Fatemeh Moharreri; Atefeh Soltanifar; Azadeh Soltanifar
Volume 19, Issue 1 , March and April 2012, Pages 6-13
Abstract
Background: The core symptoms of autism are abnormalities in social interaction, communication, and behavior. The involvement of 5-HT has been suggested in neuropsychiatric disorders and particularly in autistic disorder.
Material and Methods: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of cyproheptadine, ...
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Background: The core symptoms of autism are abnormalities in social interaction, communication, and behavior. The involvement of 5-HT has been suggested in neuropsychiatric disorders and particularly in autistic disorder.
Material and Methods: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of cyproheptadine, a 5-HT2 antagonist, in the treatment of autistic disorder. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we assessed the effects of cyproheptadine plus risperidone in the treatment of autistic disorder.
: Thirty children between the ages of 3 and 11 years (inclusive) with a DSM-IV-TR clinical diagnosis of autism referred to the child psychiatry clinics at Sheikh and Ebn-e Sina hospitals, Mashhad, were recruited. The children presented with severely disruptive symptoms related to autistic disorder. Patients were randomly allocated to cyproheptadine + risperidone (Group A; 15 patients) and risperidone + placebo (Group B; 15 patients) for an 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The doses of risperidone and cyproheptadine were titrated up to 2 mg/day and 0.2 mg/kg/day, respectively. Patients were assessed at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks of starting medications.
Results: The Childhood Autism Rating Scale scores after 4 and 8 weeks were 40.26±2.9 and 38.56±2.38 in group A and 40.2±3.31 and 37.73±2.59 in group B, respectively. The scores improved in both groups, but the difference between them was not significant (F=0.029, d.f= 1, p=0.867).
Conclusion: The results suggest that the combination of cyproheptadine with risperidone is not more effective than risperidone alone. However, the results need confirmation by a larger randomized controlled trial.
Ali Moghimi; Mohammad Mohammad-Zadeh; Seyyed Mehdi Beheshti Nasr
Volume 19, Issue 1 , March and April 2012, Pages 14-25
Abstract
Background: Minocycline is an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drug. In addition, its neuroprotective effects have been shown. Since there is interaction between cell death and seizure, the aim of this study is examination of the role of minocycline on amygdala-kindled seizures in rat.
Materials and ...
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Background: Minocycline is an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drug. In addition, its neuroprotective effects have been shown. Since there is interaction between cell death and seizure, the aim of this study is examination of the role of minocycline on amygdala-kindled seizures in rat.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, three groups of animals (18 rats), after stereotaxic surgery and 1-week recovery period, received twice daily kindling stimulations. In fully kindled animals of groups 1-3, minocycline was injected intraperitoneally in doses 12.5 (n = 7), 25 (n = 5) and 50 (n = 6) mg/kg, respectively, 60 minutes before stimulation. Afterdischarge duration (ADD), stage 4 latency (S4L), Stage 5 Duration (S5D) and Seizure Duration (SD) were recorded and compared with related control groups (the same animals that had received saline 1 day before). A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to represent a significant difference.
Results: In fully kindled animals who had received minocycline (50 and 25 mg/kg), ADD decreased significantly. When minocycline was delivered, S5D decreased 38.3% (p < 0.001), 34% (p
Zahra Emami Moghaddam; Hamidreza Behnam Vashani; Zahra Younesi; Farzaneh Hasanzadeh
Volume 19, Issue 1 , March and April 2012, Pages 26-33
Abstract
Background: Infants often undergo painful procedures such as vaccination and blood sampling. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and breastfeeding methods may be desirable in order to create positive interaction between mother and child. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the analgesic effect ...
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Background: Infants often undergo painful procedures such as vaccination and blood sampling. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and breastfeeding methods may be desirable in order to create positive interaction between mother and child. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the analgesic effect of KMC and breastfeeding methods during immunization injections in infants.
Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 180 infants undergoing DPT vaccination were divided randomly into three groups. Breastfeeding was performed from 2 minutes before, during, and one minute after the injection in breastfeeding group, while kangaroo mother care started 10 minutes before the injection and continued for one minute after the injection in KMC group. Symptoms associated with pain were evaluated using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS), crying time, and latency to cry.
Results: The mean severity of pain was 3.5±1.53, 4.38±1.37, and 5.43±0.96 in breastfeeding, KMC, and control groups, respectively, and their difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean crying times for breastfeeding, KMC, and control groups were 34.62±14.40 s, 49.87±26.57 s, and 61.17±22.08 s, respectively, which were significantly different (p
Mehrdad Shariati; Arash Esfandiari; Mehrdad Modarresi; Zahra Rahmani
Volume 19, Issue 1 , March and April 2012, Pages 34-41
Abstract
Background: Extensive supply of herbal products in today’s societies in normal diet or as medications necessitates conduction of toxicological, histological, and hormonal studies. Awareness of the effects of medicinal plants and their inclusion in the diet can contribute to reproductive health. Since ...
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Background: Extensive supply of herbal products in today’s societies in normal diet or as medications necessitates conduction of toxicological, histological, and hormonal studies. Awareness of the effects of medicinal plants and their inclusion in the diet can contribute to reproductive health. Since Mentha pulegium is widely used in pharmaceutical and food industries due to its strong fragrance and beneficial therapeutic effects, this study examined the effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Mentha pulegium leaves on the function of pituitary-testicular axis.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male rats of Wistar strain weighing about 190 220 g were divided into five groups of eight. The control group received nothing, the sham group received distilled water and ethanol, and the experimental groups received 400, 800, and 1600 mg/kg b.w. hydro-alcoholic extract of Mentha pulegium leaves intraperitoneally. The experiment period was 28 days.
Results: In this study, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. Furthermore, the number of spermatozoa and Leydig cells had declined in the experimental groups receiving the high dose of the extract. Histological examinations also revealed extensive degenerative changes in the germinal epithelium and spermatogenesis arrest in the experimental groups receiving the high dose of the extract.
Conclusion: Hydro-alcoholic extract of Mentha pulegium leaves in low dose had a significant decreasing effect on plasma total testosterone, FSH, and LH levels. The effects of this extract on histological changes of testis were dose-related.
Seyyed Reza Attarzadeh Hosseini; Zahra Hojati Oshtovani; Hossein Soltani; Seyyed Alireza Hossein Kakhk
Volume 19, Issue 1 , March and April 2012, Pages 42-51
Abstract
Background and objective: There is a significant relationship between pulmonary function and general health and mortality. The matching between ventilation and perfusion is an effective factor in pulmonary function. This study investigated the effect of 24 sessions of interval aerobic training on pulmonary ...
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Background and objective: There is a significant relationship between pulmonary function and general health and mortality. The matching between ventilation and perfusion is an effective factor in pulmonary function. This study investigated the effect of 24 sessions of interval aerobic training on pulmonary volumes and capacities and maximal oxygen consumption in sedentary girl students.
Materials and methods: In this experimental study with pre- and post-test design, 30 healthy sedentary girl students were selected and randomly allocated to experimental (N = 15) or control (N = 15) groups. The experimental group performed 24 sessions of 45 minute interval aerobic running while the control group had no training program. Before and after the training program, pulmonary volumes and capacities and peak oxygen consumption were evaluated via spirometry tests and Bruce treadmill protocol, respectively.
Results: Exercise training resulted in 62% increase in ERV (p = 0.004), 65% increase in PEV (p = 0.03), 35% increase in MVV (p = 0.03), and 23% increase in VO2max (p = 0.001). Also, training had no significant effect on TV, IRV, FVC, PIV, and FEV1/FVC. In spite of increase in TV, IRV, and FEV1, FVC, PIV, MEF-25%FVC, FMEF-25%-75%FVC, and FEV1/FVC, training had no significant effect on these variables. However, the effect of training on the increase of ERV, PEF, MEF-50%FVC, MEF-75%FVC, MVV and VO2peak was significant (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Aerobic training in young girls improves capability and coordination of respiratory muscles, especially expiratory muscles, and causes improvement in lung function via increasing some lung volumes and capacities.
Tahmineh Peirouvi; Amir Haidary; Mostafa Solati; Daryosh Mohammadnejad; Akbar Gharbali; Gholmhossein Farjah
Volume 19, Issue 1 , March and April 2012, Pages 52-58
Abstract
Background: The epididymis is a tubule that processes the maturation, storage, and transfer of sperm. Growth and maintenance of epididymal structures depend on testosterone release, which is directly controlled by pituitary gonadotropins. Furthermore, gonadotropins are controlled by hypothalamic releasing ...
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Background: The epididymis is a tubule that processes the maturation, storage, and transfer of sperm. Growth and maintenance of epididymal structures depend on testosterone release, which is directly controlled by pituitary gonadotropins. Furthermore, gonadotropins are controlled by hypothalamic releasing hormones. Using gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs can stop the pituitary-gonadal axis. This study aimed at determining the effect of a GnRH agonist (buserelin) on prepubertal rat epididymal tissue.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental, 20 rats on the 25th day after birth, provided by the Department animal house, were divided into 4 groups. The first and second study groups received 0.1 mg/kg GnRH agonist for 5 days and were dissected on the 30th and 35th day after birth, respectively. Animals in the control group received physiologic serum 0.1 mg/ml for 5 days and were dissected like the study groups. Measurements were performed using a calibrated microscope.
Results: The findings reveal a significant increase in epithelial height and lumen diameter in the first and second study groups as compared with the first control group (p ≤ 0.05). In comparison between the second study group and the second control group, only epithelial height, but not lumen diameter, showed a significant increase. Also, there was no significant difference in muscular thickness between the study and control groups.
Conclusion: This study shows that short-term administration of GnRH increases epithelium growth and lumen diameter, but not muscle thickness, in epididymis.
Mahin Delara; Fazlollah Ghofranipour; Parviz Azad Fallah
Volume 19, Issue 1 , March and April 2012, Pages 59-68
Abstract
Background: Decision making for adopting a health behavior is a process involving passing through different stages. This study was conducted to determine the decision making stages based on Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM) in female students with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Material and Methods: ...
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Background: Decision making for adopting a health behavior is a process involving passing through different stages. This study was conducted to determine the decision making stages based on Precaution Adoption Process Model (PAPM) in female students with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Material and Methods: In this quasi-experimental within-subjects study, the PAPM stages were assessed in 317 high school students with PMS, who were exposed to an educational intervention based on PMS concepts. Decision making stages before and after the educational intervention were assessed based on PAPM.
Results: All the participants in pretest assessment were at the stage 0 of decision making. None of them had changed her decision making stage during a one-week posttest assessment. After exposure to educational intervention, about 10.1% were assessed as stage two, 26.8% were in stage three, 1.9% reached stage four, and 61.2% were at stage five. In a regression model, PMS scores could predict 2% of variance in decision making stages. PMS severity and sign interference with social and school performance had a significant correlation with the individual’s decision making stage (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Adolescent girls with PMS are not in the same stage of decision making after exposure to educational intervention and obtaining the necessary knowledge about PMS. Based on this finding, the design of educational interventions for PMS students must be stage-based. Perceived severity of PMS symptoms and PMS sign interference with school and social activities are among the variables that can be considered as PAPM constructs.
Akram Kooshki; Hadi Tabibi; Mahmoud Rivandi
Volume 19, Issue 1 , March and April 2012, Pages 69-75
Abstract
Background: Anorexia, limitation in the intake of some nutrients, loss of nutrients during dialysis, and extensive inflammation are important causes of malnutrition in hemodialysis patients. For this reason, this study reviews the status of macro- and micronutrient intake in these patients as compared ...
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Background: Anorexia, limitation in the intake of some nutrients, loss of nutrients during dialysis, and extensive inflammation are important causes of malnutrition in hemodialysis patients. For this reason, this study reviews the status of macro- and micronutrient intake in these patients as compared to Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) values.
Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study was performed on 75 hemodialysis patients referred to the dialysis department of Vasei Hospital, Sabzevar, Iran. After measuring height and body weight, nutrient intake of each patient was determined using 24-hour food recall method for two consecutive days (one day on and one day off dialysis) and the frequency of meals was recorded. Nutrient intake of each individual was determined using Nutritionist IV software. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and one-sample t-test at the significance level p < 0.05.
Results: The mean BMI of patients in this study was 20.04±3.38 kg/m2. The mean energy intake was 1767.98±373.85 and 1816.76±433.16 kcal in women and men, respectively, and the mean protein intake was 67.92±21.11 and 69.30±21.38 g per day in men and women, respectively. Also, in this study, the intake of all nutrients, except vitamins B1, B3, B12, and iron, was less than the recommended standard in hemodialysis patients (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, the intake of most water- and fat-soluble vitamins and minerals was less than the recommended standard in hemodialysis patients.
Mokhtar Mokhtari; Esfandiar Sharifi; Shahrbanou Abbasnia
Volume 19, Issue 1 , March and April 2012, Pages 76-84
Abstract
Background: Magnesium is a unique element among the trace elements, because it plays a role in a vast range of metabolic processes such as carbohydrate, lipid, protein, and the integrity of nucleic acids. Noting the role of this element in the physiological activity of organelles and tissues and the ...
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Background: Magnesium is a unique element among the trace elements, because it plays a role in a vast range of metabolic processes such as carbohydrate, lipid, protein, and the integrity of nucleic acids. Noting the role of this element in the physiological activity of organelles and tissues and the importance of the regulation of thyroid hormone levels in the body, this study considered the effect of esculent magnesium sulfate on the values of TSH, T3, and T4 hormones.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 adult male Wistar rats weighing nearly 190-200 g were used. The rats were divided into five groups of eight: the experimental groups received 2, 4, and 8 molars of edible magnesium sulfate solution, respectively, while the control group received nothing. The sham group received only distilled water. The prescription was continued for 28 days and bleeding the heart was done to measure the mentioned factors of the serum. The mean concentration of the hormones was analyzed using suitable statistical methods, such as ANOVA and Tukey’s test, and compared between the control and experimental groups.
Results: The statistical analysis showed that the concentrations of TSH, T3, and T4 hormones increased significantly after receiving the different values of magnesium sulfate compared with the control group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the results of this investigation, magnesium sulfate in the last 28 days increased the thyroid activity leading to increased serum levels of TSH, T3, and T4 hormones.
Said Ebn Said; Mahshid Forouhgan; Ahmadali Akbari Kamrani; Zia Ghaemmagham Farahani; Ahmad Delbari
Volume 19, Issue 1 , March and April 2012, Pages 85-95
Abstract
Background: The burden of diseases in later life is high and the elderly are affected by multiple illnesses, frequently leading to hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to draw an overall picture of the clinical situation in elderly patients hospitalized for acute care.
Materials and methods: ...
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Background: The burden of diseases in later life is high and the elderly are affected by multiple illnesses, frequently leading to hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to draw an overall picture of the clinical situation in elderly patients hospitalized for acute care.
Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study performed in a three-month period in 2010 in Ahvaz Petroleum Hospital. Two hundred consecutive elderly patients admitted to the hospital were assessed for medical history, BMI, CBC, blood chemistry, and ECG, and were tested by Geriatric Depression Scale, Abbreviated Mental Test Score, Activities of Daily Living, and Informant Questionnaire of Cognitive Decline in Elderly questionnaires.
Results: Mean age of patients was 71±8 years, and 67% were female. There was a history of depression in 9%, sleep disturbance in 70%, hearing problems in 23%, vision problems in 59%, memory impairment in 20%, overweight/obesity in 74%, cancer in 9%, and pain in 36% of patients. Ischemic ECG changes, abnormal Hb, positive CRP, and abnormal BUN/Creatinine ratio were seen in 30%, 34%, 20%, and 25% of patients, respectively. Forty-nine percent were on more than five drugs and 17% were ADL-dependent. Seventy-eight percent had normal GDS score. Abnormal AMTS scores suggestive of cognitive impairment were seen in 10%. Sixty-six percent were transferred to medical wards, while 34% were transferred to surgical wards.
Conclusion: The existence of multiple simultaneous disturbances in hospitalized elderly patients necessitates proper training of physicians and medical staff for acute care services in the field of geriatric medicine.