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Background&Objective: 15-20% of TB cases are extra pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). Abdominal TB is the most common type of extra intestinal TB. Signs and symptoms of abdominal TB are unspecific. In this study, we identified all GITB cases in Golestan province (Iran) between 1999 and 2003 and determined their demographic characteristics. Materials&Methods: We reviewed all new cases of TB reported during 1999-2003 from TB centers of Golestan province .Then EPTB and especially GI and abdominal TB cases were selected. We completed a questionnaire containing demographic information for each of them. The information entered the computer in SPSS-13 was used to analyze the data. Results: 30 patients had been treated for GI and abdominal TB, most of them were females (22 cases, 73.3%). Mean age of the patients was 32.03±13.73 with higher incidence in age before 40 years old (70%). Most common complaints of the patients were fatigue, weight loss, anorexia, fever and abdominal pain, respectively. In 66.7% of patients the diagnosis was pathologically documented. Conclusion: Our data suggest that 38.46% of all TB cases in Golestan province were EPTB, and this scale is higher than other studies. In this study, 5.27% of EPTB cases were GI and abdominal TB, higher than the world reports (3%).

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Background&Objective: The breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. The normal and malignant breast tissue are under the regulatory effects of esteroid hormones and growth factors including HER-2/neu. The purpose of this study, is to determine the expression of estrogene receptor (ER) progesterone receptor(PR) and HER-2/neu among Iranian women with invasive breast cancer. Materials&Methods: The study is descriptive and cross-sectional that was performed on 50 samples of patients with invasive breast cancer in Imam-Khomeini Hospital-Sari (2005-06). After preparing the samples four tissue sections from each sample was obtained then H&E and IHC staining were performed. Results: In our study, the patients were between 28-88 yrs, (mean:52/6). ER and PR and HER-2/neu were positive in 80%, 72% and 57.1% of cases, respectively. Concurrent positive ER and PR was 70%, meanwhile 62.9% of these patient were also positive for HER-2/neu. 20% of the cases showed negativity for both ER and PR and of these 83.4% were also negative for HER-2/neu. Conclusion: In our study ER expression by itself is equal to previous studies in textbooks but PR expression, HER-2/neu and concurrent expression of ER&PR are higher in our study. Interestingly HER-2/neu expression is near to what was previously proposed by Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization and Kerman University of Medical science. It seems that racial and geographic factors are contributed for these diffrences.

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Background & Objectives: Diabetes mellitus contains a group of common metabolic disorders that induces problems in health status. Its prevalence is increasing in the world, due to increase the rate of obesity and decrease in physical activities. This study was done to evaluate incidence of diabetes and prevalence in rural areas of Kalaleh city(North of Iran).

 

Materials & Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study all persons over 30 years old were enrolled, according to diagnosis of diabetes before 2005 or diagnosis in the screening programs (with FPG>126 in two turns) in rural areas of Kalaleh during 2005-06. After collection of demographic data with questionnaires and laboratory findings, they were entered to computer with SPSS-15 software. Central and distributive indices and incidence & prevalence of diabetes were assumed according to the whole population.

 

Results: In this study, 394 cases were enrolled. Incidence and prevalence of diabetes was 0.6% and 1.13%, respectively. Mean age of cases was 51.61 years. Male to female ratio was 0.4. Mean BMI was 29.43 kg/m² and a significant difference was seen between two gender (P<0.05). Most of the cases were Turkmen (72.8%). Illiterates were the major group (77.2%) and 1.8% had diploma or higher educational levels.

 

Conclusion: Prevalence and incidence of diabetes was lower than the other area of Iran.

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Background & Objective: The pathogenesis of appendicitis remains poorly understood. However there is increasing evidence of involvement of the enteric nervous system in immune regulation and in inflammatory responses.This study was setup to characterize the status of the enteric nervous system and mast cells in acute appendicitis with normal and non inflamed appendix with clinical symptoms Materials & Methods: In this descriptive study, staining in surgically resected appendixes from 15 patients with histologically proven acute appendicitis (Histologically appendicitis, HA), 15 histologically normal appendix (Histologically normal, HN) from patients with a clinical diagnosis of appendicitis and normal histology,and15 normal appendixes from patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery were studied in Shaid Mostafa Khomeyni medical center, Iran during 2000-01. S100-Positive schwann cells and synaptophisin-positive nerve fibers were evaluated with immunohistochemical staining and mast cells were evaluated with histochemical staining with Toloiden –blue.The number of nerve fibres, schwann cells and mast cells in each tissue compartment was measured quantitively with light microscope in 20 microscopic high power fields. Then the mean number of cells was calculated in each field (×400). Results: Increased numbers of fibers and schwann cells widely distributed in the Muscularis and submucosa were seen in the all HA appendixes. Increased numbers of mast cells distributed in submucosa were seen in the all HA appendixes. A significantly increased number of individually stained nerve fibers, schwann cells and mast cells were present in HA appendixes compared with control appendixes (P<0.05). Conclusion: In this study showed that significant increase in neural components and mast cells in acute appendicitis indicates the interaction between the nervous system and mast cells in pathogenesis of acute appendicitis.

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Background & Objective: In addition to pyramidal neurons and interneurons, the hippocampus contains Astrocytes that play important roles in regulating ion flux currents, energy production, neurotransmitter release and memory. Learning needs some instrument for information storage and information maintenances mechanisms resemble to memory. The aim of this study was determination of spatial memory effect on the number of astrocytes in rat’s hippocampus. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, with usage of Morris Water Maze and Reference memory technique, we used 10 male albino wistar rats. 5 rats were in control group and 5 rats in Reference memory group. After histological preparation, the slides were stained with PTAH staining for showing the Astrocytes. Results: The findings of this study showed significant difference in astrocytes number in CA1, CA2 and CA3 area of hippocampus between control and reference memory group. The mean and SD of astrocytes in CA1, CA2 and CA3 of reference memory group were 118.57±25.29, 58.91±23.59 and 116.6±31.14, that they are more than control group with 49±17.29 in CA1, 48.8±25.21 in CA2 and 41.95±11.22 in CA3. Conclusion: We concluded that the number of astrocytes increased due to spatial learning (e.g. reference memory method).

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Background & Objective: Viral gastroenteritis is associated with significant cause of morbidity and is a common cause of hospitalization in worldwide. This study was performed to assess the role of rota, adeno and astroviruses in children presenting with acute diarrhea in the main Children's Medical Hospital in Babol-Iran. Materials & Methods: Stool specimens from 208 children suffering from diarrhea were tested for the presence of rota, adeno and astroviruses by ELISA test during Winter 2004 to Autumn 2005. Data were then analyzed by the Chi-square and Fisher exact test with SPSS-10 software. Results: Rota, adeno and astrovirus antigens were detected in 61.1%, 2.9% and 2.4% of patients. Infants between 6 and 12 months of age were most frequently affected with rotavirus (29.8%), (p<0.05). Rotavirus infection was significantly less frequent in summer and spring than winter and autumn (p<0.05). Fever and vomiting were present in 55.1% and 51.7% of children, respectively. There was not significant correlation between rotavirus infection and gender of patients. Conclusion: This study showed that rotavirus can be regarded as a major etiologic agent of winter acute diarrhea in children under 2-years old in Babol. Therefore, it is suggested to provide proper vaccination to immunize the children.

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Background & Objective: The breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. MDM2 expression is determined in some carcinomas, sarcomas, leukemias,and breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the expression of MDM2 gene in primary breast cancer and it’s relationship with grade, stage and axillary lymph node involvement. Materials & Methods: the study was the cross-sectional one, that was performed on 75 samples of patients with breast cancer admitted in Mostafa Khomeini hospital Tehran, Iran (2000-05). After preparing the samples, a tissue section from each samples was obtained. One of the tumoral sections and one of the lymph node sections were stained by H&E. We determined the type of the tumor, the number of lymph nodes, the stage and the grade of the tumor. We studied MDM2 with polyclonal antibody by IHC. Results: The meanSD of patients were 5412.5 years old. 69.3% of patients had lymphoid involvement. 32% of samples were positive for MDM2. 58.7% of samples were in stage II and the most of patients (42.7%) were in grade III. In this study, there was not any relationship between MDM2 and tumor grade, but there was a relationship between stage of tumor and lymph node involvement with MDM2 gene (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that MDM2 gene is a prognostic factor in breast cancer.

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Background & Objective: The atherosclerosis of left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery because of subtending more than 50% of left ventricular myocardial mass, has long been the focus of concern regarding appropriate treatment. This study aimed to evaluate efficacy of Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) with stenting for treatment of proximal LAD disease. Materials & Methods: In this descriptive study, 75 patients with isolated proximal LAD atherosclerotic lesion treated with PTCA and stenting were followed up for 9 months. The stenosis of all patients was documented by coronary angiography prior to enrollment. Exercise tolerance testing (ETT) by Bruce protocol was performed before angioplasty and at the end of follow up period as well. Results: There were 44 (58.7%) males, and 31 (41.3%) females. The mean age of patients was 59.4 (range, 39 to 83 yrs). Clinical outcomes of 73 (97.3%) patients were satisfactory. Only two patients developed re-stenosis during the follow up period. The first patient developed myocardial infarction at the 3rd day of her admission, and the second one had an abnormal ETT after 9 months. Percutaneous coronary revascularization with stenting was performed, and both of them were discharged without any problem. Conclusion: This study demostrated that the nine months prognosis of patients with isolated stenosis of proximal LAD coronary artery that treated by PTCA and stenting was acceptable. This treatment improves clinical status and results in lower hospital adverse event rates and in appropriate clinical outcome.

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Background and Objective: Dentate gyrus is a part of hippocampal formation that plays an important role in memory and learning. Astrocytes are one of the important glial cells in nervous tissue that play a more active role in neuronal activity, including regulating ion flux currents, energy production, neurotransmitter release, and synaptogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the spatial memory effect on the number of astrocytes in Rat’s dentate gyrus. Materials and Methods: This experimental study, was done on 18 male Wistar Rats with using Morris water maze and Reference and Working memory methods. After spatial learning the Rat's brains was carried out and histological preparation was carried out, the slices were with PTAH method. The data analyzed, using T-test and One-way ANOVA. Results: The results showed significant difference in astrocytes number in dentate gyrus area between Reference memory (300.57±5.98) and control (73.73±22.61) groups (P<0.05). The difference between working memory (375.77±4.11) and control groups was significant. Comparing two groups there was a significant difference of number of astrocytes cell between the working memory and Reference memory group (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that spatial learning such as Reference memory and Working memory increase the number of astrocytes in dentate gyrus and this increase can be due to duration of learning.

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Background and Objective: Esophageal and gastric cancers are among the most common and fatal cancers. These are diagnosed at the latest phase and the prognosis is too poor. Due to the importance and high incidence rate of the upper gastrointestinal cancers in Golestan province, this study was conducted to explore the overall survival rate of these patients in rural area of this region. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a total of 121 pathologically confirmed esophageal or gastric cancers, with rural place of residence, were retrieved from the cancer registry at the health department in Gorgan. After conducting interview with patients or their relatives, analysis of their sociodemographic and clinicopathologic features was performed. The median survival rate was compared regarding age groups and gender using Kaplan-Meier statistical test. Results: Male to female ratio in esophageal and gastric group were 1.2 to 1 and 3.8 to 1, respectively. Short-term survival rates were 54.76% and 26.2% for esophageal cancer and 66.6% and 37.5% for gastric cancer. Collected information regarding patients’ sociodemographic and clinicophathologic factors did not have significant association with patients’ survival in both esophageal and gastric cancers. The mean survival rate in patient with gastric and esophageal cancers according to age and gender was not significant. Conclusion: This study showed that the overall short-term survival rates for upper gastrointestinal cancers are very low in Golestan province. Therefore the need for intervention the need and allocating more diagnosis and therapeutic resources for upper gastrointestinal cancers are required.

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Background and Objective: Thalassemia major is a genetic disorder. Blood transfusion is critical for survival in these patients. Over the course of the past two and three decade’s hyper transfusion therapy in these patients has increased significant improvement in life expectancy and quality of life. Unfortunately this type of therapy increased the frequency of complication due to iron overloud. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalencey of diabetes, impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance in patients with thalassemia major, with 10-27 years of age in Tabriz. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was done on 56 patients between 10-27 years of age with thalassemia major. The demographic informaiton theraputic regiment, the age of first trasfussion. The level of blood transfusion, the history and dosage of familial history of diabetes, Fe, TIBC, ferritin levels were assessed and recorded. For each patient glucose tolerance test, blood glucose level are performed. Results: In this study prevalence of diabetes mellitus, impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance test were found in 8.9%, 28.6% and 7.1% of patients respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that despite recent therapy with Desferal in the management of beta-thalassemia major, the risk of secondary endocrine dysfunction remains high. Prevalence of diabetes mellitus, impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance test are greater than general population. Endocrine evaluation in patients with thalassemia major must be carried out regularly especially in those patients over the age of 10 years.

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Background and Objective: Brain computed-tomography (CT) scan has a well documented accuracy in detecting the tumors this study was carried out to assess the conformity and correlation of CT-Scan diagnosis of the brain tumors with pathological findings in Ghaem Hospital Mashad University of Medical Sciences-Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive prospective study was done on 75 patients, 5-83 years, with the clinical suspicion of brain tumors. According to the CT-Scan findings 1-3 differential diagnosis were made for each patient. This was followed by surgery and biopsy, and the CT-Scan diagnoses were compared with pathological findings. Results: The best conformity and correlation of radiologic and pathologic diagnosis was seen in pituitary adenoma, acoustic neuroma, epidermoid cyst and craniopharyngioma. Also, according to the CT-Scan findings, the highest degree of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value, were related to pituitary adenoma, high grade astrocytoma and meningioma. Conclusion: This study showed thant no single imaging modality may claim optimal sensitivity or specificity for the assessment of CNS disorders, although several imaging methods carry independent and complementary information, and CT-scan has different ability for diagnosis of different kind of tumors.

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Background and Objective: The increase of nosocomial systematic fungal infections due to pathogenic yeast, led to researchers on finding novel antifungals with potent inhibitory activity toward a wide range of pathogenic fungi. In the present study, antifungal effect of aqueous garlic extract individually and in combination with Fluconazole, Itraconazole and Ketoconazole were studied against some pathogenic yeasts. Materials and Methods: Broth microdilution method was used for evaluating antifungal activities of aqueous garlic extract with 0.03-256 µg/ml individually and in combination with Fluconazole, Itraconazole and Ketoconazole against Candida albicans PTCC5057, Candida dubliniensis CD36, Cryptococcus neoformance CNE1 and Malassezia furfur MF1, in vitro. The microdilution method was used for assessing antifungal susceptibility of above-mentioned compounds in two culture media sabouraud dextrose broth (for all fungi except M.furfur) and modified Dixon broth (for only M.furfur). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of aqueous garlic extract and antifungal drugs tested were determined by on comparison of colony forming units (CFU) between test and control groups. Results: Aqueous garlic extract inhibited the growth of all fungi tested in a dose-dependent manner, in a concentration comparable with azole drugs.The MIC ranges of aqueous garlic extract, Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, Cryptococcus neoformances and Malassezia furfur was determined to be 0.25-64 g/ml. The MIC ranges of aqueous garlic extract in combination with Fluconazole was determined 0.125-8, 0.25-16, 0.125-16 and 0.5-8 µg/ml, respectively. The MIC ranges of aqueous garlic extract in combination with Itraconazole was determined 0.25-8, 0.125-2, 0.125-16, 0.25-4 µg/ml, respectively.The MIC ranges of aqueous garlic extract in combination with Ketoconazole was determined 0.125-4, 0.125-1, 0.125-8 and 0.125-2 µg/ml, respectively.The results indicated that the antifungal activities of drugs were increased in combination with aqueous garlic extract (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that, the aqueous garlic extract increased the antifungal activity and decreased MIC of drugs in combination with them.

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Background and Objective: Colorectal carcinoma accounts for nearly 10% of all incident cancers. The stage of the disease is the most important prognostic factor. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of some presumed prognostic factors on the survival rate of patients with nonmetastatic rectal adenocarcinoma.

Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 76 patients (m/f:40/36) with nonmetastatic rectal adenocarcinoma whome were referred to oncology department of Omid Hospital between 2001-06 were evaluated. All patients underwent surgical resection and those with T3-T4 and/or lymph node involvement received adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Disease free survival was assessed from the date of diagnosis to the date of recurrence using Kaplan-Meyer method. Log-rank test was used to compare survival curves between groups. Multivariate analysis was performed using stepwise backward Cox Proportional Regression method.

Results: Stages 1, 2 and 3 were detected in 4, 34 and 38 cases. 48 patients had well differentiated tumors. 11 cases presented with obstruction. With a median follow up time of 18 months, 17 patients experienced recurrence. For all cases 3-year survival rate was 68.2%. The 3-year survival rate was significantly better for stage 1,2 compared to stage 3, patient without obstruction compared to those presented with obstruction, cases older than 50 compared to younger patients and patients with well differentiated tumor compared to moderately or poor differentiated tumors (P<0.05). The gender and the site of tumor had not significant effects on survival. In multivariate analysis only stage of the disease remained significant predictor of survival (p<0.05).

Conclusion: This study confirmed that the stage of the disease is the most important predictor of survival. Although younger ages (<50), moderately or poorly differentiated tumor and presence of obstruction at diagnosis were associated with decreased survival in univariate calculations, they lost their significance in multivariate analysis.

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Background and Objective: Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Although its incidence is decreasing, it rarely is detected early, and the prognosis remains poor. The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic factors in gastric cancer using log-normal regression model.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was done on 746 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma from February 2003 through January 2007. Gender, age at diagnosis, family history of cancer, tumor size and pathologic distant of metastasis were entered to a log-normal model. Relative risk (RR) was employed to interpret the risk of death.

Results: Results indicated that patients who were upper than 45 years at diagnosis had an increased risk for death (RR=1.01 95% CI, 1.01-1.03), followed by greater tumor size (RR=1.64, 95% CI, 1.07-2.25) and pathologic distant metastasis (RR=2.14, 95% CI, 1.60-2.86) and similar results in multivariate analysis for greater tumor size (RR=2.04, 95% CI, 1.23-3.33) and pathologic distant metastasis (RR=2.01, 95% CI, 1.13-3.56).

Conclusion: This study showed that the early detection of patients in younger and in primary stages and grade of tumor is important to decrease the risk of death in patients with gastric cancer and increase the survival rate.

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Background and Objective: Esophageal and gastric cancers are among the most prevalent cancers in the world which cause a high mortality rate annually. Several risk factors are supposed for them. Water hardness is considered as a protective factor against above cancers. This ecologic study was designed to determine the correlation between water hardness and upper gastrointestinal cancers. Materials and Methods: In this ecological study data on water components in Golestan's urban areas were obtained during 2004-05 and the averages were reported. All cases of esophageal and gastric cancers resided in urban areas which were diagnosed during this period were recruited to estimate the incidence and age standardized rates (ASR). The province was divided into low, intermediate and high incidence, based on 33% and 66% quartiles of both cancers. Pearson correlation coefficient test and regression model were used to analyze the data. Results: The water hardness was in the normal standard range permitted for the drinking water, and did not have any relation with the risk of esophageal and gastric cancers. Conclusion: This study showed that water hardness has no effect on the incidence of esophageal and gastric cancer in this area.

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Background and Objective: Cancer is third cause of mortality and morbidity in Iran, after heart diseases and car accidents. This study was aimed to determine the incidence rate gastrointestinal tract cancer during 1998-2001 in Tehran, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, the whole population residing in areas of Tehran, Shemiranat and Eslam'shahr area were supposed to be as the population in risk. Data of cancer recordings were collected from pathology and medical records archives. Those with ICD-10-based diagnosed cancer during 1998-2001, who have been inhabited in above area for at least 1 year, were supposed as canceric cases. The incidence rate of various kinds of cancer were adapted based on age-structure of world population and were calculated by dividing the total rate of this period to 4 in an annual manner. Results: The annual age-specific standardized incidence rate of gastric cancer in men and women were 12.9 and 5.8 per 100000, respectively. The row incidence rate in men and women were 9.2 and 4.1, respectively. Ealderly age groups of both men and women had higher incidence rate of gastric cancer. The annual age-specific standardized incidence rate of colon cancer in men and women were 5.7 and 5.4 per 100000, with row incidence rate of 4.3 and 4.0 per 100000, respectively. The annual age-specific standardized incidence rate of esophageal cancer in men and women were determined as 5.1 and 3.9 per 100000, with row incidence rate of 3.7 and 2.7 per 100,000, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that gastric cancer is the most common type of gastrointestinal cancers in Tehran. Therefore it is suggested the related risk factors in this area should be determined.

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Background and Objective: Asthma is the most prevalent chronic disease during childhood and it is estimated that 4.8 million children involved in asthma all over the world and its prevalence and incidence is increasing. The aim of this study was to identify the peak-flow meter application on quality of life in asthmatic children. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial study was done on 80 asthmatic children between 7 to 15 years old which referred to Shahid Beheshti hospital clinic in Kashan, Iran during 2009. Susan Sylvia questionnaire included 3 parts, was filled for every child. The questions in any section had three options in which there were 5 items in activity limitation, 13 questions in symptoms and 6 questions in emotional functions. Every question had 1 to 3 points and whole questionnaire taken 23 to 69 points. The children were learnt to measure their PEFR (Peak Expiratory Flow Rate) 3 times a day using Peak flow meter device and upon the results, the management procedure was changed. After 3 months the outcome were evaluated and data analyzed by SPSS-15 and paired t-test. Results: Mean age of patients was 8.82±2.75 years old. Thirty three subjects (41.3%) were girl. The average score in emotional functions was 13.1±3.07 before and 14.35±3.7 after using peak-flow meter (P<0.05). The average score in activity limitation was 7.33±1.57 and 8.47±0.67 before and after using peak-flow meter, respectively (P<0.05). The average score in symptoms before and after pek-flow meter was 28.81±5.13 and 32.02±5.62, respectively (P<0.05). Finally total score of quality of life showed significant increase in children after using peak-flow meter (P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that the application of pek-flow meter increase emotional functions, decrease limitation of activity and symptoms in asthmatic children. Therefore, it is suggested pek-flow meter dievice taking into account in asthma management of asthmatic patients particularly in children.

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Background and Objective: Zinc is an essential ion for living and inter the body from different sources. Since Zn⁺⁺ interfere on many cellular process such as biological function such as calcium chanalls, this study was designed to investigate the effect of oral ZnCl₂ on glucose, Insulin, lipoproteins and liver enzymes in male Rats.

Materials and Methods: This experimental study was performed on 48 of Wistar-Albino male Rats randomly allocated into three exprimental and one control groups. Exprimental groups received 50 mg/l, 100 mg/l and 200 mg/l ZnCl₂ in drinking water daily for four weeks but the control group received tap water. After four weeks, animals were anesthetized, sacrificed and blood samples were collected. Glucose, insulin, lipoproteins, aspartat amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT) were measured. Data were analyzed by SPSS-11, ANOVA and Tukey-tests.

Results: The mean±SD of Cholesterol in group D (85.7±3.2), HDL in groups B, C, D (66.1±2.7, 67±2.18, 68.83±2.69 mg/dl) and LDL in groups B, C, D (2.8±0.9, 14.6±6.3, 13.4±2.8 mg/dl) respectively were significantly decreased compared with Cholesterol (125.5±4.9 mg/dl), HDL (80.5±3 mg/dl) and LDL (30.3±3.2 mg/dl) in group A. Mean±SD of glucose, insulin, triglyceride and liver enzymes did not show any differences among the groups.

Conclusion: This study showed that ZnCl₂ added on drinking water reduce serum lipoproteins in male Rats.

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Background and Objective: Spasticity is common problem in stroke patients. Spasticity couse dysfunction and restricted activity. The most of patients have hand dysfunction due to stroke. This study was done to determine the effect of adjustable wrist hand splint on upper limb spasticity in post stroke patients.

Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was carried out on 15 patients with stroke referred to rehabilitation centers in Tehran-Iran during 2009. Patients randomly were divided into interventional (4 female, 3 men) and control (5 female, 3 men) groups. Common occupational therapy practice was carried out for 4 weeks for both groups equally. In treatment group intervention was based on the use of adjustable wrist hand splint moreover common occupational therapy practice. Upper limb spasticity pre and post intervention based on the Modified Ashworth Scale was evaluated. Data were analyzed by SPPS-17 software, pair-t-test and independent  t-test.

Results: Mean age of patients in interventional and control groups were 61.37±4.10 and 58.85±5.01 years respectively. After 4 weeks of treatment, the mean of spasticity was not significant between interventional and control groups, but internal analysis of spasticity were significant in interventional and control groups (P<0.05).

Conclusion: This study showed that the adjustable wrist hand splint is not useful in reduction of upper limb spasticity in post stroke patients.