[Effect of aqueous extract of turnip root on glucose and lipid profile in Alloxan induced diabetic rats]

Background and Objective: Diabetes meltius is a metabolic disorder which characterized with disorder in carbohytdrate and lipid metabolism. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of turnip root [Brassica rapa] on glucose and lipid Profile in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Methods: In this experimental study 40 male wistar rats randomly allocated into 5 equal groups including diabetic control, Metformine 50mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg/bw of aqueus extract of turnip root and normal control groups. Alloxan monohydrate 150 mg/kg/bw was used to induce diabetes mellitus and two weeks after Alloxan injection rats with fasting blood sugar [FBS] more than 350mg/dl considered as diabetic rats. All administrations were done orally and daily in a same volume for 28 consecutive days. The FBS concentrations were determined on the first, 14th and 29th days. On 29th day, blood was collected from overnight fasted rats. Plasma concentrations of total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-c], low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-c], aspartate amino transfarase [AST] and alanine amino transferase [ALT] activities were measured

Results: The statistical data indicated [P<0.05] in the levels of FBS [4.5 times], TC, TG, AST and ALT [about 2.5 times] and LDL-c [2 times] significantly increased in diabetic rats compare to healthy normal control group. Administration of 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg/bw of turnip root extract did not exhibit hypoglycemic activity. Turnip root extract significantly inhibited the increasing of TC, TG, LDL-c and ALT in diabetic rats [P<0.05], but had no effect on AST sera level

Conclusion: Although, the aqueous extract of turnip root had not any hypoglycemic activity but it was effective in reduction of TC, TG, LDL-c and ALT in diabetic rats

[Prevalence and incidence of thyroid dysfunction in individuals aged over 55 years [Tehran thyroid study]]

Introduction: Considering the remarkable increase in life expectancy among older people and lack of data on thyroid diseases in elderly Iranians, this study was designed to determine thyroid dysfunction in people, aged over 55 years

Materials and Method: This study was conducted on 819 Tehranian participants, aged over 55 years from the Tehran Thyroid Study, who were assessed every 3 years for serum free T4 [FT4] and TSH levels and were followed for 10.6 years. Data were analyzed by t test' chi-square test, sig test and cox regression analysis

Results: Mean age of participants was 62.5+/-5.5 years. Of these 712 [86.9%] were euthyroid, 41[5%] had subclinical hypothyroidism [SCH], 19[2.4%] had overt hypothyroidism [OH], 34[4.1%] had subclinical hyperthyroidism and 13[1.5%] overt hyperthyroidism. Overall 13% of participants had thyroid dysfunction. The annual incidence rate of SCH and OH were 8.8 and 7.1 cases per 1000 people respectively. Multivariate regression analysis showed the risk of hypothyroidism in euthyroid people to be affected by TPO positivity [HR=1.9 [CI 95% 1.04-3.5]] and TSH>1.88 mlu/l [HR=8.1 [CI 95% 3.4-19]]

Conclusion: More than one-tenth of aged people have thyroid dysfunction. High TSH and TPO positivity are the most important risk factors of hypothyroidism in elderly people

Response of TLD and RPL personal dosimeters in a national inter-comparison test program

Background: Different kinds and models of personal dosimeters are used in individual monitoring by workers. Performance testing as part of approval procedures is carried out to demonstrate that the essential performance specifications are routinely maintained. There are four service providers in Iran which use different luminescence techniques [i. e. TLD and RPL] with various kinds of dosimeter materials/reader instruments in personal dosimetry services. Materials and Methods: A national performance approval tests program was performed for the dosimeters of the service providers in energy range of soft, 660 keV and 1.25 MeV, at the doses values around the recoding, investigation and annual dose limits, and different angle of incidents [e. g. 0, 20, 40 and 60 degree]. Results: The results of this testing satisfies the overall accuracy criteria with 95% confidence levels specified by the ICRP, except that of RPL technique in low energy which overestimates the dose out of the acceptable accuracy band defined as the ICRP trumpet curves. Conclusion: The inter-comparison has proved that the personal dose equivalent quantity, H[p][10], defined by the ICRU and recommended by the IAEA are becoming widely accepted and implemented in most participated laboratories

[Empowerment of pregnant women]

Introduction: Empowerment during pregnancy is defined as a sense of self- fulfillment and increased independence, promotion of interaction with individuals and environment leading to an increase in the spontaneous psychological energy to achieve successful pregnancy and childbirth. Education during pregnancy empowers women for better adjustment confronting physical and emotional changes associated with pregnancy and experiencing a satisfying delivery

Objective: Present study was conducted to determine the empowerment of pregnant women referring to Tonekabon health centers

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 pregnant women who referred for prenatal care clinics to in Tonekabon in 2013. Pregnant women participating in the study were at least literate and had no significant medical problems or obstetrical pregnancy indicating a high-risk pregnancy. Besides, they had no history of previous cesarean section and gave consent to participate in the study. Cluster sampling method was used. Two centers of clusters were randomly selected. All pregnant women referring to these two centers for prenatal care were included after obtaining the written consent. The data collection tool was a questionnaire designed in two parts. The first part contained demographic and obstetric information and the second part was pregnant women's empowerment questionnaire by Kameda, with 27 questions in five dimensions; Self-efficacy [6 questions], future image [6 questions], self- esteem [7 questions], support and assurance from others [4 questions], and joy of an addition to the family [4 questions] which were answered based on the Likert scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree with 1 to 4. Minimum score of 27 and maximum score of 108 were given to the answers. The mean score was used to judge about the answers. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA [given the normal distribution of data] at significance level of 95% and p=0.05. Data collection was performed after approval by the Research Council of Azad University, Tonekabon Branch

Results: The mean age of subjects was 26.38 +/- 3.76 years old. 36% of women were in their first trimester of pregnancy. The majority of pregnant women [55.55%] experienced their first pregnancy and had high school education [40%] and wanted pregnancies [79.5%]. 90.5% of them were homemaker. This study found the mean and standard deviation of empowerment as 78.74 +/- 6.71 [Minimum score 27 and maximum score 108]. Of all empowerment dimensions, the highest mean score dedicated to self-esteem [19.19 +/- 1.82] and the lowest to the support and assurance from others [12.70 +/- 1.59] and joy of an addition to the family [13.66 +/- 1.79]. The results showed a significant correlation between mother's education and empowerment score [p= 0.03]. Moreover, the relationship between interest to continue the pregnancy and empowerment was statistically significant [p=0.005]. No significant difference was observed between other variables such as pregnancy age, mother's age and number of pregnancy, mother's job and support of spouse, level of income and unwanted pregnancy and total score of empowerment

Conclusion: The findings of this study can be effective in assessment of prenatal care, planning and implementing delivery preparation classes and promotion of empowerment of pregnant women. Given the role of education in promoting women's empowerment it is suggested that the effect of natural childbirth in empowering pregnant women be considered in future studies. Prenatal education brings about positive feelings, happiness in the family, promoted ability to deal with new conditions, promoted maternal and newborn health, increased confidence, satisfaction of having children, active participation of family members in maintaining family health and promoted ability to adapt and cope with the problems and responsibilities of life

[Comparison of the intranasal and intraperitoneal injection of MPTP on density of dark neurons in pars compacta of substantia nigra in animal model of Parkinson's disease]

Background and Objective: Parkinson disease [PD] is the second most common neurologic disorder that results following degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the pars compacta of substintia nigra [SNc]. The 1-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropiridine [MPTP] is a chemical neurotoxin that widely used in animal models of PD. This study was carried out to evaluate the numerical density of dark neurons [DNs] in the SNc in mice subjected to intraperitoneal and intranasal injection of different doses of MPTP

Methods: In this experimental study, 90 male adult BALB/c mice were randomly allocated int four experimental groups including: group 1 [MPTP was injected via i.p. at the dose of 20mg/kg per 2 hours for 4 times], group 2 [MPTP was injected via i.p. at the dose of 30mg/kg for 5 consecutive days], group 3 [MPTP was injected via i.n. at a single dose of 1mg/kg], group 4 [MPTP was injected via i.n. at a single dose of 1mg/kg], four sham and one normal groups. 20 days after the final injection, the animal's brain were removed and stained by toluidine blue. Numerical density of DNs was counted

Results: Intranasal injection of MPTP significantly increased density of dark neurons in the pars compacta of substintia nigra in compare to intraperitoneally injection of MPTP [P<0.05]

Conclusion: Intranasal injection of MPTP is more effective manner to induce degeneration of neurons in substintia nigra in animal model of Parkinson's disease

[Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy among non- insulin dependent diabetics patients]

Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy [CAN] is the most common and important type of diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Silent myocardial infarction, respiratory failure and increased mortality are the outcomes of CAN. This study was carried out to screen the cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in non- insulin dependent diabetics patients. This descriptive - analytic study was carried on 70 [22 males, 48 females] non- insulin dependent diabetics' patients. Resting heart rate, heart rate variability, orthostatic changes in heart rate, blood pressure and corrected QT interval were recorded for each subject. The final findings were categorized as follow: 0=normal, 1=borderline and 2=CAN positive. 10 [14.3%] of patients were normal, 35 [50%] of patients were borderline and 25 [35.7%] of patients were considered cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy positive. There was significant differences between duration of diabetes and three CAN scores [P<0.05]. The systolic blood pressure alterations showed the maximum correlation with CAN scores [r=0.509]. In our study, the rate of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy was higher than other reports. The most important risk factor for cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy was more than 10 years history of diabetes mellitus

[Related Factors to use computer based on "Technology Acceptance Model"]

Introduction: Use of computer has been increased in recent years. So understanding the related factors to use computers is important. The aim of this study was to determine related factors to use computer based on "Technology Acceptance Model".

Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive-correlational study which 100 staff membersof Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences were selected through convenient sampling method. Data were gathered using demographic questionnaire and "Technology Acceptance Model Scale" with 43 items. Content and face validity of the questionnaire and the reliability of the instruments were determined by internal consistency and test-retest methods, respectively.

Findings: There were a direct and positive correlation between perceived usefulness[Beta = 0.309], perceived ease of computer [Beta = 0.309], with computer attitude, and also computer attitude with intention to use computer [Beta = 0.503].

Conclusion: There is a direct and positive correlation between usefulness and ease of use of computer with computer attitude and ultimately intention to use computer. Attention to increase computer attitude for using computer is suggested.

[ effect of exercise and diet regimen on body mass index of obese teen girls in schools of Karaj city, Iran]

Introduction: Obesity-induced changes in body mass due to lack of movement and poor diet is one of the important factors in adolescent children. It is becoming a big problem in new generation around world. Exercise and diet are more effective factors on obesity control. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of exercise and diet on body mass index in obese teen girls in schools of Karaj city, Iran

Method: In this quasi-experimental study, 70 cases of adolescent students in 3[th] area of Karaj with class 1 obesity [BMI between 31 and 35], were randomly assigned in control and intervention groups. Height, weight and BMI were measured in both groups before and after intervention. Interventions were include exercise and diet therapy about 1 hour, for 8 weeks. Paired and independent t tests used to data analysis based on SPSS software 17"Th

Results: The average age of participants were 15.33 years. There was a significant reduction in Intervention group after 8 weeks, while the control group has a little increase in BMI. The average mean of BMI in intervention group had a significant decrease compared to the control group [P<0.001]

Conclusion: The results of this study show that regularly aerobic exercise and diet can reduce body mass index in school age girls. By the way finding the best intervention need more studies

[Correlation between self-efficacy and nurses' conflict management strategies]

Introduction: Self-efficacy is the belief in ability to perform an action. Experiences dominate the most powerful source of self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is effective on behavioral choices, effort, and persistence and track targets and determines how to deal with obstacles and challenges. How people make decisions when faced conflict can be either constructive or destructive

The aim of this study was to determine correlation between self-efficacy and nurses' conflict management strategies in National Iranian Oil Company [NIOC] central hospital of Tehran

Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive-correlation study. The sample involved of 91 nurses which have been selected through random sampling. In this study demographic questionnaire, [Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale] [GSE-10] and ]Organizational Communication Conflict Instrument] [OCCI form B] were used to collect data. SPSS/18, were also used to analyze the data

Findings: Based on results, the mean score of nurses' Self-Efficacy was 29.82 and the mean score of Conflict Management Strategies including Solution Oriented Strategy, Non-Confrontational Strategy and Control Strategy were 4.85, 3.88 and 3.39 respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficients showed that there was a positive correlation between Self-Efficacy and Solution Oriented Strategy [P=0.04]

However, there was no significant correlation between Self-Efficacy and Non-Confrontational Strategy or Control Strategy [P>0.05]

Conclusion: Findings showed that self-efficacy has a positive correlation with Solution Oriented Strategy. Implementation of workshop in regard to self-efficacy and dealing with conflict, for nurses is suggested

[Effect of simulated training course on preparedness of nurses to do pre-hospital triage]

Introduction: The key to successful management of large number of victims with limited resources is triage, which without preparedness of nurses seem to be impossible

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of simulated training course on preparedness of nurses to do pre-hospital triage at Razi psychiatric hospital

Materials and Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study on 60 nurses in Razi psychiatric hospital who according to the inclusion criteria and randomly divided into two experimental and control groups equally by 30. The study tools developed by the researcher included [Knowledge of Disaster Triage Test] that contains 30 questions of four-choice

The [Accuracy of Disaster Triage Test] also contains 30 questions with four-choice. Face validity and content validity has been evaluated

Reliability were evaluated using Cronbach's alpha for the [Knowledge of Disaster Triage Test] 0.75 and for the [Accuracy of Disaster Triage Test] 0.78. A day workshop [Disaster Triage Simulation Method] was arranged for intervention group and two groups were assessed by study tools before and after intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS/16

Findings: The mean score of nurses preparedness regarding triage training [Knowledge and accuracy] in the intervention group were significantly different before and after the intervention [p<0.001]

The mean difference of nurses preparedness triage training [Knowledge and accuracy] there were significantly different between the two groups respectfully [p<0.001]

Conclusion: The results of the study showed, using the simulation method on triage training improved the nurses preparedness to do disaster triage. Therefore it is recommended to do this training program for nurses' to improve their preparedness for disaster triage

[Comparing job stress and related factors between welfare organization's employees with and without physical disability in Tehran]

Introduction: Job stress is an interaction between working conditions and the individual characteristics of the employee. The aim of this study was to compare job stress and related factors of welfare organization employees with and without physical disability in Tehran

Materials and Methods: In this descriptive-comparative study, the statistical population included all employees of welfare centers in Tehran. The type of sampling method was convenience and the cases included all the 53 employees affected by physical disabilities and the control group included 61 people with similar characteristics and job positions, without disabilities. In order to measure the job stress severity and its influencing factors, the [Occupational Stress Scale] prepared for Health and Safety Executive [HSE] and [Factors Influencing Job Stress] questionnaire were used respectively. In this study reliability was measured by Cronbach's alpha which for [Occupational Stress Scale] and was 0.73 and [Factors Influencing Job Stress] had reliability of 0.80. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS-16 software using statistical tests K2 and independent t-test

Findings: No significant differences were found in demographic characteristics between the two groups. The job stress in employees with physical disabilities was significantly different with the employees without [P<0.05], with higher stress in the physically disabled [mean=113.7 and standard deviation=11.3] compared to non-disabled [mean=97.2 and standard deviation=11.2] [P<0.001]

The importance of factors influencing job stress was also higher in the employees with disability [mean=119.2 and standard deviation=13.2] compared to non- disabled [mean=105.2 and standard deviation=12.5] [P<0.001]

Conclusion: Job stress of employees with physical disabilities is more than the employees without physical disability and also the factors influencing the stress are different. Paying more attention to the programs designed to promote the skills of job stress management and also decreasing and/or eliminating factors related to job stress of employees with disabilities are recommended

[ evaluation of application of coordination based disaster response model in Rajaye hospital disaster preparedness]

Introduction: Disaster management role in the acquisition of hospital preparedness for responding to disasters plays. Coordination is the most problem of disaster management in Iran. Therefore in this study, Coordination Based Disaster Response Model as a practical solution, was investigated. The aim of the present study was The Evaluation of application of Coordination Based Disaster Response Model in Rajaye Hospital Disaster Preparedness in 1388

Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental study in Shiraz Shahid Rajaye, the study population consisted of all members of the Committee Against Crisis [15]. The data were collected using Khankeh checklist that the validity and reliability was investigated [P=0.86]. Bigining perform earthquakes Table top maneuver in simulated condition and "disaster preparedness" questionnaire complete [baseline] than one-day disaster management workshop and the establishment of disaster management model based on coordination were preformed. A month after workshop, hospital preparedness measured by first questionnaire. Information obtained by using descriptive statistics were compared

Results: Research findings show that scores in all sections of the questionnaire [coordination, planning, organization, training, and ...] have increased. The total score of 29.56 in pre test was increased to 86.84 in post test [P<0.05]

Conclusion: Results of this study showed that the use of Coordination Based Disaster Response Model increase hospital preparedness, with regard to the important role of nurses in disaster management this model can be used by nursing managers

[Perspective of clinical nurses about their role barriers]

Introduction: Nurses play various roles and have various responsibilities in helping patients or other members of the family. This study aimed at assessing Nursing staffs point of view of Roles and activities at hospitals affiliated to the Tehran university of Medical sciences, 2007

Methods: Using descriptive analytic study method, 102 male and female members of the Nursing staff, systematic randomly chosen. The data were collected using a questionnaire consisting demographic characteristics and related to the clinical roles all statistics were computed by the SPSS v.16 descriptive and inferential statistics

Results: The results showed that; Ability to clinical procedures 1% poor, 5.9% Average, 46.1% Good, 47.1% excellent, and 22.5% of nurses be lives the most important reason for not doing clinical role are fatigue and hard working. There were significant correlations between demographic characteristic [age, sex, unit home].and the other were not any significant correlations between demographic characteristic of participants

Conclusion: The findings suggested that competence of the Nurses in performing most of roles was sufficient In addition some factors such as frustration, lack of on the job training, insufficient number of personnel. Lack of proper facilities, and insufficient income…, have a great impact on nurses and the removal of obstacles in the performance of their duties

[Health promotion lifestyle in nursing students: a systematic review]

This review article attempted to synthesize research studies using healthy behaviors in the Pender's Health Promotion Model [HPM] in nursing students. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the health promoting lifestyles of nursing students. The methodology includes a systematic review of 14 studies from across the world, which meets predetermined criteria, to draw implications for health promotion. All studies published in the years 1998 -2012 in Medline, Elsevier, Nursing consult, Proquest and Google databases using computers keywords, were collected, evaluated and compared. All available studies based on the healthy behaviors in the HPM were recruited, coded, and analyzed. The researchers carefully rated the quality of each study and numerous variables were investigated. Health promoting life style and 6 variables in health promoting life style including interpersonal relationship, health responsibility, spiritual growth, stress management, nutrition and physical activity were also assessed. 1130 quantitative studies were found in relation to health promotion and of these, 14 were selected for full-text articles. This systematic review showed that physical activity was at the lowest level among dimensions of health promoting behavior. This article provides evidence for future research direction, which can be focused on developing health promotion programs based on the above-mentioned variables

[Frequency of sialic acid binding adhesin gene in Helicobacter pylori isolated from patient with gastroduodenal diseases]

Sialic acid binding adhesin gene is one of the most important factors contributing to adhesin of Helicobacter pylori [H. pylori] to epithelial cell layer of stomach. The prevalence rates of sialic acid binding adhesin gene vary in different geographic areas. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of sialic acid binding adhesin coding gene in the patients with different gastroduodenal diseases. This is a cross-sectional study. One hundred twenty patients with GI symptoms were enrolled in this study. Two gastric biopsy specimens were taken from each of the patients for rapid urease test [RUT] and DNA extraction. Presence of H. pylori was investigated by RUT and urease A gene [ureA] PCR. sialic acid binding adhesin gene was detected by using gene specific primers. Among 120 samples, presence of H. pylori was confirmed in 82 cases, of which 64 strains [78%] were positive for sialic acid binding adhesin gene. The frequency of this gene was 84.6%, 86.7%, 77.8% and 72.2% for gartric cancer, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer and gastritis [%66.7] respectively. The frequency of sialic acid binding adhesin gene in different samples was almost the same. Discrepancies in the frequency of this gene in different studies may be related to geographical diversity or use of different primers for detection of this gene

[ trend of drug resistance in toxin and non-toxin producing Shigella Spp. isolated from stool of children with diarrhea]

Diarrhea is recognized as one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Gastrointestinal diseases can lead to death of many children of less than 5 years of age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the drug resistance pattern in Shigella toxin and non-toxin producing strains in children. In this descriptive analytic study a total of 80 Shigella strains, 60 strains isolated from stool samples of children with diarrhea from Loghman, Emam and Tebi Koodakan Centre Hospitals, and 20 national collection strains isolated and reserved during the last years. The isolates were evaluated for cytotoxin production by using cell culture technique [Hela cell]. Our study included 54 strains of S. flexneri, 14 strains of S.sonnei, 10 strains of S. boydii and 2 strains of S. dysenteriae. Data were analyazed by means of chi-square and Fisher's exact test. Of 80 strains 9 [11.25%] showed cytotoxic effect. Chi-square test showed no significant difference between the isolated and national collection strains [P >/= 0.05].There was no correlation between the cytotoxic activity and clinical symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and frequency of passing stools / day, but other symptoms like fever and presence of blood in the stool had correlation with cytotoxin production. The results of this study showed that there was no significant difference in the antimicrobial resistance pattern between toxin and non-toxin producing Shigella strains isolated from the clinical samples and the standard national collection

OWA analysis for ecological capability assessment in watersheds

Fuzzylogic computes a multi-criteria evaluation by means of either a Boolean analysis, Weighted Linear Combination [WLC] and Ordered Weighted Averaging [OWA] of factor images. OWA works with standardized factor images and employs a variant of the WLC. It takes into account the risk associated with the decision and degree of tradeoff associated with the variables in the analysis. In this research, for Ecological Capability Assessment and watersheds management in study area, we have studied 22 biological and physiological factors. For ecological capability evaluation, the method of OWA was deployed. This method involves criterion weights and order weights. The generality of OWA is related to its capability to implement different combination operators by selecting appropriate order weights. By specifying suitable order weights, it is possible to change the form of aggregation from the minimum-type combination through all intermediate types including the conventional weighted linear combination, to the maximum-type combination. The paper focuses on the OWA method as well as an approach for integrating Geographic Information System [GIS] and OWA. OWA has been developed as a generalization of multi-criteria combination. The OWA concept has been extended to the GIS applications as part of a decision support module in GIS. In this study to obtain the criteria weights, comparisons were made by evaluating 22 criteria against each other, therefore we attained comparable data via the technique of Analytical Hierarchy Process [AHP] and five scenarios of OWA method were used. The results of field studies, third scenario for the study area proposed

[comparative study on the features of Iran health population information management system with the United Nations standards]

Inclusive, sufficient, precise and up to date information is necessary for planning in a health information system. Health Population Information Management System [HPIMS] is a system that collects, stores, retrieves, analyzes, interprets, and distributes health population information for prevention and treatment. The aim of this study was first; to compare Health Population Information Management System in health ministry, Iran statistics center, vital registry organization and United Nations, second, to propose a suitable model for Iran. This study was conducted to compare the features of Iran Health Population Information Management System with the United Nations standards. This was an applied cross-sectional study. The population included Iran Health Population Information Management Systems. The instruments of the study were a questionnaire and a cheek list. The data were collected through observation and an interview. The sources of information consisted of the staff, scientific documentation and the Internet. Criteria Rating Technique and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. The findings showed an absence of timely, relevant, comprehensive and sufficient reporting in data registration system in Iran. Moreover, the organizations in charge of HPIMS had parallel functions which would lead to contradictory reports. Health Population Information, published by the Ministry of Health differed from that of Iran Statistics Center and other data registry organizations. Overall, HPIMS in the Ministry of Health was ranked as "very good" while the other organizations were ranked as "good". The findings suggest that the information systems can only influence decisions if they are relevant, trustworthy and available for decision makers. However, information systems in Iran are inadequate to satisfy the needs of management. Therefore, it seems necessary to reform and design a suitable model representing accountability of organizations in regard to their duties and workflow. It is also suggested to decrease parallel functions and resources through a sharing system

[Effect of carbamazepine on homocysteine serum level in pregnant mice and fetal malformations outcome]

Carbamazepine during pregnancy can induce various malformations. Recent studies have showed an increase in homocysteine level due to Carbamazepine administration. This study was to evaluate the effect of Carbamazepine on homocysteine serum level in pregnant mice and fetal malformations outcome. In this experimental study, 40 BALB/c timed-pregnant mice were allocated into 2 experimental and 2 control groups. The experimental groups were received daily intraperitoneal injections of 30 mg/kg [group I] or 60 mg/kg [group II] of Carbamazepine on gestational days 6 to 15. The control groups were received either - normal saline or Tween 20. Dams underwent Cesarean section on GD 18. External examinations were done and all data concerning malformations, weight and crownrump of fetuses collected. Blood samples were collected from Dams' hearts prior to performing the Cesarean section. Homocysteine was measured using ELISA method. Data were analyzed using SPSS-18, ANOVA, Chi-Square and Tukey tests. Significant increase in Homocysteine levels of dams' serum compared to control groups was seen in both experimental groups I and II [10.56 +/- 1.31 and 11.11 +/- 1.64 micro mol/L, respectively, P<0.05]. The mean weight and crown-rump of the fetuses in both experimental groups were significantly reduced compared with those of the control groups [P<0.05]. Various malformations such as limb defects, vertebral defects, facial deformity and severe malformations were observed in fetuses of both experimental groups. Serum elevation of homocysteine in Carbamazepine exposed pregnant mice may be a risk factor for induction of fetal malformations

Hepatitis C virus infection among multi-transfused patients and personnel in haemodialysis units in central Islamic Republic of Iran

A cross-sectional study was made of the prevalence of HCV and associated risk factors in 382 multi-transfused patients and haemodialysis staff in Yadz province in 2006. Of those tested for anti-HCV antibodies, 50.6% of patients with inherited bleeding disorders, 11.8% with thalassaemia and 5.0% undergoing haemodialysis were seropositive. First transfusion before 1996 [when blood donor screening started] was the common risk factor associated with HCV infection. Only 1/52 haemodialysis staff members was HCV infected [an intravenous drug user]. Infection control measures were poor in all centres. In patients with inherited bleeding disorders genotype 1 [65.0%] was the predominant followed by genotype 3 [35.0%]. The results provide evidence that blood donor screening and use of virus-inactivated factor concentrates have lowered the risk of HCV infection among multi-transfused patients