[ survey on the presence of calcifying nanoparticles in renal stones, gallbladder stones and atherosclerosis plaque]

Calcifying nanoparticles are different forms of calcium and phosphate in sediments. Recent evidence suggests that calcifying nanoparticles [CNPs] are probably self-replicating. Several diseases are linked to nano-bacteria including kidney stones, gallbladder stone, cardiovascular plaques, oral-dental plaque, many cancers, and autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of nano-bacteria in kidney stones, gallbladder stones, and atherosclerosis plaques and compare them with each other in terms of structural form. In this study, 18 samples of kidney stones, 15 gallbladder stones, and 11 samples of atherosclerosis plaque, taken by surgeons during surgery, were collected. After isolation of nano-bacteria [NB] from the sample and confirmation by scanning electron microscope [SEM], some of the samples were cultured in a solution of Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium [DMEM] containing fetal bovine serum [FBS] 10% and glutamate at 37 °C with 5% CO[2] and 95% air for 8 weeks. Deoxyribonucleic acid [DNA] extraction protocol was performed in all samples. After that, they were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction [PCR] techniques. 17 cases out of 18 kidney stone samples were culture positive. Moreover, 14 cases out of 15 gallbladder stone samples and all 11 samples of atherosclerosis plaque were culture positive. Growth and the presence of CNPs were confirmed in all cases by SEM. PCR testing was performed for all samples; however, no DNA samples were detected with the primers used. According to the results, the presence of calcifying nanoparticles using culture methods, and observation using scanning electron microscope were confirmed. However, the existence of nucleic acid has not been confirmed in this study. Thus, more research using PCR must be performed to prove their existence. Therefore, we can say that one of the important factors in the development of kidney stones, gallbladder stones, and atherosclerosis plaques is the presence of microorganisms

[Self-directed learning readiness in baccalaureate nursing students in different academic years and its relationship with anxiety and self-esteem]

Introduction: With ongoing change and advancements in the health care and intricate nature of clinical practice in nursing, Self-Directed Learning Skills are essential for success of nursing students. Determination of factors affecting Self-Directed Learning [SDL] can help improve self-Directed Learning. The aim of this research was to assess Self-Directed Learning and relationship between SDL and State Anxiety [SA] and self-esteem in baccalaureate nursing students of Islamic Azad University of Yazd in 2013

Method: This descriptive-analytic study was performed on 265 baccalaureate nursing students of Islamic Azad University of Yazd in 2013. Data collection tool was consisted of four parts: demographic characteristics, Guglielmino's Self-directed Learning Readiness Scale [SDLRS], Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. Data was analyzed by SPSS software [version 16] using descriptive and inferential statistics [ANOVA and Pearson]. Results were considered statistically significant when p-value was P<0.05

Results: Mean scores of readiness for Self-Directed Learning was average in all four academic years. There was no statistically significant difference in Self-directed Learning Readiness score by academic year. Results showed that SDL is negatively correlated with SA [r= -0.426, P=0.0001] and is positively correlated with self-esteem [P=0.122, r=0.046]

Conclusion: Therefore, nurse educators should pay more attention to selfdirected learning in nursing courses to improve teaching methods and promote lifelong learning. For this purpose educational goals need to be adjusted in stressful clinical situations after creation of self-esteem in students

[Assessment on knowledge sources used in nursing practice]

Introduction: Development and application of nursing knowledge is necessary to provide a safe and high quality of patient care. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge sources used in nursing practice

Methods and Materials: In this descriptive study, 100 nurses from different wards of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services educational hospitals were selected and completed a 2- parts knowledge sources questionnaire including demographic [6 questions] and knowledge sources questions [16 questions]. Content validity and test- retest [0.8] methods were used for measuring validity and reliability of the questionnaire respectively. Descriptive statistics and correlation tests were used for analysis of data by SPSS [v.14] software

Findings: The results showed that most important knowledge sources used in nursing practice were personal experience of nursing patients/clients [39%], what has worked for years and information that learned in nursing school [35%]. The least important knowledge source used in nursing practice was articles published in nursing journals [2%]

Conclusion: Due to increase of knowledge and research in nursing, use of new knowledge, in nursing practice is necessary. This will reduce gap between theory and practice and also improve quality of patient care

[Effect of verbal and audio methods of training on pre-surgery anxiety of patients]

Regarding the undesirable effects of anxiety on physiologic indexes of human body and development of post-surgery intensified symptoms, attempt to reduce the degree of anxiety is of prime necessity. The goal of this study was to study the effect of two verbal and audio methods of training on patient's anxiety before surgery. This was an empirical study carried out at Imam Khomeini Medical Center in Sari [Iran] during 2009-2010. Three groups of patients, each group consisting of 35 individuals were included in the study. Samples were taken through accessibility while grouping was made completely at random. The research tools were demographic questionnaires, checklist for vital signs as well as characteristics anxiety questionnaires. The results showed significant differences between the two test groups and also the control group in terms of anxiety levels and their conditions two hours before operation [P=0.03]. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the group under verbal education two hours before operation was 17.2 +/- 2 and 8.6 +/- 1 cmHg, and in group trained with handout 18.9 +/- 1 and 8.9 +/- 1 cmHg, respectively. There was a significant difference between two test and control groups. Based on results found through this study, it is suggested that at the time a patient is admitted to anesthesia clinic, in addition to routine examinations, some verbal education should be given to lower the unwanted and harmful physiological effects of anxiety which provides a better ground for risk free post-operation recovery for patient

[Investigating the visions of administrators and employees in Shaheed Beheshti Medical University towards the rate of the employees' possessing the components of empowerment]

To understand the empowerment process and to raise the organization capacity to make the empowerment atmosphere and to study the empowerment components, consequently, the managers and employees views in these fields are of considearable necessity. The visions and assumptions of managers are too determinant to make decisions and manage personnel and organization. Also, employees' visions are effective in their empowerment acts in cooperation, participation and their job satisfaction. This study is performed to investigte the visions of managers and employees of Shaheed Beheshti Medical University, in the rate of the employees possessing of the components of the empowerment between the years 1384 and 1385. This study was carried out by a descriptive-survey method on 377 managers and employees of Shaheed Beheshti Medical University and its affiliated colleges, whom were in formal employment or contract situation [192 managers and 285 employees]. Random sample method was used and was chosen equal numbers of samples related collages and units. Data compilation method consisted of a questionnaire including 35 close-endedquestions and demographic characteristics. From the managers [P<0.0019] and employees [P<0.0001] point of view, the rate of the employees possession of the empowerments was not acceptable and managers' views differed from those of employees in this category [P<0.0001]. There was a significant difference between women and men visions [P<0.001] and also a significant correlation between the age of managers and employees [P<0.023]. Although there was no significant statistical correlation between the background of managers and employees, the difference between the vision of managers and employees of different educational grades was significant [P<0.0001] as well as their difference between view points of managers and employees with different academic field of study [P<0.001]. The rate of possession of the empowerments amongst managers and employees of Shaheed Beheshti University, was not in an appropriate level. It suggests that the managers of university pay more attention to the employees' potentials for deputing responsibilities to them and attempt many to make an empowerment atmosphere with their schematization to achieve the appropriate level