[Comparative study of diagnostic value of gastric aspirate shakes test and lamellar body count for prediction of lung maturity in premature neonates]

Respiratory distress syndrome due to lack of enough surfactant in fetal lung tissue is a common cause of neonatal mortality. There are several laboratory methods to predict the amount of fetal lung surfactant. The purpose of this study was to compare lamellar body count test [Quantitative test] and gastric aspirate shake test [Qualitative test] for prediction of the amount of pulmonary surfactant in premature neonates. This descriptive- analytic study was performed between August 2012 and January 2013 for 6 months and included 150 premature infants with gestational age of less than 34 weeks, born in Imam Reza [AS] Hospital, in Kermanshah. In this study, both gastric aspirate shake test and lamellar body count test were performed for all infants simultaneously. Using nasogastric tube we aspirated at least 2.5 cc of gastric secretions within the first hour of birth. For gastric aspirate shake test we added 0.5 cc normal saline and 1cc 95% ethyl alcohol to 0.5 cc of amniotic fluid and shook the test tube well for 15 seconds. Then, we counted the bubbles formed on the surface of the test tube. A cell counter [Sysmex model Xt-1800i] was used to determine the lamellar body counts. We used ROC Curve and kappa coefficient for data analysis. Of 230 samples, 80 were excluded from the study because of contamination with blood or meconium. Finally, 150 samples were analyzed. 59 cases [39/3%] had respiratory distress syndrome. The respective values of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome were 62.7%, 100%, 80.5% and100% for gastric shake test, and 98.3%, 94.5%, 98.9% and 92.1% for lamellar body count test. Lamellar body count, is a useful test for screening of respiratory distress syndrome and gastric aspirate shake test is also a suitable test to rule out respiratory distress syndrome. By using these 2 tests, we can expect appropriate sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome

Assessment of welders exposure to carcinogen metals from manual metal arc welding in gas transmission pipelines, Iran

Welding can produce dangerous fumes containing various metals especially carcinogenic ones. Occupational exposure to welding fumes is associated with lung cancer. Therefore, welders in Gas Transmission Pipelines are known as a high-risk group. This study was designed to determinate the amounts of metals Cr, Ni, and Cd in breathing 2one and urine of welders and to assess the possibility of introducing urinary metals as a biomarker due to occupational exposure. In this cross sectional study, 94 individuals from Gas Transmission Pipelines welders, Iran, Borujen in 2011 were selected and classified into 3 groups including Welders, Back Welders and Assistances. The sampling procedures were performed according to NIOSH 7300 for total chromium, nickel, and cadmium and NIOSH

Relationship between sexual pleasure and marital satisfaction

Marital satisfaction depends on many factors and one of the most important factors is safe and pleasing sexual relationship. However, there is not sufficient information about these issues in Iran. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between sexual and marital satisfaction. It was a descriptive - correlational study. The sample includes 292 married males and females who had come to selected hospitals in west of Tehran to visit their reletives. The participants were recruited by convenient sampling. Data was collected by sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS-PC [ver. 14]. Marital satisfaction was significantly related to sexual satisfaction [p=0/00]. Moreover, there was a significant relationship between sexual satisfaction and age difference [p=0/04], duration of marriage [p=0/05], and drug abuse of the participants [p=0/007]. Among all variables which have been tested in this study, only age difference was shown to have a significant relationship with marital satisfaction [0/00]. Regarding the relationship between sexual satisfaction and satisfaction with marital life, approaches to teaching young males and females and giving sexual consultation would help them enjoy a successful and satisfactionary marital life

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis: a case report

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis [CRMO] is a rare inflammatory bone disease. It is a diagnosis of exclusion based on the clinical, radiological and pathological criteria. The awareness of the corresponding feature can help avoid of unnecessary diagnostic procedures and prolonged antibiotic therapy. We present a case of 4.5 year old girl, diagnosed with CRMO who were followed for 6 months as a case of chronic bacterial osteomyelitis and received long course of antibiotic therapy

[ effect of hydrochloric extraction of valerian on number and size of raphe magnus neurons in adult rats]

Effective materials from Valerian officinalis L. have too much usage in the pharmacological industry. It is used as a sedative, anticonvulsion, and antidepressant drug. Serotonin has a widespread role in vital function such as sleep, awareness and calmness. In this study we evaluated the effect of hydrochloric extract of valerian on number and size of raphe magnus neurons in adult rat. In this experimental study, which was conducted at Yasuj University of Medical Sciences in 2009, forty adult Wistar rats, each 170-250 gr, were divided randomly into four groups [one control group and three experimental groups]. The animals were injected daily for one month with doses of 300, 400 and 600 mg/kg of the extract. The control group just received distilled water. After transcardial perfusion, the whole brain was separated, then 10 micro m sections of the brain stem were prepared, and hematoxylin and eosin [H and E] staining were done. Number and size of raphe magna neurons were observed under light microscope. The gathered data were analyzed by the SPSS software using One-way ANOVA and LSD. The control group did not statistically show significant changes in number of raphe magna neurons. Comparison of the means of long and short diameter neurons showed significant increases in experimental groups with control group [P<0.05]. In experimental groups the neuron nucleuses were more euchromatic than the control group. Hydrochloric extract of valerian has no effect on raphe magnus neurons, but it is effective on neurons' size. It can be concluded that the extract increases both neurons activity and serotonin secretion

Effects of roasting temperature and time on healthy nutraceuticals of antioxidants and total phenolic content in iranian sesame seeds [sesamum indicum l

Sesame seed [sesarnum indicum L.] is one of the world's most important and oldest oilseed crops with a high level content of antioxidant known to human health. The antioxidant factors responsible for the stability of roasted sesame seeds is highly affected by the conditions of the roasting process. Survey of the roasting temperature and time effects on antioxidants and total phenolic content in Iranian sesame seeds was the aim of this investigation. Spectrophotometer methods based on folin-ciocalteau reagent for determination of total phenolic content [TPC] and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power assay [FRAP] technique for total antioxidant activity were used before and after different roasting processes. Some of 8 Iranian sesame seeds cultivares were studied [n = 160], including Branching Naz, Non Branching Naz, Dezful, Darab, Karaj, Moghan, Varamin and Black sesame.The range of FRAP values was between 0.301 +/- 0.029uM and 1.746 +/- 0.083 micro M in Moghan and Branching Naz seasem seed cultivares, respectively. The FRAP value increased from 0.974 +/- 0.095 micro M in unroasted Branching Naz as a control to 1.746 +/- 0.083 micro M after roasting in 200°C for 20min. Also TPCs increased significantly as the roasting temperature. The amount of TPC varied in different sesame cultivars from 20.109 +/- 3.967 n M to 129.300 +/- 3.493 JLI M in Varamin and Branching Naz sesame seed cultivares, respectively; also TPC increased from 70.953_5.863 ILI M in unroasted Branching Naz sesame seed as a control to 129.300 +/- 3.493 micro, M after roasting in 200°C for 20 min .Branching Naz seasem seed cultivare was at the highest level in total antioxidants and total phenolic contents in comparison to other samples; however Moghan and Varamin cultivares were at the lowest level in total antioxidants and total phenolic contents, respectively. The present study showed that Iranian sesame seed can be considered as a good source of natural antioxidant specially after roasting. The optimum temperature and time roasting to obtain the most antioxidants and total phenolic content was 200°C for 20 min

Effects of vitamin E administration on APACHE II score in ARDS patients

The acute respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS] is a common clinical disorder caused by injury to the alveolar epithelial and endothelial barriers of lung. In ARDS patients, oxidative stress is increased and plasma antioxidant levels are reduced. Vitamin E has an important role in antioxidant defense mechanisms. In this study the effect of vitamin E on decrease of APACHE II score in ARDS patients was investigated. Twenty patients [mean [SE]: age = 51.2 +/- 6.41 years] with ARDS were enrolled. After diagnosis based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, ten patients as treatment group received 600 IU vitamin E daily intramuscularly. Control group received normal saline as placebo. Plasma samples and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation [APACHE] II score were obtained before administration, 4hrs and 12hrs after each intervention and repeated three days for each patient. Results were analyzed by use of an SPSS software package with a repeated-measures analysis of variance [ANOVA]. Significant changes were observed in APACHE II score from first to seventh measurement [p=0.0001] in treatment group, but vitamin E concentration altered significantly in only first to seventh measurement [p = 0.019]. From the results of this study, it seems that the use of vitamin E as a lipid-soluble antioxidant along with other supportive measures is beneficial in decreasing APACHE II score in ARDS patients

[Retropharyngeal lipoma: a case report]

Retropharyngeal lipoma is a rare benign tumor [less than 27 reports in literature] of nonspecific clinical symptoms. It can grow to an enormous extent causing total obstruction of the upper respiratory tract. Until now its etiology is unknown. A 60-year old female complained from severe snoring, mild dysphagia and moderate respiratory difficulty with gradual onset since one year prior to clinical presentation. In Oropharyngeal examination and indirect laryngoscopy, there was a bulging over posterior pharyngeal wall extending from the level of soft palate to lower part of hypopharynx with moderate closure of laryngeal inlet and soft consistency on palpation. Fine needle aspiration was in favour of neurofibroma but CT scan and MRI showed criteria of a large retropharyngeal lipoma [75x50 mm,oval shaped]. The mass was removed completely via transpharyngeal approach with creation of U- shaped flap. Post operative pathologic study confirmed the diagnosis of lipoma. Lipoma as differential diagnosis of retropharyngeal tumors always has to be considered. Surgical intervention through pharyngeal or cervical root is recommended. To prevent functional complications resulting from tumor and surgery and to get information about the extent of the lipoma, accurate radiological imaging is mandatory

effect of cushion of air on vibration transmitted to vehicle drivers based on standard

Whole Body Vibration [WBV] transmitted to drivers is one of the main reasons for several different symptoms such as musculoskeletal disorders. One of the recommendations to decrease the effects of whole body vibration is using a device that acts as an isolator. In this study, we used an air cushion as a device to decrease WBV. We measured whole body vibration transmitted to drivers before and after using this air cushion. This interventional study was performed with 95 bus drivers in Isfahan. Vibration parameters were measured in 3 axes and amount, of vibration were measured before and after using air cushion. Statistical analysis the data was carried out using the SPSS software, in which data were analyzed using the student's paired t test. Comparison of the vibration before and after using the air cushion showed a significant reduction in maximum pressure [Pmax] in X and Y axes [P < 0.05], a significant reduction in acceleration equivalent value [Aeq] in X and Y axes [P < 0.001]. Finally, Lmax was decreased in X axis. Our data showed that the buses which are being used in Isfahan vibrate more than the standard level. Although, using air cushion could significantly reduce vibration transmitted to bus drivers, but the vibration is still over than standard level

Effect of alcohol extract from leave Juglans regia on antinociceptive induced by Morphine in formalin test

For many years, the opioid drugs, especially morphine, have a high efficiency in the mitigation of acute and chronic pains, but because they result in tolerance and addiction following long or frequent use, their administration in mitigating chronic pains has been restricted. The present study intended to use alcohol extract of juglans regia leave accompanied by morphine to increase the analgesic effect of morphine and decrease its dosage. The experiment was carried out on 70 adult male rats, weighting approximately 200-220 g. The animals were divided into seven groups, considered as control, sham and experimental groups. The experimental groups were divided into five sub-groups. The first group received 2 mg/kg of morphine, 3 groups received 2 mg/kg of morphine accompanied by alcohol extract of leave juglans regia with different doses of 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mg/kg and the last group received only 1.5 mg/kg of the alcohol extract. The drugs were injected intraperiotoneal 15 minutes before the formalin test [minute 0-5 and 15-60 were designated respectively as the acute and chronic phase of pain]. Alcohol extract of walnut leave in dose of 1.5 mg/kg caused a significant nociception decrease in acute phase of formalin test and this effect was dose dependent. Moreover groups that received combination of morphine and alcohol extract showed more nociception especially in acute phase of formalin test, in comparison to the groups that received each separately and the control group [P 0.05]. The leave of juglans regia has antinociceptive effect and its administration accompanied by morphine causes an increase in antinociceptive effect of morphine in acute phase

Determination of total antioxidant capacity of green teas by the ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay

Green tea is one of the important sources of bioactive compounds which have been used in folk medicine for many centuries. This study aimed to compare in vitro antioxidant power of different types of green tea [Camellia sinensis]. Antioxidant activity of methanolic [50%] extracts of five green tea samples was investigated according to Ferric reducing ability power method. Total phenolic contents were analyzed using a spectrophotometric technique, based on the Folin-ciocalteau reagent, and calculated as gallic acid equivalents per gram dry weight. Total flavonoid and antocyanidin were also investigated according to aluminum chloride and vanillin colorimetric assay respectively. Total antioxidant activity varied from 0.554 +/- 0.042 in Avicen green tea sample to 3.082 +/- 0.150 mmoL Fe[II]/g in Chinas green tea and total phenolic content ranged from the 0.030 +/- 0.001 in Avicen green tea sample to 0.196 +/- 0.012 g gallic acid per gram dry weight in Ahmad green tea. A linear positive relationship existed between the antioxidant activity, total phenolic, flavonoid and antocyanidin content of the tested green tea samples. Green tea samples possess relatively high antioxidant activity due to contribution of phenolic compounds. The present study showed that green tea samples which are more frequently consumed in Iran are strong radical scavengers and can be considered as good sources of natural antioxidants for medicinal and commercial uses

Human health and trenbolone residue in bovine meat

In recent years, hormones and hormone-like compounds have been frequently used in vegetable and livestock production to obtain a high yield performance in a shorter period of time, but depending on the use of anabolics in animal feed, anabolic residues that may occur in meat and meat products would present the risks to the human health. The present study was undertaken to detect and quantify the levels of trenbolone residues [a potent synthetic analog of testosterone] in the market meat in Iran. Cattle meat samples were collected from the markets in Tehran. A total of 120 samples of cattle meat were analyzed for level of trenbolone by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbant Assay method. The average experimental values of trenbolone in cattle meat were 3.76 +/- 5.26ng/kg. This value gave no evidence for the illegal use of hormones in Tehran, but these results do not exclude the possibility of misuse of these potentially harmful chemicals in future. There is, therefore, need to routinely monitor these chemicals as a food quality and health control measure

[Role of angiotensin II in reactive oxygen species production and modulatory role of nitric oxide [no] in vessel responses to angII in acute joint inflammation in the rabbit]

It has been approved that in most tissues NO production increases during acute inflammation and Angiotensin II has a role in production of reactive oxygen species [ROS]. As regulation of joint blood flow [JBF] is important in this situation, this study was performed to investigate the interaction of local Ang II and ROS production and the modulatory role of NO on regulation of JBF during acute inflammation. The study was performed on 24 Newzealand white rabbits divided into three experimental and one control groups. Acute knee joint inflammation was produced by intraarticular injection of 0.5 ml of a 2% solution of carrageenan in knee joint. In the first group after 24 hours animals were anesthetized by thiopental sodium and carotid artery, jugular vein and saphenous artery were cannulated for recording blood pressure, injection of L-NAME and local injection of AngII and losartan respectively. Blood flow was recorded by laser Doppler flow meter. Joint vascular resistance [JVR] was calculated by dividing arterial blood pressure [ABP] by JBF. In the second group, knee joint tissue was used for homogenization and ROS measurement .In the third group, Losartan [10mg/kg] was administrated orally 2 hours before induction of inflammation. L-NAME increased JVR significantly. JVR in response to AngII was significantly increased. This response was significantly potentiated by L-NAME [P<0.01]. Losartan completely blocked the effect of AngII on JVR. Data showed that total amount of antioxidant and catalase activity nonsignificantly increased in inflamed group. Losartan significantly returned the catalase activity of the inflamed joint to the control level [P<0.01]. NO plays a role in the regulation of joint vascular tone and modulates the AT1 receptor response to AngII in acutely inflamed joints. Ang II increased the production of ROS and as a result the amount of antioxidants in acutely inflamed joints and this is via angiotensin II and through AT[1] receptors

[Investigation of response to angiotensin PI [ang PI] and its receptor subtypes in acutely inflamed joint blood vessels in rabbit]

Inflammatory joint diseases are common in elderly, and regulation of joint blood flow [JBF] is important in these conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of inflamed joint blood vessels to angiotensin PI [Ang PI], a vasoconstrictor factor which has been shown to be produced in inflamed joints locally. Identification of Ang PI receptor subtypes in joint blood vessels was the second goal of this study. The present study was performed on 12 Newzland white rabbits. Acute knee joint inflammation was produced by intraarticular injection of 0.5 ml of a 2% of carrageenan solution 24 hours before the experiment. On experiment day, animals were anaesthetized by thiopental sodium [50mg/kg ip] and carotid artery was cannulated for recording blood pressure. JBF was recorded by laser Doppler flow meter. Joint vascular resistance [JVR] was calculated by dividing arterial blood pressure by JBF. Based on Ang PI dose/ response curve of joint blood vessels, the constrictor response was started from 10[-12] M and reached to maximum at 10[-5] M.Losartan completely inhibited this response with no vasodilation left behind, therefore the receptor subtypes are AT[1]. No evidence of presence of AT[2] receptor subtype was observed in joint blood vessels. The comparison of the results of this study with a previous study on normal joints showed that the Ang PI receptor subtypes did not change due to the process of acute inflammation

Preliminary screening for the levels of testosterone hormone in the market meat in Tehran

Many xenobiotic and natural compounds such as testosterone have been used and sometime misused to improve the growth of cattle and other livestock animals. In order to control the testosterone hormone residues in meat and to ensure the safety of Iranian consumers, a monitoring system must be put in place to address the concerns. The present study was undertaken to detect and quantify the levels of testosterone residue in the market meat. Cattle meat samples were collected randomly from the market in Tehran. A total of 120 samples of cattle meat were analyzed for the level of testosterone by Enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay [ELISA] method. The average experimental value of testosterone in cattle meat was 810.9 ng/kg. The average value of cattle meat testosterone was significantly upper than FDA [Food and Drug Administration] allowable level but was in agreement with the values proposed by JESFA [Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives]. So it seems that the present status of this anabolic hormone in market meat is not at risk but there is need to routinely monitor this chemical as a food quality control measure