Comparing the effect of Golghand and Psyllium on constipation among the elderly: a randomized clinical trial

Background: Constipation is a common problem among the elderly which would decrease their quality of life. One of the solutions for improving this problem is using medicinal plants

Objective: The present study was conducted to compare the effect of Golghand and Psyllium on constipation among the elderly

Methods: In this clinical trial, 70 older adults with constipation were selected and randomly allocated into two groups on Golghand and Psyllium. The Golghand group, consumed one tablespoon of Golghand potion three times a day half an hour after meals. The Psyllium group consumed a sachet of Psyllium powder with a glass of water three times a day after meals. The intervention lasted for two weeks. Data gathering tools were demographic questionnaire and a researcher-made checklist about bowel habits. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18

Results: According to the results, there was a significant difference between the mean numbers of defecation in each group before and after the intervention [paired t-test, P < 0.05]; but in comparison between the two groups mean number of defecation was significantly higher in the Psyllium group [independent t-test, P < 0.001]. The mean numbers of vomiting in each group had no significant difference before and after the intervention [paired t-test, P > 0.05]

Conclusions: Results of the present study showed that both medications could be used as supplementary non-medicinal methods for treating constipation among the elderly

[ survey of correlation between internet addiction and general health status among the students of Qom university of medical sciences in 2010-2011, Qom, Iran]

Nowadays, internet addiction is known as a psychological disorder in medical science and psychology. Comparing with average users, addicted users' public health are in great danger. This study aims to determine the relationship between internet addiction and students' public health in Qom University of Medical Sciences in 2010 to 2011[1389-1390] academic year. This descriptive study assessed 250 students of Qom university of medical sciences by means of two questionnaires: the General Health Questionnaire [GHQ-28] and addiction internet [IAT]. The obtained data were analyzed by using statistical chi-square tests, ANOVA and T test and p<0.05 was considered as the significant level. In this study, 90% were mild addicted users to internet, 9.6% medium addicted users to internet and 4% of users had severe addiction to internet. The most desirable level of general health was observed in mild addicted users [p<0.05]. Significant relationship between internet addiction and general health was not observed. Based on this study, it is necessary to consider internet addiction phenomenon as a serious problem to young generation's health and university officials who are responsible for their health should make a plan in educating and culture of using internet

[In vitro evaluation of antioxidant activity of Iranian Mentha longifolia essential oil and extracts]

The antioxidant properties of medicinal plants as natural resources are located attention by researchers for use in food and biological systems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate antioxidant activity of essential oil and extracts of Mentha longifolia as a substitute for synthetic antioxidants. In this laboratory study, the essential oil plant was analyzed by GC / MS. Antioxidant activity of essential oil and extracts was evaluated with DPPH free radical scavenging and beta-carotene bleaching methods and was compared with synthetic antioxidant BHT. The major components of Mentha longifolia essential oil were monoterpen oxygen compounds including Cis-piperitone epoxide%28.23, Alpha-terpineol%18.64, Menthone%10.97, Pulegone%9.73 and Cis-piperitone epoxide%8.73. IC50 of Mentha longifolia essential oil was 1765 +/- 5 microg / ml and IC50 of aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic extracts were 100 +/- 1.2, 53.8 +/- 0.58, 50 +/- 0.5, while IC50 of BHT was 4.9 +/- 0.25 microg / ml.furthermore, in beta-carotene bleaching method, the antioxidant activity essential oil was 60 percent and IC50 of aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic extracts were estimated73.27,89.88, 84.79 percent respectively. while parameters for BHT 95 +/- 0/9 percent. The antioxidant properties of essential oil tested was not significant, while the extracts showed considerable antioxidant properties that candidate them for using in foods as a natural antioxidant

[Comparison of nurses and hospitalized adolescents' perceptions about importance and observance of hospitalized adolescents decision making]

Participating in decision making is an important patient's right observance of which by nurses is an essential need of hospitalized adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess and compare nurses and hospitalized adolescents' perceptions about the importance and observance of hospitalized adolescents' decision making. It was a cross sectional study, 175 nurses and 180 hospitalized ill adolescents who had inclusion criteria were selected by convenience sampling, The data were collected using two parallel self-completed questionnaires. Data were analyzed by SPSS software and using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. No statistically significant difference was found between nurses' and hospitalized ill adolescents' perceptions of importance and observance of hospitalized adolescents' decision making. In addition, the results showed that, from nurses' point of view, participation in care was the most important item, while adolescents believed that the presence of support person had the most importance. Both nurses and adolescents believed that the presence of support person was mostly observed. According to the findings, from perception of two groups, hospitalized adolescents' decision making is important and moderately respected. Nurses can improve quality of care by recognotion and remove shackles of observance

[Effect of Stachys lavandulifolia on fatigue, nausea and vomiting associated with primary dysmenorrheal]

Because of importance and outbreak of dysmenorrhea and Its effect on life of 50% of population in the world[women], this study was done. To evaluate the therapeutic effects of Stachys lvandulifolia on fatigue, nausea, and vomiting associated with primary dysmenorrhea. This was a randomized clinical trial performed on 50 women aged 18-25 years and 50-60 kg whight suffering from primary dysmenorrhea. Fatigue, nausea, and vomiting were evaluated by visual analogue scale [VAS]. Initially, the study population was requested to consume the Stachys lvandulifolia flowers at a dose of 10 gr of brewed powder three time a day and for a total of 5 days [2 days before pain to 3 days after pain], based on a common traditional administration. Later, the members of both groups were followed up for three cycles. Fatigue, nausea, and vomiting as well as the side-effects were evaluated following consumption of brewed powder of Stachys lvandulifolia flowers. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test and chi-square test. Following consumption of Stachys lvandulifolia the level of fatigue considerably reduced among test group and the difference was significant [p=0/000], statistically. Likewise, a significant difference in severity of nausea between the test and control groups was shown [p=0/006]. No statistically significant difference regarding the severity of vomiting was established between two groups. According to our data, it could be concluded that the use of Stachys lvandulifolia, based on a traditional administration, causes favorable therapeutic effects by reducing the degree of fatigue and nausea in primary dysmenorrhea with no obvious side-effect yet with no effect on vomiting

[Comparison of Hashimoto thyroiditis in patients with type 1 diabetes and controls]

Type 1 diabetes is the most common metabolic disease worldwide. Thyroid autoimmune diseases is the most common endocrinopathy in diabetes type 1. Therefore, assessment of thyroid function tests and anti thyroid antibodies in diabetic patients [type 1] is beneficial in early. The purpose of this study was to compare the anti-thyroid antibodies in diabetic children [type 1] with healthy children. In this descriptive-analytic study, 65 children with Type 1 diabetes and 65 healthy children who had referred to Children's Hospital in Qazvin were selected by simple sampling. Anti-TG, Anti-TPO, TSH and T4 were measured in both groups. Chi-square, t-independent and Kruskal Valis was used for statistical analysis. The difference between sex and age in both groups [case and control] was not significant but BMI percentile was significantly different. Positive Anti-TG was 10.8% in patients and was 1.5% in controls. The difference was statistically significant [p=0.029]. 16.9% of patients and 3.1% of controls had positive Anti-TPO [p=0.024]. 10.8% of patients had increased TSH and decreased T4 level [Overt Hypthyroidism]. 4.6% of controls had increased TSH and decreased T4 level [Subclinical Hypothyroidism]. The difference was statistically significant for T4. It seems that the prevalence of Hashimoto thyroiditis in patients with type 1 diabetes is more than healthy people. Hence, evaluation of thyroid function tests [TFT] and antithyroid antibodies [Anti-TPO] is necessary to diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune thyroid disorders

Evaluatin of the theses structure and observance of scientific writing priniciples by MSc nursing students studying at Kerman University of Medical Sciences

Students theses are very important and taking it into accont is an essential consideration for developing future research studies. Thus, this study was designed to investigate theses structure and observance of basic scientific writing guidelines by MSc Nutrsing students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences. In this descriptive study, 75 MSc Nursing theses were chosen randomly and analysed for different aspects including general characteristic, content and structure. Data gathering instrument was a questionnaire designed based on the critical appraisal. Data was then analysed by SPSS software. Total score in the 16 research methodology indices was 84.92 +/- 10.37 out of 114 which was acceptable based on the likert scale. Most accordance [86.7%] was related to the correct writing and least accordance was related to abstract [29.3%]. Theses written in recent years and supervised by two advisors had a better quality. Findings of this study showed an improving trend in the writing of theses. For promotion of quality of thesis writing, the educational programs and courses should be updated and more workshops focused on research methodolosy are warranted

[Causes and related factors of neonatal mortality in Qazvin NICU, 2010]

Introduction: Regarding the importance of measurements to reduce neonatal mortality rate, this study aimed to assess the causes of neonatal mortality and its related factors in two hospitals in Qazvin

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which the medical files of the NICUs of Ghods and Kosar hospitals in Qazvin were assessed during April to September 2010. Data were assessed according to some related factors including gender, gestational age, birth weight, APGAR score, mothers' age, neonatal age, cause of death, maternal past medical history, and complications of pregnancy and delivery

Results: From 225 admissions, 50 deaths occurred during the study [neonatal mortality rate: 22.2%]. The causes of mortality were respiratory distress syndrome [26%], sepsis and its complication [DIC] [40%], asphyxia [16%], congenital heart disease [14%], and other causes [4%]. It was also revealed that the causes of death in low birth weight neonates were similar to those of premature neonates. There were significant relationships between death rate and gestational age, birth weight, APGAR score, age at the time of death, and complications of pregnancy

Conclusion: The most common causes of mortality were respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis. Prevention of preterm labor is recommended to reduce premature births, its related complications and consequently, neonatal mortality rate

[Effect of powder of stachys ivandulifolia flowers on primary dysmenorrhea]

Because of importance and outbreak of dysmenorrhea and that's effect on life of 50% populations in the world [women], this study was done. This study was performed to evaluate therapeutic effects of Stachys Ivandulifolia on primary dysmenorrhea in 18 - 25 years old women. This research was a double - blind randomized clinical trial, that had been done on 50 women in 18 - 25 years old and 50 - 60 kg in weight that suffering from primary dysmenorrhea. Intensity of pain was evaluated by visual analog scale [VAS]. Stachys Ivandulifolia was given them as a traditional method. Such as lOg of powder of stachys flowers, three times a day, for 5 days [2 days before pain up to 3 days after pain]. Then they were followed up for three cycles. Duration and intensity of pain and side effect of drugs was evaluated after utilization. Statistical analysis was performed using t-test, chi-square. After Utilization, duration of pain was statistically significant [p=0/000]. It can be concluded that the use of Stachys Ivandulifolia on traditional method is effective in curing primary dysmenorrhea and it has no side effects resulting. In addition, it is effective on pattern of pain and increases tolerance

[ effect of balloon inflating on venous opening pain in children]

Venous opening is a usual but painful procedure in bedridden children. Performing anything to distract the child from thinking of pain could reduce the pain. This study was performed to determine the effect of balloon inflating on venous opening pain in 4-7 years old children. This was a randomized controlled trial in which 60 children [30 in balloon inflating group and 30 in control group] aged 4-7 years old who were referred to surgical department of Qods hospital investigated. A questionnaire including the demographic characteristics and FACES Wong-Baker pain gradation index was used to collect data. Using simple randomization, the patients were divided into two groups. In balloon inflating group, the children were educated on how to inflate a balloon prior to injection and later, using the pain determination tools, the severity of pain was measured at the time of venous opening. In control group, without any intervention, the venous was opened and the severity of pain determined. Data were analyzed using statistical tests including the chi square test and independent T test. The mean pain severity in balloon group was 1.60 +/- 1.42 and in control group 5.26 +/- 3.46 and the difference between two groups was significant, statistically. According to findings of the present study, balloon inflating is an effective, non medical, cheap and available method to reduce the pain in children when venous opening procedure is performed. Hence, it could be widely used to control and reduce the pain in children at time of therapeutic interventions

[Relation between infertility and sexual satisfaction in couples]

Infertility is a complex crisis in couple's life and can produce severe psychological pressure on both partners. Depression, stress, low self-esteem, and marital sexual dissatisfaction are among the psychological outcomes of infertility. This study was aimed to determine the relation between infertility and sexual satisfaction. This was a cross sectional study in which depression and sexual satisfaction rate among 150 infertile versus 150 fertile couples [in Tabriz- in 2005] were investigated and further analyzed. Random Sampling was used to select study population. Data gathering was performed using a questionnaire consisting of 2 parts including a section on demographic characteristics, and also a Larson standard questionnaire for determining sexual Satisfaction]. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, independent t-test, and >2. Findings: There was no significant difference associated with mean sexual satisfaction rate between infertile and fertile men and infertile and fertile women [p=0.707, t=0.377 in men; p=0.370, t=0.898 in women]. However, a statically significant relationship between sexual satisfaction score and duration of marriage, income status, number of unsuccessful treatment, length of time when infertility diagnosed, and performance of diagnostic tests was found. Considering the unpleasant effects of sexual dissatisfaction on physical and emotional health and also the occurrence of infertility-originated divorce, attempt has to be made for early diagnosis and treatment of undesirable situation in both partners

High performance thin layer chromatography analysis of deltamethrin residue on the impregnated bed nets during a leishmaniasis control program in Iran

The control of leishmaniasis, a tropical neglected disease, has been concern of Iranian health authorities due to the increasing number of cases during the last two decades. The objective of this study was to determine deltamethrine residue on the impregnated bed nets using HPTLC technique in a leishmaniasis control program in Iran. During this experimental study, a total of 130 small pieces of polyester netting were sewn to top, upper, and lower sides of some bed nets and then were impregnated with deltamethrin .The treated bed nets were distributed in Isfahan and Mashhad areas in April 2003. The samples were cut randomly after impregnation intervals. Deltamethrin was extracted using acetone from samples and the extract was applied for spotting onto plates. The plates were developed with n-hexane: ethyl acetate, 90+10[v/v], as a mobile phase in a Camage chamber. The qualifying of residue was observed in UV cabinet with lambda =254 nm wavelength. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 11.5. and Stata Version 8. A three way ANOVA was used to compare the means of deltamethrin residue in each area, group and measuring time. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the means of residue for each of these factors with the control separately. The retardation factor of deltamethrin was calculated 0.50 +/- 0.02. The residues of deltamethrin persisted well on impregnated nets at least for 15 weeks after impregnation. No significant difference could be detected in the loss of residue of insecticide in comparison to measuring times and positions of sampling pieces on the bed nets in these areas. Based on the results of the present study the use of HPTLC technique is recommended instead of other chromatographic methods for analysis of insecticide residue on the impregnated bed nets

[Nurses and inpatient adolescents' perceptions on observance of privacy and its importance]

Privacy is one of basic rights of the patients. Privacy becomes important for the adolescents when they hospitalize in an unfamiliar environment. This study aimed to compare the perceptions of inpatient adolescents with nurses on the observance of privacy and its importance. In this cross-sectional study, 175 nurses and a convenience sample of 180 inpatient adolescents who had met the inclusion criteria were recruited to the study. Data was gathered using a questionnaire. Man-whitney u and kruskal-wallis statistical tests were used to analyze the data. The results showed that there was significant differences between nurses' and inpatient adolescents` perceptions on the observance of privacy and its importance [man-whitney u, P<0.001]. The most important priority regarding the privacy from nurses' point of view was "covering the unnecessary parts of the body while caring"; whilst it was "providing a pleasant decorated environment, telephone, toilet and bath in room, and hospitalization in a room with peers" from the adolescents' point of view. The most observed case about privacy from the nurses' point of view was "taking immediate action to help the teenagers if necessary"; whilst, from the adolescents view, it was "calling them with their favorite names". The mean perceptions of nurses were higher than the adolescences toward observance of privacy and its importance. The results can guide nurses to improve quality of care for this group

DRD1-DRD5 expression profiles in arthritis rheumatoid patients using real time PCR

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis [RA] as a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease is still unknown. It appears that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in its pathogenesis. Recent studies reveal that in addition to the CNS, immune cells synthesis neurotransmitters so that these catecholamines can regulate immune functions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the dopamine receptor gene expression profiles on peripheral blood mononuclear cells of rheumatoid arthritis patients in comparison with normal individuals. In the present study, we investigated dopamine receptor gene expression in PBMCs of 40 RA patients and 40 healthy individuals using Real Time-PCR. The specificities of the obtained Real time PCR products for the respective dopamine receptors fragments were confirmed by sequenced analysis capillary system. We found that DRD1-DRD5 types of dopamine receptors genes expression profiles of rheumatoid arthritis patients differ compared to healthy individuals. Moreover, a significant difference of DR2 and DR4 gene expression was seen in rheumatoid arthritis patients. This study showed that some types of dopamine receptors genes expression profiles alter in rheumatoid arthritis patients with comparison to healthy individuals Moreover, this alteration possibly could result in dysfunction of dopaminergic system in immune cells and finally lead to rheumatoid arthritis

effects of child and parent eating style on obesity of school age girls

The research has shown that there is relationship between obesity in childhood and adulthood, and also, there is a direct relationship between obesity of parent, eating style and habit in family, and children obesity. This study was conducted to examine the effects of eating style of child and parent on obesity of school age girls. This research was quasi-experimental study. The sample size included 97 healthy school age girls with BMI percentile above 85% in Shahriar city. They were randomly allocated to either experimental or control group [50 children in the control group and 47 children in experimental group]. The samples in experimental group and their mothers received behavioral modification teaching in 7 sessions and 16 week fallow up was accomplished. Before intervention and also after intervention [every month for 3 months], BMI percentile was recorded for samples of both groups. The samples also completed eating style questionnaire before and after intervention and their mothers did so. There was a statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of BMI percentile [P=0.015]. There was no statistical significant difference between two groups in terms of eating style of child and mother [P < 0.05]. Eating style of parent and child has an effect on child obesity and modification of eating style in parent and child is effective in treatment of obesity in children

Evaluation of possible options for reuse of Ardebil wastewater treatment plant effluent

Recent advances in wastewater treatment have resulted in production of well-treated effluents which are suitable for use in more different sectors. In fact, these reclaimed wastewaters would be regarded as new water resources in many regions. In this research, the area studied was the city of Ardebil in northwest of Iran. At present, the effluent of Ardebil wastewater treatment plant is discharged into Qaresoo River. In this study, different aspects of Ardebil wastewater reuse have been investigated. Sampling of the effluent was performed in winter 2006 and summer 2007; and parameters indicating the suitability of wastewater discharge and/or reuse were considered in accordance to the recommendations of Iran Department of Environment. All the analyses were accomplished according to the latest edition of standard methods. Results clearly showed that apart from the problem of total and fecal coliforms which were above the standard values[1000 MPN and 400 MPN per 100 mL] the reuse of the treated effluent in agricultural irrigation could be carried out without restriction. But, regarding the discharge of this effluent into surface waters and injection wells, it would be necessary to upgrade treatment processes for further reduction of a few parameters such as nitrate, ammonium and phosphate

[General health and its association with sleep quality in two groups of nurses with and without shift working in educational centers of Iran University of Medical Sciences [IUMS]]

The health condition of nurses as caregivers influences the quality of care received by patients. To reach the maximum performance, nurses themselves need be health. Nurses, because of the nature of their career confront many types of stresses in their work environment and they are among people that are prone sleep disorder because of working in morning, evening, night and especially, rotation shifts. The aim of this study is comparison of the general health and sleep quality of nurses in two groups of without shift and with shift working in IUMS- 2006. It was a descriptive - analytical study. The setting was hospitals affiliated to IUMS. Five hundreds and twenty nurses were recruited using stratified random sampling. To survey the general health and sleep quality of nurses General Health Questionnaire - 28 and Pitsberg Sleep Quality Index tools were used. Chi - Square test indicatod that there was a significant difference between general health of without shift and with shift workers, so that general health of without shift workers was better than rotation shift ones. The sleep quality of without shift nurses was also better than rotation shift ones [r=0.692, P<0.001]. There was a direct correlation between general health state and sleep quality [P<0.001]. Based of the finding of this study, appropriate and efficient managmant and careful planning of working shifts is suggest to reduce sleep disturbances in nurses. Promotion of nurse's quality of sleep can promote their general health and eventually promotes the quality care of patients