potential protective and therapeutic effects of aloe vera juice against malathion induced haematological changes in rabbits

The potential protective and therapeutic effects of Aloe vera juice against malathion induced haematological changes in young rabbits [Oryctolagus cuniculus] were evaluated in this study. Rabbits were allocated into two sets of experiments short [7 days] and long [21 days] periods. Animals of each set were divided into eight groups; four treated groups and each treated group had its own control. The animals of the first group were orally dosed with Aloe vera juice [0.84 ml/kg b. wt.]. Rabbits of the second group were orally dosed with malathion [5 mg/kg b. wt.]. In the third group [the protective group] animals were dosed orally with malathion concomitant with Aloe vera juice. Animals of the fourth group [the therapeutic group] were dosed orally with malathion; for 7 days followed by Aloe vera juice for the same period. All the animals were sacrificed, blood samples were collected and used to determine the levels of hematological indices: red blood cells [RBCs], white blood cells [WBCs], haemoglobin [Hb], haematocrit [Hct], mean corpuscular volume [MCV], mean corpuscular haemoglobin [MCH] and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration [MCHC]. Rabbits treated with Aloe vera juice [group 1] showed insignificant change in WBCs count, MCH and MCHC after treatment for both periods. On the other hand, other parameters exhibited significant [RBCs count] and highly significant [Hb and Hct values] change in rabbits treated for the short period. The rabbits of the second group [treated with malathion] exhibited a marked increase in WBCs count, MCV and MCH values, while, the values of RBCs, Haemoglobin and Hct were decreased. The protective group [Group3] showed that the values of all the tested haematological parameters [except MCHC, in both periods of treatment, and WBCs count in the short period of treatment] recorded a significant change in rabbits treated for short [7 days] or long [21 days] periods. A marked recovery in RBCs count and MCH value was observed in rabbits treated for 21 days. Regarding to group 4 [the therapeutic group], it was found that in both terms the rabbits exhibited insignificant changes in the values of all the tested haematological parameters compared to their corresponding controls, except three parameters in which they recorded significant [WBCs count, MCHC] and highly significant [Hct] increase compared to their control values after the long period only. These observations indicated the ability of Aloe vera juice to improve the deleterious effects caused by malathion administration

Outcome of young age at diagnosis of breast cancer in South Egypt

Incidence of breast cancer in patients <40 years old accounts for 20% of the total breast cancer patients in Egypt which is quite higher than the incidence reported worldwide. This study was conducted to evaluate the differences in survival between age groups below and above the age of 40. 170 patients <40 years and 500 patients >40 years were evaluated retrospectively to assess the differences in disease free survival [DPS] and overall survival [OS] between age groups after adjustment of other risk factors like stage, lymph node status, tumor size, and hormonal positivity. After median follow up of 49 months, there was no significant difference between the 2 age groups with regards to DPS p= 0.6 and OS P=0.7 and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups when we stratified the patients according to stages, hormonal status and number of metastatic lymph nodes. However, we found significant increase in local recurrence after breast conserving surgery in patients <40 years compared to patients >/=40 years. Patients <40 years exhibited more often at advanced stage and large tumors size compared to patients > 40 years; However, there was no significant difference in DPS and OS when we adjusted other risk factors. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that age <40 years can be considered as an adverse prognostic factor for the locoregional failure after breast conserving surgery

Detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus directly by loop-mediated isothermal amplification and direct cefoxitin disk diffusion tests

We evaluated the utility of 2 methods for detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] directly from signal-positive blood culture bottles: loop-mediated isothermal amplification [LAMP] assay, and direct cefoxitin disk diffusion [DCDD] test using a 30 microg cefoxitin disk. In parallel, standard microbiological identification and oxacillin susceptibility testing with MecA PCR was performed. Of 60 blood cultures positive for Gram-positive cocci in clusters, LAMP [via detection of the FemA and MecA genes] showed 100% sensitivity and specificity for identification of MRSA/MSSA. When coagulase-negative staphylococci were tested, sensitivity for detection of methicillin resistance was 91.7% and specificity was 100%. DCDD along with direct tube coagulase assay detected only 80.6% of MRSA/MSSA. LAMP showed higher diagnostic accuracy although DCDD was more cost-effective and did not require additional reagents or supplies

potential protective and therapeutic effects of aloe vera juice on malathion induced hepatotoxicity in rabbits

the potential protective and therapeutic effects of Aloe vera juice against malathion induced hepatotoxicity were evaluated in this study. one hundred twelve young male rabbits were used ; they were allocated into two sets of experiments included rabbits treated for short [7 days] and long [21 days] periods. Animals of the first set [short period of treatment] were divided into eight groups; each consisted of four treated groups and four control groups [each treated group had its own control]. The animals of the first group were orally dosed with Aloe vera juice [0.84 ml/kg b. wt]. Rabbits of the second group were orally dosed with malathion [5 mg/kg b. wt.]. The third group animals were dosed orally with malathion concomitant with Aloe vera juice [this group served as the protective group]. Animals of the fourth group were dosed orally with malathion; for 7 days followed by Aloe vera juice for the same period [this group served as the therapeutic group]. The design of the second set [long period of treatment] was exactly similar to that of the short period experiments [divided into eight groups; four treated and four control groups] except the duration of treatment which extended to 21 days. Animals of the control groups of Aloe vera treated rabbits were dosed with distilled water, and those of malathion treated animals were dosed with the solvent of the insecticide. All the animals were sacrificed, blood samples were collected and the serum was used to determine the levels of hepatic enzyme markers: lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], aspartate aminotransferase [ASAT], alanine aminotransferase [ALAT] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP] as well as the total bilirubin. the results revealed that treatment of rabbits with malathion caused marked increase in the serum activity of LDH, ASAT, ALAT and ALP in treated rabbits. Administration of Aloe vera juice [in the protective and therapeutic groups] was found to be effective in lowering the elevated activities of these enzymes to approximate near normal levels for both the short and long periods of treatment, especially in the activity of LDH, ASAT and ALP. The present results suggested that Aloe vera juice has ameliorative effects against hepatotoxicity produced by malathion in the treated rabbits

Wilms' tumor in children: a single institution 10-year experience

To evaluate the disease characteristics and treatment outcome of children with wilms' tumorat King Hussein Medical Center over a period of 10 years. We conducted a retrospective review of the medical files of children [< 14 years] withwilms' tumor who were managed at King Hussein Medical Center -Jordan in the interval between June,2000 until June, 2010 . Patients' and disease characteristics, treatment modalities and outcome wereanalyzed. Staging and histopathological classification were preformed according to the system of theNational Wilms Tumor Study Group [NWTSG]. Descriptive analysis using frequencies was used todescribe the study variables. A total of 61 patients [54.1% female] with wilms' tumor with a median age of 40 months wereidentified. Their ages ranged between seven months and 7.8 years. The stage frequencies of our caseswere: stage I [27.9%], stage II [34.4%], stage III [16.4%], stage IV [11.5%] and stage V [9.8%] . The 3- year relapse-free survival rate was 100%, 81%, 70%, 57.1% and 83.3% for stages I, II, III, IVand V, respectively. Favorable histology accounted for 86.9% [53 cases] of our patients . The 3-yearrelapse-free survival rate was 84.9% for the favorable histology and 62.5% for the anaplastic histology.The 3- year relapse-free survival rate for the entire group was 82%.Combined modality management including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapyresulted in satisfactory loco-regional and systemic control and better relapse-free survival in pediatricpatients with wilms' tumor . Stage and histopathologic classification of the disease were important asprognostic factors

Influence of natural variation on flow behavior of wormy compost

Dependence on chemical fertilizer continually is increasing. Continual increasing of using chemical fertilizer causes nature pollution [e. g. water contamination]. This has led researchers to aggressively investigate renewable fertilizer resources, biomass, to produce organic crops and reduced wastage. Wormy compost is a bulk solid and biomass feed stocks. Wormy compost flow is obstacle as it often becomes confined by Clogging and bridging which occurs during storage and processing. The objective of this study was to review the primary factors affecting flow-ability and wall friction characteristics of granular solids and powders, as well as devote testing methodologies for this biomass material. It can be said that high moisture content and small particle size has an adverse effect on the flow property of wormy compost. Increasing the moisture content and decrees particle size of the wormy compost reduced its flow-ability from free flowing at moisture content of 25% [w. b.] and 1.18mm in particle size to cohesive at moisture content of 35% [w. b.] and 0.3mm in particle size. The maximum values of friction angle were occurred for Steel, Galvanized and Aluminum surface, respectively

New Approach of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells Applications in Accelerating Wound Healing of Irradiated Albino Rats

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Irradiated wound healing is a highly complex and dynamic process. The latest technology making a huge difference in this process is stem cell therapy. The goal of this study was to evaluate the use of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) or human amniotic epithelial cells (HAECs) in the healing of irradiated wounds. METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty five male albino rats were subjected to whole body 6 gray gamma radiations. One day post irradiation, full-thickness incisional wound was created in the tibial skin. The rats were randomly equally divided into three groups. The incisions of the first group (gp I) were injected intra-dermally with saline before stitching and those of both the second (gp II) and the third groups (gp III) were intradermally injected with BM-MSCs and HAECs before stitching respectively. Animals were sacrificed after the third, seventh and fourteenth days postoperative. The healing process was assessed histopathologically. CXCL-5, SDF-1 and Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1) expression were also detected in biopsies from all wounds. Expression of TGF-beta1 in gp I was more than the other groups leading to severe inflammation, deficient healed dermis and delayed reepithelialization. SDF-1 expression was high in gp II while CXCL-5 expression was high in gp III causing accelerated wound healing. BM-MSCs showed a great effect on the quality of the dermis, while superiority of the epithelium and its appendages were achieved in HAECs group. CONCLUSIONS: Using BM-MSCs and HAECs could be used safely in case of irradiated wounds.

Comparative studies on staphylococcus aureus isolates associated with infections in diabetic and non-diabetic patients

Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the distribution of methicillin resistance as well as some virulence factors in S.aureus strains isolated from diabetic and non-diabetic patients by Phenotypic and genotypic methods

Methods: A total of fifty eight isolates were identified as S.aureus [41 isolates from diabetics and 17 isolates from non-diabetics] from infected wounds and abscesses in type I diabetic and non-diabetic patients admitted to 4 different hospitals located at Mansoura and Damietta, Egypt. Resistance to eight antimicrobial agents was detected using disk diffusion method. The isolates were screened for some virulence factors, namely hemolysins, lipases, lecithinase, haemagglutination, slime production and carotenoid pigment. Also, some virulence genes, namely hla, hlb, icaA, icaD, geh and methicillin resistance gene, mecA were also detected

Results: S.aureus was prevalent in 46% of collected specimens. The antibiotic sensitivity test showed that vancomycin was the most active antibiotics against tested strains. Total hemolytic activity was shown by 91% of tested strains. Lipase enzyme was produced by 65.5% of strains while 56.9% of tested strains produce lecithinase enzyme. Haemagglutination was observed in 82.8% of tested strains although 77.6% of strains were positive slime producers. About 93% of tested strains were pigmented. The hla gene was amplified in 33 strains while hlb and geh genes were distributed in almost all tested strains. Both icaA and icaD genes were detected and amplified in 96.5% of tested strains. On the other hand, methicillin resistance was detected in 86% of S.aureus strains

Fentanyl transdermal therapy system [ITS-patch] for post-traumatic blunt chest injury

Proper post-extubation pain control in traumatic blunt chest injury represents a challenge to provide adequate analgesia for proper lung inflation and to prevent re-intubation. In this case, the average opioid [Remifentanil] infusion drip in a traumatic blunt chest injury patient in the 48 hours prior to extubation was calculated and converted to the equivalent analgesic one of the Fentanyl Transdermal Therapeutic System [Fentanyl TTS Patch]. The analgesic gap before the onset of action for the applied fentanyl patch was covered by frequent injections of tramadol. Evaluation of the Fentanyl TTS effect through the post-extubation period was carried out by measuring the analgesic effect on a visual analogue scale, the alertness status by simple sedation score, while the respiratory performance was followed by the negative inspiratory force. The outcome in this case showed that Fentanyl Patch is a reliable, favorable, safe and non-invasive method that produces a good analgesic effect and positive impaction on the post-extubation course of respiratory performance with a satisfactory outcome and no side effects

Molecular diagnosis of gram negative bacteria in urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections and their complications cause serious health problems affecting millions of people every year. Infections of the urinary tract are the second most common type of infection in the body. About 20% of women are especially prone to UTIs for reasons that are not yet well understood. UTIs in men are not as common as in women but can be very serious when they do occur. Accurate identification of bacterial isolates is an essential task of the clinical microbiology laboratory. Conventional identification methods of these infections lack the precision and the reproducibility, as well as they are time consuming because they rely on the growth of the bacteria. Some groups need days or even weeks to grow. Soon after the DNA becomes the worldwide common language, in this study, we compared the conventional microbiological diagnostic methods with the molecular based techniques. Our main focus was targeted to the PCR and sequencing of ribosomal markers. Our candidate in this study was 16S rRNA gene using different primer sets specifically designed to amplify different regions of our marker. We also focused on how much sequencing information is needed for blind identification of bacterial pathogens. In conclusion, the DNA sequencing based method provides a valuable tool for cheap and accurate diagnosis of Gram-negative bacteria in urinary tract infections which can be applicable in other infections

Phenotypic and genotypic detection of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus isolates at Mansoura university hospital, Egypt

Aim: The present study was aimed to determine the antimicrobial resistance and Methicillin resistance gene of MRSA isolated from different clinical sources with a comparative study between phenotypic and genotypic methods in respect of accuracies

Methods: A total 49 isolates of MRSA were studied for antibiotic susceptibility pattern, oxacillin and cefoxitin disc diffusion test, SDS_PAGE analysis, DNA extraction and mecA resistant gene detection by PCR

Results: The study included 49 phenotypically detected MRSA isolates by convential methods. All MRSA isolates were resistant to cefoxitin. Although vancomycin was the first drug of choice in treatment for MRSA, it shows a certain resistant for 8.16% of the investigated isolates which is known as VRSA. The result of oxacillin disc diffusion test indicated that 43 isolates were MRSA, although all the tested isolates were considered MRSA according to the results of cefoxitin disc diffusion test. SDS-PAGE showed high degree of similarity among the banding patterns of MRSA. Detection of mecA gene reveled that, it was amplified on chromosomal DNA of 41 out of 49 isolates. Despite all isolates were proved to be a MRSA, only 83.67% gave positive results with PCR

Molecular characterization of metalo-beta-lactamase producing clinical pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates from Mansoura university hospitals, Egypt

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa plays an important role in opportunistic and nosocomial infections affecting individuals with predisposing conditions

Methods: In this respect, we evaluated the production of MBLs among 100 clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa sources in Mansoura University Hospitals

Results: Most isolates were highly resistant to penicillins and cephalosporins. On the other hand, most strains were sensitive to imipenem as 91% of the isolates were susceptible. The effect of MBL inhibitors using a simple disk diffusion test revealed the efficiency of EDTA and 2-mercaptoethanol as Metalo-beta-lactamase inhibitors due the observed expansion of the growth-inhibitory zone of the two inhibitors. Cupric chloride also gave a clear result, but with a weak inhibitory effect. IMP and VIM genes were amplified from both genomic and plasmid DNA extracted from 26 isolates. The amplification primers of both markers were specifically designed to amplify 600 bp for IMP and 500 bp for VIM. On the other hand, two isolates did not harbor IMP gene on their plasmids while six isolates did not contain VIM on their plasmids. Subsequent sequencing of the generated amplicons showed different types of mutation in the sequenced regions of the tested resistance genetic markers. They include insertion, deletion and substitution mutations. Moreover, the region 178-822 of IMP and the region 111-627 of VIM, commonly found in resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are the most predominant variable regions

Conclusion: particular PCR and subsequent sequencing provide a useful tool for accurate and cost efficient characterization of MBLs producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. The accuracy of the sequencing method can answer the epidemiological questions that can't be answered by the traditional microbiological methods. This approach will help in choosing the best effective antibiotic to overcome the nosocomial infection

Molecular characterization of some quinolone resistance determining markers amongst clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae in Egypt

Background: Klebsiella species cause 3-7% of all nosocomial infections, placing them in the top 10 of nosocomial bacterial pathogens

Materials: In this respect, we evaluated the differences in some quinolone resistance determinants among 70 clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae collected from Mansoura University Hospitals

Results: In the present investigation, some molecular typing techniques were applied on 70 isolates of K. pneumoniae isolated from Mansoura University Hospitals from different clinical lesions. The distribution of antibiotic resistance among the isolated strains showed high incidence of resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins [70 to 94.29%] and to quinolones [38.57 to 55.7 %] was also observed. Imipenem was the most active antibiotic so; it could be considered the drug of choice for treatment of infections caused by multi-resistant K. pneumoniae. Plasmid profiles of the tested strains appear to be diverse, although some similarities were found among tested strains. Sixty seven out of 70 strains contained plasmid DNA. PCR amplification was used to detect some quinolone resistance determinant genes such as gyrA, gyrB and Onr in the collected Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. Using pyrosequencing technique, the sequenced region of gyrA gene was able to differentiate between resistant and sensitive strains however, the sequenced region of gyrB gene failed to differentiate between resistant and sensitive strains. Qnr gene was detected in all tested strains except strains No. 24 and 28

Conclusion: Using PCR and DNA sequencing of the target region of gyrA gene, we were able to differentiate between resistant and sensitive strains. While, amplification of another region of gyrB or Qnr genes failed to differentiate between the isolates. But, it could detect different types of mutations between the clinical isolates

[Design and development of an ergonomic chair for Iranian office workers]

Working in sitting posture, specially using a poorly designed chair is one of the critical risk factors in developing low back pain. Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders [MSDs] and has been reported to occur in 50-90% of all adults with recurrent rate of up to 90%. The objective of this study was to design and develop ergonomic chair for Iranian office workers. In this study, chair-related anthropometric dimensions of 303 Iranian office workers were measured in both genders. ANSI-HFES 100/1988 standard protocol was used for chair design. Finally, using a usability test, the designed ergonomic chair was assessed by 60 men and women office workers. Using anthropometries measurements and ergonomic criteria for chair design and also considering technical limitations, an ergonomic chair was made. Then this ergonomic chair was compared with old made chair designs. Office workers' assessments between old chair design and new one showed a significant difference. In this study, design and development of construction of an ergonomic chair was successfully made which could be applicable to Iranian office workers in order to provide their comfort and well being

Effect of some antihypertensive drugs on serum creatinine and tubulointerstitial index in adenine induced nephropathy in rats

The progression of chronic kidney disease [CKD] is more than just a simple, creeping loss of kidney function finally resulting in end-stage renal disease [ESRD]. The present study was intended to study the potential renoprotective effect of ramipril [angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors -ACEI] and valsartan [angiotensin receptor-1 blocker- ATI blacker] on adenine-induced nephropathy in rats. Also, to study the possible effect of combination of above mentioned drugs. Seventy- six male albino rats were used through out the study in Clinical Pharmacology Department, Mansoara University. Twelve rats were taken as negative control without any manipulation. Sixty four male albino rats were given adenine diet [I50mg] in 0.5 ml saline by gavage feeding once daily for 10 days to confirm induction of adenine-induced nephrotoxicity. Sixteen rats died during induction. Rats that survived, started treatment and divided into two main groups: animals in each group were classified into 4 subgroups [each contain 6 rats], each of them took the test drugs once daily by stomach tube for 4 weeks Group I: started treatment after 2 weeks from administration of adenine and Group II: started treatment after 4 weeks from administration of adenine. The sera were taken for measurement of creatinine. The kidneys are rapidly dissected and put in formalin containing bottles and taken for pathological examination by H and E and special stains that included PAS and trichrome stains. Administration of each of -amipril, ualsartan and combination of both ramipril and valsartan showed that they produced highly significant reduction of the mean serum creatinine level [p<0.01, p<0.001, p<0.001] respectively as compared with the positive control. There was non-significant decrease of tubulointerstitial index when comparing ramipril treated group, valsartan treated group, and ramipril plus vaisartafi treated group, versus positive control group. We concluded that adenine induced nephropathy is important model in elucidating tubulointerstitial injury and coincident with chronic renal insufficiency. Drugs under the study play some degree of renoprotectin

[Comparing the factors related to the effective clinical teaching from faculty members' and students' points of view]

Teaching and learning are interdependent in educational process. Teaching effectiveness, therefore, is to be investigated both from teachers' and learners' viewpoints in order to achieve a better education. This study was conducted to determine and compare the factors related to effective clinical education from teachers' and students' viewpoints in School Of Nursing and Midwifery in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the population under the study was 53 faculty members and 118 senior students selected through purposeful sampling. The research environment consisted of teachers' offices, hospitals, and clinical centers affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The data gathering tool was a researcher made questionnaire consisted of two parts of demographic feAutres and factors related to clinical education which contained 5 general areas of individual feAutres of the learner, clinical teacher, clinical environment, educational planning, and clinical evaluation. Questions related to each of these areas were scored based on a five point Scale. The questionnaires were distributed anonymously and gathered after one week. The data was analyzed by SPSS software. Mean of the scores in areas of factors related to the individual feAutres of the learner, clinical teacher, clinical environment, and educational planning were above 4 and only in the area of clinical evaluation it was 3.95 +/- 0.81 out of the total score 5. T-test results for four before mentioned areas were 0.46, 0.45, 0.53, and, 1.39, respectively and it was 0.38 for evaluation area which revealed no significant difference. Regarding the agreement of faculty members and students on the importance of these factors in clinical education, it is recommended to apply all these factors in order to promote the quality of clinical education

Proposing appropriate national standards for nursing and midwifery education derived from international standards: a case study, master of science in nursing and midwifery

Applying foreign standards for accreditation of Master of Science in nursing and midwifery in Iran seems anomalous. Taking advantage of these foreign standards as well as the views of experts in nursing and midwifery, the researcher in this study tried to develop the accreditation standards according to educational circumstances in Iran. This study was performed in the years of 2005-2006 during multiple stages. In the first stage, international standards were gathered through the internet, and in the second stage, using these standards and the views of expert faculty members, proper standards for the context of Iran were set. During the third stage, Delphi technique was employed for taking votes. Whereas 50 persons having the criteria for entering the study were selected through purposeful sampling method and their viewpoints toward appropriateness of suggested standards for the educational circumstances of the country was obtained using the questionnaire designed in the second stage. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. After applying experts' views about applicability of these standards to circumstances in the country, 28 standards and 224 indices for nursing and midwifery education were proposed as final standards. Most standards had almost 90% desirability. Issues such as presenting evidences indicating the ability of speaking in English or qualification for education in Master of Science courses had less desirability. It seems that the main cause of their undesir'ability is the educational status in Iran

Analysis of international organizational and management standards in midwifery education and recommendation of appropriate national standards

Today, moving toward high quality and efficient education is essential in educational systems. To achieve it, management, research and educational programs should evolve consistent with the produced knowledge, professional developments and standards. Regarding the important role of midwifery education in improvement of social health, the current study was carried out to identify the international organizational and management standards in midwifery education and to recommend appropriate national standards. This is a triangulation study which was fulfilled in 1381 and 1382, in seven steps. In first three steps, following search and collection of standards of various countries, the survey tool which consists of the fields and recommended standards was designed. In steps four to seven, these fields and standards were surveyed through an opinion poll; using Delphi's method. Sampling population was all the midwifery national board members and heads of midwifery departments in governmental university which at least offer B. Sc of midwifery. The standards should be marked as appropriate, relatively appropriate and inappropriate by participants. Finally, the data was analyzed using descriptive analysis methods. After analyzing the opinions; using Delphi's method, the results were proposed as 37 recommended standards. They were grouped as 13 standards in the field of missions and objectives and 24 standards in the field of organizational and management structure. Extracting organizational and management standards of midwifery and recommending the proper national standards help the planners in defining the missions, visions and goals of the systems. It would also help the authorities in designing proper organizational and management structure and evaluating the midwifery management system

Sexual dysfunction in menopausal women and the socioeconomic state

Socioeconomic problems, would affect the people in all stages of life, especially the menopausal period. In this stage of life, the women experience loss of social positions, and responsibilities. The current study was carried out to assess the relationship between the socioeconomic state and sexual dysfunction in menopausal period. This is an analytic, cross-sectional study, carried out on 174 menopausal, married women who were selected from the patients visited in heath centers and social security centers in Isfahan. The data was gathered by questionnaire and analyzed using chi square and Mantel haenszel tests, by SPSS software. Findings of the study demonstrated that there is a significant statistical correlation between the sexual dysfunction and the family's economic state, the housing, education level of women and her husband and women's occupation. In contrast, husbands' occupation did not correlate with the sexual dysfunction. It could be concluded that higher education level result in higher income and better jobs and social positions. So, better socioeconomic state could be mentioned as an effective factor in preventing menopausal sexual dysfunction