Razavi International Journal of Medicine
Volume:6 Issue: 3, Summer 2018

Astaxanthin is a natural carotenoid, which is belonged to the Xanthophylls family. Previously, the powerful antioxidant properties of this compound have been demonstrated in several biological environments.

As overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has a critical role in the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy (DR), we aimed to evaluate the effects of astaxanthin on the antioxidant capacity of retina in experimental model of DR.

Forty eight rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=12 for each group); normal, diabetic, and two treated normal and diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by a single intravenous injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). Rats with blood glucose >500 mg/dL were selected as diabetic animals. Treatment groups were treated with astaxanthin (20 mg/kg/day, orally) for six weeks. At the end, the eyeballs were removed under deep anesthesia and then the retinal tissues were quickly frozen for assessment of the glutathione and malondialdehyde contents as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity.

Malondialdehyde levels of the retina in diabetic rats increased significantly (16%), whereas the glutathione levels decreased (85%), (P

The pancreas is a mixed gland associated with the digestive system. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study on normal pancreatic standards in the Iranian population.

Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the morphometry of the pancreas in terms of length, width, weight, and variations of cadavers in Khorasan Razavi province.

A total of 312 cadavers (67 female/ 245 male) were included in the study between May 2014 and August 2015, in the Legal Medicine Organization, Mashhad, Iran. Demographic values were obtained from ever fresh Iranian cadaver. Length, width and weight of pancreas were measured using standard tools. Pancreas were observed carefully, whether any variations were present. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Three hundred twelve cadavers with a mean age of 42.48 ± 21.39 were enrolled to the study. The mean values of the pancreas length, width, weight, and index of the pancreas were 15.22 ± 5.09 cm, 8.21 ± 4.38 cm, 3.41 ± 0.69, 72.68 ± 23.77 grams, and 1.24 ± 0.57, respectively. The variation of pancraticodeodenal duct was in 2.6% of cases (n=8). There was no significant difference between the morphometric values of the pancreas between males and females (P>0.05). The width and index of pancreas was correlated statistically with BMI, body height and weight (P<0.05). A correlation with body height and weight was found for the pancreas length and weight (P<0.05).

Understanding the anatomy of the normal pancreas is useful for both anthropologists and anatomists. Besides, it provides good information for pancreatic segmental resection for surgeons.

A comprehensive and valid assessment system along with continuous assessing of this system are required to assign actual score to the faculty members' educational performance which is essential for any planning to improve the quality of teaching.

This study aims to determine the trend in outcomes of assessing the faculty members of School of Medicine in Mashhad during a three- year period.

The present descriptive study aims to evaluate the trend in assessment score changes of the faculty members of School of Medicine in six academic semesters. The population under study was all the faculty members of School of Medicine in Mashhad, who were selected based on the census. The questionnaire on the survey system was used to collect data. Descriptive indicator and repeated measures ANOVA were used for frequent assessments.The data were analyzed by SPSS software (ver.11.5).

Mean and standard deviation of the faculty members' assessment scores in each academic semester were reported as follows: the first semester of 92(83.66±6.15), the second semester of 92(84.45±5.92), the first semester of 93(84.84±6.03),the second semester of 93 (84.47±6.65 (, the first semester of 94 (85.79±5.67), the second semester of 94 (85.49±5.05). The results showed there was no significant difference between the faculty members' assessment scores and their academic ranking, sex, promotion as well as lack of promotion during the years 1392- 1394. Meanwhile, it was revealed Doctor of Medicine degree or lack of it did not have any influence on rate of changes in assessment scores.

Attempts to empower the faculty members in terms of education and teaching skills as well as apply appropriate tools and methods of assessment may relieve the monotony of assessment scores.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the cause of tuberculosis (TB), a serious pathogen in many parts of the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one-third of the world's populations suffer from TB. Since Iran is an endemic region for TB, many practitioners have focused their attention on this issue.

This study presents a patient who was misdiagnosed with TB due to the clinical symptoms of the disease and received the related treatment. But, the results of re-biopsy and immunohistochemistry tests approved the presence of Hodgkin's lymphoma in the patient.

In this case, the emphasis is on the differential diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma of the spine and other masses. The possibility of an inflammatory process should always be considered alongside rare disorders such as lymphoproliferative to reduce the chance of putting the patient at the risk of disease progression and improper treatment course.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is considered as the most common entrapment neuropathy. Median nerve release by surgery is a manual therapy intervention used for treating CTS.

The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of surgical decompression with respect to local steroid injection in the treatment of idiopathic.

In this study, 100 patients with mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome were assigned to two equal groups. In one group, patients received a single local injection of triamcinolone acetonide and in the other one, open carpal tunnel release was used. A number of variables including pain (based on Visual Analogue Scale), symptom severity and functional status (based on Bostone/ Levine symptom severity and functional status scale) were assessed at the baseline and after a 6-month follow-up. Analysis was carried by intention to treat.

the severity of symptoms in the surgery and injection groups was 2.51 and 2.61 respectively. However, in the follow-up, the severity of symptoms in the surgery group (1.77) was significantly lower than the injection group (2.62) (p <0.001). Before the treatment, the mean limb function was 2.68 in the surgery group and 2.71 in the injection group. However, after the treatment, the mean performance score in the surgery group (1.74) was significantly lower than the injection group (2.58) (p<0.0001). Before the treatment, the amount of the mean pain was 5.82 in the surgery group and 5.86 in the group of injection. However, after the treatment, the mean pain score in the surgery group (0.63) was significantly lower than the injection group (1.72)(p = 0.0001).

The findings suggested that both local steroid injection and surgical decompression were effective in alleviating symptoms of primary CTS after a 6-month follow-up but surgery offered additional benefits. In terms of security, conservative approach to surgery was preferred.

Pulse oxygen saturation (POS) is a great strategy for screening critical congenital heart disease. Nomograms for pre-ductal and post-ductal POS have been described, but several factors like skin color, ambient temperature, altitude, presence of anemia, and others can modify them. Therefore, the analysis of nomograms in a developing country can be useful to optimize the screening for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD).

to describe and analyze results of nomograms derived from pulse oximetry saturations from newborns screened for critical congenital heart disease in a state in Northeast Brazil.

Asymptomatic newborns with gestational age equal or above 34 weeks were screened for critical congenital heart disease through physical examination and pulse oximetry. We divided them according to gender, Apgar, the time when the pulse oximetry was performed and gestational age. The results of pre and post ductal saturations were compared among these groups with non-parametric tests. Twenty health centers were included.

44647 newborns screened for critical congenital heart disease were analyzed. The mean for preductal saturation was 97.37% and for post-ductal saturation was 97.44%. Statistical differences were encountered between pre and postducal saturations in almost all groups. Preterm neonates had lower saturations when compared with term neonates (p<0.001).

Nomograms for pre and post-ductal saturations, and differences between them, were described in 44647 neonates from Northeast Brazil. These nomograms can be utilized to optimize screening criteria for critical congenital heart disease.

Adequate energy intake is an important factor in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, and it can decrease the patients' complications, length of hospitalization, mortality and health care costs. Choosing an appropriate type of formula may be effective in providing the sufficient energy for these patients.

This study aimed to assess the adequacy of energy intake, and to investigate the effect of different types of the formulas on the calorie intake and gastric residual volumes (GRV) in ICU patients in the first week of starting enteral feeding.

This prospective observational study was conducted on 128 ICU patients of two hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. The patients were randomly assigned to one of the four groups of formulas including Ensure, Entrameal standard, Nutricomp standard and Enterameal high fiber formulas. Energy intake and GRV were recorded daily for 7 consecutive days from the beginning of enteral feeding.

About 85% of the patients had traumatic brain injury. The average calculated energy requirement of the patients was 2293 kcal while the average energy intakes in seven days, and on the last day were 668 and 977 kcal, respectively. Only two patients (1.5%) received nearly all their energy requirement in the last day, however, only 5.5% and 35% of the subjects received ≥ 60% and ≥ 80% of their energy requirement, respectively. Enterameal high fiber formula was associated with a significant increase in GRV compared to Ensure formula (p = 0.02), but no significant relationship was found between calorie intake and gastrointestinal symptoms. No statistically significant difference was found in the energy intake between the four types of formulas.

It seems that enteral feeding in our ICUs is not successful in practice using the common available formulas. More attention should be paid to the incomplete delivery of the prescribed enteral nutrition in ICU patients.

Methylphenidate or Ritalin is an amphetamine derivative and a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is chemically similar to cocaine. A lot of reports have been made on Ritalin abuse.

This study aimed to determine the relative frequency of Ritalin consumption and its associated factors among medical students in different steps at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.

Using stratified random sampling, this descriptive analytical study was conducted on medical students in different steps at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in 2015. The checklist included the subjects' background information, and also the questions associated with the frequency of Ritalin consumption and its underlying causes. Independent sample t-test was used to analyze the quantitative variables with normal distribution, and Chi-square test or Fishers exact test to analyze the qualitative variables. However, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney were applied as non- parametric tests to analyze the quantitative variables with non-normal distributions.

This study was conducted on 340 medical students in different steps, and the response rate was reported as 91%. The frequency of Ritalin consumption among students was 17.3%. The excessive consumption of Ritalin by medical students was observed within the exams period (83%); smoking cigarette was reported in 75.5% of Ritalin user students and drug addiction in 20.8%. There was a significant difference in Ritalin consumption between the students living on- campus or off- campus and those living with their spouse or parents [OR (95% CI) = 0.5 (0.27-0.93)]; however, the higher consumption of Ritalin was reported in the first group. Moreover, a significant difference was revealed in Ritalin consumption between non-smoking students and smoking ones [OR (95% CI) = 40.34 (18.34-88.72)].

Regarding the prevalence of Ritalin consumption along with smoking cigarette and addiction to drugs among the students living on-campus, immediate preventive interventions are required for the people in the same age group who are living together in social environment as well as students at risk of more damages due to the abuse of such medications.

Juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (JNCL) is a rare clinical condition especially in Asian population.

We report an 8-year-old female with a history of the progressive deterioration of vision loss, mental retardation, seizures and severe physical disabilities since 3 years before admission. Fundus examination revealed bilateral optic atrophy, bull’s eye maculopathy, reduced or absent electroretinogram (ERG) signals and attenuation of the retinal blood vessels. The diagnosis was confirmed by genetic detection of the mutation along with multifocal electroretinogram scans and visual evoked potential (VEP).

To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first to explain a patient of Iranian origin. Consequently, although there is no treatment for the disease, genetic consults can help to prevent new affected cases from heterozygote parents.

Because of the fundamental role that nursing occupation, such as other sciences in the society, it cannot be separated from the changes with the advancement of technology and the advancements in social medicine.

The present research was conducted with the aim of the educational needs assessment of nursing staff according to the universal changes in Firouzgar Hospital in Tehran.

The research was a mixed method with an exploratory approach. The research quantitative population consisted of all nurses in Firouzgar Hospital of Tehran; among whom 251 individuals were selected as a sample size using Morgan table and stratified random sampling method. In the qualitative section, using purposive sampling method and the principle of saturation in the sample, 11 supervisors and 10 doctors were selected. Data collection in the qualitative section was based on semi-structured interviews and also the employment of standard questionnaire in the quantitative section. The obtained data using the questionnaire in two sections of qualitative (codifying) and quantitative were analysed in two levels of descriptive and inferential.

The research findings indicated that staff educational needs in Firouzgar Hospital according to universal changes are as follows: New individual needs, educational needs, social needs and career needs; among which only occupational new individual needs are in a desirable situation.

It is concluded that the nurses, like many other businesses, for various reasons, over time, distance themselves from the necessary capacities and delicacies in performing their roles, and in such a situation only the training can fill these gaps.

In this study, a 3-day-old newborn with ambiguous genitalia and abdominal mass - the cause of which was not determined in multiple ultrasounds- is introduced. The ultrasound indicated severe bilateral hydronephrosis in the newborn, and based on the results of the tests, the catheterization and VCUG was performed using cystoscopy. According to the results of ultrasound, hydrometrocolpos was suspected for the newborn and surgical procedure was performed. It turned out that the mass was an abdominal abscess filled with pus, and due to its pressure on the urethra, we had to perform nephrostomy on the patient.

Despite the obvious advantages of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, there are no definitive evidences regarding the superiority of this method over open surgery.

The aim of this study is to compare the results of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and open repair surgery.

A total of 52 patients referring to a general university hospital were included in the study and assigned to two groups of arthroscopic repair and open repair. Demographic information of patients and the presence of any underlying disease and the grade of rotator cuff tear were recorded. The pain scores of the patients were measured three times, before, 48 h after surgery and 6-month follow-up, using the VAS system. To evaluate the clinical performance of patients, UCLA scoring system (only 6 months after the surgery) and Constant (before and 6 months after surgery) were utilized.

32 patients were assigned to the open repair surgery and 20 to the arthroscopic repair group. The two groups were not significantly different in terms of pain variables, 48 hours after operation (p = 0.054) and 6 months after operation (p = 0.638), constant score 6 months after operation (p = 0.157) and UCLA shoulder rating scale 6 months after surgery (P = 0.167). Moreover, there was not any significant difference between the two groups with regard to these variables before surgery.

The results of this study showed that arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was a safe procedure which was as effective as open repair surgery. Also, reduced postoperative pain was one of the advantages of this method noted in the present study, although the long-term severity of pain in this method was not significantly different from the pain of patients undergoing open surgery.