[Study of brain drain of Iranian researchers and professionals to developing and industrial countries' universities in the field of medical science in Scopus database]

Introduction: "Brain Drain" or "geniuses' immigration" is one of the known immigrations; this phenomenon has caused human capitals transfer from developing to developed countries. This kind of immigration among medical graduates can cause different complications for health care services' structure in each country. The Present study has investigated brain drain among geniuses and medical and health care professionals in Iran in 2013

Methods: The Present research is a descriptive survey whit a Scientometric approach. The Study population consisted of Iranian researchers' and academic board members' scientific outputs in medical area at 88 top industrialized and developed countries that were chosen according to valid systems of university rankings around the world

Results: Findings showed that only 489 [8%] of 6126 scientific articles produced by investigated immigrants before their immigration and a significant part of articles more than 5637 [92%] have been published abroad. Besides, findings indicated that most of scientific products have been compiled in the United States of America and Britain, representing 2090 and 1036 respectively. Furthermore, a small part of Iranian immigrants' scientific outputs have been prepared in collaboration with researchers inside and nearly two thirds in collaboration with colleagues outside the country

Conclusion: It was found that more male researchers, compared to female researchers, immigrate. Besides, more than half of these researchers immigrated to the United States of America and Canada; this can be attributed to these countries' appropriate incentive and monetary policies, which will lead to the inefficiency of the attempts and actions taken by relevant organizations to keep and return these geniuses and professionals to the country in recent years

[ effect of hypothyroidism on the proliferation of somatic and genital cells in Lori sheep]

The role of thyroid hormones has been recognized in normal embryo development many years ago. These hormones also affected the development of reproductive organs and their activity. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of inducing hypothyroidism by propyl-2-thiouracyl [PTU] on lambs testicular histomorphology and plasma testosterone concentration. Eighteen Lori-Bakhtari male lambs were divided to 3 groups [n=6] and each received one of the treatments as Control [C: 0 mg PTU/kg BW], Low [L: 10 mg PTU/kg BW] and High [H: 20 mg PTU/kg BW] by gavages, during a 60d experimental period. At the end of the trial, lambs were slaughtered and testes were removed to evaluate their histomorphological characteristics. Mean concentration of T4 and T3 decreased significantly in Land H groups compared with C group [p<0.05]. Hyphothyroidism increased testis weight, number of sertoli and lydig cells, diameter of Seminiferous tubules, diameter of seminiferous lumen, total spermatogonia, number of primary spermatocyte, and total spermatids [p<0.05]. However, PTU had no significant effect on plasma concentration of testosterone [p>0.05]. In the present study, PTU increased testicular weight and the number of cells involved in sperm and testosterone production. Sheep breeders may consider hypothyroidism as a potential approach to increase sperm production capacity in rams before puberty. However, further investigation should be carried out on the quality and quantity of rams' sperm

Assessment of seasonal variations of chemical characteristics in surface water using multivariate statistical methods

Water pollution has become a growing threat to human society and natural ecosystems in the recent decades. Assessment of seasonal changes in water quality is important for evaluating temporal variations of river pollution. In this study, seasonal variations of chemical characteristics of surface water for the Chehelchay watershed in northeast of Iran was investigated. Various multivariate statistical techniques, including multivariate analysis of variance, discriminant analysis, principal component analysis and factor analysis were applied to analyze river water quality data set containing 12 parameters recorded during 13 years within 1995-2008. The results showed that river water quality has significant seasonal changes. Discriminant analysis identified most important parameters contributing to seasonal variations of river water quality. The analysis rendered a dramatic data reduction using only five parameters: electrical conductivity, chloride, bicarbonate, sulfate and hardness, which correctly assigned 70.2% of the observations to their respective seasonal groups. Principal component analysis / factor analysis assisted to recognize the factors or origins responsible for seasonal water quality variations. It was determined that in each season more than 80% of the total variance is explained by three latent factors standing for salinity, weathering-related processes and alkalinity, respectively. Generally, the analysis of water quality data revealed that the Chehelchay River water chemistry is strongly affected by rock water interaction, hydrologic processes and anthropogenic activities. This study demonstrates the usefulness of multivariate statistical approaches for analysis and interpretation of water quality data, identification of pollution sources and understanding of temporal variations in water quality for effective river water quality management

Pediatrician - based malnutrition reduction in children under 5 years of age: an interventional project a health- treatment center

Malnutrition, especially in the developing countries, is a common disease of children. Some causes of malnutrition are inappropriate supplementary feeding, parental low nutrition-related knowledge, and childhood diseases especially digestive and respiratory disorders. Various interventions have been made in different countries based on their present conditions and facilities. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of interventions conducted by nutrition consulting center based on pivotal role of pediatrician at health center over growth status in children suffering from malnutrition. In this intervening quasi -experimental study, 189 children between 6-48 months affected by malnutrition were identified and included in the investigation using random sampling method. After verifiying diagnosis by pediatrist, required interventions were made and growth indices were determined before and after the intervention. Who's Anthro software and graphs were used to evaluate growth indices. Results indicated that 17.8 and 9.1% of boys and girls were respectively suffering from acute thinness; however, after intervention these findings reduced to 4.4 and 5.1% respectively. Moreover, 14.4 and 6.1% of the boys and girls who suffered from acute low-weight showed meaningful lower problem the intervention. The interventions could not deal with shortness of stature in the society. Through setting up intervening centers pivoted by pediatricians at the center of the provinces aimed at recognizing and treating children suffering from malnutrition as well as activating referral systems, we may take a step forward into a better situation therein improving the status of children suffering from low weight and malnutrition

Tuberculous osteomyelitis of the long bones and joints.

Skeletal tuberculosis(TB) is usually a rare osteoarticular disease in which bones or joints are involved. We studied 4 such cases admitted to Iranian National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases from 2000 to 2003. In the initial stages of the disease, diagnosis is very difficult and conventional radiographies often reveal nonspecific findings. Our experience in these cases showed that a high index of suspicion is the most important step in early diagnosis of skeletal tuberculosis.

Anti-inflammatory effects of total extract of Curcuma amada Roxb. in a rheumatoid arthritis rat model

Joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are among common and debilitating disease of the time. Current treatments are limited due to lack of efficacy and high incidence of side effects. Therefore, there is an increasing need for alternative drug treatment strategies specially in the area of medicinal plants. Curcuma amada Roxb. Which belongs to the family of zingiberaceae, has been traditionally used for inflammation and arthritic pain in China and India. Very little data is available about efficacy of this plant in controlled studies. In this study, effect of total extract of Curcuma amada [C.A.] were assessed on inflammation. Male rats were injected [s.c] with complete freund's adjuvant [50 mg/10 cc heat killed and dried mycobacterium tuberculosis, suspended in mineral oil [Arlacel A and light paraffin]. Injections were made in the right ankle foot of tibio tarsal joint region. On day 15 following adjuvant administration, animals were treated [i.p] with a 100 mg/kg dose of the extract daily for 15 days. Joint diameter, arthritic Index, body weight, WBC count and ESR were recorded. The data indicated that the extract could significantly [p<0.05] reduce ESR, WBC, joint diameter and arthritic Index of treated animals compared with control animals. Further studies are underway to determine antiarthritic potentials and safety of the extract

Efficacy of local corticosteroid injection in trigger finger treatment

Flexor tendon entrapment of the digits [FTED] is a disorder characterized by snapping or locking of the thumb or fingers [with or without pain] and called trigger finger. Corticosteroid injections are one of the most commonly used treatments for chronic tendon disorders. Despite their popularity, the systematic evidence for their benefits are largely lacking. This study tries to determine the efficacy of local corticosteroid injection in treatment of trigger finger. This is a clinical trial research. Variables including local tenderness, trigerring stage, pain during isometric flexion and passive stretching of the tendon [based on VAS] were evaluated before local injection of corticosteroid and then 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after the injection. Data was collected by special forms and analyzed using Chi square and ANOVA Tests. The difference between persence of AI pulley tenderness hi 4 examinations was significant [p<0.0001]. The difference between pain induced by isometric flexion and pain induced by stretching the tendon passively in extension was also significant [both p<0.0001]. The difference between frequency distribution of triggering was significant [p<0.0001]. Patients satisfaction was 90%. The rate of success in local corticosteroid injection was 90% [only with one injection]. The high rate of success and low side effects, make this method a suitable treatment for trigger finger

[Effects of dietary fat sources on histological structure of testis in Zandi rams]

To investigate the effects of dietary fat sources on histological structures of testis in Zandi rams. Field trial on the basis of completely randomized design [CRD]. Eight 2.5 years old mature Zandi rams. Four experimental feed with different fat sources were used in four groups: without fat supplementation [control or diet 1], supplementation with 4% calcium soaps of fatty acids from tallow [diet 2], supplementation with 4% calcium soaps of fatty acids from soybean oil [diet3] and supplementation with 2% calcium soaps of fatty acids from tallow plus 2% calcified fatty acids from soybean oil [diet 4]. Values of Seminiferous tubule diameter, number of leydig cells, sertoli cells, spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte and spermatid were determined. Values of testis histological structures were compared by Duncan procedure with GLM. Results showed that ram's reproduction performance and testis histological structures were affected by nutritional conditions of animal [p<0.05]. Moreover, source of dietary fatty acids had significant effect on testis histological structures. Using soybean oil resulted in a significant increase in the seminiferous tubule diameter, seminiferous tubule lumen diameter and number of leydig cell, sertoli cell, spermatogonia and primary spermatocyte [p<0.05]

[Effects of different supplemental fats to flushing diet on reprodution of Zandi Ewes]

To determine the effects of adding of different supplemental fats to flushing diet on reproductive parameters in Iranian Zandi fat-tailed ewes. Randomized complete block. Fifty two Six- year- old Zandi ewes. Four experimental diets: without supplemental fat [1], containing 4.5% calcium salts of fatty acids from tallow [2], containing 4.5% calcium salts of fatty acids from soybean oil [3] and containing 2.25% calcium salts of fatty acids from tallow plus 2.25% calcium salts of fatty acids from soybean oil [4] were tested. After laparascopy, follicles [3 mm diameter] and corpus luteums [CL] on both ovaries were counted. Number of CLs were designated as ovulation rate [OR] index. At lambing number, weight and sex of lambs and lambing date of ewes were recorded. Analysis of variance was done by general linear model procedure of the SAS. OR in group 3 was higher than the other ones [p<0.05]. Number of follicles in group 2 were lower than the other groups [p<0.05]. Pregnancy rate from first, total of two and three first periods in group 3 were higher than the other groups [p<0.05]. Pregnancy rate from first and total of two first service periods in groups 2 and 4 were higher than group 1 [p<0.05]. Lambing rate and lamb crop from each of the three service periods were highest in group 3 and lowest in group 1[ p<0.05]. Twining rate from the first service period in group 3 was higher than, the other groups and in groups 2 and 4 was higher than group 1 [p<0.05]. Twining rate from total of two first service periods in groups 3 and 4 was higher than group 1 [p<0.05]. Fat supplementation especially from rich sources of unsaturated fatty acids to flushing diet had positive effect on the OR and reproduction performance of ewes

[Observance of infection control precautions at cupping centers in Tehran]

Cupping is a therapeutic method in which the skin is incised for phlebotomy. Therefore, if infection control precautions are not taken, patients are susceptible to infection. This descriptive study was conducted to assess the observance of infection control precautions before, during, and after the procedure at cupping centers in Tehran. Subject population consisted of 49 practitioners including physicians as well as nurses and 33 cupping units in 16 centers. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire and a checklist. Results show that 87.9% of the units had a satisfactory structure and 21.1% was relatively satisfactory. 69.4 % [34], 69.4 % [34], 53.1 % [26] of practitioners took the precautions relatively satisfactory, satisfactory, and relatively satisfactory before, during and after the procedures respectively. In general, 35.2% of practitioners took the precautions satisfactorily. Findings of this study can be used by educators, mangers, and practitioner at different health settings particularly cupping centers

[ prevalence rate of substance abuse and addiction and some relevant factors among junior and senior high school students in Kerman city [2000-2001]]

The Aim of this research was to evaluate the prevalence of addiction and its relationship with some demographic features, knowledge, behavior and attitude among junior and senior high school students in the city of Kerman. This cross-sectional study was done by using a self-made questionnaire including issues related to taking illicit drugs and demographic features. The questionnaires were distributed among 3500 students of whom 3318 [94.8%] returned the questionnaires. Data analysis was done by SPSS-10 software and using t-test, chi[2] and Odds Ratio for Trend methods. Among studied students, 58.2% were male and 41.38% were female. In males, 26.6% and in females, 11.5% had taken illicit drugs at least once. In boys the prevalence of drug abuse was as follows: alcohol 16.2%, opium 11.7%, tranquilizers 9.7%, cannabis 8.3%, anabolic androgens 8.2%, Shire [extract of opium] 7.7%, LSD 5.8%, heroin 5.5%. The prevalence in girls was as follows: opium 5.1%, alcohol 4.5%, tranquilizer 4.42%, cannabis 2.8%, anabolic androgens 2.8%, Shire 2.6%, LSD 2%, heroin 2%. As it is seen in male students the prevalence of all drugs is significantly higher comparing to female students [P<0.0001]. In other words, male students use drugs more frequently than female students [P<0.0001]. However in regard to this fact there was no significant difference based on the year of study. The desire for giving up was significantly more in boys [40%] compared to girls [27.2%]. The most preferred option for giving up was self medication. For overcoming addiction problem students had sought advice from their intimate friends, father, and mother respectively. Students believed that they had gained most of the useful information regarding addiction from school headmasters and educating [Parvareshi] teachers, while the least affecting source of information were health teachers. According to the findings, addiction in teenagers should be considered as a serious issue. As well as opioid drugs and alcohol, attention to other drugs is also required. Organized education with feedback would be helpful, and more attention should be given to the roles of educating teachers. With regard to abstinence desire, there should be more facilities to encourage drug abusers to seek help from the consultation, rehabilitation and detoxification centers

In vitro maturation of dromedary camel oocytes in Hamsvs F10 medium supplemented with different concentrations of fetal bovine serum

To mature dromedary camel oocytes for using them in an IVF system. Design: Interventional study. Ovaries from dromedary camels in local slaughterhouses. Removing varies from camels in a local slaughterhouse, carrying them to the laboratory in warm saline solution, aspiration of follicles, isolation and transferring of oocytes into TCM-199 and Ham's F10 supplemented with 0-10% heat inactivated fetal bovine serum [FBS], culturing oocytes for up to 24h in a COz incubator. After culture oocytes were denuded and put into PBS containing 0.1% hyaluronidase and passing through a fine pipette. Oocytes were then mounted onto slide glass and fixed and stained for evidence of maturation. ANOVA and when a significance different was seen, Duncan's Multiple Range Test. When oocytes from fresh ovaries were culture in Ham's F10 without protein, only 17.65% of them reached to MIL However, significantly [P<0.05] higher oocytes reached to Mil in 5 and 10% PCS [36.84% and 33.33% for 5 and 10% FBS respectively], which were not dose dependent. When cool stored ovaries were used for oocyte maturation, 14.54% of oocytes reached to MIL In protein-free medium However, significantly [P<0.05] higher oocytes reached to Mil in 5 and 10% PCS [25.86% and 33.33% for 5 and 10% FBS respectively]. Although increasing the protein increased the maturation rates, the difference was not significant. Under the present condition it seems that cool stored ovaries could be used for in vitro maturation of camel oocytes

[Diagnosis and treatment of penetrating cardiac injury one year after thoracic stab wound]

In any patient with a history of penetrating thoracic trauma, cardiac injury must be kept in mind. Here, we describe a 36 years-old female referred to this hospital with severe chest pain and hypotension. After primary evaluation and suggestion of AMI, streptokinase was started for the patient and because of deterioration of vital signs, cardiac surgery consultation was requested. After performing urgent echocardiography, massive pericardial tamponade was detected. Visualization of a knife blade on C.X.R and past medical history of thoracic stab injury led to a diagnosis of delayed cardiac tamponade and urgent sternotomy was performed. The blade that had penetrated the right ventricular chamber was extracted. Six days after operation, patient was discharged without any problem. This case study suggests the importance of high suspicion to cardiac injury in any patient with chest pain and a history of chest trauma

Effect of assertiveness training on self-esteem on nursing students

Self-esteem is an important factor in mental health that affects human functions, especially job performance. The number of nurses with low self-esteem is increasing and this is mostly due to role conflict. Only few studies have been done on this issue. This study was done in order to evaluate the effects of a course of assertiveness on self- esteem of female nursing students in Bushehr [1380]. A total of 80 students were recruited and were given preliminary questionnaires. The 22 students that got lower scores were then chosen as the samples. Using a simple random method, the samples were matched, and then divided into 2 equal groups, a case and a control group. A pretest and a course on assertiveness and a post test were given to the case group while the control group was only given a pretest and a post test. Tools used for this study were the Cooper Smith Self-esteem scale and the independent T and paired T test, respectively. Pretest results on self-esteem for the case group showed a mean score of 59.45, [SD= 10.25]. After training, post-test results improved to 75.90, [SD=9.49, p<0.001]. In the control group, no significant change was noted on the pretest and posttest scores. However, there was a significant correlation between financial status of the students' family and self-esteem in the case group. A course of assertiveness may have an important impact on promotion of self-esteem of female nursing students. The researchers suggest more study to be done in this field especially on other group of nurses

[Experimental study on efficacy of supplemental organic and inorganic chromium in feeding of Shal fattening lambs]

Objective: Evaluating the differences in performance traits and carcass composition in Shal fattening lambs fed organic or inorganic chromium [Cr]

Design: Experimental study

Animals: Seventy fat-tailed ram lambs of Shal breed with an average body weight [BW] of 37.0 +/- 2.8 kg, randomly partitioned in seven groups

Procedure: Feeding a 60.5% barley-based diet [12.2% crude protein] supplemented with 0 [control], 200, 600, or 1000 ig/kg dry matter of Cr from chromium nicotinate [CrNic] and 200, 600, or 1000 ig/kg dry matter of Cr from chromium chloride [CrC13] to individually penned lambs, measuring dry matter intake [DMI] and average daily gain [ADG] through wk 12, and slaughtering lambs and determining carcass characteristics at the end of wk 15 of the experiment

Statistical analysis: Analysis of covariance for studying treatment differences and orthogonal coefficients for contrasting treatment groups

Results: Addition of 600 or 1000 ig/kg dietary dry matter of Cr from CrNic decreased ratio of DMI to% BW [P<0.04] but did not affect wk 6 and 12 body weights, ADG, daily DMI and ADG: DMI ratio. Backfat thickness increased by Cr [P<0.04]. Addition of 1000 ig/kg dry matter of Cr from CrNic increased loin-eye area [P<0.02] and muscle weight of right side carcass [P<0.04]. Percentages of water, protein, lipid, or ash in carcass muscle were not affected by Cr supplements, whereas weights of protein and ash in carcass muscle increased by Cr with more positive effect of 1000 ig/kg dry matter of Cr from CrNic [P<0.03]

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that supplementation of chromium nicotinate may be beneficial for increasing lean tissue of Shal fattening lambs

Effect of aspirin on the disposition of tetracycline in sheep

Aspirin has been shown to increase the rate of urinary excretion of tetracycline in humans. To understand the mechanisms involved in this drug interaction, the effect of aspirin on the kinetics of tetracycline was investigated in sheep. Tetracycline was administered intravenously in six mixed-breed sheep at various stages: first, tetracycline alone; second, immediately after intravenous injection of salicylic acid and third, three hours following oral administration of tetracycline. Blood samples were collected during 6 hours after administration of tetracycline followed by the separation of sera. Tetracycline content of each sample was assayed using fluorescence spectroscopy. The concentration of tetracycline in the first blood sample was higher when tetracycline was administered alone compared with those given after oral aspirin or with salicylic acid. Serum tetracycline concentration was more rapidly approached to the minimum when it was administered in conjunction with salicylic acid. In addition, the area under the curve for serum tetracycline concentration versus time [AUC] was smaller compared to when tetracycline was administered alone. In contrast, when aspirin was given orally prior to the intravenous administration of tetracycline, the rate of decline in serum tetracycline concentration was less and AUC was higher compared to when it was injected alone. As the underlying mechanism[s] will have pharmacokinetics impact, which may be important in clinical pharmacology point of view, further in vivo and in vitro studies should be carried out to elucidate the exact nature of the interaction between these drugs

Follow up of one hundred corneal and scleral ruptures during 1988-1990

In a retrospective study, one hundred corneoscleral laceration [CSL] cases were managed at Zahedan Ophthalmic Center from 1988-1990. Our findings showed that CSL is more commonly seen in young and male patients. Seasonal variation in CSL frequency with higher prevalence in the first half of the years was evident. Also it was found that cataract was more common in comeal lacerations while hyphema was more common in corneoscleral lacerations