[Sleep and health related quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure]

Introduction: Heart failure is one of the most common cardiovascular disorders. In this disease heart is disable to perfusion, insufficient perfusion lead to many symptoms in this patients. Each of these symptoms in some patients is deprived from the suitable sleep. Sleep is a vital and effective element in the health and quality of life in these patients. The purpose of this study is to assess of relationship between sleep quality and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure

Methods: In this cross-correlation study, 200 patients with chronic heart failure in two teaching university hospital of Tehran university of medical sciences was selected using sampling with proportional allocation. Data were collected using from demographic questioner, Pittsburgh sleep quality index and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire and then were analyzed using the SPSS software and statistical tests

Results: Sleep quality, with some aspects of health related quality of life including physical limitations [P<0.000], symptoms [P<0.001], social functioning [P<0.000], quality of life, [P<0.011] as well as general health related quality of life [P<0.000] has a significant relationship

Conclusion: Considering that sleep quality are associated with health-related quality of life. Community health care providers especially nurses had to more than before attention to sleep quality in these patients

[Related factors of acute Leukemia in children and the role of breast feeding]

In this study we aimed to determine factors related to the etiology of cancer in children. We investigated this issue in a case control study of 300 patients, aged 2 +/- 14 years, with acute leukemia, and 300 controls, individually matched to cases for age and sex, and place of residence. Children were enrolled after selection by a continuous sampling method. Information regarding breast-feeding was obtained through face to face interviews with mothers. Breastfeeding for durations less than one month increased the risk for childhood acute leukemia. Also, results showed that children 18-13 months and 24-19 months were breast fed, respectively, 2.45 and 3.54 times less than had been breastfed children under 1 year were diagnosed with acute leukemia. [P<0.05]. Higher number of children [OR=1.42, CI 1.03-1.96] and low family income [OR=0.6, CI 0.38-1.01] increased the risk for childhood acute leukemia [p<0.05]. Results of this study indicate that childhood acute leukemia may be associated with breast-feeding, economic status, and number of children. Further cohort studies on factors causing acute Leukemia in children are recommended

[Survey and comparison of the urinary calcium level in normal and calcium stone forming groups]

Urinary stones are the third common disease in the urinary system. Because there is not any study about Hypercalciuria in normal people and patients with stone in our province [Guilan], we decided to evaluate and compare the level of urinary calcium in normal people and patients with urinary stones. Survey of the urinary calcium level in normal and calcium stone forming groups. This is a descriptive, retrospective study. Our cases were the people who had attended to Razi Hospital outpatient ward during 2004-6 and included 502 people without history of urinary tract stone [group 1], 391 patients with history of an episode of urinary tract stone [group 2] and 109 patients with history of more than one episode of urinary stone [group 3]. We extracted requested information such as age, sex, Urine Ca 24h level, serum Ca level and stone analysis from the files and data analyzed by t-test. The most common stone was Calcium Oxalate [95%]. The mean level of urinary calcium was 156 +/- 7 mg/dl in group 1, 163 +/- 7 mg/dl in group 2 and 183 +/- 5 mg/dl in group 3. There was a significant statistical difference between these 3 groups [p<0.05]. Hypercalciuria is a risk factor for stone formation, so we can use as a protective method to inhibit stone formation

[Relationship between breast-feeding duration and childhood acute leukemia]

The role of breast-feeding in protection against childhood acute leukemia is uncertain. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that breast-feeding decreases the risk of 300 patients we investigated childhood acute leukemia. In a case control study, we inrestigated 300 patients, aged 2 +/- 13 years, with acute leukemia, as well as 300 controls, individually matched for age and sex. Information regarding breast-feeding was obtained through face to face interviews with mothers. Findings showed that there was a significant relationship between duration of breast-feeding and childhood acute leukemia [P<0. 001]. Breastfeeding of less than 1-months durations, when compared with feeding of longer durations 19-24 months was associated with increased risk of childhood acute leukemia [OR=3. 54]. In this study, breast-feeding was associated with a reduced risk of childhood acute leukemia. Our findings suggest that future epidemiologic and experimental efforts should be directed at investigating the relationship between breast-feeding duration and all malignancies among children

[ effect of rhythmic endurance training on abdominal obesity indices among working women in Iran university of medical sciences]

Improvement of abdominal obesity indices in middle-aged obese women by of exercise training has significant importance. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of rhythmic endurance training on abdominal obesity indices [waist to hip ratio, waist circumference, waist to high ratio, body fat%] in working women. This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted on, middle-aged women, aged >35 years, with abdominal obesity, regular menstrual cycle, without regular exercising, registered nurses and midwives, medicine, rehabilitation, para clinic, health sciences university and all administrative departments of the Iran university of Medical Sciences. Volunteer participants [n=31] were randomly separated into cases [n=17] and controls [n=14]. The case group has rhythmic endurance training for 8 weeks. At the beginning and the end of the study, in addition to completion of questionnaires, anthropometrical data, VO2 Max determined by tape, calipers and a chronometer. The results obtained showed that endurance training had no significant effect on waist-to-hip ratio in the cases, but significant positive changes on waist circumference, waist-to-high ratio and body fat percentage were seen. Decrease in waist to hip ratio was not significant after endurance training, probably due to short duration of exercise [8 weeks] and also may be related to lack of diet control

Quality of life and status of physical functioning among elderly people in west region of Tehran: a cross-sectional survey

Elderly is a sensitive period and quality of life in elderly is of great importance that should not be ignored. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between quality of life and status of physical functioning among elderly people in west region of Tehran. This was a descriptive-correlational study. Through multistage sampling method, 410 participants over 60 years old and cognitively intact were selected to participate in the study. The data-gathering tool consisted of a 2-part questionnaire: Short Form Health Survey [SF12] used to measure quality of life, questions related to status of physical functioning which includes activities of daily living [ADLs] and instrumental activities of daily living [IADLs]. The result of the study showed that there was statistically significant correlation between quality of life among elderly and their "status of physical functioning [ADLs and IADLs]", "gender", "education', "economic status" and "present health status" [P < 0.05]. Also, the results showed that the mean quality of life score of the participants was 32.84 [SD=8.89, range 12-48], indicating that they evaluate their quality of life as moderate. The mean score of ADLs was 13.54 [SD=1.53, range 0-14], and the mean score of IADLs was 14.20 [SD=3.717, range 0-18], which indicated total independence. Regarding the results, the quality of life and status of physical functioning are related meaningfully indicating that older people should be considered as vulnerable group. The researchers suggest health authorities to provide this group with programs and facilities for promotion of their physical functioning, and also, suggest prospective studies to be conducted in this issue

[Relationship of vitamin E consumption and preeclampsia/eclampsia in pregnant women]

Preeclampsia and eclampsia are threatening complications of pregnancy influencing the health of mothers and their fetus. So, prevention of these complications through providing mothers with natural diet vitamins during pregnancy is very important. The aim of this study was to examine relationship between consumption of diet rich in vitamin E and preeclapsia/ eclampsia in pregnant women. This was a case-control study. Data were collected through interview and filling up questionnaires. One hundred and fifty four women with age between 18-35 years were selected through continuous sampling method [75 women in case and 79 in control group]. Case and control groups were matched according to the gravida and vitamins supplement consumption. Finding indicated that there were statistically significant relationship between preeclampsia/ eclampsia and consumption of foods rich in vitamin E. This relationship was significant according to the number of servings and also amount of vitamin E received, for the number of serving for both nuts and unsaturated vegetable oil [P=0.000], mayonnaise cream [P=0.012], and for the amount of vitamin E received from diet [15mg[3]/day] [P=0.000]. Consumption of these diets in case group was less than control group. The consumption of saturated vegetable oil in case group were higher than control group [P=0.009]. As the results showed, there were direct relations between preeclampsia/ eclampsia and insufficient consumption of food full of vitamin E. Proper educational programs about nutrition during pregnancy, particularly during first trimester in the first pregnancy, is recommended. Prospective studies are suggested in order to confirm the existed findings

[ case report of adrenal neurofibroma surgical by laparoscopy in Middle East]

Introduction: Now a days, the increased use of abdominal ultrasound and CT scanning has led to the frequent finding of unexpected adrenal masses, which named incideltaloma. Unsuspected adrenal masses have been detected in 0.6-1.3% of upper abdominal CT scan

Case report: The case was a 24 years old woman who had vauge pain in her right flank. In sonography one mass, 5 cm diameter, in retroperitoneoum and right kidney was observed which had shifted renal vein to anterior. In CT scan, one mass, sized 4.6chi 39 mm, in anatomic size of right adrenal with significant enhancement and central hypodensity was observed which had moved renal vein to anterior. The patient underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy and in pathology, neurofibroma was reported

[Methylprednisolon acetate in the management of distal ureteral stones]

Acute renal colic is a common complaint from patients entering the emergency departments. Although, urethral lithotripsy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy are known to be effective, the role of medical-expulsive therapy for the treatment of this disease has not yet been established. This study assessed the clinical efficacy of addition methylprednisolon acetate in the medical-expulsive therapy of distal ureterolithiasis. Eighty five [85] consecutive patients with a symptomatic distal urethral stone were included in our study and randomized to one of two home treatment groups. Group A patients [n = 45] received tramadol [50mg bid] and hydrochlorothiazide [50 mg daily] for 21 days, and group B patients [n = 40] were treated with a corticosteroid drug [methylprednisolon acetate 40mg intra-muscular on 0, 7 and 14 days after treatment], in addition to tramadol and hydrochlorothiazide. The treatment duration was 21 days. All patients were re-evaluated after 21days with a clinical examination and KUB. The mean stone size was 5.2mm and 5.8mm in groups A and B respectively [P value>0.05]. Both groups had a significant difference in expulsion rate [20[44.4%] for group A and 32 [88%] for group B; [P value<0.001]. Our results suggest that the use of a corticosteroid drug in association with tramadol and hydro-cholorothiazid appeared to induce an increase in the expulsion rate

relationship between women's satisfaction with prenatal care services and characteristics of the women and the provision of services

Women's satisfaction from prenatal care, can lead to increase using the services and ultimately improve pregnancy outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between women's satisfaction with prenatal care services and demographic characteristics of the pregnant women. This study used a descriptive correlational design. Data collection instrument was a questionnaire. The satisfaction dimensions were the accessibility, coordination, communication of the personnel, availability, and the received information regarding prenatal care, quality, and the cost of the services. The study subjects consisted of 530 Iranian women living in the west of Tehran, who gave birth and attended to the health clinics, at 6 week postnatal period. Most of the women [69.8%] had good level of satisfaction with provided prenatal care and 21.9% were satisfied at the level of excellence. The women were more satisfied with accessibility, received information, communication, quality of services. There was a statistically significant positive association between education levels, economical status, and health situation during pregnancy and women's satisfaction with prenatal care services [P < 0.05]. Women with high education levels, good economical status and optimum health situation during pregnancy were more satisfied. There were statistically significant association between the waiting time for prenatal care visits and the number of prenatal visits and women's satisfaction with prenatal care services [P < 0.05]. Women's satisfaction with the services were increased with the frequency of prenatal care visits, but their satisfaction were decreased as the waiting time was prolonged. According to the study findings, the majority of the subjects [90.7%] were satisfied with the received prenatal care. Therefore they could use health services continously and appropriately; so encouraging the other women to use the services frequently would be necessary

Investigating Effect of Premarital Health Counseling on Females' Awareness Towards Breast and Cervical Cancer

Premarital health counseling for couples, especially in females is very important in community's health. In the premarital counseling, females are educated regarding reproductive health, such as methods of prevention of breast and cervical cancer that helps to family health promotion. The aim of this study, was to determine the effect of premarital health counseling on the females' awareness This study was a quasi experimental design. The aim of the study was to determine the difference of the subjects awarness about methods of prevention of breast and cervical cancer at preintervention and post intervention. The mean and standard deviation of the achieved scores related to the awarenss were calculated. The sample size was 600 subjects who were attending in premarital health counseling program in selected health centers. The sampling method was consequence and the study tool was a questionnaire. The study finding, showed that the mean and standard deviation of samples age was 21.82 - 3.94 and 47.4%. The majority of the subjects had a level of diploma degree in education and, 76.6% were housewives. The differences between the mean of their scores of the subjects awarences in the two groups [who participated in the counseling and who did not] were significant [P < 0.0001]. Considering the importance of prevention methods of breast and cervical cancer, the researchers suggest to conduct a prospective study for assassing the effect of premarital health counseling program on females practice. The study findings showed, a high efficacy of the premarital counseling regarding the subjects awareance about prevention methods of breast and cervical cancer. Thus, the researchers recommend further studies of the efficiency of the premarital counseling on long-term outcomes among females, attending premarital counseling

Correlation between reproductive factors and Osteoporosis among women

Osteoporosis is one of the most common diseases in middle-aged and elderly women, that imposes high costs on family and society. Acquiring knowledge about factors related to this disease such as reproductive risk factors, could help health care professionals to prevent osteoporosis and provide better services. A cross-sectional study was performed to determine the related reproductive factors with osteoporosis on 500 women who were admitted to Iran University of Medical Sciences' Bone Densitometry Centers in 2006. Data was gathered by a questionnaire. The study finding revealed that there were significant differences between the number of pregnancies, delivery mode, number of children, pregnancy intervals less than three years, frequency and duration of breastfeeding with osteoporosis [P < 0.05]. Also, there was a significant relationship between oral contraceptive pills, menopause situation and number of years after menopause with osteoporosis [P < 0.05]. The results of discriminant analysis showed that number of years after menopause was the most important related reproductive factors with incidence of osteoporosis, as number of children, menopause situation and pregnancy frequency were settled in other stages. According to the study findings and with consideration of osteoporosis complications such as disabilities and high mortality and morbidity rates, investigating and consideration of the related risk factors for prevention of this disease in the society was recommended

Health promoting behaviors and its related factors in elderly

Long life expectancy and living healthy in the stage of elderly is a human right, thus health promoting behaviours for prevention of complications are important. The purpose of this study was to determine health promoting behaviors and its related factors in elderly people. This was a descriptive and cross-sectional study. Through multi-stage sampling method, 410 participants who were 60 years old and more, selected to contribute in the study. A questionaire was used to collect data by interview. The results showed that 'smoking cessation' behaviour had significant relationships [P<0.05] with gender and current health status. Also smoking abstinence behaviour had statistical significant correlation with gender, education and current health status. Moreover, exercise [walking] behaviour had significant correlation with gender, family structure and current health status; low-salt diet' and 'low fat diet' had significant correlation with gender, education and current health status. In addition 'milk consumption, had significant relationship with age, family structure, current health status; 'health check up, Blood Pressure check up' and economic status [P<0.05]. According to the study findings, it is concluded that different factors could correlate with health promoting behaviors in elderly people. Therefore, planning for health promotion based on the correlated factors, social contribution, improving medical and health services and connseling services in elderly population is important to be considered

Isolated protein from caster bean, peanut, soya bean and safflower meals

Castor bean, peanut, Soy bean and safflower protein isolates were prepared. The amino acid content of each of the protein isolates was analysed and the essential amino acid contents were compared with the FAO human requirements. The results indicated that castor bean has the highest oil and the protein content of defatted meal. Safflower 3148 [Marand, Iran] has the highest amount of essential amino acids. Peanut [Gilan Iran] has the lowest content of essential amino acids, however, in comparison to human requirement 100 gram protein of this peanut still have enough amino acid for one man's day. The ash total protein and total oil of the mentioned seeds were also determined