[ effect of a combined herbal ointment [pepper, rosemary, peppermint] on low back pain after coronary angiography]

Background: Angiography is one of the most important diagnostic procedures of heart patients is that despite many advantages in the detection of coronary artery disease , has caused many problems for patients. To prevent these complications, the patient is recommended bed rest. Followed this situation, back pain occurred and low back pain is common among these patients

Objective: This study aims to assess the effect of topical herbal ointment on back pain in angiography patients

Methods: This study was a two groups randomized clinical trial, in which patients underwent coronary angiography were selected with available sampling and randomly divided into two groups [taking herbal ointment] and control [placebo] and on angiography day and one day later treated with herbal ointment [4 times a day] and before taking the ointment, and at the end of the second day, pain was measured by VAS scale

Results: In this study assessed 80 patients that received angiography. The mean pain score in the test group prior to the intervention was 4/05 with a standard deviation 2/24 and after intervention was 2/47 with standard deviation 1/66. pain score in the control group prior to the intervention was 3/52 with a standard deviation 1/93 and after intervention was 3/45 with standard deviation 1/82

Conclusion: With regard the results of this study we can conclude that this herbal ointment [pepper, rosemary, peppermint] can reduce low back pain in patients after angiography and we can use this ointment to increase patient comfort although more research with more samples is needed in this area to achieve a certain result

Comparison of culture and PCR methods for diagnosis of vaginal infection due to Mycoplasma Hominis

Background and Objective: Mycoplasma Hominis is the smallest pathogenic bacteria, with no cell wall and free living organisms. It grows slowly and the conventional clinical microbiology techniques can not be applied due to difficulties in cultivation in particular slow growth incubation. This study was done to compare the culture and PCR methods for diagnosis of vaginal infection due to Mycoplasma Hominis

Methods: This laboratory test evaluation study was done on 150 patients with bacterial vaginosis and 50 healthy people with no infection as control, whom refereed to Imam Khomeini and Imam Zaman Hospitals in Tehran. Samples were collected in PPLO culture for growth and PBS to perform PCR method

Results: 35.3% and 76% of patients were positive using culture and PCR methods, respectively. Using PCR method 8% of control subjects was positive. There was no significant association between PCR method with abortion, place of residence and also level of educations. There was a significant association between the age [P<0.05], times of changing under wear cloths [P<0.05] and parity [P<0.05]

Conclusion: PCR method is a more reliable technique to detect the vaginal infection due to Mycoplasma Hominis compared to culturing

effect of saccharomyces strains and fermentation condition on the ph, foam property and CO2 concentration of non-alcoholic beer [Ma-al-shaeer]

This study aims to determine the effect of fermentation condition and Saccharomyces strains on the pH, foam property and CO[2] concentration of non-alcoholic beer [Ma-al-shaeer]. For this, the beer samples were inoculated with four different species of Saccharomyces [Saccharomyces rouxii 70531, S. rouxii 70535, S. ludwigii 3447 and S. cerevisiae 70424] and fermented for 48h in both aerobic and periodic aeration at three different temperatures. Then their pH, CO[2] concentration and foam property were analyzed in 12h intervals during 48h fermentation. The results shows that the treatments with 4×10[7] CFU.ml[-1] and periodic aeration at 24?C showed the greatest decrease in pH, and the treatments with 10[7] CFU.ml[-1] and aerobic-periodic aeration at 4?C showed the lowest decrease in pH. The highest and lowest amounts of CO[2] and foam property were obtained in the treatments with 4×10[7] CFU.ml[-1] inoculation, aerobic condition, and the treatments with 10[7] CFU.ml[-1], periodic aeration, respectively. These results further demonstrated that the highest drop in pH, and the highest ability of producing CO[2] and foam were for S. cerevisiae 70424, and the lowest belonged to S. rouxii 70531. The overall outcome of the study points to the fact that physico-chemical properties of Ma-al-shaeer is important from the consumers' point of view. Therefore, S. cerevisiae with 4×10[7] CFU.ml[-1] inoculation and aerobic condition at 4°C has promising potential for producing Ma-al-shaeer with good physicochemical properties

Medical faculty members' perspectives on the components of cross-cultural competence in the Islamic Republic of Iran: a qualitative study

Despite the importance of cultural competence in health care, there has been no research to develop a framework for cultural competence in the Iranian context. This qualitative study at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences aimed to elucidate the views of medical faculty staff on the components of cross-cultural competence and compare these with similar studies published in English. Using a combination of archival studies, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions among faculty members 3 major domains [knowledge, attitude and behaviour] and 21 components were identified to describe the cross-cultural competence of faculty members in medical schools. Participants expressed the importance of knowledge as a precursor to changing attitudes and the 6 knowledge components related to knowledge and awareness of values, beliefs and norms of different ethnic, racial and cultural groups. Experts mostly emphasized the importance of interaction between faculty members and clients [students and patients]

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on survival rate and growth performance of Convict Cichlid [Amatitlania nigrofasciata]

Using probiotics can control pathogens by a variety of mechanisms. Probiotics can promote growth performance and have, therefore, become increasingly important in the aquaculture industry. Convict Cichlid belongs to the family of Cichlidae and is known for its rapid development in laboratory conditions and is suitable for behavioral examinations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth performance, survival rate and body composition of Convict Cichlids [Amatitlania nigrofasciata]. One hundred sixty eight Convict Cichlids [mean weight: 2.1 +/- 0.12 g and mean length: 2.2 +/- 0.05 cm] were fed by commercial diets with different concentrations of S. cerevisiae [0, 0.5%, 1%, 2%]. At the end of the experiment, survival rate and growth indices were measured. Based on the results, growth performance significantly increased with probiotic, S. cerevisiae, specially, at the 2% probiotic level of concentration. In the present study, the best FCR [feed conversion rate], SGR [specific growth rate], CF [condition factor] and BWG [body weight gain] values were observed in a 2% concentration of S. cerevisiae. The results suggest that this yeast could improve feed utilization in this fish species

[Fungal flora in external ear canal in chronic otitis media]

Fungal ear infection is common diseases in tropical areas with manifestation of acute and chronic clinical symptoms in external ear canal. This study was done to compare the fungal flora in external ear canal in chronic otitis media and subjects without otitis media. This case-control study was done on 63 patients with chronic otitis media and 63 subjects without otitis media. Samples were taken from external ear canal with a sterile swab and were placed in the sterile tubes containing normal saline. The direct smear was prepared and samples were cultured in S, SCC and CMA [corn meal agar] media. Identification of genus and species were established using slide culture method and Germ-tube assay. Positive fungi culture in external ear canal was seen in 77.78% and 17.46% of case and control groups, respectively [P<0.05]. The most common type of fungi was Saprophyts [57.33%] followed by yeast [20.59%] and dermatophytes [17.32%]. The most prevalent fungi in the subgroup of Saprophytes and dermatophytes was Aspergillusnigra [41.66%] and Trichophytonmentagrophytes [36.37%], respectively. The most common subgroup in yeast was Candida SPP with 53.85%. This study showed that the positive fungi culture in external ear canal is more prevalent in patients with chronic otitis media

Effect of a home bleaching agent on the fracture toughness of resin composites, using short rod design

Statement of Problem: Resin composites are brittle materials and their major shortcomings are manifested in their sensitivity to flaws and defects. Although various mechanical properties of resin composites have been described, few studies are available on assessing the effect of bleaching agents on resin composites using the short rod design

Purpose: To place various resin composites into distilled water at 37°C for 21 days and determine the effect of immersion time in distilled water, with and without exposure to 10% carbamide peroxide by employing short rod design fracture toughness test

Materials and Method: Specimens were prepared from three resin composites; Rok [SDI], Esthet [Dentsply], and Estelite [Tokuyama]. For each material, a total of 24 disc-shaped specimens were prepared using a custom-made mould. Specimens were randomly divided into 3 groups of 8 and conditioned in 37°C distilled water for either 24 hours, or 21 days. 21 day specimens were tested both with and without applying bleaching agent; Polanight [SDI]. Study group specimens were bleached for 21 days, 2 hours a day. The specimens were loaded using a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm per minute. The maximum load at specimen failure was recorded and the K[Ic] [MPa. M [0.5]] was calculated

Results: Statistical analysis using two-way ANOVA showed a significant relationship between material and time [p< 0.05].Tukey's test showed that after 24 h of immersion in distilled water, Rok revealed the highest K[Ic] followed by Esthet and Estelite. The bleaching agent significantly improved the fracture toughness values of Esthet while it decreased that of Estelite

Conclusion: The fracture toughness of the resin composites was affected by the bleaching agent and distilled water. In comparison with Rok and Estelite, fracture toughness of Esthet was increased due to aging and application of bleaching agent

Medical faculty members' perspectives on the components of cross-cultural competence in the Islamic Republic of Iran: a qualitative study

Despite the importance of cultural competence in health care, there has been no research to develop a framework for cultural competence in the Iranian context. This qualitative study at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences aimed to elucidate the views of medical faculty staff on the components of cross-cultural competence and compare these with similar studies published in English. Using a combination of archival studies, semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions among faculty members 3 major domains [knowledge, attitude and behaviour] and 21 components were identified to describe the cross-cultural competence of faculty members in medical schools. Participants expressed the importance of knowledge as a precursor to changing attitudes and the 6 knowledge components related to knowledge and awareness of values, beliefs and norms of different ethnic, racial and cultural groups. Experts mostly emphasized the importance of interaction between faculty members and clients [students and patients]

[Comparison the effect of two methods, patient controlled analgesia and intramuscular injection after abdominal surgery in patients admitted to Amir Al Momenin hospital in Ahwaz]

70 percent of patients experience the pain after surgery as the most common complication. Lack of pain relief after surgery can lead to surgical complications, prolonged duration of hospitalization and delayed recovery. The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of two methods, patient controlled analgesia and intramuscular injection inpatients after abdominal surgery. This clinical trial study was conducted through convenience sampling on 60 patients referred to Amir Al Momenin hospital for abdominal surgery in Ahwaz in 2010. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups [30 in each group] of patient's controlling their pain through infusion pump [intervention group] and intramuscular injection [control group]. For gathering data demographic information form and the visual analog scale VAS were used. Pain severity and analgesic drug consumption was assessed every 6 hours during 24 hours after surgery. The data were analyzed by SPSS 16, repeated measures ANOVA test. There was a significant difference between the two groups in relation to the mean of pain severity and the extent of drug consumption after abdominal surgery, where as the pain level in the intervention group was less than the control group [P=0.03], but the mean of drug consumption in the intervention group was more than the control group [P<0.001]. According to study findings, education of patient controlled analgesia can be effective way to reduce pain after surgery, thus this method will be had a critical role in promotion of quality of nursing care and increasing of patient communication with staff.

Diagnostic value of fructosamine and glycosylated hemoglobin in estimating blood glucose level in diabetic patients with thalassemia major

Diabetes mellitus is one of complications that thalassemia major patients face with. Hence, blood glucose monitoring is of vital importance to these patients. Because of high level of fetal hemoglobin in these patients, the measurement of hemoglobin AI[c] is not reliable and should be displaced by fructosamine test. The current descriptive study was carried out on 33 beta-thalassemia major patients afflicted with diabetes mellitus [21 female and 12 male cases]. Blood glucose level, fructosamine, hemoglobin AI[C], serum ferritin and fetal hemoglobin were measured. Blood glucose levels are 204 +/- 103 mg/dL and 221 +/- 101 mg/dL [p=0.63]; fetal hemoglobin levels are 9% +/- 7% and 13% +/- 9% [p=0.22]; serum ferritin levels are 1744 +/- 1534 ng/mL and 3253 +/- 1773 ng/mL [p=0.96] in female and male patients, respectively. The level of fructosamine [42 +/- 124 mmol/L] and glycosylated hemoglobin [8.9% +/- 1.8%] are correlated significantly [r=0.69, p<0.01]. Both Hemoglobin A[1c] [r=0.75, p<0.01] and fructosamine [r=0.54, p<0/01] show a significant correlation with blood glucose level. In diabetic thalassemia major patients with frequent blood transfusion, the level of fructosamine and glycosylated hemoglobin are related significantly, therefore; they can be used alternatively

[Stratification of Kermanshah province districts in terms of health structural indicators using scalogram Model]

Accessing developmental goals and decreasing regional inequality requires regional planning in developing countries. Therefore, it is important to identify developmental position of regions relative to each other. The aim of this study was to classify Kermanshah province townships about situation of health structural enjoyment indicators using Scalogram Model. This is a descriptive study and it determines health structural enjoyment indicators in townships of Kermanshah province. Data related to indicators were collected in 3 categories of institutional, human resources and rural health by the researcher using statistical yearbook. Data analysis was done using Scalogram Model, Excel 2010 and SPSS/18. There is a large gap between townships of Kermanshah province in terms of enjoyment of structural indicators of health services. Kermanshah and Javanrud Townships with 81 score and Sarpol e Zahab Township with 39 score were the highest and lowest scores respectively from enjoyment of health structural indicators. Generally, 50% of townships were in less developed and underdeveloped level whereas 35.72% of townships were in developed level. High development was related to manpower indicator and low development was related to rural health institutional indicator. In order to improve less developed indicators and decrease the difference in enjoyment of health services indicators among townships, it is proposed that, development-oriented planning to be carried out appropriately with levels of development in these townships

Molecular identification of leishmania species using samples obtained from negative stained smears

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis [CL] is a parasitic skin disease. Diagnosis primarily is based on clinical signs and microscopic observation of parasite on direct stained smears or tissue sections. Sensitivity of direct smear is not as high as molecular methods. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize Leishmania species among the negative direct smears obtained from skin ulcers suspected to CL by PCR method. Among 81 patients with suspicious skin lesions to CL referred to the Parasitology lab, negative Giemsa stained smears were collected. DNA extraction performed by scraping stained smears, then PCR was performed. Among the DNA extracted from smears, L. tropica was isolated from 9 [11.1%] of the smears and L.major was not isolated from any samples. Direct microscopy on stained smears for diagnosis of leishmaniasis is not enough accurate. PCR is recommended for clinically suspected lesions with negative result of direct smear.

[Effect of prefabricated and custom- made splints on quality of life in the first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis]

The first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis reduced the ability of upper limb in elderly with subsequent disability in physical activities. This study was carried out to determine the effect of prefabricated and custom-made splints on quality of life in the first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. This quasi-experimental study was done on 24 elderly [>60 years of age] patients with the first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis and 12 matched healthy subjects in Tehran rehabilitation University during 2010-11. Patients assigned randomly in two groups with 8 weeks treatment period, prefabricated thumb and custom-made splints. Persian version of The Short Form 36 quastioner [SF36] was used to assess the quality of life. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and paired t-test. There were significant differences between osteoarthritis patients and healthy subjects in the quality of life according to SF36 score physical health problem [P<0.05], general health [P<0.05], limitations of activities [P<0.05], emotional health problem [P<0.05], social activities [P<0.05], pain [P<0.05], energy and emotions [P<0.05]. Using splints significantly improved the quality of life of patients, but there was no significant difference between two splints in improving the quality of life. Prefabricated and custom-made splint improve quality of life in elderly patient with the first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis

[Survey of effective factors on nursing graduated motivation to participate in job training programs in affiliated baqiyatallah university hospitals]

One of the useful and cost-saving methods in promotion and coordination of nursing profession with improvement resulted from technology social and medical science is the in- service training, to participate of medical centers staff in the course depend on a variety of motivational factors. This study intend to determine the factors related to nurses motivation in participating the program of in service training. In a descriptive study, 229 nurses chose their motivation factors in participation in the in service training through completion of standard 27-qusestion-questionnaire with the likert scale about domains of personal, organizational, professional factors and factors related to periodical programming. About factors involved in nurses motivation for participating in the in service training, they select professional [85.2%], personal [79%], programming [30.6%] and organizational [30.6%] factors for participating in the in service training. The significant relationship were observed between organizational factors and sex [P<0.001] and workplace [P<0.005], between professional factors and the type of employment [p<0.004], and between program factors and sex [P<0.004], and type of employment nurses [p<0.002]. Most of motivation factors to participation of nurses in the in service training is personal and professional factors. Therefore it is necessary that health care organizations consider other organizational related factors. This study is the first study in military hospitals therefore the results could be useful for other military medical centers

[Health beliefs about mammography and clinical breast examination among female healthcare providers in Tabriz health centers]

Mammography and clinical breast examination have been recommended for early detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic women. Health beliefs play an important role in people's tendency toward participation in health promotion behaviors. The aim of this study was to determine the health beliefs of female health care providers of Tabriz Health Centers about mammography and clinical breast examination. It was a descriptive, cross- sectional study. The participants were recruited from 52 health center of Tabriz city by proportional cluster random sampling [n=196]. Data was collected by Champion's Health Belief Model Scale and analyzed using SPSS-PC [v.14]. The findings revealed that 26.6% and 10.7% of the sample had a history of mammography and clinical breast examination respectively. The most prevalent barriers to mammography and breast examination were beliefs about painful nature of mammography [2.45 +/- 1.02] and fear of the possible diagnosis of cancer [2.30 +/- 1.05]. There were significant associations between mammography and marital status [p=0.001] and age [p<0.001] and also between clinical breast examination and age [p=0.02]. Misconceptions and incorrect beliefs about mammography and clinical breast examination could result in low rate of participation in mammography and clinical breast examination. Providing educational programs to correct wrong health beliefs about these examinations is recommended

appropriate multiple criteria decision making method for solving electricity planning problems, addressing sustainability issue

In the past, decision making within the energy sector, especially in Iran, was limited to economic analysis. Lately, multiple criteria decision making has gained great popularity. However, this is not enough to make a right decision by considering sustainability. This paper deals with designing an appropriate multiple criteria decision making method to address the multifaceted nature of such problems. This task is the second precondition to make a decision which meets the sustainability criterion. This is done by revealing new facts about quantitative and qualitative data and the degree of compensation between the criteria. Moreover, this paper illustrates the capability of different methods with regard to sustainable energy planning and management in two steps: 1] comparison of two main approaches in the strategic energy planning context; 2] evaluation of multi attribute decision making methods and combining them. Combining four methods including Analytical hierarchy process. Preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation II, geometric mean and weighted sum seems to result in designing an appropriate method which meets the sustainability criterion. These contributions are proposed for comparing the renewable energy technologies with non-renewable ones. Nevertheless, these seem to be applicable in any comparison between discrete alternatives in the energy sector

Euthanasia in cancer patients, Islamic point of view

Euthanasia is an important subject that concerns law and medicine as well as morality and religion in the 21[St] century. Euthanasia has become a challengeable problem in scientific arena. In some countries, legal and medical practitioners are allowed to kill those cancer patients who suffer from excessive pain while incur enormous amount of expenses for their treatments. We used 3 main sources to find Islamic views on euthanasia: First, the Islamic primary source, the Holy Quran, which is the most important and reliable source for finding Islamic perspectives. Second, traditions [hadith] which include Prophet Mohammad's and his relatives's [Imams] advices. Third, religious opinions and decrees [Fatwas] from great Muslim scholars who are called Mofti Al-Aazam in Sunni tradition and Ayatollah Al-Ozma in Shiite tradition. Based on the reasons proposed in the references, it can be concluded that euthanasia is forbidden in Islamic theology; and no types of euthanasia are allowed or accepted in Islam; and any action whether voluntary or involuntary that results in euthanasia of cancer patients is considered suicide and is strongly forbidden in Islam. Euthanasia is purely illegal in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In this study, we introduced a religious law based on Islamic point of view and Emamyeh section in Islam. To investigate the sensitive issue of euthanasia in Islam, the Holy Quran as the fundamental reference of Islamic law and Sonnah as the reference of Hadith [Traditions] were studied

Study of syntrophic anaerobic digestion of volatile fatty acids using enriched cultures at mesophilic conditions

Volatile fatty acids are the most important intermediates in anaerobic digestion, and their degradations are extremely complicated thermodynamically. In this research, syntrophic anaerobic digestion of volatile fatty acids using enriched acetogenic and methanogenic cultures in a batch reactor at mesophilic conditions was investigated. Interactive effects of key microbiological and operating variables [propionic, butyric and acetic acids, retention time and methanogen to acetogen populations ratio] on the anaerobic degradation of volatile fatty acids were analyzed. Acetogenic and methanogenic anaerobes in the granular sludge from an up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor were enriched at mesophilic conditions within a period of four weeks, separately. Enriched cultures were mixed with known proportions and then used in the bioreactor. Experiments were carried out based on central composite design and analyzed using response surface methodology. Four parameters [final concentrations of propionic, butyric and acetic acids and biogas production] were directly measured as response. Also, the optimum conditions for volatile fatty acid degradation were found to be 937.5 mg/L, 3275.5 mg/L, 2319.5 mg/L, 45 h and 2.2 proportions for propionic acid, butyric acid, acetic acid, retention time and methanogen to acetogen populations ratio, respectively [corresponding to maximum volatile fatty acid removal efficiencies and biogas production]. The results of the verification experiment and the predicted values from the fitted correlations at the optimum conditions were in close agreement at a 95% confidence interval. The present study provides valuable information about the interrelations of quality and process parameters at different values of microbiological and operating variables

[Antifungal activity of Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil against clinical isolates of aspergillus]

Aspergillosis is an opportunistic fungal disease caused by different species of aspergillus. Clinical manifestation and severity of disease related to physiological conditions of host, involved organs and aspergillus species. Cinnamomum zeylanicum is an evergreen tree 10-15 meter length and belongs to Lauraceae family. It grows in Srilanka. Its essential oil has antimicrobial activity. Study of Antifungal activity of this essential oil against clinical isolates of aspergillus and determination of MIC. Broth microdilution method was used in this research .Essential oil of Cinnamomum zeylanicum was extracted by means of Clevenger apparatus then its MICs on clinical isolates of Aspergillus were calculated by broth microdilution method. Number of samples was twenty seven. MICs are: eight isolates: 1.18 micro g/ml, six isolates: 0.59 micro g/ml, four isolates: 0.29 micro g/ml, five isolates: 0.14 micro g/ml and four isolates: 0.07 micro g/ml. In view of the fact that Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil was effective against all isolates in this research, we recommend the investigation of its antifungal properties Invivo

Study of awareness and performance level in red crescent society staff of tehran towards first aid

Iranian Red Crescent Society staff are one of the first responders in disasters, therefore; this paper aims to study the level of awareness and performance of Red Crescent society staff of Tehran towards first aid [as one of the first rescue and relief actions]. The methodology of research involved creation of a questionnaire and a collection of demographic, awareness and performance of extracted data. In this cross sectional research, 80 employees of Red Crescent society of Tehran were surveyed by random sampling in 2009. About 55 percent of responders have [a good and very good] awareness and knowledge about first aid; also 43 percent have [a good and very good] performance about first aid. Based on the variables, there is a meaningful relation between the presence in relief operations and their scores. [p=0.021, r=0.568]. According to the results, about half of Red Crescent society staff had an appropriate level of awareness and performance. However, in order to review the first aid training, it is essential to improve the staff response ability in disasters