Is there any association between overweight, obesity and symptoms of reflux disease?

The present study was aimed to identify the association of overweight and obesity with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This age- and sex-matched case-control study was carried out in a sample of subjects referred to the specialized clinic of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences from November 2006 to March 2007. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and a checklist to determine reflux symptoms. Weight and height were measured and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between overweight, obesity and reflux symptoms. The study population included 106 cases (with reflux symptoms) and 111 controls with a mean age of 35.2 +/- 12.9 years. The mean BMI was 2.4 units greater in cases than controls (p = 0.0001). In unadjusted model, overweight (OR = 3.41, CI: 1.8-6.44) and obesity (OR = 2.84, CI: 1.38-5.82) were significantly associated with GERD. Results of multivariate logistic regression revealed significant association between overweight and GERD after adjusting for confounders (OR = 2.87, CI: 1.49-5.53). Given the increasing prevalence of patients with both overweight/obesity and GERD, Serious dietary intervention studies for weight loss as a therapeutic strategy should be carried out in GERD patients complicated with obesity.     

Comparison of vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism in obese and non-obese children and adolescents

Obesity subjects individuals into metabolic and endocrine disorders. Thus obesity may increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency. This text aims at studying the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism in obese children. In a non-randomized case control study on 52 obese children (body mass index (BMI) >95th percentile) aged 4 to 16 years undertaken at the outpatient endocrine clinic of the Children Hospital at Tabriz University between 2009-2011. This study was conducted to compare the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism in obese children compared with 57 non obese (BMI < 85th percentile). 109 children including 52 (50.5%) boys and 57 (49.5%) girls were studied. Most of case (76.9%) and control (42.1%) groups suffered from degrees of vitamin D deficiency. There was meaningful statistical difference between two groups considering to vitamin D deficiency and parathyroid hormone (p = 0.001). A negative relations was found between iPTH and vit D level (p < 0.001, r = -0.2), BMI and 25-OH vit D (p < 0.001, r = -0.2). A positive relation was observed between parathyroid hormone and BMI (p = 0.009, r = 0.1). Obese children are at high risk at vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism. BMI appears to be an important risk factor for vitamin D deficiency.     

Effect of educational plan on adherence rate among children with persistent asthma

This study was conducted to survey the effect of education and regular follow up on adherence rate of children with mild to moderate persistent asthma. In a semi-experimental study (before and after), two groups of children with mild to moderate persistent asthma, referred to outpatient clinic of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences were compared. First group included 200 asthmatic children who were treated at least for duration of one year by conventional method. The second group included 300 patients at the same age and severity of disease that were treated at least one year by a comprehensive plan of education and regular follow up visits as well. Data were analyzed by Chi-square and p < 0.05 was considered as significant difference. Findings indicate that in first group 100 (50%) and second group 295 (84/3%) had adherence rate more than 50% (p = 0.00). Considering adherence rate of > or = 50% there was significant difference between two groups with mild persistent asthma (p = 0.00). Present findings indicate that education and scheduled follow up can result in higher degree of adherence.     

Survey of outcome of asthmatic children referred to outpatient clinic of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences

This study was designed to follow patients regarding to achieving control, identify disease exacerbations and discover relation between exacerbation and risk factors. In a cross sectional-analytic study, 400 asthmatic patients in the range of 2-14 years old who were visited at the specialized outpatient clinic of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences were divided and studied on the base of disease severity. At the end (at least one year treatment), patients were categorized based on level of disease control and one year after this stage, cases of exacerbation were identified and studied. By excluding patients with poor adherence, 342 patients continued treatment as intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent and severe persistent asthma (38, 235, 61 and 8 patients, respectively). After a period of one year treatment, the patients were divided as well controlled, partly controlled and uncontrolled (68, 30 and 2%, respectively). Cases of disease exacerbations were more if sinusitis, familial asthma history and poor adherence were present (p < 0.01, p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). There is meaningful association between poor adherence, sinusitis and positive family history of asthma with disease exacerbation.     

Comparing analgesic effects of a topical herbal mixed medicine with salicylate in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is the most common cause of disability among people and it is a common disease of joints that can lead to cartilage damage. In this study the analgesic effects of a herbal ointment containing cinnamon, ginger, mastic (Saghez) and sesame oil is compared with Salicylate ointment in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. It was a double-blind randomized controlled trail study. Patients with diagnosed arthritis were involved in the study and they were divided in two groups via block randomization method. For six weeks, twice a day, intervention group applied herbal ointment and control group used Salicylate ointment. The severity of pain, morning stiffness and limited motion were measured using Visual Analog Pain Scale. In order to analyze the trends of these three indexes, repeated measurement test was used. Ninety two participates with the mean age of 52.2 (+/- 12.4) years and with the mean disease period of 30.45 (+/- 30.3) months were involved in the study. There was no significant difference between two groups regarding the distribution of sex, weight, height, BMI and the duration of illness. No statistical difference was observed between two groups regarding pain relief, morning stiffness and limited motion; nevertheless in repeated measurements during second, forth and sixth weeks in both groups the decreasing trend of these three indexes had been statistically significant (p < 0.0001). It seems that using this herbal combination is clinically effective for patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis in order to decrease their pain, morning stiffness and limited motion; its effect is comparable with Salicylate ointment.     

Comparison the effects of metoclopramide and dropridol associated with dexamethasone on post operative nausea and vomiting

The aim of study was, comparison of effects of Metoclopramide and Dropridol associated with Dexamethasone on prevalence of nausea and vomiting after operation was considered. In this study 160 patients ASA physical status I were divided into two groups. In both groups, premedication and induction of anesthesia were given equally according to weight. To the first group, Metoclopramide associated with Dexamethasone and to the second group, Dropridol associated with Dexamethasone was ordered. At the end of the operation, after removing tracheal tube, prevalence of nausea and vomiting in both groups was considered after 2 h and results were analyzed with t-test and Chi-square. Ratio of nausea and vomiting after operation in the first group was 24% and in the second 8%. So results show that prevalence of nausea and vomiting in the second group was considerably lower than the first group (p < 0.004). According to the results of this study our conclusion, Dropridol with dexamethasone given at the before of general anesthesia was more effective in decreasing the prevalence of nausea and vomiting in patients compared with metoclopramide with dexamethasone.     

Comparison study of therapeutic results of closed tibial shaft fracture with intramedullary nails inserted with and without reaming

Tibia fractures are the most common type of long bone fractures in US. This study aimed at comparing the therapeutic results of closed tibial shaft fracture with intramedullary nails inserted with and without reaming. In this randomized clinical trial study, 60 patients with a fracture of the tibia were examined. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. Thirty patients treated through inserting intramedullary nail with reaming technique (group A). The other 30 patients treated through inserting intramedullary nail without reaming technique (group B). After operation physical examination and control radiography were taken up to 6 month and results were compared. Sixty patients suffering from closed tibial diaphysis fractures were studied. Mean age of the group A and B were 40.24 +/- 12.32 and 38.42 +/- 14.28, respectively. Group A consisted of 24 (80%) males and 6 (20%) females while group B consisted of 24% females and 76% males. Considering fracture based on OTA criteria (p = 0.4) and severity of soft tissue damage based on Tscherne classification (p = 0.6), there was no statistically meaningful difference between groups A and B. The study demonstrated that degree of horizontal displacement, mean time of surgery, post-operation infection, organ shortness at the end of the follow-up period, organ deviation in patients of the group A was significantly more than that of the group B. Time required for callus formation (mean time of union), mean time of full weight bearing time and mean time of return to normal activities in group B was significantly more than that of the group A.     

The effect of magnesium sulfate on bleeding time and nitric oxide production in preeclamsia

Preeclampsia is a disease regarding with altered vascular reactivity leading to hypertension of the mother and metabolic alterations in the fetus. This study aimed to assess nitric oxide and bleeding time following administration of magnesium sulfate to preeclamtic patients compared to normotensive pregnant women. A total of 112 subjects (56 preeclamtic patients and 56 normotensive pregnant controls) were enrolled in this case-control study. Cases and controls were matched for age, BMI, gestational age, parity and gravidity. Total concentration of nitrite and nitrate (NOx) was measured before and during magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) treatment using a modified Griess-based method. RESULTS: Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly decreased during MgSO4 treatment in preeclamtic patients (p < 0.0001). NOx levels were significantly increased in preeclamtic women after MgSO4 administration (33.7 +/- 18.5 vs. 50.2 +/- 21.6, p < 0.0001) but it was not seen in normotensive parturients (52.4 +/- 28.9 vs. 57.3 +/- 21.7, p = 0.362). The bleeding time was scarcely increased following magnesium sulfate treatment in preeclamptic patients compared to normotensive pregnant women but it was not significant (p = 0.18). In addition, there was only a significantly reverse correlation between NOx levels and systolic or diastolic blood pressure in preeclamtic parturients after MgSO4 treatment (r = -0384; p = 0.003 and r = -0.29; p = 0.03, respectively). This study demonstrates that administrating MgSO4 to preeclamtic patients induced significant changes in NOx production which had a major role in modulating vasculature changes in preeclamsia.     

Progress and challenge towards reducing wheat spot blotch threat in the Eastern Gangetic Plains of South Asia: Is climate change already taking its toll?

Spot blotch, caused by Cochliobolus sativus, is a serious constraint to wheat production (Triticum aestivum L.) in the warmer plains of South Asia. Fourteen genotypes were tested in Bangladesh, India and Nepal during 6 years (2000–2005) to determine disease severity and resistance stability over these years. We analyzed the area under the disease progress curve per day (AUDPC/day) to assess spot blotch severity, and examined grain yield, 1000-kernel weight (TKW), days to heading, and plant height. Disease severity differed in the 6 years and several genotypes showed low disease severity in all years. A few genotypes had high grain yield and low disease severity in all years. Genotype Altar-84/Ae. Sq. (224)//Yaco, with the lowest disease severity and highest 1000-kernel weight (TKW) and grain yield was also the most stable for spot blotch resistance, TKW and grain yield. Results demonstrated that wheat genotypes with improved spot blotch resistance, high grain yield, acceptable TKW, and plant height are available as a result of the regional and international collaboration in South Asia. Despite this progress, the challenge lies ahead because of an apparent tendency of increasing spot blotch overall severity in the region and decreasing TKW over 6 years (2000–2005). Higher, average night time temperature during the month of March is an indicator showing that wheat crop performance is challenged in two ways—increasing spot blotch severity and decreasing TKW causing lower yield. The results underline the possible effect of changing climatic factors on disease pressure and the continuous need to identify new resistance sources to develop more spot blotch resistant wheat for the warmer Eastern Gangetic Plains of South Asia.     

狗牙根种质资源耐铝性评价

选取相对枯黄率、相对坪用质量、相对地上部分干重、相对根系干重和相对全株干重5个指标对不同地理来源的66份狗牙根材料的耐铝性进行初步评价,从而筛选出不同耐铝型的种质。结果表明：在2500 μmol/L铝浓度处理下,不同狗牙根种质之间的生长存在显著（P<0.05）或极显著（P<0.01）差异,不同指标间的变异系数范围为19.90%~36.56%,其中相对枯黄率变异系数最大（36.56%）,而相对坪用质量变异系数最小（19.90%）;相对地上部干重与相对全株干重存在极显著正相关（P<0.01）,相关系数为0.942,相对枯黄率与相对坪用质量的相关性达到极显著负相关（P<0.01）,相关系数为-0.431;通过隶属函数法,将66份狗牙根种质分为4级,其中1级为极端耐铝型材料,包含5份材料,占总供试材料的7.57%;2级为较耐铝型材料,包含4份材料,占供试材料的6.06%;3级为中间型材料,包含47份材料,占供试材料的71.21%;4级为铝敏感型材料,包含10份材料,占供试材料的15.15%。通过对66份狗牙根材料耐铝性综合评价,筛选出了5份耐铝的种质,依次是B219、B532、A522、A075和B509。     

广东省特有兰科植物观赏性状综合评价

以16种广东省特有兰科植物为研究对象,在文献资料查阅和野外调查的基础上,采用层次分析法（AHP）,从观花性状、观叶性状和观株性状3个方面选择了12个评价指标对其观赏价值进行综合评价,以期筛选出适用于园林园艺花卉的兰科种类。结果表明：在各约束层相对于目标层的权重值中,花径所占的权重最大;根据综合评分结果将16种广东省特有兰科植物划分为3个等级：Ⅰ级（2.8~3.0）,观赏价值高的种类,共计3种;Ⅱ级（2.5~2.8）,观赏价值中等的种类,共计8种;Ⅲ级（2.5以下）,观赏价值低的种类,共计5种。其中,深圳香荚兰、紫金舌唇兰和蕉岭石斛具有优良的生物学特性和极高的观赏价值,为优良的野生花卉,建议引种推广。     

海南岛土壤养分质量综合评价

为了有效地调控和培肥土壤创造稳定高产的土壤条件,掌握土壤养分的演变规律提供科学依据,利用地统计学与GIS技术相结合的方法.综合评价了2个时期海南岛土壤养分质量状况.结果表明:海南岛土壤养分要素5项指标所占的权重分别是:pH19.58%、有机质18.45%、速效磷18.17%、碱解氮22.14%、速效钾21.67%;用同一综合指数标准将海南岛2个时期土壤养分质量等距划分为5个等级;1983年分布面积最广的是3级,为15 169.9 km~2,占全岛总面积的44.68%;面积分布最小的等级是5级,仅占全岛总面积的1.24%,各等级分布面积大小顺序依次为3级＞2级＞4级＞1级>5级.2007年集中分布在2级、3级和4级,1级和5级几乎没有分布,分布面积最大的3级,面积为21 672.86 km~2,占据了海南岛土壤总面积的63.83%.从1983年到2007年,土壤养分质量各等级面积均发生了不同程度的变化,变化最大的是3级,最小的是5级,其余等级大小顺序依次为2级＞4级＞1级.     

大麦黄花叶病抗性差异对大麦主要农艺性状的影响程度分析

为探究大麦黄花叶病抗性对大麦主要农艺性状的影响,以大麦黄花叶病抗性品种扬农啤5号与感病品种日引3号及其重组自交系（RIL）群体为材料,对病圃与无病田的主要农艺性状及病圃大麦黄花叶病抗性进行调查分析。结果表明,大麦黄花叶病对抗病亲本扬农啤5号性状的影响不显著,对感病品种日引3号性状的影响显著或极显著。除单株穗数和千粒重外,病圃RIL群体主要农艺性状均值均较无病田相应性状表现为不同程度的降低,尤以株高降幅（22.95%）最大。3年9个调查时期,扬农啤5号病级均为1级,表现为高抗;日引3号病级在3级左右,表现为高感。群体内大麦黄花叶病病级存在广泛变异。不同年份间,大麦黄花叶病病程梯图下面积（AUDPS）与株高、穗下节间长、单株穗数及千粒重均呈负相关;与主穗长、单穗粒数均呈正相关。大麦黄花叶病抗性与主要农艺性状的相关性方向在不同年份间表现一致,但相关程度差异较大。     

褐飞虱IR56种群的致害特征

含Bph3抗褐飞虱基因的水稻品种自20世纪80年代在东南亚推广后,迄今仍对褐飞虱有较好的抗性,受到我国抗褐飞虱育种专家的重视。在IR56水稻(含Bph3基因)上连续40多代胁迫饲养获得褐飞虱IR56寄主种群,从褐飞虱的生长、发育、繁殖以及水稻品种的抗感反应(SSST法测定)两方面对该种群的致害性进行了研究。结果表明:1)在抗性水稻IR56上,褐飞虱IR56种群的羽化率、初羽化成虫体质量、成虫寿命、产卵量、蜜露排泄量、体质量增量等均较褐飞虱TN1种群显著增加,若虫历期则显著缩短;与感虫水稻TN1上的IR56种群或TN1种群相比,除成虫寿命、蜜露排泄量和体质量增量显著下降外,羽化率、产卵量、卵孵化率无显著差异,初羽化成虫体质量、若虫历期尽管差异显著但数值上较接近(其差值不及IR56水稻上IR56种群与TN1种群差值的1/2)。2)水稻品种苗期抗性反应显示IR56水稻对褐飞虱IR56种群的抗性级别为7级,明显弱于对褐飞虱TN1种群的3级,但略强于TN1水稻对褐飞虱IR56种群或TN1种群的9级。显然,与褐飞虱TN1种群相比,褐飞虱IR56种群对抗性水稻IR56有较强的致害能力,与IR56种群或TN1种群对TN1水稻的强致害水平尽管有一定的差距,但多数指标较为接近。含Bph3基因的水稻品种RathuHeenati对IR56种群抗性为1级,推测可能与该水稻品种存在Bph3以外的其他抗虫基因有关。     

Co-occurrence of autoimmune thyroid disease in a multiple sclerosis cohort

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS), Hashimoto's disease and Graves' disease are autoimmune diseases that may share similar pathogenic mechanisms. The co-occurrence rates and demographic characteristics of Graves' disease and Hashimoto's disease (HT) in our MS population are compared with the general population.

Methods

The prevalence of thyroid disease in our MS patients was determined by chart review and survey. Previous diagnosis of thyroid disease, age at diagnosis, treatment used, and about the use of disease modifying medications used to treat their MS were asked. Chart reviews were used to estimate the population prevalence of Graves' disease and Hashimoto's disease and to estimate the demographics of patients with thyroid disease.

Results

A significant co-occurrence of Graves' disease with MS (p = 0.002), and a non-significant co-occurrence of Hashimoto's disease were noted (p = 0.097). No difference in the age of onset or gender of thyroid disease in MS patients compared to the general population was found.

Conclusion

There is a significant co-occurrence in patients with MS and Graves' disease, and a trend to co-occurrence in patients with MS and Hashimoto's disease. There are no differences in the demographics of patients with thyroid disease in our MS patients compared to the general population.

     

Effect of Exogenous Testosterone,Finasteride, and Castration on Serum Level of Thyroxin

Background: The secretion of thyroxin (T4) as the main hormone of thyroid gland is regulated by androgens. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of testosterone and finasteride administration and castration on serum levels of T4 and to show the effect of this regulation on total body weight, weight of testis, and the weight of prostate. Methods: Male adult rats (n = 32) were divided into 4 groups (n = 8): Group 1 (control), Group 2 (castration), Group 3 (finasteride: 20 mg/kg/day) and Group 4 (testosterone: 5 mg/kg/day). At the end of the study (35 days), serum level of thyroxin, body weight, weight of testis, and prostate were determined. Results: The data showed that the body weight increased in castrated (P = 0.04) and decreased in testosterone (P = 0.00) groups but did not differ in finasteride (P>0.05) group. There were not any differences in the weight of testis among control, finasteride, and testosterone groups but the weight of prostate increased in testosterone group (P = 0.00) and decreased in castrated (P = 0.03) and finasteride groups (P = 0.04). In addition, the serum level of T4 (nmo/ml) decreased in the three groups: finasteride (P = 0.03), testosterone (P = 0.04), and castrated (P = 0.00). Conclusion: Testosterone in both high and low levels decreased the amount of T4 with a time-dependent manner. Key Words: Finasteride, Rats, Testosterone, Thyroxin     

Evaluation of resistance to Sorghum mosaic virus (SrMV) in 49 new elite sugarcane varieties/clones in China

Mosaic disease is a systemic, seed-cane transmitted disease in sugarcane. Selective breeding and planting of resistant varieties is the most economical and effective measure for controlling this disease. In this study, resistance to Sorghum mosaic virus (SrMV-HH, GenBank accession number DQ530434), the predominant pathogen of mosaic disease in the Chinese cane-growing regions, was evaluated in 49 new elite sugarcane varieties/clones. Resistance ratings were determined as disease incidence after a stalk-cutting inoculation and RT-PCR detection in 2011 and 2012. Disease incidence under natural conditions was also used as a reference for resistance rating. The results demonstrated that of the 49 varieties/clones tested, 31 (63%) were scored between highly resistant (Grade 1) to moderately resistant (Grade 3). Of these, nine (18%; Yuegan 40, Yuegan 42, Yuetang 55, Yunzhe 03-194, Yunzhe 99-596, Yunrui 06-189, Guitang 30, Dezhe 03-83, and Mintang 01-77) were highly resistant (Grade 1), and seven (14%; Funong 0335, Liucheng 05-129, Yuetang 96-86, Yunzhe 01-1413, Yunzhe 03-258, Yunzhe 06-80, and Guitang 02-351) were resistant (Grade 2). These results may facilitate future efforts to breed varieties with further improved resistance to SrMV and may provide elite resistance resources and a reference for selecting and planting elite resistant varieties to control sugarcane mosaic disease effectively.     

接种茄病镰刀菌(Fusarium solani f.sp.glycines)对不同基因型大豆植株和须根的影响

摘要：茄病镰刀菌（Fusarium solani f．sp．glydne）是一种土生细菌,通过侵染大豆根系引发猝死综合症。利用温室盆栽试验和须根培养试验研究了接种茄孢镰刀菌对13个不同基因型大豆的影响。结果表明：接种后所有盆栽大豆主根都有明显深褐色的侵染病斑;移植后21d测定了盆栽植株叶部发病程度,Peking表现最为严重,然后依次为Spencer,Ripley,P3981,Williams82,Essex,Forrest,Iroquois,PI520733,Hartwig,PI567650B,Jack,和PI567374。叶部发病程度与冠高（r=-0．422,P=0．0018）、冠重（r=-0．857,P〈0．0001）和根重（r=-0．732,P〈0．0001）呈显著负相关。主根病斑长度与叶部发病程度没有相关性,表明大豆对病原菌的抗性不能仅通过根系得到充分控制。对培养的大豆须根接种茄病镰刀菌菌丝体10d后,不同基因型大豆的菌落直径的变化范围为17—40mm,差异显著（P=0．05）,其中Spencer和Peking须根上的菌落直径显著（P=0．05）大于PI567374和PI520733。对Spencer和PI567374的须根接种10灿茄病镰刀菌常量成分悬浮液,10d后菌落直径分别为50和38mm,差异显著（P=0．05）。通常,不同基因型大豆间茄病镰刀菌在培养须根上的生长与整株的症状间有一定的相关性,但不总是这样,这是因为即使根系对毒素产生抗性来减少叶部病害症状,但并不是所有的大豆都表现出明显的根系抗性。     

A disease survey of Fusarium wilt and Alternaria blight on sweet potato in South Africa

A disease survey was conducted on sweet potato in the major production areas of South Africa in 2006-2008 to determine the importance of wilt disease (WD) and Alternaria blight (AB) caused by Alternaria bataticola. The disease prevalence, incidence and severity were assessed for both WD and AB in 58 sweet potato fields in seven provinces, and included both commercial and resource-poor growers. The prevalence of WD in commercial fields was significantly higher than in resource-poor fields; while disease incidence and severity were very low in both commercial and resource-poor fields. Soil pH showed a moderate negative linear correlation to WD severity. WD is at present considered a minor disease of sweet potato in South Africa, although local outbreaks can be damaging. AB had very low disease prevalence, incidence and severity levels in both commercial and resource-poor fields countrywide. However, one of the fields had moderately high disease incidence and severity levels, showing that the disease can be destructive if not controlled. AB should be considered a potentially destructive disease of sweet potato in South Africa. Fusarium oxysporum was consistently isolated from WD plants, with F. oxysporum f. sp. batatas identified, but other formae speciales were also associated with the disease.