[Using a scientific map to compare scientific publications on poly cystic ovary syndrome in Iran, Middle East and other countries]

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS], one of the most common gynecological diseases, has been the subject of many scientific studies. Scientific map is one way to obtain useful information about a particular research field status. We aimed to compare the quantity of scientific publications on PCOS in Iran to those of the Middle East and other countries

Materials and Methods: In this scientometric study, the samples included all medical scientific publications about PCOS, indexed in the Web of Knowledge from 2000 to 2016. Bibexcel software was used for calculating subject category co-citation, analyzing social networks and two Pajek and VOS viewer software were used for creating maps

Results: Iran ranked eighth among the top ten leading countries in the production of scientific articles in the field of PCOS. Of overall 6598 scientific publications related to PCOS worldwide, 209 articles were authored by Iranian researchers. In other words, 4.3 % of scientific productions in this field are from our country. In this list, America ranks first with 1670 [34.3%] articles, followed by China with 567 [11.7%], and Turkey with 564 [11.6%] publications ranking second and third. Of the fifteen Iranian research pioneers, each one had at least seven papers in the field of PCOS

Conclusion: Iran ranks among the top ten countries with regard to scientific publications worldwide. Considering the lack of knowledge in certain aspects of PCOS identifying more pioneers in this research field will help highlighting new research topics for future researches in this field

[ prevalence of various phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome: a community-based study in southwest of Iran]

There is very little information about the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome at the community level; heterogeneity in diagnostic criteria and lack of universal agreement on the definition of each criterion for population based studies complicate comparability of existing literature. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome in a large community-based study conducted in the southwest of Iran. A total of 646 reproductive-aged women were randomly selected using the stratified, multistage probability cluster sampling method. The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome according to the Rotterdam criteria and its various phenotypes were estimated using universal assessment of ultrasonographic parameters, hormonal profiles and clinical histories. The estimated prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in this population based study using the Rotterdam criteria was 14.1[n=85]. There were 279 [46.3%] women who had no symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome and were completely normal. Among women with polycystic ovary syndrome, phenotypes A, B, C and D were observed in 11, 19, 42 and 13 women, respectively. The most common symptoms observed in this study in order of frequency were hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovary on sonography and menstrual disorders, indicating the need for more studies on the priority of paraclinical assessment, based on universal agreement on definitions for the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome

[Determination and comparison of estimated menopausal age based on serum anti-mullerian hormone in women with and without polycystic ovarian syndrome]

Menopause is defined as 12 months of constant amenorrhea in the absence of any pathology. Right now there is no definite test to predict menopause age and the ovarian reserve evaluations are mainly implemented on the basis of sonographic and hormonal measurements. The present study was conducted to determine and compare the menopausal age in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS] and non PCOS women based on anti-mullerian hormone [AMH]. The present study is an epidemiologic case- control research in which from among 1019 women aged 20-40 years, 208 PCOS women and 811 normo-ovulatory controls were selected as the case and control groups respectively. Data collection was done through completing questionnaire, clinical examination and lab test measurements. After age and body mass index [BMI] matching, AMH levels in relation to age were displayed in an interactive graph and SPSS software version 21 was used for statistical analysis. Findings showed the mean age and BMI for case and control groups were 29.75 years - 27.1 [kg/m[2]] and 31.62 years - 26.1 [Kg/m[2]] respectively. Our results indicated significantly higher AMH levels in PCOS cases than in normal controls [P<0.0001]. The estimated menopausal age for PCOS and non PCOS women was 51 and 49 years respectively. To conclude PCOS patients reach menopause two years later than healthy women. If the length of reproductive period in these patients is higher than that the healthy women, it may be possible to use this period for increasing the fertility likelihood

[Infertility, the most adverse outcome among sexual function outcome affecting of Iranian women with polycystic ovarian syndrome]

The physical and apparent changes caused by PCOS such as hirsutism, obesity, acnea, hair loss and outcomes like infertility can cause decreased sexual function in the women affected. In the present study we aimed to evaluate the impact of PCOS clinical signs on the sexual function of married Iranian women. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 600 reproductive aged married women with PCOS selected using simple sampling from among women referring to gynecologists at private clinics. Clinical examinations and antropomethric measurements were done and a questionnaire including demographic, reproductive history, diseases and Persian version of Female Sexual Function Index were completed for all participants. Analysis was done using SPSS version 15. Approximately two third of participants had sexual dysfunction. Infertility is was found to be the most influential clinical sign of PCOS on sexual function of affected women. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that PCOS women with infertility had significantly more sexual dysfunction compared to fertile PCOS women [71 vs 61%]. Seventy-two percent of infertile women had sexual dysfunction in lubrication and arousal, while these values for fertile women were 54 and 52% respectively. Among Iranian women with PCOS, infertility affects their sexual function more than any other clinical sign, and these women experience orgasm and sexual satisfaction less than their fertile counterparts. It seems that infertility should be carefully considered during sexual consultation visits for PCOS women

[Inhibitory effect of asymmetric dimethylarginine and NG-Monomethyl-L-arginine methyl ester on nitric oxide synthase activity]

Nitric oxide synthase [NOS] paly a role in nitric oxide [NO] generation. Despite the beneficial effects of NO on different body systems its overproduction of produce reactive nitrogen species [RNS] and nitrosilation of proteins. This study was done to evaluate the effect of asymmetric dimethylarginine [ADMA] and NG-Monomethyl-L-arginine methyl ester [L-NMMA] on inhibition of nitric oxide synthase activity. In this laboratory study, Nitric oxide synthase was extracted from 500 grams of sheep kidney by homogenization, ammonium sulphate precipitation and column chromatography on DEAE-32 Cellulose and 2', 5'-ADP-agarose. During purification, protein content was measured according to the Bradford and enzyme activity was assayed using the Griess reactions the inhibitory effects of 25 micro concentrations of ADMA and L-NMMA on purified enzyme were determined. Specific activity and yield of NOS were 0.6 units/mg protein and 0.9%, respectively. Molecular weight of purified enzyme was 54 KD with SDS-PAGE. ADMA and L-NMMA in 25 micro concentrations reduced enzyme activity by 76 and 61.2%, respectively. Km values for NOS in absence and in presence of ADMA and L-NMMA were 5.32 microM, 31.25 microM [P<0.05] and 14.29 microM [P<0.05], respectively. Vmax for NOS in absence and presence of inhibitors was not changed. ADMA and L-NMMA have competitive inhibitory effect on NOS activity and ADMA have higher inhibitory effect than L-NMMA

comparison of Friedwald formula and direct measurement to determine the serum levels of LDL-C

The risk of coronary heart disease [CHD] is proportional to the LDL-C lipoprotein. Due to frequent use of Friedwald formula in estimation of LDL-C in most laboratories, this study was done to compare the Friedwald formula and direct measurement to determine the serum levels of LDL-C. This descriptive study was conducted on of 598 patients 226 male and 372 female whome referred to Imam Ali hospital Andimeshk cityin Khozestan province of Iran for health check up during 2009. 5 ml of the venous blood was drown. Total cholesterol [TC] [mg/dl], Triglyceride [TG] [mg/dl], HDL-C [mg/dl] and LDL-C [mg/dl] of serum are measured with Pars azmun company kits. The Friedwald formula was used for estimation of LDL-C. The K=3, 3.5 and 5 were used to stimate the lipid by Friedwald formula. Data were analyzed using SPSS-18, Pearson correlation coefficient and ANOVA tests. A total of 598 serum samples collected; 37.8% were men and 62.2% women. The mean age of participants was 38.8 +/- 10.77 years. Minimum age 21 years and maximum age was 77 years. Mean deviation for TG

Molecular epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in Iranian children, Tehran, Iran

Cryptosporidium is a worldwide protozoan parasite and one of the most common causes of infection and diarrhea in humans and cattle. The aim of the present study was determination of subtypes of Cryptosporidium among children with diarrhea in Tehran by sequence analysis of the highly polymorphic 60-kDa glycoprotein [GP60] gene. Fecal samples were collected from 794 diarrheic children. Initial identification of Cryptosporidium was carried out on stool samples by Ziehl-Neelsen acid-fast staining method. DNA was extracted from positive microscopically samples and Cryptosporidium genotypes and subtypes were determined, accordingly. Out of 794 collected samples, 19 [2.40%] were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Sequences analysis of GP60 gene showed that 17 [89.47%] of the positive isolates were Cryptosporidium parvum and 2 [10.52%] were C. hominis. All subtypes of C. parvum isolates belonged to allele families IIa [6/17] and IId [11/17]. The most common allele in all 17 isolates belonged to IId A20G1a [41.18%]. A22G1 [IF] subtype was detected in two C. hominis isolates of the children. The predominancy of C. parvum species [specially, IId A20G1a subtype] in current study underlines the importance of zoonotic Cryptosporidium transmission in Iran

Detection of single dactylogyrus spp. in DMA extracted from infected gill tissue of fishes using polymerase chain reaction

Dactylogyrus spp. are monogenean worms found mostly as ectoparasites on the gills of several fish species, including carp and goldfish. These parasites are commonly detected by microscopic analysis of the gill lamellae, but this is time-consuming and technically difficult. In contrast to this conventional method, molecular techniques provide specific, sensitive and safe detection of parasites. In the present study, polymerase chain reaction [PCR] and subsequent DNA sequencing were used to detect Dactylogyrus spp. Specific common primers were designed to amplify the ITS-1 region of the rRNA gene of Dactylogyrus spp. Dactylogyrus worms were collected from 100 goldfishes and identified using a dissection microscope. Then, single worms were used for DNA extraction. To evaluate the PCR, a single parasite was added to a parasite-free gill, which then had its DNA extracted. Subsequently, the PCR products were purified and sequenced. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of the PCR products with GenBank sequences showed that there was 100% homology with sequences from two Dactylogyrus spp., namely Dactylogyrus vastator and Dactylogyrus dulkeiti [registered under accession numbers AJ 564159 and AJ 564126, respectively]. The results obtained from sequence analyses were consistent with species identification by microscopy. Therefore, the results show that it is possible to develop a sensitive and precise PCR method for the detection of Dactylogyrus-mfected fish using DNA extracted from the whole gill

[Molecular determination of Echinococcus granulosus isolated from hydatid cyst using mitoconderial atp6 gene]

Several strains of the Echinococcus granulosus have been described based on morphological characters, intermediate host specificity and/or genetic analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. The aim of this study was to characterize different E.granulosus isolates by using sequences of mitochondrial atp6 gene. In this study, Sixty infected liver and lungs of cattle, sheep and goats were collected from the abattoir of Varamin city-Iran during 2008. Protoscoleces were removed from each fertile cyst and DNA extracted. New and specific primers were designed for two existing genotypes [G1 and G6] of E. granulosus known to occur in Iran and applied in PCR reactions. The new primers selectively amplified the G1 and G6 genotypes of E. granulosus with specific bands of 708 and 705 bp respectively. The G1 genotype was identified in all fertile cyst samples. This study showed that the new primer pairs which specifically amplify portions of the mitochondrial atp6 gene of the G1 and G6 strains of Echinococcus granulosus are proper molecular marker for investigating genetic variation in a number of isolates of E. granulosus from a range of hosts [sheep, goats, cattle] in Iran. The result of sequenced samples showed that our sequences were the same as those reported previously for these strains

Epidemiology of celiac disease in Iran: a review

Celiac disease [CD] was traditionally believed to be a chronic enteropathy, almost exclusively affecting people of European origin. Celiac disease is the permanent intolerance to dietary gluten, the major protein component of wheat. The availability of new, simple, very sensitive and specific serological tests has shown that CD is as common in Middle Eastern countries as in Europe, Australia and New Zealand where the major dietary staple is wheat. A high prevalence of CD has been found in Iran, in both the general population and the at-risk groups, i.e. patients with type 1 diabetes or irritable bowel syndrome [IBS]. In developing countries, serological testing in at risk groups is necessary for early identification of celiac patients. Clinical studies show that presentation with non-specific symptoms or a lack of symptoms is as common in the Middle East as in Europe. Wheat is a major component of the Iranian diet and exposure to wheat proteins induces some degree of immune tolerance, leading to milder symptoms that may be mistaken with other GI disorders. The implementation of gluten free diet [GFD] is a major challenge for both patients and clinicians in Iran, especially since commercial gluten-free products are not available in this area

Sequence diversity in tRNA gene locus A-L among Iranian isolates of entamoeba dispar

A number of methods for detecting diversity in Entamoeba have been described over the years. In the present study the genetic polymorphism of noncoding locus A-L was analyzed using PCR and sequencing in order to clarify the genotypic differences among E. dispar isolates. A total of 28 E. dispar from patients with gastrointestinal symptoms were determined and the genomic DNA was extracted directly from stool. For genotype analysis; Locus A-L was amplified by PCR and PCR products were sequenced .The sequences obtained were edited manually and aligned using Gene Runner software. With sequencing of PCR products a reliable genetic diversity in size, number and position of the repeat units were observed among the Iranian E. dispar isolates in locus A-L gene. Sequences showed variation in length from 448bp to 507bp and seven distinct types were identified. The genetic diversity of loci like A-L shows them to be suitable for epidemiological studies such as the characterization of the routes of transmission of these parasites in Iran

[ viewpoints of paramedics employed in Golestan province towards continuing education programs]

Retraining is an important way for professional development of health staff and keeping them up to date, and evaluation is one of the essential principles for enhancing the efficiency of these trainings. The aim of this study was to determine the viewpoints of paramedics employed in Golestan province towards continuing education programs. In this descriptive study, 274 samples were selected out of 1016 paramedics employed in clinics of the province, through systematic random sampling. The data gathering tool was a questionnaire. Data was analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive statistics, Chi[2], and independent T-test. Among the participants, 26.2%, 41.8%, 25.5% and 6.5% had very weak, weak, average, and desirable viewpoint towards the courses, respectively. As the motivation for participating in the courses, 55.5% mentioned achieving points for job promotion opportunities, 21.2% resorting and reviewing former information, 13.8% exchanging information and experiences with other colleagues, and 9.5% mentioned seeking solutions for their professional problems. Thirty one percent reported lack of equity and fairness in participating in the programs on behalf of their direct administrator and 33.9% stated that the planning for participation in these courses was not favorable. Participants had a weak or very weak viewpoint toward programs and regarded their motivation for participation in these programs as achieving points for job promotion. It is necessary for administrators to plan for changing the staffs viewpoint toward participation in continuing education programs

[Differentiation of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar by single polymerase chain reaction]

In most part of the world detection of cysts and trophozoites of Entamoeba is based on morphological structure of this species in stool sample by microscopy. However, microscopic examination is unable to distinguish between similar morphological protozoa such as Entarnoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar. A simple and cost-effective method is needed in medical laboratories for detection and differentiation of these two species. Stool samples of patients who were referred from health care centers were examined by direct microscopy and trichrome stain. Polymerase chain reaction [PCR] utilizing pEd30F and pEd21AS primers from Peroxiredoxin gene, was used for differentiation of E. histolytica and E. dispar. Genomic DNA from samples was amplified by these primers. The fragment under 100 bp was related to E. histolytica and in contrast the fragment above the 100 bp was related to E. dispar. In this study from 22 microscopic positive samples, E. histolytica was observed only in one patient and E. dispar was detected in the other 21 samples. The result of this study indicate that the PCR reaction could amplify E. dispar and E. histolytica with just one primer pair and this is a cost-effective method for distinguishing between these two species

[Effect of Orem self care model on elderies' quality of life in health care centers of Masjed solaiman in 2007-2008]

The most important determinant factor in elder's quality of life is healthy. Since health can be declined by aging, in health promotion consider an effective model of care can by very important. We surveyed the effect of Orem Self Care Model on quality of life [QQL] of elderly in Masjed Solaiman. This is a pre and post quasi-experimental study was carried out on 349 elderly clients which were selected from 11 health care centers in Masjed Solaiman in 2007-2008. Orem Self Care program was performed during a 3 months in days that the clients came to health care centers. Data were gathered by a short form questionnaire [SF 36] before and after the intervention and was analyzed by descriptive statistics and paired t-test. Results showed a significant increase in mean scores of different dominations of QOL including; health, physical performance, physical role- performance, emotional role- performance, social performance, body pain, power and energy, general health perception, and overall mean of QOL. Paired t-test showed a significant difference [P<0.001] between all of dominations of the quality of life. Performing Orem Self Care educational program had a positive influence on improving QOL of elderly

[Seroepidemiologic survey of crimean-congohemorrhagic fever among slaughters and butchers in Isfahan]

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever [CCHF] is a viral zoonotic infection that, formerly several cases has been reported in Iran. During recent years some outbreaks has been reported in different parts of country including Isfahan. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of CCHF according to finding of IgG among butchers and slaughters of Isfahan province. In this cross-sectional study, conducted as a joint research with Arbovirus Laboratory in Pasteur Institute, IgG antibody against CCHF was assessed among 80 individuals. The study was conducted as a joint research with Arbovirus laboratory in Pasteur Institute of Iran on 2004. Overall, 4 [5%] persons were seropositive and 2 cases had borderline results. There was no statistically significant difference between butchers and slaughters. Positive cases were detected mainly in the Isfahan slaughterhouse. The findings of the current study show that although CCHF is endemic among domestic animals in Isfahan province, but seropositivity in high risk groups, e.g. butchers and slaughters is not so high. More serious measures should be considered for prevention of CCHF in high risk groups

Prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar in gonbad city, 2006, Iran

Differential diagnosis of two protozoan parasites Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar is of great clinical and epidemiological importance, but except in the case of haematophagous trophozoites in acute dysentery, it is not possible to differentiate them by microscopy. The present study was carried out from February 2005 to July 2006 in order to determine the prevalence of E. histolytica and E. dispar in Gonbad City, by using a PCR method. Five hundred and sixty four fecal samples were collected from primary health care centers of Gonbad both urban and rural areas. The stool specimens were examined by light microscopy [Direct slide smear, Iodine wet mount, Formal-ether concentration and Trichrome staining] to distinguish E. histolytica/E. dispar complex and differentiate them from other non-pathogenic intestinal amoebae. The microscopy results of stool exams showed a frequency rate of 23 positive samples [4.07%] for cyst of E. histolytica/E. dispar complex. All the microscopy positive isolates appeared to be infected with cyst of E. histolytica/E. dispar complex were cultivated and maintained successfully in HSr + s medium for DNA extraction and identification by the PCR method. The PCR study showed that 16 isolates [69.56%] of the Entamoeba samples were E. dispar while 7 samples [30.43%] of those microscopy positive samples were not amplified and none of them showed E. histolytica pattern. High frequency rate of E. dispar in this study were in high agreement with the estimation rate of these entamoebas worldwide

analysis of hydatid cyst surgeries in patients referred to hospitals in Khorram-Abad, Lorestan during 2002-06

Echinococcosis or hydatid cyst [HC] is considered as one of the major parasitic infections in Iran that causes many health problems and economic losses in communities. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HC in patients referred to surgery wards of three hospitals in Khorram-Abad, the center of Lorestan province in South-West of Iran from 2002 - 2006. Totally, 64513 medical records of patients referred to surgery wards of Shohadaye Ashayer, Tohid and Taamine Ejtemaee hospitals in Khorram-Abad Lorestan were studied. These patients had gone under surgical operations for different reasons. Among these medical records, 43.7% belonged to Shohadaye Ashayer, 8.2% to Tohid and 18.1% to Taamine ejtemaee hospitals. Cysts were found in liver and lung in 61.5% and 20.5% of cases, respectively. In addition, cysts were found in brain, muscle, kidney eye and peritonea in the remaining 18% of cases. A very low level of knowledge about hydatid disease was found in the community. The mean age of the patients was 40.2 years and the highest rate of infection with HC was observed in women. Further studies are required to find the etiologic factors of H.C in Khorram-Abad Lorestan-Iran

[General practitioners knowledge about smoking cessation approaches]

Worldwide more than one sixth of total populations are smoker and it is estimated that cigarette smoking will be the most preventable lead cause of death in 2020. Anti smoking advice from general practitioners [GPs] is the most effective way for smoking cessation and recent evidence-based guidelines urge GPs to advice all patients against smoking at every opportunity. This study aimed to identify general practitioner's knowledge about smoking cessation approaches. This survey was carried out through a WHO standardized questionnaire. Based on to sample size calculation, 5140 general practitioners chose by quota sampling method from 25600 practicing general physicians in the country. 74% of subjects were male. About 16% were smoking and 4.6% had past history of it. Less than 30% of subjects have knowledge about smoking cessation approaches, but only 9% of subjects have been received any formal training about these approaches during medical school or post graduate programs. Lack of training about smoking cessation approaches was the most considerable pitfall that mentioned by about 80% of subjects. Improvement of knowledge and attitude of physicians about smoking cessation approaches may have an important role in smoking reduction in the community and public health improvement. So it is a priority to do major effort for providing appropriate training formal course during medical school and postgraduate programs

Tuberculin test in nursing and human-sciences students

Tuberculosis [TB] is a leading cause of death worldwide due to any single infectious agent. It seems that health care workers including nursing students can be affected easier than the other people, because of probable contacts in hospital. The risk of TB infection in nursing students has not estimated in Iran, so we conducted this study to compare the results of tuberculin test in the beginning and the end of educational course for nursing and human-sciences student. In a Cohort study, 320 students [160 nursing and 160 human-sciences] underwent PPD skin test [5 units RT 23] at the beginning and the end of educational course by expert technician. The data of remaining students [123 nursing and 111 human-sciences] were analyzed by SPSS software using Wilcoxson and Mann-Whitney tests. The frequency distribution of skin reaction in nursing students was negative [0-4 mm: 93.7%], suspected [5-9 mm: 4.4%] and significant [>/= 15mm: 1.9%] at the beginning of study, while it was negative [75.5%], suspected [9.8%], positive [10-14 mm 3.3%] and significant [11.4%] at the end of study. The frequency of skin reaction in human-sciences student was negative [93.7%], suspected [0.6%], positive [1.3%] and significant [4.4%] at the beginning of study, while it was negative [79.3%], significant [10.8%], suspected [8.1%] and positive [1.8%] at the end of study. The difference in that proportion of nursing students and control group with positive and significant PPD test at the end of study was statistically significant. The difference for the above proportions between two groups was not statistically significant. All subjects had no significant difference regarding to age, indigenous area and PPD test. Both groups have the same chance for exposure to M. Tuberculosis. The rate of new TB infection in Iranian community has diminished in comparison with the last few decades. Although risk of new infection may be a little bit more after age of 18, but it is still much lower than countries of high burden. The epidemiologic pattern of TB transmission has changed and it is going to become similar to that of developed countries

Outcome of endoscopic sinus surgery in inflammatory sinonasal patients: a descriptive study

Background: various systems of Computerized Tomographic [CT] staging and scoring have been applied to define the extent of sinus abnormality and the degree of mucosal thickening. Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery [FESS] has been used with considerable success rate to treat chronic sinonasal patients unresponsive to medical therapy. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between the result of CT scoring and staging and the outcome of surgery

Methods: the one year outcome of FESS together with preoperative CT staging and scoring were determined and compared with each other

Results: compared to those with higher stages [III and IV], patients with lower preoperative CT stages [I and II] had a significantly higher successful outcome of surgery. CT staging and scoring were obviously correlated

Conclusions: the results of this study show that preoperative CT staging and scoring are two useful means for better prediction of the long-term outcome of surgery one year after FESS