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Introduction & Objective: Asthma is the commonest cause of being admitted in hospital and missing school among children. It is the commonest chronic disease among them as well. Although the disease may cause a lot of deaths and financial loss , it is preventable . Findings have revealed the various contributions of environmental factors to the incidence of asthma.This study is an attempt to recognize some influential factors in the incidence and recurrent of asthma among children aged between 6 months to 6 years in Yasuj. Materials & Methods: It is of cross- sectional descriptive analytical type of study carried out with two groups, each of which consisting of 90 children .The first group, the healthy ones, was taken as control group and the second, with asthma ,taken as case group . Enough care was taken in selecting uniform members in control group. Afterwards, questionnaires were prepared and filled by pediatricians when visiting the children in health centers. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: This study showed a significant relationship between smoking , background of allergy within the immediate family members and development of asthma. However there was no significant relationship found between the educational status of parents, breast feeding in the first six months and the incidence of asthma. Conclusion: Bearing in mind the contribution of smoking within the family to the development of asthma in family members with genetic susceptibility to the disease , the need for educational cultural programs encouraging the reduction of smoking within families particularly in enclosed spaces like homes is urgent and should be satisfied .

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Introduction & objective:Visceral leishmaniasis (Kala azar), a systemic infectious and life threatening disease of childhood, can be easily diagnosed and treated provided that there is enough knowledge about it otherwise, 90 –95% of patients may die due to severe, acute complications such as bleeding and opportunist infections. Following the incubation period and onset of clinical manifestations, the disease exhibits itself in the form of recumbent regular fever, weight loss, weakness, edema, anemia and hepato splenomegaly.Although the disease is potentially fatal, it is preventable and curable. This study aims at determining the distribution and clinical manifestations of kala azar among the admitted child patients in Yasuj Shahid Beheshti Hospital. Materials & Methods: This retrospective and descriptive research was carried out on 57 patients, admitted in pediatric ward of the hospital during 1375-1378. Demographic information and clinical manifestations were obtained from files through simple sampling and analyzed using SPSS. Results: This study showed that the majority of patients (66.7 %) were male. The average age of the patients was 2.67 ± 1.86 years. The highest rate of the disease (24.5%) belonged to Yasuj. Most cases (43.3%) occurred in spring time and the fewest cases in winter. The commonest clinical manifestations were fever (84.2%), splenomegaly (77.2%) and hepatomegaly (75.4%). Conclusion: Taking into account the findings of the study, it seams necessary to carry out a screening study on children living in the regions susceptible to the disease because of climatic and geographical conditions. In this way, prevention and treatment can be facilitated.

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ABSTRACT Introduction & Objective: One of the objectives of preoperative preparation is evaluating the status of cardiovascular and respiratory systems and determining possible abnormalities. This study aimed at decreasing mortality and morbidity rate, cost of hospitalization and achieving post operative initial respiratory status function. As respiratory problems result in more sever complications, it is crucial to get information about its integrity. Thus, the present study also tried to assess the value of chest x- Ray in comparison to clinical examination for diagnosing pre-operative respiratory problems. Materials & Methods: This is an applied study performed on one hundred patients (53% female and 47% male) in Nikocari educational and therapeutic center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Physical status of the patients was class І and ii based on ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) classification. Simple improbable method was used for sampling. In this study all the patients were filmed on their chests in radiology department and they were all visited by the anesthesiologist clinically. Results of both evaluations were documented for further decision-making. A questionnaire was employed for data collection. Then the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Patients ranged from 55 to 98 years of age. 31% of them had normal chest films but 30% had projection of aortic arch. In 15% lung hilum was prominent and there was an increase in bronco-vascular view of the lung in 11%. 8% of the cases showed an increase in interstitial tissues. Emphysema and probable engorgement of IVC was reported to be in 4% and 1% of them, respectively. Clinical examination showed that 33% of the patients suffered from pulmonary disorders and the rest were all normal. Conclusion: Because almost all abnormal radiographic findings were also detected by physical examination, it is recommended that, for the preservation of energy and time of radiology personnel, prevention of break-down of chest X- Ray machines and avoidance of imposing extra payment on patients, radiography of chest be specified only for the patients with pulmonary disease and those who have a positive clinical finding. Routine chest X- Ray is also suggested for the patients over 60.

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Introduction & Objective: Relaxation is one of the efficient methods in decreasing the occurance of ventricular arrhythmia. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of relaxation methods on the rate of ventricular arrhythmia in patients swith myocardial infarction. Materials & Methods: This study is a clinical trial in which 60 patients with myocardial infarction have been randomly divided into two, experimental and control groups. Data collecting tools were a demographic characteristics form and also a ventricular arrhythmia checklist. In order to assess the effect of relaxation, relaxation method was performed on experimental and control groups and the rate of occurance of ventricular arrhythmia was compared before and after relaxation in both groups. Results: Most of the studied cases were married with primery education level and their monthly income was more than 2000000 Rials. The findings of this study showed that the rate of ventricular arrhythmia in the experimental group was lower in comparison with the control group and this difference was statisticaly significant. Conclusion: Relaxation can be used as an efficient element in decreasing ventricular arrhythmia in patients with myocardial infarction.

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Introduction & Objective: ECG is a test which is used for diagnosis and confirmation of cardiovascular diseases. Many studies regarding the validity of this test in different age groups have been performed and different results were obtained. This study was performed to assess the role of ECG on anesthesia planning in elderly patients. Material & Methods: One hundred elderly patients who referred to Nikocari hospital in Tabriz for eye surgery were enrolled in this study. Findings of clinical examination and medical history were compared with those obtained from the interpretation of ECG by anesthetists. Results: The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Results showed that only 4% of the patients without positive findings in clinical examination had ECG abnormalities 3% had RBBB and 1% had T inversion in pre-cordial leads. It is noticeable that reported abnormalities are not so important on the basis of anesthesia care planning. Conclusion: According to the results obtained, it seems logical to pay more attention to selection of patients for ECG and ordering ECG test only for patients with positive clinical findings.

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Introduction & Objective: Study of an individuals’ personality is much significant in predicting his behavior. This study aimed at determining personality patterns for adolescents and its agreement with their parents' viewpoints in this regard. Materials & Methods: In this descriptive – analytical study, the personality pattern of 400 male and female students(aged 12-18) at guidance and high-schools in Yasuj were studied using the personality questionnaire of Eysenck in 1382. The students' parents also completed the same questionnaire. Sampling method was cluster and simple random. Then the data were analyzed using SPSS and non-parametrical tests such as Wilcoxon, Kruskall Wallis. Results: The correlation between the students and their parents' personality patterns proved to be week or moderate. Guidance School girls had the most difficulty in establishing relations with others (70.6%) guidance school boys were the most quarrelsome (45.8%) high-school boys were the most adventurous (71.4%) guidance school girls were the most observant of rules and regulations (68.3%) guidance school girls were also the most observant of others' rights (58.3%) and high school girls experienced the most stress and anxiety (83.1%). Conclusion: The average rate of extroversion with these subjects was lower than that of other studies however, the average rate of psychosis, neurosis and telling lie was higher. From the variables studied, only the illiteracy of mother had a significant effect on extroversion. Further studies are recommended so that appropriate guidelines can be developed for parents and instructors.

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ABSTRACT: Introduction & Objective: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a disease commonly known as Kala-azar caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania including L. donovani, L. infantum and L. chagasi. VL is sporadic in many areas of Iran and is endemic in a few provinces such as Fars, Azarbayjan, Bushehr, Ardabil and Qom. VL has been reported from some areas of Kohgiloyeh and Boyerahmad and this study aimed to characterize the causative agent of VL in this region. Materials & Methods: Bone marrow sample was obtained from 6 VL patients from children department in Imam Sajad hospital in Yasuj. DNA was extracted from the obtained samples and was checked by semi-nested PCR to determine the species of the parasite. To do that, a segment of minicircle kinetoplast DNA was amplified, using LINR4 and LIN17 primers. Products of PCR were evaluated by electrophoresis, using 1.5% agarose and stained with ethidium bromide. Results: Parasitologically examination of bone marrow smears demonstrated amastigotes form of the parasite in the samples. For mass cultivation, isolated parasites were cultured in diphasic NNN followed by RPMI 1640 media. All the samples produced a 720 bp band in PCR assay. The isolates were compared with referent strains and it was revealed that all the isolates were L. infantum. Conclusion: Findings of this study demonstrated that the causative agent of VL in Kohgiloyeh and Boyerahmad was L. infantum. Further study is needed to explore other aspects of VL in this region.

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ABSTRACT: Introduction & Objective: Talc powder is extensively used as a lubricant in rubber industry. However the nature of its respiratory effects, if any, has not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to assess the pulmonary reactions associated with occupational exposure to talc dust. Materials & Methods: This is a analytical study in which 97 talc-exposed workers and 110 unexposed employees as the reference group were randomly selected from a local rubber industry. Standardized respiratory questionnaires were administered to the subjects. They underwent chest X-ray and were examined by a specialist for any possible respiratory abnormality to be diagnosed. Furthermore, Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) were performed just before and after the work shift. Moreover, to assess the extent of exposure to talc dust, using standard methods, inhaleable and respirable dust concentrations were measured in different dusty worksites. The data were analyzed by standard statistical tests using SPSS software. Results: The average (mean ± SD) age (years), weight (kg), height (cm) and duration of exposure to talc dust (years) for the exposed group were 35.8±6.75, 73.1±9.2, 173.2±5.9 and 11.79±5.3 respectively. The corresponding values for the non-exposed group were 36.1±6.87, 73.36±8.1, 172.2±5.7 and 0±0, respectively. Atmospheric concentrations of inhaleable and respirable talc dust were found to be 41.8±23.52 and 19.8±8.04 mg/m3, (mean ± SD), respectively. Talc exposed subjects had a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Similarly, PFTs revealed that exposure to this lubricating agent was associated with significant decreases in the mean percentage predicted of vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1). Moreover, there was a sharp reduction in some parameters of pulmonary function such as VC, FVC and FEV1, over the work shift. Chest radiographs of exposed workers showed evidence of chronic inflammatory process. Conclusion: These results which are in full agreement with the preliminary observations support the notion that occupational exposure to talc is associated with both acute and chronic respiratory disorders and induces bronchitis and interstitial lung disease.

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Introduction & Objective: Zinc is an important nutrient which is critical for normal immune function and physical growth. Zinc deficiency seems to be common in developing countries and this makes children in those countries prone to infectious diseases. The aim of This study was to find out the effect of zinc supplementation on growth of school children in Yasuj, in Southwest of Iran. Materials & Methods: The study was done as a double – blinded clinical trial. Eight hundreds and four school children aged 8-11 were the subjects of this study. Children were randomly assigned to zinc or placebo group to receive daily supplementation of zinc or placebo, in an identical form (syrup) and identical pre-coded containers, 6 days per week, for 7 months. Anthropometric assessment was first performed at the time of enrolment and then monthly. The data were analyzed by standard statistical tests using SPSS software. Results: Results showed significant weight gain in zinc supplemented group compared with placebo group (1.71± 1.48 VS 0.65 ± 1.98 p<0.0001). Also the mean height gain was significantly higher in zinc supplemented group than placebo group 3.26 ± 1.55 VS 1.65 ± 0.94 p<0.0001). Conclusion: Zinc supplementation improves children’s growth and measures should be taken to supply this nutrient to the children, particularly where zinc deficiency is common.

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ABSTRACT: Introduction & Objective: Helicobacter pylori are among the important pathogens responsible for chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer and gastric cancer. The present study aimed to comparatively evaluate PCR and RUT methods for detection of H. Pylori and determination of the prevalence of the cagApositive Helicobacter pylori strains in Shahrekord. Materials & Methods: This is a molecular epidemiology study conducted in 1385 on biopsy samples collected from 120 patients with dyspeptic symptoms who were referred to endoscopy department of Hajar hospital of Shahrekord. In order to detect H. pylori, RUT method was used at first and then DNA was directly extracted from biopsy specimens. PCR-amplification was preformed for the ureC and then for cagA gene. Results: The H. pylori infection was found in 74 (61.66%) of the patient by RUT method. In parallel, ureC PCR detected H. pylori in 103 (85.83%) of patients. All RUT-positive patients were found to be ureC-PCR positive, too. The cagA-positive H. pylori strains were found in 83.5 percent of isolated strains. Conclusion: These findings indicate that ureC PCR is more sensitive than RUT for diagnosis of H. pylori infection. In addition, the high prevalence of the CagA-positive H. pylori strains is present in Shahrekord.

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ABSTRACT: Introduction & Objective: Acne vulgaris is one of the most prevalent skin diseases which is common in adolescent of both sexes. Tretinoin has been used therapeutically for its comedolitic effects and inhibition of comedone rupture in acne. It is available in 0.01% to 0.1% as cream, gel or lotion. There have been a few clinical reports of the positive effects of iontophoresis with tretinoin on acne scars. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of iontophoresis field on transport of tretinoin across synthetic membrane and excised rat skin. Materials & Methods: Topical formulations of tretinoin marketed in Iran ( Retin-A cream, Retin-A gel, Tretinoin cream 0.025% and Tretinoin gel 0.025%) were assessed in terms of drug assay and content uniformity. The in vitro release and penetration characteristics of tretinoin from dermatological preparation was studied through a hydrophilic Dora pore diffusion barriers and membrane excised rat skin using Franz diffusion cell over a period of 2h. These two tests were also accomplished either with or without the presence of an iontophoresis field. The current density of iontophoresis applied field was constant, 0.5 mA/cm2. The amount of drug released from preparations was determined spectrophotometrically at
max =352nm. Results: The in vitro release of tretinoin through synthetic barrier with an iontophoresis field showed that the cumulative percent of released drug at the end of each experiment was 17.5%, 26.5%, 19% and 54% for Tretinoin gel, Retin-A gel, Tretinoin cream and Retin-A cream, respectively. This was significantly higher than the observed one for release of tretinoin without application of a DC electric field. In addition, the results showed a significantly higher iontophoretic transport of tretinoin compared to passive flux for excised rat skin. Conclusion: The application of an electric current for a limited period of time produced higher post-iontophoresis fluxes of tretinoin than passive diffusion. With application of iontophoresis field, the in vitro release and transport of drug for different formulations of tretinoin follow the zero order kinetics.

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Introduction & Objective: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic infection of humans and domestic animals caused by larvae of the cestode Echinococcus granulosus. Echinococcosis has a world-wide geographic distribution and occurs in all continents. CE is one of the most important zoonotic diseases prevalent in different parts of Iran and human cases are repeatedly reported from medical centers in different regions of Iran. This study was conducted to survey the hospital records of hydatidosis between 1996 and 2006 in Yasuj, southwest of Iran. Materials & Methods: Hospital records of CE patients from 1996-2006 in three hospitals in Yasuj were carefully studied. Data such as age, sex, occupation, place of residence, number of cyst, cyst location, clinical signs and other related features were recorded in a predestined information sheet. Collected data were statistically analyzed. Results: Results of this study showed that during 1996 to 2006 (10 years) 105 cases of hydatidosis have been admitted in Yasuj hospitals, out of which 70 cases (66.7%) were women and 35 cases (33.3%) were men. Considering the age of patients, the highest rate of infection was recorded in 31-40 year old patients. Female housekeepers with 66.7% of cases were found to be the main victims of the disease. Hepatic cyst was recorded in 81% of cases where nephrotic cyst was the second most prevalent one. Most of the patients (87.8%) had only one cyst, though 11.4% of the patients had 2 cysts and in one case 18 cysts have been isolated from the patient. Recurrence of the disease, based of number of patient's operation, was noted in 14.3% of cases and in one case five times of surgery for removing of hydatid cyst were noted. Conclusion: Results of this study indicate that CE is an endemic disease in the studied area. Data also suggest that the trend and number of CE cases remained unchanged during the 10 years in this area. Therefore, effective steps should be taken to control the disease in this hydatid cyst endemic district.

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1.Nikkhoo MR. Avadais yance, Hamayak. Females Sexual life. 4th ed.Tehran: sokhan 2001 9-10. 2.Warnock JJ. Female hypoactive sexual desire disorder: epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment. CNS Drugs 200216(11):745-53. 3.Spence SH. Psychosexual therapy. Translation by Hassan tuzandejani, 1380. 3th ed. Tehran: Peyk farhang 199110. 4.Arman S. Females sexual dysfunction comparison between pre and post menopause. Journal of Arak university of medicine 2005 8(3):2-7. 5.Besharat MA. Sexual problems and sexual therapy. Journal of Counseling Research and Development 1998 9(10): 2-9. 6.Eshghi R, Bahrami F, Fatehizade M. The study of effectiveness couple sexual cognitive-behavioral therapy on improvement of sexual self- confidence, sexual self-disclosure and sexual knowledge in frigid women in Isfahan. PhD Dissertation. Esfahan university: Psychology univer Sity, 2006. 7.Middlelton LS, Kuffel SW, Heiman JR. Effectes of Experimentally Adopted Sexual Schemas on Vaginal Response and Subjective Sexual Arousal. Journal Sex behavior 2008 10:2-4. 8.Whestheimer R, Lopater S. Human Sexuality: A psychology perspective. 2th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams& Wilkins 2005 220. 9.Giami A, De Colomby P.Sexology as a profession in France. Archives of Sexual Behavior 2003 32(4):371. 10.Azgoli G, Torkzahraie SH, Valaie N, Khushabi K. The study of attitude and satisfaction sexual relationship in women in Shahid Beheshti medicine university1379. Tehran: Shahid Beheshti Medicine University, 2000. 11.Owhadi B. Human sexual behavior. 8st ed. Esfahan: Sadeghhedayat 2005 19-35. 12.Caballo VE. International handbook of cognitive and behavioral treatments for psychological disorders. 3thed. Granada: Spain1998 110. 13.Hoyer J, Uhmann S, Rambow Jana, Jacobi F. Reduction of sexual dysfunction: by product of cognitive- behavioural therapy for psychological disorders. Journal Sexual and Relationship Therapy 2009 24:64-73. 14.Jacques JDM, Lankveld V, Everaerd W, Grotjohann Y. Cognitive-behavioral Bibliotherapy for sexual Dysfunctions in Heterosexual Couples. Journal of sex research 2001:645-47. 15.Dehghani A, Mohammad KP, Yunesi J. The effectiveness of sexual skills education on couples sexual attitude. MSc degree. Tehran: Rehabilitation University, 2003. 16.Masters W, Johnson V. Human Sexual Response. Translation by Behnam Owhadi. 6ed. Esfahan: Sadegh Hedayat 2004,9-35. 17.Bancroft J. Human sexuality and its problems. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone 1989 10-68. 18.McMullen S, Rosen RC. Self-administrating masturbation treating in the treatment of primary orgasmic dysfunction. Journal of Consulting and Cilinical Psychology 1979 47:912-8. 19.Gellman C. Behavioral approach to sexual dysfunction. Encephale 1983 14: 49B-55B. 20.Langer M, Zimmerman SW, Duncan C. Decision-making orientation and AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of Hispanic, African- American, and White adleseents. Health psychology. 12, 227-234. Abstract retrieved Aug 8, 2005, from Psych INFO database. 21.Lawrence S, Janet S. African- American adolescents knowledge, health- related attitudes, Sexual behavior, and contraceptive decisions: Implications for the prevention of adolescent HIV infection. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology 200515: 104-112.Abstract retrieved Jul 15, 2007, from Psych INFO database,. 22.Shojayizade D, Ghobbe N, Mansurian M editors. The effectiveness of Health education couples on Sexual attitude about contraception means. Sexual health position in fertility and infertility seminar: 2003. 15-18: Tehran. Tehran Shahid Beheshti University of Medicine 2004. 23.Usefi E, Besharat M, Yunesi J. An investigation of the correlation between Sexual knowledge and attitude with marital satisfaction among serried couples Inhabiting in married students dormitory at shahid beheshti university. Quarterly journal of Iranian Counseling Association Winter 2008,Vol.6,No26,27-39.

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Introduction & Objective: Neonatal jaundice is observed in the first week of birth among 60% of mature and 80% of immature neonates. This epidemic puts a lot of cost on the society. Today, phototherapy is used for the treatment of neonatal jaundice. Reducing the treatment period decreases the hospitalization costs. The Purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Zizphus Jujba extract and phototherapy on reducing both Bilirubin concentration and also the hospitalization period of neonatal jaundice patients. Materials & Methods: This was a clinical-trial study which was conducted at Imam Sajjad Hospital of Yasuj in 2009. 121 of the hospitalized neonates were chosen and divided into 2 groups: case group (63 neonates) and control group (58 neonates). 1 cc of the Zizphus Jujba extract per each kilogram of body weight was orally given three times a day to the case group. Also phototherapy was used in the case group. Phototherapy was the only treatment used for the control group. The Bilirubin concentration of the hospitalized patients was measured two times a day in the hospitalization period. The collected data was analyzed by the SPSS software using t-test. Results: The mean and standard deviation of the Bilirubin concentration in the control group before the intervention were 20.9±2.3 milligrams per 100 and after intervention was 12.27±1.23 milligrams per 100 while in the case group before intervention was 22.3±0.05 and after intervention was 12.27±1.01 milligrams per hundred. A significant difference was seen between the case and control group before and after intervention (p=0.001. Moreover, a meaningful reduction of the hospitalized days and a meaningful increase of excrement and urine in the case group were observed. Conclusion: This study revealed that administration of Zizphus Jujba extract with increasing amount of excrement and urine of the neonates can lead to Bilirubin discharge and can be effective on curing neonatal jaundice.

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Introduction & Objective: Dorema aucheri is from the piaceae family that exists in margins of Zagros mountains in Iran. In this study, the effect of 200 and 400 mg doses of Dorema aucheri extract on DMBA induced breast tumors in rats was investigated. Materials & Methods: This experimental study, was conducted in Herbal Medicine Research Center of Yasuj University of Medical Sciences. Forty rats were allocated in experimental and control groups. In experimental groups, after receiving DMBA, Dorema aucheri alcoholic extract in doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg of body weight were used orally for 12 weeks. One group of control animals received DMBA only and the other group received 200 mg of Dorema aucheri extract. At the end of 12 weeks, the tumor mass was isolated and evaluated by hematoxylin eosin histology staining. The average tumor size, number of tumors, and histology of tumors in groups were compared. The gathered data were analyzed using SPSS version 18, using ANOVA and Paired T test. Results: Mean of tumor number were significantly different in experimental and control groups. No tumor was seen in control group which received 200 mg of the extract while breast tumor was seen in other groups. Mean of tumor number in animals which received 400 mg of extract was significantly higher that the other groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: It seems that the dose of 400 mg extract of Dorema aucheri increases the tumor size, causes weight loss, decreases longevity and durability of rats while dose of 200 mg of extract reduces the tumor growth and tumor necrosis in Sprague Dawley female rat’s with breast tumor induced by DMBA

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Introduction & Objective: Most adults have surely once experienced a headache. A high percentage of these headaches are the referred pain from cervical structures, such as neck muscles, known as cervicogenic headaches. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of injection of methylprednisolone acetate at the Gallbladder-20 acupuncture points in muscle originated chronic and drug resistant headaches. Materials & Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study conducted at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2009-2010, 25 patients with both chronic and drug resistant cervicogenic headaches, who had cervical muscle tender points, underwent methylprednisolone acetate injection. To evaluate the severity of these patients' headache, VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) was used. The collected data was analyzed using the SPSS software and Wilcoxon test. Results: The Mean headache intensity on the visual scale of these people before the injection was 3 .2 ± 76.7. This value was 2.60±2.9, 3 days after injection. The values at 1 and 3 months post procedure were 3.52±3.3, and 3.48±3.5, respectively. In other words, a statistically significant loss of pain score (P<0.001) was observed. The frequency of headache attacks 1 and 3 months after injection decreased 72% and 76% among patients, respectively. Average duration of headache attacks, one month and three months after injection, was decreased in 72 percent of patients. Conclusion: Injection of methylprednisolone acetate at the GB-20acu points in muscle originated cervicogenic headache could be used as an appropriate therapy that has significant therapeutic efficacies only when injected once.

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Introduction & Objective: Some of natural and synthetic products have antioxidant properties which protect the liver against the destructive factors. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Zizphus Vulgaris extracts on mice liver. Materials & Methods: This experimental study was conducted at Yasouj University of Medical Sciences in 2010 on 30 healthy adult male Wistar rats. Animals were randomly divided into five equal groups: the control group (receiving, olive oil), control group (receiving olive oil and carbon tetrachloride and three intervention groups (receiving different dose of carbon tetrachloride and olive oil) groups. The intervention group was given daily doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg per Kg of Zizphus Vulgaris extract by gavage respectively. After 45 days, the amount of liver enzymes, total protein, albumin and bilirubin in animal’s sera were measured. Data were analyzed by the SPSS software, using ANOVA and t-test. Results: The concentration of total protein, albumin, AST, ALT, ALP in test groups I, II and III receiving Z.Vulgaris extract (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg weight) compared with control group were statistically not significant. Consumption of Z.Vulgaris reduced the bilirubin concentration in test groups I and II but this decrease was significant only in the test group I Increasing of Z.Vulgaris dose in the test group III (600 mg Z.Vulgaris per kg body weight) showed increase in the level of serum bilirubin. Increase in the ratio of liver weight to body weight of rats in groups I and III in comparison with control groups was noticed although this difference was not statistically significant. Findings of this study revealed that dosage of 600 mg/kg extract of Z.Vulgaris caused significant improvements in CCl4 induced liver necrosis (P <0.01) and reduced portal cells inflammation (P <0.01). Dose of 400 mg/kg of Z.Vulgaris induced some destruction and necrosis of liver cells in animals but significant reduction of portal cells inflammation was seen. Conclusion: Considering the obtained results, it seems that Ziziphus vulgaris fruit extract has shielding effects against toxins on liver cells.

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Introduction & Objective: Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) is defined as a spectrum of clinical scenarios which is pathological deposition of fat droplets in the liver of patients who have no history of alcohol use. This study compared the effect of low calorie diet with and without sibutramine on body weight and liver function in patients with NAFLD. Materials & Methods: This clinical trial study was conducted in 2010 at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, on 40 obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups of intervention and control groups. Group one received 15 mg daily sibutramine capsules half an hour before lunch and a weight loss diet based on ideal body weight. The other group only had diet control for weight reduction. Before and after 3 months of intervention, weight changes, fasting glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin HbA1c, levels of liver enzymes and ultrasound evaluation was repeated. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software and the paired T test, Mann-Whitney and McNemar test. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 38.90 ± 7.00 in the sibutramine group and 36.55 ±7.87 for the control group. After three months, the average weight loss in sibutramine group was significantly more than the control group (sibutramine group13 kg and control group 4 kg (p<0.05). Improvement in liver echogenicity in sibutramine patients was 90% and 50% of diet group patients. ALT changes in the sibutramine group and control group was 7.50 ± 15.11 and 6.15 ± 28.23 respectively, which was statistically significant in the sibutramine group. AST changes were 4.38 ± 13.37 and 1.70 ± 18.37 in sibutramine and control group respectively. The changes were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Overall, findings of this study suggest that sibutramine is effective in liver function improvement and treatment of NAFLD patients.

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Background & Aim: Quality of life promotion is important for control of type II diabetes and its complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive role of demographical, psychological and disease characteristics factors on quality of life in patients with type II diabetes. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2010-2011 in outpatient's diabetic clinics of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. 269 outpatients with type II diabetes were selected by convenience sampling method. Data were collected by scales of Quality of Life Scale, Depression of DASS, diabetes self-management, diabetes knowledge, and demographical Information-disease characteristics questionnaire and analyzed, using correlation and stepwise multiple regression. Results: there was a significantly positive relationship between self-management and diabetes knowledge with quality of life. Moreover, there was a significantly negative relationship between diabetes duration, depression, HbA1c and diabetes complications with quality of life (P<0.001). Diabetes duration, self-management, diabetes knowledge, HbA1c, depression, diabetes complications and socio-economic status significantly predicted the quality of life variance in patients with type II diabetes (P<0.001). The duration of diabetes had the most significant role in defining the quality of life among these patients. Conclusion: Findings of this study indicated that diabetes duration, self-management, diabetes knowledge, Glycated hemoglobin, depression, diabetes complications and socio-economic status are important in quality of life for patients with type II diabetes.