Effect of eight weeks of endurance and resistance training on serum adiponectin and Insulin resistance index of inactive elderly men

Background and Objective: Adiponectin is one of the adiposaitocines which secret from adipose tissue and is very effective in the pathogenesis of obesity and its associated disorders, especially in elderly people who are at risk for cardiovascular disease. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of eight weeks of endurance and resistance training on adiponectin level, insulin resistance index in inactive elderly men

Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 24 inactive elderly men were non-randomly divided into interventional and control groups. The combined training included endurance training [with intensity of 60-70% of maximum heart rate reserve] and resistance training [with intensity of 70% one repetition maximum]. The training performed 3 times per week [one hour session] for 8 weeks

Results: The eight weeks of combined training increased the adiponectin level in interventional group compared to the controls [P<0.05]. Insulin and FBS levels, insulin resistance index, and body fat percentage significantly reduced in interventional group compared to the controls [P<0.05]

Conclusion: The eight weeks of combined training increases the adiponectin level and reduces insulin resistance in elderly men

Surgical site infection by Mycobacterium tuberculosis following caesarian section

Surgical site infection by M. tuberculosis is uncommon and its diagnosis can be missed unless there is strong clinical suspicion coupled with laboratory confirmation. We report a case of primary tuberculous surgical site infection without any evidence of pulmonary, skeletal or gastrointestinal tuberculosis in an immunocompetent patient, presented as non healing discharging wound following lower uterine caesarean section [LUCS]. This is the first case report of its kind from Bangladesh to the best of our knowledge. The case was diagnosed by detection of acid fast bacilli [AFB] in pus by Ziehl Neelsen staining and histological evidence of granulomatous lesion compatible with tuberculosis found in surgically excised granulation tissue. The patient was treated with 4 anti-tubercular drugs regimen for initial two months and responded well showing complete healing of her wound. The case is being reported primarily for its unusual site and rarity as Mycobacterial infection

[Determine of association quality of life and stress coping method among the caregiver of patient with multiple sclerosis; MS society, Ahvaz 2008]

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that involves central nervous system. This disease which causes incapability in adult happens after traumatic accidents. 7000 cases are added annually to MS patient in Iran. This study was conducted to determine the quality of life and stress coping method among the family member and multiple sclerosis caregivers. 200 cases of family members and caregivers of patient with MS and dependent to Ahvaz MS society enrolled in this descriptive study. Three inanimate questionnaires were used to evaluate the cases. 108 male and 90 eligible female enrolled in this study. The quality of their life was normal physically, psychologically and socioeconomically. Generally, the quality of the males' life was better than the females', especially psychologically. Majority of male and female used normal and good coping method, and we also found a direct and statistically significant correlation between the level of education and the quality of life among the caregivers. Higher level of quality of life among the caregiver with higher level of education and use of suitable stress coping method among them, revealed the necessity of socio-economical supports and contour programs for educating family members and caregiver of patient with multiple sclerosis, especially for caregiver with lower level of knowledge and education

Irritable bowel syndrome: a review article

Irritable bowel syndrome [IBS] is the most prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder noted in the general population worldwide. Its chronic nature, signs and symptoms which vary periodically from mild to severe have many negative effects on the quality of life for the sufferer; therefore the appropriate treatment of these patients is highly important. Patients should be informed by their doctors that the nature of the disease is benign, and educated on how to deal with and control symptoms of the disease. This article sets out a review of recent studies on the prevalence of IBS in Iran and appropriate methods for management of patients affected by IBS

Characteristics of patients with cystic fibrosis: experience in a large referral children's hospital in Tehran, Iran

Cystic fibrosis [CF] is an autosomal recessive disease caused by a CF trans-membrane regulator [CFTR] defect. Its prevalence is 1:2500 in Caucasians, 1:15300 among African Americans and is rare in Southeast Asia. The present study aims to review demographic data, clinical manifestations and laboratory findings of Iranian children diagnosed with CF who referred to a Children's Hospital Medical Center in Tehran, Iran during a ten-year period. In a retrospective study from 1991-2000, all hospitalized patients with documented CF were reviewed. Diagnosis was based on clinical findings and sweat chloride levels above 60 mEq/L. A total of 233 patients [females: 91 [39.1%], males: 142 [60.9%]] were enrolled. The onset of symptoms was before the first month of life in 12.1%, between 1-6 months of age in 75.1%, and between 6-12 months of age in 6.9% of patients. Consanguinity of parents was present in 42.5% of patients. Respiratory [81.5%] and gastrointestinal [73.4%] symptoms, in addition to growth retardation were the most common presentations Eighty-eight percent of patients weighted below the fifth percentile. Of the 207 chest radiographs performed, the most frequent finding was hyper-aeration associated with pneumonia. Among 138 patients in whom barium swallows were performed, 102 [74%] had gastroesophageal reflux. A total of 27 patients expired, mostly from respiratory failure [96.3%]. CF is not a rare disease in Iran. We suggest early diagnosis and appropriate maintenance therapy for improving morbidity and mortality amongst CF patients

[Assessment of hospital sterilizer equipments performance and related effective factors]

For controlling the nosocomial infections in the hospitals, use of sterilizer devices such as: steam autoclave, chemiclave, Gas plasma, Oven and Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide are approved. According to standardized directions, these equipments needs to be tested physically, chemically and biologically continuously. The most trusted way for sterilization monitoring is the biologic one. The main purpose of this study is to assess the performances of the sterilizer devices, that are presented in affiliated hospitals to Tehran University of medical sciences with biologic monitoring way. This is a cross - sectional study conducted in all 135 devices that are presented in CSR units of 14 hospitals and related responsible staff. In this study, sterilization process was assessed by using of spores, microbial vials and culturing of the samples and also, the Knowledge of CSR personnel was measured by a valid and reliable questionnaire. We have used, T-Test for data analysis in this study. 14 out Of 135 devices [10.4%] were not in good function, there was a significant relationship between age of personnel and their knowledge. There were significant relations between the sex [0.001], educational grade [0.02], years of experiences, and the knowledge of the staff [P=0.001] and also CSR unit area in this study. This study suggests that hospitals must have CSR units with sufficient area and educated personals in related fields. They must also regularly educate the staff, especially males that are responsible in CSR units

[Endoscopic sclerotherapy on variceal bleeding in children]

Since variceal bleeding due to portal hypertension is associated with a high mortality rate, effective treatment leads to improved survival. Endoscopic sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for bleeding esophageal varices, but it is associated with significant complications. To determine the efficacy and safety of endoscopic sclerotherapy, we evaluated the patients with variceal bleeding who underwent sclerotherapy in our center. This study was a case-series study in which, we evaluated 79 patients who referred for esophageal variceal bleeding and underwent sclerotherapy and completed the questionnaire. From79 patients, 52 [65.8%] were male, and 27 [34.2%] were female. The rate of success [arrest of acute bleeding by endoscopic sclerotherapy] was 100%, but it was 55.7%for long-terms clerotherapy; 53.3%of patients with liver disease, and 64.7%of patients with extraheaptic portal hypertension had suitable response; 58.3%of patients with Child A, 83.3%of those with Child B and 14.3%of Child C cirrhotic patients demonstrated appropriate response. In fundal varices, 15.2% were improved, 21.5% were accelerated and 43.3% showed no significant changes. During treatment, 31.6%had one of the complications of sclerotherapy. The rates of rebleeding and mortality were 54.4% and 8.9%, respectively. Although sclerotherapy reduced the mortality attributable to acute variceal bleeding, but the long-term effectiveness of sclerotherapy was not very high

Omission of postoperative nasogastric tube in esophagectomy: a randomized clinical trial

Nasogastric tube [NG tube] usage was first described in 1921 by Levin. Surgeons routinely use NG tube in most esophageal resections. Considering the numerous complications caused by this tube, the uncertainty about its usefulness and the scarcity of studies conducted on the subject, particularly in esophageal cancer patients, we investigated the necessity of the NG tube in these cases. This clinical trial was performed at the Cancer Institute of Imam Khomeini Hospital. Esophageal cancer patients were randomized into groups either with or without postoperative NG tube; the latter group was also prescribed metoclopramide. Postoperative obstruction was the exclusion criteria. The operation was done by a team of surgeons using the surgical techniques of McKeown or Orringer. All patients received ranitidine, heparin and antibiotics postoperatively. All patients received postoperative chest X-ray and chest physiotherapy. The NG tube was inserted or reinserted for those with abdominal distention and/or repeated vomiting. The NG tube was pulled out after return of bowel movements. The variables recorded for each patient included the first day of flatus, the first day of defecation, the first day of bowel sound [BS] upon auscultation, duration of post-operative hospitalization, nausea and vomiting, abdominal distension, pulmonary complications, wound complications, anastomotic leakage and the need for placing/replacing the NG tube. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, v. 11.5. After randomization, the NG tube was inserted for 22 patients, and 18 patients had no NG tube. The incidence of anastomotic leakage was significantly higher in the NG-tube group. No significant differences between the two groups were found for other complications. The mean times until first passage of flatus, defecation and BS upon auscultation and the duration of post-operative hospitalization were not significantly different. The need for placing/replacing the NG tube was the same for both groups. There was no difference in the perioperative death rates between the two groups. We conclude that the routine use of NG tubes after surgery is not recommended for all patients. NG tube should be used according to the specific needs of each patient. This protocol will protect patients from undesired complications

Degradation of aromatic compounds using moving bed biofilm reactors

For biological treatment of water, there are many different biofilm systems in use. Examples of them are trickling filters, rotating biological contactors, fixed media submerged biofilters, granular media biofilters and fluidized bed reactors. They all have their advantages and disadvantages. Hence, the Moving Bed Bioflim Reactor process was developed in Norway in the late 1 980s and early 1990s to adopt the best features of the activated sludge process as well as those of the biofilter processes, without including the worst. Two cylindrical moving bed biofilm reactors were used in this study working in upflow stream conditions. Experiments have been done in aerobic batch flow regime. Laboratory experiments were conducted at room temperature [23-28°C] and synthetic wastewater comprising a composition of phenol and hydroquinone in each reactor as the main organic constituents, plus balanced nutrients and alkalinity were used to feed the reactor. The ratio of influent to effluent COD was determined at different retention times. The results indicated that the removal efficiency of each selected compound is affected by the detention time. At low phenol and hydroquinone concentration [from 700 to 1000 mg/L] maximum removal efficiency [over 80%] was obtained. By thither increasing in COD loading rate up to 3000 mg/L, a decrease in COD removal rate was occurred. In the reactor containing pyrogallol in COD of 1500 mg/L, the removal rate decreased to 10 percent because of its toxicity for microorganisms

Studies on association between copper excess, zinc deficiency and TP53 mutations in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma from Kashmir valley, India-a high risk area

Trace element deficiency or excess in the development of progression in some cancers. Here we report the elevated levels of copper and low level of zinc in the plasma of esophageal cancer patients in Kashmir India- a high incidence area. The average level of copper was significantly higher for patients than for controls [p<0.0001] with a mean concentration of 169 micro g/dl and 149 micro g/dl for patients and controls, respectively. In contrast, the average level of zinc in patients was significantly lower than in controls [p<0.0001] with a mean concentration of 86.8 micro g/dl and 96.1 micro g/dl for patients and controls, respectively. No significant difference in copper and zinc levels was observed for different age groups in controls or patients. For controls, the level of copper was not significantly different in males and females [median: 155 micro g/dl for males and 144 micro g/dl for females, p=0.10], but we observed a higher level of zinc in females [median: 90.5 micro g/dl for males and 101 micro g/dl for females, p=0.03]. Copper or zinc concentrations were not significantly associated with gender, tumor site, green teas with salt [nun chai]consumption, smoking habits or snuff in cases. Patients with poorly differentiated tumors had a higher copper concentration than those with moderately or well-differentiated tumors [p<0.0001]. No association was found between copper concentration and TP53 mutation status but patients with TP53 mutant tumor had lower zinc levels than those with no mutation. Our results point towards a role of the trace element imbalance in the esophageal tumorigenesis in high risk Kashmiri population exposed to a range of nitroso compounds or their precursors. Further prospective cohort studies are warranted to determine whether change in the plasma zinc and copper homeostasis may represent an independent risk factor for this malignancy as well as possible target for preventive intervention

[ conformity of BPP and vibroacoustic stimulation results in fetal non reactive non stress test]

The most frequently used test for evaluation of fetal health is the Non Stress Test [NST]. Unfortunately it has a high incidence of false positive results. The combination of vibroacoustic stimulation with the NTS has been shown to reduce non reactive results. A tests assessment method was chosen with a simple randomized sampling. 40 pregnant women with non reactive NST in the first 20 minutes who received VAS in one of Tehran University's Hospitals were compared with BPP scores. A vibroacoustic stimulation was applied for a 3 seconds on the maternal abdomen and fallowed within 10 minutes.Data collection tools were NST, sonography instruments, NST result paper, tooth brusher, watch, demographic questioner and check list. Data analysis was made by descriptive static and by using the Fisher's Exact Test [with level of significant at p<0/05]. All statistical analysis were performed using an spss/win. After VAS, 70% of non reactive tracing became reactive. All cases with fetal reactivity response after a VAS had a subsequent BPP score of 8 [negative predictive value of 100%]. False positivity of VAS was lower than NST. VAS offers benefits, by decreasing the incidence of non reactive test and reducing test time. VAS lowers the rate of false positive NST. VAS is safe and allows more efficient of prenatal services. This test could be used as a rapid antepartum test to predict fetal well-being

may reach a facility but will still die! an analysis of quality of public sector maternal health services, District Multan, Pakistan

To assess the availability, utilization and functional capacity of the public health delivery system in terms of human resources, equipment, supplies and health provider knowledge regarding management of obstetric complications. A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2003 for Multan's public health delivery system. A complete inventory of equipment, supplies, drugs, staff availability and knowledge of obstetric complications management were assessed. The number and distribution of public sector facilities serving a population of 3.2 million was well beyond the minimum requirement for basic obstetric care but fell short for comprehensive Emergency Obstetrical Care [EmOC]. Utilization patterns were skewed to the tertiary facility for normal and complicated deliveries. Partograms were not available, magnesium sulphate was only available at the tertiary facility, while basic supplies like iron and folate tablets, broad spectrum antibiotics, oxytocics, gloves and sutures were not available at primary or secondary facilities. Knowledge scores regarding management of obstetric complications were less than average, especially among nurses at basic or comprehensive EmOC facilities. Intensity of labour pains [nurses 59%] at basic EmOC facility and cervical dilatation by doctors at basic and comprehensive facilities were the most frequent responses for monitoring in labour. Strengthening the four interlinked health system elements - human resources, access to, use and quality of services is essential though not sufficient

Fast tracheal intubation with adminstration of ephedrine before atracurium

The most important duty of anesthesiologist is to maintain a secure airway that in emergency patients by injection of intravenous anesthetic drugs such as nesdonal and succinylcholine, tracheal intubation is performed with a 30-45 second delay. But in cases that succinylcholine is contraindicated, nondepolarizing muscle relaxant like atracurium is injected and tracheal intubation is performed with a 3-5 minute delay. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of atracurium and ephedrine with atracurium alone for shortening the time of tracheal intubation. One hundred patients [ASA class I] were randomly divided into two groups of 50 cases. Induction of anesthesia was performed in both groups with nesdonal and then atracurium with dose 0.6mg/kg was administered in both groups. After premedication in case group, ephedrine with dose 70 micro g/kg was performed. In control group, tracheal intubation was performed 3-5 minutes after injection atracurium. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were measured and recorded at different times and also intubaion condition was recorded and data was compared. The mean age was 26.3 +/- 10 years in case group and 31.4 +/- 10 years in control group. In case group, tracheal intubation was performed in all patients during 2 minutes. After anesthesia induction, systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased and heart rate increased in both groups, but there was a significant difference after intubation at minute 1 and 5 [p<0.05]. Quality of tracheal intubation was seen in 88% of subjects in case group and 96% of subjects in control group, this difference was not statistically significant. Ephedrine can cause a decrease in the onset time of atracurium and faster intubation without adverse hemodynamic effect

[Phytochemical evaluation of 30 plant species collected from Shahrbabak [Kerman/Iran]]

Iran as a large country with different climatic regions has various types of plants that a majority of them are used by locals as medicinal plants. The present study was aimed to investigate the phytochemistry of plants in Kerman province. A total of 30 plants species belonging to 19 families have been colldected from Shahrbabak area [in the west of Kerman province] and screened for alkaloid, tannin, saponin, flavonoid, cardiac glycosid, cyanogenic glycoside and volatile oil. According to the performed tests 8 plants [27%] were positive for alkaloid, 22 cases [71%] for tannin, 4 cases [13%] for saponin, 26 cases [86%] for flavonoid, 4 cases [13%] for cardiac glycoside, 1[3%] for cyanogenic glycoside and 11[40%] for volatile oil. Pistacia atlantica, Amygdalus scoparia, Salsola baryosma and Vacaria pyramidata with more potential therapeutic effects are suggested for further researches

[HCV in intravenous drug users]

Hepatitis C [HCV] is increasing worldwide including Iran. HCV is more prevalent among intravenous drug abusers [IDU], especially if imprisoned, mostly due to needle sharing. We determined the rate of HCV seropositivity among IDU prisoners and compared it with those of non prisoners. A cross-sectional survey was done on consenting IDU inhabiting two prisons and attending three rehabilitation centers in Tehran, Iran. A questionnaire was completed for each subject and 5mL blood drawn. The samples were kept at 2-8°C until the sera were separated and stored at -70°C. HCV Ab [ELISA 1, third generation, DIA. PRO, Italy] with a sensitivity and specificity of 98% was checked by a single technician. Chi-square, Fisher's exact test and multivariable analysis were used where appropriate. Four-hundred and sixty seven subjects [346 [74.1%] prisoners; 425 [91%] male] were enrolled. Overall 66% tested positive for HCV Ab [287 male [67.5%], 21 female [50%], p<0.02]. HCV seropositivity was higher among prisoners [78.3% vs. 30.6%, p<0.001] and older IDU [76.9% vs. 62.9%, p=0.002]. Multivariable analysis showed association between HCV seropositivity and imprisonment [OR= 9.32, 95%CI: 5.60- 15.51], sharing syringes [OR=2.00, 95%CI: 1.27-3.17], duration of intravenous drug use annually [OR=1.16, 95%CI: 1.08-1.24] and male sex [OR=4.18, 95%CI: 2.02- 8.67]. HCV is rather common among IDU prisoners. Imprisonment is an independent risk factor. The infected IDU going back to the community may be an important source of HCV. Taking effective strategies [high risk group education, provision of sterile syringes, identification and treatment of infected IDU] to reduce the risk of this public health problem is needed urgently

[Effect of alfentanil on the hemodynamic changes [heart rate, blood pressure] following laryngoscopy]

Hemodynamic changes following laryngoscopy and intubation of trachea is one of the main problems in anesthesia. Different methods and drugs are used to lower this problem. The aim of this study was to survey the effect of Alfentanil, which is a short acting opioid on hemodynamic changes. Methods: 100 patients with ASA class I were divided into 2 groups of 50 patients. Both groups received diazepam 0.1 mg/kg, morphine 0.1 mg/kg and faxedil 20 mg/kg as premedication. 3 minutes before induction, Alfentanil group received 10 mg/kg Alfentanil and control group received normal saline as placebo. Both groups received sodium thiopental and succinyl choline for induction. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded before and after premedication, 1, 3 and 5 minutes after intubation of trachea. The data were compared together. Findings: Changes in heart rate and blood pressure [Systolic and diastolic] before and after premedication had no meaningful difference in both groups, but average of changes in heart rate and blood pressure in the patients in the Alfentanil group after laryngoscopy and intubations were less and there was statistically significant difference. Hemodynamic features in both groups after 5 minutes were stable. Conclusion: According to the results, Alfentanil is effective in reducing heart rate and blood pressure [Systolic and diastolic] after laryngoscopy and intubations of trachea. So, using Alfentanil before laryngoscopy in general anesthesia is recommended

[HCV in intravenous drug users]

Hepatitis C [HCV] is increasing worldwide including Iran. HCV is more prevalent among intravenous drug abusers [IDU], especially if imprisoned, mostly due to needle sharing. We determined the rate of HCV seropositivity among IDU prisoners and compared it with those of non prisoners. A cross-sectional survey was done on consenting IDU inhabiting two prisons and attending three rehabilitation centers in Tehran, Iran. A questionnaire was completed for each subject and 5mL blood drawn. The samples were kept at 2-8°C until the sera were separated and stored at -70°C. HCV Ab [ELISA 1, third generation, DIA. PRO, Italy] with a sensitivity and specificity of 98% was checked by a single technician. Chi-square, Fisher's exact test and multivariable analysis were used where appropriate. Four-hundred and sixty seven subjects [346 [74.1%] prisoners; 425 [91%] male] were enrolled. Overall 66% tested positive for HCV Ab [287 male [67.5%], 21 female [50%], p<0.02]. HCV seropositivity was higher among prisoners [78.3% vs. 30.6%, p<0.001] and older IDU [76.9% vs. 62.9%, p=0.002]. Multivariable analysis showed association between HCV seropositivity and imprisonment [OR= 9.32, 95%CI: 5.60- 15.51], sharing syringes [OR=2.00, 95%CI: 1.27-3.17], duration of intravenous drug use annually [OR=1.16, 95%CI: 1.08-1.24] and male sex [OR=4.18, 95%CI: 2.02- 8.67]. HCV is rather common among IDU prisoners. Imprisonment is an independent risk factor. The infected IDU going back to the community may be an important source of HCV. Taking effective strategies [high risk group education, provision of sterile syringes, identification and treatment of infected IDU] to reduce the risk of this public health problem is needed urgently

Microbiology and antimicrobial resistance in chronic resistant rhino sinusitis with or without polyp after functional endoscopic sinus surgery

The purpose of this study was microbiology of chronic resistant rhino sinusitis with or without nasal polyp in patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery and antimicrobial resistance testing. In a cross-sectional study during December 2000 to June 2002, 94 CRS patients with or without nasal polyp were sampled through FESS for microbiology culture and In-vivo antimicrobial resistance was tested in both groups. In CRS group with polyps [42 patients], the most common isolated organisms were Staph. coagulase-negative [26.2%], Staph. areous [23.8%], E-Coli [16.7%], Klebsiella [14.3%] and Enterobacter [7.1%]. In CRS group without polyps [52 patients], the most common isolated organisms were Staph. coagulase-negative [25%], Staph. areous [11.5%], Klebsiella [9.6%], E-Coli [7.7%] and Strep. Non-group A [7.7%]. Normal flora grew in 5 cultures [9.6%]. In only one culture of CRS group without polyp, Pseudomonas was isolated. No resistance was reported from gram-positive bacteria against vancomycin and gram-negative rods were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxon and ceftizoxim. Despite of some previous studies, the most common micro- organisms in the cultures of CRS cases, regardless of having nasal polyps or not, were Staph. coagulase-negative, Staph. aureus and gram-negative rods, respectively. The incidence of GNRs in CRS group with nasal polyps is higher which may lead to special antibiotic therapy in them. Increasing in Vivo resistance of these bacteria to antibiotics is problematic and the routine old antimicrobial therapy may not be effective enough to control these pathogens and avoid surgical therapy. However, In Vivo evaluations are recommended to reveal a better interpretation

[Ecologic study of serum selenium and upper gastrointestinal cancers in Iran]

Both observational and experimental studies have shown that higher selenium status reduces the risk of upper gastrointestinal cancers in selenium deficient populations. Recent cancer registry data have shown very different rates of esophageal cancer [EC] and gastric cancer [GC] in four provinces of Iran, namely Ardabil, Mazandaran, Golestan, and Kerman. The aim of this study was to have a preliminary assessment of the hypothesis that high rates of EC in Golestan and high rates of GC in Ardabil may be partly attributable to selenium deficiency. We measured serum selenium in 300 healthy adults from Ardabil [n=100], Mazandaran [n=50], Golestan [n=100], and Kerman [n=50], using inductively coupled plasma, with dynamic reaction cell, mass spectrometry [ICP-DRC-MS] at the US Centers for Disease Control [Atlanta, Georgia]. The median serum selenium concentrations were very different in the four provinces. The medians [IQR] for selenium in Ardabil, Mazandaran, Golestan, and Kerman were 82 [75-94], 123 [111-132], 155 [141-173], and 119 [110 -128] micro g/L, respectively [p<0.001]. The results of linear regression showed that the province variable, by itself, explained 76% of the variance in log selenium [r2=0.76]. The proportion of the populations with a serum selenium more than 90 micro g/L [the concentration at which serum selenoproteins are saturated] was 100% in Golestan, Kerman, and Mazandaran but only 29% in Ardabil. Our findings suggest that selenium deficiency is not a major contributor to the high incidence of EC seen in northeastern Iran, but it may play a role in the high incidence of GC in Ardabil province

Evaluation of T lymphocyte subsets in children with beta thalassemia major

Peripheral blood T lymphocytes and their subsets were studied in 31 patients with beta thalassemia major [age 2-12 years] and compared with 14 age-and sex-matched healthy controls. Three monoclonal antibodies [anti-CD3, anti CD 4, anti -CDS] were simultaneously applied for detection of th [CD3+ CD 4+] Ts/c [CD3+ CD8+] and Th/Ts ratio by flowcytometry respectively. The results of this study showed a slight increase in the number of T lymphocytes, T CD 4+ T CD8+, and CD 4+/CD8+ ratio; but this increase was not statistically significant [P>0.05]. No primary defect in T cell subsets was detected and it was suggested that continuous regulation of iron balance is an important factor in decreasing immunological disturbance