[ Comparison of the vertical ground reaction force during forward and backward walking in athletes with ankle sprain]

Study of ground reaction force characteristics during walking is an important descriptor factor in gait pathology. With regard to this subject, the purpose of this study was to compare the vertical ground reaction force during forward and backward walking in athlete's ankle sprain. The present study was semi-experimental, in which thirteen athletes with ankle sprain and eleven healthy athletes were participated. All participants performed three trials of walking in forward and backward directions. By using two force plates, ground reaction force was measured on a vertical axis and normalized with body weight. The mean and standard deviation of the data were measured to describe data and two-way ANOVA test was used to analyze the value of between the groups. Findings showed significant differences of the produced ground reaction force in a vertical direction in first and second peak during forward and backward walking. However, in comparison between groups, there were no significant differences between damaged and healthy athletes. This study shows that the ankle sprain injuries on the ground reaction force generated during walking toward the forward and backward has no effect, rather the differences between the healthy and affected groups are related to specific patterns of walking for each subject

[Cross cultural adaptation, validity and Reliability study of the Persian version of the American shoulder and elbow surgeons [ASES] questionnaire for evaluation of shoulder function in injured athletes]

The translation, cultural adaptation and validation of the Persian version of the American shoulder and elbow surgeons [ASES] were carried out in accordance with published guidelines. The study was conducted on 100 athletes [25.96 +/- 5.81 years], which suffered from different shoulder disorders. When the translation and cultural adaptation of the original questionnaire was carried out on the standardized method, the participants were asked to complete a questionnaire booklet including the DASH, the Short Form General Health Survey [SF-36] and ASES questionnaires. In addition, 30 randomly selected patients were asked to complete the ASES questionnaire 48 hours later for the second time. After data collection the Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS software. The Cronbach's alpha was used to indicate internal consistency. Cronbach's alpha was 0.91 for ASES. Test-retest reliability was quantified by use of the intraclass correlation coefficient. It was 0.91 for ASES questionnaire. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used for the questionnaire validation study. The DASH questionnaire showed high correlation of ICC=0.78 with ASES. The ASES showed moderate correlation of 0.48 to 0.62 with those of the various scales of the SF-36. The Iranian ASES showed good reliability and validity and can be used for shoulder-specific patient self-assessment

[Organizational climate of hospitals at Tehran University of Medical Sciences]

Every organization, including a hospital, bears its own climate which needs to be compatible with the needs of the personnel; otherwise, the efficiency of the organization will be diminished. This study was aimed at investigating the organizational climate of the hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences [TUMS]. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study including all general teaching hospitals of TUNIS. The sample of the study consisted of 354 employees of clinical wards, supportive, and paraclinical departments. The instrument of the study was Sussman and Deep's organizational climate questionnaire employed to assess their attitudes towards the organizational climate of the hospitals. Data entry was carried out by Excel software and data analysis was performed by SPSS software using T-test, Anova, and Duncan statistical methods. Less than half of the personnel believed that the organizational climate was favorable. Moreover, there was a significant relationship between organizational climate the three variables of age [p = 0.01], employment status [p = 0.012], and the job type [p = 0.007]. Most of the employees, having showed positive attitude only towards role clarity and organizational communication effectiveness, had negative attitude towards the organizational climate of the hospitals. The administrators of these hospitals, therefore, should take measures to change the climates through establishing efficient reward system, transparent organizational procedures, etc.

[Coliform bacteria removal from contaminated water using nanosilver]

Although silver can be used as an effective water disinfectant, it has some disadvantages such as its high costs and darkening of the skin and mucous membrane due to long-term exposure to high silver concentrations. Nanotechnology can solve such problems through reduction of silver content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nanosilver on removing the coliform bacteria from contaminated water. This bench-scale experimental study was carried out in a batch system on artificially contaminated water samples prepared by adding 5 ml effluent to 60 liters of tap water. In each run, the nanosilver suspension [30-180 microgL-1] was added to 6 containers [500 ml] of contaminated water and then a sample was taken every 20 minutes for a 100-minute period and tested for coliform according to the standard methods book. Results revealed that the coliform bacteria removal significantly increased with increasing the contact time of nonosilver [P=0.001], but there was no significant correlation between the nanosilver concentrations and coliform removal [P=0.6]. The maximum coliform removal [92.41%] was achieved within 100 minutes contact time for 60 microgL-1 of silver. Although nanosilver treatment is effective in removing coliform from contaminated water, further researches are required to study the efficacy of drinking water disinfection

Microlithiasis and Nephrolithiasis among infants: Is it a new phenomenon?

Although nephrolithiasis is a rare but a serious problem for children's health, recent data has showed that the prevalence of pediatric nephrolithiasis has increased in both developed and developing countries. North and West of Iran, as a country located in Afro-Asian stone-forming belt, has the highest incidence for renal stones among adults. This study aimed to determine the incidence of microlithiasis and nephrolithiasis among infants in a city at North West of Iran. It was a cross-sectional study on infants aged less than one year old, diagnosed as patients with microlithiasis and nephrolithiasis, over three months period [since March 2010] who were referred to pediatrician in a city of East Azerbaijan province. Demographic data [age, sex], number of stones, size of stones, presence of hydronephrosis in kidneys, history of jaundice and family history of stone disease were recorded. Incidence of microlithiasis and nephrolithiasis was 0.04866 and 0.03244, respectively. Fever [30%] was the main cause of complication. Male to female ratio was 4:1, and 20% of our subjects had a positive history of nephrolithiasis in their first degree relatives. This area has the highest incidence of microlithiasis and nephrolithiasis. Emergent population-based and case-control studies are needed to report its incidence/prevalence of nephrolithiasis in other parts of the country as well as to find its etiology

comparison between unreamed locked intramedullary nailing and plate-screw fixation in the treatment of tibial diaphyseal fractures

Tibial diaphyseal fracture is the most common fracture of long bones. In Iran plating and un-dreamed tibial nailing [UTN] are the most commonly used methods and because of paucity of equipments such as c-arm and reaming sets, the reamed method is rarely used. This study compares these two methods. In a randomized clinical trial study including 100 patients [78 males, 22 females; mean age=24 years; range=16-50 years] undergoing UTN and plate-screw in the treatment of uncomminuted closed tibial shaft fractures [50 patients in each group] were compared regarding the union time and complications after a mean follow up of 16 months [12-20 months]. the mean time to union was 16 weeks with UTN and 14.3 weeks with plate-screw fixation. There was 4 [8%] and 3 [6%] non unions after UTN and plating respectively. Plain radiographs in both groups showed angu-lation in 3 patients; all in distal third and in varus [6%]. There was not any infection after UTN but one case of superficial and one case of deep infection were noticed after osteosynthesis with plate and screw [4%]. Four patients after UTN and 4 patients after fixation with plate-screw required reoperation [8%]. plate-screw osteosynthesis yielded satisfactory results in uncomminuted closed fractures of the tibial shaft comparable with UTN results

[Calcium absorption from calcium acetate in comparison with calcium carbonate in healthy women]

Osteoporosis is a life threatening disease. One of the important etiologies of osteoporosis is low calcium intake from daily dietary intakes, making calcium salt administration in pharmacological form or as a food additive highly recommendable as a protective mechanism againt this disease, especially in women. Calcium acetate is a water soluble agent whereas calcium carbonate [which is routinely used in pharmacological forms of calcium salts] is not easily dissolved in water; hence we decided to compare the bioavailability of calcium carbonate to that of calcium acetate. During a clinical trial study, 20 normal female volunteers with the appropriate inclusion criteria were enrolled. On the day of study, fasting urine specimens were collected from all subjects, and 2 hours after a meal, a solution of calcium carbonate was administered to all participants and then, again, urine specimens were collected after 4 hours. After a 10 day washout period, this test was repeated with calcium acetate. The results were analyzed with paired t test. The mean increase in urine calcium was 38.55 +/- 6.1 mg and 36.33 +/- 6.14 mg after administration of calcium carbonate or calcium acetate respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between calcium absorption from calcium carbonate and calcium acetate. Regarding the beneficial effects of calcium acetate as a soluble salt, in comparison with calcium carbonate and based on the results of this study indicating the similarity in calcium absorption from these two salts, calcium acetate can be administered as an appropriate substance for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Indeed it can be used in enriching the liquid comestibles

Relative frequency of suicidal ideation in students of Isfahan universities in 2005

Considering the high prevalence of suicide in the 15-24 years old age group, a ground for preventive interventions can be laid out by identdying the youth with suicidal ideation. The present study aimed to assess the relative frequency of suicidal ideation in the students of three universities in city of Isfahan in central part of lran. In a descriptive-analytic cross-sectional study, relative frequency of suicidal ideation was assessed among 300 students aged 19 to 25 years studying at three universities Isfahan, namely University of Isfahan, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, and Isfahan University of Technology in 2005. They were randomly selected proportional to size of male and female students in each university. We used World Health Organizations standardized questionnaire for assessing menta.' health risk factors [STEP] comprised of demographic and suicidal ideation questions. Chi square test was used for data analysis using SPSS software. Thirty one students [10.33%; 95% CL 8.92%-11.07%] had suicidal ideation. Suicidal thoughts were significantly more frequent in male students of Isfahan University of Technology as compared with all other students [p < 0.05]. Suicidal thoughts were also significantly more frequent in students residing in this university's dormitories than its native students and also than students residing in other two universities dormitories [p < 0.05]. Considering the relatively high frequency of suicidal thoughts especially in male nonnative students, a further prospective study with a larger sample size seems necessary to identify risk factors and at-risk groups more precisely, as well as to plan a stepwise program to reduce such identified risk factors

[Efficacy of Clotrimazole, Nystatin and Povidone Iodine in traetment of patients with vaginal candidiasis]

Vaginal candidiasis is one of the most frequent infections of the female genital tract in different countries. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of clotrimazile, nystatin and povidone iodine [betadine] in treatment of vaginal candidiasis in patients referred to gynecologic clinics of Mashhad. This is a clinical trial study on wemon referring to gynecologic clinics in Ghaem, Imam Reza, Imam Zaman and Ali - e - bn - e - Abi taleb centers, for vaginal discharge. Vaginal candidiasis was confirmed by direct fresh smear, Papanicolao staining, gram staining and culture. Among 300 cases, considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, 130 pateints suffering from vaginal candidiasis were selected. Each received either vaginal tablets of clotrimazole, nystatin or vaginal gel of betadine randomly. Among 300 patients suffering from vaginitis symptoms, candidiasis was confirmed only in 43% of the cases, most of them between 25-35 years old. Clotrimazole was more effective than betadine clinically. There was no significant difference between nystatin, clotrimazole or betadine in treatment of patients. Betadine side effects were more prominant compared to clotrimazole and nystatine. It is concluded that compared to betadine, clotrimazole and nystatin are safer in treatment of vaginal candidiasis and because of shorter duration of treatment, usage of clotrimazole is more reasonable in treatment of vaginal candidiasis compared to nystatin and betadine

[Comparison the effect of corticosteroid injection with physiotherapy in treatment of painful arch of shoulder]

Painful arch of shoulder is treated using both surgical and non-surgical methods. In the latter one, steroidal and non-steroidal analgesic drugs and/or physiotherapy are used. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of corticosteroid injection and physiotherapy in the treatment of disease. In this double-blinded clinical trial, 124 patients who referred to Shahrekord Kashani hospital and suffered from shoulder pain or with having limitation in its movement were considered as the patients with painful arch of shoulder. They were divided in two equal groups of 62. In the first group, 40 mg of prednisolone was locally injected in the painful site. The second one was subjected to ten sessions of physiotherapy for two weeks. The outcomes of these treatments were assessed using a questionnaire including shoulder disability and the amount of pain in the patients, 2, 6, and 11 weeks after the treatment. Data were analyzed using statistical analysis [X[2], t and repeated measures ANOVA]. The mean age of the patients was 42.3 +/- 9.5 years. The two groups were age and sex matched. The pain was relapsed in one patient of the first and 3 patients of the second group. Pain and shoulder disability were significantly decreased in the two groups [P<0.05]. The amount of shoulder disability and pain in the group received corticosteroid was less than that in the group subjected to physiotherapy [P<0.05]. Base on the results, injection of corticosteroid is more effective than using of physiotherapy in treatment of painful arch of shoulder. This cures pain and shoulder disability of the patients faster

Study of rose bengal-induced cell death in melanoma cells in the absence of light

Melanoma is among the top six cancers as a cause of death and morbidity. Unfortunately there has been little progress in the medical treatment of metastatic melanoma, because of its resistance to current chemotherapeutic agents. In view of this, there is much interest in the identification of new agents for the treatment of melanoma. Rose Bengal [RB] has been used as a systemic diagnostic of hepatic function, ophthalmic diagnostic and photosensitiser in photodynamic treatment. In the present study, effects of RB, not as a photosensitiser, was tested in melanoma cells in the absence of light. Human melanoma cell lines, Me4405, Me1007, IgR3, Mel-FH, Mel-RM, Mel-CV, MM200, Sk-Mel-28 and fibroblast cells were cultured in DMEM medium. Cell death was quantitated by MTT assay. Apoptotic cells were determined using PI staining of DNA fragmentation by flow cytometry [sub-G1 peak]. The result showed RB could induce pronounced cell death in different melanoma cell lines but not in fibroblast cells. This toxicity was predominantly induced by non-apoptotic cell death but in some cell lines, RB could also induce apoptotic cell death. RB may be considered as a promising chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of melanoma in the future

[Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the management of pediatric renal calculi]

Pediatric renal calculus disease has been a management dilemma. Achieving excellent results with percutaneous nephrolithotomy [PCNL] in adults have led to use this technique in children. Our experience with this procedure in pediatric age group is reviewed and discussed. In a descriptive cross-sectional study, we retrospectively analyzed case records of 39 patients younger than 15 years who underwent PCNL between September 2000 and April 2004. Antegrade percutaneous access was obtained in all patients and the tract was dilated to 24F. Pneumatic lithotripsy and forceps extraction were used with a rigid nephroscope to disintegrate and remove stones. In all patients, a nephrostomy tube was placed intraoperatively, and a plain abdominal X-ray and nephrostogram were obtained postoperatively. Complete clearance was achieved in 36 patients [92.3%] and relative clearance in 3 patients [7.7%]. Of these, 33 [91.7%] required a single tract, while 2 [5.6%] required two tracts and only one patient [2.8%] required 3 tracts. The greatest stone diameter in 11 [30.5%] patients was less than 20 mm and in 20 [55.6%] patients was more than 20 mm or multiple; 5 [13.9%] patients had staghorn stones. Stone location was lower calyx in 2 [5.1%], upper calyx in 3 [7.7%], renal pelvis in 15 [38.5%], and staghorn or multiple in 19 [48.7%] subjects. Open surgery was not required in any patient, and patients with residual stone after second look surgery were sent for SWL treatment. There was no contiguous organ injury, and no open surgery or blood transfusions were required. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is safe and effective in children, and should be considered as a viable management option. However, staghorn and multiple renal calculi may require alternative managements

[Distrubances in arterial blood gases exchanges in treated asthmatic patients]

This study was performed to investigate and study of arterial blood gases [ABG] in treated asthmatic patients with the age range of 18-74 years old in Kashan during the autumn and winter of 1999. The research was carried out descriptively on 122 referred patients [60 male and 62 female] whose diagnosis was confirmed one week after treatment with antiasthmatic drugs treatment was the same for all patients. Obtaining arterial blood samples from radial artery in sitting position and spirometry were done. The pressure of arterial oxygen value [Pa02] and the pressure of arterial C02 [PaC02] in the samples were determined and also the confidence interval was estimated. Pa02 value in treated male and female patients was 77.2 +/- 10.3 mmHg and 77.9 +/- 10.3 mmHgrespectively. The linear equation was as follows Pa02 =86.106-0.1933 xage [year]. PaC02 in treated asthmatic male and female patient was 37.7 +/- 1.96 mmHg and 37 +/- 2.61 mmHgrespectively. In treated asthmatic patients after 7 days of treatment, hypoxemia is a common complication which necessitates further supervision and monitoring after the occurrence of acute asthmatic attacks