[ efficacy of biomarkers indexes in comparison with echocardiography in assessment of antracycline induced cardiotoxicity in cancer patients]

Anthracyclines are the most frequent cause of treatment-induced cardiotoxicity and can cause severe morbidity and mortality during the life. The aim of the present study was to assess the validity and efficacy of cardiac biomarkers such as serum troponin I and creatine phosphokinase MB versus the standard echocardiography for early diagnosis of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. This was an analytical study in which 46 cancer patients who received anthracyclines-containing chemotherapy were investigated during 2007 to 2008.patients were selected based on obtaining a convenience sample using a consecutive sampling method. The serum levels of CKMB and cTnI were measured before treatment, after the third cycle of therapy, and following the completion of chemotherapy. Echocardiography was performed a year later for monitoring the cardiac function. Data were analyzed using chi square, Fisher's Exact and ANOVA tests. Our results showed that among three diagnostic methods [serum cTnI, CKMB measurements, and echocardiography] to diagnose anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity, the echocardiography was found to be of higher value compared to other two laboratory tests measured [p<0.000]. Considering the high diagnostic value of echocardiography in monitoring the cardiac function during anthracycline containing chemotherapy and also high cost of laboratory testing of CKMB, cTnI, it recommended that the ECG to remain as a valuable and cost-effective technique in monitoring the cardiac function

[Risk factors of breast cancer in Ramsar and Tonekabon]

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of death in women between 40-45 years old. Recognition of highly significant risk factors of breast cancer is of vital importance in preventing the incidence of this type of malignancy. The objective of this study was to determine the risk factors of breast cancer. This was a descriptive-analytical case-control study. The study population consisted of patients with and without breast cancer living in two cities of Ramsar and Tonekabon who visited the hematology and oncology clinic during 2004-2007. A total of 120 individuals were selected based on pairs sampling method. The study tool was a researcher-designed questionnaire which could evaluate a number of variables. Data were analyzed using statistical tests including chi-square test, paired t-test, and logistic regression. Findings: There was a significant relationship between the breast cancer and the duration of breast feeding [p<0.02], family history of breast cancer [p<0.01], history of using oral contraceptive pill [p<0.000], condition of menopause [p<0.000], and history of abortion [p<0.001]. Considering our data, periodic screening of women with one or more risk factors of breast cancer is recommended

relationship between anemia-related fatigue and quality of life in canceric patients

Fatigue is one of the most common and disturbing complications of cancer and the cancer-associated therapies that can influence various aspects of patients' life leading to appearance of many problems. The quality of life is among the topics that could be affected by fatigue. The aim of this research was to determine the relationship between anemia-related fatigue and quality of life in cancer patients. This was a descriptive study of correlation type performed on all cancer patients [No. 84] whose hemoglobin contents were less than 12g/dI hemoglobin. The measuring tools were the FACT-AN to assess the impact of anemia-related fatigue and the FACT-G to evaluate the quality of life. The data were analyzed by chi-square and ANOVA tests. The majority of patients [67.8%] suffered a medium level of fatigue and 46.5% with a relatively good quality of life. There was a statistical correlation between the anemia-related fatigue and the quality of life [P < 0.024]. Regarding our findings, it is recommended that the members of health team, in particular the nurses, to be alert to recognition of anemia and fatigue as a major sign of anemia in cancer patients. Special care to reduce the degree of fatigue in such patients could improve the quality of life as an important index of general health

Cloning and sequencing of Leishmania major thiol-specific-antioxidant antigen [TSA] gene

Leishmaniasis is caused by parasitic protozoa of the genus Leishmania which, in the infected host are obligate intracellular parasite. TSA is the immuno-dominant antigen of Leishmania major which is considered as the most promising molecule for a recombinant or DNA vaccine against leishmaniasis. Genomic DNA of TSA protein was extracted and amplificated as a template. Then the PCR product was cloned into pTZ57R/T vector. Finally, the recombinant plasmid was extracted from transformed Escherichia coli [TG1 strain] and sequenced. MRHO/IR/75/ER [an Iranian strain] of L. major and TSA gene [Accession number LmjF15.1080] were used. Sequence analysis of cloned TSA gene into pTZ57R/T vector showed high homology of 90% with LmjF15.1080 [TSA gene] and strain "LV39" [Accession no. AF069386] and strain "Friedlin" [Accession no.AF044679]. We cloned TSA gene of L. major successfully. Recombinant plasmid was confirmed. It is ready to express recombinant protein for further studies

Aerobic exercise program on the intensity of premenstrual syndrome

One of the psychosomatic problems related to female reproductive performance is premenstrual syndrome [PMS] and it may cause a decrease in educational status. Exercise as one of the treatment procedures can affect endorphins secretion and reduce PMS. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of aerobic exercise program on the intensity of PMS. This clinical trial study was performed on 80 nursing students in BSc degree with PMS. They were randomly divided into case and control groups. A questionnaire used to collect data for evaluating the prevalence and intensity of premenstrual symptoms. Control group followed an 8 week regular exercise program. The intensity of premenstrual syndrome in both groups at the beginning and end of study was determined and compared. There was no significant difference between two groups regarding the mean of premenstrual syndrome intensity at the baseline. The mean of intensity of premenstrual syndrome was decreased after exercise in case group [p<0.01], but no change was seen in control group. The results showed that aerobic exercise program can decrease the intensity of PMS. So the authorities should apply educational strategies to decrease PMS by programming aerobic exercise in order to support students psychiatric and somatic health

[Evaluation of stressors and copping methods among haemodialysis patients]

Patients with ESRD who receive dialysis must confront the burdens of long-term illness and numerous treatment-associated stressors. One of the most important factors in decreasing psychiatric disorders in these patients is using copping methods with physiological and psychosocial stressors. The purpose of the study was to determine the stressors and how the degree of subjective stress depends on sex and age; and to evaluate copping methods in chronic haemodialysis patients. This was a descriptive survey study performed in the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences during the year 1383. 120 patients [49 females and 71 male], regularly treated with hemodialyses were chosen through sensor sampling. Patients filled in the Hemodialysis Stressors Scale [HSS] to determine the prevalence and severity of physicopsychosocial stressors [CES - D]. This scale contained 29 items and was scored at the basis of four - point ctiteria of Likert's scale [0- 4]. Data was Analyzed using SPSS software and qualitive statistics using Student T-test, chi[2] and kruskal- wallis statistical tests. Values of p less than 0.05 were considered significant. The mean age of patients was 31.9 +/- 3.12 years [between 15 to 64 years].59.4% of patients had duration of dialysis less than 3 years. Results revealed that the average score of physiological stressors was 12.09 +/- 4.89 and the average score of psychosocial stressors was 38.51 +/- 14.45. Fluid restriction was ranked as the most prevalent psychosocial stressor followed by decrease in social life, and the top physiological stressors were muscle cramps and fatigue. There was a consistent trend for almost all stressors to become more intense over time, with some specific stressors increasing significantly. A positive relationship was demonstrated between emotionoriented copping and psychosocial and physiological stressors, though 67.8% of patients have been using problem - oriented methods. Psychosocial stressors are more common than physiological ones in hemodialytic patients. In attention to copping methods and their benefits for decreasing stress and depression levels, guidance of patients and their families is necessary. Nurses need to be educated about the factors that are stressful to patients, so they can support them appropriately