[Health beliefs about mammography and clinical breast examination among female healthcare providers in Tabriz health centers]

Mammography and clinical breast examination have been recommended for early detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic women. Health beliefs play an important role in people's tendency toward participation in health promotion behaviors. The aim of this study was to determine the health beliefs of female health care providers of Tabriz Health Centers about mammography and clinical breast examination. It was a descriptive, cross- sectional study. The participants were recruited from 52 health center of Tabriz city by proportional cluster random sampling [n=196]. Data was collected by Champion's Health Belief Model Scale and analyzed using SPSS-PC [v.14]. The findings revealed that 26.6% and 10.7% of the sample had a history of mammography and clinical breast examination respectively. The most prevalent barriers to mammography and breast examination were beliefs about painful nature of mammography [2.45 +/- 1.02] and fear of the possible diagnosis of cancer [2.30 +/- 1.05]. There were significant associations between mammography and marital status [p=0.001] and age [p<0.001] and also between clinical breast examination and age [p=0.02]. Misconceptions and incorrect beliefs about mammography and clinical breast examination could result in low rate of participation in mammography and clinical breast examination. Providing educational programs to correct wrong health beliefs about these examinations is recommended

Prognostic value of troponin T after elective percutaneous coronary intervention

Cardiac troponin T [cTnT] is a sensitive and specific marker of myocardial necrosis. Prognostic significance of isolated minor elevations of cTnT is a matter of debate .The aim of this study was to assess the impact of minor elevations of cTnT on major adverse cardiac events [MACE] following percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]. We measured cTnT levels before and after PCI and evaluated the outcomes of 112 patients with normal baseline cTnT and complex coronary artery disease who required nonemergency PCI. Elevations [more than 0.03ng/ml] in cTnT were seen in 39 patients [34.8%].The angiographic characteristics of patients with increased cTnT levels had borderline differences compared to those with normal post PCI cTnT levels. Over a mean follow-up duration of 22 months, myocardial infarction [p<0.01] and the combined rate of death, myocardial infarction and revascularization [p<0.001] were significantly higher in patients with increased levels of post PCI cTnT. Estimated 22-month MACE-free survival for patients with increased and normal cTnT levels were 66.7% and 93.2%, respectively. Isolated minor elevations in cTnT after elective PCI in complex coronary lesions affect long-term prognosis regarding death, myocardial infarction and the need for repeated revascularization procedures

[Spirituality in HIV-infected individuals: a phenomenological study]

HIV/AIDS is a well-recognized global problem in the world, including Iran. It is necessary to comprehend and understand lived experience of HIV positive patients. The present study was designed and conducted to better understand the perspectives and experiences of HIV positive patients about the role of the spirituality and religious beliefs in their lives with HIV/AIDS. This qualitative study was conducted using an interpretative phenomenological approach. In-depth, audio-taped and semistructured interviews with 19 participants were conducted to collect data. Data were transcript. Observations were also recorded in comprehensive field notes. A hermeneutic approach was used to analyze the data, according to the method developed by Diekelmann. According to the findings, participants aged between 21 and 56 years of old at the time of contamination to the HIV. Almost half [47.4%] of the participants had CD4 counts under 200 cells/mm3. Analyzes of the data revealed three main themes: [a] Redefining religious values and communicating with God; [b] Compensation; and [c] Individual development. The themes included some sub-themes. Experiencing difficult conditions in HIV positive individuals provide them with an opportunity to return to religious values, redefine themselves and give meaning to their lives, rather than fear or disappointment. Communicating with other HIV positive patients and religious experts are suggested as additional appropriate strategies

Morphology and morphometrical study of hamster middle ear bones

The objective of the current study was to determine the anatomical features of the auditory ossicles in hamster. Twenty temporal bones from 10 adult hamsters, weighing 275-300 g were used. After dissecting them, the features of the ossicles were assessed with an ocular micrometer and photographed by a stereomicroscope. Finally, all data were evaluated and analysed using the Sigma Statt software. The auditory ossicles were three bones: the malleus, the incus, and the stapes. The lenticular bone was a distinct bone, articulated with the tip of the long crus of incus. The malleus had an average length of 2.87 mm. In addition to head and handle [manubrium], the malleus had two distinct processes; lateral and muscular. The rostral process was unclear and appeared not developed. The incus had a total length of 1.18 mm. It had long and short crura, the long crus better developed than the short one. The lenticular bone was a round bone that articulated with the long crus of the incus. The stapes had a total length of 0.77 mm. It had a large stapedial base with anterior and posterior crura. The posterior crus was larger than the anterior one. The hole in stapes [obturator foramen] was very large and triangular in shape

[Comparing tympanic and rectal temperature measurement methods]

Monitoring of patients' temperature is an important clinical nursing task. Proper treatment of patients is possible by controlling the body temperature accurately. Body temperature is usually taken at different sites like rectum, month, axillaries and tympanic. Rectal temperature measurement as a less invasive method has been used for a long time. The aim of this study was untaken to compare two methods of tympanic and rectal temperature measurement. A comparative study design was used to recruit a convenient sample of 336 patients in study. They ranged in age from 16 to 85. The tympanic temperatures were measured using the Braun ThermoScan type 6020 and the rectal temperatures were measured by Samsung digital. The measurement accuracy of both thermometers was 0.1 °C, according to those manufactures. Collected data were inserted to SPSS and Medcalc sofwares and analyzed through descriptive statistics, paired t-test, Pearson coefficient, Bland-Altman's analysis, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. P-value less than 0.05 considered significant. Using Paired t-test, it was revealed that tympanic and rectal mean temperatures were significantly different [P<0.0001]. The Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated that the mean rectal temperatures were 0.23°C more than the mean of tympanic temperatures, with ranges of agreement between -0.98°C to 0.51°C for right tympanic temperatures and the limits of agreement between -0.88°C to 0.41°C for left tympanic temperatures. There was also high correlation between right [r=0.88] and left [r= 0.89] tympanic temperatures [P<0.0001]. Despite high correlation between rectal and tympanic temperature, their differences were significant both statistically and clinically. It could be concluded that tympanic temperature can't reflect the rectal temperature with high agreement. Based on the study's result, tympanic method couldn't be an excellent alternative for rectal method. However, each of them has special performances, advantages and disadvantages in clinical practice

[Assesing the result of exercise test on the patients with typical and atypical chest pain referring to the Mazandaran Cardiac Center in 2007]

The main signs of cardiac disease [particularly the coronary disease] was chest pain and the shortness of breath. ETT is a prognostic and diagnostic tool for assessing the ischemic heart patients. The aim of present study was to determine the results of applicating ETT for patients with typical and atypical chest pain complaints referring to the Mazandaran Cardiac Center 2007. This descriptive study was conducted on 500 patients with typical and non Typical pain referring to the heart centers of Mazandaran province. After the interview, examination and laboratory tests, attended by the researcher and cardiologist, the patients under went ETT [Exercise Tolerance Test] with Tread mill according to Bruce protocol [Bruce Protocol] in four steps. The present study showed the positive effect of exercise test in 80[16%] of cases. The positive test results of exercise test in the cases with typical heart pain was 25 times more than the cases with atypical heart pain. 43[53.75%] of the cases with positive test were male the majority of whom were [41caseses,51.25%] in age range of 51-65 years. 12.5% of cases with positive test and also 78.6% with negative test had atypical pain. getting serious signs and symptoms of various disease serious [especially of the typical and atypical chest pain] is among the main educational priorities for the prevention of cardiac infarction

Anatomical and histological study of molar salivary gland in domestic cat

The gross and microscopic anatomy of the molar salivary gland of the domestic cat was studied. In this research, five pair of molar glands from five male adult cats were used. In cat, the molar gland was elongated rectangle shape and was located obliquely in the submucosal fossa of the inferior lip, near the oral commissure. The dorsal border of the molar gland was attached to the masseter muscle and posterior facial nerve. The ventral border was located in the angle of the anterior and transverse facial veins near the buccal part of the buccinator muscle. The caudal end of the gland neighboring the anterior facial vein and cranial end was close to the transverse jugular vein. The mean length and width of the left gland were 11.5 +/- 0.3 mm and 3.4 +/- 0.3 mm, respectively. The mean length and width of the right gland were 9.2 +/- 0.8 mm and 4.1 +/- 0.8 mm, respectively. The mean length of the left gland was larger than the right and the difference was significant [P<0.001]. In the histological findings the molar gland was surrounded with a dens irregular connective tissue capsule. The septa of the connective tissue from the capsule extended into the gland, dividing the organ into lobes and lobules. The secretory cells made up seromucous units and the mucous cells were predominant. The cells were arranged as compound tubuloacinar type. Most of the tubular units were long and branched, and there were no intercalated or striated ducts

[Nursing as an art]

In the many definitions that are accompanied with nursing, in addition to the scientific aspect, art has always been mentioned. Since Florence Nightingale introduced nursing as an art, several theorists have emphasized the aesthetic aspect of nursing in their literature. However, many experts believe that the word "art" has been accepted in nursing without deep thought and criticism. To judge the statement: "Nursing is an art", it seems that it is necessary to review the similarities and differences of "art" concept in nursing and other fields literature. Art has a complex and multidimensional meaning that is the backbone of many theories presented; however, they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Nursing has artistic properties; but this characteristic is referred to as folk art and not to specific features of art. In comparing these theories with the concept of art used in nursing, it is essential to note that art in nursing refers to skills of nursing. In other words, nursing is not a kind of fine art. From the aesthetic perspective, nursing can be easily defined as a form of art; however, we must put great importance in the inseparable words of "aesthetic" and "art of nursing". With such a connection, we are able to introduce and capture the true spirit of both art and nursing. In this article, we have reviewed the most important definitions and theories of art as a "specific term", and as "skill", where they have linked nursing to art. Moreover, we have discussed their similarities and differences

Morphological and histological study of superior lacrimal gland of third eyelid in camel [Camelus dromedarius]

In this study ten pairs of superior gland of third eyelid of 10 adult male camels free of apparent ocular disease were examined to compare the normal anatomical and histological properties of these glands. After dissecting, all of the glands were characterized and measured [length and width] on both the left and right side. In the camels, the superior gland of the third eyelid was oval shaped and irregular in outline. The gland was located within the orbit on the medial aspect of the eyeball in animals that possess a nictitating membrane. Posterior surface of the gland was convex and attached to the nictitating membrane. The anterior surface that is contacted with the bulb of the eye was concave. The mean length of the superior gland of the third eyelid was 28.7 +/- 2.7 mm and 27.2 +/- 2.4 mm in the left and right side, respectively in the anterior-posterior direction. The mean width was 17.4 +/- 0.8 mm and 16.1 +/- 0.9 mm on the left and right side, respectively in the superior-inferior dimension. There was significant difference between the width of the left and right superior gland of the third eyelid. The mean width of the left superior gland was greater than the right [P<0.05]. The histology of the gland revealed secretary units of tubuloacinar and serous with scattered alveolar units. Secretory cells had the typical appearance of serous cells. Tubuloacinar units completely surrounded the hyaline cartilage of the third eyelid. The Masson Trichrome stained connective tissue septae surround the individual acinus and tubules in camel superior gland. Larger sheets of connective tissue with inter and intralobular ducts as well as veins and arteriols were found and separated the gland into lobules

Predictors of side branch occlusion and its early complications after angioplasty in bifurcation lesions

Coronary angioplasty in bifurcation lesions has lower success rate and more complications than other lesions. We performed this study to define early complications of angioplasty in these Lesions and to find the predictive factors of major side branch [more than 1mm] occlusion. In this study, 104 consecutive patients with bifurcation lesion in a single center were evaluated. The side branches were classified based on diameter and morphology of the lesions. In 41 [39.4%] patients side branch compromise [SBC] occurred. In patients with SBC 34.1% had chest pain and in 3 [2.9%] patients non-Q wave myocardial infarction [MI] occurred, all after SBC. The incidence of non-Q wave MI after SBC was 7.3%. The probability of SBC in patients with ostial Lesion of more than 50% was significantly higher [p=0.021] than patients without such a lesion. Also, if the main branch Lesion was more than 80%; SBC was significanty higher [p=0.011] than patients without such lesions. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, only more than 80% stenosis in the main branch had significant relation with SBC [OR: 5.91; 95% CI [1.28-27.3]; p=0.023]. SBC had no statistically significant relation with age, sex, Length of the lesion and ejection fraction. In angioplasty of bifurcation lesions, the presence of more than 80% stenosis of main branch increases the probability of SBC and more classifications may be unnecessary

[Thermal analysis of an actual model of a restored second premolar tooth with different restorative materials by finite element method]

Considering the high prevalence of dental caries, dentists and researchers are searching for restorative materials that are similar to tooth structure and are acceptable from biological point of view. The purpose of this study was to investigate the thermal behavior of a filled tooth with different restorative materials. Modeling was designed using solid ambient work software using the actual measurements of a typical human maxillary second premolar tooth dimensions. A class II [MOD] cavity was prepared and restored with amalgam and composite, with and without using Glass Ionomer as base material. Finally, the restored and non-restored tooth behavior was analyzed under thermal exposure when exposed to hot liquid. A three-dimensional finite-element analysis was conducted using ANSYS soft ware. Analysis of data revealed that placing base material under the amalgam fillings can decrease the maximum pulp temperature by about 43% compared to restorations without base. While, the temperature reduction was only about 17% in composite restorations. It was also found that the base material used under the amalgam fillings can protect the pulp from sudden temperature changes because of considerable time lapse between the application of thermal load and a change in pulp temperature. This time delay is greater in the composite restorations compared with amalgam by about 10% and the maximum time delay was found in sound tooth. The closest temperature profile to sound tooth is found in restorations with composite resin filled over a base material. This study demonstrated that the base material can protect the pulp from sudden temperature changes; likewise, it can decrease the maximum temperature in the pulp chamber/canal

study of plasma concentration [Zinc and Copper] and their relation in rheumatoid arthritis ptarients in comparison to control group

The role of trace elements [Cu, Zn] in chronic inflammatory states has provided interest, as many of them are co-factors in metabolic processes, involving arthricular tissues and immune system function. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate zinc and copper plasma concentration in rheumatoid arthritis [RA] patients, who were referred to the Sari Outpatient Clinics and were compared with control group. We studied plasma concentrations of Zn and Cu in 40 patients with RA and compared them with sex and age matched of healthy subjects [N=40]. Plasma Cu and Zn concentrations were determined by an analysis of 100 Perkin Elmer model flame atomic absorption spectrometer [FAAS]. The plasma Zn concentration in the patient group was statistically lower than control group. The plasma copper was not statistically different in comparison with control group. There was no correlation between Cu and Zn concentration in patient group. In contrast to Cu, there was a significantly positive correlation between Zn and Zn/Cu ratio. However, the decrease of Zn/Cu is more influenced by decreasing the Zn concentration. It appears the decrease of Zn plasma concentration in patients [comparison with control group] is more important than the differences in plasma Cu concentration, but the use of Zn supplement for RA patients needs more investigation

[Relationship of serum ceruloplasmin and pre-eclampsia]

Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy disorder which increases maternal and pre-natal morbidity and mortality. The incidence is about 5% and is influenced by pariety, genetic background, and environmental factors. At present, the sole treatment is termination. It is suitable to use antioxidants for pre-eclampsia prevention. The aim of this study is to measure the maternal serum ceruloplasmin and evaluation of changes presented in pre-eclamptic women VS. Non pre-eclamptic ones. This study is executed in a case-control method. 100 cases were selected through pregnant women bedridden from obstetrics-gynecologic and maternity ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Sari. After examination of exclusion criteria in each case and receiving consent, information was entered in the questionnaire. Venous blood samples were sent to laboratory to measure ceruloplasmin. Data was analyzed by independent t-test. The gestational age means in case and control groups were serially 36.01 +/- 2.90 and 37.86 +/- 2.82 weeks. The mean for systolic blood pressure for these two groups were serially 153.40 +/- 12.22 and 112.5 +/- 8.90 mm Hg. The average amount of serum ceruloplasmin in case group was significantly more than control group. 63.3% of women in the case group were in early pre-eclamptic phase and 36.7% of them were in late phase. 22% of women in this group had a history of pre-eclampsia in previous pregnancies and 16% additionally had a history of hypertension before pregnancy. 92% of women in the case group had an extra normal serum ceruloplasmin, while in the control group the number was 42%. The variables of Body mass Index, Systolic and Diastolic blood pressure and ceruloplasmin showed a significant difference between case and control groups. The history of pre- eclampsia and hypertension were effective on the appearance of pre-eclampsia and increased in serum ceruloplasmin, can be considered as an early sign, while having a correlation with pre-eclampsia severity

[ study on specific igE against candida albicans in atopic dermatitis patients referred to boali hospital, Sari- Iran]

Candida albicans [C. albicans] as a micro flora of the human could be responsible for a continuous release of allergen and may be responsible for chronic atopic dermatitis [AD] in sensitive patients. Thus, in this study, we analyzed AD patients for total IgE and specific IgE, against C. albicans. A total of 120 AD patients [male 52 and female 68] were introduced in this study. The age range varied from 4 months to 60 years [mean about 12.9 years]. Serum total IgE was assayed by ELISA kit [RADIM]. Solid phase was captured by sandwich ELISA assay, using a micro well format for the determination of serum specific IgE to C. Albicans was used according to the manufacturer's instructions, [ALerCHEK Allergen specific human IgE]. Of the 120 AD patients, 37 subjects [30.8%] had total IgE higher than 100 IU/mL, 44 subjects [63.7%] 20-100IU/mL and 39 subjects [32.5%] less than 20 IU/mL. 9 [7.5%] of the patients had specific IgE against C. albicans. Among the patients who were positive for specific IgE to C. albicans, 6 [66.7%] were women. The result of our study on serum total IgE in AD patients is concordant with other studies from different countries. In comparison to other studies, our AD patients showed less frequency of specific IgE against Candida albicans. The explanations for the variation in the results obtained in various studies could be due to the age of patients, severity of disease, difference in the antigen preparation, different methods for IgE analysis and total IgE level

[Assessment of bus drivers' exposure to respirable particles [PM10] in Sari]

High concentrations of respirable particles may cause high incidence of respiratory diseases and mortality in public populations and in particular in public transportation workers. Epidemiological exposure studies showed that respirable particles that emitted from traffic sources have more potential effects on more incidence of hospitalization or mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases. In this study personal exposures of bus drivers to respirable particles [PM10] and factors that caused high personal exposure were studied in Sari city. In this study, a calibrated real time monitor [MicroDust Pro] with a personal sampling pump with 2 lit/min flow rate were used to measure Sari's bus drivers personal exposure to PM10 concentrations on 3 main routs. This study was carried out during a one calendar year and all possible effective factors on personal exposure were recorded in a questionnaire. The mean personal exposures to PM10 concentrations among bus drivers were varied in different months. Exposure to PM10 concentrations were higher in autumn and winter and increased to 300 micro gm[-3] in some days. Personal exposures to these particles were increased in the evening and on high traffic flow routs. Other factors such as rainy weather and temperature, number of passengers, bus' model year, picking up and dropping off the passengers were the most effectiveg factors on driver's personal exposures. Bus drivers' exposure to respirable particles PM10 in Sari was varied in different time. It was due to entrance of outdoor particulate air pollutants into the bus during the picking up and getting off the passengers and resuspension of settled fine particles

Quality of life among multiple Sclerosis patients

MS is one of the progressive and chronic demyelinative disorders involving active members of society. The study of quality of life in these patients could decrease relieve some disabilities and promotes residual abilities to maximal levels. Regarding relatively high prevalence of MS in Mazandaran province, this study was designed to measure the quality of life in Multiple sclerosis patients living in Mazandaran Province. In this discriptive study, the community of research included members of Mazandaran Multiple Sclerosis Association [MMSA]. The census sampling method was used. The volunteers [101 patients] were assessed from october 2005 to March 2006. Assessment tool for data collection was standard questionnaire SF-36. This questionnaire consists of 36 questions and its validity has already been determined in many countries including Iran and it has high reliability [alpha chronbach 0.77-0.90]. Clinical manifestations and the severity of the disease were evaluated with history and physical examination taken by Neurologist and using EDSS criteria. The results showed that 76% of the patients were females and 26% were males. The age range was 18-60 years [mean age 33.27 +/- 8.31]. The emergence of disease was at age 12-54 years [mean age 27.12 +/- 8.03]. About%7 of the patients had positive family history of multiple sclerosis. The mean score [based on 100] of general health, physical health, mental health, vivacity, social health, and physical pain were, respectively, 41.34 +/- 10.22, 54.75 +/- 30.25, 53.25 +/- 22.03, 54.75 +/- 24.44, 56.62 +/- 20.96, and 35.75 +/- 31.68.. In this study, the quality of life was relatively good in all aspects. This may be due to mildness of disease in majority of the patients, low age at time of disease emergence and shorter duration of disease

[Investigation into allergenic components of cladosporium herbarum by immunoblotting technique]

Numerous studies on Clasporidium herbarum antigens have shown that these antigens play a major role in produceing specific IgE in atopic individuals and exacerbate the patients' clinical conditions like atopic dermatitis. Thus, in this study allergenic components of clasporium herbarum were investigated using immunoblotting technique. Cladosporium herbarum was cultured on Sabouraud's dextrose agar. The grown mycelia were harvested and ruptured by liquid nitrogen and glass beads. Samples were centrifuged and the supernatant was collected as crude extract. The crude extract was separated through sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [SDS-PAGE]. The separated proteins were transferred to nitrocellulose filter and then soaked through atopic dermatitis patients' sera. The responsive bands to IgE were revealed by antihuman IgE antibodies conjugated with enzyme in chromogenic substrate. In SDS-PAGE, the crude extract of Cladosporium herbarum showed 16 different protein bands with molecular weight between 15.1 and 110 kDa. The bands with 15.1, 18.4, 25.1, 36.3, 45 and 54 kDa were identified as strong bands. In immunoblotting, the bands with molecular weights of 15.1, 18.4, 42 and 110 kDa showed a strong reaction with IgE sera from patients with atopic dermatitis. The results of this study showed that the strong bands in SDS-PAGE had the highest reaction with anti- Cladosporium herbarum IgE antibody in immunoblotting technique. Thus, we speculate the intensity of bands can affect IgE response. Like other studies we contend that Cladosporium herbarum antigen can initiate allergic reaction in atopic dermatitis patients

[Serological survey of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in goats, sheep and cattle in slaughter houses of Mazandaran province, Iran]

Toxoplasmosis is a widespread zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii. In addition to economic losses, this disease is transfer able to human and regarding the special ecological conditions of this parasite in nature of Mazandaran province, it is necessary to determine the situation of the disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of antibodies against T. gondii in cattle, sheep and goats slaughtered in official slaughterhouses in Mazandaran province, in 2004. To determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in slaughtered animals, in a descriptive cross-sectional study, 639 blood samples were obtained from cattle, sheep and goats between December 2004 and April 2005, from the three main geographical zones of Mazandaran province, Iran. Nine slaughterhouses were randomly selected in Western, Central and Eastern regions. Sera were extracted from 5mL venous blood samples, by centrifugation at 2000xg for 10 min, and were stored at -20°C prior to testing. Sera were screened for T. gondii antibodies by immunofluorescence antibody test [IFAT] and serum samples showing a titre of 1:16 were further diluted to determine the end point. Data were analyzed using Chi-square [X[2]] test. Of the 639 serum samples examined, 27.5% [176/639] showed positive titers equal or higher than 1:16 by IFAT. The highest frequency of antibody titres [1:16 titre] were found in sheep and the least in cattle [9%]. The highest infection rates in cattle were seen in western region with 5.5% antibody titres of 1:16. In three regions, 35% of sheep sera showed positive titers with high frequency of 1:16 antibody titre [17.3%] in Western region. Thirty percent of goat sera in 3 regions were seropositive and the highest infection rate was seen in 1:16 titre [18.5%] in Western region. The results of this study show that the presence of T. gondii specific antibodies for sheep and goats in Northern Iran is high, and the consequent risk of acquiring toxoplasmosis from human consumption of sheep and goat meat may be greater in this region

[Seroprevalence of hepatitis C infection and associated factors in addicts imprisoned at Khezrabad prison, Sari]

Though incarcerated populations are at a high risk of developing hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection, prisoners are not routinely screened for HCV infection. Approximately, 1 in 4 of the nearly 2 million prisoners in the U.S. is infected with HCV. Injection drug abusers are currently the main risk group. Among intravenous drug abusers over the world, the prevalence of HCV varies from 50-90% with an annual incidence of 10-30%. Prisons are a high risk environment for hepatitis C infection because of high incidence of drug abuse and high risk sexual activities. Serologic evidences show that HCV infection is present in one out of every three prisoners. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis C infection and its associated factors among addicted prisoners in Khezrabad prison of Sari. This was a cross - sectional study done in September 2001 at the Khezrabad prison for addicts in Sari. 312 addicts participated in the study and were selected by simple random sampling method. Their blood samples were tested by third generation enzyme immunoassay [EIA-3: sensitivity 100%, specificity 100%] at Sari's blood transfusion center. The data was collected via a questionnaire and interview. 230 prisoners [74%] completed the questionnaires. Associated factors of Hepatitis C infection were compared in 82 anti-HCV positive addicts [the affected group] and 148 anti-HCV negative addicts [the unaffected group]. There were no significant differences about confounding variables between the two groups. Statistical analysis was done by chi[2], t test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Of the 312 addicted prisoners, 96 [30.8%] were anti-HCV positive. Major associated factors with Hepatitis C infection in the affected group included; duration of addiction [mean 174 months], duration of imprisonment [mean 48 months], methods of drug usage [injection 82% and intranasal 44%], length of alcohol consumption for more than five years [60%], tattooing [66%], shared usage of needles [31%] and razors [53%], multiple sexual partners [>74%] and the type of drugs [especially heroin 90% and hashish. 64%] [p<0.05] On multivariate logistic regression analysis, significant independent risk factors for HCV infection included tattooing [OR 100, 95% CI], multiple sexual partners[OR4.97,95%CI]and history of surgery[OR 6.23,95% CI ] . Hepatitis C infection is highly prevalent in addicted prisoners and high risk and unsafe behaviors are the main factors of contamination

Morphological studies on Meckel's diverticulum in the duck [Ansa ansa domesticus]

This research was carried out to define the morphological features of Meckel's diverticulum [MD] in duck and to investigate whether the MD resides in a constant position along the intestinal tract. For this purpose, a total of 30 adult healthy ducks of both sexes, 50-52 weeks of age were used. After dissecting, some morphological factors such as: total intestine length as well as the lengths of the intestine from the gizzard to MD [GMD], from gizzard to cloaca [GC] and from MD to the caecal opening [MDC] were measured. The weight, thickness and length of MD were then recorded. By using t-test and analysing factors between two sexes we concluded that, the location of MD in total specimens was 91.52 +/- 8.09 cm far away from the gizzard. There was no significant difference between morphological factors of MD [eight, thickness and length] in both sexes [P > 0.05]. There was significant difference [P < 0.05] between GMD, GC in both sexes. In histological studies of MD, aggregated lymphatic follicles and thin muscularis mucosa were observed in tunica mucosa