Accreditation the education development centers of medical-sciences universities: another step toward quality improvement in education

In order to improve the quality of education in universities of medical sciences [UMS], and because of the key role of education development centers [EDCs], an accreditation scheme was developed to evaluate their performance. A group of experts in the medical education field was selected based on pre-defined criteria by EDC of Ministry of Health and Medical education. The team, worked intensively for 6 months to develop a list of essential standards to assess the performance of EDCs. Having checked for the content validity of standards, clear and measurable indicators were created via consensus. Then, required information were collected from UMS EDCs; the first round of accreditation was carried out just to check the acceptability of this scheme, and make force universities to prepare themselves for the next factual round of accreditation. Five standards domains were developed as the conceptual framework for defining main categories of indicators. This included: governing and leadership, educational planning, faculty development, assessment and examination and research in education. Nearly all of UMS filled all required data forms precisely with minimum confusion which shows the practicality of this accreditation scheme. It seems that the UMS have enough interest to provide required information for this accreditation scheme. However, in order to receive promising results, most of universities have to work intensively in order to prepare minimum levels in all required standards. However, it seems that in long term, implementation of a valid accreditation scheme plays an important role in improvement of the quality of medical education around the country

Leukocyte antigen [HLA] class ii allele frequencies in female patients with breast cancer: a case control study

The study aimed to examine the association between human leukocyte antigen [HLA] class II allele frequencies and breast cancer in Iranian women. A total of 100 patients with pathologically proven breast cancer who referred to Cancer Institute were randomly selected and compared with a group of age matched healthy blood donors [n = 80]. HLA class II alleles were determined by amplification of DNA followed by HLA-typing using sequence-specific primer [SSP] for each allele. The frequency of HLA-DQA1 0301 [P=0.001, OR=3.4] and HLA-DRB11303 [/M].02, OR=2.3] among breast cancer patients was significantly higher than those in control group. HLA-DQA 10505 [/M].003, OR=0.4], HLA-DRB11301 CP=0.002, OR=0.12] and HLA-DQA10101 [P=0.01, OR=0.21] alleles showed negative association with breast cancer. The findings suggest that HLA-DQA10301 allele is mainly associated with increased risk of breast cancer in Iranian female patients. HLA-DQA 10505 and HLA-DRB11301 alleles are suggested as protective genetic factors against breast cancer. The findings confirm that specific alleles of HLA class II influence breast cancer risk

[Evaluation of two preoparative chemotherapy regimens for complete operability of advanced gastric adenocarcinoma: a clinical trial]

This prospective phase III study was designed to compare the activity of two combinations chemotherapy drugs in advanced gastric adenocarcinoma In a double blinded clinical trial, From Jan. 2002 to Jan. 2005, ninety patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma were randomly assigned to 1] Cisplatin and continuous infusion of 5FU and Epirubicin [ECF], and 2] Cisplatin and continuous infusion of 5FU with Docetaxel [TCF]. Reduction in tumor mass, overall survival [OS], time to progression [TTP], and safety were measured outcome. About 90% of patients had stage III or IV disease and the most common sites of tumor spread were peritoneal surfaces, liver and Paraaortic lymph nodes in either group. The objective clinical response rate [more than 50% decreases in tumor mass] was 38% and 43% in ECF and TCF group respectively. Global quality of life increased [p=0 002] and symptoms of pain and insomnia decreased after chemotherapy. Patients in TCF had more grade one or two skin reactions, neuropathy and diarrhea. Fourteen patients underwent surgery. Complete microscopic [R0] resection had done in two of ECF and six of TCF tumors [p=0.015]. Two cases in TCF group showed complete pathologic response. Median TTP was nine months and 10 months in ECF and TCF group respectively. Median OS was 12 months in both groups. Although there wasn't statistically significant difference regarded to clinical response or survival between two groups, TCF showed more complete pathologic response

[Antimicrobial effects of pinus eldarica's gum and its alcoholic extract on some bacteria of skin infections]

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics and synthetic compounds a increasing continously. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effects of Pinuseldarica's gum and its alcoholic extract on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli which cause some skin infections. After preparing pinus eldarica gum, it was diluted in oleic acid to achieve the concentration of 50% and 75%. The concentration of 50% and 75% of gum's extract ah prepared by soaking the gum in alcoholic solution. Oleic acid and cotrimoxazole were used as control groups. Kirby - bauer method was used as an antibiogram test. Data were analysed by ANOVA variance and Tukey HSD test.In comparison of the effect of 50% and 75% of gum on E-coli, we observed that; there we no remarkable differences between them, but these concentrations of gum were more effective than cotrimoxazole on the inhibition of growth of E-coli. In case of Staphylococcus aureus we observec the negative effect of mentioned concentrations of gum, gum's extract and cotrimoxazole on its growth, but there was no considerable differences between the different concentration of gums, 50% of gum with 50% and 75% of gum's extracts and 75% of gum with 50% of gum's extract o Staphylococci growth.Overall, the study showed that Pinuseldarica's gum has strong inhibitory effect a some microbes. This effect can compete with cotrimoxazole on S. aureus and can be effective on cotrimoxazole resistant E-coli

Multiple primary extramedullary plasmacytomas: an unusual presentation

Extramedullary plasmacytoma [EMP] is a rare neoplasm of soft tissue which usually arises in the respiratory tract, nasal cavity, sinuses and nasopharynx. Multiple extramedullary plasmacytomas are extremely rare, especially those that are associated with multiple myeloma. We describe multiple primary EMP in a 37 year old man, without involvement of bone or bone marrow. EMP usually has a good prognosis but our patient survived only 15 months after diagnosis