نشریه پژوهش در پزشکی
سال سی و سوم شماره 1 (پیاپی 129، بهار 1388)

According to growing increase of scientific journals in Iran and importance of precise methodology and validity of findings, and also lack of information about quality of published articles, this study was designed to evaluate accuracy of article writing of articles published in dentistry journals in 2006. In this descriptive study, all original articles of dentistry journals were evaluated. Research methodology in different topics of articles, including abstract, introduction, methods and materials, results, discussion and references were assessed. Totally, 52 items were evaluated and classified as 3 categories of “correct”, “relatively correct” and “incorrect”. Data analysis was done by Chi-square. one-hundred original articles were published in the study period. Mean (± standard deviation) number of authors was 2.9±0.84. The most frequent type of study was experimental-in vitro study (46%), followed by descriptive (33%), clinical trial (10%) and historical cohort (6%). The frequency of instrument validity report absence was 96%, no exact calculation of sample size 93%, unjustification of article publication 73%, and lack of restriction and valuable findings report 87%. There are great defects in published articles of dentistry journals. Implementations for reducing mistakes in article writing result in increasing validity of articles and application of true study results.

Following two decades of intensive efforts work in IDD elimination, Iran has been recognized as an IDD free country in the Middle-East region. This study was performed to evaluate the adequacy of iodine intake, 17 years after universal salt iodization in Tehran and to compare the results with those of previous studies. In this cross-sectional study, 8 to10 year-old schoolchildren, randomly selected from Tehran province, were evaluated in year 2007, using data gathered on goiter prevalence, urinary iodine excretion, iodine content of household salts and thyroid volume measured by ultrasonography the results obtained were compared with those documented for 1996 and 2001. In this study, 1200 children were evaluated. Total prevalence of goiter was 2.3% no one had grade 2 goiter. The median urinary iodine in 120 schoolchildren was 94.1µg/L. Only 54.9% of Tehranian households were using iodized salt and salt storage was appropriate in 47.9% of households salt used by 62.5% of households had less than 15 µg iodide. Ultrasonic measurement of thyroid volume was performed in 464 schoolchildren, aged 7-15 years, and while the median thyroid volume of girls aged 7-11 years was slightly more than that of boys, the 97th percentile thyroid volume of both sexes was similar for all age groups. Thyroid volumes were significantly correlated with age, weight, height and body surface area. Goiter prevalence has decreased significantly in Tehran, the central province of Iran, 17 years after universal salt iodization. However the median urinary iodine of school children has decreased in comparison to results of studies conducted in 1996 and 2001. Continuous monitoring of national programs is essential for IDD elimination.

Hyperbilirubinemia is a common problem in newborn infants and may progress to kernicterus if not treated. The objective of this study was to determine the therapeutic effect of clofibrate in full-term healthy neonates with non-hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia. A randomized clinical trial was performed on two groups of healthy full-term neonates with jaundice. Clofibrate group, (n=50), received a single dose of oral clofibrate (100mg/kg), plus phototherapy, while the control group (n=50), received only phototherapy. The mean plasma total bilirubin levels at 12, 24, and 48 hours after treatment were significantly lower in the clofibrate treated group, as compared with the control group (p=0.001). At 48 hours of treatment, 48% of patients in the clofibrate group, had bilirubin levels <12 mg/dl in comparison with 16% of control group (p=0.001). Treatment with clofibrate also resulted in a shorter duration of hospital stay as compared to the control group (p=0.001). A single oral dose of clofibrate (100mg/kg), along with phototherapy is more effective than phototherapy alone in treatment of non-hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia in full-term healthy newborn infants.

Immobilization and splinting after tendon repair, have traditionally been used as part of the treatment protocol for tendon injuries in fingers. There has always been a debate about the duration of immobilization among surgeons, because some complications after tendon repair are attributed to prolonged immobilization. In this study, the results of early mobilization following flexor tendon repair of fingers, have been evaluated. In a clinical trial, 192 patients with acute injury of FDP in Zone II who underwent tendon repair were studied. Those with simultaneous extensor injury, dorsal and volar injuries, fracture and nerve injury were excluded. In 48 cases, splints were removed after 14 days and in 144 cases (control group), immobilization was applied for 28 days. After splint removal both groups underwent physiotherapy for three month and final functional outcome was assessed according to Buck-Gramcko scale. In the study group 67 tendons were treated with four strand method and short term immobilization. In 45 tendon repairs, (67%) excellent results were obtained in 11 cases, (16.5%), results were good, fair result in 6 cases (9%) and in 5 cases (7.5%) the result was poor. In two cases (4%), tendon rupture occurred during physiotherapy and had to be repaired again. In the control group, 185 tendons were repaired in which excellent results were attained in 133 cases, (72%), good result in 31 cases, (16.7%), fair result in 12 cases (6.5%) and poor result in 5 cases (2.7%). Comparison of results in these two groups does not show any significant statistical difference, (P= 0.316). Results of early mobilization after tendon repair are comparable with prolonged immobilization after repair. Hence, immobilization could be reduced to 2 -3 weeks.

Approximately 39%-61%of cases with idiopathic preterm labor (IPL) fail to respond to tocolytic therapy to increase this response many different antibiotics have tried but mostly the effect on suppression of IPL has been minimal. This study was conducted to investigate whether addition of antiprostaglandins to the antibiotic regimen could suppress IPL A double blind randomized clinical trial was performed. Forty-nine women with IPL at 24-34weeks of pregnancy were selected and divided into two groups of 25 cases and 24 controls by random allocation. Experimental cases received indomethacin with antibiotics while the controls were given similar antibiotics with placebo. Outcome variables were delay in delivery for 24 hours, carrying the pregnancy up to 37weeks, comparison of birth weight and need for NICU admission. Statistical analysis was done by Chi square, T test and Fisher exact tests. Delay in delivery for 24 hour was 84%, (n=21), in cases and 79%, (n=19), in controls, (p=0.1). 32%, (n=8) of cases vs. 20.8% of controls carried the pregnancy up to 37 weeks, (p=0.8). Mean birth weight in cases and controls were 2273.3+863 vs. 20113+529gr, (p=0.9). Need for NICU admission was 4 days in cases vs. 8days in controls. In each group 2 neonates died. In this study, the combination of antiprostaglandins, (indomethacin), and antibiotics, (metronidazole-erythromycin), did not have a significant effect on suppression of IPL.

Acanthamoeba is a genus of amoeba, one of the most common protozoa found worldwide in soil, and also frequently found in fresh water. In healthy individuals, Acanthamoeba spp. can cause ulcerating keratitis which is often associated with the use of improperly sterilized contact lenses. The aim of this study was to detect Acanthamoeba from fresh water collected from some town squares of Tehran by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In this study, 22 samples were collected from fresh water. They were cultured on NNA medium after filtration. Culture samples positive for Acanthamoeba were assessed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Thirteen samples (59%) were recognized as Acanthamoeba on culture. Using species-specific primers which amplified a 903 bp fragment of 18S rRNA, 6 (27%) samples from 13 samples which were positive on culture were identified as Acanthamoeba. Acanthamoeba has been recognized as an etiologic agent of Keratitis in people who use contact lenses and also in immunocompromised individuals. So, detection of this organism in water resources and exact assessment of this parasite could have a significant role in prevention of disease.

Health care providers play an important role in planning & implementing policies to improve health behavior in the general population and increase participation in screening programs for early detection of cancer. This study was conducted to examine the effect of education on knowledge and the rate of participation of official administrative personnel with average risk for colorectal cancer, (age > 40 years), in colorectal cancer screening program at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. In the first stage of the research, 156 subjects were selected based on pre-defined criteria using a questionnaire. They were then randomly divided in two groups, experimental and control groups with 78 subjects in each group. Demographic data, level of knowledge, willingness and perceived barriers to participate in screening programs were examined via two separate questionnaires. They were also asked to give stool samples to test for occult blood. In the second stage of the research, the intervention program, (based on health belief model) was conducted for the experimental group. An educational booklet and necessary information regarding colorectal cancer and screening programs were provided to them in two to three sessions. All subjects were asked to submit the stool samples to the laboratory for occult blood test if a subject did not comply, a reminder was sent to him /her. In the third stage, knowledge, (post-test) and the rate of subject's participation in the screening program was analyzed. The results of the study revealed that most people are not interested in colorectal screening tests. Reasons given for disinclination for occult blood test & colonoscopy were lack of time & feeling healthy, respectively. Knowledge in both experimental and control groups regarding colorectal cancer was improved, this improvement was significantly higher in the experimental group, (p<0.001). Furthermore, participation of the experimental group in the screening program was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.001). Educating the subjects regarding colorectal cancer and sending reminders regarding stool tests may result in an increase in the knowledge & participation of subjects in screening programs for colorectal cancer.

Acromegaly is due to excess of growth hormone production and imbalance of cell growth which leads to somatic manifestations and organ dysfunction. With increasing life span an increasing incidence of colorectal, breast, and blood cancers is seen. In this paper we report a 57 year old male with acromegaly he had developed a swelling in the right breast for the last 2 years which had increased in size. On examination, the swelling was in the sub aereolar region, firm in consistency, about 5 cm in size and fixed to the chest wall which was ulcerated plus axillary lymphadenopthy on the same side. Radical mastectomy was done histology revealed invasive ductal carcinoma. Acromegaly is a risk factor for breast cancer.