[Complications leading to hospitalization due to consumption of anti-TB drugs in patients with tuberculosis in Gorgan, Iran [2007-12]]

Anti tuberculosis drugs therapy is the most effective method for controling the tuberculosis [TB]. Early detection and appropriate treatment can prevent the TB-drug resistance. This study was carried out to determine the complications leading to hospitalization due to consumption of anti-TB drugs in patients with tuberculosis. In this descriptive-analytic study, 1550 records of patients with TB in urban and rural health centers of Gorgan, north of Iran were assessed during 2007-12. Checklist consists of demographic and clinical data for each patient was recorded in a questionare. 44 cases experienced the complications of anti-TB drugs. 27 [61.4%] of cases with complications were women. 77.3% and 22.7% of patients affected with pulmonary and extra pulmonary tuberculosis,respectively. 38.6% of patients were diabetic. The hepatic complication was seen in 37 cases [84.1%]. Skin and other complications were seen in 5 and 2 cases, respectively. There was not any relationship between drug complications and other disases. Hepatic damage is the most common complication leading to hospitalization in tuberculosis patients using anti-TB drugs

[Effect of cow's milk elimination from children diet on chronic constipation]

Children constipation is one of the common causes of abdominal pain. Cow's milk in children diet is suggested to be one of the main cause of chronic constipation. This study was performed to determine the effect of cow's milk elimination from children diet with chronic constipation. This quasi-experimental study, was performed on 80 children with chronic constipation. Rome-III criteria were considered for disease diagnosis. Cow's milk was eliminated for three weeks from children's diet and the clinical symptoms in children were surveyed, subsequently. Constipation was cured in 33.8% of children as result of cow's milk free diet. The rate of treatment response in affecting children whom their disease in began under 2 years of age [52.6%] was significantly higher than others [16.6%] [P<0.05]. Children treatment was not significantly related to child's gender and amount of milk consumption. Eliminating of cow's milk from the diet improves the chronic constipation in children

Antibiotic resistance pattern of gram-negative bacteria in Gorgan

The excessive use of broad-spectrum | antibiotics will lead to drug resistance of microorganism and i specially nosocomial organisms. Because of high incidence of 1 antibiotic resistance in hospitals, we aimed to study antibiotic resistance to gram negative bacteria. This cross-sectional study was conducted on the data of biological samples [2006-2008], with positive culture result. Using antibiogram, microbial resistance to isolated microorganism was determined, and after culturing the samples, bacteria were identified by using differential media and antiserum. Then, antibiotic resistance was performed by disk diffusion. The most common gram-negative microorganism obtained from all cultures was E.coli with the lowest drug resistance to Nitrofurantoin. Based on the results, antimicrobial resistance pattern is not the same in different places and furthermore it is ever changing. Therefore, further research is needed to be done to have an accurate pattern of antibiotic resistance to provide effective treatment regimens

seroprevalence of campylobacter jejuni in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and in healthy individuals

The patients with Post-Infectious Irritable bowel syndrome [PI-IBS], a subtype of irritable bowel syndrome, suffer from bacterial gastroenteritis. Since Campylobacter Jejuni [C] is one of the most common agents in this syndrome, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Campylobacter Jejuni in patients with Irritable Bowel Disease. This case - control study was conducted on 160 patients divided into 2 equal groups of healthy and unhealthy. The presence of Anti- CJ antibody [IgG and IgA] was evaluated by ELISA and the comparison was performed by chi-square test, The mean age of case [31.51] and control [31.84] was not statistically different [P = 0.87]. Titer of Anti- Campylobacter Jejuni antibody IgG was positive in 25% of patients and 18.8% of the healthy ones [p=0.02]. IgA Seropositivity in patients was 7.5% but no one in control group was positive [p =0.01]. The Seroprevalence of CJ in patients with IBS was higher significantly than that of control group. Thus, CJ can be known as one of the causes of Post-infection in patients with IBS in our region and it should be paid more attention in diagnostic assessment of these patients

[Frequency of academic failure and its associated factors from the viewpoint of students with and without academic failure in the Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Khoramabad, Iran]

Main task of universities is training efficient and effective human resources. Students annually experience academic failure due to different reasons. Because academic failure of medical students has negative impacts on the community, patients, profession and university, the present study aimed to determine the frequency of academic failure, and to compare its associated factors from the viewpoint of the students with and without academic failure. This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted during the second semester of 2011-2012 academic years on 148 nursing and midwifery students in Khorramabad Nursing and Midwifery Faculty using convenience sampling method. Academic failure was considered 0.2 and more decline in standard score [Z score] of the grade point average of the prior semester compare to the two previous semesters. The instrument was a researcher made questionnaire which included demographic information and 52 questions about influential factors on academic failure. Five point likert scale questions from very high to very low applied to examine the students' agreement with the factors affecting academic failure. The Questionnaires were self-reporting. Descriptive statistics, Chi square test, and independent T test were used for data analysis. 36.5% of the students had academic failure. The most important reported factors of academic failure from the viewpoint of the students with academic failure were death of a close one [4.13 +/- 1.25], faculty members' teaching method [4.11 +/- 1.7], high number of courses per semester [3.89 +/- 0.95], and delivery of theoretical and clinical courses at the same term [3.76 +/- 1.09]. Those of the students without academic failure were faculty members' evaluation methods [4.03 +/- 1.36], faculty members' teaching method [3.81 +/- 1.1], high number of courses in each semester [3.76 +/- 1.09], and educational planning [3.76 +/- 1.14]. There was no significant difference between the viewpoints of students with and without academic failure in the associated factors of academic failure. More than one third of the students had academic failure. Applying some strategies are necessary such as identifying and supporting students at risk of academic failure by consultant faculty members, encourage and support faculty members to apply more effective teaching and evaluation methods, teach correct studying and learning methods to students, and revision in the nursing educational planning

[Application of L-arginine as nitric oxide inducer and indomethacin as prostaglandin inhibitor in Balb/c mice infected with leishmania major MRHO/IR/75/ER]

Leishmaniasis is one of the health problems in. This study is designed to inhibit PG production by Indomethacin and induce NO by L-Arginine precursor in L. major infected Balb/c mice. This was an experimental study. Animals, Male inbred Balb/c mice were used in this study. The total number of animals used in this experiment was 48 Balb/c mice, divided into 6 groups [n =8 mice/group] including Group 1 [naive], Group 2 [L. major + 0.4% Ethanol], Group 3 [L. major + lndomethacin], Group 4 [L. major + DW], Group 5 [L. major + L- Arginine] and Group 6 [L. major + Indomethacin + L-Arginine]. In addition to serum, liver and spleen suspensions were investigated for NO induction by using Griess microassay. The data was analyzed by Analysis of Variances [ANOVA] and Student's t-test using Graph Pad Prism Software. The results indicated that production of NO was inhibited in infected Balb/c mice by L. major as compared with naive animals [Group 1]. INDO as inhibitor PG [Group 2] showed their ability to elevate RNI levels in infect animals. INDO showed anti-leishmanial activity, as these compounds reduced the lesion sizes [P<0.001]. INDO as inhibitor PG [Group 3] showed ability to decrease PG levels in infect animals. Our data may indicate a possible role for L-Arg and INDO as novel drug targets for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis in mouse model

Aflatoxin contamination in wheat flour samples from Golestan province, Northeast of Iran

Due to the high toxicity of aflatoxin and its effects on public health, determination of aflatoxin level in Wheat flour samples in the Golestan province, north of Iran was investigated. To examine the effect of seasonal changes, summer and winter sampling was performed with standard sampling methods. A total of 200 flour samples were collected from 25 factories. HPLC method with immunoaffinity chromatography was used to measure aflatoxin types [G2, G1, B2 and B1]. Statistical analysis was performed by the Pearson correlation test, One-way ANOVA and multivariate regression analysis. Mean total aflatoxin levels of samples were 0.82 and 1.99 ng/g in summer and winter, respectively. Aflatoxin B1 levels were detected in 3.1%, 7.4% over permissible limits by worldwide regulations in samples collected in summer and winter, respectively. Aflatoxins in winter were higher than summer. The highest frequency of aflatoxin contamination in winter was B2 [98%] and in summer G1 [51%]. The relationship between humidity and rate of aflatoxin B1 and total aflatoxin was significant in winter. Results of multivariate regression were showed the strongest relationship with humidity and aflatoxin level. Despite the contamination of flour samples, there was no contamination higher than the standard limit of Iran Standard Institute. But it was significantly higher than similar studies from other regions. Therefore, with regard to negative impacts of aflatoxin on health, aflatoxin contamination should be considered in future programs. Decrease of aflatoxin contamination may be made practical through reducing wheat storage duration and controlling humidity

[Educational needs assessment of patients with epilepsy among patients, nurses and physician: a comparative study]

Provision of essential information to patients is essential in medical services. However, results of patient education surveys show that medical personnel's perceptions may not align with those of patients about educational needs. This study was carried out to determine and compare educational priorities between patients and medical personnel. In this cross-sectional study, 69 patients with epilepsy, and 85 medical personnel [physicians and nurses] working in neurology, neurosurgery and pediatrics units were recruited. Data were gathered using a questionnaire consisting of three subsets with a total of 28 items. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA. More patients [58.2%] were male. Mean age was 30.8 years. Mean ages of nurses and doctors were 29.8 and37.8 years, respectively. Mean score of items regarding the disease in patients group was significantly higher than the medical personnel [P=0.00]. Mean score of items about life style was higher in patients and nurses than the doctors [P=0.001]. There were no significant differences about informational priorities of the drug therapy subset between three groups [P=0.53]. Education needs assessments should be done by considering patients' educational priorities in order to meet their educational needs

Molecular and biomorphometrical identification of ovine babesiosis in Iran

Ovine babesiosis is the most important haemoparasitic tick-borne disease of small ruminants in Iran caused by Babesia ovis, B. motasi, and B. crassa. The aim of this study was to characterize the species of ovine Babesia species isolated from different geographical region of Iran. One hundred fifty four blood samples collected from animals, which demonstrated the pale mucous membranes or hyperthermia. The specimens were transferred to the laboratory and the blood smears stained with Geimsa, the morphological and biometrical data of parasite in any infected erythrocyte have been considered. Extracted DNA from each blood samples were used in PCR and semi nested- PCR in order to confirm the presence of the species. Microscopial observation on 154 blood smears determined 38 [24.67%] and 40 [26%] samples were infected by Babesia and Theileria respectively. The mixed infections occurred in four [2.6%] samples. The results of the PCR assays showed nine [5.85%], 81 [53%] and 18 [11.7%] were distinguished as Babesia, Theileria and mixed infection, respectively. Semi nested-PCR did not confirm the presence of B. motasi. The causative organism of many cases of haemorprotozoal diseases, which recorded in previous studies, could B. ovis or Theilera lestoquardi. The result confirmed that B.ovis was only species which causes babesiosis in the study areas. It seems that the biometrical polymorphisms could exist in B. ovis in Iran. This polymorphism could be a main problem in differentiation between B. ovis and B. motasi and it could be dissolved by specific PCR analysis

effect of Swedish massage on knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis [OA] is the most common disease of the joints and also a main physical disorder in the elderly population. One third of people older than 65 years-old suffer from OA. It is predicted that by 2020, OA is the most frequently reported chronic condition among the elderly. The treatment includes drugs, physical therapy, and surgery. Massage therapy is an alternative treatment option to relieve the symptoms, which is not usually used for knee OA. As there are very few trials in the literature regarding knee OA treatment, this study is set to examine the effects of Swedish massage on knee OA. In a randomized clinical controlled trial on the effect of massage therapy of the knee OA, 46 female adults [at least 35 years of age] with knee OA were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomized in one of the two groups: the experimental treatment group receiving the standard treatment [ultrasound, infrared and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation] with Swedish massage and the control group who received the standard treatment only. Before and after the intervention, the pain and the quality of life were evaluated using visual analogue scale [VAS] and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities [WOMAC] Osteoarthritis index. There were significant differences in the pain level and quality of life before and after the intervention [P<0.05]. The findings showed significant improvement in the mean WOMAC and VAS scores in the two groups [P<0.001]. The changes in VAS and WOMAC scores were compared between the two groups which demonstrated significant difference between the two groups [P<0.001]. Massage therapy is efficacious in the treatment of knee OA. It is recommended to combine this method with the other physiotherapy methods for knee OA

[Medical staff attitude toward parents' participation in the care of their hospitalized children]

Family-centered care, which has become the cornerstone for pediatric nursing practice, supports the integrity of child and family health. It brings families a unique care and improves child and family health. Families are recognized as an essential part of a specialized child care during illness. They are expected to be skilful in child care both in and out of health care facilities. This study was carried out to determine health caregivers' attitude toward parent participation in the care of their hospitalized children at Madani pediatric hospital- Khoramabad in 2004. This is a descriptive-analytical study. One hundred and sixty nine caregivers were selected through convenient sampling method. Data were gathered using a questionnaire including demographic and parents' attitude questions. The questionnaire had 36-item. The data were analyzed via SPSS computer software and using descriptive and analytical methods. Results indicated that the average of participants' attitude score was 92.28 +/- 12.55. Most of subjects had neutral attitudes toward parents' participation in their children's care. Positive attitude were significantly related with marital status [P < 0.04], having children [P < 0.04] and being a nursing student [in comparison with medical students] [P = 0.04]. The caregivers' attitudes toward parents' participation in the care of their hospitalized children were neutral. The students' and staffs' attitudes should be modified by taking part in continuous training programs

[Genetic predisposing of P53 codon 72 on developing of breast cancer in postmenopausal women in Isfahan]

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in worldwide. 53P the suppression gene tumor has a principal role in genomic stability and its function is variated by the codon 72 polymorphism

Objective: Investigate the codon 72 polymorphism of P53 and the effect of menopause on the development of invasive breast ductal carcinoma

Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 96 patients with invasive breast ductal carcinoma and their 96 matched controls in Isfahan. The different genotypes of the codon 72 of P53 gene were identified by using allele-specific polymerase-chain reaction. Breast cancer patients were divided into two groups: postmenopausal and premenopausal. Statistical analysis was performed by using chi[2]-test

Results: In control group, the distribution of Arg/Arg, Arg/Pro and Pro/Pro genotypes were 36.5%, 45.8% and 17.7% respectively. The distributions of Arg/Arg, Arg/Pro and Pro/Pro in case group were 70.8%, 21.9% and 7.3% respectively. There is significant statistical difference in the distribution of P53 codon 72 polymorphism between case and control groups [P<0.001]. In addition, 76% of patients with Arg/Arg genotype were in post-menopause age group [P=0.05]

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that the polymorphism of codon 72 P53 is a genetic predisposing factor for the development of invasive breast ductal carcinoma in the studied sample in Isfahan and most of the patients were in postmenopausal age group

Analyzing the knowledge and attitude of nurses regarding medication error and its prophylactic ways in educational and therapeutic hospitals of Khorramabad

Medication errors are the most common avoidable causes of iatrogenic injuries in patients. One out of every three medication errors occurs when a nurse prescribes drug to a patient. Since medication instructions are among the most important parts in the patient's treatment process, their inappropriate application can lead to many serious consequences such as incomplete or incorrect therapy, as well as legal problems. The present study was carried out to verify the knowledge and attitude of nurses regarding medication error, and its prophylactic ways in educational and therapeutic hospitals of Khorramabad in 2005. The samples of this descriptive cross-sectional study included 85 randomly selected nurses who worked in educational and therapeutic hospitals of Khorramabad in 2005. Data collection instruments were a questionnaire and the structured interview. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software [version13], Chi-square and descriptive statistic test. Analyzing the data indicated that the nurses stated the most important causes of medication errors as follows: inadequate number of nurses[100%], night and repeated long shifts [83.7%], personal problems of the nurses [79%], presence of the patients' attendants and crowded wards [79%], and inappropriate environmental conditions of the wards [73.3%]. Fear of receiving reprimands and punishment [88.45], triviality of errors [57%], and unsupportive attitude of the nursing officials [50%] were the most frequently cited reasons for not reporting the medication errors. Moreover, adequate nurse to patient ratio [98.8%], staff continuing education [96.5%], and adequate information about medications [69.8%] were reported as the most important ways to prevent medication errors. Also 62.8% of the cases had moderate knowledge regarding medication error and its prophylactic ways. The data analysis showed that from the nurses' viewpoints, some interventions including increasing adequate nurse to patient ratio, improving environmental conditions of work, reducing environmental distractions such as interruptions and stressors, increasing staffs' information about medications, increasing the role of clinical pharmacologists, creating medication error reporting systems, supportive attitude of nursing officials, focusing on causes of errors, and improving controlling and supervising systems can have remarkable effects on reducing medication errors. Moreover, both individual and systems have to be taken into consideration when rules and regulation concerning medication error reporting and prevention are made

Immunoregulatory cytokine [TGF-beta and IL-10] responses in mice inoculated with protoscoleces and major hydatid fluid antigens of cystic echinococcosis

Our objectives were to investigate whether immunomodulatory cytokines, TGF-beta and IL-10, are stimulated in response to cystic echinococcosis [CE] components in mice model, and whether major hydatid fluid antigens or live protoscoleces could equally contribute to such cytokines. Protoscoleces were obtained by aseptic puncture of fertile sheep hydatid cysts. Hydatid fluid antigens [HFAgs] and Antigen B [AgB] were prepared by partial purification and electroelution, respectively. Of the 25 Balb/c mice assigned in four groups, the first group was inoculated ip with 2000 live protoscoleces; the second and the third groups were injected ip with 50 micro g HFAgs and 50 micro g AgB in 200 micro l of PBS, respectively. Control group was only injected with PBS. The sera concentration of TGF-beta and IL-10 were determined by ELISA. Data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA and Tukey-HSD tests to compare differences between means. The mean concentration of TGF-beta in those groups injected with protoscoleces, HFAgs and AgB were significantly higher than control group. However, in the case of IL-10 such differences were only detected in mice that were inoculated with protoscoleces [356 +/- 11 pg/ml] compared to control [207 +/- 9 pg/ml], HFAgs and AgB groups. TGF-beta and IL-10, two important immunomudulatory cytokines are induced by different molecules or components of CE, so that AgB could induce TGF-B and components of protoscolex, other than AgB and Ag5, could induce IL-10