[Assessing the effect of small group intervention program on knowledge and health literacy among patients with heart failure]

Introduction: Complications due to lack of awareness are one of the most important factors in re-hospitalization of these patients. This study conducted to determine effect of small group intervention program on knowledge and health literacy among patients with heart failure

Method: This randomized clinical trial carried out on 150 patients with heart failure hospitalized at hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences. After obtaining informed consent, subjects randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Before the study, demographic, health literacy, and knowledge questionnaires were completed by the participants. The control group received routine care; while, in the intervention group training were conducted in small groups, in addition to the manual about disease and self-care that created by the research team. Finally after 6 months questionnaires were completed by two groups and the data were analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive and inferential statistics

Results: Mean and standard deviation of knowledge and health literacy in the control group were 1.78 +/- 0.87 and 1.77 +/- 0.83 and in the intervention group they were 2.48 +/- 0.68 and 2.53 +/- 0.72, respectively. Covariance analysis also showed significant differences in the level of knowledge and health literacy scores of patients in the intervention group compared to the control group [P=0.01]

Conclusion: Improving knowledge and health literacy using small group education method is recommended in the care plane of patients in the hospitals and rehabilitation centers

[ feasibility study of local relief centers establishment in Bandar Abbas]

Natural disasters are among events that human beings have always been faced and extremely suffered from their damages. Many attempts have been so far done to reduce damages from natural disasters but they are still very extensive. One way to reduce injuries and damages resulting from natural disasters is people's voluntary cooperation and preparation at the time of occurring. So, this article aims to investigate the feasibility study of establishing local relief center in Bandar Abbas. This cross-sectional study was conducted among Bandar Abbas residents in 2011. By using questionnaire, 400 respondents were selected and studied based on multistage cluster sampling. According to the result, more than 70 percent of respondents considered highly important to establish the local relief centers; and 95 percent were willing to work in relief teams and help others. Moreover, the social status and knowledge about Red Crescent activities had a positive effect on the respondents' willingness to cooperate with the local relief centers based on the analytical results. The residents of Bandar Abbas were highly interested in establishing the local relief centers and actively work in the relief teams. Therefore, the establishment of the local relief centers seems to be necessary with community-based approach and also serious focus on educating citizens

[Determination of fire and explosion loss in a chemical industry by fire and explosion index]

Fire and explosion accidents cause numerous economical, environmental and human losses in industries. The aim of this study was to present a new method for fire and explosion loss estimation by virtue of fire and explosion index to determine the premium rate. This is a descriptive-analytical study carried out in Bandar Imam petrochemical complex in 2006. Initially, the fire and explosion index was calculated in selected process units and the hazard radius, equipment value, and the base maximum probable property damage determined. To determine the actual maximum property damage, the loss control credit factor was assessed. Finally, the days' outage and business interruption losses were estimated. Data analyzed with DOW fire and explosion software. The stripper column with 226 F and EI value, actual maximum property damage of about 6.7 million dollars, days' outage of about 120 days, and business interruption loss of about 89 million dollars was identified as the most critical unit of the factory. The least hazardous unit detected was the Nafta storage tank with 64 F and EI value and actual maximum property damage of about 0.36 million dollars. All factors affecting the fire and explosion risk were shown to be among the indices that are considered as a base for loss estimation. Business interruption losses are higher than actual maximum property damage and these losses are not insured in Iran industries. In this technique, the effects of control measures on reducing fire and explosion losses were considered and the estimated losses could be regarded as a base to determine the premium rate

[Relative ranking of fire and explosion in a petrochemical industry by fire and explosion index]

Fire and explosion hazards are considered as the first and second major hazards in process industries. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the fire and explosion hazards as well as relative classification of such hazards in a petrochemical industry. This was a quantitative study in which the process units were selected based on parameters affecting the risk of fire and explosion. Later, these parameters were analyzed using DOW's fire and explosion index [F and EI]. Technical data to determine the index were obtained through process documents and reports as well as the fire and explosion guideline. Following calculating the DOW's index, the high and low risk process units were determined. The stripper column with a rank of 226 and the naphtha tank with a rank of 64 were determined as the most and least disastrous process units. The level of hazard was determined as severe for columns [F and EI>158], heavy for magna-former reactor and gasoline furnace [127< F and EI

Occupational noise exposure and hearing loss among car smoothers in Qazvin

Indusrial noise exposure is the most common hazardous agent in the world.This study has been done to determine the prevalence associated with occupational noise in car smoothers at Qazvin. The study group composed of 50 subjects who were selected out of a total of 218 car smoothing workshops.Background information,exposure time and ... with a questionnaire collected.Noise exposure and hearing loss were measured by noise dosimeter model CEL-280 and audiometer model OB 288 Madsen. The mean of age and work experience were 38.7 and 21.5 respectively.Noise exposure and total hearing loss were measured 98.2 +/- 3.4 dB [90-104dB] and 22.1 +/- 9.16 dB respectively. Spireman correlation was significant between right and left ears [P<0.05, R=0.87].Total hearing loss were measured natural [NIHL

[Influence of different intensities of resistance exercise on inflammatory markers in young healthy men]

Previous studies showed that inflammation is an important factor in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. IL-1beta, IL-6, and HS-CRP are biomarkers with a predictive value in cardiovascular disease. Considering that the effects of resistance training at moderate and high intensity on inflammatory markers have not been studied, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance exercise intensities on levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, HS-CRP and fibrinogen. Thirty healthy young male volunteer students were randomly divided into 3 groups of 10 participants each. Groups I and II performed moderate [45-55% 1RM] and high intensity [80-90% 1RM] resistance exercise for 6 consecutive weeks [3 days/week] respectively. Group III, was the control group. Seven exercise stations were employed per session. The rest intervals between the sets of the protocols and stations were 1-2min and 3min respectively. Serum levels of IL-1, IL-6, HS-CRP and plasma level of fibrinogen were assessed before and after resistance training periods. Statistical analysis of data was accomplished using analysis of variance with repeated-measures design. There were no significant differences in serum levels of IL-1 and IL-6 before and after the training period. HS-CRP was decreased in groups I and II, but this was not significant [p>0.05]. Post test, however, HS-CRP in the two exercising groups was significantly lowered [p=0.008], compared to the control group. Plasma levels of fibrinogen decreased significantly in the high intensity resistance exercise group. In conclusion, short term resistance training can have beneficial effects on serum levels of some proinflammatory markers in healthy young males. In addition high intensity resistance training decreases plasma level of fibrinogen

[Indications of penetrating keratoplasty in Kerman during 2004-2006]

Background and Aims: This study was carried out to determine the leading indications for corneal transplantation in Kerman province

Methods: Medical records of 186 patients underwent corneal transplantation during 3 years [2004-2006] in Shafa Medical Center were evaluated retrospectively. The initial diagnosis and causes of corneal grafting were recorded. Infectious keratitis [Bacterial, Fungal, and acanthamoeba keratitis], corneal opacity and scarring, keratoconus, bullous keratopathy, regrafting, corneal dystrophy and degeneration, herpes simplex keratopathy [active keratitis], etc. were considered as indications of corneal transplantation

Results: A total of 186 patients [110 males, 76 females] were included in the study. Mean age of patients was 47.7+/- 24.3 years [6-85]. The leading indications of grafting was corneal opacity [32.3%] followed by keratoconus [22.6%], bacterial keratitis [15.6%], aphakic bullous keratopathy [6.7%], pseudophakic bullous keratopathy [6.5%], regrafting [4.8%], herpes simplex keratopathy [3.8%], fungal keratitis [1.6%], corneal dystrophy [1.6%] and spheroidal degeneration [1.6%]

Conclusion: Corneal opacity and scarring were the most common indications of corneal transplantation that might be due to high prevalence of infectious keratitis in this region

Assessing correlation between Leadership styles of nurse managers and nurses'intention to stay

Health care organizations spend huge amount asset in attracting, developing, and maintaining an effective workforce. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between leadership styles of nurse managers and nurses' intention to stay at work in specialized wards in Imam Hossien and Moddaress teaching hospitals, in Tehran, Iran. This study used a descriptive correlational design. The sample of the study consisted of 148 nurses in specialized wards of Imam Hossien and Moddarss teaching hospitals in Tehran .Data were collected by a demographic form, Management style measurement questionnaire and intention to stay questionnaire. The management style questionnaire constituted of a four-point Likert scale with 24 statements, and intention to stay questionnaire consisted of 21 items with a four-point likert scale. The validity of these questionnaires was determined by content validity. Reliability of questionnaires was assessed by internal consistency measuring Alpha Cronbach, Cronbach's alpha wasO.87 and 0.94 for intention to stay and leadership style questionnaires respectively. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. respondents were predominantly female and consist of 83/9% females and 16/9% males. The mean age was 31/5+/-6 years. There was no significant correlation between the imperious, propitious-advisory leadership styles of nurse managers and nurses' intention to stay. There was a significant correlation between partnership management style of nurse managers and nurses' intention to stay

[Prevalence of overweight, obesity and underweight among high school students in Sanandaj: 2006-2007]

Childhood overweight and obesity, major public health concerns, show a drastically rising tread worldwide. Associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular and endocrine problems, overweight children are more likely to be overweight adults. This study was done to evaluate the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and underweight among high school students in Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran. This study was performed in 2007 on 694 students from Sanandaj high schools. Socio-demographic information was collected using a questionnaire, completed during interviews. Weight and height were measured. Body mass index [BMI] was calculated and overweight/obesity was defined using age-and sex-specific BMI cut-off points, proposed by the World Health Organization Expert Committee on Physical Status [World Health Organization, 1996]. Children with BMI-for-age at or above the 95th percentile, between 85 and 95th percentile and less than 5th percentile were considered as being obese, overweight and underweight respectively. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used to analyze the data. The average of BMI was 20.7 and prevalences of overweight, obesity and underweight were 11.2, 3.2 and 7.6% respectively. Levels of overweight/obesity [14.4%] differed significantly between boys [18.2%] and girls [10.7%]. The highest percentage of overweight/obesity [20%] was found among 14-years olds. Boys showed a consistent decrease in overweight/obesity with increasing age, a trend not demonstrated in girls. Results indicated that the prevalence of overweight/obesity among high school students in Sanandaj is near national averages for adolescents. Overweight/obesity were observed more in boys than in girls. As a group, girls demonstrate a lower prevalence of obesity [1.1%] when compared to national averages. Based on the results of this study, 22 percent of the high school students in Sanandaj have inappropriate weight, which calls for appropriate intervention programs

[ effect of chronic L-carnitne supplementation on plasma glucose and lactate during exercise]

In skeletal muscle, carnitine plays an essential role in the translocation of long-chain fatty-acids into the mitochondrial matrix for subsequent beta-oxidation. Despite an abundance of literature describing the basic mechanisms of action of L-carnitine metabolism, there remains some uncertainty regarding the effects of oral L-carnitine supplementation on metabolism and exercise performance in normal subjects. This study examined the effects of chronic L-carnitine supplementation on glucose and lactate concentration, heart rate and aerobic capacity during submaximal cycling. Thirty healthy and male students cycled for 20 min at 70% VO2 max before and after 3 weeks [3g daily] L-carnitine [experimental] and placebo [control] supplementation. Blood samples were taken immediately after each exercise for the purpose of calculation plasma glucose and Lactate concentration, lactate dehydrogenase activity [LDH]. A two-way repeated measure ANOVA was used to determine significant differences between the two groups [p < 0.05]. The finding of our study showed that L-carnitine supplementation had no influence on plasma glucose and lactate. Also rest and rest heart rate, VO2 max and LDH activity was equal in pre and posttests [p < 0.05]. All variables were unaffected in the control trial. Three weeks L-carnitine supplementation had no effect on substrate and carbohydrate metabolism. Also, L-carnitine supplementation would be unlikely to be associated with the enhanced exercise performance

[Effect of oral vanadyl sulphate on ultrastructure of pancreatic islets beta cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats]

Considering insulin like effects of vanadium salts, these compounds have been evaluated as a therapeutic agent for treatment of diabetes mellitus in the experimental models of the disease in animals. This study was performed to study the ultrastructrure of islet beta cells in streptozotocin [STZ]- induced diabetes in rats after treatment with vanadyl sulfate [VS]. diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by intravenous injection of 40 mg/kg STZ. Equal volume of normal saline was injected via lateral tail vein in sham animals. Seven days after injection animals in both groups were divided into treated and control groups. VS was added to the drinking water of the diabetic treated [DT] and Sham treated [NT] animals with a concentration of 0.5 mg/ml for one week and 1mg/ml up to three months. Untreated diabetic [DC] and sham rats [NC] received tap water during this period. Two months later all animals were killed. Langerhans islets were isolated from exocrine parts by use of collagen digestion, and were fixed in glutaraldehyde. Ultrastructure of islet beta cells were studied by means of transmission electron microscope. VS treatment led to amelioration of the symptoms of diabetes including hyperglycemia and polydepsia in DT rats. DC rats remained diabetic during the period of study. No significant changes were observed in plasma glucose and fluid intake of NT animals. Ultrastructural studies of islet beta cells of DT rats showed normal cells with normal chromatin distribution, well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, increased cytoplasmic granules and no clear sign of cell injury. Lymphocytic infiltration was not detected in langerhans islets of DT group. Nuclear pyknosis, cytoplasmic vacuolization, lymphocytic infiltration and signs of cell death such as cell necrosis were found in the islets of beta cells of DC rats. Cytoplasm of islets beta cells of NT rats were more granular in comparison to NC rats. Considering the results of this study we concluded that amelioration of diabetes signs in VS treated STZ induced diabetic rats are accompanied by preservation of islets beta cells ultrastructure

[Determination of geometric indices of the femoral bone density and its association with bone density of proximal femur]

Geometric indices of the femoral neck and bone mineral density [BMD] have been proposed to play a major role in prediction of hip fracture risk, with some studies showing a racial variation in such indices. However, no data study in Iran has estimated these parameters for Iranian patients, nor has the relationship between these indices and BMD parameters in different sub-regions of hip been investigated. Postmenopausal women referred to the bone densitometry center of the Shariati Hospital comprised the study population. Patients with apparent risk factors of osteoporosis were excluded. Bone mass was determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry on Lunar DPX bone densitometers. For calculation of femoral neck geometric indices, the printout of the hip densitometry with magnification of 1/2 was used. Hip axis length [HAL] and neck-shaft angle [NSA] were the main outcomes of the study. We used Pearson correlation analysis for determination of relationship between geometric indices and other variables and multivariate linear regression analysis for adjustment of other independent variables in prediction of femoral BMD. Among 103 postmenopausal women studied, mean HAL was 99.8 +/- 4.3 millimeters and mean NSA was 120.3 +/- 4.3 degrees. Pearson correlation analysis revealed no correlation between HAL and NSA with BMD results of different sub-regions of hip, but there was a significant positive correlation between HAL and height and weight neither did multivariate regression analysis reveal any significant relationship between HAL and NSA with BMD of total femur and femoral neck. According to our results, it is unlikely that geometric indices play a major role in determination of hip BMD parameters making their routine use in bone densitometry centers not essential supported. Mean HAL of Iranian women is lower than that of Western countries and higher than that of East Asian countries. This is in line with observation of rates of hip fracture in Iran lower that Western rates and higher than Eastern rates

[Assessment of serum zinc level in the middle school students of Sanandaj and its relation with gender, body mass index and educational status]

Zinc is essential for human health and its deficiency can lead to various biochemical disorders. The aim of this study was to determine serum zinc concentration in the middle school students of Sanandaj in 2006 and its relation with gender, body mass index [BMI] and educational status. In this cross sectional study 301 students in the middle schools of Sanandaj were selected randomly. BMI was calculated and educational status was obtained from school educational records. Serum zinc concentration was measured by use of flame-atomic absorption spectrometry. Collected data was analyzed by means of T-test, analysis of variance and Pearson's correlation coefficient statistical techniques. Regardless of gender, the mean concentration of zinc in serum was 90.1 +/- 19.1 micro g/dl. The mean concentration of serum zinc levels in boys [93.6 +/- 22.6 micro g/d] was significantly higher [87.4 +/- 15.4 micro g/dl] than that of girls [p < 0.05]. In 31.2% of the students serum zinc concentration was lower than normal value. No correlation was found between serum zinc concentration, BMI and educational status of the students. More than thirty percent of middle school students in Sanandaj suffer from severe or mild zinc deficiency. Considering the importance of zinc in human health, further studies are needed to determine the prevalence of zinc deficiency in Sanandaj in order to plan for future interventions

[Assessment of capability of fetal and adult neural stem cells to differentiate into endothelial cells]

Neural stem cells exist in various regions of the developing and adult central nervous system [CNS]. They are undifferentiated cells, capable of both self-renewal and producing neurons and glial cells. In addition to generating different types of neural cells, NSCs are capable of producing cells of other tissues. In this study NSCs were isolated from mouse brain and their capability of differentiation into endothelial cells was evaluated. Neural stem cells [NSCs] were isolated from lateral wall of the lateral ventricle of the adult and fetal mouse brain and cultured in serum-free DMEM-F12 medium in the presence of basic fibroblast growth factor [bFGF], epidermal growth factor [EGF] and B27 supplement. Neurospheres were plated on the fibronectin coated culture slides. DMEM-F12 media supplemented with 10% FBS was used for differentiation of NSCs into endothelial cells. Differentiated cells were evaluated by Immuno-histochemistery, RT-PCR and tube formation assays. The results of this study revealed culture of fetal neural stem cells in fibronectin coated and also DMEM-F12 media containing 10% FRS led to differentiation of NSCs into endothelial cells. When differentiated cells were transferred into extra cellular matrix or matrigel, they produced capillary like structures characteristic of endothelial cells. The results of immuno-histo-chemistry and RT-PCR showed differentiated cells can absorb low density lipoproteins and express CD31, VE, cadherin and Flk-1 genes, and also can adhere to BS-1lectin. Unlike neural stem cells isolated from mouse fetus, the isolated cells from adult mouse brain did not differentiate into endothelial cells.This study reveals neural stem cells isolated from fetal mouse brain and adult mouse brain do not show similar behavior in differentiating into endothelial cells

[Survey the possibility of biodegradability of methyl tert-butyl ether [MTBE] by isolated microorganisms of activated sludges in the aqueous solutions and effects of stimulator substances on biodegradation]

Introduction: Methyl tert-butyl ether [MTBE] has been incorporated in reformulated gasoline at concentrations up to 15% [vol] to replace lead tetraethyl in order to comply with the octane index and to reduce the polluting emissions in exhaust gases. This compound is water soluble [48,000 mg/L] and one of the most common pollutants of ground water and surface water. Because of its undesirable effects on drinking water and ecologically harmful effects, MTBE removal has become a public health and environmental concern

Objective: Evaluatin of biodegradability of MTBE by isolated microorganisms from activated sludge

Materials and Methods: In this study a microbial consortium that efficiently degraded methyl tert-butyl ether was obtained by Isolated microorganisms of Activated Sludges in the Aqueous Solutions. Microorganisms were isolated from a variety of sources, generally from petroleum or chemical and urban wastewater treatment plants. All experiments were conducted at a constant temperature of 25°C. Vials of 50 ml and 125 ml volume sealed with Teflon-lined Mini-Nert caps were used for microcosm experiments. In all experiments 1% sodium azide were used as controls. Cultures were incubated at 25°C in the dark on an orbital shaker [rotation speed of 150 rpm]. The mineral medium was used for batch cultures. Samples of bacterial cultures that metabolize MTBE have been analysed for both MTBE and its metabolite TBA by direct GC analysis using FID. Cultures able to metabolize MTBE have been found in activated sludge and soils. Microbial consortium were plated on agar with MTBE vapor as the carbon source. After three weeks growth to saturation, independent clones were diluted into fresh mineral medium. This microorganisms, was a gram-positive bacterium. An aerobic microbial consortium able to biodegrade methyl tert-butyl ether [MTBE] was enriched in laboratory for four months

Results: MTBE has been shown to biodegrade under aerobic conditions and cometabolic conditions. Clearly, aerobic biodegradation of MTBE is demonstrable. In our laboratory, a microbial consortium was isolated from activated sludges based on its ability to grow on MTBE and was identified as cocobacillus. The capacity of this microbial consortium to degrade and grow on MTBE as a sole carbon and energy source is described in this paper. No biomass aggregates were observed during all the batch cultures, but the attached biomass was observed [the concentration of the initial attached biomass was about 0.11 g/ L of dry weight]. 500 mg of yeast extract per liter and 20 mg of Peat humic support growth of microbial consortium, it clearly had a stimulatory effect on consumption upper than 20%. Consortium was capable of degrading concentration as great as 1000 mg/l MTBE, whereas concentrations of 1000 mg/l MTBE and higher was not degraded

Conclusion: MTBE in low concenteration is biodegradable and biodegradability of MTBE enhanced by stimulator substances

Local infiltration of lidocaine versus lidocaine iontophoresis in pain relief during radial artery cannulation for open heart surgery

Traditionally, pain has been thought to be an unfortunate but inevitable part of disease and its treatment. Pain associated with medical procedures was ignored because it was thought to be unavoidable. The question of why physicians should treat pain is as important as the knowledge of preventing it, since it is a right measure to take. This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of lidocaine iontophoresis with that of local infiltration of lidocaine for the prevention and reduction of pain during radial artery cannulation, in patients undergoing open heart surgery. The present study comprised 60 adult patients, 36 males and 24 females, aged from 29 to 84 years with a median age of 63.8 [ +/- 10.35 SD] and 65.4 [10.48 +/- SD] for groups 1 and 2, respectively. The patients underwent elective open-heart surgery in Nemazee Hospital affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Prior to induction of general anesthesia, patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups for analgesia prior to radial artery cannulation on an alternate week basis. Group 1 [n=30] patients received one-week analgesia using lidocaine iontophoresis, and analgesia in Group 2 [n=30] was performed using lidocaine infiltration the following week. Both groups were similar in terms of gender distribution. The VAS scores in group 1 were significantly lower than group 2 with no significant difference in the difficulty of cannulations between the two groups. There was no complaint of pain from patients during iontophoresis, and no report of any significant side effects. Slight skin erythma was noted after removal of the iontophoretic anode patch in 4 patients, which lasted for about 0.5-4 hours. This study has demonstrated that lidocaine iontophoresis is a useful, non-invasive, rapid, painless alternative to lidocaine infiltration for dermal analgesia for radial artery cannulation

effect of a 6 month treatment course of male healthy rats by chlorpropamide and glibenclamide on vascular tone of aorta

Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrine disorder with an ever-increasing prevalence. Cardiovascular complications are the major cause of death in diabetic patients. Type II diabetes mellitus is usually treated by sulfonylureas. There are controversial reports regarding cardiovascular side effects of these drugs. Conflicting evidences exist about side effects of the first and second-generation sulfonylureas. In this study, the vascular effects of chlorpropamide and glibenclamide [first and second generations of sulfonylureas respectively] were investigated in healthy male rats. Male rats were treated by the above-mentioned drugs for six months and the response of aortic rings to acetylcholine, isosorbide dinitrate and phenylephrine were studied and compared to normal control group. Data were analyzed by means of ANOVA test. There was no significant difference between the response of aortic rings of treated and control group to acetylcholine, isosorbide dinitrate and phenylepherine. Sulfonylureas through closing ATP dependent potassium channels, which exist in beta-cells of pancreas and other organs such as heart and vascular smooth muscles may affect the vascular tone. Based on the results of this study long term oral consumption of chlorpropamide and glibenclamide in normal rats did not affect aortic contractile property. Further studies are needed to clarify the vascular effects of sulfonylureas

[Quality of life and its different domains in fertile and infertile women]

Background and Aim: Assessment of Quality Of Life[QOL] is one of the most active areas in modern studies. QOL is a term to describe individuals' health and affective, social and physical wellbeing and also to demonstrate their ability for accomplishing daily routine tasks

This study aimed to compare QOL domains in fertile and infertile women

Method and Materials: Forty-four infertile women referred to Isfahan Clinic of Fertility and Infertility and 35 fertile women were randomly selected. Participants' level of education considered to be at least graduation from intermediary school and their range of age to be 20 to 40. QOL questionnaire was administered to all participants. This questionnaire consists of 55 questions which assess the QOL in 5 domains namely: physical status, psychological and affective status, perceived stress, enjoying life and perceived overall QOL. Data analyses were done by SPSS software

Findings: Compared to fertile women, QOL mean score was significantly lower in infertile ones[p=0.02]. In the domains of physical status, perceived stress and perceived overall QOL, the two groups showed no significant difference [p > 0.05], but infertile women group had a significantly lower score on the domains of psychological- effective status[p = 0.02] and enjoying life[p = 0.0001]

Conclusion: QOL is one of the important issues to be addressed in infertility counseling

study of the rate of energy consumption in a number of hospitals in Isfahan

The relative costs of generating energy vary considerably depending on location. Since hospital managers confront serious financial problems, they need to look for ways to use energy more efficiently. This study aimed to study the rate of energy use [water, gas and electricity] in a number of hospitals in Isfahan from 1378 to 1382 and to compare the results with the available standards. It was a descriptive, cross-sectional study in which the rate of energy use in the following hospitals was studied: Al-Zahra and Amin [public hospitals], Amir-al-momenin [affiliated with Bonyad Janbazan Englab-e-Eslami], Sadi and Mehregan [private hospitals]. Information about the rate of energy consumption was derived from gas, water and electricity utility bills; the personnel information was asked from the employment department and information about occupied beds and the number of patients was collected from statistics unit in each hospital Energy consumption was continually increasing in the hospitals during these five consecutive years and its use in public hospitals was much more than that in private hospitats. According to the findings of this study, the managers must look for efficient and economical ways to use energy sources and to do so, energy management systems are required

effect of husb and s' social support on their wives' postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is a serious disorder not only for the mother but also for her husb and and children. The husb and s' support, as the most important person in their spouses' life, is very significant and can cause impression in their mood. This research has been done to study the effect of husb and s' support on their wives postpartum depression., This study was an experimental research. The population included all pregnant women referring to Isfahan clinics during their seventh month of pregnancy in 2003. By r and om sampling, 60 pregnant women were selected, 30 were selected as experimental group and 30 as control group. Beck depression inventory was used as pretest and post test. The independent variable was husb and s' social support. A booklet and a cassette about stresses and changes during pregnancy and various supports of husb and s' were given to the experimental group. A follow up was delivered to be sure that husb and s' social support had been given. Three months after the social support delivery, all subjects took part in the posttest. Results were analyzed by SPSS, descriptive statistics and covariance analysis. Findings showed the significant effect of husb and s' support on the rate of postpartum depression. Also comparison of average values of experimental group before and after instruction showed significant effect of husb and s' support on decreasing postpartum depression. The results did not show any association between demographic characteristics and postpartum depression. Based on the findings of this study, husb and s' support is the most accessible and easy way to decrease their wives' depression, we can use it as a prevention for postpartum depression