[Correlation between learning styles and the characteristics of nursing and midwifery students in Qazvin university of medical Sciences using the VARK model]

Exploring factors affecting learning is crucial for resolving problems and inadequacies of the educational system. One of the main factors affecting learning is the learning style that varies in different people. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between learning styles and the characteristics of nursing and midwifery students in Qazvin University of Medical Sciences using the VARK model. This was a correlational-descriptive study. The VARK Standard Questionnaire was used for data collection. Samples were consisted of 242 nursing and midwifery students of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences chosen using the census method. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The level of significance was set as 0.05. The mean and standard deviation of raw scores of kinesthetic, audible, reading-writing and visual styles were 5.1 +/- 2.63, 5.76 +/- 2.55, 6.15 +/- 2.67, and 4.36 +/- 2.34, respectively. The highest mean was belonged to the reading-writing style. There was a statistically significant relationship between gender and academic course [P /= 0.05]. It is suggested that lecturers to be aware of the variations of the learning style among students and select the style of teaching appropriate to the student's learning style in order to improve the efficacy of learnt process

[Correlation between type of personality and academic achievement of nursing students in university of medical sciences Qazvin]

Introduction: Academic achievement will be self-actualization and promote confident of students; intelligence, memory and type of personality are the psychological factors that affect learning. This study was performed to determine the relationship between type of personality and academic achievement of nursing students

Methods: This is an analytic study; subjects consisted of 161 undergraduate Nursing students [The third term and higher] at Qazvin Nursing college in 2009. The subjects were assessed by demographic questionnaire, Eysenck's personality inventory and total average of semesters as academic achievement. Data were analyzed by chi-squire, analysis of Variance and parson correlation with significant level of 0.05 and using SPPS v.15

Results: The results from 161 subjects showed 83.9% females and 16.1% male. And most samples [44.1%] were extroversion with instability personality. Statistical tests showed significant relationship between type of personality and total average [P=0.023, F=3.25]. There was significant negative correlation between academic achievement with introversion [r=-0.167, P=0.038]

Conclusion: So it seems academic achievement is also affected by characteristic of personality and psychological status; therefore further study of student's personality in several fields and creating more consultation centers in universities are necessary

[Quality of life in cancer patients in Qazvin [2007]]

Cancer as a chronic disease with special treatment such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery can affect patients both psychologically and physiologically complicating all aspects of patients' life. Thus, assessing the patients' quality of life for better care planning is of prime priority. To determine the level of quality of life in cancer patients considering the physiological, psychological, environmental, and social relation domains. This was a cross-sectional descriptive analytical study performed on 63 patients with cancer who were referred to oncology clinic of Kosar hospital in Qazvin during 2007. The patients were interviewed by the researchers using the Persian version of the world health organization quality of life [WHOQOL-BREF] questionnaire. Analysis of data were carried out using SPSS and descriptive statistics including the chi-square test, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient and regression. Of total 63 patients, 41.3% were males and 58.7% females among those 33 between 40-60 year with 42 having an income of not more than $250 per month. Most patients [46%] were treated by surgical measures and chemotherapy and 93.7% with no knowledge about cancer. Among patients, 60.4% in physiological domain, 55.5% in psychological domain, and 66.7% in environmental health domain showed low and moderate levels of quality of life. In social domain, 71.5% were found to have high level quality of life. Also, the study demonstrated that there was a correlation between the patients' quality of life in physiological domain and the number of children while the duration of treatment was found to influence the other domains of quality of life. Considering the data of the present study, most patients were middle age, with low income, and unaware of their needs. Regarding the environmental health, psychological, and physiological domains, the patients were found to have low and moderate levels of quality of life. Hence the serious intervention by physicians, nurses, and health politician towards improving the patients' quality of life of prime necessity

Evaluation of confounder in toxoplasmosis indirect fluorescent antibody assay

The IFA test is one of the most usual methods for detecting anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, although it has not any unique standardization. It seems that the microscopic judgment of results is an important confounder in IFA test. Therefore, we conducted the present study to clarify the role of microscopic observer, and other confounders on the test. Eighty sera were collected from patients suspicious to toxoplasmosis for detection IgG anti-T. gondii by this test. Samples were examined against different series of antigens, IgG anti-human conjugates, and observes. There were no significant differences between the two series of antigens and conjugates. For the observers groups the kappa coefficient of the test results in the experts group [0.97, 0.94- 1.00] were significantly higher than the less experienced observers [0.77, 0.68-0.87]. We recommend the IFA test to be performed only in reference laboratories and by laboratory technicians that have enough experience for this test. Otherwise, we suggest the substitution of this test with other tests like ELISA for the diagnosis and epidemiological studies

[Survey of airborne fungi spores in Qazvin [Mar-Jun 2007]]

Fungal air Spores can play a significant role in several allergic manifestations. Respiratory allergy to environmental molds is relatively common. Allergy to airborne fungi can cause rhinitis and severe asthma. The aim of this study was to investigate airborne fungal spores at Qazvin. This descriptive study was conducted by Petri-dish trapping technique. 25 different locations selected. The data were analyzed by the chi-square and t-tests. Totally, 2652 fungus colonies were counted from 150 Petri dish. The most common fungi were CLadosporium spp, Penicillium spp, Aspergillus spp. Alternaria spp. Our results seem to confirm that fungal air spores, because of its quantity and variety, can represent a serious problem for human health .Reducing these indoor fungi is necessary to improve the health of individuals with fungal-induced diseases like asthma

[Domestic violence against women and preventive intervention in the Minoodar and Kosar regions of Qazvin [2005-2006]]

study conducted by the Iran and the world show that the domestic violence against women while increasing the amount, caused damage of social and psychological many for its victims. study in order to determine the kinds of symptoms and the domestic violence against women, its side effects and the amount of influence communication skills training, solve the problem and deal with psychological pressure to reduce women in it. This study on the interference of 301 women 20 to 50-year-old resident in Minoodar and Kosar regions of Qazvin in the 2007-2008. Study population included the mothers of pupils from selected primary schools chosen through a multi-staged random sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of 3 sections including a section on demographic characteristics of both wife and husband, another section containing 60 questions based on Likert scales over different patterns of violence against women, and lastly, a section on complications of victims of domestic violence. Data were recorded both at the beginning and a year later post-intervention and further processed and analyzed using t-test for dependent samples. after the intervention, the average violence against women by their husbands had reduced 11.5% to 8.54%, yet the difference between mean values was shown to be insignificant, statistically. However, when assessing every single example of violence separately, some patterns of violence were found to be significantly decreased [p<0.05]. The most common types of complications among victims of violence were psychoneurotic disorder [11%], abortion [4%], some bruising around eyes [2.66%]. Additionally, the most and the least common types of violent behaviors against women were verbal abuse and tying up by 41.2% and 0.07%, respectively. The research showed that women to escape the violence in the domestic skills to many, especially his skills in connection with his wife and relations between the individual. In addition, for the reduction in this kind of violence is necessary to men as agents violence connection between the individual skill to learn

[Mental health of Qazvin, Zanjan and Arak students who are the sons and daughters of victims of war [2007]]

In this study, the degree of mental health among students whoes parents have been the war sacrifices and martyrs in Qazvin, Zanjan and Arak Universities of Medical Sciences was evaluated. The present work was a cross-sectional study performed on all registered students of war sacrifices and martyrs. The GHQ-28 questionnaire was used and a score of 23 considered as cut off point for general scale. The data showed that 28.6% of students under the study were suspected of having mental disorder. When the data were calculated for individual universities, the rates obtained for Zanjan, Arak and Qazvin universities were 40.7%, 26.8% and 25.6% respectively. The undergraduate students need more attention than the others do. Additionally, a combination of questionnaire methods and clinical protocols are also suggested

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in unmarried women in Qazvin, Islamic Republic of Iran

In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii among 400 women referred to Qazvin community health centre laboratory for pre-marriage examinations. Indirect immunofluorescent antibody test was used to detect IgG anti-toxoplasma. Titres >/= 1: 20 were considered positive. The overall seropositivity was 34%. Mean age was significantly higher in seropositive women [P < 0.05]. Seropositivity was highest among unemployed women [38.3%] and lowest among students [22.6%], and was significantly higher in women with less than high-school education [P < 0.05]. With two-thirds of these unmarried women seronegative, they represent a high-risk group in pregnancy. Such women need to be educated to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis

[Factors associated with ecstasy use in students of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences]

Drug addiction, especially addiction to Ecstasy has ruinous effect on lives. Lack of knowledge is the most important cause of Ecstasy use among young adults. Research studies showed that students use these pills in order to get comfort and to overcome grieves. Addiction to ecstasy has been increased in Iran in recent years. This study was carried out to assess the factors associated to Ecstasy use in students of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 200 students using clustered, random sampling. Data collection tool was a structured valid and reliable questionnaire containing 28 questions in two sections. Data were analyzed using Student t-test, ANOVA and chi-square tests. Results indicated that the prevalence of Ecstasy use was 1.5%. Prevalence of alcohol and cigarette use was 1.5% too. Mean score of knowledge on Ecstasy was 9.8% [SD=3.8]. Knowledge of the female students was higher than the knowledge of male ones. About 86.7% of the students took Ecstasy in order to end grieve due to family problems. Most important associated factors to Ecstasy use were: positive attitude toward Ecstasy use, lack of knowledge [96.5%], peer pressure [96%], and 1ck of parents' attention to their young children [94.5%]. Lack of knowledge about complications of addiction to Ecstasy is the most important factor leading to addiction among students. Living in places such as dormitories and rented houses, and lack of parents' control over their children can be important factors related to addiction of students to Ecstasy, as well

[Investigating the mental health of the first- and last-year students of QUMS [2005]]

According to the World Health Organization, mental disorders are among the first ten major causes of disabilities worldwide. These disorders can decrease the success rate of educational progress in students and prevent their further achievements. The aim of this study was to identify the student's problems and vulnerable individuals suspicious of developing mental disorder. This was a cross-sectional study in which the identification of mental disorder among the students of the first- and last year of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences was attempted. The SCL-90-R questionnaire [Symptom Checklist 1990 Revised] was used for data collection. Statistical analysis was performed using ?2, t-test, ANOVA and correlation coefficient. Out of a total of 607 students, 30.7% were found to be in normal mental health whereas 69.3% suspiciously recognized of having different degrees of mental disorder [53.5% light, 14.3% mild and 1.5% severe]. There was a statistical association between the study field and mental health [P=0.042]. The percentage of healthy students and those with light, mild and severe mental disorder among the first-year students were 27.1%, 54.5%, 16.9%, and 1.6%, respectively. In the same way, the similar figures among the last-year students were 34.5%, 52.6%, 11.6% and 1.4%, correspondingly. The differences were insignificant, statistically. According to our results, consideration of a policy to reduce the effect of predisposing factors leading to mental disorders is recommended

Effect of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on dtrychnine-induced-convulsions in mice

Effects of electeromagnetic exposure on different parts of neruous system and memory of humans and animals has been established. In spite of important human studies, animal studies have been more precise and comprehensive. Extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields [ELF, <300Hz], have been reported to induce a variaty of behavioral and physiological function changes in animals. The object of present study was to determine the delay and durartion time of convulsions induced by co- exposure of ELF and strychnine. The effects of ELF on convulsions induced by strychnine [1mg/Kg] were investigated in 60 albino mice. Animals were devided into 6 groups [n=10], including control [I], 100Hz and 20Volt [II], 25Hz and 20Volt [III], 25Hz and 260Volt [IV], 100Hz and 260Volt [V], and 100Hz and 260Volt [VI]. Delay time [Det] and duration time [Dut] of convulsions were measured respectively. Increase and decrease in Det and Dut were determined and were compared in control and five ELF exposed groups. There was no significant difference in Det and Dut parameters between control [I] and III, IV and VI groups. In all these groups the convulsions terminated in animal death after a low Dut. In contrast there was a significant difference [P<0.001] in Det parameters between control [I] and the other groups [II and V]. No deaths happened in groups [II and V]. Co-exposure of higher ELF frequency and strychnine may decrease the epileptic effects of the drug

Evaluation of unstimulated salivary flow rate and oral symptoms in menopausal women

The aim of the present study was to evaluate unstimulated salivary flow rate and oral symptoms in menopausal women. A total of 200 individuals including 100 women in their menopause [case group] and 100 men in the same age range [control group] participated in this analytic descriptive investigation. None of the patients were being treated for any systemic disease or taking any medication. Unstimulated salivary flow rate was measured using the spitting method and the prevalence of oral symptoms was evaluated by filling out a questionnaire. The results were analyzed with ANOVA, chi-square and Student's t-test [P<0.05]. The average of unstimulated salivary flow rate was 0.127 ml/min [SD=0.057] in women and 0.214 ml/min [SD=0.105] in men. The prevalence of dry mouth was 50% versus 32%, difficulty in eating dry foods 31% versus 8%, burning sensation in oral mucosa 3% versus 0%, taste reduction, 4% versus 2% and bitter or metallic taste 16% versus 8% in female and male subjects, respectively. A significant difference in salivary flow rate and prevalence of oral symptoms was found between the two groups [P<0.05]. Reduced salivary flow rate and a high prevalence of oral symptoms in menopausal women may be related to the hormonal alterations that occur during this period

[Agents associated with candida vulvovaginitis in women referred to health]

Genital tract infections are among the most common causes of patient referral to obstetric clinics and vulvovagianl candidiaisis is a common complication of women. Nearly 75% of adult women suffer genital yeast infection at least once in their lifetime. To determine the agents associated with candidal infection in patients referred to Qazvin public health centers in 2005. This was an experimental study in which a total of 128 patients with abnormal vaginal discharge, genitalia pruritus, and disparonia were examined using vaginal swab sampling and direct microscopy of smears for candida followed by culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar. The data such as age, method of contraception, erythema of vulva, itching, burning, and white vaginal discharge were collected using a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed by means of Chi2 and Fisher exact test. Our results indicated that 39 [30.5%] patients suffered candidal infection by direct smear method, however, 59 [46%] were positive by culture results. Among the vaginal symptoms, erythema of vulva, itching, burning and white vaginal discharge were shown to be significantly associated with vaginal candidiasis [p<0.05]. Candida albicans was the leading [83%] agent among the yeast isolates followed by other species of Candida with lower frequency. Diagnostically, the culture technique is more sensitive than direct smear for detection of vulvovaginal candidiasis

[ comparative study on safety and environmental health of public and private school of Qazvin]

Preparing a suitable physical environment for schools will allow us to improve the efficiency of educational programs. To compare the security and environment health of public and private schools of Qazvin. This comparative study was carried out on randomly selected schools including 20 private and 68 public schools of Qazvin in 2001. A pre-designed questionnaire was filled out through interview, observation and measuring the variables related to safety and environmental health. The collected data were compared with the existing criteria and analyzed and examined using T-test and Fisher exact test. The safety and environmental health was generally poor in both sectors. Only in 3 out of 34 items [one omitted from the study due to invalid criteria of measurement] the health requirements were satisfactorily met in both sectors. In contrast, it was shown that in three out of 34, the safety and environmental health in private schools was nonexistent. Regarding all safety and health requirements, it was revealed that in adopting 4 criteria, the private sector showed a more acceptable condition than public sector, whereas for other 8 criteria the public sector preceded the private one and proved to be meaningful, statistically. In can be concluded that the public schools in terms of safety and environmental health are practicing a higher standard comparing with those in private sector.

[Seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii among females referred to Qazvin community-based medicine center for pre-marriage examinations]

Fetus in a pregnant woman is at high risk of congenital toxoplasmosis if the first exposure to Toxoplasma gondii occurs during pregnancy. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma in pre-marrigae females can reflect the high risk group in population. To identify the seropositivity rate of T- gondii in females referred to laboratory for pre-marriage examinations. This was a descriptive study performed on 400 pre-marriage females referred to Qazvin community-based medicine center in 2001. Indirect fluorescent antibody test was used to detect anti-toxoplasma IgG antibody titer in sera of the study population. IgG-IFA >/= 1:20 was considered as positive. The overall seropositivity rate was 34%. Mean age of seropostive females was significantly higher than in seronegative cases [P< 0.02]. Seropostivity rate was indicative of a significant negative correlation with education [P < 0.03]. There was no meaningful difference between the rural and urban residents, statistically. Based on data found in our study, emphasis on educational program for women at their pre-marriage ages to prevent congenital toxoplasmosis is suggested

[Effects of Matricaria Chamomilla extract on morphine withdrawal syndrome in mice]

Matricaria chamomilla [MC] contains flavonoids, which exert benzodiazepine-like activity and so it may be helpful in morphine withdrawal syndrome [MWS] treatment. To determine the effects of MC extract on morphine withdrawal syndrome signs in adult male mice. This was an experimental study carried out in two steps at the department of physiology, Qazvin School of medicine [Iran], in 2005. Step 1: 3 adult male mice [n=6] were originally divided into 2 groups marked as saline [control] and morphine [case] groups. The morphine group were injected by increasing doses of morphine [10, 20, 40 mg/kg, s.c], 3 times daily, for a total duration of 4 days and were further divided into 4 subgroups as morphine group and 3 MC extract groups receiving one dose of MC extract [10, 20 or 30 mg/kg I.P] at day 4, 30 min before naloxone injection. At the end of training day [4[th] days] all groups were injected by naloxone [5mg/kg I.P] and MWS was studied for 30 minutes. Step 2: another 30 adult male mice [n=6] were injected by saline, morphine and MC extracts as above except for morphine and naloxane which were injected as one single dose [50 mg/kg]. Naloxone was injected 3hr after the last injection of morphine and the frequencies of withdrawal behaviors [jumping, climbing] were assessed later. The results of the present study showed that the acute and chronic administration of MC at doses used in our experiment significantly abolished the morphine withdrawal syndrome signs [jumping, climbing, writhing, weight loss] compared with morphine group. Our data suggest that the MC can attenuate the expression of withdrawal behaviors in male mice

[Effects of Matricaria chamomilla extract injection into paragigantocellularis nucleus on morphine withdrawal signs in rats]

Reports suggest that co-administration of Matricaria Chamomilla [MC] extract with morphine greatly attenuates the dependence on morphine and its injection prior to naloxan inhibits the withdrawal syndrome. Locus Ceruleus [LC] and paragigantocellularis [PGi] nuclei play a key role in appearance of withdrawal syndrome. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the effects of MC extract injection into pGi nucleus on morphine withdrawal in rats. 30 rats [Weighing 250-300gr] were divided into two groups of control [receiving saline] and morphine-treated. Following surgical implantation of cannula, morphine-treated group received morphine twice daily for 7 days. This group was classified into 4 sub-groups.The first sub-group received only morphine while the three remaining sub-groups were administed with Matricaria Chamomilla on day 7, five minutes prior to 1 microliter naloxan injection, with 10, 25, and 50 micro gr/lit, respectively. In all groups 5 mg/kg naloxan was injected 3 hours after the final injection of morphine and withdrawal behavior [jumping and climbing] was investigated for 30 minutes. The results showed that injection of all three high doses of MC extract particulary 25 microgr/microlit into PGi nuclens could significantly decline the symptoms of withdrawal syndrome. It seems that injection of MC extract into PGi nucleus could be beneficial to the treatment of morphine withdrawal syndrome in rats

[ effect of cinnamon on glucose concentration of diabetic rats in presence or absence of insulin]

Some plants and their aqueous extracts are used as traditional treatments for, diabetes. Cinnamon as a preferred candidate shows anti-diabetic and hypoglycemic effects. To determine the effect of cinnamon extract on blood glucose level of diabetic -rats. The present work was an experimental study in which seventy NMRI male rats[180-250gr] were divided into 2 major groups named as normal and diabetic group. Normal group was further subdivided as control, cinnamon and insulin subgroups in which the latter two received suspensions of cinnamon 60mg/kg per day and intraperitoneal injections of insulin [5micro g/kg], respectively. In four diabetic subgroups, diabetes was induced by ip injection of streptozotocin [40mg/kg]. These groups were marked as diabetic control, diabetic/cinnamon, diabetic/insulin and cinnamon plus insulin subgroups. Our results showed that the oral administration of cinnamon had not significant effect on normal cinnamon subgroup. Insulin injection in normal rats reduced glucose concentration from99.1to 52.1mg/dl. Glucose concentration in diabetic groups with treatment of cinnamon, Insulin and both of them were measured 121.6, 69.6 and 41.4 mg/dl, respectively. Reduction of glucose concentration in these subgroups show a significant change in comparison with control diabetic subgroup, 366.5 mg/dl [p<0.001].Cinnamon can reduce blood glucose concentration in diabetic rats and it seems that the cinnamon effect to be probably linked with potentiating action of cinnamon on insulin