Objectives: Small dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL) which has a small LDL particle size with greater susceptibility to oxidation is regarded as a risk marker for cardiovascular disease. The diacron reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) test has recently been introduced as an oxidative stress-related marker in the clinic. The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between the mean LDL particle size and the oxidative stress status as evaluated by the d-ROMs in dyslipidemic patients.Methods: The study included 278 dyslipidemic patients (121 male and 157 female, mean age, 60 years). Clinical data including the conventional atherosclerotic risk factors in addition to the mean LDL particle size measured with the gel electrophoresis and the d-ROMs were collected.Results: Male patients had a significantly smaller mean LDL particle size than females (262.2±7.5 [SD] ns. 264.3±6.7 A P<0.05), while female patients had a significantly higher d-ROMs level than males (318±68 ns. 350±72 U. Carr., P<0.01). A multiple regression analysis revealed that there was an independent, significant, and inverse correlation between the mean LDL particle size and the d-ROMs (b=-.19, P<0.05).Conclusions: These findings of the co-existence of both markers suggest that sdLDL and oxidative stress can be cooperative in atherogenesis, possibly leading to the incidence of CVD, in dyslipidemic patients.

Background: At present, English language is the only widely dominated foreign language in fields of science and technology; and so, it is a prime necessity for students to have sufficient skills on English language to understand the concepts of the educational materials in English, particularly, the educational CD-ROMs. Objective: Assessing the public health students potentials on understanding the concepts of English educational CDs. Methods: In 2003, seventy five students from the Health Faculty (Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran) were selected as our population sample based on census method. The target students, who had passed their professional English courses successfully, were tested on comprehension skill by watching Educational CD-ROMs. Findings: Only 9% of subjects, who had learning courses in non-university institutions, obtained scores higher than 10 based on a 0-20 grading system. Conclusion: Regarding the data obtained in the present study, the necessity for focusing on different aspects of English language is out of question. This could be achieved efficiently through an amalgamated scheme including the use of CD-ROMs educational materials; skills homogenization among students in English courses, and finally, team working intended to produce close cooperation between the medical professionals and the English language teachers.

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of the oral administration of Gum Arabic on haematological and some oxidative stress markers in Mugil cephalus. For this purpose 60 mullet caught in Faro Lake (Italy), were acclimatized and fed with commercial diet for 20 days prior to the start of experiment, which lasted 15 days. After acclimatization, fish were randomly divided into two equal groups: control group was fed with commercial pellets. Haematological profile on whole blood and sera was assessed, reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), antioxidant barrier (OXY-ads) and thiol-antioxidant barrier (SHp) were immediately assessed by means of a UV spectrophotometer. Two-way repeated data analysis (ANOVA) showed significant changes only on Thrombocyte Count (TC). In the experimental group an increase in OXY-ads and SHp levels and a significant decrease of d-ROMs were observed after administration of GA.

Introduction: Practicing medicine needs correct, up to date and easy to use information resources. This study is designed to investigate different aspects of the resources used by internal medicine attending physicians, residents and interns. Methods: All attendings (n: 43), residents (n: 23) and interns (n: 33) of internal medicine ward were, after receiving a brief introduction about the aim of the study, were surveyed by a purpose-designed pre-validated questionnaire during July and August 2002. Eight main aspects (frequency of use, overall satisfaction, etc) were assessed for 16 different paper-based (e.g. medical textbooks) and electronic (e.g. UpToDate, Medline) resources. Data analysis was performed by SPSS version 10 software. Results: Response rate was 63%, 95% and 91% in attendigs, residents, and interns respectively. In all three groups the main reason for referring to a resource was therapeutic problems followed by diagnostic problems. Attendings referred to medical resources the most and intern the least. Highest overall satisfaction was for on-line journals, medical textbooks and UpToDate in attendings; medical textbooks, UpToDate and textbook CD-ROMs in residents; and UpToDate, Medline and medical textbooks in interns respectively. In all three groups, regarding the 8 above-mentioned parameters, medical textbooks, UpToDate and Medline received the highest scores. Also receiving high scores were on-line journals in attending group; manuals, essentials, and textbook CD-ROMs in resident group; and translated books, manuals, essentials and textbook CD-ROMs in intern group. The lowest scores belonged to Excerpta Medica and Index Medicus in all three groups. Other low-scored resources were translated books, manuals and essentials in attending; translated books in residents and e-mail based resources (e.g. newsgroups, newsletters) in interns.Conclusion: Both paper-based (medical textbooks) and electronic (Up-To-Date, Medline) resources were used but the overall tendency was toward traditional paper-based resources. It seems reasonable to make physicians more familiar with the modern electronic resources; therefore they will become more knowledgeable in their practice.

Previous studies have measured thoracic range of motion (RoM) using either skin-mounted devices or supine CT-imaging and have reported quite different RoMs. Given the inherent shortcomings of measurements of vertebrae movements from the overlying skin, the present study aims to measure normal RoM of the thoracic spine in the sagittal plane using the upright digital radiography. Lateral radiographs of the thoracic spine were acquired from eight asymptomatic male subjects in upright standing and full forward flexion using a mobile U-arm digital radiographic system. Total (T1-T12), upper (T1-T6), and lower (T6-T12) thoracic RoMs were measured. A throughout comparison with available skin-based measurements in the literature was carried out. Mean of total (T1-T12) thoracic RoM was 22. 5° (SD 4. 1° ), most of which was generated by the lower (T6-T12) as compared to upper (T1-T6) thoracic spine (15. 5° versus 7. 1° , p measurements suffer from the inter sensor-skin-vertebra movements and supine imaging techniques do not allow maximal trunk flexion, standing radiography remains as the gold-standard technique. Evaluation of thoracic spine RoM has implications in both patient discrimination for diagnosis and in biomechanical models for estimation of spinal loads

Background: Atypical gait pattern is one of the most important motor impairments in individuals with Down syndrome. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of functional strength training on gait kinematics, isokinetic peak torque, and static balance of adults with Down syndrome. Methods: Thirteen men with Down syndrome from Iran Down Syndrome Association participated in this study. The kinematics variable, isokinetic peak torque, and static balance were assessed by motion analysis, isokinetic dynamometer, and Standing Stork Test respectively before and after completing the training study. All subjects were allocated to experimental (Mage = 28. 75± 6. 1; n = 7) and control (Mage = 30± 8. 5; n = 6) groups according to their desire to participate, or not, in the training program. The exercise protocol consisted of 6-week functional strength training (treadmill walking and step up/down training) for the experimental group. One-Way ANCOVA Independent test was employed for data analysis. Results: The results revealed that the functional strength training improved step length, walking velocity, ankle and knee ROMs (range of motion in sagittal plane), isokinetic peak torque of lower extremities, and static balance. However, no significant difference occurred in step width and hip ROMs. Conclusions: These findings reinforce previous research showing that taskoriented training with respect to the principle of specificity of training promotes movement patterns in individuals with Down syndrome.