Effects of "FIRST2ACT" Model on Knowledge and Practical Skills of Difficult Airway Management in Nurse Anesthesia Students: An Interventional Study.

Introduction: An important part of anesthesia management is opening and maintaining the patient's airway. Failure to establish and maintain a safe airway for patients during anesthesia is a life-threatening condition. Despite advances in science and technology, difficult airway management is far from ideal. Providing a simulated environment for critical situations seems to be the best way to better educate and prevent medical errors. This study aimed to compare the effect of the FIRST2ACT (Feedback Incorporating Review and Simulation Techniques to Act on Clinical Trend) model on knowledge and practical skills of difficult airway management and respiratory accidents between the intervention and control groups. Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental intervention with before and after design. Sampling was done by census method and the participants were third and fourth-year nurse anesthesia students (n=62). The students were randomly allocated to an intervention group (n=31) educated and practicing based on the FIRST2ACT model and a control group (n=31). The intervention consisted of five stages: developing core knowledge, assessment, simulation, reflective review, and performance feedback, all based on the FIRST2ACT model. Theoretical and practical skills were examined in the participants. Data collection tools included a questionnaire and a checklist. Results: The results showed that after applying the FIRST2ACT model, the intervention group scored higher than the control group in both theoretical knowledge (17.87±1.43 vs. 12.67±1.35) and practical skills (134.28±3.21 vs. 81.58±8.55). This difference in results between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusions: It can be concluded that using this model was effective to improve the knowledge and practical skills of nurse anesthesia students in the field of difficult airway management and respiratory accidents during anesthesia.

Immunoexpression of the GCDFP-15 Marker in Different Grades of Breast Carcinoma.

Background & Objective: During the last decade, biological markers of breast cancer have been considered to predict the degree of histology, behavior, and extent of tumor invasion and the possibility of lymph node involvement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of GCDFP-15 in different grades of invasive ductal carcinoma, as the most common type of breast cancer. Methods: In this retrospective study, paraffin blocks of tumors of 60 breast cancer patients registered in the histopathology laboratory of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz between 2019 and 2020 were reviewed. Information on grade, invasion, stage and lymph node involvement was extracted from the pathology reports and immunohistochemical staining for GCDFP-15 was performed. Data were analyzed by SPSS 22. Results: GCDFP-15 marker expression was observed in 20 out of 60 breast cancer patients (33.3%). GCDFP-15 staining intensity was weak in 7 cases (35%), moderate in 8 cases (40%), and strong in 5 cases (25%). The patient's age and sex showed no significant relationship with the expression of GCDFP-15 and intensity of staining. Expression of the GCDFP-15 marker was correlated significantly with tumor grade, stage, and vascular invasion (P<0.05)) and its expression was higher in tumors with a lower grade, less depth of invasion, and no vascular invasion but unrelated to perineural invasion, lymph node involvement, and tumor size. The intensity of staining for GCDFP-15 showed significant relationship with the tumor grade (P<0.0001) but unrelated to the other factors. Conclusion: GCDFP-15 marker may be significantly associated with tumor grade, depth of invasion, and vascular invasion, thus can be used as a prognostic marker.

Comparison of Vocal Fatigue in Speech Therapists With Other Rehabilitation Therapists.

INTRODUCTION: Voice, as one of the most important communication tools in humans, can cause many problems in a person's daily life if it is damaged. One type of voice complaint is vocal fatigue, which is common among people who use their voices a lot. Rehabilitation therapists may be more vulnerable to a variety of vocal disorders and complaints due to extensive voice use and long-term relationships with clients. The aim of this study is to investigate and compare vocal fatigue among therapists in Ahvaz rehabilitation fields. METHOD: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was performed on 100 therapists in Ahvaz rehabilitation fields. For this purpose, the Persian version of the vocal fatigue index questionnaire has been used. One Way Anova parametric tests were used to compare target variables. The relationship between vocal fatigue and work experience and working hours per day was calculated using Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: A comparison of the scores of the vocal fatigue index in the rehabilitation therapists showed that there was a significant difference between the therapists scores in the field of speech therapy and the therapists scores in other fields (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Due to the nature of rehabilitation fields and the use of voice during daily interactions with different clients, especially clients with special disabilities, the possibility of voice disorders and complaints in this population should be considered. Therefore, providing the necessary training for voice care and voice health of this population should be noted in order to prevent voice disorders and complaints.

The Effect of Nutrition Education Using MyPlate on Lipid Profiles, Glycemic Indices, and Inflammatory Markers in Diabetic Patients.

As a result of a nutrition transition, chronic diseases, including diabetes, have increased in Iran. Nutrition education is a cost-effective method for modifying diet and controlling diabetes. This study aimed to examine the effect of nutrition education using MyPlate recommendations on glycemic and lipid profiles and inflammatory markers in Iranian adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. A 12-week randomized clinical trial was conducted on 44 adults aged 30-50 years from Ahvaz, Iran. The participants were divided into education and control groups. The education participants were taught the MyPlate recommendations. Serum levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers, including high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α, and adiponectin, were measured at the baseline and the end of the study. The results showed that serum levels of FBS (p = 0.014) and HbA1c (p < 0.001) decreased significantly in the education group at the end of the study. The serum level of low-density lipoprotein in the education group declined significantly at the end of the study (p = 0.043). Furthermore, the serum level of hs-CRP (p = 0.005) declined significantly while the level of adiponectin (p = 0.035) increased in the education group at the end of the study. The evidence of this study showed that nutrition education using MyPlate recommendations is an effective method for controlling diabetes complications. A longitudinal analysis with a larger sample size is recommended to confirm the evidence of this study. Trial Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Identifier: IRCT2015031921443N2.

The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural consultation on sexual function and sexual self-efficacy of women after childbirth.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the cognitive-behavioral therapy program (CBT) on the sexual function and sexual self-efficacy of 100 women after childbearing. Methods: In this experimental pretest-posttest and control group design study, women who passed eight weeks of their delivery and were referred to three health centers, in Shadegan, Iran, from January to April 2019 registered using the simple sampling method and randomly allocated into two groups of case and control. For the CBT group eight weeks of counseling (one session/week), and for the control group, routine educations were provided by health care providers. Both groups filled out the female sexual function index and sexual self-efficacy questionnaires before intervention and eight weeks after the last session. Results: There was no significant difference between the CBT and control groups before the intervention in terms of sexual function and sexual self-efficacy, but eight weeks after the intervention, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Proper implementation of counseling based on the CBT model improved sexual function and self-efficacy of nulliparous women after childbirth.

Effect of breathing exercises on respiratory indices and anxiety level in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of breathing exercises alongside traditional therapy on respiratory indexes and the level of anxiety of generalized anxiety disorder patients. [Participants and Methods] Forty-one patients were assigned a study group undergoing medication and routine counselling plus breathing exercises (EXS), and a control group received medication and routine counselling only (Non-EXS). Every two weeks, patients are called (weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8) to monitor their schedule adherence. [Results] This study's results showed FEV1/FVC ratio significantly increased in the EXS group in the second study follow-up period after two months. Anxiety, FVC, FEV1, Etco2, respiration, and pulse rate over time have tended towards desirable results in the exercise group than control groups, especially after two months, but significant differences not seen. [Conclusion] This study's findings indicated that breathing exercises could improve generalized anxiety disorder's pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Our data bring up this hypothesis that longer follow up, increasing breathing period, and more exercising is associated with higher outcome.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its associated factors among Iranian steel workers.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is composed of a collection of risk factors for heart diseases and diabetes. In recent decades, metabolic syndrome has been identified as one of the important risk factors leading to the development of work-related diseases. OBJECTIVE: Since few studies have been conducted on evaluating the prevalence of MetS among Iranian workers, this cross-sectional study aimed at assessing the prevalence of MetS and the factors affecting it among Iranian steel workers. METHODS: This study was carried out on 510 employees working in a large steel producing company. The data pertaining to blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, and demographic information were collected and the Adult Treatment Panel (ATP III) criteria were implemented to diagnose MetS. RESULTS: The prevalence of Mets was obtained equal to 13% and a significant positive relationship was observed between age and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. From among MetS elements, low HDL cholesterol and increased waist circumference were recognized as the most and the least frequently involved elements with 39.3% and 6.5% prevalence, respectively. Chi-square test was run and the results showed that the prevalence of MetS and some of its components rose at higher BMI values. It was also indicated that MetS and its components had no significant relationship with shift work. CONCLUSION: The current findings revealed that the prevalence of MetS increased with aging. Low HDL and high triglycerides levels were among the main risk factors for MetS. Therefore, considering these risk factors, it should be attempted to develop relevant strategies at workplace to encourage workers to go for a healthier lifestyle so that they can prevent the incidence of MetS.

A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial of skin-lightening cream containing lycopene and wheat bran extract on melasma.

OBJECTIVE: Melasma is an acquired hyperpigmentation disorder, and reactive oxygen species play important role in regulating melanin synthesis. Lycopene is one of the most effective oxygen neutralizers among tomato-derived carotenoids. Also, hydroquinone is a compound that has been used for the treatment of hyperpigmentation by mechanism of tyrosinase inhibition and can be found in wheat. METHODS: An appropriate cream formulation containing 0.05% tomato lycopene and 3.45% wheat bran extract was prepared, and physicochemical characterization was performed. The prepared formulations were applied twice a day for three months in combination with SPF = 30 sunscreen by 22 patients diagnosed with melasma. MASI score in two groups was evaluated at weeks 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 and 1 month after the treatment. RESULTS: The prepared formulation shows smooth and homogeneous appearance with suitable spreadability and viscosity. The MASI score of intervention group from the sixth week until the end of the treatment was significantly decreased compared to the onset of the treatment (P < .05), and the mean difference of the MASI score and the rate of skin discoloration in intervention group (0.53 ± 0.47 and 3.73 ± 1.90, respectively) were significantly higher than in placebo group (0.14 ± 0.20 and 0.91 ± 0.07, respectively; P < .05). Size of melasma during the study was decreased significantly from 6.59 ± 3.47 to 5.97 ± 3.83 (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The data of mean difference of the MASI score indicated skin improvement in intervention group. Meanwhile, no recurrence was observed one month after the end of the treatment. These data suggest that the prepared formulation containing lycopene and wheat bran extract is safe and could be promising as an efficacious cosmetic treatment.

Spatio-temporal variations of airborne bacteria from the municipal wastewater treatment plant: a case study in Ahvaz, Iran.

The study of bioaerosol dispersion in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has received considerable attention. This study aimed to investigate the seasonal changes and spatial distributions of airborne bacteria around different parts of Ahvaz WWTP, the capital city of Khuzestan Province, Iran, over 4 months in the cold and warm seasons. Samples were collected from 2 and 10-m intervals of grit chamber (GCh), primary sludge dewatering basin (PSDB), aeration tank (AT), as well as 60-m upstream (US) and downstream (DS) of the WWTP. Further, bacteria in the indoor air of administrative building (AB) of WWTP were investigated. Bioaerosols were collected by passive sampling method. The total bacteria count was 105.3 ± 98.5 CFU/plate/h. The dominant bacteria stood 2 m away from the AT with an average 244.2 ± 73.1 CFU/plate/h in the warm season while they were the lowest with an average 43 ± 11.4 CFU/plate/h in the 10-m distance of the GCh in the cold season. According to the sequencing results, the dominant bacterial species included Bacillus pumilus (26.7%), Staphylococcus arlettae (23.2%), Kocuria turfanensis (13.6%) and Alicycliphilus (9.2%), respectively. There was a positive relationship between the release of bacteria, temperature and wind speed. However, there was a significant negative correlation between total bacteria concentration and humidity. There are accumulative perils to WWTP workers and neighbors exposed by persistent exposure to airborne bacteria. Therefore, AT should be paid more attention as a dominant source of airborne bacteria emissions, especially in the warm season.

The Incidence and Awareness of Hypertension, among Adults in Ahvaz: A 5-Year Cohort Study in Southwestern Iran.

BACKGROUND: According to the World Health Organization in 2009, hypertension is responsible for 13% of all deaths. Hypertension can increase the risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, dementia, heart disorder, kidney, and other chronic diseases. In this study, the prevalence and incidence of hypertension and knowledge and awareness of it among adults in Ahvaz are investigated. METHODS: This cohort study was carried out on 688 participants in a study on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome investigated in adults in the city of Ahvaz in 2009. In 2014, participants were again recruited. Based on the standard method and disease history, blood pressure, height, and weight were measured, and a demographic information questionnaire was completed through interviews. RESULTS: In this study, 688 individuals over 20 years of age participated with an average age of 42.7 ± 13.3 years, 300 men (43.6%), and 388 women (56.4%). Hypertension incidence was 65/1000 person-years which included 67.7 and 57.8/1000 person-years in men and women, respectively. The awareness of patients about hypertension was 51.2% in phase 2 (hypertension new cases). CONCLUSIONS: In this study conducted in Ahvaz, the incidence rate of hypertension was 65/1000 person-years, higher in men than women. Hypertension awareness was 50.5%, 45.1% in men, and 55.1% in women.

Human adenovirus 36 improves insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles and increases inflammatory markers in Wistar rats.

Human adenovirus 36 (Ad-36) causes obesity with increased adiposity, in contrast, Ad-36 infection reduces glucose and lipid metabolism; the results, however, are not consistent. In the current study, the effects of Ad-36 infection on glucose and lipid profile and inflammatory markers in Wistar rats were investigated. Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into infected and control groups. Ad-36 virus suspension was injected in the experimental group rats. Blood samples were collected in the beginning and after 12 weeks in both groups. After 12 weeks, a significant improvement was observed in fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin, insulin sensitivity, serum triglycerides and total cholesterol in the infected group compared with the non-infected groups. There were no significant differences in inflammatory biomarkers including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels between infected and control groups. This study showed that Ad-36 had favorable effects on glycemic and lipid control in infected rats, but inflammatory biomarker levels were similar for 2 groups. Ad-36 infections could potentially be a new way to develop novel antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic therapeutic agents.

Influence of sex and body mass index on facial soft tissue thickness measurements in an adult population of southwest of Iran.

PURPOSE: Facial soft tissues have different thicknesses among different genders and ethnicities. This study was aimed to investigate the association of sex, ethnicity and body mass index (BMI) with facial soft tissue thickness measurements using magnetic resonance imaging to make a database for the Iranian southwest population (for Lur and Arab populations). METHODS: In this analytical cross-sectional study, measurements of superficial soft tissues were taken at nine points of midline including glabella (GB), nasion (NA), end of nasals (END), mid-philtrum (MID), upper lip margin (UL), lower lip margin (LL), chin-lip fold (CLF), mental eminence (ME) and beneath chin (BC), eight points of axial sections including frontal tubers (FT), supraorbital margin (SO), external orbital margin (EX) and zygomatic arch (ZY) on both sides, and also two points of coronal section including both sides of the masseteric region (MST). RESULTS: For association of sex with the measurements, NA, MID, UL, LL and BC were significantly higher in men (Pc < 0.05). The most accurate measurement was MID with area under curve (AUC) = 85.03%, followed by UL (81.21%), NA (72.18%), LL (71.19%) and BC (68.10%). For association of ethnicity with BMI and measurements, higher amounts of GB and MID were associated in Arab patients. CONCLUSION: This study showed significant association of soft tissue thickness measurements with sex, BMI and ethnicities of southwest of Iran. MID had the most diagnostic value for male sex. The results of this study can be used in forensic medicine to diagnose the legal and biological identity of the corpse.

Dysphonia Characteristics and Vowel Impairment in Relation to Neurological Status in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

PURPOSE: In this study, we attempted to assess the phonation and articulation subsystem changes in patients with multiple sclerosis compared to healthy individuals using Dysphonia Severity Index and Formant Centralization Ratio with the aim of evaluating the correlation between these two indexes with neurological status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 47 patients with multiple sclerosis and 20 healthy speakers were evaluated. Patients' disease duration and disability were monitored by a neurologist. Dysphonia Severity Index and Formant Centralization Ratio scores were computed for each individual. Acoustic analysis was performed by Praat software; the statistical analysis was run using SPSS 21. To compare multiple sclerosis patients with the control group, Mann-Whitney U test was used for non-normal data and independent-samples t test for normal data. Also a logistic regression was used to compare the data. Correlation between acoustic characteristics and neurological status was verified using Spearman correlation coefficient and linear regression was performed to evaluate the simultaneous effects of neurological data. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed that a significant difference existed between multiple sclerosis and healthy participants. Formant Centralization Ratio had a significant correlation with disease severity. CONCLUSION: Multiple sclerosis patients would be differentiated from healthy individuals by their phonation and articulatory features. Scores of these two indexes can be considered as appropriate criteria for onset of the speech problems in multiple sclerosis. Also, articulation subsystem changes might be useful signs for the progression of the disease.

Effects of saffron on homocysteine, and antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common health problems worldwide. Studies have shown that saffron and its derivatives may have therapeutic potentials in T2DM through reducing plasma glucose. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of saffron extract on serum anti-inflammatory and antioxidant variables in T2DM patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a double-blind randomized clinical trial conducted on 64 T2DM patients. Participants received either 15 mg of saffron or placebo capsules (two pills per day) for 3 months. Anthropometric indices, homocysteine, serum anti-inflammatory and antioxidant variables and dietary intake were assessed pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS: After 3 months of treatment, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) increased significantly in both group (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed for total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin 10(IL-10) after the treatment period (p>0.05). Homocysteine decteased significantly in control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results showed no improvement in homocystein levels, antioxidant status and inflammatory biomarkers in T2DM patients after treatment with saffron.

The most appropriate cut-off point of anthropometric indices in predicting the incidence of metabolic syndrome and its components.

INTRODUCTION: The association of individuals' anthropometric indices with their development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been investigated in several studies. Taking into account the ethnic differences, this study aimed to determine the most appropriate cut-off points of anthropometric indices in predicting the incidence of MetS and its components in Ahvaz. METHODS: This study is part of a cohort study conducted at the Diabetes Research Center of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences on a population of over 20 in Ahvaz during 2009-2014. Of the 592 patients, 505 patients who were not diagnosed with MetS in 2009, were entered into this study. The data analyzed involved demographic information including age and sex, anthropometric information including height, weight, waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC) and the ratios between them, laboratory data including blood levels of Triglyceride (TG), Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and clinical data including systolic(S) and diastolic(D)blood pressure(BP). After 5 years, the subjects were re-evaluated for MetS based on the National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria and the most appropriate cut-off points of anthropometric indices for the prediction of the incidence of MetS using the Receiver Operative Characteristic (ROC) curves were obtained. RESULTS: Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) index with a cut-off point of 0.53 followed by WC with a cut-off point of 87.5 cm had the highest power to predict the incidence of MetS. The cut-off points of WC and Body mass index (BMI) were respectively 89.5 cm and 26 kg/m2 for men, and 83.5 cm and 27.5 kg/m2 for women. All anthropometric indices were able to predict the components of this syndrome (with the exception of low HDL-C). The cut-off point of WC in predicting High FBS, High TG and High BP was 84.5, 84.8, and 86.5 cm, respectively. CONCLUSION: Overall, it seems that given its ease of measurement, the WC index is preferred to other indices for predicting the incidence of MetS and its components in clinical screening.

Genetic Variations in VDR could Modulate the Efficacy of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers and Total Antioxidant Capacity among Breast Cancer Women: A Randomized Double Blind Controlled Trial.

Background: Low levels of vitamin D are found in a great part of breast cancer women. Study subjects using vitamin D3 supplement had lower rates of cancers and fewer markers of inflammation. Additionally, recent studies demonstrate the power of vitamin D supplementation to lower inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers associate with VDR polymorphism to reduce inflammation. This study was aimed to assess the impact of vitamin D3 supplementation on the serum concentration of inflammatory markers and antioxidant capacity with regard to VDR polymorphism in the VDR gene in breast cancer women. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 56 breast cancer women. Participants were assigned to 2 treatment arms: placebo and vitamin D3 for 2 months intervention. Supplementation group received 50,000 IU of vitamin weekly. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after the intervention to measure the 25(OH) D3, TNF-α, TGF- ß and TAC. Genotyping was performed for FokI, BsmI, ApaI, and TaqI polymorphism. Results: After eight weeks supplementation, the intervention group showed a significant increase in the serum concentration of 25(OH) D3 (28±2.6 to 39±3.5; p=0.004 and TAC (48.9±13.3 to 63.5±13.3; p= 0.017). Changes in TNF-α, TGF- ß1 were not significant. Serum TAC levels of participants with the TT/Tt, Ff genotypes were more responsive to supplementation. Conclusions: Supplementation with a vitamin D3 increased the TAC in breast cancer women, although it had no effect on inflammatory markers. Serum TAC in the TT/Tt, Ff were more responsive to vitamin D supplement compared with those with the FF/ff and tt genotypes.

Frequency of type I and II diabetes in newly diagnosed diabetic patients: Measuring C-Peptide level.

AIMS: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that manifested as hyperglycemia due to the defect in secretion or function of insulin. This study aimed was to survey about frequency type I and II diabetes in newly diagnosed diabetic patients base on c-peptide and anti-glutamate acid decarboxylase (GAD) tests. MATERIALS & METHODS: This study was conducted as a prospective study on 70 diabetic patients aged 15-45 years old who referred to diabetes clinics in Ahvaz city during 2012-2014 and their diabetes was diagnosed for the first time, but their type of diabetes was not clinically definitive. Patients with anti-GAD positive and fasting C-peptide level of less than 0.65 were diagnosed as type I diabetes. Patients with anti-GAD negative fasting C-peptide level of greater than or equal to 0.65 were considered as type II diabetes. RESULTS: Eighty two patients (49 males and 33 females) with a mean age of 21.64 ±â€¯4.36 years (range 15-34) and a mean BMI of 22.05 ±â€¯4.41 kg/m2 (range 14-18) were studied. Twenty three patients (28.5%) had type I diabetes and 59 patients (71.95%) had type II diabetes. In patients with type I diabetes, the mean BMI was 24.86 ±â€¯2.36 kg/m2 and the number of patients with family history (56.22%) was higher. In type II diabetic patients, the number of women (62.71%) was higher than that of men. CONCLUSION: Anti-GAD test can be used as a predictive test for early diagnosis of disease and screening of people with a diagnosis of diabetes based on the type of diabetes.

Investigating the effects of glaucomatous damage on the multifocal visual evoked potential parameters.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of glaucomatous damage on the mfVEP parameters of patients suffering from primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: Fifteen healthy subjects and 15 patients with unilateral POAG participated in this study. In addition, routine ophthalmological examinations including visual acuity, anterior segment examination, posterior segment examination, intraocular pressure, mfVEP with electrophysiological system, RETI-port/Scan 21, and visual field test with automated Humphrey ZEISS HFA II 750i Perimeter were also performed. RESULTS: The results show that there was a strong correlation between the ∆MDs and the number of abnormal points with the ∆amplitudes more than 256 nV, in patients (n = 15, r = 0.802, p < 0.05), but no correlations were found between the mean sensitivity differences (ΔPSDs) and mfVEP parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Comparing the monocular mfVEP responses from both eyes is an appropriate method to detect unilateral damage. Achievement of more development and making the mfVEP test more functional can be a solution for early diagnosis in most of the eye diseases.

The effect of hydroalcoholic Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) extract on fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, liver, and renal function tests in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double-blind clinical trial.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that manifested as hyperglycemia due to the defect in secretion or function of insulin. Studies have shown that saffron and its derivatives cause a significant reduction in plasma glucose levels in experimental models. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the saffron extract on fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin level (HbA1c), lipid profile, liver enzymes, and renal function tests in type 2 diabetic patients. In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 64 type 2 diabetic patients who were on oral anti-diabetic drugs were examined. Participants received either 15 mg of saffron or placebo capsules (two pills per day) for 3 months. Anthropometric indices, dietary intake, FPG, HbA1c, lipid profiles, liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), and renal function (BUN, Cr.) tests were measured pre and post intervention after 3 months. Independent t test and paired t test were used for data analysis. After 3-months intervention, mean difference of FPG, Cholesterol, LDL-c, and LDL/HDL ratio between two groups showed significant reduction(p < 0.0001), but HbA1c, HDL-C, API, TG showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). In saffron group, FPG, HbA1c, cholesterol, LDL-c, and LDL/HDL ratio decreased significantly after 3-months intervention compare with baseline (p < 0.0001).

Incidence of obesity, overweight and hypertension in children and adolescents in Ahvaz southwest of IRAN: Five-years study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of obesity, overweight and hypertension in children and adolescents aged 10-15 in Ahvaz. METHODS: This is a epidemiologic study performed on 176 people aged 10-15 in Ahvaz. In 2009, 300 people underwent weight, height and blood pressure measurements. Five years later, the same people were reassessed for obesity, overweight and hypertension, of whom a total of 176 people agreed to repeat the procedure. RESULTS: The study included 100 (57%) males and 76 (43%) females. Mean BMI was 22.1 ±â€¯4.3 kg / m2 in year 2014, without any significant difference between the two sexes (P = 0.518). In the same year, the prevalence of obesity and overweight was 26 (14.8%) and 13 (7.4%), respectively. After 5years, BMI increased significantly (P < 0.001). Of the 150 norma participants with normal BMI in 2009, 15 (10%) and 6 (4%) became overweight and obese in 2014 respectively. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures increased significantly over 5 years P = 0.042 and P < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows an increase in mean BMI and mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures after 5 years among people aged 10-15 in Ahvaz.