[Systematic review of the etiology of the infertility on Iranian domestic published articles between 1999 and 2013]

Background: Infertility is one of the growing health issues in many countries with numerous emotional, social and economic consequences. The results of some studies in recent years revealed that the actual spread of infertility is changing and increasing due to various factors and the fertility rate has also declined. This study aimed to perform systematic review on Iranian domestic articles between 1999 to 2013, in order to identify the causes of infertility

Materials and methods: In this systematic review, 58 research papers were retrieved. After auditing them, 38 articles were selected in the past two decades regarding the [etiology of infertility]

Results: The most frequent causes of male infertility were sperm abnormalities and then varicocele. Tubal disorders and ovarian disorders were the most prevalent causes of female infertility

Conclusion: Based on these results and effective factors of infertility, we can consider effective measures in three areas, including preventive measures, educational measures, and support and encouragement measures to improve reduced fertility rate

Evaluation of factors associated with failure of tuberculosis treatment under DOTS in northern Islamic Republic of Iran

Tuberculosis treatment failure remains a major health problem in many parts of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This study was conducted to identify the risk factors associated with failure of tuberculosis treatment under the DOTS strategy in two cities of Golestan province. A retrospective cohort study in 2012-2013 was conducted on 167 smear-positive tuberculosis patients monitored under DOTS. Demographic, clinical and treatment outcome factors and! social determinants of health were recorded for each patient. Multivariate regression analysis found that the strongest predictors of tuberculosis treatment failure were: being infected with other diseases [OR 9.35; 95% Cl: 3.01-29.1], male sex [OR 5.03; 95% Cl: 1.58-16.1], Turkoman ethnicity [OR 11.0; 95% Cl: 2.00-60.1], family history of tuberculosis [OR:] 0.21; 95% Cl: 0.05-0.96] and household size [OR 1.21; 95% Cl: 0.99-1.48]. Recommendations include better follow-upl for patients with other diseases and facilitating access to treatment, especially for Turkoman patients

Diagnostic performance of multislice CT coronary angiography in the assessment of significant coronary artery disease

The use of noninvasive assessment tools such as multi-slice CT coronary angiography [MSCT-CA-CA] is recently considered mainly because it offers safety, patient convenience, and faster performance. The aim of the present study was to determine the ability of MSCT-CA-CA for the detection of significant stenoses in the coronary arteries, in comparison to conventional invasive coronary angiography [ICA]. A total of 58 consecutive patients who were candidate for coronary angiography, with the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome, from September 2006 to March 2006 were entered into the study. They underwent both coronary MSCT-CA-CA and ICA. The findings of each coronary segment were compared to MSCT-CA-CA in comparison with ICA. Based on artery analysis, sensitivity and specificity of MSCT-CA for the detection of involvement in RCA were 90.0% and 92.8%, in LAD were 71.8% and 92.9% and in LCX were 67.9% and 92.6%, respectively. On a per-segment basis, the sensitivity of MSCT-CA in the detection of injured segments ranged between 33.3% [for segment 11] and 100% [for segments 1, 2 and 12]. Also, specificity ranged from 63.6% [for segment 15] and 98.1% [for segment 6]. The presence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking led to the reduction of the specificity and accuracy of MSCT-CA, whereas history of diabetes mellitus could increase the specificity and accuracy of this tool. MSCT-CA has high diagnostic performance in the assessment of significant coronary artery disease. Risk factors for coronary artery disease may influence this performance

effectiveness of lifestyle training in relapse prevention and resiliency enhancement for people with substance dependency

Drug addiction is a complex disorder that incorporates multiple factors including those related to genetics, beliefs, unconscious processes, gender, and temperament as well as developmental, social, economic, and political factors. The present study investigates these factors. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of lifestyle training in relapse prevention and resiliency enhancement in people with substance dependency. In a semi-experimental study, 26 subjects with a diagnosis of opiate use disorders in the Jameiate Aftab Center of Tehran who had successfully detoxified, were divided into two groups, an experimental group [12 subjects] and a control group [14 subjects]. The participants were selected according to available sampling methods. The experimental group underwent 12 sessions of coping skills training while the control group did not receive any treatment. All subjects in the study were assessed by the Conner-Davidson Resiliency Scale [CD-RIS] and a test for morphine before treatment, after treatment, and at a 4-month follow-up stage. Data were analyzed using descriptive methods as well as t-test and ANCOVA analyses. The x[2] test showed that the experimental and control groups significantly differed in relapse rates chi [2] = 6.30, df = 1, P < 0.001]. In addition, the covariance analysis showed a significant difference between the two groups in resiliency enhancement at post-test [F = 33.76, P < 0.001] and follow-up [F = 37.67, P < 0.001]. The results indicate that lifestyle training is effective in resiliency enhancement and relapse prevention for people with substance dependency

Efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization on lesion reduction in colorectal liver metastases

Following failure of systemic chemotherapy, transarterial chemoembolization [TACE] is an available method to control unresectable liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma [CRC]. The aim of present study was to evaluate the efficacy of chemoembolization for inoperable metastatic liver lesions from CRC. Forty-five CRC patients with liver metastases resistant to systemic chemotherapy were enrolled in our study. For each patient, three session of TACE were conducted with 45 days interval. A combination of mitomycin, doxorubicin, and lipiodol were used for TACE. A tri-phasic computed tomography scan and biochemical laboratory tests were performed for all patients at baseline and 30 days after each TACE. Image analysis included measurement of lesion diameters as well as contrast enhancement. Eleven patients deceased before completing three session and the final analyses were performed on the remaining 34 patients. Evaluation of a total 93 lesions in all patients after chemoembolization sessions revealed a 25.88% reduction in anteroposterior [AP] diameter, 33.92% transverse [T] diameter, and 42.22% in product of APxT diameter of lesions [P<0.001 for all instances]. CT scan showed a total disappearance of 33% of lesions and evident reduction in contrast enhancement in 16% of them. There were no changes in contrast enhancement in 51% of lesions. Evaluation of single largest lesion in each patient revealed 57.32% reduction in AP diameter, 59.66% in T diameter, and 62.17% in product of APxT diameters [P<0.001 for all diameters]. TACE offers a viable option for CRC patients with unresectable liver metastases by significantly reducing lesion size and contrast enhancement.

Validation of the Oxford- Liverpool inventory of feelings and experiences [o-life] questionnaire

The Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences [O-LIFE] is a 104-item tool made based on the factor analysis of 15 available scales to measure schizotypy. This research aims to investigate the psychometric properties of Oxford- Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences. Conducted as an ex-post facto survey, this study is a descriptive cross-sectional research. A sample of 482 patients was selected and assessed through stratified random sampling from different faculties of Shahid Madani University of Azarbaijan. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis method by means of the Principal Component Analysis method. Factor analysis using the Principal Component Analysis method extracted five principal factors, which were named cognitive disorganization, impulsive nonconformity, unusual experiences/magical thinking, introvertive anhedonia, and isolation. In addition, two other types of validity [concurrency and correlation of subscales with the total scale and each other] and three types of reliability [test-retest, half-splitting, and internal consistency] were reported. According to the findings of the present study, O-LIFE has favorable psychometric properties in the Iranian society and is applicable in psychiatric and psychologic researches as a valid tool.

study of main and interactive effects of attachment dimension and basic personality characteristics in borderline traits

There are models of the development of personality disorders which include individual differences in attachment relationships as causal factors contributed in explanation of these phenomena. The dimensional view of personality disorders represents these conditions as extreme variants of normal personality continua. This study investigated main and interactional effects of attachment styles and personality traits in relation to borderline characteristics. The current study was conducted in expo fact context. Randomly selected 603 participants [134 male and 469 female] from Tabriz Payam-e-Noor, Tarbait Moallem of Azarbaijan and Sarab Payam-e-Noor university students took part in this research. Participants answered to Borderline Personality Inventory [BPI], Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised, Short form [EPQ-RS] and Adult Attachment Inventory [AAI]. Data were analyzed using two way analysis of variance method. Results indicate main effects of attachment styles and personality traits, so, individual with ambivalent insecure attachment experience more intensity of borderline traits than individual with avoidant insecure and secure attachments. Individual with high psychoticim and neuroticism traits experience more intensity of borderline characteristics than individual with extraversion personality traits. Also, there are no interactional effects of attachment styles and personality traits in relation to borderline characteristics. These findings reiterate contribution of childhood risk factors in developing borderline personality disorder, especially in children with emotionally vulnerability.

relationship between obsessive compulsive and schizotypal personality features among university students

Recent interest has focused on the relationship between schizotypy and OCD. The present study explored the possibility that Schizotypal and obsessive compulsive features are significantly related together among non-clinical samples. In this correlational study, 262 individuals were randomly selected and examined. Participants completed the Schizotypal Trait questionnaire A form [STA] and Padua Inventory [PI]. Positive correlations were found between Schizotypal personality and obsessive compulsive features. Using the multivariate regression analysis model, results indicated that two components of Schizotypal personality, namely unusual perceptual experiences and paranoid suspiciousness/ social anxiety factors, have the strongest associations with obsessive compulsive scores. Also, among the four obsessive compulsive factors, lack of control over mental processes and contamination, significantly predicted schizotypal personality. Some common factors seem to be present between obsessive and schizotypal factors. Results were discussed in light of previous clinical research and based on anxiety-psychosis spectrum hypothesis

Schizotypy: from health to psychotic breakdown

Schizotypal personality is important from both historical and etiological perspective, because of its relationship with schizophrenia. However, within a 'fully dimensional' framework, the schizotypy dimension could be extended to a continuum that starts from normal and ends up in schizophrenia and other pathological spectra. This perspective represents schizotypy as continuously distributed traits, which are sources of normal variations as well as predisposition to psychosis. The present study reviews schizotypy, focusing on the dimensions, models, schizotaxia, comorbidity and relationship with other psychological phenomena and measurement tools

[Hearing status of thalassemic patients treated with deferoxamine]

Major beta thalassemia is the most common inherited anemia with high prevalence in Iran and hearing loss is one of its side effects. The present study aimed to determine the hearing status of patients with major thalassemia and its relationship with serum ferritin level, period of blood transfusion and deferoxamine administration. This descriptive-analytic study was performed on 80 thalassemia major patients [36 Male and 44 Female] aged 4-32 [14.2 +/- 2.3] who were referred to Bou Ali Hospital for two years. The studied variables include age, gender, serum ferritin level, amount and duration of Desferal injection and hearing level. All subjects went under evaluation for their otologic and audiometric status. The collected data were analyzed using t-test and ANOVA with SPSS software. The findings of the study indicated that 38 patients [47%] had entirely hearing loss. Among these 38 patients, 17 patients had sensory neural type f hearing loss 12 patients had conductive and 7 patients had mixed type of hearing problems. The results showed a significant relationship [p<0.05] between hearing loss and serum ferritin level and the dosage and duration of Desferal administration. Hearing impairment may develop with increasing dosage of deferoxamine. Periodic follow up and physical examination is recommended to prevent hearing impairment in major thalassemia

Comorbidity of depression and obsessive compulsive disorder subtypes in non-clinical samples

One of the most common comorbidities of obsessive compulsive disorder is depression. The present study was planned to clarify the comorbidity of depression and subtypes of obsessive compulsive disorder in non-clinical samples. In this correlational study 409 students [182 males and 227 females] studying in Payam-e Noor university, branches of Tabriz, Sarab and Ardabil cities, north western part of Iran in 2008, were randomly selected and full filed Beck Depression and Padua Inventories. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and multi-variation regression tests. Uncontrollable mental activities [P<0.0001, F=l 62.27], uncontrollable motor behaviors [P<0.0001, F=l 16.21], and contamination [P<0.0001, F=89.61], subtypes were most related with depression, while checking subtype had the least relationship with depression. OCD patients with dominant obsessive thoughts are more suffering from depression, perhaps this truth leads them to less benefit from available treatments, comparing with patients who have dominant compulsions

[Iranian validation of the narcissistic personality inventory-16]

As narcissism has an one-dimensional approach, long questionnaires are not appropriate in clinical and research use, therefore it is necessary to use shortened questionnaires. The Narcissistic Personality Inventory-16 [NPI-16] is a short self report questionnaire for assessing narcissistic characteristics in non-clinical samples. This research was performed in order to validate this questionnaire in Iran. In this cross sectional survey, 342 university students, selected in stratified sampling method, were assessed by Narcissistic Personality Inventory-16 [NPI-16], Neuroticism Extroversion Openness Inventory [NEO] and Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-II [MCMI-II] in 2008.The concurrent validity was assessed through completing a simultaneous MCMI-II test, while the differential validity was assessed as the differential power of test between individuals who had high or low extroversion and high or low agreement characteristics. Retest, splitting and internal consistency coefficients were reported. There was a significant correlation between NPI-16 and MCMI-II scores [alpha=0.77, P<0.001]. The reliability of NPI-16 was proved [P=0.001]. Test retest consistency coefficient, splitting consistency coefficient and Cronbach alpha coefficient for internal consistency were estimated to be 0.84 [P=0.001], 0.74 [P<0.001] and 0.79 [P<0.001] respectively. Based on the results, the NPI-16 is an appropriate instrument to screen narcissistic personality traits in Iranian population for pertaining researches

Comparing two methods of LMA insertion; classic versus simplified [airway]

The aim of this study is to compare two methods of LMA insertion, "classic" versus "simplified" [AIRWAY], due to factors such as: time to insertion, number of attempts, blood stained LMA, air leak around LMA, and gastric inflation. The word "AIRWAY" refers to the similarity of this method to oropharyngeal airway insertion. One hundred ASA class I and II patients elected for lower limb orthopedic surgery but without any head and face injury or head and neck abnormality, having their tooth intact, were selected and divided to two groups of fifty; classic and simplified. In the classic group, the index finger used as a guide, pushes the back of LMA towards the hard palate, inserting it into the pharynx till a resistance is felt and the LMA is then fixed it its place. In the AIRWAY group, the deflated LMA is entered into the mouth in a 180 degree inside-out position compared to the classic method without using fingers and is proceeded until it enters the pharynx [sudden loss of resistance] and then returned 180 degree back to its normal position to be fixed in the right place. The attempt numbers, time to insertion, complications such as laryngospasm, blood stained LMA and gastric inflation is being investigated. Demographic data such as age, sex and ASA class, demonstrate no meaningful statistic difference between the two groups. Successful first attempt in AIRWAY group [86%] had no meaningful statistic difference with the classic group [80%] [p>0.05]. The overall success rate in LMA insertion [within two attempts] was 100% and 82% in AIRWAY and classic groups respectively [p>0.05] and 11 patients with failed insertion attempts, were excluded from the study. The time for successful insertion was meaningfully less in the AIRWAY group compared to the classic one [p<0.0001].In the classic group 32% of LMAs became blood stained compared to 16% in the AIRWAY group, which the difference was not meaningful. No other complications such as laryngospasm or oxygen desaturation occurred. Comparison of the whole advantages and disadvantages of both groups, mention that, by putting the LMA insertion time together with the low complication rates, the AIRWAY method can be assumed as a preferred simplified method with few complications for inserting LMA

[Survey the prevalence of recurrence in ultra rapid opiate detoxification in opiate and heroin dependents]

Introduction: A wide variety of rehabilitation procedures can be applied in opiate dependents. Ultra Rapid Opiate Detoxification [UROD] is one of them resulted in ich influenced in detoxification in few hours; however, the efficacy and safety of this procedure are questionable

Objective: Survey the Prevalence of Recurrence in Ultra Rapid Opiate Detoxification in Opiate and Heroin Dependents

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, ninety opiate addicts who referred to Shafa Hospital were selected to undergo UROD. First, they were interviewed by principal investigators using ASI questionnaire. Urinary opium screen test was performed a week before detoxification and immediately after it. Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale [SOWS] and Objective Opiate Withdrawal Scale [OOWS] were applied before detoxification and 1, 6, 24 hours after that to assess withdrawal symptoms and signs. 6-month relapse was evaluated by urine screening test. Data was analyzed by SPSS statistical software

Results: 13 cases of 90 subjects failed to be followed. Among 77 remaining patients, 60 [78%] relapsed in oneyear. 50% relapsed in the first 3 months, 18% between 3 to 6 months, 6% between 6 months to one year and 3% after one year. Between subjective symptoms shaking, nausea and cramps in stomach and in objective signs vomiting and abdominal cramps were significantly different before and after detoxification. Prevalence of subjective and objective withdrawal symptoms and sings was significantly higher after detoxification

Conclusion: In detoxified Patients who under went UROD, didn't find any considerable side effects due to anesthesia, organ function and severe psychiatric problems were not found. Of course, all of the subjects did not have any physical problem before UROD. UROD was effective to control some of the symptoms and signs of withdrawal syndrome while it did not show efficacy in controlling some others. The relative frequency of relapse rate in detoxified patients by UROD was 78% which was notably high