[Correlation between family processes and self-esteem in depressed patients]

Introduction: Depression is a common mood disorder that causes distortion of the patient's self-esteem. The first and most important factor in the formation of self-esteem is an interaction with family members. As one of the main risk factors of depression is distress in family processes, that means family functions in various conditions, therefore the present study was aimed to investigate the correlation between family processes and self-esteem in depressed patients

Methods: 180 depressed patients were selected by propose sampling. A questionnaire completed by self-report was used for data collection. It included 3 parts: demographic, family process scale and Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Data was analyzed by version 17 SPSS software

Results: Family processes score in majority of samples was mediocre [53/86]. The samples maximum and minimum score was in religious belief [7/55] and decision making [4/18] dimensions respectively. The self-esteem score in majority of samples was mediocre. Also results show that a positive and significant correlation between all the family processes dimensions, expect religious belief dimension, and self-esteem [p<0/00]

Conclusion: In general, majority of samples had a mediocre family processes and self-esteem, indicating a significant and positive correlation between family processes and self-esteem

Introducing a quantitative method to calculate the rate of primary infertility

In the previous studies, the rate of primary infertility was reported differently. It seems the main reasons are related to the different methods of data collection and information analysis. Therefore, introducing a precise method to determine the infertile couples and the population exposed to the risk of infertility is an important issue to study primary infertility. The proposed methodology for assessing primary infertility rate has been designed and applied by Avicenna Research Institute in a national survey. Sampling was conducted based on probability proportional to size cluster method. In this survey, after reviewing the former studies, the reproductive history was used as a basis for data collection. Every reproductive event was recorded with a code and a date in the questionnaire. To introduce a precise method, all possible events were considered thoroughly and for each situation, it was determined whether these cases should be considered in numerator, denominator or it should be eliminated from the study. Also in some situations where the correct diagnosis of infertility was not possible, a sensitivity analysis was recommended to see the variability of results under different scenarios. The proposed methodology can precisely define the infertile women and the population exposed to the risk of infertility. So, this method is more accurate than other available data collection strategies. To avoid bias and make a consistent methodology, using this method is recommended in future prevalence studies

[Effect of group cognitive-behavioral therapy on depression]

Depression is the most prevalent psychotic disorder. In order to cure and prevent the recurrence of this disease, it is necessary to gain more information about remedial methods like Group Cognitive- Behavior Therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of group cognitive-behavioral therapy on the amount of depression on the patients. This study was experimental and it included both experimental and control group with a pre test. The subjects were selected from patients with mild depression. Their Beck inventory score ranged between 17-20. Patients were randomly divided in two groups. The subjects of experimental group received eight sessions of group cognitive-behavioral therapy. The Beck depression test was completed by the subjects in three phases; before the intervention, after the intervention and one month after that. The data was transferred to SPSS program and analyzed. The results indicated a significant difference between the experimental and control group after the intervention at Beck tests [P=0.043]. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the experimental group between the depression score in patients before and after the intervention [p=0.033] and the score of patients before and one month after the intervention [p=0.492]. Group Cognitive-Behavioral therapy decreases depression in patients who suffer from mild depression

[Rate of production of inflammatory cytokines TNF and IL- by peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with mycolactone]

Mycobacterium ulcerans is the etiological agent of Buruli ulcer [BU]; the third most common mycobacterial infection in humans after tuberculosis and leprosy. BU is now considered by the WHO to be an emerging infection of major concern. M. ulcerans produces mycolactone toxin, which is required for the organism's virulence. Mycolactone destroys tissue and suppresses host immune responses. In this descriptive analytical study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from three volunteers with no history of buruli ulcer were used. IL-6 and TNF produced by these cells at different preincubation times with LPS and mycolactone were measured by using ELISA kits. This study showed hyper inhibition of IL-6 and TNF production by mycolactone. TNF levels in the control tubes [containing LPS] in 4hours reached its maximum value and then decreased. While the production of IL-6 in the tube with fresh cells [zero time] had the highest value, after 16hours, it reached its minimum. Since TNF and IL-6 are important immunity inflammatory cytokines, it can be well imagined that decrease of TNF production by this bacterium plays a role in weakening of inflammatory response. So Mycobacterium ulcerans destroys macrophages and at the same time prevents TNF production by important cells in innate immune mechanism

Simulation of global warming effect on outdoor thermal comfort conditions

In the coming decades, global warming and increase in temperature, in different regions of the world, may change indoor and outdoor thermal comfort conditions and human health. The aim of this research was to study the effects of global warming on thermal comfort conditions in indoor ambiences in Iran. To study the increase in temperature, model for assessment of greenhouse-gas induced climate change scenario generator compound model has been used together with four scenarios and to estimate thermal comfort conditions, adaptive model of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers has been used. In this study, Iran was divided into 30 zones, outdoor conditions were obtained using meteorological data of 80 climatological stations and changes in neutral comfort conditions in 2025, 2050, 2075 and 2100 were predicted. In accordance with each scenario, findings from this study showed that temperature in the 30 zones will increase by 2100 to between 3.4°C and 5.6°C. In the coming decades and in the 30 studied zones, neutral comfort temperature will increase and be higher and more intense in the central and desert zones of Iran. The low increase in this temperature will be connected to the coastal areas of the Caspian and Oman Sea in southeast Iran. This increase in temperature will be followed by a change in thermal comfort and indoor energy consumption from 8.6% to 13.1% in air conditioning systems. As a result, passive methods as thermal inertia are proposed as a possible solution

Detection of hepatitis B virus DNA [PCR] in HBsAg negative, anti-HBc positive blood donors in Tehran province

The incidence of post transfusion hepatitis has been reduced by blood donor screening for HBsAg, but the HBV infection is still responsible for certain cases of post-transfusion hepatitis world-wide. An estimate of the rate of HBV DNA and anti-HBc positive units is important for evaluation of the need for anti-HBc blood donor screening. In this study, the HBsAg negative blood units were evaluated for anti-HBc and all of anti-HBc positive units were tested for HBV DNA by PCR method. Extra samples were collected from 2000 HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV and RPR-negative blood donors. All of the samples were examined by the approved anti-HBc assay. All anti-HBc positive samples were tested by anti-HBs assays and evaluated for HBV DNA [PCR]. The sensitivity of the HBV DNA [PCR] assasy was estimated to be 300 geq/ml according to VQC proficiency panels. 230 [11.5%] out of 2000 samples were positive for anti-HBc. 179 [77.8%] out of 230 anti-HBc positive samples were HBsAb positive, and 51 [23.2%] HBsAb negative. All 230 samples were assayed for single HBV DNA [PCR] 227 of which came out to be negative for HBV DNA [PCR]. Three blood donors were recalled and new samples from two of whom were collected. These new samples were negative for HBV DNA. Further study for evaluation of HBV DNA in anti-HBc positive blood units with full automatic instruments and usage of blood bags with accessories is strongly recommended

Evaluation of type A personality in hypertensive patients referring to educational and treatment center of outpatient clinics of Sina and Shahid Madani in Tabriz

prevalence of hypertension is about 11% among Iranian population. Many factors such as psychological stress, smoking, and type A personality influence the prevalence of hypertension. The purpose of this study was to evaluate type A personality in hypertensive patients. This was a descriptive study. Among 500 patients referring to the cardiology clinics of Sina and Shahid Madani Hospitals in Tabriz, one hundred hypertensive patients were selected by simple sampling method in a period of two months. Demographic data collected and after securing patients consents, personality questionnaires [TAQ] were filled out. Data entry and analysis performed by means of SPSS statistical software. Fifty males and females were included in this study, mean age were 57 +/- 11 and 57 +/- 8 for men and women respectively. Systolic blood pressures were in the range of 120-210 mmHg, with a mean value of 157 +/- 17.5 Mean blood pressure [BP] was 158/90 mmHg in men and 159/92 mmHg in women accordingly. Prevalence rates of type A and B personalities in hypertensive patients were 54% and 38% respectively which showed a significant statistical difference. This study showed a high prevalence rate of type A personality in hypertensive patients. We recommend assessment of personality type of hypertensive patients and inclusion of supportive psychiatric measures in the treatment of patients with type A personality as an adjunctive treatment for hypertension