[Development and validation of an instrument to measure patient satisfaction with pharmacy services of Red Crescent society]

This research aimed to develop and validate the questionnaire in order to measure patients' satisfaction with pharmacy services of Red Crescent society. This study was standardisation. In this study, about 330 people who referred to pharmacy of Red Crescent society of Shiraz Township were selected and studied by using purposive sampling in winter 2011. The reliability was assessed by internal-consistency method [Cronbach's alpha and split-half coefficient] and by content and construct validity [factors analysis] validity was measured. Data was analyzed by using SPSS. The results of internal consistency indicated that alpha coefficient and split-half for the total factors were 0/88 and 0/73; and alpha coefficient for the three factors of 'interpersonal aspects','services quality' and 'ambience' was 0/92, 0/75, 0/71 respectively. The values of face and content validity were appropriate. The result of factors analysis [with varimax rotation] indicated that three factors explained questionnaire variance [%62/23]. The mentioned questionnaire had an appropriate validity and desired reliability in order to evaluate the quality of services in pharmacy of Red Crescent society

Evaluation of an aqueous-ethanolic extract from Rosmarinusa officinalis [Rosemary] for its activity on the hormonal and cellular function of testes in adult male rat

Rosmarinus officinalis has been used in traditional medicine extensively. This study evaluated the hormonal and cellular effects of Rosmarinus officinalis extract on testes of adult rats. Thirty male Wistar rats [in three groups] received 50 or 100 mg/Kg b.w of Rosmarinus officinalis extract [made from the plant's leaves, flower and stem] [treatment groups] and 10 mL/Kg b.w normal saline [control group] respectively, on a daily bases by gavage route for 60 days. Then, spermatological properties, histometric parameters and sperm dynamics, testis and body weight, testicular cell population and serum testosterone level were analyzed by an acceptable method. Results showed that the mean serum testosterone level was decreased significantly in both treatment groups [50 and 100 mg/Kg b.w] during the experiment time, compared with control group [p < 0.05]. However, Rosmarinus officinalis did not change the total count, motility and viability of sperm. In addition, Rosmarinus officinalis at both doses did not change body and testes weight and their ratio. Furthermore, Rosmarinus officinalis increased the number of Spermatogonia at both doses, Spermatocyte at doses of 50 mg/Kg b.w, Leydig cell and Spermatid at dose of 100 mg/Kg b.w significantly [p < 0.05]. Rosmarinus officinalis did not significantly affect the number of Spermatozoid and Sertoli cells. In conclusion, it seems that Rosmarinus officinalis may have some hormonal and cellular effects on the testes which can contribute the spermatogenesis process in rat. Rosmarinus officinalis may have antiandrogenic effect potentially indicating the possibility of developing herbal male contraceptive

Hedgehog signalling pathway: carcinogenesis and targeted therapy

Hedgehog signalling pathway has not only a critical role in cell proliferation, differentiation and tissue polarity at embryonic period but also has a vital role in stem cell proliferation, tissue healing and carcinogenesis. Recent research has increased our understanding of this pathway and its relation to other signalling pathways. In addition, a large number of studies confirmed the alteration of Hh signalling pathway in various types of human malignancies including basal cell carcinomas, medulloblastomas, lung, gastrointestinal, ovarian, breast, prostate cancers and leukemia. More than 50 small biomolecules have been introduced which have inhibitory effects on Hh signalling pathway. Although, in many tumors some acceptable results have been showed in phase I clinical trial, closer studies are required to improve drug bioavailability, to decrease the side effects and to find the right small molecules for specific types of cancers, considering patients overall benefits as well

Posttransplant infectious complications: a prospective study on 142 kidney allograft recipients

We evaluated the posttransplant complications resulting from infections and their association with graft function, immunosuppressive drugs, and mortality. A total of 142 kidney allograft recipients were followed for 1 year after transplantation. The patients' status was assessed during regular visits, and data including clinical characteristics, infections, serum creatinine level, acute rejection episodes, immunosuppressive regimen, graft function, and mortality were recorded and analyzed. Infections occurred in 77 patients [54%]. The lower urinary [42%] and respiratory [6.3%] tracts were the most common sites of infection. The most frequent causative organisms were Klebsiella in 34 [24%] and cytomegalovirus in 25 patients [18%]. Wound infection occurred in 7 patients [5%]. The mortality rate was 7.7% and infection-related death was seen in 5 patients [3.5%] who developed sepsis. Graft loss was seen in 16 patients [11%], of whom 2 developed cytomegalovirus infection, 2 experienced urinary tract infection, and 5 developed sepsis and died. Mycobacterial and hepatitis C infections were noticeably rare [0.7% and 2.8%, respectively]. This study showed that infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality during the posttransplant period. We recommend that serologic tests be performed before and after transplantation to recognize and meticulously follow those who are at risk. In our study, high-risk patients were those with elevated serum creatinine levels who received high doses of immunosuppressive drugs. As the urinary tract is the most common site of infection, early removal of urethral catheter is recommended to reduce the risk of infection