[Psychometric properties of illness related worries questionnaire [IRWQ] in heart failure patients]

Introduction: Heart failure patients believe that physical and psychological symptoms and worries about life and death are characteristics of disease in their life and in this context, there is no specific and culturally appropriate tool to measure their illness related worries. This study was conducted for development and psychometric properties evaluation of Illness Related Worries Questionnaire [IRWQ] in heart failure patients

Methods: In this quantitative-qualitative study, based on the findings obtained from interviews with 22 heart failure patients from patients of Hazrat e Rasool e Akram, Imam Hossein and Shariati Hospitals in Tehran in 2013, literature, and the designed questionnaires about illness related worries, primary items associated illness related worries in heart failure patients, were developed. After measuring face validity and content validity, the construct validity and reliability of the questionnaire was assessed on 130 patients with heart failure. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 19

Results: With face validity and content validity questionnaire was created with 23 items and four factors [9 items on first factor, 8 items on second factor, 4 items on third factor and 2 items on fourth factor]. These dimensions were labeled: "cognitive independence" and "functional independence" as a subset of "independence" and "worry about future of disease" and "psycho-physical worry" as a subset of "worries related to symptoms". Reliability of illness related worries questionnaire was calculated 0.90 by using Cronbach's Alpha coefficient and 0.89 by using split-half method

Conclusion: Result of this study showed that illness related worries questionnaire is adequate, valid and reliable. Thus, using this questionnaire can be useful in doing further researches related to worries in different patients

Epidemiological survey on pandemic influenza A [H1N1] virus infection in Kurdistan province, Islamic Republic of Iran, 2009

This study evaluated the epidemiology of suspected cases of pandemic influenza A [HINI] virus infection in 2009-2010 in Kurdistan province, a frontier province of the Islamic Republic of Iran. A questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, clinical presentation and outcome, and history of exposure and travel was completed by patients attending health centres and hospitals in the province. Nasal and throat swabs were analysed by RT-PCR. A total of 1059 suspected cases were assessed; HI Nl influenza A was confirmed in 157 [14.8%]. The highest proportion of confirmed cases was 30,0%, among children aged <1 year. In multivariate analysis, previous contact with symptomatic influenza patients [OR - 2.17] and hospitalization [OR = 3.88] were the only significant risk factors for confirmed HINI infection. Age, sex, residency, presenting symptoms and history of national or international travel were not significant. Influenza A [HI Nl] virus has spread in Islamic Republic of Iran; probably transmitted by travellers to Kurdistan

[ effect of constraint -induced movement therapy [CIMT] on quality of life, function and range of motion of upper extremity of patients with stroke]

Constraint-induce movement therapy is one of the treatment methods to treat those who have stroke disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of constraint-induced movement therapy [CIMT] on quality of life, function and range of motion of upper extremity of patients with stroke. This study was conducted in 15 patients in accordance to random clinical trial during the treatment operation, the patients were asked to restrict their upper extremity movement with orthopedics sling for 3 days per week and each day for 8 hours. They were asked to practice on affected upper extremity for 2 hours while their hands were restricted. Additionally, the present study was conducted for 6 weeks. The statistical analysis illustrated that quality of life was significantly changed which measured by SF36 test [p=0.008]. Furthermore, the upper extremity function which was assessed by Box and Black test was statistically analyzed by t-coupled; in this regard, it showed a significant change when the treatment ended up [p=0.009]. However, active range of motions in wrist extension and elbow extension did not significantly changed [p=0.227]. Based on the results, it can be implied that constraint-induce movement therapy is an effective method for improvement of life quality and the upper extremity function .Three mechanisms are discussed: involvement of non used affected limbs, neural plasticity in CNS, and amelioration of mental and physical health of patients can be resulted in life quality and patients' hand improvement

effects of palmar static splint on hand function, spasticity and wrist and elbow range of motion of 8 to 12 years old spastic cerebral palsy children

Upper limb dysfunction is a common and disabling consequence of cerebral palsy. Any functional disorder in the hand can cause a person's independence to be disrupted and therefore his or her social independence is threatened. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of volar static splint on hand function, spasticity and wrist and elbow range of motion of 8 to 12 years old spastic children. The design of this study was clinical trial and before after. Fourteen 8 to 12 spastic cerebral palsy children that have the inclusion criteria of study were selected from rehabilitation clinics of Tehran. The patient used a volar static splint [10 degree of wrist extension, full extension of fingers and abduction and opposition of thumb] for 2 mounts [2 hours during day and 4 to 6 hours at night]. In this study Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test was used to evaluate hand function. Modified Ashworth Scale was used to evaluate spasticity. A Goniometer was used to measure range of motion. The results of this study showed significant improvement in hand function [P<0/001] Significant reduction in wrist spasticity [P<0/001] and elbow spasticity [P<0/009] and significant increase in wrist range of motion [P<0/001] The data did not show any significance in elbow range of motion [P<0/336]. Our findings suggested that 2 months using of volar static splint in children with spastic cerebral palsy can improve hand function, wrist and elbow spasticity and wrist range of motion

[Nurses' perceptions of barriers to nursing research utilization in clinical environment in Zanjan hospitals, 2010]

Nursing research plays an outstanding role in the quality of care. One strategy to put the research into practice and change current practice is to identify barriers and then implement tailored interventions to reduce them. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe Registered Nurses perceptions of barriers to utilization of research results at University affiliated and educational hospitals of Zanjan, Iran. In this cross-sectional study data were collected using the Funk.s Evidence Based Practice Barriers Scale. Sample of the study consisted of 170 graduate nurses employed in Zanjan Educational Hospitals. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyze the data According to the research results, the first three important barriers were insufficient facilities [65.3%], lack of time to read research results [64.7%], and insufficient time on the job to implement new ideas [62.4%]. However, perceptions of barriers to research utilization did not show a significant difference based on demographic variables of the nursing staff. It is highly recommended that the Zanjan hospitals education styles should be modified in order to provide the nurses with sufficient facilities and time to read and implement recent research findings

Evaluation of the changes in the shape and location of the prostate and pelvic organs due to bladder filling and rectal distension

A steep dose gradient between prostate and organs at risk [rectum and bladder] is ideal in treatment modality, so prostate displacement and deformation due to bladder filling and rectal distension play an important role in critical organs dose. This study aims to evaluate the changes in the shape and location of the prostate and pelvic organs due to bladder filling and rectal distension. Three patients who referred for transrectal prostatic biopsy [Shahid Faghihi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran] with different prostate sizes were enrolled. A 1.5-Tesla MRI system [Avanto, Siemens, Germany] and an ultrasound system [Logiq 500, GE medical systems, USA] were used to collect images of patients prostate at different stages of bladder and rectum fullness. The mean displacement of the prostate after bladder filling in the supine and left decubitus positions along the Anterior-Posterior [AP] axis was posterior by 4.9 mm [range: 0.7-6.3 mm] and along the Superior-Inferior [SI] axis was inferior by 3.4 mm [range: 1.4-5 mm]. Prostate displacement in the Left-Right [LR] axis was negligible. The mean prostate displacement after rectal distension was anterior by 7.1 mm in the supine position, 5.1 mm anterior in the left decubitus position and along the SI axis was inferior by 2.5 mm in the supine and left decubitus positions. The maximum prostate deformation due to rectal distension and bladder filling in the supine position was as large as 3.2 mm, 1.9 mm and 1.2 mm in the AP, SI and LR directions respectively. While in the left decubitus position, it was 2.6 mm, 1.2 mm and 1.3 mm in the AP, LR and SI axis respectively. It is probably of importance to evaluate the influence of the changes in the shape and location of the prostate due to bladder filling, rectal distension and patient position in post-implant brachytherapy dosimetry. Using images of the patients in the left decubitus position with full bladder and distended rectum for planning a treatment are suggested

new potentionmetric sensor for determination of cesium ion in environmental samples

A new cesium ion selective PVC membrane based on parent calix [4] arene was developed for potentiometric determination of cesium in environmental samples. The electrode based on p-5, 11,17,23 tetra [tert-butyl] 25,26,27,28-tetrahydoxy calix [4] arene [TCH] as ionophor, dibutyl phthalate [DBP] as plasticizer, sodium tetra phenyl borate [NaTPB] and oleic acid as lipophilic salt and additive showed the best performance. The electrode exhibits a good Nernstian response in a concentration range of 1x10 [-1]-3.16x 10[-5] M of cesium, with a slope of 58.5 +/- 0.6 mv per decade and a detection limit of 1.58 x 10 [-5] M. It exhibits a good selectivity for cesium in comparison with alkali, alkaline earth, and dome transition metal ions. The electrode response and selectivity remained almost unchanged for more than a month. The effect of membrane composition, pH and concentration of internal solution on the potential response of the electrode were also studied. The applicability of the electrode to real samples was also assessed

[ targeted implementation of teaching in small group discussion for second- year students in physiotherapy: a comparative assessment of teaching effect on satisfaction and learning level]

One of the main problems in learning is ignoring the teaching in small group discussion. So, today, teaching in student-based methods such as work in small group is emphasized. Nevertheless, this method is not used for teaching physiotherapy students. This study was performed to determine the effect of teaching in small group on satisfaction and learning level of second- year students in physiotherapy in comparison with lecture teaching. An experimental study was performed on 29 physiotherapy students. The students were randomly classified into two groups; lecture [14 people] and work in small group [15 people]. Students were educated for 4 sessions. Two separate questionnaires were used to assess learning and satisfaction levels. Overall satisfaction in small group was significantly greater than lecture group [P<0.0001]. However, there was no significant difference between learning levels of the methods [p>0.05]. 86.7% of students in small groups preferred to be educated in the future semesters using this teaching method. This study showed the role of small group teaching on increasing students' satisfaction level. Due to increased satisfaction in small group, despite the lack of significant difference between the two methods of learning, learning process can be facilitated .Thus this method is recommended for education of the undergraduate students

[Assosiation study between IL1RA gene polymorphism with febrile convulsion in Shahrekord children]

Now a days, fever and seizure are the most reasons for admitting children in hospitals. Due to influence of genetic factors, some children undergo to the fever less than others. In addition, recent studeis have shown a positive correlation between family history for febrile convulsion [type and age of onset in child] and predisposition to this disease. Therefore, this study was performed to study the assosiation between IL1RA gene polymorphism and predisposition to the disease. In this case-control study, 100 patients affected by febrile convulsion who were referred to pediateric and emergency department of Hajar hospital were selected as case group and the control group was consisted of 130 healthy children. Peripheral blood sample [1.5 ml] was collected from the patients and DNA was extracted by standard phenol-chloroform method. Classic PCR was performed using one set primers designed for Inter Luekine 1 receptor antagonist and in the next step PCR products were analysed by PAGE [Poly Acryle Amid Gele Electrophoresis] and finally results were analysed by comparision of segments size. The average age of the patient group was 3.4 +/- 1.4 years and the average age of the control group was 3.4 +/- 1.2 years old. A positive history for febrile convulsion was detected for 44 cases of the patient group. The genotypic frequencies of the IL1RA gene allele1 and 2 in the patient group were 56% and 10%, respectively and for the control group were 55.4% and 6.9% respectively. Considering P=0.93 for allele 1 and P=0.401 for allele 2, no significance difference was found between two groups. Based on the Chi square test, there was no correlation between IL1RA polymorphism and predisposition to disease

Thallium determination using catalytic redox reaction between methylene blue and ascorbic acid

Methylene blue has been proposed as a new analytical reagent for the catalytic spectrophotometric determination of thallium [I]. It reacts with ascorbic acid in acidic medium to form a colorless product. Thallium [I] increases the rate of reaction and it can be determined base on its catalytic effect on the reaction. The reagents and manifold variables influences on the sensitivity were investigated and the optimum conditions were established. The reaction has been followed spectrophotometrically by measuring the decrease in the absorbance of methylene blue at 664 nm. A fixed time method of 180.0 s from initiation of the reaction was used. Under optimum conditions, the proposed method allows the determination of thallium concentrations in the range 3.0 - 200 micro g/mL with a detection limit of 0.09 micro g/mL. This method is free from of most interference. The results of the proposed method for water samples were comparable with atomic absorption spectroscopy and were found to be in good agreement

Torsion of wandering spleen and resulting rupture of splenic hilum with whorled sign in CT: a case report

Torsion of a wandering spleen is an atypical cause of an acute abdomen. Herein we report a case of a wandering spleen in a 24 year-old female patient who presented with vague clinical findings of acute abdomen, a laparotomy was performed and the infracted spleen was removed. In such cases, prompt intervention to prevent complications is mandatory

[Economic appraisal of two methods of using governmental versus private transportation in Shahrood medical university]

Resource limitation and indications on lowering governmental incumbency and private sector contribution necessitate comparison studies. This study considers economical issues using these two methods in Shahrood medical university. This study is a descriptive, cross sectional one. Cencus method was used for data gathering. 97.6% of cars were in service and 33% of drivers were official employee while 40% had contract private sector. Average payment in governmental section [for car and personnel] was 2567974 Rials [R] per month. 25% of this [expense] was for car and 75% for personnel payment. The cost of governmental transportation was 1956R per Km. and 386R per Km. in private sector. Comparison between two methods reveals that the average costs in governmental is 2.66 times more than private sector for [the] same cars. Thus according to this study the payment for private sector was lower than governmental. Transportation state should be revised because of limitation of resources, costs of car working and legal obligations for private sector contribution. Managers should plan to increase the efficacy and effectiveness of services

[Effects of eucalyptus globules labill essential oil on some immunological variables of common carp [cyprinus carpio]]

Influence of both dietary and bath administration of Eucalyptus globules labill was evaluated on some immunological variables of common carp [Cyprinus carpio] under temperature less than optimum in order to determine stimulatory effect of the essential oils. Fish weighing 30-35 g were bathed or fed with different doses of 30, 60 and 120 micro/L or mg/kg feed for a period of 8 days. Serum lysozyme activity, bactericidal activity, total white blood cells, total protein, globulin and albumin were measured on days 1, 2, 8, 15 and 23 after the essential oils administration. On day 23 post administration the remaining fish from each group were intraperitonealy injected with killed Aeromonas hydrophila [6x10[8] cells/ml] and antibody titer was measured 3 weeks later. The obtained results showed that Eucalyptus globules had a limited immunostimulatory effect on these immunological variables although antibody titers and total white blood cells in some test groups were significantly [p<0.05] higher than the control one. The reduction of the immunological factors is probably related to the lower water temperature, inappropriate administrating dose and duration of essential oils administration

[Study of knowledge attitude and performance of manageres about conflict management Shahroud faculty of medicine]

Conflict is an inevitable occurrence in all teams and organizations and its management is an important and indeed difficult part of managerial duties. This study was designed and conducted to evaluate knowledge. attitude and performance of managers in Shahroud faculty of medicine, in the year 1385. This is a cross sectional study. It was performed by taking questionnaire from all managers in Suahroud faculty of medicine. There were 6 general and 51 specific questions. Datas were analyzed by SPSS and INSTAT softwres. High rank. medium rank. and executive managers consisted 7.6. 30.3 and 62.1% of cases. respectively.Were male and female. 6.1% had a history of conflict management training, while the rest had not. Mean knowledge. attitude. and performance scores were 14.18 [from 20]. 45.62 [from 55]. and 110.76 [from 150]. There was no statistically significant relation between training and attitude. and manager's gender. Inspite of lack of statistical evidence, indicating in education and training is considered as conclusion of this article

Effects of an exercise-oriented rehabilitation program on mechanical efficiency and aerobic capacity in children with spastic cerebral palsy

Children suffering from Cerebral Palsy [CP], exhibit movement limitations and physiological abnormalities as compared to normal individuals. The objective of this study was to assess mechanical efficiency and certain cardiovascular indices before and after an exercise-rehabilitation program in children with dipelegia spastic cerebral palsy [experimental group] in comparison with able-bodied children [controls]. In this study, 15 spastic cerebral palsy [dipelegic] children participated in an exercise-rehabilitation program, three days a week for three months with an average 144bpm of heart rate. The mechanical efficiency [net, gross], rest and submaximal heart rate and maximal oxygen consumption [VO[2max]] were measured before [pretest] and after [posttest] exercise program on the cycle ergometer according to the Macmaster ergometer protocol. Then control group, of 18 normal children underwent the exercise program and were assessed, following which results of the 2 groups were compared using SPSS for statistical analysis [P<0.05]. Mechanical efficiency [net, gross] increased significantly in CP patients after the exercise-rehabilitation program; results did not alter significantly for the controls. Rest and submaximal heart rate in CP patients decreased significantly after exercise program. Maximal oxygen consumption, which remained unchanged in patients following the exercise program, was similar in patients and controls after the program. Cerebral palsy patients, because of their high muscle tone, severe degree of spasticity, and involuntary movements are physically more incapacitated and need more energy than normal able-bodied individuals. Rehabilitation and aerobic exercise can be effective in improving their cardiovascular fitness and muscle function and increasing their mechanical efficiency

Changes in lumbar spine motor control strategies following an increase in load

Joint trauma and injury are the most common causes of dynamic instability. Dynamic instability has a great effect on the lumbar spine, due to its three-dimensional motions. The greatest amounts of compression and shearing force are imposed at the points of maximum torque and velocity. The changes in these phase angles upon bearing various loads can cause some pathologic conditions. In this study, we examined the phase angle at maximum torque and velocity in the three planes of movement and then estimated their displacement upon external loads. Using the B200 isoinertial dynamometer, 13 subjects were tested in three stages as follows: 1] Familiarization with tests and apparatus. 2] Warm-up and three maximum isometric tests, with a rest interval between each test, in the three axes of lumbar motion including: flexion/extension, rotation to right/left, lateral flexion to the right/left. 3] Five dynamic tests in these three axes of motion without load, with 25% maximum voluntary torque, and with 50% maximum voluntary torque. Special software was used to analyze the raw data and detect the occurrence of maximum torque and velocity in the dynamic range of motion at each of the three axes. When the load was increased, the maximum dynamic torque in each of the three axes increased [P < 0.05]. The increase in load shifted the phase angles toward the maximum torque and velocity [P < 0.05], with a positive correlation between changes in torque and velocity phase angles [P < 0.05]. Rather than being a function of the biomechanical pattern, the changes in maximum torque and velocity of the phase angles following an increase in motion resistance to the outer range of the three axes are actually a control behavior in the motion processing system in dynamic movement

[Study of causes of patellofemoral pain syndrome in taekwondo athletes compaired with non-athletes]

Taekwondo is one of the active and exciting martial arts, during competitions about 90 percent of stricks are executed by feet and through powerful, tiny and fast movements, knee bending and straightening in different angle of hip joint movements. Meanwhile during raising lower limb, it is probable direct hits to ones thigh and knee. in the other hands, there are too complaints about anterior knee pains among athletes in clinics. Therefore this make a question in mind: Is there any relationship between knees severes activities in this sport and patellofemoral pain syndrome. The aim of this study is to answer to this question. In this study, 30 professional male-taekwondo athletes from north of Khuzestan were selected separately according to inclusion and exclusion criteria after preliminary assessments by orthopedist and physiotherapist. Raw data about causes of patellofemoral pain syndrome and functional tests and physical measurements [thigh, knee and ankle joint,etc] were collected. Similar data collected from a thirty non-athlete, the second group. Collected data from both groups analyzed with SPSS package. The following results were obtained after comparing the two groups initial left and right knees measurements.1. Athletes right knees patellofemoral joints assessment score [karlsson questionnaire score] was considerably lower than the nonathlete ones. [P=0/039] 2. There were no considerable differences in two legs Q-angle between two groups during sitting or standing conditions.3. There were no considerable differences in measures obtained from knee functional tests between two groups.4. There were no considerable differences in thigh circumferential size in different distances from knee joint line between two groups. Low score obtained from karlsson questionnaire for taekwondo athletes right foot v.s non-athletes is an evidence for existence of more prepared factors for P.F.P.S. some of these factors are:1. Tightness of muscles and soft tissue. 2. Lack of muscular efficiency [partial weakness] than overpressure knees in taekwondo. 3. Increased Q-angle

Osteosarcoma arising from a solitary osteochondroma of the tibia

We present a case of osteosarcoma arising from an osteochondroma of the right tibia in a 71 year old man. The radiographic studies were suggestive of a malignant lesion. Histologic examination showed a conventional osteosarcoma that eroded the cartilagenous cap. The patient received postoperative chemotherapy with no evidence of metastasis until three years following the operation. The occurrence of osteosarcoma out of osteochondroma is an extremely rare event and very few cases have been reported

[ effect of aerobic exercise program on quality of life in schizophrenic patients]

Schizophrenia is a chronic disease and may result in physical, psychological and social problems. Exercise play an important role in reability and treatment of the patients due to its physical and mental positive effects on their life. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise program on quality of life in schizophrenic patients. In this clinical trial study, a total of 46 patients, aged 20-60 years old, with schizophrenia who were hospitalized were randomly divided in two equal groups of case and control. An aerobic exercise program, for 45 minutes. every other day, was performed in the case group. The quality of life, before and after the beginning of the program, in both groups was assessed using quality of life scale [QLS]. This parameter was compared in the groups using statistical methods [Manwithny, Wilcaxon, Pearson and Kruskal-wallis]. Mean age of the individuals studied were 39.4 +/- 10.1 years and 67.9% of them were male. The mean of disease duration was 12.9 +/- 4.2 years and 53.6% of subjects had positive or negative symptoms. There was no significant difference between the two groups before the intervention in demographic characteristics, the quality of life dimensions, and symptoms. Mean of life quality after, the intervention, in the case and control groups was 67 +/- 15.9 and 52.1 +/- 14, respectively [P<0.05]. Mean quality of life dimensions [interpersonal relation, productivity role, intrapsychic foundations, common objects and activities], after the intervention in the case was more than that of the control group [P<0.05]. Also, mean of score of life quality dimensions and overall life quality were increased significantly after the intervention compared with before that [P<0.05], but difference was not significant in the control group. Aerobic exercise program can improve the quality of life in patients with schizophrenia in all dimensions. So, it is essential to use this program prevention and decrease of schizophrenic patients' problems, needs and their adaptability

Giant chondroma of falx: a case report

Chondromas are benign tumors that may be found in many parts of the body. Among intracranial neoplasms, tumors of cartilaginous origin are rare. It has been shown that most of these tumors arise from the skull base. Their occurrence in other parts of the intracranial cavity is unusual. Chondroma of falx is a rare neoplasm. In this report we introduce a case of falcine chondroma arose from frontal midline area in a 17-year-old boy