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In this case-control study, 58 transfusion-dependent Thalassemic patients compared with 46 normal healthy persons on study of their thyroid size & function. In this study, thalassemia patients divided in two groups: Group one 31 patients with (Ferritin<1500) and group two 27 patients with (Ferritin>1500) and 3rd one was named control group (46 healthy persons). These groups were compared to achieve the best possible results and conclusion out of 31 patients. From first group 26 people had normal thyroid function test only 5 patients (16%) had goiter. From 27 patients in second group, 5 people (19%) had normal thyroid and 22 patients had goiter, in 3rd group 29% had normal thyroid, the difference between second and third groups were significant (P<0.01). In second group T4 level were lower than control, instead the TSH level were more than control group. The difference in second and third group were significant. The mean of T3 and T4 in group one and three don’t have significant differences. Conclusion: The goiter incidence and hypothyroidism in major Thalassemia with poor control (Ferritin>1500) are high.

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The term Noonan syndrome has been applied to phenotypic male and female who have certain anomalies that occur also in female with Turner’s syndrome. These patients have normal karyotype. The disorder is very rare. The most common abnormality are short stature, webbing of the neck, Pectus Carinatum or Pectus excavatum, congenital heart disease. This particular case is a 8-year-old girl-patient who referred to pediatric clinic with short stature. Another abnormality in these patients is abnormal facies (Hypertelorism, hypogonadism, piqure chest and webbing of the neck). The patient had moderate mental retardation. Chromosomal analysis revealed 46xx cytogenetic distinguished Noonan syndrome.

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Diabetes commonly is associated with CAD risk factors, in addition sub-optimal metabolic control of diabetes is associated with increased incidence of thyroid function disorders. In this study patients with diabetes type II who were referred to 5th Azar Hospital in Gorgan were assessed to find out the relationship between thyroid dysfunction and NIDDM in such patients in Gorgan. We studied 210 diabetic patients in hospital outpatient department. The blood pressure, height, weight, serum total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, fasting blood sugar, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were determined. The obesity (BMI>30) were seen in 35% of the subjects. Hypertension and hyperlipidemia were seen in 38 and 65 of our patients respectively. The observed disorders included goiter (30%), sub-clinical hypothyroidism (13%), clinical hypothyroidism (4%), and clinical hyperthyroidism (0.5%). The patients were divided into two groups according to HbA1c: Group 1 with HbA1c<8 and group II with HbA1c?8. A significant difference was observed in TSH serum concentration between group I and II (1.5±1.2 vs. 3.7±11.3 mu/l, P<0.05), whereas the concentration of T4 (10±11 vs. 11±8) and T3 (2.4±3.7 vs. 1.9±3.2) were not significantly different between the two groups. The mean concentration of HbA1c in patients with hypothyroidism was significantly higher than those that of non-hypothyroid subjects (11±2.5 vs. 9±2.5, P<0.005). A significant positive correlation was observed between HbA1c concentration and TSH levels (R=0.2, P<0.01). Our results confirm the association between thyroid dysfunction and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. It has been recommended that the final diagnosis of thyroid function disorder in diabetic patients should be made after optimal metabolic status has been archived.

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Meningitis is one of the urgent medical ceases, and in spit of tramendous efforts. There is a high prevalency in various part of the world, still has got a high mortality. Rapid diagnosis is one of the best way to control the disease, and the basis for the present study is to find out the rate of occurrence of meningitis in suspicious cases. During nine-month study (Sep 1999-June 2000), 100 children with suspicious sings of meningitis referring to Taleghani children hospital were taken under medical surveillance, and LP has been carried out by the pediatrician. The samples were transferred to the laboratory and various tests has been done on the samples. On the ground of clinical and paraclinical findings 15 meningitis patients (7 bacterial, and 8 viral were diagnosed). The most abundant isolated bacteria from the CSF was Pneumococci (42.8%) and the most significant clinical finding was fever, vomiting, stiffness of neck. In all bacterial meningitis the CSF’s appearance was deeply turbid, and the average WBC in CSF was about 3200, the rate of PMN was 92%, these results had significant meaning with comparison to the viral and non-meningitis sample (P<0.001). CFS’s protein level was much more higher in bacterial meningitis, than other cases (P<0.001), and this can be used as diagnostic tool, but in spit of reduction in CSF glucose concentration, and CSF/blood glucose ratio (48% in bacterial, 70% viral, and 74% in non-meningitis), these ratios didn’t have significant meaning (P<0.4). The results of this research indicate the clinical manifestation such as fever, convulsion, vomiting turbidity of CSF, WBC count more than 500, and positive CRP, could help effectively in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis.

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One of the best products, which is the favorite of the families is Spaghetti. In various parts of the world, the demand of usage of spaghetti is increasing exceptionally. The most important element for consumer is to have no microbes. To have high quality of cooking. The primary foodstuffs, which are applied, must have suitable condition in order to have healthy product in terms of microbes. At the present surveys at five factories which are producing spaghetti in some areas in Iran such as Jajrood and Rudehen. There have been 160 sample of water, flour and spaghetti in order to determine microbial pollutions especially clostridium perfringens. The pollution of the water in terms of CL.perfringens includes 8 samples (5%), the pollution of flour includes 3 samples (1.87%) and the pollution of spaghetti includes 10 samples (6.25%), according to the result, we are able to relate the pollution of spaghetti to CL.perfringens on the basis of 85% to water and of the basis of 15% to flour. As the reducing of the total number of microbes from 11.87% to 1.25% in flour and from 9.37% to 0.62% in the mould of flour in spaghetti. The result shows that the optimal condition in the produce doesn’t increase not only by the microorganisms, but also it shows a decrease in the their intensity of its rate.

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Background & Objective: The burden of psychiatric disorders in the developed countries has been identified by the screening questionnaires and standard clinical interviews at a high level, but the epidemiological studies of psychiatric disorders in our country are brief and their numbers are few. Providing essential mental health services to the people requires us to be knowledgeable about the present status of psychiatric disorders in the society. The objective of their research was to carry out the epidemiological study of the psychiatric disorders in the 18 years and above individuals in the urban and rural areas of Golestan province. Materials & Methods: 518 individuals selected through randomized clustered and systematic sampling methods from among the existing families of Golestan province and the schedule for affective disorders and Schizophrenia (SADS) questionnaires completed by the clinical psychologist. The diagnosis of the disorders was based on DSM-IV classification criteria. Results: The results of the study showed that the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the province is 14.69%, which was 18.14% in the women, and 11.47% in the men. The mood and affective disorders respectively with 7.93 and 4.05% had the higher prevalence in the province. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders in this study was 0.97%, neuro-cognitive disorders 1.16% and dissociative disorders 0.58%. In the group anxiety disorders, panic disorder with 4.05% of had the higher prevalence and in the group of affective disorder, major depression, hypomanic and manic disorder with 1.93. Conclusion: This study showed that 7.53% of individuals that were studied suffered from at least one of the psychiatric disorders. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the province among the individuals in the age group of 41-55 years with 13.04%, separated or divorced individuals 50%, residents of urban areas 11.03%, illiterate individuals 12.75% and housewives 13.04% was more than other individuals in the sample. Being aware of this matter reveals the responsibility of the health policy makers and programmers, prevention, treatment and medical education more than before in relation to preparing application and executive plans in Golestan province for mental health.

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The patient was 58 years old lady, admitted due to recurrent right temporal cystic mass, with no previous histopathologic study. On physical examination, a 3*3 cm mobile, cystic mass was present with no other positive finding. Skull CT scanning revealed multilocular cystic lesion of right temporal soft tissue, without involvement of orbit, sinuses and temporal bone. Chest radiography and abdoman sonography was reported to be normal. She undergone operation of cyst evaluation and open underwent draiwage. She dishcharged after 3 days and no recurrence happened in one year follow up. Histopathologic study of the cyst contents, confimed the diagnosis of hydotid cyst. Hydatical cystis, most commonly involves the liver, then lungs and varely striated muscles may be involved at larval stage of edinococcus granulosus and rare edinococcus multilocularis, only in 3% of hydotid disease. Parasite spreads in hematogenous manner. Peritoneal, spleaic, mediastinal, renal, bone, heart, brain, muscular. Arterial, seminal vesicle involvement rarely happens. Preop sonography, CT scanning and MRI and serologic ELISA testing helps diagnosis. New method of FNA and cylologic study as noted by thial, et al may be diagnostic. Appropriate theropy is cysto-peri cystectomy or evacuation. Mebeandazole or albendazole orally as adjunct therapy before and after operation, specially when surgery is impossible may be valuable.

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Background & Objective: Mycobacterium marinum is the etiologic agent of fish Mycobacteriosis and fish tank granuloma in human in this study our objective was to determine of the fish tank granuloma in Fishermen and Mycobacterium marinum infection in Caviar fishes in Ashorade, in the Golestan province of Iran south east Caspian Sea border. Materials & Methods: Any suspected lesions in 387 subjects of Fishermen and 113 autopsy samples from gills of fish of Caviar were obtained and cultured in Lowenstein Jensen media. The mycobacterial species were determined by conventional biochemical tests. Results: No fish tank granuloma was proved in human, but 11 (9.73%) strains of Mycobacteria were isolated from Caviar fishes, that only 2 strains (1.76%) belong to M.marinum. Conclusion: This study showed that was low prevalence any cases of fish tank granuloma and infection due to M.marinum in Caviar fish in this Region.

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Background&Objective: Abusing the married women are among one of the most difficult problem in many countries. In the study, mental health status of spouse abused women was evaluated. Materials&Methods: 1186 women were selected randomly from all districts of Tehran, undergoing spouse abuse questionnaire and general health questionnaire (GHQ-28). Collected data were analyzed by SPSS software with t-test and multiple regression analysis. Results: In 1186 study case, 1013 women (85.4%) experienced emotional abuse, 374 ones (31.5%) physical abuse, 360 ones (30.4%) sexual abuse and 206 ones (17.4%) all types of abuse. Also, the abuse victims suffered worse status of general health (p<0.05). Examining relation between all types of abuse, as a predictive factor ,and general health aspects as an(y) factor,with multiple regression analysis revealed a positive relation, i.e. experiencing any type of abuse could predict worsening of general health (p<0.05). Conclusion: Spouse abused women suffer a worse status in general health. Also they showed emotional disorders. The victims of sexual and physical abuse suffered worse than victims of emotional abuse.

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Background&Objective: People with cancer commonly experience a range of symptoms, including pain and various types of physical and emotional distress. One of important roles of health care providers is managing these complications. The aim of this study was to the evaluation of Therapeutic Touch on hospitalized cancerous females suffering from pain. Materials&Methods: This quasi-experimental study performed on cancerous females hospitalized in Imam Khomeini hospital at Tehran. It was performed on 3 groups (case, placebo, control) 30 female with different cancers were selected, matched and then divided in 3 groups: the case group received five 20-25-minute session of therapeutic touch, the placebo group 5 ten-minute session with no energy exchange and no intervention for control group. Data gathered by two tools include: demographic questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale of Pain (0-10). Pain severity was measured before and after intervention Data was analyzed by SPSS-11.5 using ANOVA, Repeated measurement analysis variance (Wilks lambda test), qui-square and TUKEY tests. Results: The means of pain score in case, placebo and control groups before intervention was 3.8, 4.1 and 4.16 and after intervention 0.8, 6.4, 4.2 respectively. There was significant difference between 3 groups in pain severity during using ANOVA and repeated measurement analysis variance (Wilks lambda test) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the above findings, Therapeutic touch as a non invasive procedure, and non pharmacologic procedure was recommended for relive pain in cancerous females.

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Background&Objective: Foodstuffs additives are a general term for materials that are added to the foodstuffs in order to increase durability and to improve the appearance, composition, taste and food nutritional value. Colors are classified in this group and are added to foodstuffs in order to increase their attraction. Colors may cause illness such as allergy, rash and hyper activation in children and also they may debilitate the Immune system, Anaphylaxis reactions may also occur and they may have cancerous effect. The aim of this survey was to analyze status of added colors to the dried sweets which are produced in south of Tehran city. Materials & Methods: 191 samples of dried sweets were randomly collected and analyzed from south of Tehran areas. First, the samples were de-colored by Clorhidric Acid, and then were analyzed after refining by Thin Layer Chromatography (T.L.C) method. Samples were identified by taking Retention Factor (RF values) into consideration. Results: 93.2 percent from the total samples contained colors. Among chromatic samples, 42 samples (22%) out the total samples, contained artificial, non-edible colors and 96 samples (50.3%) from the total samples contained artificial and edible colors (for Industrial Producers) and 40 samples (21%), contained natural colors. Sunset yellow color was detected more than other added colors in sweets. Conclusion: Low costs, stability, PH, purity, and environmental conditions, motivate the producers for high utilization of edible colors without considering their possible hazards and/or their edible quality aspects. It is suggested that, based on the findings of this study and high consumption of colors.

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Background and Objective: Short stature among children is often due to physiological causes but it can be a sign of important and curable diseases. Thus early detection of problem, before epiphyseal closure, is critical. This study was done to determine the cause of short stature among children in Gorgan-Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross- sectional research study was done on 100 children of 6-14 years of age during 2005 in Gorgan-Iran. Children were selected by census. Demographic character of children, history of serious disease, prematurity, blood and provocative growth hormone tests, physical examination, wrist radiography and standard deviation score (SDS) were recorded for each child. Data were analyzed by t-student and chi-square tests. Results: The finding of this study showd that most children with short stature was girl (66%). mean+-SD of calendar and bone age of female children was 10.4+-2.25 and 8.4+-2.32 year, respectively. The most frequent causes of short stature were constitutional (57%), Growth hormone deficiency (30%) and familial causes (8%). Mean+-SD of calendar and bone age of males children was 10.79+-2.32 and 7.89+-2.19 years. Children with growth hormone deficiency had lower bone age and children with constitutional short stature had higher standard deviation score than others. (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that since growth hormone deficiency was one of the common and important pathologic causes of short stature. Therefore growth hormone determination and theraphy is recommended, after elimination of familial and constitutional factors.

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Background and Objective: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the most common compression neuropathy which can cause mild, moderate and sever disability in patiens hands. The first standard treatment is to use Cock-up splint. This study was done to compare therapeutic effects of long (With MP Joint restriction) and short (without mp Joint restriction) Cock-up splint patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trail study was done on 23 patients with mild and moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Shafa Yahyayian Hospital, Tehran, Iran. The diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in patients confirmed with electrodiagnostic method. In this study 23 Patients was treated with long & short cock-up splint in two groups. Group A (12 Patients) was treated by long Splint and group B (11) Patients was treated by short Splint for 4 weeks. Patients was evaluated by Semmes –Wein stein monofilaments, Two Point discrimination, Visual analog Scale (VAS), pinch and Grip Strength. Results: Both types of splints appear to be effective in decreasing CTS symptoms but long Splint more beneficial than Short splint. The results of SWMS, 2PD, Pinch & grip Strength in group A had higher significant difference than group B. (P<0.05). Two groups did not have significant difference in results of severity of pain according to VAS. Conclusion: This study revealed that long Cock-up Splint in comparision with short Cock-up splint demonestrate high efficasy in improving the signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

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Background and Objective: Occult hepatitis B infection is a form of hepatitis in which despite of absence of detectable HBsAg, HBV-DNA is present in peripheral blood of patients. The mechanisms which are responsible for progression of OBI yet to be clarified but some investigators believed that the genetics and immunological parameters may are different in resistant individuals and patients. Cytokine network system could be leading alteration in viral immune response. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between polymorphisms +874 region of IFN-Gama with occult hepatitis B infection. Materials and Methods: In this study, the plasma samples of 3700 blood donors were tested for HBsAg and anti-HBs by ELISA. The HBsAg negative and anti-HBc positive samples were selected and screened for HBV-DNA by PCR. HBV-DNA positive samples assigned as occult hepatitis B infection cases and ARMS-PCR technique were performed to examine the present polymorphisms in +874 region of IFN-Gama genes of patients with occult hepatitis B infection. Results: 352 (9.51%) out of 3700 blood samples were negative for HBsAg and positive for anti-HBc antibody. HBV-DNA was detected in 57 (16.1%) of HBsAg negative and anti-HBc positive samples. Our results showed that there was not any significant difference between patients and control group in polymorphisms in +874 region of IFN-Gama genes. Conclusion: This study showed that there is not any significant difference between polymorphisms in +874 region with IFN-Gama occult hepatitis B infection.

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Background and Objective: Childhood obesity is a significant public health concern due to its impacts on childhood physical and psychological health with subsequent adulthood complication. The aim of this study was to determine some related factors of obesity and overweight in girls' secondary school. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in Gorgan Northern Iran, during 2005-06. The subjects selected by stratified random sampling. Age, height, weight, BMI, daily time of television watching, frequency of physical activity and snack consumption was recorded by parents in a questionnaire sheet during a week. Data were analyzed by using SPSS-11.5 software, chi-square and ANOVA tests. Results: In this study, 6.3% and 41.7% of subjects were obese and overweight, respectively. The mean of BMI of girls was 19.69±4.6 kg/m2. The prevalence of obesity and overweight in Fars ethnic group was more than others (P<0.05). Average spending time for television watching was 2.35±0.98 hours and the same index was higher among the obese and overweight girls but, this difference was not significant. Food consumption during watching television, frequency and duration of physical activity were significantly related with obesity and overweight (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that low physical activity and imbalanced nutritional behavior are related to obesity and overweight among secondary school girls in Gorgan-Northern Iran.

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Background and Objective: An increased risk of invasive infections with encapsulated bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae has been described among splenectomized patients. Pneumococcal vaccination has been recommended in these patients. In this study, the serum antibody response to pneumococcal polysaccharide antigens in splenectomized patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) or trauma who immunized with Pneumovax 23 was evaluated. Materials and Methods: This case - control study was performed on two groups of patients including fifteen cases of trauma patients (11 male, 4 female) and twenty patients with ITP (10 male, 10 female) along with 40 healthy volunteers as controls who were immunized with Pneumovax 23 to prevent pneumococcal infections. All patients received the pneumococcal vaccine before splenectomy. The serum antibody response (IgG and IgG2) to pneumococcal antigens was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique prior to vaccination and 4 weeks post-vaccination. Analyzing of data was performed using student t-test and linear regression test. Results: The mean of post-vaccination IgG or IgG2 titer to the pneumococcal antigens in ITP patient group was significantly lower than those in controls or in trauma group (P<0.05). No significant differences in IgG or IgG2 antibody titer increase were found between trauma group and healthy control group. Response to immunization was poor in 9 of 20 ITP patients. Conclusion: This study indicated that 45 percent of patients suffered from ITP who have undergone splenectomy responded poorly to pneumococcal antigens.

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Background and Objective: The Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungi that can be pathogenic in patients suffering from diabetes and AIDS. This organism can cause various infections such as superficial of the skin and mucosa to deep tissue infections. In this study the antifungal effects of ZnO and SDS on Candida albicans in comparison with Fluconazole were investigated. Materials and Methods: This was an experimental study which evaluated the antifungal effects of biocide SDS and ZnO on Candida albicans by microbroth dilution assay in broth and agar medium. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determinated for each inhibitor during colony count in comparison with control. Results: MIC of ZnO was 1.013-296 µg/ml and for SDS and Fluconazole were 0.001-0.56 and 0.062-128 µg/ml respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated antifungal activity of ZnO can be a candidates for the elimination of candida in medicine particular in medical instruments.

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Background and Objective: Cutaneous leishmaniases with two forms of rural and urban is the endemic diseases and as a health problem in our country. Identification of parasite species and type of disease is very important for treatment of disease as well as for planning of control program. The microscopic observations by Giemsa-stained smears is the most common laboratory test for the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis, but the determination of parasite species is impossible and utilization of other ways such as biochemical and molecular methods is required. This study was carried out to determine the parasite species caused cutaneous Leishmaniasis by Nested PCR in Damghan, Iran.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was performed on 67 patients with dermal lesions that referred to Damghan health center laboratory in Iran during 2008. The patient's information were recorded in questionnaire. DNA of Giemsa-stained slides from patients was extracted and evaluated by specific primers of kinetoplast DNA using Nested PCR.

Results: Leishmania parasites were observed in 57 patients under light microscope. The 10 patients were infected by other dermal diseases. The PCR result showed the parasite presence in lesions of 57 patients is Leismania major. 54% of patients were male and 46% were female. 72% of the patients were lived in rural areas. 50.9% of disease was observed in over 25 years old patients. Hands were the most common region of ulcer (44.7%). 48% of the patients had one ulcer and the other patients had two or more ulcers. High prevalence (31.6%) of disease was observed in October.

Conclusion: This study showed that zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis to be prevalent in this area and Nested PCR method is a sensitive and accurate to leishmania species characterization.

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Background and Objective: Menstrual disorders are including of metruragy, oligomenorrhea, polymenorrhea, dysmenorrheal and amenorrhea. Hormonal disorders can be the cause of such abnormalities. This study was designed to evaluate, the correlation between serum thyroid and sex hormones level,with menstrual disorders.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive - analytical study carried out on 110 women with menstrual disorders without anatomical disorders referred to private clinic during 2007-08. In third day of menstrual cycle, sample blood was taken for determination of LH, FSH, PRL, TSH, T3, T4 and Testosterone. Laboratory tests were performed by ELISA method.

Results: The 42.7% of women with menstrual disorders were in age group lower than 25 years. Oligomenorrhea with 42.7% was the major menstrual disorder and amenorrhea was the lowest with 4.5%. The most hormonal disorders was related to T3 (46.3%), LH (44.5%) and testosterone was the lowest with 5.4%. 11 cases (10.0%) have presented with hirsutism.

Conclusion: According to findings of this study T3 and LH are the common hormonal disorders in menstrual abnormalities.

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Background and Objective: The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic disorders that are associated with elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases and type-II diabetes. This study investigated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among adolescents population in Gorgan, Northern Iran - 2009.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 450 adolescents 15-17 years, selected through 2 stage cluster randomized sampling from high schools. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and lipid profile were assessed. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to NHANES III criteria. Data was analyzed by SPSS-16 software, Chi-Square and logestic regration.

Results: The overall metabolic syndrome prevalence was 3.3% (CI 95%:1.8–5.4). More than half of cases (54.6%) had at least 1 or 2 components. High triglyceride level was the most common disorder in both genders (boys 27.6%, girls 52.4%) and then low HDL cholesterol level (17.3%) and central obesity (7.6%) were common among boys and girls respectively. Where as abdominal obesity in boys (0.9%) and hypertension in girls (3.1%) were less common.

Conclusion: This study showed that the rate of metabolic syndrome is slightly lower but the obsity in adolescents is higher than other parts of country.