Vitamin E protects rat testis, eye and erythrocyte from oxidative stress during exposure to radiofrequency wave generated by a BTS antenna model

Background: radio frequency wave [RFW] generated by mobile phones and wireless communication systems has been reported to cause adverse effects on reproductive function, vision and hematological parameters, possibly through oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of RFW generated by base transceiver station BTS on oxidative stress in testis, eye and erythrocyte, and the prophylactic effect of vitamin E by measuring the antioxidant enzymes activity, including: glutathione peroxidase [GPx], superoxide dismutase [SOD] and catalase [CAT], and lipid proxidation

Materials and Methods: thirty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups and treated daily for 45 days as follows: control, treatment control [vitamin E 200 mg/kg of body weight/ day by gavage], sham exposed group [exposed to 900 MHz RFW], and treatment group [received vitamin E and exposed to RFW]. Control and treatment control groups were not exposed and were only given the vehicle, i.e., distilled water. On the last day of the study, all the rats were sacrificed and their testes, eyes and erythrocyte were collected and used for measurement of antioxidant enzymes activity and lipid peroxidation

Results: exposure to RFW in the sham exposed group decreased antioxidant enzymes activity and increased lipid peroxidation compared to both control groups [p<0.05]. In the treatment group, vitamin E improved antioxidant enzymes activity and reduced lipid peroxidation compared to the sham exposed group [p<0.05]

Conclusion: RFW causes oxidative stress in eye, testis and erythrocytes and vitamin E improved oxidative stress in these tissues

[The effect of aqueous extract thymus kotschyanus boiss. et hohen on glycemic control and dyslipidemia associated with type ii diabetes: a randomized controlled trial]

Introduction: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus, a major cause of death and disability, is increasing worldwide. Considering the data available on folk medicine in Iran, this study aimed to investigate hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of the aqueous extract of the plant, Thymus kotschyanus Boiss. et Hohen [Thymus. K] in patients with type II diabetes

Materials and Methods: This study is a clinical trial in which 64 patients, aged 30-60 years, with confirmed diagnosis of Type II diabetes treated with usual anti-diabetic drugs normally were randomly divided into two groups, 1. [receiving usual drugs] and 2. (Receiving Thymus. K aqueous extracts 20 gr/day with conventional therapy]. Three months later, indicators of glycemic control and lipid profiles were reassessed in both groups and compared with baseline values respectively

Results: Results showed that the groups receiving the aqueous extract Thymus. K [20 gr/day for three months] in addition to usual drugs, showed a significant decrease [p<0.05] in FBG and Hb A1C levels and a significant increase [p<0.05] in the beta cell function index [HOMA-Beta] while significantly reducing [p<0.05] is LDL-C levels

Conclusion: The aqueous extract of the plant Thymus. K in patients with type II diabetes along with the usual anti-diabetic drugs, led to better control glucose levels and also helped lower of LDL-C levels

[ comparison of the effect of food sources of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids on ovarian activity of holstein dairy cows in close up period]

Background: Application of different sources of fatty acids and their effect on ovarian performance is a current issue in animal science and research centers

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different fatty acids in close-up period on population and size of follicles and measuring blood parameters related to the energy state of the body after calving of lactating dairy cows

Methods: In this study 15 Holstein cows were selected by expected date of parturition [around 30 days before calving] and assigned them randomly within treatments diets. The diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous. Cows were fed 1] control [carbohydrate source], 2] Rumen-protected fat [RF] [saturated fatty acids] and 3] Roasted Soybean [RS] [unsaturated fatty acids]. Blood sample was collected at 7 day intervals in -21, -14, -7, 1, 7, 14, 21 periods of calving. Also dry matter intake and body condition score cows were recorded. Ovarian activity was monitored by daily transrectal ultrasound scanning from 30 to 40 and 61 to 70 DIM

Results: Average plasma glucose and cholesterol concentration were significantly different among treatment groups. Numerically, follicular classes were higher in cows, fed with fat diet compared with control group

Conclusions: According to the results of this experiment, it seems that application of polyunsaturated fatty acids, to improve the energy and ultimately the function of the ovaries, has more advantage than saturated fatty acids

[ efficacy of CBCT for diagnosis and treatment of oral and maxillofacial disorders: a systematic review]

Cone Beam Computed Tomography [CBCT] has the ability to accomplish rapid volumetric image acquisition by its cone-shaped beam. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this imaging modality A standard systematic review was performed. Medline [December 2012] and The Cochrane Library [Issue 3 2012] were searched to identify evidence about the performance [sensitivity, specificity and safety] of CBCT compared with other standard diagnostic methods. The results of the included studies were analyzed using a qualitative method Thirty-one articles were included in the study; the majority of them were diagnostic studies with a small sample size [n<10]. There was limited evidence about the effectiveness of this technology and the available evidence was scattered and sometimes controversial. At present, CBCT technology has greatly advanced and its image quality in terms of resolution is higher than that of MOCT. However, its contrast resolution is still lower than that of MOCT. Therefore, MOCT is preferred for soft tissue imaging. For evaluation of hard tissue in the maxillofacial region, a more clear image with higher resolution can be obtained by CBCT. CBCT technology is now commonly used in developed countries for obtaining detailed information regarding the oral and maxillofacial region and can greatly help clinicians in diagnosis and treatment of maxillofacial disorders

[ role of coping styles and self-efficacy in nurses job stress in hospital]

Introduction: Job stress is one of the challenges of nurse's profession. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of coping styles and self-efficacy on job stress in hospital nurses

Methods: Current study was a descriptive study. In this study, a statistical sample comprised of 171 nurses from the Isfahan city hospitals were selected with multistage cluster sampling Method and completed the Coping Style, General Self-efficacy and job stress Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and stepwise regression

Results: The results showed that there was a negative correlation respectively [r=-0/41, M=46/30], [r=-0/32, M =30/47] between self-efficacy and problem oriented coping style with hospital job stress and significance level was p

Conclusion: According to current study findings, there is a significant relationship between self-efficacy and problem oriented coping style with hospital job stress. Therefore, it is emphasized on Training problem oriented coping styles and self-efficacy enhancement in order to minimize occupational stress and improve working processes. In addition to, it ventured toward to elimination problems conducive to occupational stress and developed a soothing mental climate in workplace. The results of this research can help to hospital administrators in reduce job stress in hospital nurses and them efficiency increase

[Effect of chromium-methionine supplementation on hematologic characteristics and meat quality parameters in goat kids]

Previous research has shown that Cr is needed for growth and protein synthesis. This study was carried out to determine the effects of supplementing chromium-methionine [Cr-Met] on performance, hematologic characteristics and meat quality parameters in kids. Thirty-two male kids [average initial BW of 22 +/- 2 kg, 4mo] were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments: 1. control [without Cr], 2. 500, 3. 1000 and 4. 1500 ug Cr/kg of Cr-Met diet. The animals were kept in separate pens for 100 days. Kids were weighed at 21 day intervals and blood samples drawn on 75 day of the experiment were analyzed for hematologic characteristics. Kids were slaughtered at the end of the trial, and meat quality parameters [Warner-Bratzlershear force, color, chemical composition, water retention and pH] of longissimus dorsi muscle [LDM] were studied. The average of dry matter intake and daily gain weight were not affected by chromium supplementation [p>0.05] but, feed conversion ratio [FCR] improved in 1500 ug Cr/kg group. Chromium supplementation increased total white blood cell count [p<0.05] although, the other hematologic parameters were not affected by Cr-Met [p>0.05]. Addition of different levels of [Cr-Met] failed to significantly effect on lightness [L[asterisk]], pH, moisture [%], intramuscular fat [%], cooking loss and drip loss percentage [p>0.05]. Chromium supplementation increased redness [a[asterisk]], yellowness [b[asterisk]], chroma, hue angle and crude protein content[%] of LDM [p<0.05]. Supplemental Cr decreases Warner-Bratzlershear force of LDM [p<0.1]. These results indicate that Cr-Met diet improved performance, meat quality and increased white blood cells in Mahabadi goat kids

[Quality of working life and its relation with productivity of nurses' performance in Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences hospitals]

The quality of working life is a very important variable in connection with human resources. Therefore, it should be taken into consideration by managers if they aim to improve the capabilities and efficiency of their staff, which will, in turn, lead to improved productivity and economic growth. Productivity is an important factor in the success of hospital nurses too. The objective of this study was to determine the association between the quality of working life and productivity of nurses. Knowledge of this relationship can help plan to improve the nurses' quality of working life and, subsequently, improve their productivity and, ultimately, productivity of a hospital. This was a cross-sectional correlation study conducted in 2011. The study population was nurses of the Shahid-Beheshti University of Medical Sciences hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Using the randomized stratified multistage sampling method, 380 nurses were selected as the study sample. Data on the nurses' quality of working life and productivity were collected using two questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS-17, the statistical tests being Chi-2, ANOVA, T-test, and the Pearson correlation test. The findings showed that nurses' quality of work life and productivity were at the middle level, with a mean of 2.47 and 3.07, respectively. A very small number [1.55%] of the nurses reported that their quality of work life was at a high level, while the majority [82.4%] believed their quality of work life to be at a moderate level. The Pearson correlation test showed a significant positive relationship between the quality of work life and productivity of the nurses [r = 0.66, p-value = 0.001]. Only a low proportion of the nurses report their quality of working life and productivity to be at a high level. Therefore, bearing in mind that a statistically significant relationship exists between the quality of working life and productivity, authorities should a tempt to promote the nurses' quality of work life in order to increase their productivity

[Using the service quality Gap's model [SERVQUAL] in Imam Khomeini teaching hospital: 2012]

Introduction: Patients can determine the quality of services provided by hospitals which are regarded as large and complex service organizations within the health system. This study aimed to assess service quality gaps in Imam Khomeini teaching hospital in Tehran with respect to the differences between patients' perceptions of and expectations from health services

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the six-dimensional SERVQUAL model questionnaire - the validity and reliability of which were confirmed by the researchers - was used to collect the viewpoints of 116 patients admitted to Imam Khomeini teaching hospital. Samples were estimated using the Cochrane statistical formula and the data were analyzed by means of independent t-test as well as correlation and ANOVA tests

Results: There was a negative gap in all dimensions of the quality of services. The highest and the lowest gaps [-2.55 and -0.697] were observed in the access and assurance dimensions, respectively. However, there was no significant relationship between the variables of quality gap of services and gender, marital status, insurance, visit frequency, age, and education [p value>0.05]. It was also found that in none of the dimensions were the expectations of the patients satisfied

Conclusion: The results indicated that except for the access dimension, expectations can be affected if any of the other variables is changed. Generally, there are lots of opportunities to work on to improve the quality of services provided by health care system

comparative study of diclofenac phonophorosis and ergonomic instructions on neck and shoulder pain in women with myofascial trigger points in trapezius muscle

Myofascial pain syndrome is one of the painful conditions of the musculoskeletal system. There is controversy about the effectiveness of treatment strategy. This study was done to compare the effects of diclofenac phonophoresis with ergonomic instructions on neck and shoulder pain and disability in women with myofascial trigger points in trapezius muscle. This clinical trial study was conducted on thirty female students with trigger points in trapezius muscle in Razmejo-Moghadam Physiotherapy Clinic, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Iran during 2009. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three equal groups: diclofenac phonophoresis, ergonomic instructions, and control groups. In phonophoresis group, after applying diclofenac gel, ultrasound with frequency of 1 MHz, continuous mode, intensity 1.5 W/cm2, and duration 4.5 min was used. Ergonomic group received instructions in order to maintain appropriate posture during activity of daily life. Control group received ultrasound without output. A 12 session treatment program, during 4 weeks, 3 sessions per week was performed. Neck pain was assessed before and after intervention with Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire and shoulder pain and disability with Shoulder Pain and Disability Index. Data were analyzed using SPSS-17, Kolmogorov-Smirnov, paired t-test, One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests. Neck pain score decreased from 18 +/- 3.5 to 7.6_4.4 in phonophoresis group and from 17.8 +/- 3.5 to 10.5 +/- 3.4 in ergonomic group [P<0.05]. Also, shoulder pain and disability score decreased from 106.2 +/- 28.1 to 36.76 +/- 30.7 in phonophoresis group and from 103.3 +/- 22.9 to 26.2 +/- 12.3 in ergonomic group [P<0.05]. There was no significant difference between post and pretreatment results in control group. After treatment, there was no significant difference between two treatment groups regarding neck, shoulder pain and disability. However, after treatment there was significant difference between two treatment groups and control group regarding pain [P<0.05]. This study showed that diclofenac phonophoresis and ergonomic instructions are effective in decreasing neck and shoulder pain and disability in patients with myofascial trigger points in trapezius muscle. None of both treatment strategy was superior to other

[Determination of radiology services cost in selected hospitals affiliated with Tehran university of medical sciences in 2010-2011, using the activity based costing method]

Regarding to the escalating costs of health care and limited resources in this field, the appropriate identification and control of costs is inevitable. This Study aimed to determine the unit cost of radiology services, in selected hospitals of TUMS. This was a descriptive retrospective study. At first, we selected two hospitals [Shariati and Sina] out of general - teaching hospitals of TUMS randomly. After gathering data, using activity based costing method, the unit costs of radiography services in these centers in 1389 fiscal year [2010-2011] were calculated. The unit costs of radiography services in Shariati and Sina hospitals were 251255,5 and 334996,2 respectively. Building rent and human resources costs included the most share of total costs. The unit cost of radiography services in this study is very different comparing with other studies. Calculated building rent costs in this study could be one of the possible reasons of this difference [other studies did not consider this costs]. The other point is that, regarding the high share of human resources and building costs from total costs, special attention to these sources of costs and appropriate and adequate use of them, can be an important step toward improving the efficiency and cost savings in our national health system

[Health seeking behavior study among Zoroastrian residing in Yazd Province, in 2009]

People give you an idea about variety of behaviors when confronting diseases. Different factors such as age, sex, economic and social situations have effect on its. Recognition of these behaviors helps politicians to deliver better services. This study aimed to identify health seeking behaviors of Zoroastrian residing in Yazd province due to advanced number of them in comparison to the other provinces. This study is a cross sectional. The sample size was 196 cases which selected by using simple sampling method. The data was collected via the questionnaire, then data were analyzed by spss.11 software with two test of chi square and exact test of Fisher. The findings showed that 64.3% of the population was female whereas remaining 35.7% were male. 15.58% of participants were single, 76.5% married and the rest of them [7.7%] were widow. Data indicated that 4.1% of individuals were illiterate, 17.3% were high school, 51.3% had diploma, 23.5% had Bachelors degree and 3.6% had Masters Degree or Ph.D. 43.4% of studied population were unemployed and the rest of them [46.7%] were employed. 94.4% of participants had health insurance whereas 5.6% did not had uninsured card. The results showed that the following direct variables had relation with the following mentioned indirect variables; sex with the action during the period of being sick, Place of born with reasons of neglecting sickness, marital status with action during the period of being sick, educational status with action during the period of being sick and referring to practitioner in different stages if sickness and using consultation of different groups, occupational status with the first place to get medical treatment, economical status with reasons of neglecting sickness and completion of treatment period and having health insurance with action during the period of being sick and using consultation of different groups. Considering the fact that educational, occupational and economic status have relation with health seeking behaviors in individuals, developed in education and occupation status could be lead a chance to choose a better health behavior in people

psychometric properties of the Farsi version of "hospital survey on patient safety culture" In Iran's hospitals

If you want to start a long journey towards patient safety, you should create a good culture of patient safety among employees alongside structural interventions. The first step in doing so is the assessment of current culture in the organization using different tools. One of the most commonly used instruments of measuring patient safety culture is Hospital Survey of Patient Safety culture [HSOPS]. The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of Farsi version of this questionnaire for the first time in Iran's hospitals. We purposefully selected four hospitals out of seven general Tehran University of Medical Sciences affiliated hospitals. Then a 420 sample of staff of these hospitals were taken randomly. Staff was asked to complete the questionnaire. Confirmative factor analysis, correlation coefficient, Cronbach's alpha were employed in statistical analyses. Factor loadings for almost all questions were acceptable. Factors jointly explained 77.8% of the variance in the responses. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was between 0.57 and 0.8. The study revealed that over 70% of employees were working at their hospitals more than 40 hours a week and also more than half of the employees were not reporting errors. Farsi version of HSOPS with 12 dimensions and 42 questions is a valid and reliable questionnaire to measure patient safety culture for the first time in Iran hospitals. This tool will be helpful in tracking improvements and in heightening awareness on patient safety culture in Iran

A comparison of the effectiveness of action potential simulation and low-level LASER in reducing pain and improving function of the knee: a randomized controlled trial of women with knee osteoarthrosis

Background: Osteoarthrosis is one of the most common joint disorders at the old age. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of action potential simulation with low-level LASER in reducing pain and improving function of these patients

Materials and methods: This double-blind, randomized, clinical trial was carried out in Zahedan in 2009. After taking written voluntary informed consent, 30 women with knee osteoarthrosis were randomly assigned to two equal groups through a lottery. In LASER group, a low-level Ga-As LASER was applied with a dosage of 9 J/cm2 for 6 minutes, and in Action Potential Simulation group, APS was applied with an intensity of 1 mA for 16 minutes. A 16-session treatment program was performed for both groups. Before and after intervention, we measured pain through Visual Analogue Scale, function with Knee and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], and range of knee flexion with goniometer, physical function with WOMAC, muscle atrophy and swelling with tape measure. Paired and independent t-tests were used for data analysis

Results: Knee pain decreased from 7.75 +/- 1.58 to 5.37 +/- 1.5 in LASER group and from 7.5 +/- 1.19 to 6.75 +/- 1.38 in APS group and total score of WOMAC decreased from 42 +/- 6.54 to 39.12+/-6.53 in LASER group and from 43.37 +/- 11.21 to 39.62 +/- 8.86 in APS group [p<0.05]. Pain reduction was significant in LASER group compared to APS [p<0.05]

Conclusion: The results showed that low-level LASER therapy and APS could decrease pain and improve function of the knee. However, LASER is more effective than APS in decreasing pain

[ epidemiology of pediculus is humanus capitis infestation and effective factors in elementary schools of Qom province girls 2010, Qom, Iran]

Nowadays pediculusis [Head-louse infestation] is one of the dermal infections with a Global distribution, and is prevalent worldwide. Head-louse infestation is highly common in collective centers such as schools, garrisons and champuses; in schools, specially in feminine elementary schools which is dramatically high. The current study has been conducted to determine the prevalence of Head-louse and to assess the epidemiologic features of the disease. This descriptive cross-sectional study was done over 1725 feminine elementary students from 75 schools in rural counties and total urban districts of Qom province by a multi stage random sampling. Data collection was done by questionnaires and physical exams of the hair. Analysis was done by Chi-square and Multivariate logistic regression model test. [Significant level with p<0.05 objected]. 131 of 1725 survived students, were infected by pediculusis. [7.6%]. The statistical meaningful relation was observed between the habitat, father's job and literacy, mothers literacy, family size, students grade, bath in home, bath times, daily comb, record of infestation in years ago, hygiene corrector in school, access or no access to primary health care and pediculusis [p<0.05 objected]. But no meaningful relation was detected between mother's job, head hairs length, type of school, residing status [private, rental and other site] and the prevalence of Pediculusis. Pediculusis is still a health burden in societies with low health and life standards. The high prevalence of pediculusis among students in the majority of schools in Qom province is attributable to inadequate access to health educator and sanitation facilities and inattention to personal health and related factors else

[Epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Qom province, Iran, during 2003-2009]

Cutaneous leishmaniasis [CL] is a parasitological disease that is transmitted by sand flies. This disease is endemic in different areas of Iran. This study was designed to determine the epidemiological aspects of CL in Qom Province during 2003-2009. This was a cross-sectional study. Geographical and epidemiological data of all patients from 2003 to 2009 with clinical and microscopic diagnosis were monitored and followed up, and their medical records were surveyed. Of 1812 patients with leishmaniasis 1047 cases [57.78%] were male and 765 [42.22%] were female. The prevalence rate of disease was 25.8 in 100,000. The most frequent age group was above 15 years old [74.5%]. 50.39 of the patients were living in urban areas and the rest lived in rural areas, especially in central county villages. 52.65% of the patients had no positive history of traveling to leishmaniasis endemic areas during the previous year. 24.5% of the patients had 3 or more lesions. The most common location of lesion was on their hands [49.08%]. Based on our findings, men in working age group are more likely to have the disease; the number of patients without any history of traveling to endemic areas in Iran during the previous year is very considerable; therefore, we can conclude that leishmaniasis is endemic in Qom Province including in central-part villages. So, the high prevalence rate requires further control and prevention measures

[Estimation of the costs of MRI 3 Tesla and MRI 1.5 Tesla in Iran, for the purpose of comparison]

The aim of this study was to estimate and compare the costs of MRI3Tesla and MRI1/5 Tesla in Iran in order to offer recommendations to the health system policymakers and hospital administrators in regard to the use of MRI 3 Tesla and its costs in Iran. This was an economic evaluation study which was performed by reviewing articles and economic modeling. Data were obtained from internet and the main suppliers of this technology and their representatives in Iran and also hospitals using these technologies. We divided the costs into three categories: capital costs including buildings and machinery depreciation, staff costs and other costs [costs of consumable materials, running costs and maintenance]. For 1500 tests per year, the unit cost was estimated at 4,500,000 Rials per test for MRI 3 Tesla and 3,500,000 Rials for 1.5 Tesla. If the number of tests per year was 3000, the unit cost would be 2,400,000 Rials for 3 Tesla and1,900,000 Rials for 1.5 Tesla. For 6000 tests per year, the unit cost would be was 1,350,000 Rials for 3 Tesla and 1,050,000 Rials for 1.5 Tesla. For 12,000 tests per year, the unit cost would be 710,000 Rials for 3 Tesla and 560,000 Rials for 1.5 Tesla. For 24000 tests per year, the unit cost would be 373000 Rials and 300,000 Rials for 3 Tesla and 1.5 Tesla respectively. For 1500 to 24000 tests per year the cost of each test with MRI 3 Tesla system in Iran, will vary between 373000 to 4527000 Rials. It is recommended that this technology be used in the centers with sufficient number of patients otherwise it may give rise to extra costs

[Job burnout and some of its risk factors on the health workers (Behvarz) in Koohrang County, I.R.Iran, in 2010]

Emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and lack of personal accomplishment are three dimensions of job burnout. Symptoms occur when employees' abilities and skills are not match with job demands. In a health care organization, staffs are exposed to physical, mental and emotional stresses and predisposed to job burnout. In this survey we studied Job burnout and some of its risk factors among Koohrang county Rural Health Workers [RHW or Behvarz] in 2010. This descriptive-analytical study designed to assess job burnout dimensions in RHW of Koohrang county in 2010. Total koohrang county RHW [n=81] entered to the study. Two types of questionnaires were used for data collection: 1] Demographic data questionnaire include of age, sex, marriage status, level of education, type of employment and working years. 2] Maslach Burnout Inventory [MBI] as a common valid questionnaire for assessment of job burnout. The reliability and internal validity of MBI questionnaire had been proved in previous studies. Data were analyzed by SPSS using ANOVA, spearman correlation and simple t tests. In different dimensions of job burnout, frequency of high lack of accomplishment, high emotional exhaustion and high depersonalization were 24.5%, 4.6% and 2.7% respectively but severity of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were 6.7% and 1.3%. None of them reported severe lack of personal accomplishment. The relation between demographic factors and job burnout was not statistically significant [P>0.05]. There were significant correlation between emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and between personal accomplishment and emotional exhaustion [P<0.001]. The study shows that frequency and severity of job burnout in different dimensions are low. It could be explained by their appropriate socioeconomic status, short distance to workplace as one of its advantages, job security, low level of life expectations accompanying with nice climate

[ comparison between muscle energy technique with low-level laser in reducing neck and shoulder pain and disability in subjects with trapezius and levator scapula myofascial trigger points]

There is a strong relationship between trigger points with neck pain and headache. This study aimed to compare the effects of muscle energy technique using low-level laser on reducing neck and shoulder pain and disability in patients with myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius and levator scapula muscles. This double-blinded randomized controlled trial was performed in Zahedan in 2009. Thirty patients with trigger points in the upper trapezius and levator scapula were randomly assigned to one of the three groups in equal numbers. In the laser group, a low-level Ga-As laser was applied with a pulse duration of 200 ns and 6 J/cm[2] dosages. By contrast, in the muscle energy group, we used stretching following post-isometric relaxation, and in the placebo group used low-level laser without an output. A 10-session treatment program was performed for each group. Prior to and following the intervention, We assessed the cervical ranges of motion with a goniometer, and neck and shoulder pain and disability with Neck Disability Index and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index; respectively. Paired t-test and one-way Anova were used for data analysis. The data shows that the neck pain decreased from 8.2 +/- 1.2 to 3.5 +/- 0.85 in the muscle energy group, and from 8.4 +/- 1.4 to 2.6 +/- 1.2 in the laser group. The shoulder pain and disability decreased from 102.9 +/- 10.7 to 24 +/- 10.3 in the muscle energy group, and from 104.7 +/- 11.8 to 22.6 +/- 10.7 in the laser group [P<0.05]. There were no significant differences seen between the two treatment groups regarding either the neck and shoulder pain or disability or ranges of motion [P>0.05]. The results show that low-level laser and muscle energy technique are both equally effective in decreasing the neck and shoulder pain and disability in patients with myofascial trigger points in trapezius and levator scapula muscles

Quality of working life on residents working in hospitals

Residents play an important role in the delivery of hospital care. They regularly work overnight, in emergency situations and with workload and stress which can affect their performance and quality of working life [QWL]. This study explores the QWL and its contributory factors in residents working at hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences [TUMS], Tehran, Iran. Medline was searched to identify questionnaires for measuring QWL in healthcare professionals and these questionnaires were used to design a comprehensive questionnaire for measuring residents QWL. Face and content validity of the questionnaire were examined by 7 experts. The questionnaire then was completed twice with one-week interval by 14 residents to assess the intera-rater reliability. Then 310 questionnaires were distributed among residents working at different specialties in 7 hospitals affiliated to TUMS including a large general hospital, two medium general hospitals and four small single specialty hospitals. Statistical analyses were performed by SPSS. Totally, 263 residents [84%] completed the questionnaire. The quality of working life was very well in 18%, well in 32%, moderate in 31%, low in 14% and very low in 5% of residents. Pediatric residents had the highest and urology and internal medicine residents had the lowest quality of working life. The QWL is high in the majority of residents, but the QWL is still not desirable in a significant proportion of them. The questionnaire used in this study is reliable and valid. The residents' QWL still need improvement

[Quality/quantity changes in oil and morphological traits of medicinal pumpkin [cucurbita pepo L.] under different cultivation practices]

Medical pumpkin is a medicinal plant that has a special place in the pharmaceutical industry, and evaluation of quantitative and qualitative yield is a under different agronomic treatments is necessary. Investigating of quality/quantities yield of oil and morphological traits of Cucurbita pepo. affected of planting date and row arrangement. This study was done as split plot on complete randomized blocks design with 3 replications at Research field of Aburaihan College, University of Tehran in 2010 and 2011 years. Treatments were included 3 main plots of planting dates [20 Apr, 21 May and 21 June] and 3 subplots of row arrangement [1, 1.5 and 2 meter between two rows]. In this study evaluated 1000 seeds weight, seeds number in fruit, seeds weight per fruit, seed yield, seed produce index, oil percentage and oil yield. The year had not significant effect on any traits expect of oil percentage and seeds number in fruit. The interaction of planting date and row arrangement were significant in all quality and quantity traits. Maximum of seed yield, seed oil percent and oil yield were obtained in 1 meter row spacingx21 may treatment and 1.5 meterx21 June treatment. Maximum of unsaturated fatty acids percent and minimum of saturated fatty acids percent were obtained in planting date of June with 1.5 and 2 meter row spacing. According to significant effect of row arrangement and planting date on seed and oil yield of medical pumpkin, quality and quantity growth followed economic yield of this plant could be improved by using appropriate agronomic management