[Study of Predictive factors of public health based on job satisfaction in employees of Rasht city Health Service Centers]

Introduction: manpower providing health and treatment care has a crucial contribution to public health, therefore maintaining and improving the quality of health care providers is required for quality of providing service. An aspect that has impact on their health is occupation and job satisfaction

Objective: present study is designed to examine predictive factors of public health based on job satisfaction of health service centers' employees

Methods: this study is a cross sectional descriptive-analytic study conducted in 2012. In this study, census method was used for sampling. 252 personnel of health centers participated in this study and data collection tool included three questionnaires of Job Description Index [JDI], General Health Questionnaire [GHQ] and demographic characteristic questionnaire which were used after establishment of its validity and reliability. Data was analyzed using descriptive and analytical tests [Mann Whitney- Kruskal Wallis

Results: findings showed that only 47.6% of staff had good general health. About 63.16% of employees were satisfied most level of satisfaction was in colleague domain [76.83%] and least level of satisfaction was in salary domain [41.5%]. Results indicated that from domain studied, only related and predicted areas of public health were colleague domain [p<0.049] and work environment condition [p<0.043] therefore the chance of general health increased by increasing level of satisfaction with colleague and work condition. Among the demographic characteristics, education [p<0.043] and management position [p<0.035] were identified as predictors of publichealth

Conclusion: in attention to obtained results, it can be said that the relationship between work and health is mutual and for improving the two concepts, planning and appropriate interventions are needed. And this intervention can lead to increased job satisfaction and staff physical and mental health

[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

[Association of serum obestatin concentration with thyroid function]

Obestatin is a gastrointestinal-peptide hormone which influences glucose and lipid metabolism, body weight and energy homeostasis. Very little is known about the association between gut peptides and thyroid diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between serum concentrations of obestatin and thyroid function in subclinical hypothyroid and hyperthyroid subjects. This study was performed on 35 hypothyroid, 35 hyperthyroid and 35 euthyroid subjects [controls] who referred to the Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. In all participants, serum levels of obestatin, TSH, FT3, FT4, insulin, glucose as well as BMI were assessed. Serum obestatin, FT3, FT4 and TSH were measured by ELISA, Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay [ECLIA] and Immunoradiometric assay [IRMA], respectively. Data were analyzed by T-test, One-Way ANOVA and Pearson correlation using SPSS 16. Serum concentrations of obestatin in both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism [0.04 +/- 0.01 and 0.05 +/- 0.02 ng/ml respectively] were significantly lower than in the control group [0.09 +/- 0.01 ng/ml], [P-value<0.001]. No significant correlations were observed between serum levels of obestatin and FT3, FT4, and TSH. Our results indicated obestatin concentrations were significantly associated with thyroid function

Serum level of adiponectin in subclinical hypothyroid and Hyperthyroid subjects

Adiponectin can influence glucose and lipid metabolism and body weight. As thyroid hormones play an important role in general metabolism and body weight regulation, changes in serum levels of adiponectin in thyroid dysfunctions are likely. The current study aimed at evaluating the association between serum adiponectin level and thyroid dysfunction in subclinical hypothyroid and hyperthyroid individuals. This study was performed on 68 subclinical hypothyroid and hyperthyroid subjects [in equal groups] and 34 euthyroid who referred to the Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. In all participants, serum levels of adiponectin, TSH, FT3, FT4, insulin, glucose, lipid profiles and BMI were assessed. Serum adiponectin, FT3, FT4 and TSH were measured by ELISA, Electrochemiiuminescence and Immunoradiometric assay [IRMA], respectively. Data were analyzed by T-test, One-Way ANOVA and Pearson correlation using SPSS 16. Serum concentrations of adiponectin in both the hypothyroid and hyperthyroid groups [11.91 +/- 5.02 and 11.87 +/- 5.84 ng/ml, respectively] were remarkably lower than the control group [15.13 +/- 5.88 ng/ml], [P<0.05]. There was no significant correlation between serum levels of adiponectin and TSH, FreeT3, FreeT4, or BMI. Decrease in serum levels of adiponectin in hypo and hyperthyroid individuals may indicate a significant association between adiponectin concentrations and thyroid dysfunction

Cost analysis for cancer subgroups in Kerman, Iran

The economic costs of cancer care are a burden to people diagnosed with cancer, their families, and society as a whole. Despite several studies about cancer in Iran, there is paucity of cost analysis in this area. The aim of this study was to estimate the cost of cancer subgroups in Kerman, Iran. A retrospective analysis of administrative 223 diagnosed patients with different cancers was undertaken. Monthly average cost of cancer was 3.32 thousand US dollars [average exchange rate in 2010: 10308 Iranian rials' 1 US dollar]. Breast cancer, with an average 4.30 thousand US dollars per month was the most expensive and cancer of male reproductive organs with average2.16 thousand US dollars were the cheapest cancer. The hidden monthly cost of all types of cancer was 2 thousand US dollars, breast cancer, lung, blood and female reproductive organs were costly and brain and peripheral nerves cancer, gastrointestinal tract and prostate were medium and male reproductive organs cancer was less costly. Economically impact and burden of cancer should be an important consideration in the health policy making in Iranian health service system

[ effect of aromatherapy with orange essential oils on anxiety in patients undergoing hemodialysis]

All hemodialysis patients experience some degree of anxiety during hemodialysis. Anxiety increases morbidity and mortality. The aim of this research is to compare the effect of orange essential oil aromatherapy on anxiety of hemodialysis patients. In this clinical trial, sixty-two hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to two groups: an orange oil group [n=31], and a usual care group [n=31]. In orange oil group, subjects inhaled orange oil using handkerchiefs smeared with orange oil for 15-20 minutes. This method was used three times a week for four weeks. In the usual care group, subjects received the routine care of the hemodialysis ward. The level of anxiety in the two groups was measured and compared before intervention, as well as after the first, second, third, and fourth weeks of intervention, using Spielberg State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire. Before intervention, the mean state anxiety scores were 46.9 +/- 9.7 and 48.3 +/- 11.6 and the mean trait anxiety scores were 46.5 +/- 9.2 and 47.9 +/- 11.6 in orange oil and usual care groups, respectively. After intervention, the mean state anxiety scores were 35.9 +/- 8.7 and 45.1 +/- 1.7 and the mean trait anxiety scores were 36.0 +/- 10.0 and 45.6 +/- 11.8 in orange oil and usual care groups, respectively. In orange oil group, the level of state and trait anxiety decreased significantly compared with usual care group [p < 0.001]. Also, in orange oil group, the level of state and trait anxiety decreased significantly between the first, second, third, and fourth weeks of intervention [p < 0.05]. Orange oil aromatherapy can reduce state and trait anxiety in hemodialysis patients without important complications

[Evaluation of body composition, physiological indices and motor-physical fitness of Emam Ali university cadets]

The aim of current study was the Evaluation of body composition, physiological indices and Motor-physical fitness of the first grade and last grade cadets of Emam Ali University. In this study 150 subjects with mean age of [18.5 +/- 0.5 and 23.1 +/- 0.31 years old] and weight of [65 +/- 7.05 and 67.4 =/- 8.13 kg] and mean height of [174.4 +/- 5.38 and 174.1 +/- 5.68] cm] were selected randomly and were assessed within two groups of first grade cadets [n=75] and last grade cadets [n=75]. First collected data were compared within first and last grade cadets, and then compared with USA military norms. For data analysis Independent Samples T Test was used [alpha =0.05]. Findings showed that there is a significant difference [P>0.05] between Motor-physical fitness indices of Emam Ali first and last grade cadets [except flexibility, balance and anaerobic power with lactic acid [P>0.05]. In comparison with USA military officers, norm, Iranians especially last grade cadets in elements of flexibility, coordination, balance and anaerobic power were respectively in good, intermediate, excellent and under intermediate levels. Also in the cardio vascular and muscular endurance achieved higher scores than norm. There aren't significant differences in body composition indices between first and last grade cadet [P<0.05]. About body fat percent indices, in comparison with American officers, Iranian cadets were in the lower level than normal level. In addition, physiological indices of first and last grade cadets were significantly different [P<0.05]. It is concluded that in the most of physical-motor fitness and body composition indices, final grade cadets are in more appropriate level than first grade cadets and norm. it can be as a result of effective training programs used in Emam Ali University

[ productivity of general hospitals of Ardebil Province [1999-2006]]

The Main reason for using productivity and efficiency analysis in all areas of management, in particular hospitals, is the resources constraint. The aim of this study was to measure the productivity in general hospitals of Ardebil province. This was a descriptive analytical retrospective study, carried out in 10 general hospitals within the Province of Ardebil in 2008. The Data Envelopment Analysis [DEA] technique and the Malmquist Total Factor Productivity Index were employed to measure the productivity and variables such as the number of GPs, number of active beds, number of admissions, and the days of hospitalizations were taken into account. Collection of data within the last 7 years was accomplished using the Standard Forms designed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education's Statistical Department. Data analysis was performed using the Deap2 software. Based on our data, the Total Factor Productivity mean was 1.033 indicating a decrease of 3.3% in productivity within this period. The technical efficiency change and also the technological change as component of productivity were 1.044 and 1.029, respectively. The trend of productivity over the study period failed to follow any particular trend. In the first three years, the productivity was reduced while within the next two years it was increased. Nevertheless, the productivity again faced a decrease within the next year. The total factors productivity during the study period showed a decreased productivity. The productivity losses were largely due to technological changes. Numerous studies carried out in other countries, particularly in low income countries, produced similar results in which the major cause of lower productivity was attributed to technological changes

[Effect of intravenous vitamin C on sleep quality in hemodialysis patients]

Poor sleep quality is common among hemodialysis patients and can potentially predict morbidity, mortality and quality of life in these patients. On the other hand, hemodialysis patients are encountered with vitamin C deficiency. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of intravenous vitamin C on sleep quality in hemodialysis patients. In this double blind randomized clinical trial, 60 qualified hemodialysis patients were gone under investigation in Sari a city located in North of Iran during 2010. Patients randomly allocated in two equal intervention and control groups. The main measured outcome was the Pittsburg sleep quality index [PSQI] which consists of seven components. At the end of each hemodialysis session, Intervention group received vitamin C vial [500mg/5cc] intravenously, three times a week for 8 weeks and control group received normal saline in a same way. Data were collected at pretreatment and after two months of treatment. Data were analyzed by Independent t test, Paired t test, Wilcoxon and Chi-Square tests. The result indicated that the sleep quality improves significantly in vitamin C group but not in control group [P<0.001]. Vitamin C caused significant improvement in subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, habitual sleep efficiency and sleep disturbances in intervention group [p<0.05]. Also, Global PSQI score of intervention group had a greater improvement than control group. Moreover vitamin C caused significant improvement in subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, habitual sleep efficiency and sleep disturbances in intervention group after treatment [p< 0.05]. This study showed that intravenous vitamin C can effectively improve sleep quality in hemodialysis patients

[Study on toxic effects of Artemisisa spp. fractions from Iran on human cancer cell lines]

For most of cancers there is no treatment and most of them ended in death. So, the first investigational stage is evaluation of toxic effects of drug fractions on cancer cells. Artemisia species are important medicinal plants throughout the world. In this study, anti-tumoral effects of seven Artemisia spp. fractions from Iran were studied on cancer and normal cells. Ethanol, ethylacetate, dichloromethane and hexane fractions of seven Artemisia incubated with different concentrations of fractions for 72 hours and cytotoxicity was determined using MTT assay. Results were reported as IC[50] [concentration that kills 50 percent of cells]. Obtained results showed strong and dose-dependent inhibition of cancer cell growth by different Artemisia fractions. The most cytotoxicity effects were for dichloromethane fraction from Artemisia biennis on cervix cancer cells, dichloromethane fraction from Artemisia ciniformis on gastric cancer cells and dichloromethane fraction from Artemisia diffusa on colon cancer cells. Ethylacetate, dichloromethane and hexane fractions from Artemisia biennis, hexane fraction from Artemisia ciniformis, hexan fraction from Artemisia santulina and ethylacetate fraction from Artemisia vulgaris had the least toxic effect on normal L929 cells. Some isolated fractions caused a significant decrease in cancer cell growth and had less toxicity on normal cells. So, study on Artemisia in prevention or efficient treatment of different cancers is useful. Study the effect of effective fractions on apoptosis induction and determination of their mechanisms of actions is suggested

[Investigating the antibacterial activity of L. casei and L. acidophilus against common agents of nosocomial infections]

The emergence of antibiotic resistance in nosocomial pathogens has become a great concern with rising reports of cases worldwide. Interestingly, the application of probiotics and their products for inhibition and bacterial replacement has been the focus of many investigation within the recent years. This study was performed to evaluate the antibacterial effect of L. casei and L. acidophilus against a number of known nosocomial bacteria in an attempt to introduce a replacement therapy. This study was carried out in bacteriology department of Shiraz Medical School in 2008. Lactobacilli strains were isolated from the local dairy [FARS] products and identified through routine microbiological methods using chemical [sugar] test. According to the results of a previous study, these two strains were tested for antibiotic resistance using disk diffusion method. Later, the supernatant of a 72-hour culture of each strain was tested for inhibitory affect on standard bacterial strains including S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa, and the spore- forming bacterium B. subtilis in two active and inactive forms. Review of the antibiotic results showed that both L.casei and L. acidophilus were resistant to all antibiotics used except the Tobramycin and Vancomycin which were demonstrated to have antibacterial activities against L.acidophilus. Additionally, when investigating the antibacterial activity of these two strains, it was revealed that except for B. subtilis, significant inhibition zones were found around the colonies of pathogenic bacteria both in active and inactive forms. According to the results of the present study it was demonstrated that the two strains of lactobacilli have a good resistance against the routine antibiotics although their antibacterial activity on growth of some usual nosocomial pathogens is limited in inactivated form when in conditions in which acid and H[2]O[2] are available, they can act as good inhibitors of bacterial growth

[Acinetobacter antibiotic resistance and frequency of ESBL-producing strains in ICU patients of Namazi Hospital [2008-2009]]

Acinetobacter is a gram-negative pathogenic bacterium and an important cause of nosocomial infections especially in immunocompromised patients in the intensive care units. Reports of multi-drug resistant isolates have increased during the last decade. As a result of extensive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and high prevalence of ESBL producing bacteria especially in ICU ward, Acinetobacter infection is often difficult to treat. To determine the antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter and detecting the prevalence of ESBL producing strains in ICU patients of Namazi Hospital in Shiraz [Iran]. This study was carried our on 147 clinical isolates of Acinetobacter collected from ICU patients at Namazi Hospital during October to December [2008-2009]. Antibiotic susceptibility test for isolated strains was performed using disk diffusion method. Also, isolation of ESBL Acinetobacter strains was accomplished using double disk synergy test. Findings: The highest antibiotic resistance among 147 Acinetobacter baumannii strains was found against ciprofloxacin, amikacin, and gentamicin. Regarding the results of initial screening tests, 44% of total samples were demonstrated to be ESBL positive Based on our data, the major reason for emergence of diverse ESBL strains was due to unjustified administration of broad spectrum cephalosporins. Accurate antibiotic susceptibility testing prior to administration of antibacterial agents for patients to reduce the high prevalence of ESBL strains is recommended

Influenza A [H1N1] virus pandemic in Fars Province: a report from southern Iran, July-December 2009

Influenza type A [H1N1] virus is considered as a major concern for health care system all over the world and imposes a considerable burden on the community. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of the disease in order to help health administrators in making decision for preventive measures. 297 definite cases of influenza A [H1N1] diagnosed from 15 July to 3 December 2009 in Fars province, south of Iran, were included in this study. Diagnosis was confirmed performing Real time-PCR. The patients' information including age, gender, occupation, nationality, education, residency area and history of overseas or domestic travel, history of contact with other influenza patients, and symptoms were collected and analyzed. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 24.4 +/- 15.8 years. 76 [25.6%] patients were admitted in the hospitals, of whom, 11 cases died due to related influenza complications with Case Fatality Ratio [CFR] of 4.4%. The most common reported symptoms were fever, cough and sore throat. There were two waves in the disease incidence, one about 1 month after emergence of the disease and another around 1 month after school openings. The first peak was observed mainly among adults with a history of foreign travel while the second peak was mainly observed among school students. The magnitude of the epidemic was much higher when the disease was transmitted between students at the beginning of the school year. Considering the high incidence of H1N1 flu among the students [41%], vaccination programs and preventive measures should target this age group

[ inhibitory effect of Artemisia annua extracts on gastric cancer cells via apoptosis induction]

Previous studies have shown an anti-tumoral effect for different species of Artemisia. This study was performed to evaluate the anti-tumural effects of different kinds of Artemisia annua extracts on gastric cancer cells. Methanol, ethylacetate, dichloromethane and hexane extracts of Artemisia annua were prepared by step to step procedure. Cultivated gastric cancer cell line [AGS] and normal fibroblast cells [L929] were incubated with different concentrations of extracts for 24 hours and cell growth inhibition was determined using MTT assay and results were reported as lC50 [concentration that caused 50 percent inhibition of cells growth]. Annexin V and propidium iodide [PI] staining was used to evaluate the apoptosis and/or necrosis induction in cancer cells. One way ANOVA was used for analysis. The results obtained from MTT assay showed a strong and dose-dependent inhibition of cancer cell growth by different Artemisia annua extracts. The most cytotoxic effect was obtained by methanolic extract [IC50: 500 microg/ml] and it caused apoptosis more than other extracts. Isolated extracts from Artemisia annua caused a significant decrease in gastric cancer cell growth mainly by induction of apoptosis and at the same time they had less toxicity on normal cells. Therefore, Isolation and purification of effective compound/s from this extracts and determination of their mechanisms of action is suggested

[Survey the relationship between the type of delivery and enamel defects of the first permanent molars]

The enamel of the permanent first molars is initiated at about the 20[th] weeks in uterine. The first partially mineralized enamel matrix is laid down, starting at the sites of future cusps. At birth, the secondary mineralization has started at the cusps and the mineralization continues during the first years after birth. The researches indicated that any stressful event during birth [like cesarean section delivery] is likely to result in clinically evident enamel defects. A few researches considered the possible relation between type of delivery and enamel defects. To investigate the relationship between type of delivery and enamel defects of the first permanent molar. In this analytical historical cohort study, 120 children who were 7-8years-old and had born by cesarean delivery and 120 children at the same age who had born by normal vaginal delivery were chosen to examine clinical feature of their first permanent molars. In cesarean group, there were 60 children who had born by urgent cesarean and 60 children by elective cesarean. The birth files of 1999- 2000 years were extracted and the information about type of delivery, mothers age, and infants health at birth was collected. Enamel defect was recorded according to DDE index. Data was analyzed by T-test and x[2] test. Findings showed enamel defects of the first permanent molars in children who born by cesarean delivery were significantly more than children born by normal vaginal delivery [70% versus 40.8%]. But there weren't any significant relationship between the prevalence of enamel defects in two types of cesarean [30% versus 33%]. According to results, it is necessary to explain the importance of cesarean as a cause of effective factor on child's first permanent morals and have to aware dentists and parents

[Genomic evaluation of 5'-UTR sequence of fusion gene in vaccine strain of measles virus [AIK-C] following passage in MRC-5 cell line]

Multiple point mutations and deletions have been detected in the 5'-UTR non-coding region of F gene of measles virus vaccine strains that may affect the function of fusion protein and viral penetration. To study the possible alterations in 5'-UTR non-coding sequence of F gene following a change in measles virus cell culture from chicken fibroblast to MRC-5 cell line. Concerning the importance of F gene in immunogenicity and the cellular tropism of this protein, the present study was performed at the Biotechnology Department of Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran. After cloning of 5'-UTR non-coding sequence of F gene and amplification using a two-step RT-PCR method, the recombinant plasmid was sequenced. Comparing this F gene 5'-UTR sequence with standard vaccine strains by DNAMAN program, the possible changes which might have been occurred in F gene non-coding sequence, was determined. Comparing the F gene 5'-UTR sequence of AIK-C vaccine strain with two sequences of Parks and Mori vaccine strains was indicative of two nucleotide variations in bases 156 and 288 after shifting the measles virus vaccine strain cell lines from chicken fibroblast to MRC-5. Regarding the changes in two nucleotides of F gene 5'-UTR non-coding sequence after cell culture shift from fibroblast to MRC-5 cell line for multiplication of measles virus vaccine strain, these alterations may affect the selection of AUG initiation codon, promote the translational level of fusion protein, and therefore leading to possible reduction in immunogenicity of this newly propagated virus vaccine strain

Renal cortical thickness in adults with normal renal function measured by ultrasonography

Renal cortical thickness is an important index for many renal diseases. Ultrasonography has been introduced as an effective method to determine different renal measurements. The objective of this study was to determine the sonographic measurement of renal cortical thickness [RCT] in adults with normal renal function in Isfahan and its relation with gender, age, height, weight, body mass index [BMI], and the side of the body. 142 healthy subjects aged 20-50 years with no history of renal or systemic diseases were studied prospectively. These patients had normal BUN/Cr tests and urine analysis. They also had a normal kidney sonography. Gray scale sonography was used to measure the distance between the outer border of the medulla and the renal capsule, presenting as RCT. 80 men and 62 women with a mean +/- SD age of 38.8 +/- 7.7 years underwent sonography. The mean +/- SD RCT was 9.09 +/- 0.99 mm. RCT associated with gender [P=0.02] but there was no significant difference between the right and left RCTs [P=0.15]. There were significant positive correlations between RCT and renal length and the patients' height, but such a correlation was not observed between RCT and age, BMI, and the patients' weight. RCT varies with many variables including gender, height and length of the kidney. The results of this study can be used for evaluation of RCT to determine abnormal clinical conditions

Reduced bioavailability of oral metronidazole in postoperative ileus

Metronidazole has been reported to reduce postoperative anaerobic infections following surgical procedures. Because of high cost and poor availability of intravenous metronidazole compared with that of oral preparation, we decided to measure the serum level of metronidazole after oral administration in patients during postoperative ileus, and to evaluate the substitution of intravenous metronidazole for the oral product. The present study comprised 45 adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery via long laparatomy incision from Aug to Nov 2003. [500 mg of Metronidazole was administered as a single dose orally to each patient twice, one in ileus condition and the other in nonileus condition. Blood sampling was done 1 hour after each episode of the drug administration]. A significant reduction [P<0.001] was found between the mean serum metronidazole concentration [2.90 +/- 2.29 SD g/ml] during postoperative ileus, and that of controls [11.07 +/- 6.72 SD g/ml]. In majority of patients [62.5%], the serum level of metronidazole in ileus did not reach its minimum inhibitory concentration [3 micro g/ml] for the most clinically important anaerobic bacteria. Postoperative ileus significantly affected the oral absorption of metronidazole. As a result, if we want to control an active anaerobic infection with a prompt antibiotic therapy, it seems that initiating of the therapeutic regimen with oral Metronidazole postoperatively is not justified

Developing a culturally valid and reliable quality of life questionnaire for diabetes mellitus

The aim of this study was to design a culturally adapted questionnaire for studying quality of life [QOL] among type 1 and 2 adult diabetes patients in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The 41 items on the questionnaire were based on qualitative research and covered general and health-related QOL. In a descriptive survey, 104 patients completed the questionnaire; 68 [65.4%] were female. Mean age was 50.5 years [standard deviation 12.8]. Most patients [86.5%] had type 2 diabetes. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the questionnaire was 0.98. The questionnaire successfully distinguished the lower QOL of patients suffering from pain in the limbs, loss of appetite, fatigue, constipation and itching. The questionnaire could determine both general and health-related QOL