endometrium and embryo.

Introduction: Bechcet's disease (BD) is a chronic disease with multiple organ involvement such as central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). Involvement of PNS has been reported controversially and uncommon in textbooks and literatures. The aim of this study in to evaluate the auxiliary role of electrodiagnosis in early detection of PNS involvement to prevent neuropathy in Behcet's disease. Methods: This case-control survey included 40 patients with BD and 40 (control) healthy individuals. Inclusion criteria was lack of any disease and no history of contact with probable causative agent for neuropathy. We studied distal latency (DL), nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and amplitude (Amp) of median, ulnar, tibial, deep peroneal, superficial peroneal and sural nerves; also we studied GS H-Reflex of tibial nerve and F-wave of ulnar and tibial nerves. T-test was used for data analysis. Results: We found reduced sensory nerve action potentials (SNAP) amplitude of ulnar, median, sural and superficial peroneal nerves comparing to control group (P<0.05). High prevalence of entrapment neuropathy in median (carpal tunnel syndrome) and ulnar (cubital tunnel syndrome) nerves in these patients were 35% and 25% respectively, which is among normal range and had no statistically significant difference with the control group.Conclusion: These findings suggest that patients with Bechet's vasculitis undergo electrodiagnosis before and after treatment with neurotoxic drugs for prevention and early detection of peripheral neuropathy. We recommend that neurotoxic drugs such as colchicine, thalidomide and dapsone should not be, if possible, prescribed in BD, because these patients are prone to sensory and entrapment neuropathies.

Introduction: The Blood flow increases in the inflamed joint induced by Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). Since the anti-inflammatory effect of calcium channel blockers have been shown in pervious studies, the present study investigates the role of these blockers on the blood flow and temperature (inflammation indices) in inflamed knee joint induced by CFA. Methods: This experimental study was carried out in 8 groups of adult male rats. In group I, 0.2 ml of CFA solution was injected into the right knee, and group II received the same volume of normal saline. Group III to VIII received the same volume of CFA solution, but seven days after injection of CFA to the end of study, received the following drugs orally by oropharyngeal tubes. Group III dimethylsulfoxide (the drugs solvent), group IV and V received low dose (100 mg/kg) of verapamil and nifedipine respectively. Group VI and VII received high dose (800 mg/kg) of verapamil and nifedipine respectively, and group VIII was treated with ibuprofen (15mg/kg). The changes in blood flow and local temperature of the animal's knee joint were measured for 28 days after CFA injection. Results: CFA injection increased blood flow significantly in all 28 days compared to day zero, where as at seventh day increase in blood flow was 121.8±6.1 percent. Low dose of verapamil and nifedipine increased CFAinduced blood flow. The high dose of verapamil and nifedipine also diminished the blood flow of the knee. The inhibition effect of these blockers on knee joint blood flow was comparable to ibuprofen. Decrease in temperature by different doses of verapamil and nifedipine were not significant.Conclusion: The results of this study show that calcium channel blockers inhibit the increased blood flow and temperature in chronic inflammation induced by CFA injection in the inflamed region. So these blockers possibly reduce the chronic inflammation by this mechanism.

Introduction: An estimated population of 40% of Hormozgan province, southern Iran, live mainly in mountainous areas in close contact with Anopheles Fluviatilis. This specie has highly exophilic and anthropophilic behaviors and is one of major malaria vectors in the mountainous areas of Hormozgan province. This study was conducted to assess the irritability and susceptibility level of An. Fluviatilis to different insecticides. Methods: This cross-sectional study measured susceptibility level of this Anopheles specie to DDT, Dieldrin, Malathion, Fenitrothion, Propoxur, Bendiocarb, Permethrin, Deltamethrin and Cyfluthrin insecticides using recommended diagnostic dose of WHO. Irritability test was carried out by conical chamber exposure method using WHO standard kits to survey the irritability effect of four pyrethroids including, Lambdacyhalothrin, Permethrin, Cyfluthrin and Deltamethrin. The findings were analyzed by analysis of variance and P<0.05 was considered significant.Results:. The obtained results showed that this specie is susceptible to all tested insecticides and larvicides. The irritability test showed that Permethrin and Deltamethrin were the most and least irritant insecticides, respectively.Conclusion: It seems that all evaluated larvicides and insecticides should undergo laboratory studies before their applications in Anopheles control programs in the area.

Introduction: During recent years, valuable efforts have been made to improve physical health status of pregnant women, but their mental health has not been considered. Considering the increasing prevalence of depression worldwide, its twofold prevalence in women and effects on physical condition and quality of life, this study was performed to evaluate the prevalence of depression in pregnant women and its relationship with some socioeconomic factors in healthcare centers of Isfahan.Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study. The cases were 600 pregnant women between 15 and 45 years old who referred to healthcare centers in Isfahan. They were evaluated by Beck depression questionnaire and demographic information. Chi square test was used for data analysis. Results: Among 600 pregnant women, 446 cases (74.3%) were normal and 154 cases (28.7%) had depression: 22.2% with mild depression, 3.5% with moderate to severe depression. The difference of prevalence of depression in women with wanted versus unwanted pregnancy is significant. Otherwise, no meaningful difference was seen.Conclusion: It seems that paying special attention to mood status of pregnant women (especially those with unwanted pregnancy) is virtually important. Using screening methods for diagnosis and intensive care is mandatory for those in low socio-economic state. More studies are needed to evaluate depressive disorders during pregnancy and its sequelae as risk factors.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of clinical manifestations of PMS and its severe from, PMDD by considering somatic and mood symptoms during two consecutive menstrual cycles in students of Bandar Abbas Medical University at 2000. Methods: We conducted a prospective randomized descriptive study on 302 students by preparing and distributing questionnaires among students which included variables related to somatic and mood symptoms during one week before and three days after beginning of menstrual cycle for two consecutive menstrual cycles. Results: During two menstrual cycles about 166 students (54.9%) had PMS according to ICD-10 criteria and 13 students (4.3%) had PMDD according to DSM-IV criteria. The most prevalence of PMS was in age of 20-24 years old (mean age 22.4) (35.8%, P<0.005). There were significant differences according to age groups (P<0.005). The most prevalent mood symptoms in late luteal phase of cases with PMS and PMDD were: depression (43.5% and 92.3%), considerable affect lability 32.7% and 54.5%) and irritability (28.4% and 69.2%) respectively. Anhedonia (69.2% and 86.1%) and decreased efficiency (40.5% and 71.5%) had most intervention with personal and social functions in affected cases. The most prevalent somatic manifestations were pain (71.5% and 92.3%), flatulence (71.5% and 88.5%) and acne (58.2% and 68.2%), respectively.Conclusion: Decreased efficiency and anhedonia are the most significant problems that can affect work quality of PMS and actually PMDD patients. Early treatment and essential educations can prevent further personal and social dysfunction.

Introduction: Pregnancy is a normal event in the life of women that includes deep physical, psychological and behavioral changes. The impact of pregnancy on sexual behavior in women is different. Some women feel more sexual motivation but some encounter less or even no libido that unfortunately results in stress in the marital relationship. This study was done to evaluate sexual behavior and some related factors in pregnant women who referred to healthcare centers in Babol. Methods: This is a descriptive-analytic study that was performed on 140 pregnant women who referred to healthcare centers of Babol (2004). Tool for gathering data was questionnaire. Analysis of data was done with SPSS software using Chi square test. Results: Majority of pregnant women reported a diminished libido (59.6%) and a declined frequency of sexual intercourse (72.1%) during pregnancy. 37.7% had dyspareunia. Most pregnant women (66.4%) were against the continuation of sexual intercourse during pregnancy alike nonpregnancy period. 14% of pregnant women believed that more frequent coitus during pregnancy could actually help widening the birth canal and facilitate labor. There was a significant statistical difference (P<0.05) between variables such as: libido during pregnancy, women’s job, coitus frequency, amount of coitus, dyspareunia, amount of coitus during pregnancy with economical status, gravidity, parity and women’s education.Conclusion: Considering the importance of sexual health during pregnancy, consultation services and attendance of experts in sexual behaviors during pregnancy in healthcare centers is mandatory.

Introduction: Milk and dairy products are essential food products that play an important role in human nutrition. The consumption of milk products in Iran is less than other countries. This study was carried out in 2004 to evaluate the efficacy of boy students' participation on consumption of milk and dairy product by family in Janah city. Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 95 boy students in fifth grade of two primary schools in Janah and their families but decreased to 70 students due to their families' low income. Demographic questionnaire and family milk and dairy product consumption self-report checklist were filled by two groups before participation. Then the students were educated by researcher and transferred the educational items during three month to their families. After this time two group filled self-report checklist. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software, Chi square and t-test with significancy level of less than 0.05. Results: Findings show that case and control groups were similar in demographic factors. The mean consumption of milk and dairy products in two groups before participation was not statistically different. While mean consumption of milk and dairy products in two groups had statistically significant difference after participation (P<0.05).Conclusion: Participation of boy students has a positive effect on consumption of milk and milk products by families. According to this result researcher suggests encouraging boy students' participation as a principal and significant strategy for promoting family health.

Introduction: Nausea and vomiting is one of the most common postoperative complications. Aside from pharmacological interventions, other complementary healing modalities have been introduced to assist patients in decreasing this complication. This study examined acupressure as a potentially safe method (comparing to the traditional approach of using drugs) for preventing and or reliving nausea and vomiting in the postoperative patient. Methods: A double-blinded, experimental interventional study was conducted on 240 ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologist) I and II adults who were scheduled for elective orthopedic surgery. The patients were divided randomly in two groups. In case group, acupressure was performed 5 minutes before induction of anesthesia by applying an acuband on the Nei Guan point that remained in situ for 5.5 hours. In the control group bands without button inside were applied. Induction and maintenance of anaesthesia was similar in two groups. Patients were asked by another person (who didn’t know about applied bounds) about any nausea or vomiting in recovery room, 6 and 24 hours after operation. The results were analyzed by SPSS, T and Chi-square statistical tests. Results: There were no significant difference considering age between two groups. The two groups had no difference regarding anesthetic drugs. The incidence of nausea and vomiting were the same in recovery room and there were no differences between two groups in this regard. In the acupressure group the incidence of nausea and/or vomiting was significantly lower than placebo group in the 6th and 24th hour after operation. The incidence of nausea and vomiting in the women of two groups were slightly but not significantly higher than the men. The acupressure effects on decreasing nausea and vomiting were the same in men and women in different times post operation.Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the acupressure on the acupuncture point PC 6 (Pericardium-6) is an effective method for reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting in adults after orthopedic surgery. We suggest this method in other surgeries that are accompanied by higher incidence of nausea and vomiting.

Introduction: Mental and behavioral sciences researchers believe that burden of diabetes, its acute of chronic complications and first experience of feeling helpless are among predictable crises in which the affected person faces with affective and mood disorders including depression. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and severity of depression in diabetic adults referring to Nader Kazemi diabetes clinic in Shiraz. Methods: This is a descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study done in 2002-2003 by random sampling, in which 100 diabetic adults who had referred to Nader Kazemi Diabetes clinic of Shiraz were selected. They were treated by either tablet or insulin. The survey included Beck Depression Inventory (21 questions) and demographic information checklist. Data analysis was done by SPSS software, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney and Fisher tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The findings indicate that 71.4% of the under study population under study suffered from depression in which, 77.4% of them use tablets and 67.2% use insulin. Also the results show that depression is more prevalent in women than in men (P<0.05). No statistically significant correlation was observed between treatment modality and depression severity. Also by increasing educational level, the depression percentage reduced (P<0.02). In addition, unemployed persons experienced more depression than employed ones. No correlation was seen between depression and age, marital status and economic situation. Conclusion: Considering the prevalence of depression in the study population in comparison to other people in society, and ineffectiveness of blood glucose regulators (treatment modality) on frequency and severity of depression, a combination of medication plus psychotherapy and consultation is recommended to prevent or control diabetes complications.

Introduction: Osteoporosis-related fractures may lead to disability and even death. Because osteoporosis is usually asymptomatic until a fracture occurs, physicians must identify high risk patients and manage them appropriately. The objective of this study is to assess knowledge and attitude of general practitioners (GPs) of Shiraz with regard to osteoporosis. Methods: The survey was conducted via a questionnaire which was distributed among GPs of Shiraz. They were asked about the risk factors, diagnosis and treatment modalities and also regarding their attitude toward the disease, prevention and their role in this regard. Chi square and t-test were used for data analysis. Results: 241 (65%) of physicians returned the questionnaire. Although most of physicians realize the magnitude of problem, about half of them consider their role not as crucial.Conclusion: This study highlights the need for extensive instruction to extend GPs knowledge and attitude with regard to osteoporosis and reconsidering continuous medical education (CME) of physicians.

Introduction: Encouraging women to participate in screening program for cervical cancer lead to early diagnosis and treatment or decreasing complication and mortality of this cancer. Health services personnel such as Behvarzes can play their educational role in this area only if they have adequate knowledge and appropriate attitude as well as participating actively in screening program. The objective of this study is determining knowledge, attitude and practice of married female Behvarzes, work in healthcare centers of Kerman Medical Sciences University toward Pap Smear. Methods: This descriptive study included 468 Behvarzes. Data were collected by using a researcher-made questionnaire that its validity and reliability had been confirmed. Data analysis was performed by SPSS software, Pearson correlation coefficient, Chi-square, analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: Based on the results, mean age and SD of subjects were 30.4 and 5.26 years, respectively and the duration of their education was 6-9 years (64.99%). In regard to knowledge, subjects gave correct answers to 71.8% of questions and 81.94% gained the score of attitude. The relation between knowledge and attitude scores was 0.24 based on Pearson coefficient index. 39.4% of subjects had never done Pap Smear and only 23.7% of them had done it twice or more. The comparison of knowledge and attitude scores based on demographic characteristics of subjects showed no significant difference. In regard to the relation of knowledge and attitude scores with doing Pap Smear, there was significant difference only for attitude (P<0.01) in a sense that mean of attitude score of those who had done Pap Smear more than once (42.47%) was higher than that of those who had done Pap Smear less.Conclusion: Totally, Behvarzes have partially suitable attitude and knowledge but poor practice toward Pap Smear.

Introduction: World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity". Teachers as instructors of future hopes are considered invaluable stratum of society. This survey was conducted to evaluate the health state and quality of life in teachers of 4 territories of Shiraz primary schools. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, cases were selected by stratified random sampling technique according to educational service location of teachers in 4 territories in Shiraz. Data gathering tool was a short form health status questionnaire with 36 questions (SF36) which evaluated physical and mental dimensions of health. By SPSS, t-test software, analysis of variance and correlation coefficient tests were used for data analysis. Results: 102 teachers (50 males, 52 females entered the survey. Results show that teachers reported the physical health better than the mental one (P<0.05). Male teachers assessed a better and higher level of general health (considering physical health and limitations, sensation limitations and different dimensions of physical and mental health) compared with female colleagues. Teachers with more years of educational experiences had better mental state (P<0.05).Conclusion: This study suggests to focus on weak points of mental, physical and social aspects of health in teachers to promote their health. Decreased health in various aspects can be ameliorated by changing working rules and regulations which ultimately results in excelling students' educational status.

Introduction: Using agricultural waste products (rice husk and rice husk ash) as a cheap, modern, available and mass-produced adsorber for phenol from aqueous solution was studied. Adsorption in this way seems more economical in comparison with other conventional methods (which are usually costly). Methods: In this descriptive-analytic survey, batch kinetics and isotherm studies were according to various experimental dose and aqueous solution pH. Adsorption equilibrium of rice husk and rice husk ash was reached within 6 hours for phenol concentration of 150-500 mg/L and 3 hours for phenol concentration of 500-1300 mg/L, respectively. Results: Findings show that aqueous solution pH is an important factor in phenol adsorption. The adsorption of phenol decreases with increasing pH of the solution. Increasing primary phenol concentration, increases adsorber adsorption capacity while phenol adsorption efficiency shows an inverse trend simultaneously. Isotherm studies revealed that the equilibrium pattern both adsorber systems well foloww the Freundlich model.Conclusion: In reality, results show that rice husk ash is much more effective (98%) than rice husk (44.5%) for phenol removal. Therefore, rice husk ash can be used as an efficient and cheap adsorber for removal of organic pollutants (such as phenol) from water and wastewater.