[Motor-independent visual perception skill indexes are related with reading skills in children with cerebral palsy]

Objective: Cerebral palsy is one of the most common causes of physical disability in childhood that lead to various difficulties for children. These children may have abnormalities in visual perception. Visual perception plays an important role in learning of basic childhood's skills. This research was designed to study the relation between each of subtests of visual perception with accuracy and speed components of reading skills in school-aged cerebral palsy children

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 24 spastic cerebral palsy students in second grade [10 girls and 14 boy] were selected be available as from Tehran's rehabilitation clinics. Visual perception and Reading skills were evaluated with the Test of Visual Perceptual Skill-revised [TVPS-R] and Diagnostic Reading Test

Results: The results showed that between standard score of visual perception with accuracy and speed components of reading skills of cerebral palsy student were significantly correlated. Visual Discrimination with accuracy [P<0.001] and with speed [P<0.001], Visual Memory with accuracy [P=0.002] and with speed [P=0.004], Visual-Spatial with accuracy [P<0.001] and with speed [P<0.001], Form Constancy with accuracy [P=0.003] and with speed [p<0.001], Visual Sequential Memory with accuracy [P=0.023] and with speed [P<0.028], Figure Ground Discrimination with accuracy [P=0.010] and with speed [P<0.011], Visual Closure with accuracy [p=0.009] and with speed [P<0.009]

Conclusion: In general we can say that the relationship between visual perception skills with reading skills in first and second grade students with cerebral palsy is evident

[ role of health beliefs in predicting barriers to cervical cancer screening]

Health beliefs play an important role in encouraging people to engage in behaviors related to health promotion. Thus, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of health beliefs in predicting barriers to cervical cancer screening among women in Bandar Abbas, Iran. Using convenience and random sampling, this cross-sectional study was conducted on 681 married women who referred to health centers of Bandar Abbas. The data collection tool was a questionnaire based on the health belief model. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and multivariate regression analysis. The results showed that 50.23% of subjects had previously had a Pap smear test. The mean intensity score and perceived benefits were higher in subjects who had had Pap smear compared to those who had not. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that benefits and perceived vulnerabilities were predictors of barriers to the Pap smear screening test. The health belief model, accordingly, appears to be useful in predicting barriers to cervical cancer screening

Predicting physical well-being after bone marrow transplantation in patients with acute Leukemia based on perceived social support

The present study focused on investigation perceived social support in predicting physical well-being after bone marrow transplantation [BMT] in patients with acute leukemia. Pre-BMT, psychosocial data were gathered on 58 patients [38 men and 20 women] between 18-45 years that selected during 13 months via census procedure. Then, physical well-being was followed up one, two and three months post-BMT. Results showed that some of dimensions of perceived social support predicted physical well-being after BMT. In general, Attention to psychosocial factors prior to BMT and during recovery appears critical for physical well-being.

[Application of recurrent events model in determining the risk factors of recurrence of Schizophrenia]

Identifying the risk factors of recurrence of a disease is important both for physicians and patients. Analyzing the first recurrence may lead to an inaccurate evaluation of risk factors as it may not reflect the history of disease completely and may result in the loss of some valuable information. This study was aimed to analyze the time up to the recurrent relapses of schizophrenia as well as determining the risk factors that lead to the recurrence of the disease. In this study 159 registered schizophrenia patients at Razi hospital were selected from a longitudinal study. The effect of age, sex, marriage, start of disease, and history of head trauma variables on recurrence of disease was assessed by a frailty model. Data analysis was made on by R 2.14.1. Mean of patients' age was 21.5 +/- 6.6 year. Based on the Gamma frailty model, sex of patients [p=0.045] and history of head trauma [p=0.028] had significant effect on the hazard of recurrent relapses of Schizophrenia. In addition, the correlation of first, second and third times of recurrence was significant [p<0.001]. Based on the dependency between relapses, treatment and follow-up actions are suggested within the first recurrence time

[Reproducibility of maximum voluntary isometric contraction in "empty can" position during surface electromyographic analysis of shoulder muscles]

Due to the frequent use of surface electromyography as a tool for the study of muscle function, to accurately compare electromyographic data from different muscles and different subjects, it is necessary to normalize the integrated data obtained from each muscle. The most common normalization technique is the use of maximum voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC] of a predetermined isometric movement as the reference electromyographic signal. The purpose of this study was to determine the Reproducibility of maximum voluntary isometric contraction of shoulder muscles in Empty Can position test and the correlation between force and MVIC of shoulder muscles. The electromyographic activity of these four muscles [anterior and middle deltoid, upper and lower trapezius] was examined in 20 healthy subjects [10 men and 10 women with 31.25 +/- 8.92 age]. Muscle force was determined by dynamometer. Each test repeated 3 times. Results showed that same day test retest reliability coefficients were significant [ICC>95%], but separate day test retest reliability coefficients were not significant. Maximum muscle force did not relate to any of muscles MVIC amplitude. Reproducibility results may be due to electrode placement, emotional and physical condition of subjects and the large range of motion of shoulder and compensatory movements of shoulder and trunk

Association of CALHM1 gene polymorphism with late onset Alzheimer's disease in Iranian population

Alzheimer's disease [AD] is a genetically heterogeneous neurodegenerative disease and Late-Onset type [LOAD] is the most common form of dementia affecting people over 65 years old. CALHM1 [P86L] encodes a transmembrane glycoprotein that controls cytosolic Ca[2+] concentrations and A beta levels and P86L polymorphism in this gene is significantly associated with LOAD in independent case controls in a number of studies. This study was performed to determine whether this polymorphism contributes to the risk for LOAD in Iranian population. One hundred and forty one AD patients and 141 healthy controls were recruited in this study. After extraction of genomic DNA, the genotype and allele frequencies were determined in case and control subjects using PCR/RFLP method. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference in the heterozygote genotype frequency in case and control groups and polymorphic allele had a protective role between two groups. Also after stratifying the subjects by their APOE-epsilon status, no significant association was observed. Our study suggests that P86L polymorphism could be a protective factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease [LOAD] in Iranian population. However, to confirm these results, further study with a bigger sample size may be required

[ effective individual, environmental and occupational factors of job satisfaction amongst the academic staff of university of social welfare and rehabilitation sciences]

Identifying effective factors of job satisfaction amongst academic staff could be useful in improving their job satisfaction and motivating them to perform educational and research activities. Hence, this study was performed to investigate the effective individual, environmental and occupational factors of job satisfaction amongst the academic staff of University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences. In this descriptive-analytical study, 94 members of academic staff of University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences participated. In order to analyze the data, stepwise regression, Pearson correlation coefficient, independent sample t-Test, Kurskal-Wallis test, one way ANOVA and descriptive statistics were applied. The mean [ +/- SD] of academic staff's job satisfaction score was 72.6 [ +/- 16.91] out of 135. Marital status, personal car possession, academic degree and position, spouse's educational status and the status of personal house possession influenced academic staff's job satisfaction [P<0.05]. In addition, age, number of children and the amount of income gained from outside university activities had a significant relationship with academic staff's job satisfaction. Job satisfaction has a significant relationship with factors including economics, education, research, administrative affairs, motivation and facilities. Provided that factors such as lack of enough salary, facilities, etc. are well taken care of, academic staff's job satisfaction would improve

Lack of association between tumor necrosis factor-alpha -308 C/A polymorphism and risk of developing late-onset alzheimer's disease in an Iranian population

Late-onset Alzheimer's Disease [LOAD] is a neurodegenerative disorder and the most common form of dementia affecting people over 65 years old. Alzheimer's disease is a complex disease with multi-factorial etiology. Inflammation has been approved to have an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease [AD]. TNF-alpha is a main pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays an essential role in initiation and regulation of inflammatory responses. Several studies have shown the probable association of polymorphism at TNF-alpha gene's promoter with AD pathogenesis. This study was performed to determine whether this polymorphism contributes to the risk for late-onset Alzheimer's disease [LOAD] in Iranian population. One hundred and forty AD patients and 158 healthy controls were recruited in the study. Following extraction of genomic DMA, using PCR/RFLP methods the genotype and allele frequencies were determined in case and control subjects. The statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the allele and genotype frequencies due to this polymorphism between the two groups. Also after stratifying the subjects by their APOE-epsilon 4 status, no significant association was observed. Our results suggest that Tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] -308 C/A is not a risk or protective factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease in Iranian population. However, to confirm these results further study with a bigger sample size may be required

[Language characteristics of preschool children with hearing loss in Tehran, Iran]

Hearing impairment affects all aspect of individual life, specially language and communications skills. When hearing impairment is congenital or occurs early in life, the child's ability to learn optimally through audition will be affected. The aim of this study was to evaluate linguistic skills of preschool hearing impaired children and compare these skills with normal peers. This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 38 preschool hearing impaired children that the main handicap was severe to profound hearing loss with ability to communicate orally and 28 normal children with the same culture and social context. Twenty four non linguistic variables including age, gender, the age of entrance of preschool center, number of hearing aids, etc. were obtained by filling a questionnaire and fifteen linguistics variables including number of utterance, morphemes, correct utterance, noun phrase, ambiguous utterance, correct sentences, compound sentences, etc. were collected by some part of TOLD-P-3 test and three complementary questions. Then we compared the data from two groups. There were significant differences between number of utterance, number of correct mean length utterance, number of well-formed sentences in normal and hearing impaired groups [p < 0.000]. There were no significant difference between unintelligible utterances, repetitive utterances and bad-formed sentences between two groups [p > 0.05]. This study showed a severe deficit in linguistic skills in preschool hearing impaired children

Differential effects of semi-rigid and soft orthoses on postural control between affected and unaffected leg in patients with functional ankle instability in compared with healthy subjects

Postural control deficits after lateral ankle sprain have been shown in patients with functional ankle instability [FAI]. Numerous researchers have shown different effects of orthosis on postural control in FAI patients. It seems that the condition of chosen control group might explain the different results obtained from those studies. To the authors' knowledge, no study has compared the effect of orthosis on postural control against different control conditions. Twenty patients with functional instability of ankle and twenty were matched healthy subjects participated in the study. Postural control in single limb stance was assessed for both affected and unaffected foot while using soft and semi-rigid orthosis. Standing without using orthosis was considered as the baseline condition. Balance control was evaluated by force platform. Our results showed that interaction between group and orthosis was significant for all of the parameters extracted from center of pressure [COP] data, meaning that orthosis has a differential effect on postural control between the two groups. Also, interaction between foot side and orthosis was not significant for all of the COP parameters. In another words, orthosis has the same effect on involved and uninvolved foot side. Although orthosis improved postural stability in patients with FAI, it showed no such an effect in healthy subjects. As the other finding, it was demonstrated that orthosis has no differential effect on postural control between involved and uninvolved foot side in both groups. Therefore, the positive effects of orthosis on postural control in FAI patients may be revealed when healthy subjects are involved as control group in research design

[ effect of exercise in elderly women's quality of life]

Disability in the elderly period is result of different factors which inactivity and incorrect use of muscle are the most trigger. Applying of activity programs can improve elderly women's quality of life. This study investigates the effect of exercise on elderly women quality of life in jahandidegan club foundation in 2007. This study is a quasi - experimental research that was carried out in jahandidegan club foundation for elderly women, in 2007. Population of this study was 400 elderly women which of this numbers 232 elderly women aged 60 - 79 years were allocated to two groups of experimental [n=116] and control [n =116] with randomized permuted block. Instrument for data collection was client demographic characteristics and leipad questionnaire. The client in experimental group received 30 minutes of exercise for 24 consecutive days during 6-7 mornings. Quality of life measured in both groups before and after intervention. Data were analyzed by use of chi - esquare, independent statistical test [T test], kolmogorov - smornov test, Mann Whitney test, pair t-test, wilcoxon and covariance analysis. Mean of quality of life before of exercise in experimental group was 70/60 and control group was 70/99. After exercise mean of quality of life in experimental group was 75/80 and control group was 70/64. Different between two group was significant in 95% level [p = 0/13]. According to the result, exercise was effective to increase elderly women quality of life levels, therefore it can be used as simple and complementary method for improving women elderly quality of life

effect of kangaroo care on physiologic responses to pain of an intramuscular injection in neonates

Pain in neonates can be associated with various risks. So, it seems essential to find a simple and acceptable method for relieving pain. Pharmacologic agents are not recommended in neonates for pain relief in minor procedures but nonpharmacologic interventions like Kangaroo Care [KC] is found to be effective. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of KC on physiologic responses to the pain of an intramuscular injection of vitamin K in term neonates. One hundred healthy term neonates were enrolled for this study during 2 months. The inclusion criteria were gestational age 37-42 weeks, normal vaginal delivery, birth weight 2500-4000 gr, age more than 2 hours and Apgar score more than 7 at 1 minute. They were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, the neonate was held in KC for 10 minutes before the injection until 3 minutes after injection. In the control group, the neonate was in the prone position in the isolette. The primary outcome measures were heart rate and blood oxygen saturation rate before, during and 3 minutes after injection. The heart rate during and 3 minutes after injection for neonates given KC were significantly lower than for neonates in control group [P<0.00l]. The blood oxygen saturation rate during and 3 minutes after injection for neonates given KC were significantly higher than for neonates in control group [P<0.001]. KC given before injection seems to effectively decrease pain from injection. It is a simple, safe and effective analgesic and should be considered for minor invasive procedures in term neonates

Prevalence of mood disorders in Iran

To study the prevalence and demographic characteristics of mood disorders among Iranian adults. In this cross-sectional population-based epidemiological study [age 18] in Iran, 25180 individuals were selected through a randomized cluster sampling method for a diagnosis using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia [SADS]. They were then interviewed at home by 250 trained clinical psychologists. The estimated lifetime prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder [MOD] and Minor Depressive Disorder [mDD] were 3.1% and 0.3% respectively. Also, the estimated lifetime prevalence of Bipolar Mood disorder [BMD] type I and type II were 0.1% and 0.7% respectively. The current prevalence of MDD, mDD, BMD-I and BMD-II were 1.8%. 0.2%, 0.04%, and 0.3% respectively. Mood disorders were associated with female gender, lower education, being married, being middle-aged, living in cities, and not being a homemaker. The prevalence of mood disorders was lower among Iranian adults than reported in Western studies, and a number of demographic associations differed from those reported in Western studies: Important cultural differences in the nature or manifestation of depression are implied by these results

Prevalence of some paralysis and limb amputation related disabilities in Iran [a National epidemiologal survey]

A cross sectional study of the prevalence and etiologic factors of limb paralysis and amputation was performed in Iran. Using systematic cluster sampling [each cluster consisting of 15 families] 59678 people have been evaluated. The sample size was 1 per 1000 of total population. The prevalence of different kinds of paralysis and limb defects was 7 per 1000. Hemiplegia and paraplegia were the most prevalent paralysis accounting for 2.8 per 1000. The prevalence of disabilities due to cerebral palsy, limb amputation and poliomyelitis per 1000 were 2.0, 1.3 and 0.9 respectively. Prevalence of poliomyelitis was zero in age group 0-4, which supports the recent national reports that declared incidence rate of poliomyelitis is very low, and it is the consequence of the vaccination programme undertaken all over the country. 24.5% of all kinds of paralysis and limb amputations were congenital, other etiological factors were physical injury, infectious disease, non-infectious disease and aging which accounted for 25.6%, 15.6%, 28.8% and 3.1% respectively. Prevalence of disabilities due to paraplegia, hemiplegia and limb amputation considerably increase with age so that among people of 65 years old it is 29.0 per 1000. 6.3 per 1000 among men, 2.8 per 1000 among women, 4.9 per 1000 in urban and 4.1 per 1000, in rural areas. Logistic Regression analysis declared that each of the variables "age", "sex" and "living area" separately have significant effect on odds of prevalence of hemiplegia, paraplegia and limb amputation. Considering these Variables concurrently, "age" and "sex" again showed significant effect but "living area" effects through age [p=0.059]