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Introduction Lentil is used mainly for human consumption as a source of protein and carbohydrates in soups, stews and vegetarian dishes. It is grown to improve economical returns to producers, diversify and lengthen crop rotations and reduce the requirement for nitrogen fertilizer. Lentil, a member of the legume family, Leguminosae, can supply a significant part of its Nitrogen requirement by fixing Nitrogen from the air when inoculated with the appropriate rhizobial inoculant. The pattern of nutrients in the proximal composition of lentil is similar to that of other grain legumes, but seed protein content (19.5-35.5%) is less than in soybean. Fiber concentration is low and is largely within the seed testa, so the fiber in lentil meal can be reduced if it is de-hulled before grinding. In addition to high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and major minerals, the seed contains iron up to 505 mg kg-1 and zinc up to 330 mg kg-1 on a whole seed basis. Amino acids are help in tissue protein formation. Some amino acids are not synthesized in the body and it is necessary to take them in diet. Lentils contain different amino acids that can be used by most people. This research was carried-out to study effect of different amino acids on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, Proline content and seed yield of lentil in delayed planting. Materials and Methods The research was conducted as a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in the Research Farm of Agricultural Faculty, Tarbiat Modares University, through May to July, 2018. The studied factors included mode of application (priming, spraying and priming + spraying) and type of amio acids (Arginine, Aspartic acid, Proline, trade amino acid (proamin) and distilled water (control). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and also mean comparisons were accomplished using the general linear model (GLM) procedure. LSD procedure at a probability level of 0.05 was used to determine statistically significant differences among treatment means. Results and and Discussion The results showed that the highest total dry weight was obtained from the application of Arginine spraying (2330 kg ha-1), priming + spraying aspartic acid (2388 kg ha-1) and trade amino acid (2219 kg ha-1). The highest amount of catalase (CAT) activity was observed in the treatment of distilled water by foliar application and its least effective activity was observed in the application of Arginine as priming. The application of aspartic acid as acidic acid with 888.7 kg ha"2 produced the highest yield. As a result, it is more than three times the performance of using distilled water (control). The application of Arginine (555.1 kg ha-2), commercial amine (444.0 kg ha-2) and Proline (327.8 kg ha-2) were established in the next rank, respectively. According to the results of this study, amino acids can reduce the stress of heat. In the absence of amino acid, yield reduction will be higher. Although amino acids are a Nitrogen source, the routine concentrations involved in exogenous supply are so low that its positive effects can be attributable to an increase Conclusion Aspartic acid and Arginine due to their role in the Nitrogen cycle and also, due to the fact that amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, improved lentil yield. Therefore, it is recommended to use amino acids to increase the yield of lentils. The application of aspartic acid via both priming and spraying is suggested as the best treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most common causes of neonatal re-hospitalization; using transcutaneous bilirubin (TCB) measurement nomogram, the aim of this study was to determine the risk of severe hyperbilirobinemia in term and near-term Iranian neonates at discharge time. Methods: 450 healthy newborn infants, with the gestational age of + 35 weeks, weight of + 2 kg, and the age of 12 to 140 hours were enrolled in this randomized-descriptive practical study. Before being discharged, the infant's bilirubin was measured using Bilichek that was placed on their chest and between two nipples. After being discharged, the newborn infants were followed up. According to the discharge time transcutaneous bilirubin level, the infant's age (in terms of hour), and based on bilirubin nomogram, the newborns were divided into four groups of low-risk, low-medium-risk, high-mediumrisk, and high-risk. In following up the infants, if they were suffering hyperbilirobinemia, the bilirubin was measured again. Findings: According to discharge time transcutaneous bilirubin level and the infant's based-on-hour age, 20% of the subjects were included in the low-risk group, 33.1% in low-medium-risk group, 32.2% in high-medium-risk group, and 14.7% in high-risk group. The risk of severe hyperbilirobinemia in followed-up newborns was 1.4%, 6.9%, 13.6%, and 32.8%, in groups 1 to 4, respectively. During this time, 11.9% of the newborns were found to have sever hyperbilirubinemia (more than 95th percentile. Conclusion: By providing bilirubin nomogram, based on transcutaneous bilirubin level and the infant's age (in terms of hour), the severity of future hyperbilirobinemia can be estimated in Iranian healthy newborns. The transcutaneous bilirubin method with bilichek, that is a non-invasive method, can be recommended for all newborns at discharge time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Firms are always looking for a way to increase the profitability of products or services. Therefore, the determination of cost of services to achieve this goal seems necessary. Aiming to clarify such costs in governmental units, the present study was designed to explain the allocation of costs based on each unit’s activities. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study. Using field methods, the data were obtained from the activities carried out in Medical Imaging Center of Imam Khomeini Hospital in 2010-2011. To calculate the expenses of each unit, both direct and indirect costs of that unit were included. Data were analyzed using activity-based calculations. And ultimately, the cost-benefit of services rendered in each unit was calculated based on the difference between revenues and expenses. Results: With the average revenue of 573,486 rials and a cost of 527,962 rials per service, the benefit per service was computed to be equal to 45,524 rials. Conclusion: With the full implementation of the accrual accounting system, the cost of all services can be obtained, and services will be priced optimally in each unit. Besides, the management of all costs and elimination of unnecessary ones will lead to the reduction of the total cost of services while maintaining the necessary efficiency. Moreover, it will enable the organization to survive and develop based on its strategic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Nitric oxide (NO) is produced by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) from L-arginine and has an important role in a variety of physiological and pathological processes in biological systems. In this study, kinetic activities of isolated NOS were evaluated from sheep kidney. Materials and methods: In this reasearch homogenization, ammonium sulfate precipitation and column chromatography on DEAE-32 Cellulose and 2', 5'-ADP-agarose of 500 grams of sheep kidney were used to purify isolated nitric oxide. In all steps of purification process the amount of protein and its activity was assayed using Bradford and Griess reactions. Results: The molecular weight of sheep kidney on SDS-PAGE electrophoresis was 54 KD. Specific activity was 0.6 units/mg protein and recovery of purification was 0.9% (relative purity was 20 times more). Optimum temperature and pH were 30°C and 7.4 and incubation of purified enzyme at thermal interval of 10 to 30°C for 15 minute showed a stable enzyme activity. At 75 µM concentration of L-arginine substrate, the highest level of NOS activity was seen. The Vmax and Km of enzyme were 250 nmol/min/mg protein and 5.32 ?M, respectively. Conclusion: NOS enzyme from sheep kidney was purified with relative purity of 20 times and their optimum temperature, pH, suitable substrate concentration, Vmax and Km were 30°C, 7.4, 75 µM, 250 nmol/min/mg proteins and 5.32 µmol, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fumonisins, a family of mycotoxins, are mainly found in wheat, corn and their products. Previous studies have shown that fumonisin B1 (FB1), the most abundant and toxic of known fumonisins, has been associated with many animal and human diseases including cancer. In the present study, the effects of FB1 were examined on the production of inflammatory cytokines in intestine and stomach cell lines. Methods: This study was performed in the Cancer Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2010. The cell lines of colon adenocarcinoma (SW742) and gastric epithelium (AGS) were purchased from the Pasteur Institute of Iran. The cells were pretreated with different concentrations of FB1 (0 to 100 μM) for 3 days. The cells were later stimulated by lipopolysaccharides. Twenty-four hours after cell induction, the cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interlukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interlukin-8 (IL-8) were measured by ELISA. Results: Treatment with FB1 induced a dose-dependent decrease in IL-8 production (P<0.05). This decrease was seen in both SW742 and AGS cell lines. Moreover, FB1 induced a dose-dependent increase in the production of TNF-α and IL-1β in both cell lines (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that FB1 could increase the inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α and IL-1β in gastric and intestinal cell lines. These effects might result in the development of inflammatory responses and subsequent mucosal atrophy in in-vivo conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer is a multistep process that develops very rapidly after its onset. Previous studies have confirmed antitumor effects of curcumin (1,7-bis (4-hydroxy-3- methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione; diferuloylmethane) that can potentially prevent colon cancer development with low side-effects. Different methods have been performed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of curcumin among which dendrosome, a nanoparticle created by Sarbolouki et al. was used in this study. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of dendrosomal curcumin on rat colon cancer. Methods: In this study which was performed in Cancer Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2010 year, forty rats were equally divided into control, curcumin and curcumin-dendrosome groups. Animals received azoxymethane (15 mg/kg s.c.), a carcinogen, once a week for two weeks. Curcumin (0.2%) and curcumin-dendrosome were administered to the respective animals 2 weeks before the first and 14 weeks after the last azoxymethane injections. Eventually, colorectal specimens from tumoral and adjacent non-tumoral mucosal tissues were fixed in 10% formaldehyde, and passaged and embedded in paraffin. Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies were performed on the specimens. Results: The mean number of lesions, nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, epithelial stratification, loss of nuclear polarity, goblet depletion, structural abnormality and betacatenin expression were higher in the control group compared to curcumin and curcumin-dendrosome groups. These parameters had significantly decreased in the dendrosomal curcumin group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The present study shows that dendrosome can be used as a suitable nanoparticle to increase curcumin efficiency in the prevention or treatment of colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Amphibian skins possess various antibacterial compounds that are effective against some microbial pathogens and are mostly released in response to environmental stress. In fact, the skin of Rana ridibunda, a large green frog, is a rich source of antimicrobial compounds that can be developed for therapeutic use. In the present study, the skin extract of Iranian Rana ridibunda was evaluated for its antimicrobial, hemolytic and cytototoxic activities. Methods: The frog specimens were collected from Minoodasht located in Golesten province in Iran, during 2009. Subsequently, their skins were removed and the intended compounds were extracted. The crude extract was partially purified by gel filtration chromatography. The antimicrobial effects of skin extract were assessed against various microorganisms such as Escherchia coli, methicillin-resistant and -sensitive Staphyloccus aureus, vancomycin-resistant and -susceptible Enteroccus fecalis, Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Candida albicans. In addition, its minimum inhibition concentration, cytotoxic and hemolytic activities were determined. Results: The crude extract of Rana ridibunda skin had valuable antimicrobial effects against methicillin-resistant and -susceptible S. aureus in comparison with E.coli and vancomycin-resistant and -susceptible E. fecalis. Besides, no antimicrobial activities were seen against P. aeroginosa or C. albicans. Moreover, the hemolytic and cytotoxic activities of the skin extract were minimal. Conclusion: The antimicrobial activity of Iranian Rana ridibunda was comparable to those isolated from other Rana species. In conclusion, the skin extract of Rana ridibunda had the potential for a new therapeutic agent against the emerging drugresistant bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant and -sensitive S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Interleukin-6 (IL6) gene polymorphism is an important inflammatory cytokine. It may play a major role in complications observed after CABG surgery. Therefore, the present study was designed to study the relationship between IL6 174G>C gene polymorphism and complications after CABG. The aim of this study was to investigate any probable relationship between IL6 174 G >C polymorphism and complications observed after CABG surgery. Methods: In this case-control study, whole blood samples were obtained from all patients hospitalized for CABG surgery in Sina Hospital, Isfahan. Subject were divided into two groups of patients with (POC) or without (NPOC) complications. Information such as age, sex, degree of hemorrhage after the surgery, time spent in the intensive care unit (ICU), ventilation time, and inotropic support after the surgery was collected. Statistical analysis of the obtained data was performed using t-test and chi-square test. Findings: We did not find a correlation between IL6 gene polymorphism and complications after CABG surgery (P = 0.126). However, a significant difference was observed. This difference for GG was P = 0.05 and for GC was P = 0.035 between two groups. Conclusion: GG genotype may play a role for the inflammation and complications after CABG. Further studies with larger number of patients are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Paraquat poisoning is one of the most common lethal poisonings in Isfahan, the central province of Iran. Due to the lower price and widespread usage of this potent herbicide for agricultural purposes, this kind of intoxication occurs almost frequently in this region. Paraquat is available here as a concentrated liquid, aerosol form or water soluble granules with different brand names. The toxicity of this poison is due to the creation of superoxide radicals through the electron transport system involved in intracellular conversion of NADPH to NAD. Superoxide anions and other free radicals are very toxic for the cell membrane. Paraquat poisoning affects the respiratory, cardiovascular, central nervous, endocrine, digestive, skin and almost all body systems, depending on the amount of ingestion. Toxic signs and symptoms of its poisoning would be appeared with the ingestion of at least 20 mg/kg or more in adults. Serum levels of 0.2 µg/ml 24 hours and 0.1 µg/ml 48 hours after ingestion, is usually associated with a fatal outcome. Immediate treatment is important for survival of patients. Supportive care, prevention of absorption of ingested poison, elimination measures and administration of antioxidants are all considered as the cornerstone of its treatment. There is no specific antidote for this toxin. High mortality rate of up to 75% in paraquat poisoning may be related to the amount of ingested toxin and the quality of medical care. Therefore, acute care physicians are supposed to have enough knowledge and skills for the supportive care and treatment of paraquat poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the most common methods of suicide is acute poisoning. The association of anemia with psychiatric disorders and psychiatric disorders with suicidal behavior has been know previously. Due to the lack of study on relationship of anemia with suicide, anemia and related factors in intentional suicidal attempts were performed. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study was performed in Noor general hospital. 601 patients with attempted suicide self poisoning were evaluated. χ2 and logistic regression analysis was performed for data analysis. Findings: Prevalence of anemia was 33.8%. Frequency of anemia in patients according to age, sex and bipolar disorder showed significant differences. Logistic regression analysis showed the probability of suicide in women anemic patients was more than men (P = 0.022). Risk of suicide in anemic patients with bipolar disorder was 2.32 times the patients without bipolar disorder (P = 0.01). With increasing age of patients by age 60 relationship of anemia associated intentional poisoning would be increased. Conclusion: Gender, age and bipolar disorders are the related factor in patients with anemia and suicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regarding increasing tramadol toxicity in recent years due to usage of tramadol as a drug for suppression of withdrawal symptoms and high availability of this drug, we did a survey on the frequency of tramadol intoxication symptoms, duration of admission, therapeutic measurements, tramadol dosage, and prognosis of the patients. Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study, in which information of every patient with tramadol toxicity admitted in Noor hospital ward of toxicology (Isfahan, Iran) were gathered and analyzed. Finding: From 184 cases, 141 (76.6%) were men. The mean age of the patients was 24 ± 7 years. Forty percent of patient had positive history of substance abuse. Eighty four cases (45.6%) were with coingestion. Thirty four percent of patients had chronic ingestion of tramadol. The most common chief complaint was central nervous system (CNS) depression (57%) followed by seizure (25%), bradypnea (18%), tachycardia (25%), and hypertension (7%). Active charcol (89%), gastric lavage (81%), naloxane (25%), anti convulsants (11%), and intubation and ventilation (5%) were done as therapeutic acts. The most common complication in patients was aspiration pneumonia. Two (1.1%) patients died. There were significant relationships between tramadol dose and seizure (P = 0.036), ataxia (P = 0.002), and outcome (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Tramadol overdose frequently cause CNS depression, respiratory depression, tachycardia, hypertension, and seizure; these symptoms could be from both effects of tramadol either on mu receptor or inhibition of monoamine reuptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the increasing importance of supplying water for the country, water resource management is of paramount importance. Predicting precipitation, as one of the most important climatic parameters, is especially important in using water supplies. Time series can be used to predict precipitation. Time series analysis seems to be a suitable tool for such forecasting. The present work studies the comparison of the rainfall forecast precision by Box-Jenkins Time Series at three stations in Khuzestan province. The monthly rainfall data of three Meteorological stations in province for 48 years, i.e. (1961-2008) were used. The accuracy and precision of models are evaluated based on AIC statistics and the analysis of the graphs of Autocorrelation Function and Partial Autocorrelation Function. The obtained suitable seasonal rainfall model was (0,1,2)*(2,1,0)12 for Ahwaz, (0,1,2)*(0,1,1)12 for Abadan and (1,1,2)*(0,1,1)12 for Dezful. The results of this study show that these models accurately predict seasonal rainfall almost well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperreactio Luteinalis (HL) is a rare condition during spontaneous pregnancy characterized by bilaterally, or in rare cases, unilaterally enlarged ovaries containing multiple selflimited theca lutein cysts, usually associated with high maternal serum levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and hyperandrogenic state. Most of the patients require surgical intervention during their pregnancy because of ovarian torsion, preeclampsia, syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet levels (HELLP), or to rule out ovarian malignancy. However, we can avoid unnecessary surgical intervention with accurate diagnosis of HL by means of laboratory tests and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Case Report: A 27-year-old pregnant woman with gestational age of 27 weeks was admitted with labor pain and complicated with HELLP syndrome. In ultrasonography, bilateral and multiple ovarian cysts were seen. Conclusion: Reviewing this case suggests a relationship between HL and HELLP syndrome and may help to explain the underlying causes of preeclampsia; HL may be a predictor of preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome in pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, has the ability to inhibit the carcinogenic pathways, and thus can prevent or postpone the carcinogenic process in different animal species. Retention time of curcumin is short due to the quick excretion of the body, so, the therapeutic effects of curcumin are restricted resulting in short-term retention in the plasma. Therefore, several methods are used for increasing the efficiency of curcumin in plasma and tissues. The present study is designed to evaluate the effects of the anti-proliferative and anti-carcinogenic of nano-curcumin in rat colon cancer. Methods: In this study which was performed in Cancer Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2012. Thirty rats have divided into control, curcumin and nano-curcumin groups. All animals received azoxymethane (15 mg/kg, s.c) as a carcinogen, once a week for two consecutive weeks. Animals received curcumin 0.2% and nano-curcumin 2 weeks before azoxymethane injection up to 14 weeks after the last injection of azoxymethane in curcumin and nano-curcumin groups, respectively. At the end of experiment, the colorectal specimens from all mucosal lesions were obtained for histo-and-immunohistochemical (Ki-67 and COX-2) studies. Results: The cytological and morphological changes of the cells in nano-curcumin group were significantly lower compared to other groups (P<0.05). In addition, the Ki- 67 and COX-2 proteins expression was lower in the nano-curcumin group in compareson with the curcumin and control groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate that the using a suitable nanoparticle can be appropriately resolved the low bioavailability of curcumin. This can be an important method to use of natural products in the prevention and/or treatment of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Oxidative interactions such as the formation of oxygen, peroxy radicals and LDL-cholesterol oxidation are involved in the development of atherosclerosis process. This study aims to examine the relationship between serum bilirubin levels and the incidence of coronary artery disease. Materials and Methods: Eighty-five patients and ninety-two healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Total and direct bilirubin levels were measured using diazo method. Besides, triglycerides and total cholesterol were determined by enzymatic method, HDL-Cholesterol by polyanionic method, and LDL-Cholesterol by direct method. For statistical analysis of data, SPSS 17 was applied. For qualitative variables, Chi-square and for quantitative variables, t-student tests were used. The significance level was set at P=0.05. Results: Direct, indirect and total bilirubin levels were 0.213, 0.375, 0.588 mg/dl for control group and 0.228, 0.365, 0.593 mg/dl for patient group, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the mean values for direct, indirect and total bilirubin in the two groups. Furthermore, there was no significant difference between triglycerides and total cholesterol level figures in the two groups. However, there was a significant difference between HDL-Cholesterol levels (P=0.001), smoking (P=0.031), family history (P=0.006), and mean blood pressure (P<0.001) of the two groups. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that measurement of bilirubin as a marker for predicting coronary artery disease may be important. In the end, it should be mentioned that the findings of this study are consistent with some previous studies, but incompatible with others in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) is the rupture of the membrane before labor and prior to the 37th week. PPROM is a common complication of pregnancy with numerous adverse effects on both the mother and the infant. Identifying the risk factors for PPROM and methods for its early diagnosis and treatment will dramatically decrease the side effects. This study aimed at evaluating the outcome of pregnancies complicated by PPROM. Methods: This descriptive, analytic, cross-sectional study lasted for six months. It included 57 patients who were admitted to Shahid Beheshti Hospital (Isfahan, Iran) due to rupture of membrane in 28th-34th weeks of pregnancy. Patients were physically examined and asked for their history and symptoms. The collected data was analyzed with chi-square tests. Findings: The prevalence of PPROM, cesarean section, tachycardia, fever, and more than 15000/ml leukocytosis was 2.3, 52.7, 74.0, 95.0, and 66.0 percent, respectively. Distress, sepsis, and death were observed in 21.0, 3.0, and 1.7 percent of the neonates, respectively. No cases of pneumonia or hyaline membrane disease were detected. There was not a significant relationship between sex and PPROM. Conclusion: Our findings were similar to those of previous research. However, considering the importance of PPROM, larger studies in different areas are required for diagnosis and treatment of PPROM to prevent preterm birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Helicobacter pylori is a gram negative microaerophilic spiral bacilli, which causes duodenal and gastric ulceration. Also this organism cause distal gastric adenocarcinoma and primary gastric lymphoma. The most important Helicobacter pylorus virulence factor is cytotoxin associated gene A (cagA) Pathogenicity Island that cause secretion of antibody by stimulation of immune system. Measurement of the serum antibody can be used to diagnosis strain of Helicobacter pylorus that causes peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Serological discrimination between strain types would reduce the need to emergent endoscopic studies. The aim of this study was comparison of serum anti-CagA antibodies of patients with peptic ulcer disease and patients with Non-ulcer dyspepsia. Methods: This case-control study was carried out from october 2011 to october 2012, in 130 patients who complained of dyspepsia more than six months and referred to gastroenterology and endoscopic ward of Firoozgar Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran. Serum sample obtained from all patients. Anti-CagA antibodies levels were measured in serum samples using ELISA technique. Patients with peptic ulcers as cases and patients without peptic ulcer in endoscopy study were considered as controls. Results: One hundred thirty patients were enrolled in the study and equally two groups (65 patients in case group and 65 patients in control group). Fifty nine subjects of case group (90.76%) and 37 subjects of control group (56.92%) had positive serum anti-CagA antibody (P= 0.003). Sixty one percent of anti-CagA antibodies positive patients and 17.6% of anti-CagA antibodies negative patients had peptic ulcer (P= 0.003). (Odds ratio= 7.4; 95%CI: 2.8-19.7; P= 0.003). Conclusion: The detection of CagA antibodies as an additional and noninvasive test in association with determination of serum anti-CagA antibodies, could help better detection of risk factors of peptic ulcer disease. Also it can reduce the emergency endoscopy process. We can use this technique in patients with dyspepsia who had no warning signs or malignant disease and not taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in primary care of clinical practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute poisoning is one of the most threatening health problems around the world. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of intentional and unintentional poisoning in vulnerable groups in order to assist in planning and implementation of preventive measures. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 786 patients in vulnerable groups (children, women of reproductive ages and the elderly) with acute poisoning who attended the Emergency Department of Noor Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, during 2012. Findings: In 89.5% of cases, poisoning was intentional and 20.1% of these patients had a history of previous suicide attempts. Women at the age 19-44 were the most suicidal cases (95.1%). The most common medications were psychiatric drugs (51.9%). No significant difference was found between sexes, ingested drugs, and outcome between intentional and poisoning group compared to unintentional poisoning. Majority of patients recovered and the mortality rate was 0.5%. Conclusion: Our results showed that the women of reproductive ages were the most vulnerable groups at risk of intentional poisoning in our society that commit suicide by using drugs especially with psychiatric drugs. More attention and support for this vulnerable group is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Genetic is a proven risk factor in this disease. As breast cancer genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) affect the incidence of this type of cancer, identification of mutation carriers is important in reduction of the overall risk. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in patients with breast cancer using high resolution melting (HRM) analysis. Methods: Blood samples of 41 female patients with breast cancer and 20 healthy women were collected randomly. The studied mutations were 185delAG, 5382insC, 3889delAG and 1476delG in BRCA1 and 6174delT and 6033-34insGT in BRCA2. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples. Forward and reverse primers were designed for each mutation. DNA samples of healthy individuals were sequenced to make sure about the absence of the studied mutations. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and HRM analysis were performed and HRM and melting curves were plotted for all samples. For each mutation, some random samples were sequenced. The curves in the case and control groups were compared for each mutation. Findings: The desired mutations were not observed in any samples of the case group. Sequenced samples confirmed the HRM results. Conclusion: Due to the low number of samples and lack of known native mutations, observation and identification of mutations seem to be impossible in studies such as the present one. However, this study can serve as a base for extensive and applied studies of native and non-native mutations in Iranian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relation between angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism and cardiovascular diseases was reported previously but the role of this polymorphism and the occlusion of vein grafts in long-term post coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery still has remained controversial. The aim of the present study was to investigate any probable relationship between ACE I/D polymorphism and the atherosclerotic occlusion of vein grafts. Methods: Patients who undergone CABG surgery more than five years ago, participated in this crosssectional study. Occlusion of vein graft was determined by angiography. The ACE I/D polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based restriction analysis. Findings: A total of 102 patients (84 males) were enrolled to the study. The frequency distribution of DD, ID, and II polymorphisms were 23.6%, 62.7%, and 13.7%, respectively. There were no differences among genotypic groups regarding the number of occluded, diseased, and atherosclerosisfree vein grafts (P = 0.6, 0.7, and 0.18, respectively). Patients with II genotype had the same number of completely occluded vein grafts in a marginally significant shorter time after CABG (P = 0.06) compared with the other groups. Conclusion: Although the results of our study indicated no association of ACE I/D polymorphisms and the occlusion of vein grafts long-term post-CABG, ACE II genotype may accelerate the rate of occlusion in vein grafts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inadequate ventilation, esophageal intubation and difficult intubation are the most common adverse respiratory outcomes in patient undergoing anesthesia .The aim of this study was to compare Mallampati test in supine and sitting positions in traditional approach and during phonation for predicting difficult laryngoscopy and intubation. Methods: In this study performed in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran, Mallampati test was performed on 661 patients who met the inclusion criteria for the study. The test was done in supine and sitting positions with and without phonation by a rater who was blind to Mallampati test. Subsequently, laryngoscopy view and difficult intubation were evaluated in the four aforesaid positions by Mallampati test for predicting difficult laryngoscopy and intubation. For each situations, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy were calculated. Results: Overall, 28 (4.2%) patients had difficult laryngoscopy and 9 (1.4%) patients had difficult intubation. The highest sensitivity for Mallampati test in predicting difficult laryngoscopy and intubation was in supine and sitting positions without phonation, and the highest specificity was seen in sitting position with phonation. Negative predictive values were more than 95% in all different positions for Mallampati tests and the highest positive predictive value was seen in supine position with phonation. Conclusion: According to our findings, the highest correlation between Mallampati test and different positions in predicting difficult laryngoscopy and intubation was seen in supine position with phonation. Phonation improved Mallampati score in supine rather than sitting position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poisoning is one of the medical emergencies. Poisoning with new Anticonvulsant drugs such as lamotrigine, sodium valproate, topiramate and gabapentin has been observed alone or in combination with other drugs in the last few years. Therefore this study was performed regarding the poisoning with new anticonvulsant drugs with respect to demographic, clinical manifestations, length of hospital stay, outcome and correlation between the outcome and different variables. Methods: This study was a descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study. Simple sampling method was performed in the Noor and AliAsghar Hospital on poisoning cases with new anticonvulsant drugs. Need to intubation, connected to ventilator and aspiration pneumonia were considered as outcome Statisticial analysis was done by SPSS17 using ANOVA, Student t-test and logistic regression. Findings: Poisoning with Sodium valproate was more common than Lamotrigine, Topiramate and Gabapentin. The Mean (SD) age of study population was 27.67 (9.74) years old. The most important prediciting factors in outcome incidence were sex (male), seizure, cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms in poisoning with Sodium valproate and seizure in poisoning with Lamotrigine. One death occurred in poisoning with Sodium valproate. Conclusion: Average age of patient was about 27.67 years which may be due to the use of these drugs in the younger age groups. The higher length of hospital stay in patients with respiratory symptoms in Sodium valproate and Lamotrigine poisoning would be because of more complications (intubation, ventilation and aspiration penumonia) observed with these two drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]