Quantification of skin dose increase and photon beam attenuation for a commercial couch top and breast board using dosimetric and Monte Carlo methods

Background: to study attenuation and increased skin dose for the iBEAM Standard couchtop, and attenuation of the BreastSTEP board, for an Elekta Compact 6 MV accelerator

Materials and Methods: couchtop attenuation were measured for the range of gantry angles 125degree-180degree and field sizes 5×5-20×8 cm2. H and N extension and the BreastSTEP attenuations measured in an 8×8 cm2 field. The couchtop effect on percentage depth-dose [PDD] measured by an EFD diode for field sizes 5×5- 20×20 cm2 and compared with that produced by a Co-60 beam passing through a 'tennis-racket' couch insert. A Monte Carlo [MC] model of the couchtop produced to provide more superficial PDDs. [PDDs that are more superficial]

Results: maximum couchtop attenuation [7.6%] measured for the 135° gantry and 5×5 cm2 field. Couch extension attenuation was 1.5% lower. Adding BreastSTEP increased attenuation by 2.4%. MC attenuation results agreed with measurements to within 0.2%. The couchtop removed the dose buildup effect almost completely and increased the PDD at 0.4 mm depth by 60.6%-74.6%. MC-calculated PDDs at the depth range of skin basal cell layer [0.1-0.4 mm] increased by 55.3%-63.2%. The couch insert in the Co-60 beam increased the dose at 0.4 mm depth by 18.1%. For the same dose prescription at 10 cm depth, the insert in the Co-60 beam produced a skin dose 49.7% lower than the couchtop at 6 MV

Conclusion: these results provide useful practical data on attenuation and skin dose increase applicable to many centers. The accelerator couchtop combination creates a greater skin dose increase than a tennis-racket insert on a Co-60 unit

[Changes in phytochemical and morpho-physilogical traits of thyme [Thymus vulgaris CV varico 3] under different salinity levels]

Background: Thyme is a valuable medicinal plants that evaluation of its quality and quantity yield is necessary

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of salinity on morphological, physiological and phytochemical traits of thyme

Methods: The study was carried out as a randomized complete block design at the Institute of Medicinal Plants with 4 levels of salinity treatments including [control, 50, 100 and 150 mM] and three replications. In this study some morphophysiologial and phytochemical traits of thyme were measured

Results: Results showed the significant effect of salinity on plant height, number of lateral shoots, vegetative dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, Length and Width of a Leaf. The results of the means comparison showed that by increasing levels of salinity, sodium content, electrolyte leakage and proline content increased conversely, the amount of potassium, relative water content, chlorophyll and carotenoid were decreased. The content of thymol and carvacrol increased by higher levels of salinity [100 mM sodium chloride] compared with control

Conclusion: Although the majority of yield related traits negatively affected by salinity but the highest amount of thymol and carvacrol has been achieved in 100 mM NaCl

[Survey of nursing students professional socialization in the Guilan University of Medical Sciences]

Introduction: The professional socialization is the process of which the individual gain values, norms, behaviors and social skills relevant to a profession and internalize a sense of identity to a specialized field. Therefore, the process begins at the first step of the nursing education program and continues with completion of nursing education till entering into the work place. Thus, the formation of nursing as a occupation takes place through professional socialization of individuals

Objective: This study is done with the aim of assessment of professional socialization level among nursing students at Guilan University of Medical Sciences

Methods: A cross sectional descriptive analytical approach was adopted. Participants were all nursing students at the faculty of Shahid Beheshti in Rasht. In total 211 students were chosen. Sampling was conducted with census. The instrument used was a Researcher made questionnaire that from the statements contained in the instruments by Shahim, and some of the items offered by Chao et al were given to samples. The data was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics [Independent T test, correlation Pearson coefficient, one way ANOVA, post Hoc Tukey]

Results: The finding of the study showed weak level [0%] and 40 students [19%] were in moderate level and most of the samples [81%] were in good level of professional socialization. In general, professional socialization had a statistically significant relationship with factors such as marital status [p=0.045], age [p=0.029,r=0.151], family residence [p=0.04], maternal education [p=0.023], student work [p=0.031], theoretical instructor [p=0.0001], clinical lecturer [p=0.032], having information about the nursing profession before entering the field [p=0.0001],compliance between previous image and existing realities [p=0.0001 ], interest in the course [p=0.0001]

Conclusion: From the research findings, the level of professional socialization of nursing students is acceptable. Recognition of the professional status can drew authorities' attention to provide opportunities for greater autonomy in practice and systematic holistic nursing care situations

[Effective risk factors for foot skin in diabetic patients]

Introduction: foot ulceration is one of the most serious and disabling complications of Diabetes Mellitus and identification of risk factors affecting foot ulcer can prevent it from causing irreparable consequences

Objective: therefore the aim of this study was to comparing the situation of the foot skin in diabetic patients with and without foot ulcers

Methods: in this cross - sectional study of 355 diabetic patients referred to Razi Hospital in 2013 were randomly selected based on a questionnaire consisted of four parts: demographic profiles, clinical characteristics, skin situations and diabetic foot, by a trained nurse were studied. History of the disease based on Charlson Co morbidity Index and foot ulcers by Wagner ulcer classification system were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups of foot ulcer and non-ulcer and each of the variables were compared between these two groups. We used Chi square test and logistic regression analysis to compare some variables. P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant

Results: based on these findings, 16.1% had foot ulcers. Dry skin with no sweating, pallor, fisher, edema, impaired growing toe nails in the group with ulcer was [89.47%, 42.1%, 26.31%, 21.05%, and 64.91%] and in the group without ulcer was [73.48%, 35.9%, 11.74%, 12.08%, and 48.65%]. There is significant correlation between foot ulcers and dry skin [p=0.01], fissure [p=0.004] and impaired growth toenail [p=0.02].Risk of foot ulcers in people with dry skin 3.07 times, the people of Fisher 2.68 times in people with impaired growth and toenails 1.95 times higher

Conclusion: since skin problems affecting the foot ulcer, nurses by identifying risk factors played a role in the prevention and treatment of foot ulcers

[Scaphoid fractures: a comparison of two surgical methods for internal fixation using either Herbert screws or multiple pins]

Scaphoid fractures are the most common fractures of the wrist. This study compared the outcomes of two surgical internal fixation techniques, using either Herbert screws [HS group] or multiple pins [MP group], in the treatment of scaphoid fractures. This cross-sectional study was performed on 41 patients [23 in HS and 18 in MP groups] with unilateral scaphoid fractures from September 2009 to September 2011. All patients were followed-up two weeks post-surgery, every month for six months, and then every year after one year. Degree of fracture healing, measured level of pain using Visual Analog Scale [VAS], range of motion, hand grip strength of affected limb vs. healthy limb, Quick DASH score [QD] and also Mayo Modified Wrist Score [MMWS] were recorded. In December 2012, all patients presented to the Orthopedic Clinic for their final follow-up visit where all data was recorded once more. Mean patient follow-up time was 24.34 +/- 8.70 months [range: 11-34]. Mean scaphoid fracture healing times for the HS and MP group were 14.61 +/- 3.88 and 14.39 +/- 4.27 weeks, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between both groups after comparing mean levels of pain using VAS, ROM of wrist during flexion and extension, hand grip strength expressed as percentage of normal, QD, and MMWS. The level of patients' content using VAS was 9.5 for HS and 9.0 for MP groups. The use of multiple pins for the internal fixation of scaphoid fractures proves to be a viable treatment option compared to Herbert Screws, due to decreased cost and increased availability

comparison of the effects of commercial prebiotic [safmannan, biomos and fermacto] on performance, egg quality and antibody titer of Avian Influenza and Newcastle disease in laying hens

Effects of different sources of prebiotic on performance and immune response in laying hens were evaluated in this study. The aim of this experiment was to compare the effects of commercial prebiotics on performance, egg quality and antibody titer against Newcastle disease [ND] and Avian Influenza [AI] in laying hens. The experiment was performed for 11 weeks [from 33 to 44 weeks of age] on 240 laying hens [the LSL strain], in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments, and 5 replicate for each treatment and 12 birds for each replicate. Treatments were: 1] control; 2] control +Safmannan; 3] control +Bio-Mos and 4] control +Fermacto. The results showed that feed intake, feed conversion ratio and egg production percentage were not affected by different sources of prebiotic. However, egg weight and egg mass were significantly increased [p<0.05] by adding prebiotic, in comparison with control diet. Egg specific gravity and shell thickness were increased [p<0.05] by prebiotic addition. The results of experiment showed that antibody titers against AI and ND were significantly increased [p<0.05] by prebiotics compared with control group. The results showed that the effects of different sources of prebiotic on performance and immune response of laying hen are similar. However, inclusion of prebiotic in the diet results in improvement of the performance and antibody titer against Influenza and Newcastle

Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding tuberculosis among final year students in Yazd, central Iran

Tuberculosis [TB] remains a global health problem. Treatment and prevention of TB has shifted from inpatient to outpatient settings. A report from the World Health Organization has emphasized educational strategy to ensure students graduate with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential to the effective management of TB. The objective of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices among medical students. The survey was done from 2012 to 2013. Knowledge, attitudes and practices were assessed regarding tuberculosis with a questionnaire. Knowledge mean score of students was 16.13 +/- 2.06 and Attitude score was 36.08 +/- 3.76, Knowledge and attitude levels of students were moderate to high in the majority of them. Practice score of the study subjects was 22.77 +/- 4.95, 11.9% of students had poor practice level. 43% did not know that a sputum smear is the most important method used for diagnosis of TB. Two-thirds of them did not know the distance that should be kept from contagious patients. Half of them believed that the BCG vaccination has no role in the prevention of TB. This study concluded that more efforts should be made to improve the knowledge of students regarding TB transmission and the role of sputum smear in diagnosis. The importance of the BCG vaccination should be emphasized

[Effect of education on knowledge and attitude of hospitalized patients in CCU and post CCU about risk factors of cardio-vascular disease]

Introduction: One of the most important causes of mortality and life threating problems is cardiovascular diseases. American Heart Association [AHA] estimated that, approximately 25 million death occurs because of cardiovascular disease till 2020, and this will be recognized as first cause of mortality. Studies show that control and decrease of risk factors, decrease of Ischemic Heart Disease [IHD]. The aim of this study was determining the effect of education on knowledge and attitude of patients who hospitalized in CCU and Post CCU of Mustafa Khomeini hospital of Ilam city about Risk Factors of Cardio-Vascular Disease in 2009

Methods: This study is a Descriptive study and Enterventional that 96 patients of CCU and Post CCU of Mustafa Khomeini hospital of Ilam were selected by Simple Random sampling. After education, knowledge and attitude of patients was assessed in respect of cardiovascular risk factors. Finally, collected data analyzed by SPSS package, chi-square, Fisher exact, Parried t-tests

Results: Patients knowledge in Respect of cardiovascular disease pre [25.93] and post [36.19] education, had a significant difference [P<0.001], also in respect of education of couple [P<0.03] and sex [P<0.05]. in case of attitude mean score there was significant difference between pre [23.5] and post [35.7] education, There was significant statistical correlation between education and age [P<0.05], education level [P<0.01], education level of couple [P<0.05] and monthly income [P<0.01]

Conclusion: Considering that cardiovascular diseases have an increasing trend of prevalence and knowledge and attitude of patients about them are relatively low and education to cardiac patients is effective in preventing of recurrent hospitalizations and prevalence of these diseases. We advise that education to cardiovascular patients be considered as the core of interventions of personnel, clinical trainers and students of nursing

[ relationship between obesity, overweight and demographic factors with physical activity in 18-69 year-old adults in Rasht city]

Considering the importance of obesity and lifestyle behaviors, especially physical activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of obesity, overweight and some demographic factors with physical activity in adults of Rasht city. Two hundred men [mean +/- SD: 40.27 +/- 13.6 years] and 200 women [mean +/- SD: 40.41 +/- 12.3 years] 0 participated in this study. Anthropometric data including weight, height, waist and hip circumferences, and body mass index [BMI] were obtained using standard methods. Physical activity level was measured by International Physical Activity Questionnaire [IPAQ]. Of subjects, 13.5, 43 and 43.5% had low, medium and high, social / economic conditions, respectively. The lowest percentage of subjects were labourers [1.5%] and the highest [37.5%] were self-employed. Prevalence of overweight, obesity and central obesity were 52%, 23.5% and 47.75%, respectively [men 54%, 14.5% and 25.5%; women 50%, 32.5% and 56%]. The prevalence of obesity increased with age [P<0.05]. The obese subjects had lowest levels of physical activity. Physical activity levels including walking, moderate and high activity were 59.5, 22.5 and 11.5% and 66.5, 14, 7% among men and women, respectively. The others did not perform any physical activity. Physical activity had an inverse relationship with overweight, obesity and central obesity [P<0.05]. Low level of physical activity is one of the causes of obesity and overweigt, indicating that level of physical activity in men and women is highly recommended for these individuals

Helicopter emergency medical service in Fars province: the referral trauma center of South of Iran

Considering the limited available resources, high cost of the helicopter emergency medical service [HEMS], and high load of trauma patients especially in our centers, a careful assessment of HEMS in our center seemed to be necessary for trauma patients. From April 2001 to September 2007, the data of all patients transferred by HEMS were extracted including: Annual number of services, clinical category, number of proper or improper services, and rescue time for HEMS and ground ambulance. The criteria for the properly transferred group included: Death or being operated in the first 24 hours of admission, admission in ICU care units, and transfer of more than three patients in one mission. Others were considered as improper group. In this period through 185 flights, 225 victims were transferred. The most common reason of HEMS dispatching was trauma. The most difference of rescue time between ground ambulance and HEMS was recorded in Lamerd that was transferring patients with HEMS needed 3 hours less than ground ambulance. However, in Sarvestan, Dashte-Arjan, and Marvdasht, transferred patients with ground ambulance needed less time than air transfer. Most of transferred patients were from Kazeroon, Nourabad and Lamerd respec-tively while 46.3% of patients were in the proper group, and the rest were considered as improper group. Our study revealed that helicopter dispatch to the cities like Lamerd, Lar, Khonj, Abadeh can be more effective, whereas, for the towns like Marvdasht, Dashte-Arjan, Sarvestan, Sepidan, Saadatshar, Tang Abolhayat use of HEMS should be limited to specific conditions. Our study showed inclusion of physicians in the decision making team increased the number of transferred cases

[Study of photodynamic effect of Zn [II] tetrapyridinoporphyrazine complex on HeLa cell line]

Photodynamic therapy is a treatment that uses photosensitizer and intense visible light. When photosensitizers get exposed to a specific light wavelength [preferentially in the red region], they produce reactive oxygen species that are toxic to cells. Recently, attention has been focused on porphyrins and their analogs as photosensitizers. Zn [II] tetrapyridinoporphyrazin complex is a water-soluble photosensitizer that has a good potential for application in photodynamic therapy. In this study, phototoxic effect of this complex on HeLa cancer cell line has been investigated. HeLa cell cultures were treated with different concentrations of Zn [II] tetrapyridinoporphyrazin. The cytotoxic effects were measured both in the presence and absence of light using the MTT assay. The light source was a 150W tungsten halogen lamp equipped with a red filter. Our data indicate that porphyrazine's photocytotoxicity is remarkably more significant than its cytotoxycity in the dark. Statistical analysis showed the effective dose [ED[50]] values in the dark and light conditions were 8.6 and 4.2 microM, respectively. In addition, the results imply that in the range of 0-12 microM, the increase in the complex concentration correlates with the increase in the cytotoxicity effect. However, the cytotoxicity decreases at the higher concentration [50microM], which is likely due to aggregation of the complex. Our results show that Zn [II] tetrapyridinoporphyrazin complex may be a promising photosensitizer for innovative photodynamic therapy and may have a high potential application in cancer treatment. Furthermore, it seems to have more benefits compared to other known photosensitizers

Coincidence of trisomy 18 and Robertsonian [13; 14]

This case report presents a coincidence of trisomy 18 and balanced Robertsonian translocation [13;14]. Aneuploidy was suspected based on anomalies detected in ultrasound scan and confirmed with karyotype. In a 31 years-old healthy woman with a history of one miscarriage, second trimester ultrasound scan reported IUGR [<3rd percentile] with normal amniotic fluid, bilateral choroid plexus cysts, suspicious agenesis of corpus callosum and clenched hands. Amniocentesis was performed and karyotype was 46xx,der[13;14] [q10;q10],+18. Maternal karyotype was 45xx,der[13;14][q10;q10]. Pregnancy was continued due to legal limitation for termination after 20 weeks gestation. Delivery was done at 36 weeks gestation. A female newborn was borned and a physical feature was hypotonia, small mouth, prominent occiput, low-set and posteriorly rotated ears, clenched hands with overlapping fingers and rocker bottom feet. Ultrasound scan and echocardiography detected agenesis of corpus callosum and VSD, ASD, PDA and cardiomegaly. These features are typical of trisomy 18. Balanced Robertsonian translocation usually has no phenotypic expression. Genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for future pregnancy was recommended

[Assessment of occupational exposure to total dust and crystalline silica in construction workers of metro, Tehran]

Exposure to crystalline silica in the construction workers such as miners and diggers are widespread. Exposure to respirable silica [quartz] can results in silicosis. The goal of this study was to determine the contribution of each workers and component task to total dust and respirable quartz exposure in the tunnel of metro. The assessment of crystalline silica and total dust was performed according to standard procedure [NIOSH 7601]. Both total dust and quartz levels were high. The results of total dust in the digging process [37.63 +/- 0.76 mg/m[3]] were higher than in the cement work [9.88 +/- 0.80 mg/m[3]]. The maximum 8 h time-weight average concentration for quartz was found among the digging workers [0.407 +/- 0.006 mg/m[3]], followed by the barbed workers [0.11 +/- 0.008 mg/m[3]]. It can be concluded that the total dust contains high amounts of crystalline silica and it is responsible for the occupational exposure to quartz in construction workers. Thus, it is to be expected that the construction workers will suffer negative health effects due to exposure to the quartz dust

[Effects of co-administration of soy extract and vitamin D3 on serum calcium level and thyroid function in mice]

The Thyroid gland with two symmetrical lobes has an important role in metabolism of the body and regulating of calcium. Any factor making structural and hormonal changes in this gland can produce metabolic disorders. To investigate the functional changes of the thyroid gland following coadministration of soy extract and Vitamin D3, 42 mature female mice in 7 groups were studied for 35 days. Two doses of soy extract [5 and 10 g/kgBW/day]; two doses of Vitamin D3 [100 and 200 micro g/kgBW/day]; and, a combination of both soy extract and Vitamin D3 with two doses were fed to each mouse by gavage. At the end of the feeding trial, following anesthetizing by diethyl ether, mice were bled. Serum levels of calcium were determined by method Colorimetry, and serum concentrations of T3, T4, TSH were determined by method Radio Immuno Assay. Data was statistically analyzed by the one way ANOVA test and significant differences were observed between groups [p<0.001]. Results showed the occurrence of a dose-dependent hypothyroidism in mice receiving only soy extract. In mice receiving only vitamin D3, significant and dose dependent increases of calcium levels, significant and dose-dependent decreases of TSH levels and, insignificant decreases in serum concentrations of T3 and T4 were observed. Finally, groups receiving a combination of high doses of soy extract and Vitamin D3, showed hypothyroidism. In conclusion, this study suggests that co-administration of soy extract and Vitamin D3, only in low doses, can balance the effects of individual use of these components on thyroid function and calcium homeostasis

systematic review on pharmacokinetic changes in critically ill patients role of extracorporeal, membrane oxygenation

Several factors including disease condition and different procedures could alter pharmacokinetic profile of drugs in critically ill patients. For optimizing patient's outcome, changing in dosing regimen is necessary. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation [ECMO] is one of the procedures which could change pharmacokinetic parameters. The aim of this review was to evaluate the effect of ECMO support on pharmacokinetic parameters and subsequently pharmacotherapy. A systematic review was conducted by reviewing all papers found by searching following key words; extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, ECMO, pharmacokinetic and pharmacotherapy in bibliography database. Different drug classes have been studied; mostly antibiotics. Almost all of the studies have been performed in neonates [as a case series]. ECMO support is associated with altered pharmacokinetic parameters that may result in acute changes in plasma concentrations with potentially unpredictable pharmacological effect. Altreation in volume of distribution, protein binding, renal or hepatic clearance and sequestration of drugs by ECMO circuit may result in higher or lower doses requirement during ECMO. As yet, definite dosing guideline is not available. ECMO is extensively used recently for therapy and as a procedure affects pharmacokinetics profile along with other factors in critically ill patients. For optimizing the pharmacodynamic response and outcome of patients, drug regimen should be individualized through therapeutic drug monitoring whenever possible

[ targeted implementation of teaching in small group discussion for second- year students in physiotherapy: a comparative assessment of teaching effect on satisfaction and learning level]

One of the main problems in learning is ignoring the teaching in small group discussion. So, today, teaching in student-based methods such as work in small group is emphasized. Nevertheless, this method is not used for teaching physiotherapy students. This study was performed to determine the effect of teaching in small group on satisfaction and learning level of second- year students in physiotherapy in comparison with lecture teaching. An experimental study was performed on 29 physiotherapy students. The students were randomly classified into two groups; lecture [14 people] and work in small group [15 people]. Students were educated for 4 sessions. Two separate questionnaires were used to assess learning and satisfaction levels. Overall satisfaction in small group was significantly greater than lecture group [P<0.0001]. However, there was no significant difference between learning levels of the methods [p>0.05]. 86.7% of students in small groups preferred to be educated in the future semesters using this teaching method. This study showed the role of small group teaching on increasing students' satisfaction level. Due to increased satisfaction in small group, despite the lack of significant difference between the two methods of learning, learning process can be facilitated .Thus this method is recommended for education of the undergraduate students

Effects of sub-inhibitory concentrations of essential oils of Mentha spicata and Cumminum cyminum on virulence factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of important opportunistic pathogen, that cases serious infections. It produces many virulence factors, and this bacterium usually is resistance against antimicrobial agents. The aim of this study was evaluate the effects of sub-MICs of essential oils of Mentha spicata and Cumminum cyminum on alginate production, biofilm formation, swimming, twitching and adhesion in P. aeruginosa 8821M. Minimal inhibitory concentrations [MIC] of essential oils of Mentha spicata and Cumminum cyminum were determined by macrodilution method. Alginate production, biofilm formation, swimming, twitching and adhesion in the present of sub-MICs [1/2, 1/4 and 1/8 MIC] of essential oils were determined in mucoid P. aeruginosa 8821M and compared with controls. The MICs of essential oils against P. aeruginosa for M. spicata and C. cyminum oils were obtained 16 and 32 micro g/ml respectively. The results show that all oils at 1/2 and 1/4 MICs were significantly reduced all tested virulence factors. At 1/8 MICs, M. spicata had effect just on adhesion but C. cyminum had effect on Alginate production, biofilm formation, swimming and twitching. This study showed that sub-MIC levels of M. spicata and C. cyminum essential oils affected alginate production, biofilm formation, swimming, twitching and adhesion in P. aeruginosa 8821M and it is probable to use of these medicinal plants for treating

Effect of helicobacter pylori eradication on short-term control of glycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Precise control of diabetes mellitus, one of the most prevalent endocrine diseases, is important for prevention of serious vascular complications. Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] is one of the most common chronic bacterial infections in the world and data reveals that diabetic patients with concomitant H. pylori infection require higher doses of insulin, despite which they have higher levels of HbAic than their uninfected counterparts. Our study was hence designed to assess the effect of H. pylori eradocatopmon hyperglycemia control in diabetic patients. Between January and June 2005, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and positive urea breath tests, were randomly allocated into two groups, the first treated for H. pylori infection [cases] and the second served as controls. HbAic and FBS were measured in all patients at initiation of study and three months later. The study included 19 cases and 22 controls. Mean decrease of HbAic and FBS in the two groups showed no significant differences. Study results indicate that treating H. pylori in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus has no role in short-term control of the disease. In most studies numbers and types of evaluated cases have limitations, and results differ. More extensive studies, using long term randomized clinical trials-term are recommendated

[Prevalence of hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia at Golestan hospital during 2006-7]

Among various diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia Hallucination is a main part of clinical features and presentation forms of disease. The present study is the first complete investigation that was designed to assess the frequency of Hallucinations in Schizophrenia. This cross-sectional investigation was done on fifty Schizophrenic patients admitted in Golestan Hospital. Schizophrenia was diagnosed on DSM_IV_TR criteria by psychiatrist and obtained data analyzed using MC_N. The results of this research demonstrated that 82% of patients suffered from auditory, 36% [visual], 24% [tactile], 12% [olfactory], 10% [pain and deep sensation], 6% [gustatory and the sense of presence], 4% [vestibular sensation] and 2% [functional and reflex] hallucination. Compared to previous studies, the results of our investigation provide additional information and have differences at some findings

[Prevalence of hallucinations in patients with Schizophrenia at Golestan Hospital during 2006-7]

Background: among various diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia Hallucination is a main part of clinical features and presentation forms of disease. The present study is the first complete investigation that was designed to assess the frequency of Hallucinations in Schizophrenia

Materials and Methods: this cross-sectional investigation was done on fifty Schizophrenic patients admitted in Golestan Hospital. Schizophrenia was diagnosed on DSM_IV_TR criteria by psychiatrist and obtained data analyzed using MC_N

Results: the results of this research demonstrated that 82% of patients suffered from auditory, 36% [visual], 24% [tactile], 12% [olfactory], 10% [pain and deep sensation], 6% [gustatory and the sense of presence], 4% [vestibular sensation] and 2% [functional and reflex] hallucination

Conclusions: compared to previous studies, the results of our investigation provide additional information and have differences at some findings