Showing papers by "Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services published in 2005"

Evaluation of oxidative stress and genotoxicity in organophosphorus insecticide formulators.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate genotoxicity and oxidative stress in workers who formulate organophosphorus (OP) pesticides. In this survey, blood leukocytes and erythrocytes of a group of 21 pesticide formulating workers and an equal number of control subjects were examined for genotoxicity and oxidative stress parameters. The mean comet tail length and mean comet length were used to measure DNA damage. Lipid peroxidation level, catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase activities in erythrocytes were analysed as biomarkers of oxidative stress. In addition, the acetylcholinesterase activity was measured as a biomarker of toxicity. The average duration of employment of workers in the factory was 97 months. Results indicated that chronic exposure (multiple-dose, greater than or equal to 6 months duration) to OP pesticides was associated with increased activities of catalase, SOD and glutathione peroxidase in erythrocytes. The level of lipid peroxidation and acetylcholinesterase activity did not show any significant differences between the two groups. The results also indicated that chronic exposure to OP pesticides was associated with increased DNA damage. It is concluded that human chronic exposure to OP pesticides may result in stimulated antioxidant enzymes and increased DNA damage in the absence of depressed acetylcholinesterase levels. Routine genotoxicity monitoring concomitant to acetylcholinesterase activity in workers occupationally exposed to OP insecticides is suggested.

Inflammatory bowel disease in Iran: a review of 457 cases.

Abstract: Background and Aims: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was believed to be infrequent in Iran; however, unofficial reports have confessed the continuing rise in IBD in our country. Methods: Demographic and clinical features, extraintestinal manifestations, extension of disease and complications of 401 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), 47 with Crohn's disease (CD), and nine with indeterminatn colitis (IC) were assessed retrospectively. The exact course of physicians’ visits of 250 IBD patient was asked through face-to-face interview. Results: Mean age at diagnosis was 31.9 years in UC and 30.5 years in CD patients. The male to female ratio was 0.8 for UC and 1.3 for CD. The percentage of CD and UC patients who were non-smokers was 82.9 and 84.5%, respectively. Patients with UC presented with rectal bleeding (41.9%), whereas those with CD complained of abdominal pain (46.9%). Among UC patients, proctosigmoid was affected in 51.9%. Colorectal cancer was diagnosed in two patients. The mean lag time between the onset of symptoms and definite diagnosis was 13.9 and 17.7 months for UC and CD patients, respectively. A total of 32.4% of patients with IBD had at least one of the five major extra-intestinal diseases. Conclusion: The demographic and clinical picture of IBD is more or less the same as that of other developing countries; however, the rarity of CD in Iran is noted. Although the true epidemiologic profile of IBD in Iran is still unknown, it is not as rare as previously thought, and it seems as if gradual adoption of a Western lifestyle may be associated with the continuing rise in IBD. © 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd

Outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty in keratoconus.

Abstract: Purpose:Keratoconus (KCN) is one of the most common indications of corneal transplantation in Iran. This study was conducted to determine the outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for KCN in patients operated in a private practice setting from 1994 to 2001.Methods:This longitudinal retrospective

Differences in Onset Latency of Macaque Inferotemporal Neural Responses to Primate and Non-Primate Faces

Abstract: Neurons in the visual system respond to different visual stimuli with different onset latencies. However, it has remained unknown which stimulus features, aside from stimulus contrast, determine the onset latencies of responses. To examine the possibility that response onset latencies carry information about complex object images, we recorded single-cell responses in the inferior temporal cortex of alert monkeys, while they viewed >1,000 object stimuli. Many cells responded to human and non-primate animal faces with comparable magnitudes but responded significantly more quickly to human faces than to non-primate animal faces. Differences in onset latency may be used to increase the coding capacity or enhance or suppress information about particular object groups by time-dependent modulation.

Accuracy of MRI in comparison with clinical and arthroscopic findings in ligamentous and meniscal injuries of the knee.

Abstract: Rapidly progressing medical technology sometimes obscures the importance of history and physical examination. This study was designed to assess the value of MRI and clinical examination in the diagnosis of ligamentous and meniscal knee injuries in comparison with arthroscopic findings. In the year 2003-2004, we conducted a prospective, single blind study to assess ligamentous and meniscal injuries of the knee in patients with acute knee trauma. The mean age was 27.9 years. The sex distribution was 81.4% male and 18.6% female; 42.9% of injuries affected the right knee and 57.1% the left knee. All the included patients were ordered a MRI, executed in five separate centres. All patients underwent arthroscopy by the author. Arthroscopic findings were the diagnostic reference. Clinical examination was accurate in 91.4%, and MRI in 88.5% of anterior cruciate ligament injuries. For posterior cruciate ligament injuries, clinical accuracy was 100% and MRI 94.6%. Clinical examination was accurate in 96.9% and MRI in 85.9% of medial meniscal injuries. For lateral meniscus injuries, clinical accuracy was 85.4% and MRI 73.8%. MRI findings showed the lowest correlation with arthroscopic findings in lateral meniscus injuries (r = 0/47). Clinical diagnostic performance was poorest in case of combined cruciate ligament and meniscal injuries. We found an excellent correlation between MRI and clinical findings. However, when MRI is normal, high clinical suspicion and a skilled clinical examination are more reliable.

Hydatidosis in camels (Camelus dromedarius) and their potential role in the epidemiology of Echinococcus granulosus in Iran

Abstract: Hydatid cysts were recovered from 35.2% (233/661) of camels (Camelus dromedarius) slaughtered in five different regions of Iran. The degree of prevalence between males (34.4%) and females (36.6%) was not statistically significant. The highest rate of infection (59.3%) was found in the Isfahan region (in the central part of Iran) while the lowest (25.7%) was found in Kerman province. The organ distribution of cysts was 49.4% in lungs alone, 30.0% in both liver and lungs, 14.6% in liver only and 6.0% in other organs. Therefore, the lungs were the predominant sites of the hydatid cyst. The range in the number of cysts was 1-48 in infected animals. The majority of the camels had 1-5 cysts, with 21.9%, 11.6% and 5.6% of infected camels having 6-10, 11-20 and 21 or more cysts respectively. There was a direct relationship between the rate and intensity of infection and host age. The fertility rate of lung cysts (69.7%) was higher than that of liver cysts (58.7%) and other organs (50.0%) whilst the viability rate of protoscoleces of liver fertile cysts (80.3%) was significantly higher than that of lung cysts (55.8%) and other organs (57.1%). The role of camels in the epidemiology of Echinococcus granulosus in Iran is discussed.

Hepatitis E virus infection in hemodialysis patients: A seroepidemiological survey in Iran

Abstract: The hepatitis E virus (HEV) has a global distribution and is known to have caused large waterborne epidemics of icteric hepatitis. Transmission is generally via the fecal-oral route. Some reports have suggested parenteral transmission of HEV. Anti-HEV prevalence data among chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients are few and give conflicting results. This cross-sectional study was conducted in August of 2004. We tested 324 chronic HD patients attending three different units in the city of Tabriz, northwestern part of Iran, for anti-HEV antibody. A specific solid- phase enzyme-linked immunoassay (Diapro, Italy) was used. The overall seroprevalence of hepatitis E was 7.4 %(95% CI: 4.6%–10.6%). The prevalence rate of HBV and HCV infection were 4.6% (95% CI: 2.3%–6.9%) and 20.4% (95% CI: 16%–24.8%), respectively. No significant association was found between anti-HEV positivity and age, sex, duration of hemodialysis, positivity for hepatitis B or C virus infection markers and history of transfusion. We observed high anti-HEV antibody prevalence; there was no association between HEV and blood borne infections (HBV, HCV, and HIV) in our HD patients. This is the first report concerning seroepidemiology of HEV infection in a large group of chronic HD individuals in Iran.

Genotype characterization and phylogenetic analysis of hepatitis B virus isolates from Iranian patients.

Abstract: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the major causative agents of acute and chronic liver disease worldwide and is believed to be responsible for a million deaths annually. Eight genotypes of HBV, A to H, have been described on the basis of similarity of the complete genomes sequence. Although, it is reported that the predominant HBV genotype in the Mediterranean area and the middle east is genotype D, there are no reports on HBV genotypes prevalent in Iran. In this study, the C and S regions of HBV from 26 chronic hepatitis B Iranian patients were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all Iranian HBV isolates sequences were classified into genotype D with bootstrap values of 100%, 73%, and 100% (1,000 replicates each) for S, C, and preS2 regions, respectively. The mean percent intra-distance of S and C regions were 0.8% and 2.3%, respectively. The mean percent inter-distance of S and C regions between Iranians and genotype D isolates were 1.7% and 3.0%, respectively, and the range of mean percent nucleotide distance of S and C regions between Iranians and the other reference isolates were 7.9%–17.5% and 4.8%–14.7%, respectively. Thirteen out of 23 HBV C region sequences showed nucleotide “A” at position 1896 (precore mutant) in C region. Nucleotide 1858 showed presence of “T” in all isolates. No insertion or deletion was found in both regions. SimPlot and BootScanning analyses did not show any recombination between Iranian isolates and other genotypes in both regions. J. Med. Virol. 75:227–234, 2005. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The Pyramid of Family Care: A framework for family involvement with adult mental health services

Abstract: Working with families of patients with severe mental illness has proven to be effective in reducing the relapse rate for patients and the distress level of families. However, there is no general framework available for adult mental health professionals on incorporating family work in their everyday practice. The Pyramid of Family Care discussed in this paper is based on the same conceptual work as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. The bottom levels include the family's basic needs for information about the illness and orientation to the mental health service. This contrasts with the top level which represents complex needs for interventions such as intensive family therapy. This paper will expand on this model of family care. The different levels of the Pyramid will be discussed and a minimum level of care defined.

Inherited disorders of the IL-12-IFN-γ axis in patients with disseminated BCG infection

Abstract: Disseminated BCG infection is a rare complication of vaccination that occurs in patients with impaired immunity. In recent years, a series of inherited disorders of the IL-12-IFN-γ axis have been described that predispose affected individuals to disseminated disease caused by BCG, environmental Mycobacteria, and non-typhoidal Salmonella. The routine immunological work-up of these patients is normal and the diagnosis requires specific investigation of the IL-12-IFN-γ circuit. We report here the first two such patients originating from and living in Iran. The first child is two years old and suffers from complete IFN-γ receptor 2 deficiency and disseminated BCG infection. He is currently in clinical remission thanks to prolonged multiple antibiotic therapy. The other, a 28-year-old adult, suffers from IL-12p40 deficiency and presented with disseminated BCG infection followed by recurrent episodes of systemic salmonellosis. He is now doing well. A third patient of Iranian descent, living in North America, was reported elsewhere to suffer from IL-12Rβ1 deficiency. These three patients thus indicate that various inherited defects of the IL-12-IFN-γ circuit can be found in Iranian people. In conclusion we recommend to consider the disorders of the IL-12-IFN-γ circuit in all patients with severe BCG infection, disseminated environmental mycobacterial disease, or systemic non-typhoidal salmonellosis, regardless of their ethnic origin and country of residence.

Kidney retransplantation in comparison with first kidney transplantation.

Abstract: Introduction The aim of this study was to depict the outcome of second and third kidney allografts in comparison with first kidney allografts. Methods Among 2150 kidney transplantations are 103 second and 5 third transplantations. Demographic characteristics and survivals of retransplanted patients were compared with a randomly selected group of first kidney recipients, consisting of two cases matched with each retransplanted patient for age, gender, and date of transplantation. Results Retransplanted patients consisted of 78 men and 30 women of mean age 32.63 ± 11.92 years. They had received kidneys from 91 living-unrelated and 17 living-related donors. Median followup was 27 months. One-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year graft survivals were 81.4%, 78.9%, 78.9%, and 73.7% among retransplants, versus 92.9%, 91.5%, 89.8%, and 85.3% in the control group, respectively (P = .0037). Patient survival was 96%, 94.6%, 92.4%, and 87.8% in the retransplant group versus 93.1%, 92.4%, 90.9%, 87.4% in the control group, respectively (P = .63). Also, graft survivals were slightly lower in female compared to male retransplant patients (P = .09). No significant difference in survival rates was seen in different age groups. Conclusion It seems that kidney retransplantation can yield desirable outcomes, albeit relatively lower graft survivals.

Preparation and characterization of ibuprofen microspheres.

Abstract: Ibuprofen was microencapsulated with Eudragit RS using an o/w emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The effects of three formulation variables including the drug:polymer ratio, emulsifier (polyvinyl alcohol) concentration and organic solvent (chloroform) volume on the entrapment efficiency and microspheres size distribution were examined. The drug release rate from prepared microspheres and the release kinetics were also studied. The results demonstrated that microspheres with good range of particle size can be prepared, depending on the formulation components. The drug:polymer ratio had a considerable effect on the entrapment efficiency. However, particle size distribution of microspheres was more dependent on the volume of chloroform and polyvinyl alcohol concentration rather than the drug:polymer ratio. The drug release pattern showed a burst effect for all prepared microspheres due to the presence of uncovered drug crystals on the surface. It was shown that the release profiles of all formulations showed good correlation with the Higuchi model of release.

Association between carpel tunnel syndrome and arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients.

Abstract: Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in hemodialysis patients than in the general population. In addition to uremic neuropathy, arteriovenous fistula has been identified as one of the possible causes for the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods: Wrists of 279 hemodialysis patients who had arteriovenous fistula for at least 6 months served as the case group and the other intact wrists of the same patients served as the control group. Carpal tunnel syndrome was diagnosed clinically; however, 116 random patients underwent electrodiagnostic studies the day after hemodialysis. Results: Clinically, carpal tunnel syndrome was diagnosed less frequently in the contralateral wrist than in the wrist with arteriovenous fistula (12.2 percent versus 30.5 percent, p 0.2). Contrary to the clinical assessment, electrodiagnostic studies did not indicate any significant association between the frequency of carpal tunnel syndrome and arteriovenous fistula or its duration. With the nerve conduction velocity abnormalities observed in patients with uremic polyneuropathy, the authors believe that clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome is more indicative of the development of the condition than the electrodiagnostic results. Conclusions: The authors’ clinical results have revealed that hemodialysis patients are at considerable risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist with an arteriovenous fistula. These patients should be under close observation and receive routine checkup.

Correlation between human papillomavirus infection and bladder transitional cell carcinoma

Abstract: Background To determine the association of human papillomavirus infection (HPV) and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC).

Lumbar stabilizing exercises improve activities of daily living in patients with lumbar disc herniation

Abstract: Lumbar stabilizing exercises (LSE) have been recommended to improve lumbar function in patients with low back injury so that these patients may improve their activities of daily living (ADL). This study has been designed to investigate the effect of LSE in patients with herniated lumbar disc (HLD). Sixty patients (aged 22-55 years old) with HLD at L4-L5 or L5-S1 were randomly arranged into two groups (A and B) of thirty. Group A performed a LSE protocol for four weeks upon recruitment into the study, followed by a four week no-exercise period, whilst group B performed the opposite. Measurements were taken before and after the LSE protocol and no-exercise period and included; pain (measured on a visual analogue scale); trunk flexion; straight leg raising (SLR) angle without pain and time to complete ADL tasks such as climbing 5 steps, 10 meter walking, laying prone from standing position and standing up from prone position. Significant pain relief (p < 0.0001), left and right SLR angle improvement (p < 0.005), increased trunk flexion (p < 0.001) and improved ADL performance (p < 0.05) were found after first four week LSE period in group A. The same results were found in group B following their exercise period. These findings indicate that a LSE protocol may improve ADL performance in patients with HLD.

Diagnostic stability in patients with first-episode psychosis

Abstract: Objective: To examine the short-term stability of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edn; DSM-IV)and International Classification of Diseases (10th revision; ICD-10) diagnoses in a group of patients with first-episode psychosis.Method: Sixty patients with first-episode psychosis admitted consecutively to Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran, were sampled; their illnesses could not be attributed to any medical or substance-induced conditions. Patients were assessed at the time of discharge from the hospital, and at 3, 6and 12 month intervals following admission. Ateach visit, two psychiatrists made consensusDSM-IV and ICD10 diagnoses, based on all available information. Stability was discerned as the consistency between diagnoses at the time of discharge and at 12 month follow up.Results: Forty-eight patients completed follow up. Affective psychotic disorders and schizophrenia in both classification systems were highly stable. In addition, all patients with DSM-IV brief psychotic disorder and I...

Outcomes of phacoemulsification and in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation in Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis.

Abstract: Purpose To evaluate the visual outcomes and complications of phacoemulsification (PE) and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, (PC IOL) in patients with Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis (FHIC). Setting Private clinic and an academic hospital. Methods In this noncomparative interventional case series, existing data for 41 eyes of 40 consecutive patients clinically diagnosed with FHIC and cataract were studied retrospectively. Scleral tunnel PE and in-the-bag IOL implantation were performed in all cases. Preoperative and postoperative visual acuities and intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated. Results Twenty-four male and 16 female patients aged 12 years to 70 (SD) (mean 35 ± 12 years) were operated on and followed for 17.8 ± 8.7 months. Preoperatively, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was less than 20/40 in all patients, which improved to 20/40 or better after surgery. Twenty-two eyes (53.6%) achieved BCVA of 20/20. The major cause of postoperative visual acuity less than 20/20 was vitreous haze. There were no major intraoperative complications. Postoperatively, mild anterior chamber fibrin reaction occurred in 4 patients (9.7%), IOL deposits occurred in 11 eyes (26.8%), and decentration was observed in 1 eye. During follow-up, 6 eyes (14.6%) developed posterior capsule opacification requiring a neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy. There was 1 case of clinical cystoid macular edema that resolved with medication. There were no cases of posterior synechias, postoperative glaucoma, or retinal detachment. Conclusion Phacoemulsification with PC IOL implantation is a safe procedure with good visual outcomes in patients with FHIC and cataract.

T1764G1766 core promoter double mutants are restricted to Hepatitis B virus strains with an A1757 and are common in genotype D.

Abstract: To investigate the role of pre-core and basal core promoter (BCP) mutants in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (e-CHB) in Iran, Hepatitis B virus strains from 30 patients and 42 anti-HBe-positive asymptomatic carriers (ASCs) were characterized. G1896A pre-core stop mutants, detected in 77 % of e-CHB patients and 85 % of ASCs, showed no association with virus load or aminotransferase levels. Twenty per cent of e-CHB patients and 31 % of ASCs harboured T1762A1764 mutants. When this double mutation was associated with G1757, it was linked to a higher virus load in patients than when it was associated with A1757 (105·2±1·8 vs 103·2±0·8 copies ml−1; P=0·004). Interestingly, the most common BCP mutations were T1764 and G1766, which were present in 33 % of e-CHB patients and 29 % of ASCs. These were associated with higher virus load and aminotransferase levels compared with patients lacking core promoter mutations, although this was not significant. The T1764G1766 double mutation was only present in strains with A1757 (P<0·001), which is more frequent in strains of genotype D than in those belonging to other genotypes. On the other hand, the T1762A1764 double mutation was found more frequently in association with G1757 than with A1757. The T1762A1764 double mutation forms a binding site for hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 (HNF1), which is constrained by A1757. However, the T1764G1766 double mutant may form a binding site for HNF3. Thus, position 1757 affects the emergence of promoter double mutants and would predict a relative genotypic restriction of both the T1762A1764 and the T1764G1766 double mutants.

Fumonisin production by Fusarium species isolated from freshly harvested corn in Iran.

Abstract: Fifty-one strains of Fusarium verticillioides and F proliferatum isolated from corn collected from four different geographic areas in Iran, namely Fars, Khuzestan, Kermanshah and Mazandaran (an endemic oesophageal cancer (OC) area) were evaluated for their ability to produce fumonisins B1 (FB1), B2 (FB2) and B3 (FB3) in corn culture Fumonisin levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography All tested strains of F verticillioides and F proliferatumproduced fumonisins within a wide range of concentrations, 197–9661 μg/g, 18–1974 μg/g, and 21–1725 μg/g for FB1, FB2, and FB3, respectively The highest mean concentrations of FB1, FB2, and FB3 were 3897, 806 and 827 μg/g, respectively Overall, 61% of the F verticillioides and F proliferatum strains produced higher levels of FB3 than FB2 The mean ratios of FB1:FB2, FB1:FB3 and FB1:total fumonisins were 8, 7 and 07 for F verticillioides and 57, 107 and 07 for F proliferatum, respectively Significant differences in some of the meteorological data (rainfall, relative humidity and minimum temperature) from the four provinces were observed Fumonisin levels produced by F verticillioides strains isolated from Khuzestan province (tropical zone) were significantly (P < 001) higher than the other three provinces This is the first report of the fumonisin-producing ability of Fverticillioides and F proliferatum strains isolated from corn harvested from different geographic areas in Iran

Salvage of an impacted canine associated with an adenomatoid odontogenic tumour: a case report.

Abstract: The adenomatoid odontogenic tumour (AOT) has been known by a number of descriptive names (adenoameloblastoma, ameloblastic adenomatoid tumour, glandular ameloblastoma, and adenomatoid ameloblastoma) since it was first reported and later recognised as a distinct odontogenic lesion unrelated to ameloblastoma. Although it was considered to be a variant of ameloblastoma at one time leading surgeons to perform unduly aggressive surgery, the treatment outcome experience has borne out the benign, nonaggressive nature of this lesion. The AOT is now considered to be a hamartoma with completely benign behaviour. Recurrence seldom if ever occurs after surgical curettage. Thus, it appears needless to extract involved anterior teeth associated with the tumour, especially in children. We report a case in which surgical and orthodontic treatment helped to salvage an impacted mandibular canine associated with an AOT in an adolescent girl. We have not found such a procedure to have been done for this tumour in the literature.

Celiac Disease in Children with Diarrhea Is More Frequent than Previously Suspected

Abstract: Background:Celiac disease (CD) may be missed or diagnosed late in children with chronic diarrhea. In this study the authors estimated the frequency of CD among pediatric patients with chronic diarrhea based on serologic and pathologic examinations.Methods:During a 6-year period, all patients

Posterior sub-tenon triamcinolone for refractory diabetic macular edema: a randomized clinical trial.

Abstract: PurposeTo evaluate the effect of posterior sub-tenon triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection on clinical, angiographic, and optical coherence tomographic (OCT) parameters in refractory diabetic macu...

Acute urinary retention in children.

Abstract: Purpose: Acute urinary retention in children is a relatively rare entity. There are a variety of causes that are poorly defined in the literature. We review our cases of acute urinary retention in children at three major pediatrics centers in Iran. Materials and Methods: Between 1996 and 2003, children (up to 14 years old) who had been referred due to acute urinary retention were examined. Urinary retention was defined as inability to empty the bladder volitionally for more than 12 hours with a urine volume greater than expected for age or a palpably distended bladder. All data from the patients' past medical history, physical examination, and laboratory and radiographic assessments were collected. Also, cystourethroscopy and urodynamic procedures had been carried out according to patient's conditions. Patients with secondary urinary retention, including those with surgical history, immobility or chronic neurological disorders, mental retardation, and drugs or narcotics consumption were excluded from study. Results: There were 86 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, consisting of 58 males with a median age of 4 years (range 1 month to 14 years) and 58 females with a median age of 4 years (range 4 month to 14 years). Etiologies were lower urinary tract stone in 27.9%, neurological disorders in 10.4%, trauma in 10.4%, local inflammatory causes in 9.1%, urinary tract infection in 7.4%, ureterocele in 7.4%, benign obstructing lesions in 5.8%, iatrogenic in 5.8%, constipation in 4.6%, imperforated hymen in 3.5%, and large prostate utricle, urethral foreign body, and rhabdomyosarcoma each in 1 case (1.1%). Conclusion: The most common cause of acute urinary retention was lower urinary tract stone in our pediatric cases. Ureterocele and stone were the main findings in girls and boys, respectively, and urinary retention in boys was twice as prevalent as that in girls.

Abnormal viscoelastic behaviour of passive ankle joint movement in diabetic patients: an early or a late complication?

Abstract: The goal of the present study was to compare the range of motion and both the viscous and elastic components of passive ankle joint movement in short- and long-term diabetic patients with that of a control population. Thirty-four diabetic patients and 16 control subjects entered into the study. Patients with a history of over 15 years of diabetes were considered as a long-term diabetic group. In order to quantify the passive ankle joint movement, a device was designed to measure the dorsi- and plantar-flexion angle and the net moment at the ankle. Elastic behaviour was examined as the separate slope of regression lines (stiffness) of plantar and dorsal components in the loading moment–angle curve. It was also examined as the slope of the regression line in the final 10% of each component. Hysteresis, a characteristic of viscoelastic materials that indicates loss of energy during unloading, was corrected for range of motion and used to examine viscous behaviour of the ankle joint. Total and plantar ranges of motion were significantly lower in long-term diabetic patients than in short-term diabetic and control groups (p<0.05). Plantar-flexion stiffness was significantly lower in short-term diabetic patients than in control subjects and long-term diabetic groups (p<0.05). Corrected hysteresis was significantly higher in long-term diabetic than in short-term diabetic and control (p<0.05) groups in the dorsal range of motion. This study shows that both decreased plantar and total ankle joint ranges of motion, and increased viscous component of passive ankle joint movement are among the late complications of diabetes.

Wife abuse in Esfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran, 2002.

Abstract: We carried out a cross-sectional study with cluster random sampling to study the status of wife abuse in Esfahan from April to July 2002. We interviewed 386 married women using a standard questionnaire. Mean age was 35.7 years (range 15-78 years). Prevalence of wife abuse was 36.8%; incidence was 29.3%. Types of abuse included inattention to wife's feelings 44.8%, threatening to prevent communicating with the wife's family 38.1%, slapping 31.9% and beating 27.2%. Husband's age, use of drugs or alcohol, smoking, income and number of children were all associated with wife abuse (P < 0.05). We recommend further investigation to detect the risk factors for wife abuse in this community along with mass education concerning sexual responsibility and conduct towards wives. We also advocate the promotion of supportive measures for abused women.