[Efficiency of Pistaciaatlantica seed extract as natural coagulant in the removal of Reactive Red 198 dye from aqueous solution]

Textile dyes and other dyes used in various industries are among the largest organic compounds which can be a major hazard to the health and environment. Therefore treatment of wastewater before discharging it into the environment is necessary. In the present study we investigated the efficiency of Pistacia atlantica seed extract in a batch system for removal of Reactive Red-198 dye from aqueous solutions. This is a basic- applications study conducted in laboratory. The effects of independent variables such as coagulant dose [0.1-1 ml L-1], initial dye concentration [50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/l] and pH [2-12] were investigated. To measure the residual concentration of dye we used a spectrophotometer at the wavelength of 520 nm. Excel software was used for data analysis. The optimum pH for Reactive Red-198 removal by coagulation using Pistacia atlantica seed extract was 12, with a coagulant dose of 0.5 ml/L. The highest removal rates were 83.12, 84.20, 87.36 and 88.49% at initial dye concentrations of 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/L respectively, which could be result of precipitation, co-precipitation and adsorption mechanisms. According to the results of this study, Pistacia atlantica seed extract was an inexpensive coagulant, and also quite effective in the removal of Reactive Red-198 dye from aqueous environments

[ effect of neurofeedback training and neurofeedback with occupational therapy based on cognitive rehabilitation on executive functions in autistic children]

Many key problems in autistic children are related to executive dysfunction. This dysfunction is usually occurred due to structural and functional dissociation between brain regions. So neurofeedback can be used as a new treatment procedure in improving children's executive function through modifying brain waves but behavioral changes are usually reflection of long-term changes in the brain level. Therefore the purpose of this study is to investigate the overall effect of neurofeedback training and behavioral effects caused by adding occupational therapy based on cognitive rehabilitation. Single system [A-B-A-B+C-A] design was used in this study. Participants were 2 children with autism spectrum disorder who completed 41 sessions during the study. They received neurofeedback intervention alone [B] during 20 sessions and in the following 12 sessions neurofeedback with occupational therapy [B+C]. In this study, Wisconsin card sorting and tower of london tests were used for collecting information on children,s executive functions. According to the obtained results, the effect size of neurofeedback training on executive function was high for both participants. The rate of shifting attention was improved as one of the executive function items after adding occupational therapy and also the increasing effect of neurofeedback in planning was maintained. The results of this study showed that neurofeedback can improve executive function in autistic children and the effect of neurofeedback can be more obvious if occupational therapy will be added. But gaining more significant behavioral changes after receiving occupational therapy needs more sessions

Impact of twice weekly versus daily iron supplementation during pregnancy on maternal and fetal haematological indices: a randomized clinical trial

A randomized clinical trial examined the efficiency and tolerability of twice weekly versus daily iron supplementation during pregnancy. A total of 370 pregnant women were randomly assigned to receive either daily or twice weekly iron supplementation during pregnancy. There were no significant differences in initial and delivery haemoglobin and haematocrit levels between the 2 groups. Ferritin concentrations were significantly lower in the twice weekly group at delivery, but hypoferritinaemia [ferritin < 15 microg/L] was not observed in either group. The frequency of nausea, vomiting and constipation were significantly lower in the twice weekly group. Birth weight and length were significantly higher in the daily supplemented group. In non-anaemic mothers, a smaller dose of iron may be sufficient and also might prevent the complications of iron excess

Relationship between consultation length and rational prescribing of drugs in Gorgan city, Islamic Republic of Iran

Doctors with longer consultation times tend to diagnose illnesses more precisely, prescribe fewer drugs and present better health advice to their patients. The aim of this study was to measure the average consultation time of general practitioners in Gorgan, Islamic Republic of Iran and to investigate the factors affecting consultation length, especially in relation to rational prescribing of drugs. Data were collected on 620 patient consultations with 62 randomly selected general practitioners. Mean consultation length was 6.9 [SD 2.6] minutes. Patient factors that were significantly associated with a longer mean duration of consultation time were; higher number of health problems, older age and fewer items of previously used drugs. Physician factors that were significantly associated with a longer mean consultation time were: younger age, higher numbers of items prescribed and injectable drugs prescribed, frequency of interruptions and higher workload

[Comparing set-shifting in high functioning children with autism and normal ones [6 to 12 years]]

Set-shifting that is one of the most important executive functions in learning tasks and intelligence Quality [IQ] reactions was studied in high functioning children with autism. Mental ability can play an important role in learning tasks and activities of daily living. Assessment of this component is important in rehabilitation programs. The aim of this study is to compare set-shifting in high functoning children with autism and normal subjects between 6 to 12 years old. In this cross-sectional study, 30 children between 6 to 12 years old were participated and divided in two groups randomly. The mean age of autism and normal groups was 7.86[1.38] and 8[1.68] respectively. Cambridge neuropsychological test automated battery and wechsler for children were used. Data were analyzed by t-test. High functioning children with autism showed significant differences in set-shifting in comparison with normal subjects particulary in extradimensional stages [stages 8 and 9]. High functioning children with autism have poor capability in set-shifting in comparison with normal subjects

[Need assessment for master of science in family nursing curriculum: using Delphi technique]

Our country needs nurses who are expert in family nursing. Accordingly, we need to determine their professional tasks as a basis for future planning regarding establishment of family nursing discipline in Iran. This study was a need assessment for family nursing curriculum using the viewpoints of nursing experts. It was a need assessment study using Delphi technique. Study population included nursing experts such as members of nursing board in Ministry of Health and Medical Education, vice dean for education and head of the departments in nursing schools in Iran who were selected through cluster multistage sampling and 93 experts participated in the first stage of the study. Data was gathered through Delphi technique and using questionnaire in two stages. The questionnaires were send by post. Focus groups viewpoints were used to complete and finalize the tasks. Data was analyzed using SPSS- PC by calculating mean and standard deviation for each statement. In the first stage of Delphi 56 items in care domain, 34 items in consultation domain, 14 items in research domain and 15 items in management domain were determined. In the second phase of Delphi all tasks received a mean score more than4. At last, 15, 11, 5, and 5 tasks were determined and finalized in care, consultation, and research and management domains, respectively. Findings of the study revealed the importance of family nursing role in care domain especially regarding the care of patients suffering from chronic diseases. The results of this study could be used in curriculum development of family nursing discipline

Major dietary patterns among female adolescent girls of Talaat Intelligent Guidance School, Tabriz, Iran

Increasingly nutritional experts express the necessity of research on dietary patterns to identify numerous modifiable risk factors of disease. This study was conducted to identify major dietary patterns among adolescent girls in Talaat intelligent guidance school, Tabriz, Iran. Among 257 adolescent girls aged 11-15 years, usual dietary intakes were assessed using a 162-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire [FFQ]. Factor analysis was used to identify major dietary patterns in this Turkish population. We identified 6 major dietary patterns: [1] Western pattern high in pizza, meats and fruit juice; [2] Sweat junk foods pattern high in dried fruits, jams, honey and sugar; [3] Asian pattern high in legumes, potato and other vegetables; [4] Salty junk foods pattern high in carrot, puffs and potato chips and [6] Iranian traditional dietary pattern high in hydrogenated fats, garlic and broth. Our findings suggested that among the 6 major dietary patterns, Asian-like food was the healthiest one

Unilateral neglect in children with attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder

Visuo-spatial attention is an ability by which a portion of visuo-spatial space is selected for efficient processing of the information orienting from it. people show a normal bias in visuo-spatial attention. The direction of this bias in Attention deficit Hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] is different from normal people's bias. Some cases diagnosed with ADHD can show a significant inattention in one side of the space, which is called unilateral neglect. The aim of this study is to investigate on how the visou-spatial bias is in children with ADHD. In this cross-sectional study, fifteen children [7-10 years] were classified with ADHD-combined type [ADHD-C] and 15 children were matched for age, gender and IQ. Samples had been chosen through simple random sampling and they did Wechsler Intelligence Scale for children [WISC-IV] and also the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory for assessing whether they had inclusion criteria or not. For participants, visuo-spatial attention was assessed using the Star Cancellation Test. The results suggest that, there is a significant difference between ADHD-C groups performance and control group's performance in the Star Cancellation Test [p<0.05]. Unilateral neglect recognized in ADHD-C group and it was in the left half of the space. There is a significant difference in visuo-spatial attention between ADHD group and control group. Moreover, unilateral neglect which has seen in some ADHD-C cases should consider as an important item in this disorder. Further research in this area is needed

[Assessment of factors affecting self-care behavior among women with type 2 diabetes in Khoy City diabetes clinic using the extended theory of reasoned action]

Many studies show that the only way to control diabetes and prevent its debilitating complications is continuous self-care. This study aimed to determine factors affecting self-care behavior of diabetic women in Khoy City, Iran based the extended theory of reasoned action [ETRA]. A sample of 352 women with type 2 diabetes referring to a Diabetes Clinic in Khoy City in West Azarbaijan Province, Iran participated in the study. Appropriate instruments were designed to measure the relevant variables [diabetes knowledge, personal beliefs, subjective norm, self-efficacy and behavioral intention, and self-care behavior] based on ETRA. Reliability and validity of the instruments were determined prior to the study. Statistical analysis of the data was done using the SPSS-version 16 software. Based on the data obtained, the proposed model could predict and explain 41% and 26.2% of the variance of behavioral intention and self-care, respectively, in women with type-2 diabetes. The data also indicated that among the constructs of the model perceived self-efficacy was the strongest predictor for intention for self-care behavior. This construct affected both directly and indirectly self-care behavior. The next strongest predictors were attitudes, social pressures, social norms, and intervals between visiting patients by the treating team. The proposed model can predict self-care behavior very well. Thus, it may form the basis for educational interventions aiming at promoting self-care and, ultimately, controlling diabetes

[Rate - dependent electrophysiological effects of Crocus sativus on extracellular field potential of isolated rabbit heart in-vitro]

Herbal remedies are suitable alternatives for synthetic drugs due to their availability, minimal side effects and lower price. Biologically active substances of plant origin represent an essential branch of modern cardiovascular pharmacotherapy. The aim of the present study is to investigate rate-dependent electrophysiological effects of Crocus sativus on extra-cellular field potential of isolated rabbit heart in-vitro. Male Newsland rabbits [1.5-2 kg] were used in all of experiments; various experimental stimulating protocols [WBCL, recovery, rate-dependent protocols] were applied to study electrophysiological properties of Node [N=25]. All of the stimulated protocols repeated in the presence and absence different concentration of saffron [54,108 mg]. Results were shown as mean +/- SE. Saffron inhibited basic and rate-dependent electrophysiological properties of AV-Node. Significant prolongation of WBCL from 141 +/- 4.7 to 165.9 +/- 6.7 msec [in control and saffron group] was recorded [p<0.05]. Rate-dependent protective role of plant to increases difference between atrial and nodal effective refractory period and was observed [from 10 +/- 5.5 to 23.6 +/- 7.4 msec in control and saffron] [p<0.05]. Rate-dependent minor inhibitory role of Crocus sativus in AV-Node can modify protective role of AV-Node during arrhythmia

Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Nahavand: a population-based study

In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated H. pylori seroprevalence and the relevant factors in 1518 people aged > /= 6 years from the general population of Nahavand, western Islamic Republic of Iran. Questionnaires covering sociodemographic variables were completed by interview. Blood samples were taken from each individual. Sera were tested for anti-H. pylori IgG using commercial enzyme immunoassay. Overall, seroprevalence of H. pylori was high, 71.0% [95% CI: 69.0%-73.0%]. There was a gradual increase with age. Based on multivariate adjustment, only female sex and age could be considered risk factors

Patient concerns regarding chronic hepatitis B and C infection

Counselling of patients with viral hepatitis is often limited to discussions about how the virus is transmitted. The aim of the present study was to document the principal concerns of patients suffering from chronic hepatitis B and C infection. The most common volunteered concerns were infecting family members [80.6%], infecting others [66.7%], side-effects of treatment [50.0%], disease progression to cirrhosis [44.4%], loss of employment [41.7%], liver transplantation [36.1%], social stigma [36.1%], change in lifestyle [33.3%], development of liver cancer [25%], costs and money [22.2%], fear of disease [5.6%] and psychological disease [5.6%]. Health care providers who focus counseling efforts exclusively on viral transmission are unlikely to address other important concerns

Community participation in environmental health: Eastern Azerbaijan Healthy Villages project

The objective of this project in East Azerbaijan villages was to improve community participation in rural areas in a Healthy Villages programme. The project covered 1680 villages, and 3605 training courses for health staff and village residents on environmental health were conducted in 10 stages from 1992 to 2000. Men's and women's health councils in villages were established in 92% and 62% of villages respectively. In 39% of villages, people collected animal waste and improved the disposal collection process. A decrease in the prevalence of parasitic disease in the area was prominent after the project

Escherichia coli, Shigella and Salmonella species in acute diarrhoea in Hamedan, Islamic Republic of Iran

This study investigated the frequency of Escherichia coli, Shigella and Salmonella species in stool specimens from patients with diarrhoea presenting to health centres in Hamedan province, Islamic Republic of Iran. From 144 samples, Shigella strains were isolated in 17 cases [11.8%]: 10 Sh. flexneri, 3 Sh. sonnei, 2 Sh. boydii and 2 untyped strains. No Salmonella strains were isolated. Using molecular diagnostic methods, diarrheogenic E. coli were detected in 37 cases [25.7%], the majority were enterotoxigenic [ETEC] [22 cases] and Shiga toxin- producing [STEC] strains [15 cases]. In 14 cases [9.7%] there was co- infection

Histological study of blastema tissue genesis processes, autografted in Newzealand rabbit derm

Blastema tissue is a group of undifferentiated cells that exists circulary in the pinna holes punched region, that has a rapid distinction and division process.These cells could be attended in genesis and development of holes punched regions so that after two months the region will be repaired perfectly. This characteristic is not seen in other mammals. The aim of this investigation is to study blastema tissue genesis process, autografted in rabbits. In this experimental study 6 white Newzealand rabbits, about 2.5kg and 2-2.5 months age were choosen. Their ears were anaesthetized with lidocaine spray and punched-hole manually with a special puncher. Three circular holes, 4 mm in diameter, were punched in right ear [test group]. After three days with another puncher [8mm in diameter] a circular blastema from the edge of holes was separated and replaced in the split that was created in the dermis at the back of the same animal. Immediately after punching left ear the punched tissue was inserted into the derm of the left side of back in the same animal [as control group]. Then at the 9[th], 10[th] and 13[th] days of experiment under deep anesthesia histologic speciments were cut and histological investigation were made by PAS, H and E and toluidine blue methods. Data was analyzed using one way ANOVA and tukey tests. Microscopic studies in case group in comparison to control group showed a significant increase of skin epithelial tissue, vascularity and angiogenesis [p<0.05] and also more sebaceous glands and hair follicles [p<0.05]. As mentioned above, blastema of rabbit ears shows certain characteristics including pluripotency. Therefore this tissue could be affected by environmental signals and consequently transformed into different tissues

[Designing natural disaster management information system]

To cope with natural and unnatural critical events such as air crashes, car accidents, chemicals; and earthquakes or floods needs powerful resource management. Some of these critical events are tiny; and by using local and available resources management could be resolved, but some cover extended geographical areas and so need a massive, vast resources and high level management; for example intense earthquakes which were occurred in Iran. Distributed information systems; including web based DMS and DSS, that has been just developed in some countries, have gained much importance. One typical case was implemented by World Red Crescent in Turkey's earthquake which tolerated many damages six years ago.This system is a distributed system and a type of decision support system that can be used in vast critical by disaster managers. This system is compounded of operational research [for example mathematical based-optimization and simulation] and artificial intelligent [for example knowledge based-systems and pattern recognition] and information management systems [network and .Net based system] methods. Designing and implementing of this system is very important according to span discussion and available facilities in our country. Literature review: This is a librarian and internet based-research. Architecture of disaster information management system based available information in various articles and web sites in internet are reviewed and then it has been naturalized based on conditions and facilities of our country. In this research proposed architecture has benefits of similar systems as well as It has been naturalized based on conditions and available facilities and it can been operated in various organizations, and can reduce damages due to natural hazards. Applying this architecture is first step in triggering of natural disaster information management systems to reduce damages. Damages due to natural disasters should be reduced by using this system and integrating of available information of various resources in different organizations

Some ecological aspects of phlebotomine sand flies in an endemic focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran

Following annual report of new cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis from different areas of Kuhpayeh district, Esfahan County, an investigation was carried out on some ecological aspects of Phlebotomine sand flies during 2000-2002. Sand flies were collected biweekly from outdoor and indoor resting places with the aid of 30 sticky traps from the beginning to the end of the active season. Female sand flies from rodent burrows were dissected and examined for the presence of pro-mastigote infection. Blood meals of engorged sand flies were identified by ELISA method. Totally, 4993 sand flies were collected and identified. The following species were found indoors: P. papatasi, P. sergenti, P. caucasicus, P. mongolensis, P. alexandri, P. ansarii, P. major, P. kandelakii, S. sintoni, and the subsequent species were found outdoors: P. papatasi, P sergenti, P. caucasicus, P. mongolensis, P. ansarii, P. major, S. sintoni, S. dentata, S. pawlowskyi. The sand flies active season began from May till October in this region. Natural promastigote infections observed in 1.06% of P. papatasi and also in one out of four of P. caucasicus. The human and rodent blood indices in P. papatasi were 61.9% and 20.69%, respectively. It seems that P. papatasi is the probable vector among rodents and also transmit Leishmania major, the causative agent of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis to man, and P. caucasicus transmit the agent of the disease among rodents

lumbar puncture always necessary in the febrile child with convulsion?

Febrile convulsion is the most common benign convulsive disorder in children. Meningitis is one of the most important causes of fever and convulsions, diagnosed by lumbar puncture [LP], a painful and invasive procedure much debated regarding its necessity. This study evaluates the frequency of abnormal LP findings in a group of patients, to determine whether or not unnecessary LP can be prevented without missing patients with serious problems such as meningitis. The study was a descriptive, cross sectional study, conducted on 200 children suffering from fever and convulsions. Medical files of patients were taken from the hospital records and relevant data were collected to complete the appropriate forms. Of 200 patients included in the study, 116 [58%] children were male, and 84 [42%] were female. 47 cases [23.5%] underwent LP, of whom just one [0.5%] had abnormal LP and meningitis. Regarding Considering the low prevalence of meningitis in children with convulsion and fever, we conclude that by means of precise clinical examination and monitoring, it is possible to prevent unnecessary LP in these patients

Description and pathology of research development in Tabriz medical University

Research in medical science, as in all other fields of science, is necessary in order to maintain and improve the public health. This is achievable only by researchers and faculty members. This study is attempt to identify intra-organizational factors that influence research planning and related interventions in Tabriz Medical University. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, the study group included all faculty members and masters of science [equivalent to faculties] in Tabriz Medical University, of which 121 persons were selected randomly. Lickert style questionnaires were developed to evaluate and compare the attitudes toward project approval process, knowledge about research facilities, departmental cooperations in research, and researchers' capabilities in project execution. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. During a 3 year period, each faculty member had, on average, supervised 5.17 dissertations, conducted 1.15 approved research projects, and had 3.4 presentations in domestic and 0.36 presentations in international conferences. Lack of time was the main problem in conducting research. Comparing faculties with and without research experience, there was significant differences in regard of access to research facilities [p<0.01], assessment of the benefits of research [p<0.02], and the level of research knowledge [p<0.02]; while no significant difference was found regarding motivations, job satisfaction, departmental cooperation, and expecting benefits from conducting research. According to the faculties' views, intra-organizational problems are less important than personal factors in performing research projects; i.e. the main obstacles for research were lack of time, and lack of competence in research methodology and problem-finding. Intra-organizational factors such as delay in project approval and lack of knowledge about research priorities are classified in the next levels

Justice on health in terms of major ethical theories

Inevitably, the needs for an equity in health care and treatment should be met in a society, depending on ethical theory. An ethical theory serves to identify a context and reasoning to determine what ought to be done, as opposed to mere positive analysis of what is the case. The methodology that implied in this research is a librarian method. It is based on documents and information that produced and accessible in this area from different resources. The purpose of this research is to offer a brief overview of major ethical theories in this field. These ethical theories are Ulitarianism, Cmunitarianism, and Entitlement. Theories that are described here attempt to provide as with a base of our understanding of the distribution of goods and services including important health care in a system of ethics