ABSTRACT
The overwhelming rate of progress in biotechnological research especially in human genetics, as well as the high levels of power these researches provide us to intervene in human lives, brings serious concerns on the ethical problems that may rise from these research endeavors. To address this critical issue in Iran, we conducted a study issuing publishing authors of studies in human genetics from Iran, between years 2005 to 2011. We contacted 116 corresponding authors of articles issuing genetics research on human subjects, asking them that whether they have gotten either informed consent from their study subjects or ethical approval from their institutional ethics committee. Only 13% of the authors presented both documents; 52% had not gotten any of the documents; 19% of authors felt no need for getting the mentioned documents; 13% declared that they only gotten oral consent and 3% of authors did not remember whether they have gotten any documentation or not. The trend for informed consent taking was improving over time, from 5% in year 2006 to 24% in 2009. The result was not satisfactory but showed good trend towards improvement, recommending more serious follow up concerning ethical aspects of articles published in human genetics
ABSTRACT
An association between Chlamydia pneumoniae [C. pneumoniae] and cardiovascular disease has been demonstrated. In this study, we aimed to study this potential relationship in 105 Iranian patients. Coronary artery specimens from 105 Iranian patients undergoing CABG were analyzed by PCR method for C. pneumoniae. Serological evaluation for C. pneumoniae IgG and IgM was performed using ELISA. 53 specimens from mamillary artery were also investigated. C. pneumoniae PCR test result was positive for 23 [21.9%] of patients with coronary artery atherosclerosis, but none of the specimens from the mamillary artery was positive for C. pneumoniae when it was evaluated by the PCR [P<0.001]. Coronary artery disease patients with and without a history of unstable angina or myocardial infarction were comparable in C. pneumoniae PCR test positive rates [P=0.618]. Relevance of IgG and IgM positivity were also studied by correlating it to the study parameters, but no difference was found. CRP was significantly higher in the IgM positive group [P<0.001]. A significant proportion of coronary atherosclerotic plaques are infected with C. pneumoniae while no infection was found in the normal mamillary artery specimens. No association was found between acute coronary syndromes and serological and PCR positivity. Further prospective randomized controlled studies with large patient population are needed to confirm our findings
ABSTRACT
The quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] is associated with poor pulmonary function, respiratory symptoms, incapacity to perform daily activities, as well as mental and cognitive disorders. Although there exists some evidence regarding the effect of socioeconomic status on the quality of life in the general population and those with chronic diseases, research is scarce on this issue in COPD patients. This study aimed to investigate the association between income and quality of life in COPD patients. In a case-control study, 131 subjects were selected through systematic sampling from all COPD patients admitted to the pulmonology Clinic of the Baqiyatallah Hospital during the year 2006. Subjects were then divided into three groups based on their household monthly income as follows: group I [n=52], income < 2,000,000 Rials; group II [n=62], income between 2,000,000 and 3,000,000 Rials; and group III [n=17], income > 3,000,000 Rials. The groups were matched with regard to gender, age, educational background, marital status, comorbidity burden, and insurance coverage. Spirometric measures and quality of life [SF-36] were compared between the groups. The overall quality of life and physical health subscale were significantly different between the groups [p < 0.05]. Other parameters of SF-36 including physical functioning, role limitation due to physical problems, bodily pain, social functioning, general mental health, role limitation due to emotional problems, vitality, and mental health exhibited no significant difference between the groups [p > 0.05]. Quality of life and physical function of COPD patients are significantly correlated with their socioeconomic status. Future prospective studies are needed to find potential causative associations between the level of income and life quality in these patients