[Effect of folate supplementation during 10 weeks of HIIT on serum levels of ghrelin and leptin in male Wistar rats]

Background and Aim: Exercise training is one of the contributing factors in appetite changes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of folate supplementation on serum levels of ghrelin and leptin during 10 weeks of high intensity interval training in male Wistar rats

Materials and methods: After a period of familiarization for one week, 27 male Wistar rats [weight= 203/94 +/- 27/34gr, Age: 9 weeks], were randomly divided into four groups: control [n=6], folate supplementation [n=6], high intensity interval training [n =7] and HIIT+folate supplementation [n =8]. HIIT training protocol started with speed of 30 m/min for 1 min with 10 reps and 2 min active rest in the first week and reached to 75-80 m/min for 1 min with 7 reps and 3 min active rest in the last week. Folate supplementation carried out by dissolving folate tablets in drinking water. 48 hrs after the last training session, animals were anesthetized, serum samples were collected and ghrelin and leptin levels of serum were measured by using ELISA kit

Results: The results of this study showed that serum ghrelin level increased significantly [P=0/01] in folate+HIIT group compared to those in HIIT groups. Also, there was a significant decrease [P=0/35] in serum leptin levels in the folate, HIIT and folate+HIIT groups compared to that in the control group but, we found no such significant [P=0/955] differences between folate+HIIT and HIIT groups

Conclusions: According to our results, folate supplementation during high intensity interval training resulted in increased serum ghrelin level. Therefore folate supplementatian can prevent loss of appetite in the athletes who perform high intensity interval training

[ effect of a period of high intensive interval training on total antioxidant capacity and level of liver tissue malondialdehyde in male Wistar rats]

Background and Aim: The results of many studies have shown that free radicals are cause of more than 60 diseases and antioxidant system [antioxidant] can stop the damaging process induced by free radicals in the body. One of the most important factors which can increase the production of free radicals is heavy breathing during physical activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a period of high intensive interval training on plasma total antioxidant capacity and malondealdehyde level in liver tissue of male Wistar rats

Materials and Methods: In this study, 16 adult male Wistar rats [195-220 g] were randomly divided into control [n = 8] and training [n=8] groups. The training protocol consisted of running on treadmill 5 days a week, for 8 weeks. Standard meal and water were provided and the subjects were allowed to choose their food freely. 48 hours after the last session of training and 8 hours of overnight fasting, blood and tissue samples were collected to measure the total antioxidant capacity and MDA level by using colorimetric method. We used independent T test for data analysis

Results: The results showed that 8 weeks of intensive interval exercise had no significant effect on the plasma antioxidant activity and capacity and also tissue level of MDA [p>0.05]

Conclusion: Since 8 weeks of high intensive interval training had no effect on the total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde level, it can be said cautiously that exercise at regular intervals can induce useful adaptation in antioxidant system which can lead to resistance against oxidative stress

[Relationship self-efficacy with perception of prognosis among cancer patients]

Introduction: Any change in current procedure of disclosure of cancer prognosis needs studies investigating the relationship of such information with mental status of cancer patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the perceptions of prognosis with self -efficacy among cancer patients

Methods: In this descriptive-correlation study, 200 cancer patients referred to Shahid Ghazi Hospital and private offices of two oncologists in Tabriz were participated. The sampling method was convenience sampling method. Perception of prognosis was investigated by Perception of Prognosis and self-efficacy was investigated by Cancer Behavior Inventory. Data analysis was conducted by SPSS software version 13 using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation test

Results: The mean age of patients was 44.5 years. One hundred three patients [52.6%] were female. Participants reported positive perception about the prognosis of their disease [score 11 from 15] and rated their self-efficacy as high [score 236 from 297]. There was positive correlation between perception of prognosis and spiritual health among cancer patients [r=0.39, p=0.001]

Conclusion: Patients who have a more negative perception of their prognosis had more negative self-efficacy. Therefore, cultural factors should be considered in disclosure of cancer related information. Nevertheless, approving these results needs further studies

[Workplace violence against nurses from the viewpoint of patients]

Introduction: Workplace violence against nurses is a complex phenomenon and many factors are involved in its creation. Also, until now only the viewpoint of nurses about this phenomenon were investigated. So, the aim of present study was to investigate the perception of patients about the nature of workplace violence against nurses in Tabriz educational centers

Methods: In this descriptive study 384 patients who hospitalized in medical -surgical wards of Tabriz educational centers in 2012 were participated using simple random method. The data gathering instrument was a modified version of workplace violence in health sectors designed by World Health Organization. Data analysis was performed using SPSS [version 13] software

Results: Patients reported 204 occurrence of workplace violence during their hospitalization in verbal [66.2%], cultural [19.1%], sexual [9.8%] and physical [4.9%] types. Patients and their companions were the most actors of workplace violence. Most frequent reason for workplace violence was inappropriate encounter of health care personnel with patients and their companions and most frequent reaction of nurses to workplace violence was doing nothing

Conclusion: Results of this research confirm the high prevalence of workplace violence against Iranian nurses. It seems that maybe by enhancing communication skills of nurses, education of patients and stiff follow up of violence instances the high prevalence of workplace violence against nurses may decrease

[ study of level of ethical development in nurses working in training- treatment hospitals affiliated in Tabriz university of medical sciences, Tabriz, Iran]

Nurses in their daily practice need acceptable level of ethical development. There is few literature about ethical development of Iranian nurses. The aims of present study are to determine the level ethical development in nurses and its related factors. This descriptive-correlational study conducted in 2010. The study sample consisted of 269 nurses working in three training-treatment hospitals affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. These nurses selected by census sampling method. For assessing the ethical development of nurses, nursing dilemma test was used. This questionnaire was designed based on Kohlbergs' theory of ethical development and assessed ethical development in pre-convetional, conventional and post-convetional levels. The data analysis was done by descriptive and inferential statistics. Forty four nurses [16.3%] were in pre-conventional level, 86 nurses [31.8%] were in conventional level, 116 nurses [43.1%] were in post-conventional level, and 23 nurses [8.5%] were in clinical consideration level. There was negative significant correlation between ethical development of nurses with their job experience. In spite of this fact that near half of nurses are at postconventional level, but still a significant number of them are at lower levels of ethical development. These findings indicate that nursing managers should pay more attention to ethical development of nurses

Prevalence and pathological findings of cholelithiasis in goats

Gallstones are concretions that form in the biliary system. There are two major types of gallstones [pigment and cholesterol], which seem to form due to distinctly different pathogenic mechanisms. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and chemical composition of gallstones in goats. Bacteriologic analysis and pathological findings were reviewed. The study was carried out on 411 goats at Juneghan abattoir in Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari province of Iran. Gallstones were found in the gallbladder of 5 goats [1.2%]. Biliary calculi were more frequent in adult goats [p<0.05]. No significant difference was seen between male and female goats with gallstones. Chemical analysis of the gallstones revealed 4 goats with pigment [bilirubin] stones and 1 goat with cholesterol stones. Chemical composition of bile in these goats was evaluated. Bacteriologic analysis of the bile in the affected goats revealed bacteria [Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp.] in 3 goats. Microscopic examination of gallbladders revealed cystic glands, necrosis and atrophy of mucosal layer, edema, focal and diffuse infiltration of lymphocytes in submucosal layer, and hypertrophy of smooth muscles in goats with gallstones. It was concluded that the prevalence of both types of gallstones in goats are low. Cholelithiasis can cause chronic inflammation of the gallbladder but it is not likely to become clinically significant

Comparison of ethical reasoning in nursing students and nurses in Tabriz University of medical science

High ethical reasoning ability is one of the main requirements of nursing profession. This ethical reasoning should be improved in nursing student during educational period. It should be further evolved during their independent clinical work as a nurse. Limited evidences are exist about the level of ethical reasoning of nursing students and nurses in Iran. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the ethical reasoning of nursing students and nurses in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. This descriptive-comparative study was performed on 115 nursing students and 269 nurses who were selected by census. Nursing Dilemma Test NOT questionnaire was used for data collection. It consists of 6 scenarios. Ethical reasoning score [Nursing Principled Thinking NP] was the sum of scores of fifth and sixth levels of Kohlberg ethical development questionnaire. The scores varied from 18 to 66. The data were analyzed using SPSS and by descriptive and inferential statistics. Ethical reasoning score of nursing students [48.9 +/- 6.5; mean +/- SD] was significantly higher than the score of nurses [46.6 +/- 6.7] [p=0.02]. Also it was found that NP scores of nurses working in medical wards are significantly higher than scores of other wards nurses [p=0.02]. NP scores were declined by increasing of clinical experience [p= 0.04]. Lower NP scores of nurses comparing with NP scores of nursing students is an alarm for nursing managers and need a special attention

Screening for neonatal hearing loss in the Eastern region of United Arab Emirates

The incidence of sensorineural hearing loss among infants in the neonatal intensive unit [NICU] is higher than in normal infants. This study determined the rate of hearing loss in healthy newborns and in NICU patients before hospital discharge at a single institution in the Eastern region of the United Arab Emirates; 96.5% of all eligible infants were screened. Hearing deficit was diagnosed in 25/13 854 healthy newborns [0.18%; 95% CI: 0.12%-0.27%] and 14/826 infants in the NICU [1.7%; 95% CI: 0.9%-2.8%]. Although hearing impairment was significantly more common in those admitted to the NICU [RR = 9.4; 95% CI: 4.9-17.9], healthy newborns accounted for 25 of the 39 cases with hearing loss. The rate of congenital hearing deficit was comparable to international data. Universal screening is recommended since selective screening of high-risk infants missed two-thirds of newborns with hearing loss

Removal of Reactive Orange 3 dye from aqueous solution by biosorption technology

Background: The biosorption process has found numerous applications due to low cost, availability, biosorbent reuse, and utilization of excess sludge from wastewater treatment facilities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of dried activated sludge in removing Reactive Orange 3R dye

Materials and Methods: For this experimental, laboratory study, dye solutions were prepared in three concentrations: 50, 100, and 150 mg/L. The solutions were then subjected to adsorbent in weights 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 g for various durations [0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 hours] in different pH levels [4, 7, and 12]. Data was analyzed using Excel software

Results: Increasing contact time from 0.5h to 3h, the dye removal efficiency increased from 56% to 76%. When the weight of the biomass increased from 0.2g to 0.8g, the dye removal efficiency increased from 58% to 72%. High initial iron concentration had an adverse effect on iron removal efficiency

Increasing initial dye concentration from 50 to 150 mg/L decreased iron removal efficiency from 71% to 62%. Freundlich isotherm models could describe the adsorption equilibrium of the dye onto the activated sludge. Freundlich isotherm represented a better correlation compared to other isotherms [R2>0.952]. Also, second-order models fit well with experimental data [R2>0.979]

Conclusion: This technology for dye removal from industrial wastewater, in addition to the optimal use of biomass from wastewater, can help resolve the environmental problem of wastewater dye excretion

[Life quality of cancer patient with or without self awareness]

Disclosure of cancer is one the main challenges in caring of patients with cancer, since it may have adverse effects on the patients quality of life. This study was done to determine life quality of cancer patient with or without self awareness. This case - control study was conducted on 300 cancer patients in Shahid Ghazi-Tabatabaei hospital in Tabriz, Iran during 2009. The cancer patients included 150 subjects aware of their cancer diagnosis as cases and 150 unaware patients as controls. The patient's quality of life was assessed Using EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS-17 and student's t-test. The mean +/- SD of quality of life among aware and unaware patients were 64.18 +/- 18.85 and 65.16 +/- 19.02, respectively. There was no significant difference of quality of life between two groups. Life social dimension in unaware patients significantly was more than aware patients [P<0.05]. Patients awareness of cancer have no effect on their quality of life

Relationship between sexual pleasure and marital satisfaction

Marital satisfaction depends on many factors and one of the most important factors is safe and pleasing sexual relationship. However, there is not sufficient information about these issues in Iran. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between sexual and marital satisfaction. It was a descriptive - correlational study. The sample includes 292 married males and females who had come to selected hospitals in west of Tehran to visit their reletives. The participants were recruited by convenient sampling. Data was collected by sexual satisfaction and marital satisfaction questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS-PC [ver. 14]. Marital satisfaction was significantly related to sexual satisfaction [p=0/00]. Moreover, there was a significant relationship between sexual satisfaction and age difference [p=0/04], duration of marriage [p=0/05], and drug abuse of the participants [p=0/007]. Among all variables which have been tested in this study, only age difference was shown to have a significant relationship with marital satisfaction [0/00]. Regarding the relationship between sexual satisfaction and satisfaction with marital life, approaches to teaching young males and females and giving sexual consultation would help them enjoy a successful and satisfactionary marital life

Procedures of starting up and implementing of subsurface wetlands

Background and Purpose: Subsurface flow wetlands are one of the successful treatment methods used for municipal and industrial wastewater treatment, and are economical in terms of energy consumption and workforce. Much research has been conducted on wetland operation output in wastewater treatment, but no enough information is available on their start-up and maintenance. The present study investigates the circumstance of starting up and implementing a wetland

Methods and Materials: In this experimental study, two subsurface flow wetlands with a two-day detention time and two pretreatment units were built. The former was similar to Primary Settling tank with a 4-hour detention time and the latter was similar to anaerobic pond equipped a with digestion pit with a two-day detention time in a pilot scale. The wastewater [BoD5 = 250 mg/l, Tss=320 mg.l and ph=7.2] from municipal network in Sabzevar, Iran was used for irrigation; the pilot implementation and maintenance took one year

Results: Pilot operation indicated that the principal factors in implementing subsurface flow wetland were temperature, nonpenetrateability of the bed, and wastewater ingredients. However, pretreatment and bed obstruction were the limiting parameters of the wetland maintenance

Conclusion: Pretreatment of the subsurface flow of wetlands does not yield a high output; and if anaerobic ponds equipped with digestion pits are used, the treatment output is significantly enhanced, and the wetland operation will face minimum barriers

[ relationship between the duration of breast feeding and child weight gain up to the end of the age of 24- months]

Breast feeding is the most important and decisive factor in Children's state of health and nutrition, especially in societies with lower socio-economic status. Beastfeeding plays an important role in child health and development. Acordingly this study was carried out with the aim of determining the ralationship between breastfeeding and child weigth gain up to the end of 24 months of age. It was a correlational predictive study. The sample consisted of 307 mothers of 2-3 years old children who have been visited for monitoring their children's growth in heath canters of west of Tehran. They were recruited by stratified sampling method. Mothers and children's data was collected by questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS-PC-[v.10]. Pearson correlation test indicated that there is no significant relationship between breastfeeding duration and children's weight in 6 and 12 months of age. However, there was a converse significant relationship between breastfeeding duration and the children's weight in 24 months of age [p=0.003]. There was also a significant relationship between the children's sex and their weight in 6, 12 and 24 months of age [p=0.000]. No significant association was found between children's weight in 6, 12 and 24 months of age and mothers' age, number of deliveries, mothers' level of education and job status, participation in educational courses for breast feeding, and the time of breastfeeding initiation after delivery. Children fell within normal limits for weight when breastfeeding duration was longer and vice versa. Regarding the undesirable effects [eg. malnutrition and obesity] of shortening the breastfeeding period on child health, provision of support as well as education about breastfeeding continuation is recommended

Hamadan landfill leachate treatment by coagulation-flocculation process

In most countries, sanitary landfilling is the common way to dispose municipal solid wastes. In the operations, leachate treatment is a difficult and expensive process. Although, leachate can be treated by biological processes, COD removal efficiency is usually low due to high ammonium ion content and the presence of toxic compounds such as metal ions. This experimental study was conducted to investigate the effect of coagulation-flocculation process on the Hamadan landfill leachate treatment in the city of Hamedan. Also the effects of different coagulants with various dosages and pH values in the removal of chemical oxygen demand [COD] and total suspended solids were studied. Results showed that the efficiency for COD removal by Poly Aluminum Chloride at pH=12 and 2500 mg/L of coagulant, by alum at pH=12 and 1000 mg/L of coagulant dose and by ferrous sulfate at pH=12 and 1500 mg/L of ferrous sulfate dose were 60%, 62.33% and 70.66%, respectively. Also results showed that, the efficiency for Total Suspended Solids removal by Poly Aluminum Chloride that was obtained at pH=12 and 2500mg/L concentration of Poly Aluminum Chloride, by alum at pH=2 and 1500 mg/L concentration of alum and by ferrous sulfate at pH=7 and 2500mg/L of ferrous sulfate, were 39.14%, 58.37% and 35.58%, respectively. Based on results of this study, the best coagulant for COD removal was ferrous sulfate and the physico-chemical process may be used as an effective pretreatment process, especially for young leachate, prior to post-treatment [polishing] for partially stabilized leachate

Evaluating the environmental effects of establishing a composting plant in sabzevar, iran

Background and Purpose: History of implementing civil projects and plans in Iran indicates a lowered attention to environmental effects of civil projects in the past, leading to contamination of various environmental resources nationwide. In order to avoid such threats particularly in establishing composting plants, evaluation of environmental effects must be considered. Therefore, we decided to take a step forward for sustained development by evaluating the environmental effects before a composting plant is established in Sabzevar, Iran

Methods and Materials: In this descriptive study, three geographical zones were selected around Sabzevar for establishing the plant, and two of them were rejected and the third one [5 km from the city] was chosen for further evaluation. The positive and negative environmental effects were also considered

Results: The negative effects of establishing the plant for the time of operation were given 11 points and for the time of construction were 18 points; its positive effects were given 27 points for both construction and operation times. The algebraic sum of negative and positive points came up to be 16 positive and 9 negative points

Conclusion: The study results and the comparison of negative and positive effects of establishing the composting plant in the specified location in Sabzevar, Iran can be considered positive and its implementation is feasible

Perception of patients regarding respecting to their autonomy during nursing care in hospitals affiliated to Tabriz university of medical sciences

Respecting to individuals' autonomy is a basic need of patients which nurses have an important role in fulfilling it. The study aimed at assessing the patients' perception of getting their autonomy respected during nursing care. Census sampling was used to select 187 patients who were admitted to one of the three hospitals affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Science. Data was gathered using a questionnaire measuring patients' perceptions of getting their autonomy respected, in two subscales: getting information and participation in decision making. Data was analysis with Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test and Spearman correlation coefficient. Most of patients believed that nurses' respect to their autonomy through giving information and participation in decision making aspects was low. Furthermore, results showed there was correlation between patients' perception of their health, their needs for nursing care and their age with their perception of getting respect to their autonomy during nursing care. Patients revealed that their autonomy during nursing care is not respected. Their perception was positively improved by their increased need to nursing care. Educating the nursing staff on importance of autonomy in nursing care is recommended

Sexual satisfaction and its relation to marital happiness in Iranians

Marital satisfaction is affected by many factors. Satisfaction with one's sexual life tends to be a pivotal factor in marital satisfaction. In Iran, Socio-cultural and political limitations are obstacles for sexuality-related studies, therefore, insufficient information is available in the area. Unique in its own, in this paper we report how sexual relationships relate to marital satisfaction among Iranians. This descriptive-correlation study was conducted in 2007 in Tehran, continuous sampling was used to recruit 292 married men, and women aged 19-58 yr from selected hospitals in Tehran while visiting their hospitalized relatives. Sometimes the participants were couple too. Three questionnaires were used for data collection. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics [x[2] Fisher and Anova] with SPSS. Marital satisfaction significantly relates to sexual satisfaction [P= 0/00]. There was also a significant relation between sexual satisfaction and the following variables: age difference of couples [P= 0.04], length of marital life [P= 0.05], and a drug abused participant [P= 0.007]. Of these variables, only the age difference of couples significantly relates to marital satisfaction [0.00]. Findings suggest that sexual satisfaction plays a seminal role in marital satisfaction of Iranians. Therefore, we need to develop culturally appropriate practical strategies to improve Iranian couples' awareness in sexuality issues as well as training them in communication skills through their sexual encounters

[ effect of a skill-training model on nursing students' skills in communicating with mental patients]

The effects of teaching communication skills using a specific model on nursing students' skill in communicating with mental patients has less been a subject of investigation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a communication skills' teaching model on nursing students' communicating with mental patients. This quasi-experimental study was conducted as pretest-posttest design, on 49 senior nursing students in two groups of control [24 students] and experiment [25 students]. After performing the pretest of communication skills, both groups spent 12 days of clinical education for communication skills. The experiment group was taught using the mentioned model and the students of control group had the traditional training. After finishing the educational course, students' progress in communication skills in the two groups was compared. An integrated checklist was used for gathering data. Students' skills in interviewing mental patients were observed and the results were analyzed by SPSS software using Wilcoxon and MannWittney tests. Both methods of training improved students' communication skills with mental patients. Comparing the two methods, the mentioned training model showed a significantly higher level of improvement in nursing students' communication skills. In spite of the significant effect of the mentioned model on improving nursing students' communi-cation skills, due to the lack of enough evidence in this regard, conducting further studies in this area is recommended

[ effect of adapted model of mastery learning on cognitive and practical learning of nursing students]

Effective clinical teaching requires educational methods capable of developing an appropriate level of knowledge and practice in students. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adapted model of mastery learning on cognitive and practical learning of nursing students. In a quasi-experimental study using pre-test and post-test with two group design, 52 nursing students were selected through census sampling method and placed randomly in 6 experiment and 6 control groups, each group containing 4 to 5 people. After taking the cognitive and practical pre-tests, control group received traditional education and experiment group went under clinical education using adapted model of mastery learning for 12 days. At final step, the post-tests were held. An achievement test and 4 checklists were designed for data gathering. The results were analyzed by SPSS software using Wilcoxon and Mann Whitney tests. Both methods of clinical education were effective in promoting cognitive and practical learning of students. Comparing the difference between the means of pre-test and post-test of cognitive and practical learning in the two groups, showed a higher difference in the experiment group in all items. The effect of adapted model of mastery learning on cognitive and practical learning of nursing students was more than the traditional method of clinical education. Therefore, it is recommended to use this model in clinical education

Comparing the effects of concept mapping and integration method on nursing students' learning in nursing process course in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences

To analyze patients' problems and make an appropriate care plan, nursing students need a deep and meaningful learning. Therefore, it is better to choose educational methods which are capable of educating nursing students in such learning level. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of concept mapping and integration model on nursing students' learning in nursing process course. In a quasi-experimental study with two groups, pre-test post-test design, 45 second semester nursing students were selected through convenient sampling method and randomly divided into two experiment and control groups. After pretest, control and experiment groups received education using integration method and concept mapping, respectively, for 10 sessions during 2 months. Then, they took the post-test. For gathering data, an achievement test consisted of two parts was used which evaluated students' knowledge and meaningful learning in nursing process course. The results were analyzed using chi-square test, independent and paired t-tests by SPSS software. Both educational strategies were useful in enhancing students' knowledge and meaningful learning. But, the mean difference of pre and post tests in meaningful learning had a significant difference between the two groups. Considering the effect of concept mapping method on students' meaningful learning, it is recommended to employ this method in teaching courses which require a deep learning and high level of understanding the content