[Effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on the body mass index in women afflicted with obesity]

Introduction: Obesity is a rapidly growing health problem in every society. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy on the Body Mass Index [BMI] in women afflicted with obesity in Isfahan

Methods: Through a semi-experimental research with pre-test and post-test design with one month follow-up as well as using convenience sampling method, a number of 30 women with an obesity diagnosis [Body Mass Index, BMI>/=30], who were satisfied with the criteria for entering this research, were randomly incorporated into experiment and control groups [15 each]. The intervention involved 8 sessions each lasting for 90 minutes of acceptance and commitment therapy which was provided merely for experiment group. BMI was calculated by dividing weight [kg] by squared height [m

Results: The result of covariance analysis showed that there were no significant differences in body mass index between the experimental and control groups at post-test stage. But results showed a significant decrease in body mass index at follow up stage [p<0.05]

Conclusion: The study showed that acceptance and commitment therapy can lead to reduction in body mass index in follow up stage, in women afflicted with obesity. Therefore, using this therapeutic approach is recommended for the treatment of obesity

Evaluation of clinical complications in morbid obese patients after modified jejunoileal bypass surgery

Background and Objective: Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity. The classic procedure, jejunoileal bypass, has many complications. This study was carried out to assess the evaluation of clinical complications in morbid obese patients after modified jejunoileal bypass surgery. Method: This descriptive – analytic study was carried out on 120 morbid obese patients referred for bariatric surgery. A modified jejunoileal bypass was performed in which the defunctionalized organ eliminated by anastomosing its ends to the gall bladder and cecum. Weight loss and clinical complications were recorded after one year follow up. Results: The mean weight and body mass index reduced from 136 kg and 48 kg/m2 before surgery to 83 kg and 29/8 kg/m2 after one year follow up, respectively [P<0.05]. Before surgery, articular pain [24.3%], dispana [21.6%], cardiovascular disorders [10.8%], fatty liver [5.4%] and sleep disorder [5.4%] due to obesity were recorded. One year follow up after surgery, articular pain [1.5%] and dispana [1.5%] were seen in patiants. No serious post-operative clinical complication was observed. Conclusion: One year follow up after surgery showed that the modified jejunoileal bypass is very effective in reducing body weight and does not lead to serious complication

First report on natural Leishmania infection of Phlebotomus sergenti due Leishmania tropica by high resolution melting curve method in South-eastern Iran

OBJECTIVE@#To identify the Leishmania species in infected sand flies by Real-time PCR coupled with HRM analysis.@*METHODS@#Real-time PCR coupled with HRM analysis targeting the first internal transcribed spacer (ITS1) of nuclear ribosomal DNA as the genetic marker was used to identify and distinguish Leishmania species in sand flies specimens.@*RESULTS@#Three out of 115 females of Phlebotomus sergenti (P. sergenti) (2.6%) were positive to Leishmania tropica (L. tropica).@*CONCLUSIONS@#This is the first report on P. sergenti as the main and proven vector of anthroponitic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Dehbakri County using Real-time PCR coupled with HRM analysis. This method is rapid, sensitive and specific for diagnosing of parasites in infected Sand flies and ideal for large scale genotyping projects.

Susceptibility status of phlebotomus papatasi and P. sergenti [diptera: psychodidae] to DDT and deltamethrin in a focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis after earthquake strike in Bam, Iran

The cutaneous leishmaniasis [CL] has been occurred in Dehbakri County, located 46 km of Bam District, Kerman Province since 2004-2005. Phlebotomus papatasi is an important vector of zoonotic cutaneous leishmanisis [ZCL] as well as sand fly fever and P. sergenti is considered as main vector of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis [ACL] in Iran. There are several measures for vector control with emphasizing on insecticides. The objective of this study was to determine the baseline susceptibility of leishmaniasis vectors to the DDT and deltamethrin in an endemic focus of CL in southern Iran. Baseline susceptibility tests were carried out on field collected strains of P. papatasi and P. sergenti and tested with WHO impregnated papers with DDT 4.0% and deltamethrin 0.05% in the focus of disease in Dehbakri County during summer 2010. The values of LT[50] and LT[90]0 were determined using probit analysis and regression lines. The LT[50] value of DDT 4.0% and deltamethrin 0.05% against P. papatasi was 20.6 and 13.6 minutes respectively. The same data for P. sergenti were ranged between 21.8 and 17.7 minutes. The results of tests will provide a guideline for implementation of vector control using pesticides such as impregnated bed nets, indoor residual spraying and fogging

[ effects of Nigella sativa ethanolic extract on proliferation and apoptosis of renal cell carcinoma ACHN cell line]

Black seed [Nigella sativa], belongs to Rannunculaceae family. It has various functions, including immuno-modulatory, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic effects. Anticancer properties of NS compounds are related to their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects. In this study, cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of ethanol: extract of NS was investigated on human kidney cancer cell line [ACHN] and normal cell line [L929]. NS ethanolic extract at 0, 10, 50, 100, 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750 and 2000 micro g/ml concentrations were prepared and studied in culture mediums of ACHN and L929 cells. After 24, 48 and 72h, morphologic changes and MTT assay were performed in both cell lines. Indeed, early and late apoptosis were studied by phosphatidyl serine kit employing flow cytometry technique. After 24h, NS extract at 750 micro g/ml and higher concentrations caused morphological changes and also reduced percentage of alive cells significantly [P<0.05] in ACHN cells compared with L929 cells that showed similar changes at 1250 micro g/ml and higher concentrations. After 48 and 72h, these effects were more prominent. MTT assay results, showed that NS concentration of 750 micro g/ml and higher doses reduce percentage of alive ACHN cells [P<0.05]. L929 cells showed similar changes at 1250 micro g/ml and higher concentrations [P<0.05]. Maximum apoptosis in ACHN cells was happened at 1000 and 1250 micro g/ml [92%] compared with L929 cells that showed maximum apoptosis at 1500 micro g/ml [89%]. Indeed, both cell lines showed a significant increase in apoptosis compared with their control groups [P<0.001]. NS ethanolic extract can may be useful as a cytotoxic and chemotherapeutic agent in kidney cancer treatment

Occupational stress and mental health of employees of a petrochemical company before and after privatization

Many countries make many of their governmental sectors private. This transition, however, may affect their employees in numerous ways. To determine the level of occupational stress and mental health of employees of a petrochemical company in Isfahan, Central Iran, before and 3 months after privatization. Out of the 700 employees of the studied company, using a stratified random sampling technique, 140 persons were selected. We used Steinmetz occupational stress and GHQ-28 questionnaires to determine the level of stress and mental health status of participants. The reliability of the questionnaires used was acceptable [Chronbach alpha coefficients: 0.85 and 0.86, respectively]. Job stress level was significantly increased 3 months after privatization; the mean +/- SD job stress score before and after privatization were 22.9 +/- 10.43 and 28.3 +/- 12.25, respectively [p<0.001]. The mean +/- SD mental health score after privatization [17.57 +/- 11.63] was also significantly [p<0.001] higher than that before the privatization [13.8 +/- 6.0]. There was a significant [p<0.001] positive correlation between the mental health status score and job score [r=0.476]. After privatization, the job stress of employees increased significantly. This increase was associated with a decrease in mental health. To lessen the side effects of privatization, the process should be performed cautiously

[Canal configuration of maxillary second molars]

Missed canal is one of the main reasons of the failure of root canal therapy. Poor knowledge of root canal anatomy may result in this problem. Each tooth has specific anatomical characteristics which could relatively be assessed by radiography. This study aimed to survey the variety of second maxillary molar root canal anatomy in Mashhad population. In this descriptive study, 103 human adult second maxillary molar extracted in different districts in Mashhad were chosen. After preparation of the access cavity, the teeth were embedded in Naocl 5.25% for resolution of the pulp tissue. For decalcification, the teeth were soaked in HCL 10% for 24 hours and washed in running water for 12 hours. They were dehydrated in alcohol 70-100% and finally cleared by Methylsalicylate and pure alcohol after 3 hours of soaking. Methylene blue 2% was injected to the canals and immediately evaluated with 8x magnification. The root canals were classified by Vertucci category. Different types of canals in mesiobuccal root were as follows: 45.7% type I, 16.5%type II, 5.8% type III, 12.6% type IV, 6.9% type V, 4.9% type VI and 3.9% type VII. In two teeth, the distobuccal and palatal root were fused, having a C-Shaped canal, and 2 teeth had only two roots [buccal and palatal]. Therefore, type I was seen 96% and 98% in the distobuccal and palatal roots, respectively. Due to the high prevalence of extra canal in the mesiobuccal root of the second maxillary molar [52.5%], the clinicians have to carefully explore the four canals in radiography and perform clinical evaluation; otherwise, treatment failure is inevitable

inhibitory effect of fasting on lipid peroxidation ; a protective role on cardiovascular system

Fasting [avoiding to eat or drink between sunrise and sunset] in the holy month of Ramadan is one of the religious duties in Islam. It seems that the level of some blood components changes during this month. To determine the effect of fasting on the level of lipid peroxidation and fasting blood sugar. Fifty healthy 30-60 year old men intending to fast during the holy month of Ramadan were included in the study. The plasma levels of MDA, CDs, serum level of triglycerides [TG], cholesterol and fasting blood sugar [FBS] were measured a day before, and on the last day of the fasting month. MDA and CDs were measured using spectrophotometric procedure. Triglycerides, cholestrol and FBS were enzymatically measured using an ELAN autoanalyzer system. The Student's t-test was used to compare pre-and post-Ramadan values. The results were indicative of a significant decrease in the levels of MDA, TG and cholestrol during Ramadan [p<0.05]. The FBS levels were also lower, but the decrease was not significant [p>0.05]. The levels of CDs were not changed significantly. Based on our data and the significant reduction of MDA level during Ramadan and also considering the important role of LDL-oxidation in the production of atherosclerotic plaques, it seems that the one-month period of fasting may have preventive effects on development of atherosclerosis