Acute respiratory viral infections among Tamattu' Hajj pilgrims in Iran

ABSTRACT: Respiratory infections are among some common health difficulties which may occur in journeys. Tamattu' Hajj, an annual congregation of more than 2 million (including 100000 Iranian) pilgrims from all over the world, embodies circumstances, e. g. close contact, shared sleeping accommodations and the dense air pollution, which potentially facilitate airborne respiratory disease transmission. With pilgrims' returning home, respiratory infections may be spread to different countries, leading to considerable expenditures imposed mainly on National Health Systems. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate acute respiratory viral infections among Hajj pilgrims. In this descriptive-analytical study, serum samples were taken from 338 Iranian pilgrims in order to be investigated, through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), for antibodies to given viruses. 84 % of studied pilgrims, during their journey, presented with symptoms of infectious diseases, among which Adenoviruses (23.7%) occurred more prevalently compared to the other two viruses of concern, i. e., Influenza (3.6%) and RSV (7.4%). Several factors are involved in rate and type of acute respiratory infections among Hajj pilgrims. Despite high rate of infection with Influenza and Adenoviruses, since massive gatherings may help all pathogenic respiratory agents cause pandemics, other infectious agents should be seriously addressed as well

Evaluation of Iron Status in 9-Month to 5-Year-Old Children with Febrile Seizures: A Case-Control Study in the South West of Iran

ObjectiveFebrile convulsions are prevalent in children aged between 9 months and 5 years, with an incidence of 2-5%. On the other hand, iron deficiency anemia is the most common hematologic disease of infancy and childhood with a period of incidence that coincides with the time of developing febrile convulsions.Therefore, it is hypothesized that there is a possible association between these conditions. This study was designed to elucidate this association.Materials & MethodsTwo sex and age matched groups (n=50 in each) of 9-month to 5-year-old febrile children who were admitted to Abuzar Hospital between September 2003 and October 2004 were selected. The first group, or the case group, included children with the first attack of febrile seizure and the second group, or the control group, included febrile children without seizure. Blood samples were collected for measuring complete blood count (CBC) indices, serum Iron,ferritin and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) levels.ResultsBoth groups were comparable for age, sex, and the type of febrile illness at admission, except for seizure. There was no significant difference in CBC, Iron and TIBC between two groups but a signicant difference was seen in MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume), especially in females (P= 0.017). The ferritin level in the case group was significantly lower (30.3 ±16.5 µg/dl) than the control group (84.2 ±28.5 µg /dl) (P= 0.000).ConclusionThe findings of this study suggested a positive association between iron deficiency and the first febrile seizure in children. Supplemental iron may prevent the recurrence of febrile seizure. Prudently, further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods need to be undertaken to substantiate this hypothesis.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus in the families of the patients with hepatitis C infection in Shahre-Kord, Iran

Background: Chronic hepatitis C is a major health concern around the world. Although transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection through parenteral exposure is well documented, sexual transmission of HCV is still debated. Therefore, we evaluated the prevalence of HCV infection within the families of the patients infected with HCV in a central city of Iran, Shahre-kord. Methods: We examined eighty patients with chronic HCV-associated liver disease and their 230 first degree families in a cross-sectional descriptive serological study. Their serum samples were tested for anti-HCV antibody, using ELISA and Immunobloting. A questionnaire including risk factors for HCV infection specially drugs addiction, sexual behaviors, and duration of partnership was filled in by the cases. Results: About 2.17 of the household contacts were seropositive. Of them, 8.7 spouses and 20 sisters had anti-HCV antibody. Conclusion: The risk of HCV transmission between monogamous sex partners is higher than that of in other family members, depending on the duration of exposure especially sexual exposure. Infection rate in other family members of HCV-infected persons and community members is the same. © Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal

Effect of turnip on glucose and lipid profiles of alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Introduction: In traditional medicine turnip (Brassica napus), is used to reduce blood glucose. Furthermore, Turnip also has antioxidant effects and many plants with antioxidant activities are known to have antidiabetic properties. Therefore in this study, the antihyperglycemic effect of boiled turnip extract and metabolic changes on triglycerides, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) in diabetic rats were investigated. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats, weighing 200 to 250g were divided in to 4 groups: control, diabetic control, diabetic group receiving cooked Turnip and diabetic group receiving Glibenclamide. Diabetes was induced by injection of 120 mg/kg alloxan monohydrate on 3 consecutive days. Rats in the third group received 16ml/kg turnip extract daily for 4 weeks after which the animals were anesthetized and blood samples were taken to measure the factors mentoned. Data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance test using SPSS software. Results: Boiled turnip extract significantly reduced serum glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL, and increase HDL, in diabetic rats compared to the control diabetic group (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that boiled turnip extract can reduce blood glucose and lipid levels in diabetic rats and may be used as complementary or alternative treatment for diabetic patients

3D Printed Models for Teaching Orbital Anatomy, Anomalies and Fractures

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of using 3D printing models in the learning process of orbital anatomy and pathology by ophthalmology residents. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was performed with 24 residents of ophthalmology at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Each stratum was randomized into two groups. The educational booklets were distributed, and various forms of orbital 3D models were printed from orbital computed tomography (CT) scans. Knowledge enhancement on the topics was measured by comparing pretest and posttest scores. Results: Thirteen residents who were trained using traditional methods were deemed the control group; while 11 residents who were trained using the 3D printed models were classed as the intervention group. The control group was younger than the intervention group (P = 0.047). The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the total posttest scores between the two groups. Based on the repeated measures of the analysis of variance (ANOVA), score variables were significant between the two groups (P = 0.008). Interestingly, the use of the 3D educational model was more effective and statistically significant with the year one residents as compared to the year two residents (P = 0.002). Conclusion: This study is the first one in Iran quantifying the effects of learning using 3D printed models in medical education. In fact, 3D modeling training is seemingly effective in teaching ophthalmic residents. As residents have never encountered such technology before, their experience using 3D models proved to be satisfactory and had a surprising positive effect on the learning process through visual training

Bioactive components and the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Vaccinium myrtillus on postprandial atherosclerosis risk factors in rabbits

Background and Objective: The important contribution of postprandial state to cardiovascular disease is increasingly being recognized. Diet rich in antioxidant may have beneficial effects on preventing coronary heart disease. This study was therefore aimed to evaluate bioactive components, antioxidant activity and postprandial atheroprotective effects of Vaccinium myrtillus (VM). Methodology: Male rabbits weighing 2.15 +/- 13 gr were randomly designed into 3 groups of 8, using the following regimens: basic diet, hypercholesterolemic diet and hypercholesterolemic diet+VM. The concentration of total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, Alanin aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), fibrinogen, factor VII, nitrite and nitrate were determined in rabbits. Results: Vaccinium myrtillus decreased LDL-c, TC and ApoB, liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and inflammatory factors, while endothelial markers (nitrate and nitrate) had subtle decrease in VM treated rabbits. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that consumption of VM, rich in antioxidant may have beneficial effects on preventing coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis by decreasing remnant lipoprotein values in postprandial state

Knowledge and Practice of Kerman Dentists about Infection Control in Digital Radiography

Statement of the Problem: Infection control is essential for a safe clinical environment during patients’ treatment in dentistry. Transmission of the infection can occur due to contact with patients’ saliva and blood in radiology clinics. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge and practice of dentists in Kerman about infection control in digital radiology. Materials and Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 162 dentists who worked either in private office or clinic or both. The samples were selected through simple sampling method. Data were collected through demographic data, and valid and reliable questionnaire consisted of 7 questions about knowledge and 12 questions about practice on infection control in digital radiology. Data were analyzed in SPSS 26 software using T, ANOVA, and linear regression tests. The p value was considered at 0.05% significant level. Results: 86(53.1%) of participants were men and 76 (46.9%) were female. The mean age of participants and work experience were 36.32±8.88 and 11.03±8.53 years, respectively. The mean and standard deviation of knowledge, practice, and total were 5.20±1.26, 7.98±2.00, and 13.22±2.72, respectively. There was a positive significant correlation between knowledge with age of participants (p= 0.009). There was also a direct significant correlation between knowledge and practice with work experience (p= 0.045 and p= 0.01 respectively). Conclusion: Knowledge and practice of dentists in Kerman about infection control in digital radiology were good and medium respectively. However, there was a direct significant correlation between knowledge and practice of dentists. Knowledge and practice scores in dentists who worked in private office were significantly better than those who worked only in clinics

Astragalus fascicolifolius manna abortifacient risk and effects on sex hormones in BALB/c mice

Background: Astragalus fascicolifolius manna is used to treat different diseases. Because pregnant women tend to use Astragalus. fascicolifolius and Iranian traditional medicine emphasizes the abortifacient potential of this plant, this study aimed to investigate Astragalus fascicolifolius manna abortifacient property and effects on estrogen, progesterone, LH and FSH levels in BALB/c mice. Method: This experimental study was conducted with 70 female BALB/c mice assigned to seven groups: Nonpregnant, untreated; nonpregnant, Astragalus. fascicolifolius extract (400 mg/kg)-treated; pregnant, Astragalus. fascicolifolius extract (400, 800 and 1200 mg/kg)-treated; and two pregnant control groups. On 18 and 19 days of pregnancy, cesarean section performed on mice, resorbed embryos counted; then Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen and progesterone levels were measured by the ELISA. Results: Astragalus. fascicolifolius extract caused a significant increase abortion in mice. The levels of progesterone, FSH and LH were significantly different among the groups such that mean progesterone level was lower and mean LH and FSH levels were higher in the Astragalus. fascicolifolius extract-treated groups than the pregnant, untreated group. Conclusion: This extract has abortifacient properties and this plant can be used cautiously in pregnancy. Decreasing progesterone, increasing FSH and LH feedback in response to decreased progesterone by this extract is one of the potential mechanisms involved in abortion

Effect of Delphinium denudatum Wall. (Jadwar) on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common disease of joints. The management of OA is challenging due to the efficacy and safety of treatments. In recent decades, traditional herbal medicines have been introduced for treatment of disease. Delphinium denudatum Wall. (Jadwar) is a medicinal herb with a long-lasting usage in traditional Persian medicine for joint diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Jadwar on pain and symptoms of knee OA. Methods: In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 104 patients with knee OA were randomly assigned into two groups of intervention and control. While the intervention group received one Jadwar capsule (500 mg) twice a day for four weeks, the control group received placebo capsules. The primary outcomes, including pain, stiffness, and physical activity were evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at baseline two and four weeks after the intervention. Results: Ninety-four participants completed the study. Considering the time of interaction, after four weeks, data analysis revealed a significant decrease in the VAS score (37.23±12.58 vs. 57.87±13.21), total WOMAC score (24.83±9.70 vs. 49.17±12.89), WOMAC pain score (7.19±2.90 vs. 12.40±4.46), stiffness (2.06± 0.845 vs. 4.11±1.14), and physical function (15.57±7.25 vs. 32.66±9.78) in the intervention group compared to the control group (P<0.0001 for all outcomes). Additionally, no serious adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: Jadwar can be suggested as a safe medicinal plant for knee OA because it can relieve the pain and symptoms of OA

The Effect of Peer Group-Based Training Using Health Belief Model on Quality of Life and Foot Ulcer Self-Care Behaviour in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Objective: The present study was aimed at investigating the effect of peer group-based training (PGBT) using the health belief model (HBM) on the quality of life (QOL) and foot ulcer self-care behavior  in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and methods: The present study was a randomized controlled clinical trial performed on patients with type 2 diabetes who were referred to the Diabetic Care Clinic in Shiraz (Iran) from September 2019 to June 2020. A total of 70 patients participated in the study and were randomly assigned to peer training (n = 35) and control groups (n = 35). Diabetes Quality of Life, and diabetes self‑care behaviors, which were completed by both groups before, immediately, 1 month, and 3 months after the intervention. The data were analyzed using the Chi‑square test, paired t-test, independent t‑test, ANOVA, and descriptive statistical methods. P &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The results showed that mean scores of QOL, constructs of HBM (awareness, perceived susceptibility, perceives severity, perceived benefit, self-care behavior, and foot care) before the intervention did not reveal a significant difference between the two groups, but immediately one month after the educational intervention, the mean values for the intervention group were significantly higher than the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: PGBT using HBM was effective in increasing the mean score of QOL and self-care behavior in patients with type 2 diabetes. Thus, this method is recommended to be utilized alongside other methods to train patients