Comparing health information channels between male and female users of iranian public libraries

Nowadays people are seeking health information to raise their awareness. They use many ways to get this information. This study examines the health information channels used by users of public libraries. The population of the present survey consisted of 461 users of public libraries throughout the country, randomly selected in a two-stage cluster sampling method

The questionnaire data were analyzed using SPSS. Cronbach's alpha value was obtained as 0.89. Friedman test showed that there is a significant difference between the preferred channels of women and men for getting health information. Most health information was obtained through TV and the Internet channels. Most of the health knowledge was gained by users through parents, family members and self-study

Libraries played a second role after parents, schools, experiences of visiting doctors and self-study. Users preferred printed materials in the libraries to get health information. Television and the Internet were the most-used information channels

he public library as one of the channels of getting health information can provide reliable updated information to the users. Strengthening the print resources in the health field and introducing and evaluating scientific updated databases must be performed

[ proposed plan for mapping library collection through GIS: a case study of the central library of Tehran university]

Introduction: Considering the library users' difficulty in searching and finding the location of the available sources in the library and their lack of familiarity with the ranking systems, the current study was conducted primarily to propose a model of mapping library collection through geographical information system [GIS], and, secondarily, to implement it in mapping library collection at the shelf level

Methods: The methodology of the study included a combination of descriptive-analytic and designing system methods. To collect the required data, descriptive-analytic method was used. In order to implement and feed the data, ArcGIS was utilized and for data analysis and presenting the results through the maps of the library floors, the designing system method was applied. The spatial database was designed by means of the sources and the building map of the central library of Tehran University as the case under investigation in the present study

Results: The results revealed that while searching for the source in the created spatial database, the location of the searched sources can be observed on the map of the library floors at the level of the floor, the section, and the shelf. Finally, the findings contributed to proposing a model of mapping library collection through GIS and codifying it based on the practical realities of several research centers

Conclusion: Applying this model would hopefully allow the users to precisely locate the library sources and, thereby, to save their time. Moreover, the users can find access to different forms of the sources located in different parts of the library

Urinary tract infections: Bacteriology and antibiotic resistance patterns.

The aim of this study was to identify the bacteria causing community acquired urinary tract infections (UTI) and detection of antibiotics resistance of isolates in 912 children below 18 years in the west of Iran. Data were analyzed for 4 age groups: infants, toddlers, preteens and teens. Fourteen antibiotics were tested by gel-diffusion method. Of 912 patients, 34.2% had positive bacterial cultures. The most common isolates were E. coli (57.4%), K. pneumoniae (9.7%), S. aureus (5.8%) and A. baumannii (2.2%). Most isolates showed high resistance against ampicillin, cotrimoxazole, nalidixic acid, tobramycin and nitrofurantoin. Klebsiella isolates showed more resistance against tested antibiotics than E. coli isolates.

[Effects of carnitine on sperm parameters of infertile males with idiopathic asthenospermia]

Studies confirm that a number of nutritional and environmental factors may negatively affect spermatogenesis and cause male infertility. Carnitine is an important factor for sperm motility. Carnitine deficiency decreases sperm motility and may cause male infertility. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of carnitine on sperm parameters in infertile males with idiopathic asthenospermia. This study is a before and after clinical trial performed on 40 asthenospermia men who were treated with 750 mg per/day carnitine in Fatemieh infertility research center in years 2006-2007. Sperm parameters were assessed before and after treatment. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS10 and paired T-test. The results showed a significant increase in sperm concentration, morphology, sperm total motility and rapid progressive motility after treatment by carnitine [p<0.05]. Carnitine supplementation has a significant effect on sperm parameters in men with idiopathic asthenospermia