Showing 270 results for Rat
Ahmadi H, Moein M, Salati A,
Volume 61, Issue 1 (4-2003)
Abstract
Complications of Coronary artery disease remain the most common cause of morbidity and mortality after vascular surgical procedures. Goldman risk factor analysis has been suggested as peri-operative noninvasive screening method to detect significant coronary artery disease in emergent vascular procedures.
Methods and Materials: In this study, the accuracy of the Goldman scale was assessed with regard to the development of cardiac complications such as asymptomatic ischemic change in ECG, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction and cardiac death. We studied 100 patients that were required emergent vascular procedures from 2000-2001. Data about perioperative complications were extracted and analyzed using SPSS computer program.
Results: Our study indicated there is not statistical correlation between cardiac death, infarction, arrythmia, ECG change, age, sex and cardiac class.
Conclusion: We concluded that Goldman scale could not be regarded as a screening method to predict peri-operative cardiac complications in emergent vascular procedures.
Jabal Amely F, Malek Zadeh F,
Volume 61, Issue 1 (4-2003)
Abstract
In Vivo, after administration of treatment, concentrations of antimicrobial agents will reduce to sub-inhibitory levels (sub-MIC) and may therefore affect the properties of target bacteria. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the in vitro effect of sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MIC) of ampicillin, gentamicin and nalidixin acid on morphology, growth, ammonium production and urease activity of proteus mirabilis. Proteus mirabilis is well recognized as an important urinary tract pathogen.
Materials and Methods: Several of its properties have been studied in relation to pathogenesis manifested in urinary tract such as urease activity.
Results: In the presence of ampicillin, long filamenteous cells was produced and the length of the cells was increased at the higher concentration of ampicillin. Sub-MIC of ampicillin and gentamicin affected the growth pattern and prolonged the lag-phase of growth. This affected was significant when gentamicin was used. Nalidixic
acid of 1/2 MIC greatly reduced the growth rate, while the lag phase was not
changed. In the presence of sub-MICs of ampicillin and gentamicin, the amount of
ammonium production increased. In medium with 1/2 MIC of ampicillin, the
ammonium production was 30 times of control, while the urease specific activity of sonicated cells did not show any significant changes.
Conclusion: It seemed that the antibiotics enhanced the cell membrane permeability for substrate and enzyme. Nalidixic acid didn't show any significant effect on ammonia production, and urease specific activity of proteus mirabilis. The results indicate that the sub-MIC of antibiotics can effect virulence factors of proteus mirabilis.
Kazemi Khaledi A, Rahmani Reaza,
Volume 61, Issue 1 (4-2003)
Abstract
Prosthetic valve re-operation has greater mortality and morbidity than primary valve replacement. By recognition of factors influencing on causes of redo operation and preoperative survival, one can select appropriate prosthesis at primary valve replacement and when operation performed at appropriate time, surgical risk can be reduced.
Methods and Materials: Two hundred patients that underwent prosthetic valve re-operation from October 1991 through November 2001 were included in this study. There were 68 men and 132 women with the mean age of 42:tl 1.8 years. Structural failure was the commonest cause of bio-prosthesis replacement (93%). Valve thrombosis was the common cause of mechanical valve replacement (32%). Age younger Than 50 (P= 0.01) and interval after the first implantation more than 10 years (P= 0.01) affected bio-prosthesis degeneration.
Results: Atrial fibrillation (P<0.01), Older age especially more than 40 (P<0.05) and mitral position (P<0.01) affected mechanical valve thrombosis. Cross clamp time (P= 0.005), Tricuspid insufficiency (P = 0.001), NYHA IV (P = 0.005) and emergent operation (P= 0.001) were independent determinants of hospital mortality.
Conclusion: In conclusion, in patients with more than 10-years life expectancy and age younger than 50, mechanical valve can be selected for primary valve replacement. If operation performed before patients reach deteriorated condition, preoperative survival would be excellent.
Mohagheghi M A, Nahvi Jou A, Sedighi Z,
Volume 61, Issue 2 (5-2003)
Abstract
Opioids are increasingly being recognized as the primary treatment for cancer pain management. Optimal treatment of cancer pain involves assessing its characteristics, considering different management strategies, evaluating side effects and adverse drug reactions and establishing the most appropriate therapeutic regimen. This study was designed to review the current status of pain management for advanced cancer cases using opioid analgesics.
Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, disease characteristics, and opioids use indicators in 700 cases of advanced cancer patients.
Results: A total of 700 cancer cases, 42 percent females and 58 percent males, between 17-80 years age range (Mean age of 57.25) were studied retrospectively. Cancers of breast (21 percent), colorectal (12 percent), lung (7 percent), stomach (7 percent) and bone either primary or metastatic (6 percent ) in women and stomach (17 percent), lung (12 percent), colorectal (11 percent), prostate (9 percent ), and bone (8 percent ) in men were the most common causes of opioids prescription in study group respectively. Advanced primary cancer (in 52 percent), bone metastasis (in 32 percent), and treatment complications (in 7 percent ) were considered as physical basis for pain in patients. Morphine (by injection), Opium (by oral intake) and methadone (injection and/or oral) were the most common opioids prescribed. Using equianalgesic conversion chart, the daily dosages and therapeutics schedules of morphine administration were as follows:
43 percent received 21-30 mg. in 2-4 divided doses
27 percent received >30 mg. in 3-5 divided doses
21 percent received 11-20 mg. in 2-3 divided doses
9 percent received 5-10 mg. in 1-2 divided doses
Conclusion: Pain management of cancer patients is not adequate and opioid use is not rational. New educational and managerial strategies are needed to optimize cancer pain treatment in routine medical practice. To overcome current barriers, WHO stepwise model for cancer pain control and palliative care is recommended. Publishing Standard Treatment Guidelines for different levels of health care system is another recommended approach to optimize cancer pain.
Atri A, Taj Mj, Yalda A R,
Volume 61, Issue 3 (6-2003)
Abstract
The genus acinetobacter are intestinal gram negative, encapsulated, non motile, aerobic bacilli, which are rod shaped during rapid growth and cocobacillary in stationary phase. Risk factors associated with nosocomial infections include: length of hospital stay, surgery, wounds, previous infection, fecal colonization, treatment with broad spectrum antibiotics, parenteral nutrition, indwelling central intravenous or urinary catheters, admission to a burn unite or ICU and mechanical ventilation. Acinetobacter meningitis occur infrequently and is generally found after neurosurgical procedures.
Here, we are presenting a 19 year-old female patient who developed multi-drug resistant (MDR) acinetobacter meningitis after operation on maxillary bone, but despite good clinical response to imipenem and amikacin succumbed aminoglycoside induced otoxicity.
Sadr Bafghi S M, Rafie M, Modares Mosadegh M, Ahmadiah Mh, Zandikarimi F, Aghili K,
Volume 61, Issue 4 (7-2003)
Abstract
Unstable angina (UA) is situated in a spectrum with myocardial infarction (MI) at one end of it and stable angina at the other end. To determine the clinical and paraclinical characteristics of unstable angina this study was designed.
Materials and Methods: Two hundred patients with definite UA who were hospitalized at cardiac care units (CCU) in Yazd were enrolled in this cross- sectional study. Clinical and para-clinical characteristics including class of severity of angina, clinical circumstances, drugs, risk factors, changes in ECG, and patient's condition at the time of leaving hospital were evaluated.
Results& Conclusions: The average of age of patients was 61.85 years and 57% of them were female and 43% were male. The most prevalent risk factor among men was smoking (48.8%) and among women was hypertension (62.8%). According to Braunwald suggestion, patients were divided into 3 classes based on the severity of their diseases. Frequency distribution of patients in classes I,H and III were 24.5%, 4% and 71.5%, respectively. Normal ECG, was observed in 24.5% of subjects at the time of hospitalization and in 67% of patients when leaving hospitals. Frequency distribution based on the risk stratification was 22.5%, 58.5% and 19% in the low, medium and high risk groups, respectively. During hospitalization, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was seen in 3.5% of individuals that majority of them belonged to class III of angina.
Hedayat A, Bastan Hagh M H, Bavandi F,
Volume 61, Issue 4 (7-2003)
Abstract
Intra-operative measurement of intact Parathyroid hormone (iPTH) using a rapid assay technique is useful as an aid in determining adequacy of resection and leads to reduce re-operative cases.
Materials and Methods: In a prospective case series study, PTH level determined before and after (intra-operative and one day after) Parathyroidectomy in 34 patients with primary hyperthyroidism that refer to Shariati hospital during 18 months between year 2000 and 2001.
Results: The average PTH levels before and after parathyroidectomy were 563 pgr/lit and 121 pgr/lit. All patients had significant decrease in PTH levels after Parathroidectomy (mean = 78%). One day after operation, this level decreased to 42 pgr/lit (mean = 87% decrease compared with before operation)
Conclusion: In this study, like the same other studies from other countries there was significant decrease in PTH levels in rapid intra-operative assay that can demonstrate the reliability of PTH monitoring for intra-operative management and overall operative success rates.
Mehr Aein A, Davoodi S, Madani Givi M,
Volume 61, Issue 6 (9-2003)
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of intraoperative autotransfusion and tranexamic acid on post-operative bleeding and need for allogeneic transfusion.
Materials and Methods: In a prospective, randomized study, 200 patients undergoing CABG allocated into two groups:
□ AT group = 100 patients received 1-2 units (300-450cc) autologous blood after termination of CPB D TX group = 100 patients received tranexamic acid, 15mg/kg before the injection of heparin and 15mg/kg after protamin injection Postoperative bleeding, transfusions, complications, ICU stay and hospital stay were recorded.
Results: The postoperative bleeding was lower in TX group (600 ml) than in AT group (1100 ml) (P <0.001). The rates of transfused patients in AT and TX groups were 72% and 65%. Patients in the AT group received more whole blood (2.82 units per patient vs. 1.93 units in TX group) (P<0.01). The numbers of FFP units administered per patient in AT and TX groups were 3.08 and 2.38 (P <0.01). In TX group, ICU stays and hospital stays were 0.8, 5.4 days (vs. 1.2s, 6.7days in AT group). In AT group, there were 2 transient renal dysfunctions and two re-operations. There was no difference between all groups regarding to neurological dysfunction and coagulopathy. There is no hospital mortality in all groups.
Conclusion: Tranexamic acid in comparison with intra-operative autotransfusion effectively reduces postoperative complications and allogeneic transfusions in CABG. In addition this technique due to shorter ICU and hospital stay is cost- effective.
Nasiri E, Noori Mogehi S M J, Dehpour A, Abolhasani F, Sadeghipour H,
Volume 61, Issue 6 (9-2003)
Abstract
Obstructive cholestasis is associated with overproduction of endogenous opioids (EOP), nitric oxide (NO), and cytokins in the blood streams. Therefore we investigated the relationship between obstructive cholestasis and function of germ cells in adult male rats.
Material and Methods: To study this, we used three groups of animals: No-surgery, Sham-surgery, and surgical ligation of the bile duct. After 3 weeks all animal were killed by ether, serum concentrations of FSH, LH and testosterone were determined by Radioimmunoassay, apoptosis was evaluated by DNA fragmentation detected by in situ terminal deoxynucloetidyl Transfrase-mediated dUTP nike end labeling (TUNEL).
Results: The mean of FSH level in cholestatic, control and sham groups were 13.22+ 1.038, 18.14+ 1.276, and 16.92+ 1.072 ng/ml, respectively. The mean of LH level in cholestatic, control and sham groups were 0.83 + 0.21, 2.058 ± 0.26, and 1.84 + 0.17 ng/ml, respectively. In addition, the mean of testosterone level in cholestatic, control and sham groups were 1.52 ± 0.16, 2.41 ± 0.18, and 2.31 + 0.14 ng/ml, respectively. The results of this study were indicated that serum FSH, LH and testosterone were significantly lower in cholestatic than control and sham groups (p=0.0195, P= 0.0029, and P=0.0023, respectively). However there was no significant difference in apoptotic index between all of groups (P=0.195). The apoptotic index in cholestatic, control and sham rats were 9.897± 1.374, 7.086 + 0.91, and 7.729 + 1.101, respectively.
Conclusion: These findings have been shown which as obstructive cholestasis was decreased the levels of serum gonadotropins and testosterone but it has no significant effector testicular germinal cells apoptosis.
Abbasi Moghaddam M A, Razavi S M, Nooraei S M,
Volume 62, Issue 1 (4-2004)
Abstract
Background: The idea of integration of medical education into health care system with the goal of comprehensive self sufficiency and complete response to public health needs were initiated in 1985. There were many prose and cones in this procedure which raised many controversies. The dilemma about strengths and weaknesses increased in 2002 during which Iran parliament tried to change the situation. In this study we tried to conclude and exit the dilemma.
Materials and Methods: We studied the attitude of key academic person regarding the integration. In a cross-sectional study using a pretested questionnaire, we assessed the attitude of 556 academic staffs and managers from eight randomly selected medical universities.
Results: Most of respondents agreed the positive out come of integration like establishment of disease surveillance and improving in health indicators, but they believed that the quality of medical education has decreased. Most of respondents suppose that dissociation of medical education may cause a lot of problems.
Conclusion: There are a lot of controversies regarding the strengths and weaknesses of integration. External factors were causes of decreasing the quality of education so it is important to decide about the future by considering external factors.
Sazegar A A, Karimi Yazdi A, Amanpoor S, Doolabi K,
Volume 62, Issue 1 (4-2004)
Abstract
Background: Tympanic membrane perforation as a sign of different otologic disorders have multiple causes, for example trauma .Traumatic perforations heal spontaneously in most cases but in large and stable perforation otolarngologist intervention is necessary . In the stable perforation of tympanic membrane , if there isn’t infection in the tympanic cavity , the paper patch or myringoplasty may be used. These procedures need remedy charge and time and may be with morbidity and other complications. Recently materials like hyaluronic acid and epidermal growth factors has been used to speed healing of tympanic membrane perforation, and their effect has been proved. Pentoxifylline an anti-thrombotic drug has positive effect on increasing perfusion and wound healing in pathological conditions. Alike we have used pentoxifylline to show it’s effect on the healing of guinea pig perforated tympanic membrane.
Materials and Methods: This study has been done prospectively, on 32 guinea pig ears.
Results & Conclusion: Final otomicroscopic study after three weeks showing no significant difference in the healing rate of tympanic membrane in pentoxifylline group versus control group.
Mohyeddin Bonab M, Moghaddam K A, Alijanipoor P, Beshtar M, Ghavam Zadeh A,
Volume 62, Issue 1 (4-2004)
Abstract
Background: Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation has brought the possibility of the use of high dose chemotherapy in the treatment of malignant hematopoietic diseases. Short-term HSC preservation at 4˚C is the most common method for autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT).
Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven mobilized PBSC samples from thirteen hematological patients (4 AML, 4 MM and 5 Lymphoma cases) who were selected for autologous PBSCT and 24 normal candidates for allogenic PBSCT were preserved in five separate sterile 2 ml tubes in 4˚C. Each sample was evaluated for total nucleated cell (TNC) count, dye exclusion cell viability and Granulocyte-Macrophage colony forming unit (GM-CFU in semisolid medium after 16 days) in days 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8. The results were converted to percentages of day 0 measures. The data were analyzed by SPSS 10.0 using Paired Samples T test, Independent Samples T test and Regression.
Results: The mean percentages (and standard deviations) of TNC count, cell viability and GM-CFU for days 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 are shown below:
No significant correlation was found between age, sex, weight and the kind of donor with TNC, viability and GM-CFU.
Conclusion: In this study, we have found that during storage of mobilized PBSC in 4˚C, TNC count and cell viability still remains higher than 70% after eight days, while GM-CFU decreases more rapidly and falls to less than 50% after day 4.Therefore, TNC count and cell viability do not decrease as fast as GM-CFU.
Beigy A, Salavati J,
Volume 62, Issue 2 (5-2004)
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to compare electronic fetal heart rate monitoring (EFM) characteristics between Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA ) and Small for Gestational Age (SGA) fetuses and to determine whether SGA fetuses have specific abnormalities.
Materials and Methods: Among children born from Apr 2002 to Mar 2003 in Arash hospital, we identified 300 singleton infants born after 36 weeks' gestation of uncomplicated pregnancies in whom second-trimester (24-27 weeks' gestation) EFM records were obtained. Individual components of fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern baseline rate, baseline FHR variability, presence of acceleration and periodic and episodic deceleration , and birth characteristics were compared between AGA and SGA infants or between pregnancies with or without second-trimester decelerations. Statistical analysis was performed using Student t, Chi square and Fisher exact test.
Results: Among 300 infants, 261 (87%) were AGA and 39 (13%) were SGA 65 had and 235 did not have second-trimester decelerations. Baseline FHR variability, second- trimester decelerations and intrapartum FHR decelerations were significantly higher in SGA fetuses than in AGA fetuses (P<0.05). Birth weight and gestational age were significantly lower in SGA fetuses than in AGA fetuses (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in baseline rate and acceleration ,maternal age and parity, Apgar score in 1 minute, meconium staining, mode of delivery, NICU admission, between SGA and AGA infants. Small for Gestational Age infants were more frequent in pregnancies with second-trimester decelerations compared with those without second-trimester deceleration (P<0.05). Baseline FHR variability in pregnancies with second-trimester decelerations was significantly higher than in pregnancies without second-trimester deceleration (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Periodic or episodic decelerations and increased FHR variability during late second-trimester EFM were associated with an increased risk of SGA infant
Mahjoob F, Yavari M, Jahanzad I,
Volume 62, Issue 2 (5-2004)
Abstract
Background: Wilm’s tumor is the most frequent primary renal neoplasma in pediatric age group. Classically it is composed of three histologic parts: Blastemal, Epithelial and stromal. Different factors are implicated as prognostic determinants. Nowadays special attention is paid to proliferation markers for determining the biologic behavior of tumors. In this study we tried to ascertain the proliferative index of 22 cases of Wilm’s tumor in our center who have had rather good follow up (at least two years).
Materials and Methods: After reviewing the H and E slides, we stained sections with PCNA and ki67 and scanned them by image cytomertry. Then the proliferative indices for each histological part was determined.
Results: We resuted that proliferative indices of blastemal and epithelial parts have significant (P< 0.0002) difference (increment) from that of stromal part. Also the patients were divided into those with recurrence (within two ys of primary surgery) and recurrence. The profileration indices of PCNA for those recurring tumors was significantly higher (PCNA= 22.3%) (P= 0.0015).
Conclusion: Finally we concluded that using proliferative markers in Wilm’s tumor is useful as an effective prognostic factor.
Resaei J, Esfandiari K,
Volume 62, Issue 3 (6-2004)
Abstract
Background: CBD stones are the commonest cause of obstructive jaundice and cholangitis and in elderly patients with major underlying disease has a high incidence of mortality.
Materials and Methods: In this study, we overviewed 200 patients with CBD stones which treated with cholecystectomy and Endoscopic sphinctrotomy or cholecystectomy and open CBD Exploration, and compare them for surgery complication, treatment failure and hospitalization complications.
Results: We found that these two groups were equal for surgery complication and morbidity. But in patients with Endoscopic sphinctrotomy they had added complication of this procedure. Failure in stone removal both immediately after procedure and in final assessment and costs was considerably higher in the patients that were treated with Endoscopic sphinctrotomy.
Conclusion: These results do not support preoperative Endoscopic sphinctrotomy as a technique for stone removal on the basis of efficacy, morbidity rate and cost. But overall conclusion about comparison of two methods is dependant to other studies about long term morbidity and other factors that affect results.
F Sargolzaei Aval , A Sobhani , M Akbari , B Niknafs , A Hedayatpoor,
Volume 62, Issue 4 (7-2004)
Abstract
Background: In order to evaluate bone induction and repair in cranial bone defects by the use of combination of Octacalcium Phosphate/Bone Matrix Gelatin (OCP/BMG), this study was conducted.
Materials and Methods: We used 40 young male Sprague dawley rats (5-6 weeks age). A full thickness standardized trephine defect, 5mm in diameter, was made in the rat parietal bone and OCP combined with BMG was implanted into the defect. No OCP/BMG particles were implanted in control group that was otherwise treated identically. On the 5th, 7th, 14th, and 21st days after implantation, the rats were killed and bone samples collected. After processing the tissues by routine histological procedures, 5mm thick sections of bone were cut and stained with Haematoxyline and Eosin (H& E) and alcian blue and examined by light microscope.
Results: On the 5th day after implantation, inflammatory cells were seen around the implanted materials, especially around the OCP particles. A few clusters of cartilage cells were observed between the BMG particles in the central position of defects on the 7th day after implantation. On the 14th day after implantation, osteogenesis was seen at the margins of the defects. In addition to bone formation from the margins toward the center, interstitial growth of new bone tissue was seen around the implanted materials. By the end of 21st day, almost all of the OCP/BMG particles were absorbed and bone trabeculae, bone marrow cavities and bone marrow tissues were seen. In the control group, at the end of 21th day, a few areas of new bone were seen near to the defect margins and host bone, but much less than in the experimental group.
Conclusion: Therefore, implants of OCP/BMG appear to stimulate new bone growth in bone defects and these biomaterials could be used in the repair of cranial bone defects and injuries in clinical situations.
Shayegan M, Poor Fathollah A.a, Namiri M, Babaei Gh,
Volume 63, Issue 4 (7-2005)
Abstract
Background: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-) is a major mediator of inflammatory responses and also plays a role in Febrile non-hemolytic reactions (FNHRs) after platelet concentrates (PCs) injection. It is thought contaminating WBCs are the source of these cytokine so inactivating or decreasing of these WBCs will be effective to decline of the cytokines. Due to difference results between different methods for TNF measurement, in this study we compared Immunoassay and Bioassay methods to determine TNF- in supernatants of PCs.
Materials and Methods: TNF- was measured by ELISA (Immunoassay) and by the L929 cytotoxicity Bioassay in supernatant of random donor PCs (RD-PC) prepared by platelet rich plasma (PRP). These platelet concentrates were divided in 4 groups: 1- unfiltered , non-irradiated RD-PCs (N=13) 2- unfiltered and -irradiated RD-PCs (N=16) 3- filtered , non-irradiated RD-PCs (N=14) 4- filtered and -irradiated RD-PCs (N=11)
Results: Our results showed: • TNF- was increased (by ELISA) in unfiltered non-irradiated units during storage but not in -irradiated and filtered RD-PCs in day 3. Compared to unfiltered PCs in filtered units, pre-storage filtration and irradiation prevented a rise in the TNF- in day 3 of storage. • There was no correlation between ELISA and the cytotoxicity L929 bioassay .
Conclusion: It has been previously reported that different quantitative results can be obtained when TNF alpha is measured in biological fluids by Bioassay and Immunoassay. This is thought to be related to the presence of antigenic forms of TNF alpha that cannot be detected by bioassay, such as complexes with soluble receptors (sTNF-R) or TNF alpha monomers.
Esmaillzadeh A, Mirmiran P, Azadbakht L, Azizi F,
Volume 63, Issue 4 (7-2005)
Abstract
Background: No evidence exists regarding the prevalence of the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype in adolescents. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of this phenotype in a representative sample of Tehranian adolescents.
Materials and Methods: Anthropometry and biochemical measurement were assessed in a population-based cross-sectional study of 3036 Tehranian adolescents (1413 male and 1623 female) aged 10-19 years. Hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype was defined as concurrently having serum triglyceride concentration ≥110 mg/dl and waist circumference ≥90th percentile for age and sex. Overweight (≥95th percentile) and at risk for overweight (≥85th-<95th percentile) was defined based on the standardized percentile curves of body mass index suggested for Iranian adolescents.
Results: The prevalence of the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype was 6.4% (95%CI: 5.5-7.2) among Tehranian adolescents (males: 7.3%, 5.9-8.7 and females: 5.6%, 4.4-6.7). Overweight subjects had the highest proportion of hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype than those at risk for overweight and those with normal-weight (male: 42.9 vs 2.9 and 0.0%, respectively, P<0.01 female: 32.5 vs 11.3 and 1.3%, respectively, P<0.01).
Conclusion: This study provides evidence showing high prevalence of the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype in Tehranian adolescents, particularly among overweight adolescents. This finding highlights the need for effective preventive and therapeutic strategies relying on diet, physical activity and lifestyle modification.
M Amiridavan, S.m Sonbolestan, S.a Kholvvat, Sh Nemati ,
Volume 64, Issue 1 (3-2006)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) is an emergency situation, and is one of the most controversial subjects in domain of otolaryngology. In this article, we have analyzed some Epidemiologic Characteristics, clinical features, audiological Characteristics, and other findings in routine serological tests and MRI of 48 cases with SSNHL ,who came or were referred to us in the past 2 years. Study design: Cross sectional.
Materials and Methods: In 48 patients with chief complaint of SSNHL, from June 2003 to Feb. 2005, who were admitted in clinic of otolaryngology- in Kashani Hospital -Isfahan- Iran, physical examination and history taking, audiological evaluation, MRI,and serological tests were performed in a similar way , and data were analyzed by SPSS software.
Results: From 48 cases(M:28 ,F:20) with mean age of 40.9(+/-15.9) years, left ear was involved in 26 cases (54.1%) ,and right ear in 19 cases (39.5%) ,and in 3 cases (6.3%),both sides were involved. The severity of hearing loss was “subjectively” HIGH in 78% of patients, and the mean threshold of hearing had been calculated as 69 dB. The most common pattern in pure tone audiometry curves ,was ‘flat pattern’(75%) ,and then ,’down sloping pattern’(16%).The most adjunctive clinical symptom was “tinnitus”(in 78.7%), and 40% of patients had “true vertigo”. 44.4% of our patients had some evidences of upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) during recent 2 weeks. Positive family history, smoking, alcohol intake ,oral contraceptive and ototoxic drugs consumption were uncommon. 24% of cases (11 of 39) had increased ESR, and 100% of 39 patients had negative VDRL. Diabetes mellitus was the most common underlying disease (in 6 cases).From 20 patients ,who were succeeded to perform brain and ear MRI, 2 cases had tumor in internal auditory canal and cerebellopontine angle.
Conclusion: SSNHL has some limitations in being studied histopathologically or in the form of clinical trials, and in nearly all of its aspects there are some mysteries to be cleared. Our ‘Iranian’ patients demonstrated some special characteristics.
N Nokhostin-Ansari, M.r Hadian, H Bagheri, S Naghdi, Sh Jalaei , T. Khosravian-Arab,
Volume 64, Issue 2 (4-2006)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Spasticity is a velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes (muscle tone) with exaggerated tendon jerks, resulting from hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex. The measurement of spasticity is necessary to determine the effect of treatments. The Modified Ashworth Scale is the most widely used method for assessing muscle spasticity in clinical practice and research. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interrater reliability of Modified Ashworth Scale in hemiplegic patients.
Materials and Methods: Thirty subjects (16 males, 14 females) with a mean age of 59.40 (SD =14.013) recruited. Shoulder adductor , elbow flexor , wrist dorsiflexor , hip adductor , knee extensor and ankle plantarflexor on the hemiplegic side were tested by two physiotherapists.
Results: In the upper limb, the interrater reliability for shoulder adductor and elbow flexor muscles was fair (0.372 and 0.369, respectively). The reliability for the wrist flexors was good (0.612). The difference in Kappa value for the proximal muscle (shoulder adductor 0.372) and the distal muscle (wrist flexor 0.612) was significant (²X=33.87, df=1, p<0.05). In the lower limb, the reliability for the hip adductor was fair (0.350), but for the knee extensor and ankle plantar flexor was moderate (0.518 and 0.542, respectively). The Kappa value for the proximal muscle (hip adductor: 0.350) and distal muscle (ankle plantar flexor0.542) had no significant difference (²X =1.35, df=1, p >0.05). The mean value for the upper limb (0.505) and the lower limb (0,.516) was not significantly different (²X=0.1407, df=1, p>0.05).
Conclusion: The interrater reliability of Modified Ashworth Scale was not good . The limb, upper or lower, had no significant effect on the reliability. In the upper limb, the reliability for the proximal and distal muscle was significantly different. However. The difference in the lower limb was not significant.When using the scale, one should consider it&aposs limitation.
