[ review on pharmacological effects and therapeutic properties of curcumin]

Curcumin is a natural compound that obtains from the rhizome of turmeric plant. It has a wide range of pharmacological and therapeutic effects via various molecular and cellular mechanisms. With regards to pharmacological effects and drug use of curcumin, the study of its pharmacological properties for using in clinical trials is essential and need. The most important therapeutic effects of curcumin include: antioxidant, anti- inflammatory and anticancer properties. Although, no side effect and toxicity of curcumin has been reported, but the application of this compound as a supplemental therapy in treatment regimes for various diseases is taking into consideration. The clinical studies of curcumin combined with chemotherapy drugs demonstrated that the curcumin increases the effectiveness of drugs and decrease of side effects of chemotherapy drugs. The aim of this work is the review of all studies which conducted on pharmacological and therapeutic properties of curcumin

[ concept analysis of critical thinking in clinical nursing]

Background and Aim: Aging of population, increased cultural and social differences in societies, increased rate of chronic diseases, reduction of financial resources, the flash-like technological changes, emphasis on home care, increased trend toward patient-centered care and evidence based practice have resulted in more complexity in clinical environments. Providing standard safe and effective care in such environmental conditions can only be achieved by development of critical thinking skills in the nursing staff. There are many definitions about critical thinking in nursing. Many of these explanations are complicated, without significant relation to the clinical and professional performances

Material and Methods: We used eight step Rodgers' concept analysis method to provide a clear definition about critical thinking in clinical nursing to determine antecedents, attributes and consequences. We searched valid online data bases for in English and Persian articles from 1995 to 2014. Finally, 58 articles 3 dissertations and 2 chapters from two books were analyzed by means of Rodger's inductive approach

Results: The results of this study showed that, critical thinking in clinical nursing have 3 antecedents and 6 attributes including Use of nursing process in clinical situation, emphasizing on holistic and comprehensive performances, Use of different patterns in order to achieve understanding, Using emotional intelligence skills in predisposing clinical situations, predisposing factors for critical thinking and elements of critical thinking. Achievement of critical thinking leads to positive outcomes such as effective and patient-centered care, creativity, evidence based practice and professionalism

Conclusions: The result of this study let to development of a clear and comprehensive definition of critical thinking in clinical nursing. This definition can correct many misconceptions and misuses of the concept of critical thinking. The findings also can help clinical nurses to create a framework and guidelines for effective clinical performance. This framework can, guarantee the competency in nursing

Chemical composition and protein enrichment of orange peels and sugar beet pulp after fermentation by two Trichoderma species

The present experiment aimed at increasing orange peel and sugar beet pulp protein content through solid-state fermentation by Trichoderma reesei and Trichoderma viride. In vitro digestibility and changes in the chemical composition of the fermented products were determined after seven days of fungal cultivation using gas production tests. The cultivation of T. reesei and T. viride on orange peels decreased neutral detergent soluble content [P<0.01] and increased cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin contents [P<0.01]. Changes in fiber fractions were found to be more pronounced with T. viride. The cultivation of T. reesei and T. viride on sugar beet pulp increased neutral detergent soluble content [P<0.01] and decreased cellulose and hemicellulose contents [P<0.01]. These changes were more pronounced with T. reesei. The cultivation of T. reesei or T. viride on orange peels or sugar beet pulp increased crude protein content [P<0.01] compared with the unfermented materials; however, the increase was more pronounced for orange peels fermented with T. viride when corrected for weight loss [P<0.05]. After 24 and 48 h of incubation, significant decreases in cumulative gas production [P<0.01] were observed in fermented sugar beet pulp and orange peels compared with the unfermented materials. Fungal treatment of orange peels and sugar beet pulp reduced the digestibility of in vitro organic matter, metabolizable energy and average fermentation and gas production rates [P<0.01]. The data showed that seven days of solid-state fermentation of orange peels and sugar beet pulp by T. reesei or T. viride can increase their crude protein content

[Professional partnership: nurses' experience of theory-practice gap in nursing education]

Examining the gap between theoretical and practical training can be effective in professional development and can be changed. The aim of this study was to determine the experiences of nursing teachers about the issue of gap between theory and practice in nursing education. This qualitative study was carried out on 32 nursing teachers and managers at Nursing and Midwifery Faculties of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Esfahan University of Medical Sciences. Data collection conducted using semi-structured interview and after signing the informed consent by the participants. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. Then, collected data were analyzed through conventional content analysis. In order to assess the validity of data collection, different criteria such as acceptability and verifiability were used. Main themes of the research include education engineering, meritocratic and professional partnership. Experience and understanding of the participants showed that their professional practice and educational activities are in compliance with the core planning. Therefore, content of education and clinical credibility and competency should be standardized through acquired efficient partnership. This will reduce the gap between education and training. The results of this study provides knowledge and insight in educators and managers, so that that they would be able to confront and resolve the gap between theory and clinical training. Results of this study revealed that experiences of participants can identify factors affecting the challenge and provide improved status appropriate for enhanced competence and capabilities of nursing student

[Inefficient education and process of obesity in Tehranian adolescents: a qualitative study]

This study aimed to determine inefficiencies in current educational programs for promoting of healthy lifestyles and prevention of obesity from the perspective of adolescents and mothers. This was a qualitative study conducted based on a grounded theory approach. To collect data, 23 personal interviews and 12 semi-structured focus group discussions were conducted with overweight/obese adolescents and mothers who had at least one overweight/obese child. To maximize the variation of participants' experiences with different socio-economic backgrounds, two demographically diverse areas from the north and south of Tehran were selected and followed with theoretical sampling. All the interviews and focus group discussions were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data collection and analysis were done simultaneously, using the Strauss and Corbin analysis method. In the current study, inefficient education was explored using two main themes including "Single dimensional curriculum of schools" and "Inefficient public education". The single dimensional curriculum of schools was found to be characterized by "lesson-based curriculum" and "burdensome educational programs" and the inefficient public education was characterized by "inappropriate content", "lack of comprehensive educational program", "inappropriate ways of messaging" and "contradictory messages". Based on the findings of this study, "single dimensional curriculum of schools" and "Inefficient public education" were the main correlates of inefficient education in our society, which led to obesity-related behaviors and consequently excessive weight gain in Tehranian adolescents. The results of this study may be effective in prioritizing and designing health promotion programs aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and prevention of obesity in children and adolescents

[Information needs of patients with cardiovascular disease in health information seeking process: a qualitative study]

Introduction: Seeking health information is of salient importance in management of cardiovascular diseases [CVDs]. The present study aimed to explore and reveal the information needs of patients with cardiovascular diseases when seeking healthcare information. Our data sources were patients', family caregivers' and healthcare providers' experiences

Method: In a qualitative research approach, content analysis method was used. There were 31 participants comprising 16 cardiovascular patients, 5 family caregivers, and 10 healthcare providers. Required data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and purposeful sampling, and continued until data saturation. Analysis of data was performed concurrently with data collection and through a comparative method

Results: Four central themes including disease-related, healthcare-related, health system-related and life-related information needs emerged out of content analysis

Conclusion: The results showed that information seeking in patients with cardiovascular diseases is holistic and is beyond physical health and the disease. Some of the important findings of this study are seeking information about prognosis, role playing, mental and sexual health, healthcare system performance, modern medicine, Islamic and traditional medicine. Therefore, providing information through various modes of communication for meeting patient needs, having their participation in decisions for treatment, and optimal management of life is necessary

[Adolescent's perspectives on the factors that influence caries development: a qualitative study]

Oral and dental diseases limit an individual's activities at the school, work place and home, leading to a loss of millions of work and school hours all over the world. The period of adolescence is critical as regards shaping of healthy behaviors related to oral and dental diseases. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe school pupils' viewpoints on factors influencing development of dental caries. A qualitative study with a content analysis approach was conducted to collect the perspectives of 18 Iranian students in 8 guidance schools selected by purposive sampling. Structured and semi-structured interviews were held to collect data. An informed consent was obtained and the interviews were recorded and transcribed. The data was analyzed through an inductive approach of content analysis. In order to support the validity and rigor of the data, different criteria such as acceptability, confirmability and transferability were utilized. Data analysis could identify four major factors influencing dental caries development: "family interactions in dental health", "role of school in caring for teeth", "role of dentists in caring for teeth" and "effect of education in caring for teeth". The factors influencing caring for teeth and mouth had a greater significance. The students' experiences, as observed in this study, can help in developing mutual trust between students and dentists, delivering better services in schools by relevant organizations, and designing more effective oral health interventions, with due consideration of vital role of the parents

[Coping to retirement: a review article]

Retirement is combining with extensive changes in everyday life, opportunities, expectations, hopes and fears. Since retirement is a major event in the lives of many people and necessary to coping, it discussed as an important issue for health care professionals. The aim of this review article was exploration of coping to retirement. In this systematic review that was done during 2009-2011, we were collected and analyzed all studies and references in retirement and coping with retirement [Persian and English], without time limitation. This review study was carried out using ISI, MEDLINE and CINAHL database that cover a wide range of scientific literature and journals, the index published their research. Studies in Persian through electronic databases including the Scientific Information Database [SID], Database of Medical Sciences in Iran articles [IranMedex], Institute for Scientific Information and Documentation Iran [IranDoc], Country Information [Magiran] and [Medlib] and search engine [Google] search was performed with Persian words. In addition, offline search that were available in retirement, refer to the archive library journals, dissertations and books, references were also presented at conferences and resources. The results of this search was to obtain after primary investigate of 297 relevant references and finally among of 98 references that the most appropriate in terms of coverage of the subject with emphasis on various aspects of retirement and coping to retirement, were used for this article. These references include of quantitative and qualitative studies, books, and abstracts of research projects. The key concepts involve to coping in retirement include of: "Preparation", "Healthy", "Identifying" and "Supporting", that by precise identification, orderly and planned all the relevant studies can be helpful and effective in coping with retirement. Retirement coping is possible with emphasis on create preparation to retirement, identify of retiree, maintain healthy and enjoyment from supporting of family, leaders, organizations and community. Identify of this concept, creating of social positive attitude towards the phenomenon of retirement are the essential and necessary in coping to retirement

[Designing an adaptation model for retired nurses]

Increasing number of retirees and improved life expectancy has been resulted in increased retirement years. The status of Iranian nurses seems to be different from nurses in other countries; yet no model has been proposed regarding the adaptation of nurses with retirement. The aim of this study was to propose an adaptation model for retired nurses. It was a qualitative grounded theory study. The participants were 20 retired nurses from Semnan city who were recruited by purposeful and theoretical sampling. In the first stage data was generated by semi- structured interviews. Field notes were also used as data. Data collection and analysis by constant comparison was done simultaneously using Strauss and Corbin method. In the second stage, the model of adaptation with retirement was composed using the themes emerged in the first stage and literature review according to the Walker and Avant method. the proposed Model included some stages for nurses' adaptation with retirement: preparation for the experience of retirement, identity reconstruction strengthening, optimum use of supportive factors, attention to negative interactions, and providing facilities for a normal life. Since retirement is not a mono- stage, simple transition process, but is an adaptation process that occurs during time, the proposed model would help nurse retirees to control stressors and imbalances in their lives and adapt with retirement successfully

[ effect of orientation program on stress, anxiety and depression of patients undergoing coronary angiography]

Hospitalization causes anxiety for many patients. It increases when patients anticipate their turn for coronary angiography. Education and orientation reduces the psycho- physiologic effects of anxiety and stress. To determine the effect of Orientation Program on stress, anxiety and depression in patient under coronary angiography, who had hospitalization in heart and post angio ward of shahid Beheshti center of heart in Zanjan. In a quasi-experimental, 60 patient under angiography were randomly assigned to either the test group: those who received orientation program, or the control group. Data collection tools were included: the DASS-21 Standard Questionnaire for patients' stress, anxiety and depression. Subjects' stress, anxiety and depression levels were measured before angiography. And finally the collected data was analyzed by SPSS software. After intervention, the independent t-test showed that the anxiety, stress, and depression level [P<0.05] were reduced in case group. This study showed that patients in case group experienced lower anxiety, stress, and depression level. Therefore proposed to be used orientation program before invasive diagnostic procedures

[Retired nurses' experience from retirement: a qualitative study]

Retirement is a new phase in the life cycle and away to improve health and self-care and living conditions. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of retired nurses in retirement time. This study was performed by qualitative design and content analysis method. Sampling was based on purposive and participants were 20 retired nurses that live in Semnan. In addition, participants had a BSc in nursing and 1 to 5 years of retirement time. However, they had different positions in various wards and hospitals with 23-30 years' of full-time experience. Data was collected through semi- structured interviews and the sampling ended when the data reached saturation. The main theme extracted from the data analysis was to identity the threat. Classes include "shock and disbelief", "hard separation of the work" and "frustration" that contained several sub-classes. The experience of retired nurses during the retirement was identity threat. Suitable retirement planning and effective interventions to improve existing conditions by authorities and managers of nursing, can prevent incidence of identity threat in retired nurses and provide health promotion and efficiency for nurses. Furthermore, findings of this study can provide and facilitate more future studies in this field

[ main risk factors of pulmonary tuberculosis acquisition in hospitalized patients in Razi hospital, Ahvaz-Iran [2001-07]]

Risk factors of tuberculosis vary in communities according to different socioeconomic conditions. Knowing these risk factors help to control the disease. This study was done to determine the main risk factors of pulmonary tuberculosis acquisition in hospitalized patients. In this data based, case-control study 173 tuberculosis patients [as cases] and 305 non tuberculosis patients [as controls] hospitalized in Razi hospital in Ahvaz, Iran during 2001-07 were gone under investigation. Risk factors included injecting drug addiction, smoking, HIV infection, diabetes mellitus, imprisonment and corticosteroid usage. Data were analyzed using SPSS-13, Chi-Square and Fisher exact tests. Odds ratio was determined for risk factors. Frequencies of the main risk factors in case and control groups were as: smoking; 54.3%, 14.8% [p=0.0001, OR: 6.5], HIV infection; 11.5%, 3% [p=0.0002, OR: 4.3], injecting drug addiction; 18%, 3.3% [p=0.0001, OR: 6.7], diabetes mellitus; 22.5%, 5.9% [p=0.0001, OR: 4.6] and imprisonment; 20.2%, 3.9% [p=0.0001, OR: 6.2], respectively. Corticosteroid use and renal failure were similar in cases and controls. This study showed that smoking, HIV infection, injecting drug addiction, diabetes mellitus and imprisonment were the main risk factors for tuberculosis acquisition in this region

[Concept and factors concerning to health in an adolescent's point of view]

Health is a dynamic concept and its definition differs according to age, sex and developmental stages. Adolescence period is one of the most crucial stages of development during ones life time. Adolescent developmental situation and attitude about health concept can be underlying factors in health deviation. The aim of this review study was to explor the concept of health and the related factors in an adolescent's point of view. A comprehensive review of literature was performed in databases of Science direct, ProQuest, Springer, PubMed, IranMedex and SID using keywords of adolescence, health concept, health perspectives and factors during 1990-2011. The review indicated that adolescents defined concept of health as independence, communication, socio-economic situation, mental health, religion and educational facilities. Psychosocial health related factors were also more important for them than physical factors. Exploring adolescent perspectives on health is important for maintaining healthy society. Policy makers should consider Adolescents' perspectives on health for developing effective prevention and intervention programs about adolescent's health

[ effects of whey protein isolate supplement and strength training on weight loss, body composition, strength and muscle hypertrophy in overweight young men]

Limited studies have been conducted on the effect of resistance training plus protein supplements on weight control, muscle growth and body composition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a whey protein supplement combined with a 6-week strength training on weight loss, body composition, strength, and muscle hypertrophy in overweight young men. Thirty individuals with a body mass index between 25-30 kg/m[2] participated in the study. They were randomly divided into three groups of 10 persons each as follows: 1. Experimental group 1 [whey supplement + 6 weeks of strength training [W]; 2. Experimental group 2 [placebo + 6 weeks of strength training [D]; 3. Control group [C]. Maximum strength and muscle volume of the subjects were measured by the 1-RM test in bench press, biceps curl, Squats and chest, arm and tight limb. Skinfold thickness [triceps, supraillium, abdomen and thigh] were measured with Lange skinfold calipers. Repeated measure ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test were used for data analysis. No significant changes occurred in body weight and BMI [p>0.05]. The waist-to-hip ratio [WHR] also remained unchanged in all groups [p>0.05]. In both the experimental and placebo groups significant reductions in percent body fat and fat mass and significant increases in the lean body mass, strength, and muscle hypertrophy were observed [p<0.05] after 6 weeks of strength training. Strength exercise training alone increases strength, hypertrophy and muscle mass and improves body composition in sedentary, overweight young men. Our results suggest that protein supplementation is not needed for strength improvement or body composition changes

[Knowledge and practice of medical interns about oral medicine in Hamadan university of medical sciences]

This was a cross-sectional study to evaluate the degree of awareness and practice of oral medicine by all final-year medical students of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences [69 cases] in 2010. The data was analyzed by chi-square test and T test. According to our findings, the level of knowledge and practice were found to be insufficient in 58 and 55.1% of medical interns, respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between the level of awareness and practice [P=0.04]. Re-evaluation of medical curriculum regarding the oral medicine seems to be necessary for medical students

[Clinical supervision in rocky roads]

Introduction: Clinical supervision is an essential way of support and advances professional roles of nurses. Clinical supervision includes objectives and positive functions and is an effective support system within many challenges in nursing. The aim of this study was to investigate factors affecting processes of clinical supervision from perspectives of nurses

Methods: In this qualitative and content analysis study, 18 participants including supervisors and nurses were selected purposively. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, document reviews, and observations. Data were collected from September 2009 to October 2010. Data were analyzed using content analysis method

Results: The results of the study showed that implementation of clinical supervision by supervisors were affected by individual and organizational dimensions. In the individual dimension three themes were emerged: 1] supervisors' individual competencies; 2] supervisees' individual competencies; and 3] interaction between the supervisors and the supervisees. The organizational dimension had four themes: 1] high work load; 2] complex nature of clinical supervision; 3] non-effective organization in supervising; and 4] inappropriate fields for monitoring

Conclusion: According to the findings, several factors influenced clinical supervision including personal characteristics of supervisors and supervisees, complex nature of clinical supervision and environmental factors in hospitals. Understanding the different perceived dimensions of clinical supervision can help nurse managers to implement effective clinical supervision

[ comparative study of the previously graduated dentists' knowledge versus those recently graduated as to proper prescription of interaoral radiography and panoramic views]

Statement of Problems: The first step to decrease the patients' exposure to unnecessary radiography radiation is the proper prescription of radiography

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of general dental practitioners as to proper prescription of intraoral radiography and panoramic views

Materials and Method: In this study, a questionnaire on the dentists' knowledge about the proper prescription of dental radiography was used. A total of eighty one general dental practitioners filled in the questionnaire. Statistical analysis of the dentists' awareness and its relationship with graduate round off period was done carried out by Chisquare, Mann Whitney and Fishers exact tests using SPSS software

Results: The Knowledge of general dental practitioners as to panoramic radiography was moderate and that of those who graduated more than five years ago [Group 1] was 42.8%. The knowledge of the recently graduated general dental practitioners graduated less than 5 years ago [Group 2] was 50%. As to preference of application of panoramic radiography and intraoral periapical radiography in diagnosis of oral and dental diseases, group 1 gave 100% correct answers compared to 83.3% in group 2

Conclusion: The dentists' knowledge regarding the proper prescription of radiography did not have a significant difference. Adequate instruction for dentists in this regard seems to be necessary

[Comparison of clinical manifestations of pulmonary tuberculosis among hiv+ and hiv-patients admitted to infectious diseases ward in Ahvaz Razi hospital]

Pulmonary tuberculosis [TB] is the most common form of the tuberculosis in HIV infected patients that can affect on progression of HIV infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of HIV infection on the clinical presentation of tuberculosis. We extracted the information of admitted patients in infectious ward of Razi hospital with pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis from 2004-2009.Outcome of this stage was 204 patients. Then we divided these patients in two groups, group 1 patients with HIV [34 cases] and group 2 without HIV infection [170 cases]. Finally, we compared the clinical manifestations between these two groups. Data analysis with Chi square test and SPSS software was done. Tuberculosis was more common in men in both groups [p<0.001]. The mean age of HIV positive patients was lower than HIV negative patients. [31.85 +/- 8.52 vs. 44. 33 +/- 10.34], [p=0.001]. Fever, weakness and hemoptysis were more frequent in HIV positive patients [%94.11 vs.%81.17,%58.82 vs.%50.58 and%20.58 vs.%7.05], [p=0.07, p=0.23, p=0.01]. Whereas chronic cough, sputum, weight loss and night sweating were more prominent in HIV negative patients. [%95.29 vs.%73.52,%87.64 vs.%70.58,%71.17 vs.%38.23 and%61.76 vs.%41.17], [p=0.03, p=0.04, p=0.009, p=0.04]. According to the study in these two groups it is important to consider tuberculosis in differential diagnosis of every HIV infected patient not only with cough and sputum but also with fever and constitutional symptoms

Job stressors from clinical nurses' perspective

Nursing by its very nature is subject to high degrees of stress and is very important because of its relation with human's life. The aim of the present study is determining job stressors from within clinical nurses' perspective. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The participants were 68 nurses working in two public hospitals in Tehran that were recruited by convenience sampling. Data was collected by nurses job stress Questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS-PC. The highest mean score in four dimensions of nurses' job stressors were determined. In managerial dimension it was related to low salaries [3.40 +/- 0.83]; in work place conditions dimension, it was related to ward noise and overcrowding [3.38 +/- .93], and in patient care dimension, it was related to presence of visitors out of official time [3.29 +/- 0.89]. Among four dimensions the mean score for managerial dimension was the highest [2.49 +/- 0.76]. regarding the importance of managerial stressors, nurse managers need to consider and modify these stressors in clinical settings of Tehran

[Education for life: a qualitative study on adolescents' perspectives on health]

Adolescence is a period of transience and development from childhood to adulthood and they face risky behaviors. This study aimed to describe and explain the educational predisposing factors on adolescents' health. In this qualitative study, content analysis has been done on educational factors and adolescents perspectives' on health. Fifty adolescents have purposefully selected and have been interviewed semi-structurally considering ethical issues till data saturation. The interviews recorded and transcript word by word. Several reviews have made to develop the codes and categories. Sliding movement made marginal data deletion. In this study, three main categories included two subcategories have been emerged. The difficulties in higher education included [different entrance exam, university as mirage], education for life [necessary for health knowledge and behavior, extra capabilities], and schools and the great expectations [the exploration of the talented students, the parents-schools relationship]. Knowing the health concept from adolescent is useful and leads to better future. For this reason, policymakers and managers are responsible to provide health education for this group so they can face real life situations