[ evaluation of persian diabetes websites based on WebMedQual [2016]]

Introduction: the growing rate of medical information on the Internet and its effect on community health has necessitated the evaluation and validation of health websites. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of Persian diabetes websites, based on the WebMedQual scale, as one of the modern and comprehensive health website evaluation methods

Materials and Methods: the research population comprised of all Persian Diabetes Websites [12 websites] which were retrieved using the keyword diabetes in Persian language, in the search engines of Google, Yahoo and Bing. The WebMedQual checklist, containing 83 questions, was used to collect data. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, using SPSS

Results: regarding the three indexes: information content, design and links, Persian Diabetes Websites obtained about 50% of WebMedQual scores and were generally at a moderate level. They obtained less than average, regarding other scores, including: credit resources, accessibility and usability, privacy and user support. The "Gabric Diabetes Education Association" website, with 75.9% of the necessity scores, achieved the first rank among Persian diabetes websites

Conclusion: it is recommended that the producers and designers of Persian diabetes websites consider the strength and weaknesses of websites for improving their quality. Health custodians could contribute to community health by introducing reputable websites to the users

Evaluation of the Pharmaceutical theses of the government Universities of Tehran and Shahid Beheshti based on ISO 7144 during 2008 to 2012

University theses and dissertations are among those credible sources of information which, with regard to their given status of value, and the use of update resources using the international regulations and standards, can be perfect sources for optimal recovery of information and can increase the scientific credibility

This study reviews the accordance of the Pharmaceutical theses of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and the University of Tehran with the ISO 7144 standards: 2008-2012. 765 pharmaceutical theses of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and the University of Tehran at both general and specialized levels were studied, using an analytical method. Data collection was based on the checklist prepared according to ISO 7144 standards. The comparisons were performed based on the t-test, using SPSS software. The results manifested that the theses done at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences adhered more to the ISO standards compared to the University of Tehran. The study also revealed that the mean score of the adherence to the standards of ISO has been more in specialized theses than the general ones. Moreover, it suggests that, due to their scientific and practical nature, theses are among the most important sources, and therefore, the manner through which the data is inserted, is of utmost importance

The accordance of the studied theses of both general and specialized themes in both universities to ISO 7144 standards is below the %50 of the desired standard and has a long way to go to reach the desired status?

[Compliance ratio between the abstracts of Iranian systematic reviews and meta-analysis indexed in web of sciences and PRISMA statement]

Introduction: systematic review is an approach with precise identification of all the relevant studies leading to more objective and scientific conclusions. Unless the structure of the studies comply with internationally accepted standards, they cannot effectively be responsive to objectives of the studies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the compliance ration of Iranian Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis abstracts indexed in WOS and PRISMA statement

Methods: this study is an analytical survey. The sample included 204 Iranian systematic reviews and meta-analysis abstracts indexed in WOS up to the end of 2012. In this study the structure of the abstracts were evaluated using the PRISMA statement. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to calculate the correlation between the obtained results with cited articles, the number of authors and the publication year

Results: the mean PRISMA score of article's abstract was 6.24 +/- 1.68. The objective section with 99%, compliance rate, had the highest compliance rate and the Registration with 2%, had the lowest compliance rate among other PRISMA items. The means for citations and the number of authors were 4 and 5.3, respectively. There is statistically significant positive correlation between the PRISMA score and the mean of received citations [P=0.010, r=0.181], as well as the number of authors [P=0.013, r=0.175]

Conclusion: according to the findings the ratio of compliance between abstracts and PRISMA is not desirable. Therefore, authors should be trained for better reporting of results. In addition, the editors of magazines should include the guidelines of accurate reporting of these types of articles in the article writing guidelines

Identifying and analyzing the prerequisites of access to information literacy skills among the students of Paramedical sciences faculty and compare their information literacy level

Information literacy is a set of individual skills and abilities to accurate identifying, accessing, using, evaluating and reviewing of information resources. Since this skills improved the student capabilities to retrieval, management and use of information; nowadays, it is considered as one of the most importantcriterion fortheevaluation of students by forums. This study is a descriptive and analytical applied survey. The systematized samples were 103 students in paramedical sciences faculty Shahid Beheshti University of medical sciences in 3 level: undergraduate [BA], master [MA] and PhD students who were studying during 2011-2012.The data collection tool is the questionnaire which published by ACRL and based on information literacy standards. This questionnaire has 55 item arranged in Likert scale. Results shows that the information literacy level in all studentwas50 % lower than the level expected of ACRL standards except Ph.D. students in basic science and MA students in medical library and information science. The level of information literacy in PhD and MA students was significantly higher than BA students while the graduate students level was not significantly different

[Correlation of androgenetic alopecia and early onset coronary heart disease in men]

Coronary heart disease [CHD] is the main cause of death in all countries. In addition to the known risk factors, other causes may be related to this disease. The association of CHD with androgenetic alopecia [AGA] has been a subject of discussion which can be explained on the grounds that testosterone level increases in androgenetic alopecia. The aim of this study was to assess this correlation in the men less than 50 years of age. This case-control study included 250 men less than 50 years of age, who had referred to Imam Ali Hospital in Kermanshah for evaluation of chest pain and exercise test [EST]. The participants were divided into two groups: 120 men with positive EST in the case group and 130 men with negative EST in the control group. The history, clinical, and paraclinical information were obtained and recorded in questionnaires. Pattern of alopecia was assessed based on Hamilton baldness scale by a dermatologist. Using SPSS version 16, data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis test. Findings of this study revealed a significant relationship between AGA and early onset of IHD in men [P=0.04]. Men with AGA [especially vertex alopecia] had positive EST 1.5 times more than those with normal hair pattern. Also, AGA showed a significant correlation with high blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL level, and higher level of free testosterone. Increased level of testosterone in AGA can accelerate atherosclerosis in men with early AGA, especially vertex pattern, which may result in IHD. This process can advance rapidly in the presence of systolic hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Therefore, we recommend evaluation of coronary heart disease and control of its risk factors in adult men with early onset AGA

[Comparative study of echocardiographic right ventricular systolic function before and after angioplasty on right coronary artery]

Background: In patients who undergoing PCI, association between right ventricular function and outcome of the procedure remained unclear

The present study aimed to determine association between echocardiography findings of systolic right ventricular function and functional status of patients following PCI

Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted at Imam Ali hospital and heart center in Kermanshah, Iran in 2013, 40 patients with history of inferior wall myocardial infarction [Inf MI] according to previous electrocardiography [ECG] in past hospitalization for MI who were candidate for percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] on right coronary artery [RCA] and had left ventricle ejection fraction [LVEF] less than 40% were included

The subjects underwent echocardiography on admission to assess echocardiography indices of systolic right ventricular function including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion [TAPSE], tricuspid annular systolic velocity [TASV], Tei-index [Myocardial performance index), and RV fractional area [RVFA] change that was repeated one month later. Baseline functional status was assessed based on the New York Heart Association functional classification score [NYHA score] that divided to 4 grades

Results: NYHA score improved following PCI procedure [from 2.20+/-0.46 to 1.10+/-0.30, P<0.001]. The mean score of TAPSE significantly increased from 18.68+/-2.12 to 20.40+/-2.11 [P<0.001]

The mean of TASV also increased from 13.28 +/- 1.52 to 14.85+/-1.90 [P<0.001]

Also, Tei-index was improved from 0.52+/-0.05 to 0.47+/-0.03 [P<0.001]

Moreover, RVFA was significantly increased after PCI [from 35.02+/-2.40 to 38.25+/-2.57, P<0.001]

There was no significant relationship between the changes in NYHA score and each of right ventricular systolic function indices

Conclusion: Although right ventricular systolic function considerably improved following PCI procedure, but the changes in this improvement is not associated with the improvement of function class after the procedure

[Cardiodepressant effects of ethanol extract of pomegranate [Punica granatum] skin on rat isolated heart]

Pomegranate skin is used in traditional medicine and it posseses potent antioxidant properties. This research studied the effects of ethanol [80%] extract of pomegranate skin on isolated heart activity. Isolated rat hearts [n=8] were perfused using Langendorff technique. Following stabilization for at least 20min, lyophilized extract of pomegranate skin at concentrations equal to 0.1, 0.5 and 1% [5min each, respectively] were added to the perfusion [Krebs] solution. During the experiment, the heart rate, cardiac contractile force and coronary perfusion pressure [as an indicator for coronary tone] were studied. Upon addition of pomegranate skin extract, the mean heart rate gradually declined, a reduction from 223 beats per min at the beginning to 79 beats per min at the end of treatment course [p<0.001]. Left ventricular developed pressure[LVDP] showed a significant reduction following addition of the extract [p<0.001]. Coronary perfusion pressure gradually increased and was 23% higher by the end of the treatment [p<0.001]. The current research suggests potent cardiodepressant effects for water alcoholic extract of pomegranate skin

Echocardiographic findings in power athletes abusing anabolic androgenic steroids

Anabolic androgenic steroids [AAS] abuse for improving physical appearance and performance in body builders is common and has been considered responsible for serious cardiovascular effects. Due to disagreement about cardiovascular side effects of these drugs in published articles, this case control study was designed to evaluate the echocardiographic findings in body builder athletes who are current and chronic abusers of these drugs. Body builder athletes with continuous practice for the preceding two years and were training at least twice weekly were selected and divided into AAS abuser and non user and compared with age and BMI matched non athletic healthy volunteers [15 cases in each group]. There was no significant difference in left ventricular size or function either systolic or diastolic in comparison to cases and control groups. The only difference was in diastolic size of septum and free wall but observed differences were only significant [P = 0.05] between first [athletic with AAS abuser] and third group [non athletic and nonuser]. The difference between the above-mentioned indexes were not significant between two groups of athletes. Observed differences in diastolic size of septum and free wall is in favor of that long term abuse of anabolic steroid results in accentuation of physiologic hypertrophy due to long term sport most probably due to higher rate pressure product. Furthermore long term abuse and supra pharmacologic doses do not have significant effect in size and left ventricular function

Coronary arteries bypass grafting surgery in elderly patients

The incidence of coronary artery bypass grafting surgery [CABG] in elderly patients has been increasing. There are contradictory reports on the early outcome of elderly coronary artery patients as compared with their young counterparts. We designed this retrospective study to address this issue. We retrospectively analyzed the results of 1489 on-pump CABG cases performed at our hospital during a 4.5-year period. Perioperative data such as demographic, medical, clinical, operative, and postoperative variables were collected and compared between patients 70 years old or younger [Group A, n = 1164] and patients above 70 years of age [Group B, n = 325]. Statistical analysis was performed using the t-test for the continuous and the X[2] tests for the categorical variables. Significant variables according to the univariate analysis [X[2] and t-test] were further analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The variables of weight [P value < 0.001], preoperative PO[2] [P value = 0.005], ejection fraction > 30% [P value = 0.001], body surface area [P value = 0.003], and hypercholesterolemia [P value = 0.007] were higher in Group A, whereas preoperative myocardial infarction [P value < 0.001], postoperative low cardiac output syndrome [P value = 0.019], emergent surgery [P value = 0.003], inotropic drug use [P value < 0.001], preoperative heparin use [P value < 0.001], re-exploration for bleeding [P value = 0.015], hospital stay [P value < 0.001], low ejection fraction [ 1.5 mg/dl [P value < 0.001], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [P value < 0.001], intra-aortic balloon pump use [P value < 0.001], infection [P value < 0.001], pulmonary complications [P value < 0.001], atrial fibrillation [P value < 0.001], postoperative renal complications [P value < 0.001], and death [P value = 0.012] were more frequent in Group B. CABG in the elderly patients had certain surgical risks such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, preoperative myocardial infarction, emergent surgery, and death. Also, postoperative complications such as pulmonary complications, inotropic drug use, intra-aortic balloon pump use, and infection were more frequent in the elderly than in the younger patients

preliminary study on some potential toxic effects of Rosa damascena Mill

Rosa damascena has been traditionally used as an herbal medicine for different therapeutic purposes. In order to preliminarily study the probable toxic effects of the plant, its infusion was orally administered to 5 groups of 5 dogs at doses 0.5-8 times that of human use in traditional medicine [90-1440 mg/kg/d] for 10 successive days. The dogs in the control group [n=4] received placebo. Serum levels of urea, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase [ALP], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], bilirubin, albumin and protein were measured in all experimental groups at days 0, 1, 3, 7 and 10. Except for a transient increase in bilirubin levels [day 3] and a rise in serum ALT at day 10, both with the highest dose of the treatment, there were no statistical differences between different experimental groups compared to the control. The results suggest minimal nephrotoxic or hepatotoxic effects for the infusion of R. damascena, however, the medication may be hepatotoxic at extraordinary high doses

[Blood serum electrolyte and non-electrolyte parameters in breeding rutilus frisiikutum kammensky]

Reference values of serum parameters are important markers in health evaluation and diagnosis of diseases, as well as in controlling biological processes in aquatic animals. The aim of this research was to determine the reference values of biochemical factors in breeding Rutilus frisii kutum. Blood samples were collected from captured fish from Tajan River. Serum levels of glucose, BUN, creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, direct bilirubin, total protein, albumin, calcium [Ca], phosphorus [P], sodium [Na], and potassium [K] were measured. The serum levels of different biochemical values in males and females were as follows: Na for males 387.1 +/- 11.5, and females 420.7 +/- 7.1; K for males 39.9 +/- 10.6, and for females 37.9 +/- 7.4; P for males 19.2 +/- 1.0, and females 28.9 +/- 2.8; Ca for males 15.9 +/- 1.5, and for females 21.6 +/- 1.0; glucose for males 209.8 +/- 23.2, and for females 83.8 +/- 11.3; cholesterol for males, 472.6 +/- 23.6, and for females 306.6 +/- 22.9; triglyceride for males 393 +/- 23.3, and for females 275.1 +/- 9.2; total bilirubin for males 0.4 +/- 0.02, and for females 0.3 +/- 0.02; direct bilirubin for males 0.1 +/- 0.03, and for females 0.1 +/- 0.02; BUN for males 22.3 +/- 1.0, and for females 24.1 +/- 1.1; creatinine for males 0.5 +/- 0.1, and for females 0.7 +/- 0.1 [mg/dl]; total protein for males 5.8 +/- 0.5, and for females 4.4 +/- 0.5; albumin for males 3.3 +/- 0.2, and for females 3.0 +/- 0.2 [g/dl]. The current results indicate that there are significant differences in serum values of glucose, cholesterol, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, triglyceride, phosphorus, sodium and calcium between males and females. The serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride [p<0.001], glucose, total bilirubin [p<0.01] and direct bilirubin [p<0.05] in males, and those of phosphorus, calcium [p<0.01] and sodium [p<0.05] in females were significantly higher as compared to the opposite sexes. It can be concluded that the studied parameters may be affected by physiological factors such as the sex of fish

[Evaluation of the relationship between cardiac risk factors and reduction of hypertension with sublingual captopril]

HTN is one of the main causes of cardiovascular diseases and its prevalence rate in adults is about 20-30 percent. In this study we evaluated the effects of age, gender, diabetes, cigarette smoking and hyperlipidemia on blood pressure after using 25 mg sublingual captopril. This randomized clinical trial was performed between 1383 and 1385 and included 101 patients with BP equal to or more than 180/110 mmHg. Patients with symptoms of acute ischemia or heart attack, CHF, CNS and visual disturbances, pregnancy or captopril sensitivity were excluded from the study. After prescribing 25 mg sublingual captopril, systolic and diastolic BP was measured after 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 minutes. Data were recorded in a questionnaire for every patient. Data analysis was performed by using SPSS software and independent t-test. This study included 101 patients [34 men and 67 women], 42 patients were less than 60 year old and 59 patients were of 60 years of age and over. 14 patients were diabetic and 87 non diabetic, 20 were smoker and 81 non-smokers, 27 had hyperlipidemia and 74 were without hyperlipidemia. BP decreased between 5 and 25 percent in 70% of the patients [P =0.001]. There was no significant statistical relationship between decrease in blood pressure and age, gender and cigarette smoking. But non diabetic patients showed more reduction of BP in comparison to diabetic patients [P=0.014]. Non-hyperlipidemic patients showed better response to the treatment and a significant difference was observed after 60 minutes. The results of this study showed that cardiac risk factors such as diabetes, smoking and hyperlipidemia may cause some alterations in endothelial function which can lead to decreased response to the treatment. We recommend more studies on this subject in the future, for further evaluation

evaluation of Persian thesauri of health and biomedical sciences based on ANSI/NISO z39.19 2005 standard

Establishing order, integrity, consistency, and accuracy in thesauri as information storage and retrieval systems plays an important role in the organization of information. The deployment of universally accepted standards, therefore, facilitates the accomplishment of this goal. To achieve this goal, the ANSI /NISO Z 39.19 -2005 standard offers certain rules and principles for constructing controlled vocabularies, including the thesauri, with regard to four dimensions of form construction, semantic relationships, displaying controlled vocabularies, and management systems. These dimensions served as a basis in this study to evaluate the accuracy of vocabulary construction in three Persian Thesauri of Health and Biomedical Sciences, namely, the thesaurus of biological sciences, the thesaurus of health promotion and the thesaurus of medicine. The research method utilized in this study was the analytical survey method. A sampling method was also used to establish samples of the terms contained in the latest edition of every thesaurus. The research instrument used in this study was a checklist defined in Microsoft Excel. The samples for the four dimensions were entered in the checklist and were evaluated on the basis of the relevant standards. The results of the study revealed that the thesauri under study had not given due attention to the standards related to the management dimension. The level of observance of standards for this dimension was only 14% in all of the thesauri. Regarding the dimension of displaying controlled vocabularies, the highest level of observance of the standards was 73% which belonged to the thesaurus of medicine, the lowest level was 54.5% which belonged to the thesaurus of biological sciences, and for the thesaurus of health promotion it was 59%. As for the dimensions of the semantic relations and form construction, the results of the study indicated a higher level of observance of the standards in the thesauri under study. Finally, it was concluded that possessing the required expertise, familiarity with the standards of thesauri construction, utilizing appropriate models, taking the needs of the end users into consideration are among the major factors that if observed could lead to the construction of more effective and efficient thesauri

laxative and prokinetic effects of Rosa damascena mill in rats

This study was aimed to assess the possible laxative and prokinetic effects of the boiled extract of Rosa damascena. Rats in two groups [n= 7] of test and control were gavaged either with the extract or placebo, respectively. The number, weight and water percentage of feces were studied up to 24 hr. In order to assess the possible osmotic laxative effects of the drug, the jejunum in anesthetized rats [n= 7] was randomly divided into 4 cm segments and 0.5 ml of the extract, lactulose or saline was injected in each segment. The volumes of the contents in each segment were measured after 1 hr. In order to assess the intestinal transit time, fasting rats were gavaged with either the extract or placebo. Thirty minutes following the last medication, all rats were gavaged with phenol red and methyl cellulose [1.5 ml]. The test and the control rats, in groups of 4, were sacrificed at 30 min, 1, 2 and 4 hr, and the amounts of the phenol red in various parts of the gastrointestinal tract were measured. Boiled extract of R. damascena significantly increased feces number and its percentage of water, but had no effects on the transit time of intestinal ingesta. The volume of the contents in jejunum segments had significantly increased with the extract or lactulose compared to placebo. Boiled extract of R. damascena apparently exerts its laxative effects, at least in part, via osmotic infiltration of fluids into the intestine

[ effects of orally administered allicin on serum activity of some enzymes in experimental lead poisoning in common carp [cyprinus carpio]]

Lead poisoning in aquatic animals is of special importance, as is also true for all living creatures. Alicin, one of the main active components of garlic, is expected to play a protective role against lead poisoning, due to its abundant sulfur amino acids. This research studied the toxic effects of lead in Common carp focusing on blood serum enzyme activities. The study focused on five groups each including 46 Common carp [100 +/- 10g]. The groups 2-5 received lead acetate at 7mg/Lfor 10 days. Group 3 received 5mg allicin/KgBwt; and Group 4 received daily amounts of 10mg allicin/KgBwt, beginning 5 days before lead acetate was added. Group 5 received the same as Group 4, but received allicin for the same period as it received lead acetate. At the end of the experimental period a measurement was made of serum enzymes including GGT, ALT, AST, LDH and ALP. The studied parameters in Group 2, which was exposed to lead, were significantly higher when compared to the Control Group [p<0.001]. The enzyme activities in groups receiving allicin [Groups 3-5] were significantly, and dose dependently, less than those of Group 2. However, no significant differences were observed between Groups 4 and 5. The results of the present research suggest a potent effect for allicin in alleviating tissue injuries following lead poisoning

effect of supplementation of feed with exogenous enzymes on the growth of common carp [Cyprinus carpio]

Supplementary feed exogenous enzymes have improved the growth rates of various food animals. In this research, the effect of Endofeed W, a multienzyme feed supplement, was investigated on the growth of carp. Accordingly, 134 fish [33.1 +/- 0.8 g] were randomly allocated to 4 experimental groups. During the first stage of the experiment [10 days], group 1-3 received 1,2 and 3 g Endofeed W per kg diet, respectively. The fourth group [control] received a placebo. All fish were weighed and redistributed for the second stage of the experiment, during which the test groups received 0.25, 0.5 and 1 g Endofeed W per kg diet, respectively. During the first stage of the experiment, the multienzyme supplement reduced the fish weights, dose dependently, being statistically significant with the highest dose [P<0.05]. During the second stage of the experiment, a rather similar weight loss, especially with higher doses of the supplement, was observed. However, the differences were not significant [P>0.05]. The feed conversion rates were evidently higher in groups receiving Endofeed W. The present study suggests the enzyme supplement, Endofeed W, is not only ineffective in improving the growth and feed conversion rates of carp, it may even exert negative effects with higher doses

investigation on the scientific products: Iran, Turkey, and Greece

The present study seeks to investigate the scientific products among the three countries of Islamic Republic of Iran, Turkey, and Greece as they have entered the 3rd Millennium [during the years 2000-2008] upon the data obtained from ISI Web of Science. In the past, these nations had possessed original, rich, and great civilizations; moreover, these countries had had [and still have] borders with each other so that Iran reflects itself as an Asian nation, Turkey as that of a Euro-Asian country, and Greece as a European nation. The findings show that at the turn of the 3rd Millennium [the year 2000]; Turkey and Greece [with a little difference] had a higher level for the scientific products followed by Iran with a significant difference. After four years [in the year 2004], Turkey had taken the lead, followed by Greece and Iran. However, in the year 2008, Turkey had still had the lead in the generation of scientific products, while Iran had surpassed Greece

Does heart affect peripheral vascular resistance following myocardial ischemia and reperfusion?

The aim of this study was to investigate the overall effect of cardiac vasoactive factors during coronary occlusion and reperfusion on peripheral vascular tone, using a sequential isolated rabbit heart-ear perfusion model. Isolated ears were perfused with the effluent of isolated hearts subjected to ischemia [30 min] and reperfusion [180 min, n=6]. The comparator groups consisted of a sham operated group [no ischemia, n=5] and the ears that were directly perfused with modified Krebs [n=10]. At the end of previous experiment, the perfusion mode of the sequentially perfused ears was converted to non-sequential perfusion with modified Krebs for 10 min and vice versa. In a separate experiment, samples collected from heart effluent during different stages of the first experiment were perfused to isolate stabilized ears [3 min; n=5] or hearts [1 min; n=5]. The possible effects of the samples on the tone of isolated femoral artery rings were also studied using an organ bath [n=5]. Coronary occlusion and reperfusion did not exert significant effects on the heart rate or the perfusion pressure of the sequentially perfused ears. The samples collected during different stages of ischemia and reperfusion did not affect the vascular tone in isolated ears or femoral artery rings either. The current study suggests that isolated heart, even following ischemia and reperfusion, does not release vasoactive substances in concentrations sufficient enough to affect peripheral resistance

Growth limits of Staphylococcus aureus as a function of temperature, acetic acid, NaCI concentration, and inoculum level

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most prevalent causes of gastroenteritis worldwide. Knowing the precise boundary for the growth/no growth interface of S. aureus and also determining the period of time needed for bacterial growth initiation is necessary for food safety risk assessment. This study was designed to examine the combined effects of temperature, acetic acid, inoculum level and NaCI concentration on the growth of S. aureus in brain heart infusion broth. Growth was monitored by visible turbidity over a 20 days period. Statistical analysis of data showed significant effects for selected parameters on growth of S. aureus. Stepwise multiple regression was used to predict the growth initiation [R[2] = 0.91, P<0.0001]. To obtain a boundary model, logistic regression was used. The models accurately predicted the growth initiation and inhibition of S. aureus

[ prevalence of bacterial and red blood cell contamination of multiple dose vials used in ICU, NICU and the operation room]

Transmission of infection via multiple dose vials has been well documented. Thus, the probability of contamination in these vials, no matter how little, is very important because they are supposed to be a potential source of nosocomial infection in patients. Therefore, a prevalence study on the contamination of multiple dose vials [MDV] seams to be necessary. The purpose of this study was to identify bacterial contamination and red blood cell [RBC] contamination in multiple dose vials used in Bahman 22 [nd] Hospital. In a cohort study, different types of MDVs used in different sections of Bahman 22[nd] Hospital were periodically collected during one year. Information about the medication, wards, labeling of vials, the date and time of opening and storing temperature was recorded. Then, 0.5 ml of each vial was cultured in Blood Agar media at 37[degree sign] c for 48 hours. Also, the samples were tested for Red Blood Cell contamination after they were centrifuged. Totally, 300 MDV's were collected and studied. No bacterial contamination was found in the cultures. Of the 300 vials available, 2 vials were contaminated with RBC [2 RBC in one vial and 3 RBC in another] at a contamination rate of 0.67%. Although the results of bacterial culture of multiple dose vials used in different wards of the hospital were negative, the contamination of two vials with Red Blood Cells is still very important. The findings should raise concerns about the potential risk of transmission of blood borne pathogens through such vials