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Showing 582 results for Subject: Special
Fereshteh Sharifi Ferdoey , Shiva Irani, Mojghan Zandi, Masoud Soleimani,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background & objectives : T he main goal of tissue engineering is regeneration and restoration of damaged tissues and organs, besides being used in medicine . Scaffolds are the main segments for tissue engineering, and plasma surface modification is one of the modern methods used for surface modification on polymer scaffolds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nano-fibers with different densities on fibroblasts' behavior besides the plasma surface modification. Methods : Poly Ɛ-Caprolactone nano-fibers (PCL) were developed by an electro-spinning technique at different collecting times. These nano-fibers were then modified by oxygen plasma. Cellular attachment to the nano-fiber and their morphology were evaluated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and cellular activities were also studied by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl]-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). Scaffold biocompatibility test was assessed using inverted microscope. Results : Scanning electron microscope images of nano-fibers showed that increase in time of spinning has significantly heighten fiber density, on the other hand plasma surface modification of nano-fibers had significant effects on their respective biocompatibilities. The result of cell culture showed that nano-fiber could support the cellular growth and replication by developing 3-dimensional topography. Conclusion : Our results showed that increase in time of spinning and using plasma surface modification of nano-fibers by oxygen plasma would result in providing surface with the highest similarity to the extracellular matrix.
Zahra Kiasalari , Mehrdad Roghani, Tourandokht Baluchnejadmojarad, Mohammad Javad Hasas ,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background & objectives : Epileptic seizures accompany disturbances in learning, memory, and cognitive skills. With regard to antiepileptic potential of curcumin and its beneficial effect on memory, the effect of its administration on learning and memory in kainate-epileptic rats was investigated. Methods: Forty male rats were divided into sham, positive control ( valproate-treated epileptic), epileptic, and two curcumin-treated epileptic groups. Rat model of epilepsy was induced by unilateral intrahippocampal administration of 4 μg of kainate per rat. Rats received intraperitoneal injection of curcumin (50 and 100 mg/kg) daily for 1 week before surgery. For evaluation of learning and memory, initial (IL) and step-through latencies (STL) were determined using passive avoidance test and alternation behavior percentage was obtained according to Y maze test. Results: Regarding IL, there was no significant difference between the groups. In contrast, STL significantly decreased in curcumin-50-treated epileptic group (p<0.05) (a change from 263.1 to 184.5 s). However, this parameter significantly increased in curcumin-100-treated epileptic group as compared to epileptic group (p<0.01) (a change from 263.1 to 220.3 s). In addition, STL was also significantly higher in valproic acid-treated epileptic group versus epileptic group (p<0.05) (a change from 145.7 to 210.3 s). Alternation percentage was also significantly higher in curcumin-50- and curcumin-100-treated epileptic groups relative to epileptic group (p<0.05) (a change from 60.5 to 77.6 and 80.3%). Conclusion: Curcumin could dose-dependently enhance the consolidation and recall in epileptic animals and could improve spatial memory in such animals.
Sevda Parsa, Davar Altafi ,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background &objections: Migraine is the second most common cause of headache in15% of women and 6% of men. Migraine headaches areperiodic and usually with unilateral and throbbing quality,and often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, phonophobia, photophobia and malaise. Approximately 15-20% of migraine attacks start with visual aura or other neurological symptoms. So far there isn’t accurate and practical diagnostic test for this patients and diagnosis is based on clinical features and other causes. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of visual evoked potential (VEP) in patients with common and classic migraines and t effects on the electrophysiology of visual system and understanding pathophysiology in neurological symptoms. Methods: In this study, 44 migraine patients, including 28 patients with common and 16 patients with classical migraines admitted to neurology private clinics from January to June 2013 in Alavi hospital of Ardabil city and16 healthy volunteers (control group) were used. Mean wave, P100 Latency and P100-N140 Amplitude were compared and determined between three groups. Results: The mean latency of P100 migraine group was significantly higher than healthy people. Average P100-N140 amplitude of migraine group was fewer than the control group, and the mean P100-N140 amplitude was more common than classical group. Conclusions: Despite differences in results of VEP tests, VEP can be used as an adjuvant test in the diagnosis of migraine, as well as a confirmation for distinguishing common and classical migraine and can be used as a tool in determining the severity of migraine and/or a parameter for its electrophysiological effects. However, more detailed studies are needed in this area .
Mohammad Hosein Razi Jalali, Somayeh Bahrami , Hosein Najafzadeh , Zeynab Asadi,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background & objectives: The leishmaniases are considered among the major infectious diseases affecting public health in several regions. There are many chemical agents which are effective in treatment of visceral leishmaniasis. But, overall treatment of visceral leishmaniasis is often difficult. Thus, identification of new chemotherapeutic agents is important for treatment of disease. Since targeting of the ergosterol synthesis pathway of Leishmania may be useful therapeutically, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of alone or in combination of amiodarone and ketoconazole on Leishmania infantum. Methods : To obtain logarithmic promastigotes of L. infantum, the parasites were cultured in BHI medium with FCS 10% together with antibiotics of penicillin and streptomycin and incubated at 24° C. Amastigote forms were obtained in BHI medium supplemented with 20% FCS at pH of 5.5 which incubated in 37° C. L.infantum susceptibility to amiodarone and ketoconazole was evaluated by proliferation of parasites in the absence or presence of these drugs with MTT assay. For evaluation of antiproliferative synergism against promastigotes and axenic amastigotes, fractional inhibitory concentrations (FIC) were calculated. An isobologram curve was constructed too. Results: Amiodarone produced a marked reduction in the viability of L.infantum promastigotes and axenic amastigotes. On the other hand ketoconazole induced a dose dependent effect on the parasites proliferation for promastigotes and axenic amastigotes. When the drugs were used in combination, the results indicated clear synergistic as shown by a concave isobologram and FIC value. Conclusion: The present study represents the evidence that the combination of amiodarone plus ketoconazole acts synergistically in controlling L. infantume in vitro. It is possible that amiodarone could be used in combination with ketoconazole to combat infection at low doses, thus reducing its side effects such as cardiotoxicity, thyroid dysfunction and pulmonary fibrosis.
Hasan Taghipour, Parviz Nowrouz, Saeid Dastgiri Mehri , Yousef Bafandeh, Reza Mahdavi, Kazem Hashemimajd,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Nitrate is one of the major contaminants in food and water. Excess intake of this substance can increase the risk of stomach cancer and also cause other health problems. The objectives of this study were estimation of dietary nitrate consumption in the Varzaghan with high and Parsabad with low stomach cancer incidence in country, and also the comparison dietary nitrate consumption with World Health Organization standards. Methods: In this comparative study performed during autumn and spring of 2011 about 216 food samples (including all food groups) and drinking water collected and their nitrate concentration was determined by colorimetric method. Then daily dietary consumption of nitrate calculated based on daily diet of each person (according to national study on food consumption pattern in Iran) and nitrate concentration in each group of food and drinking water. Results: Daily consumption of nitrate in Varzaghan and Parsabad was 8.53 ± 0.35 and 8.17 ± 0.54 mg per kg of body weight (of adults), respectively, which is much greater than the amount recommended by FAO/WHO (0-3.7 mg per kg of body weight). Significant difference was not observed in the dietary consumption of nitrate in two cities at studied period (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Despite of no significant difference in dietary consumption of nitrate in two cities, the daily consumption of nitrate in both of studied cities was significantly greater than the recommended level. Therefore monitoring sources of contamination and reduction of environmental pollution for decreasing food nitrate concentration are recommended.
Hashem Faal Moghanlo, Fatemeh Sadat Hosseini, Farzaneh Mikaili Manee,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background & objectives : Different types of practises are known for improving motor skills in intellectually disabled boys. The purpose of this study was to compar e the impact of spark motor program and basketball on improving of gross motor skills in this people. Methods: In this semi-experimental study , from 98 educable intellectually disabled students who studied in special school in Urmia, 30 children ( age range of 9 to 13 years and IQ mean 64.4 ) were selected objectively and divided in three groups (2 experimental and 1 control) based on pre - test. BOTMP was used as a measurement of motor ability. Selected motor program (Spark motor program) including strengthening training, games, sports and basketball techniques was performed for 24 sessions. T-tests (dependent) and co-variance were used to comparison of results. Results: In Spark group after 24 sessions, there were significant effects on balance (p= 0.000), bilateral coordination (p=0.000) and strength (p=0.001). There was no significant effect in agility and speed (p= 0.343) in basketball techniques group after 24 sessions, there were significant effects in agility and speed (p= 0.001), balance (p= 0.000), bilateral coordination (p= 0.013) and strength (p= 0.007). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it can be claimed that the Spark program and basketball techniques improve gross motor skills in educable intellectually disabled students. We also found a significant difference between the Spark program and basketball techniques efficacy on the improved skills. Furthermore, the efficacy of Spark program was significantly higher than basketball techniques (p<0.05).
Mohammad Mirzaaghazadeh, Nasrin Fouladi, Bijan Zamani , Fariba Mehdiniya, Raheleh Mohammadi ,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Heart failure is considered as a major cause of hospitalization. Many studies have shown association between sleep-related breathing disorders and heart failure. It has been shown that the relationship between nocturnal hypoxia and left ventricular dysfunction can cause significant morbidity and mortality in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF ). Accordingly, treatment of sleep related breathing disorders (SRBD) can give rise to improvement in CHF treatment too. This study surveys the prevalence of sleep disorder in stable heart failure patients regardless of ejection fraction. Methods : This study was a descriptive-analytical study. One hundred and eight patients with heart failure disease were studied. A questionnaire consisting of two parts (part I consistent of demographic information and part II consistent of sleep disorders) and clinical examination (pulse oximetery and echocardiography) were used for collection of data. The data were analyzed with SPSS statistical software using descriptive and analytical tests including the chi-square, Pearson correlation and ANOVA. Results: Fifty six persons (51.9%) of patients were female and 52 persons (48.1%) were male with mean age of 65.42 ± 11 years. In total sleep duration, 95 patients (88%) had nocturnal hypoxemia . There was correlation between arterial oxygen desaturation at night and ejection fraction . Conclusion : This study confirmed strong associations between nocturnal hypoxia and left ventricular dysfunction and SRBD should be considered in clinical treatment of systolic heart failure.
Masoumeh Akbari , Noor Amir Mozaffari , Hadi Peeri Dogaheh,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by extended-spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria have become a growing problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria in urine samples of hospitalized patients in Imam Khomeini hospital of Ardabil over a period of October 2011 to August 2012. Methods : A total of 400 urinary pathogens isolated from urine samples were included in the study. All isolates were identified by routine biochemical methods and antimicrobial susceptibility testing carried out by Kirby-Bauer method. Confirmatory test for production of ESBLs was performed by the combination disk tests. The results were interpreted according to the recommendation of CLSI. Results : Of 400 isolated bacteria, 267 were E.coli, 39 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 17 Klebsiella oxytoca, 16 Enterobacter cloacae, 15 Enterobacter aerogenese, 6 Enterobacter agglomerans, 8 Enterobacter sakazakji, 3 Citrobacter froundi, 2 Citrobacter diversus, 3 Proteus mirabilis, 4 Edvardsiella tarta, 3 Serratia marcesecens and 17 Morganella morganii all of which then were analyzed. ESBL was detected in 36.75% (147) of isolates. Eighty nine E.coli cases (77.4%), 15 Klebsiella pneumonia (13.04%), 2 Klebsiella oxytoca (1.74%), 3 Enterobacter aerogenese (2.6%), 4 Enterobacter cloacae (3.5%), 1 Citrobacter ferundi (0.86%), and 1 Morganella morganii (0.86%) were detected as ESBLs producers, respectively. Conclusion : Based on the results of this study, broad-spectrum beta-lactamase production in bacterial strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infection was very high and almost 40% of all bacterial species isolates were ESBLs producers. Because of the high prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria in the urinary tract infections in hospitalized patients of our area, we would strongly suggest that the ESBL production should be considered in these patients.
Yousef Shafaiee, Vahid Sadeghifard , Bita Shahbazzadegan ,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (10-2014)
Abstract
Introduction: Complete Amputation of wrist is physical and psychological trauma that can affect person's life. During recent years, various amputated organs were replanted back into their own body leading to improvement in quality of life, function and body image. Case Report : The case was a34 years old man with complete amputation at left hand at wrist level, while working with chainsaw. Patient was admitted to the emergency unit at Fatemi hospital of Ardabil city, and underwent tosurgery for replantation. Conclusion: Complete amputation of wrist and its successful replantation are among rarely occured and reportable cases . The5 -month follow-up indicated a successful operation . During this period, no abnormalities were found in the blood circulation . The finger grasping and nerve development were acceptable and no symptom of infection was observed
Amirabbas Ghasemi , Behnam Daneshpajouh ,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background &objectives: Echinococcosis, referred to as hydatid disease or hydatidosis, is a parasitic disease caused by larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. In the life cycle of this parasite, dogs and other carnivores are definitive hosts and herbivores are intermediate hosts. Humansin this cycle may incidentally involve by ingestion of parasite eggs and play as intermediate host. Hydatid disease can involve any organ but liver and lung are the most commonly affected organs and kidney, brain, heart, bone may also be affected to a lesser degrees. Cerebral hydatid cyst occurs in about 2% of all echinococcosis cases. In this paper we report two cases of cerebral echinococcosis in whom diagnoses were made based on MRI findings and confirmed by pathology reports after surgery. First Case Report: The first case was a 30 years old man who was admitted after an episode of generalized tonic-clonicseizure. The MRI imaging performedand patient underwent surgery with diagnosis of a right frontal cystic lesion. The patient was improved progressively and there was no seizure attack and recurrence during 18 months follow up period. Second Case Report: The second case was a 28 years old woman presented by headache and abnormal behavior. MRI of this patient revealed a large cystic lesion in left frontal lobe and then underwent surgery. No complication was seen during postoperative period. The headache and behavioral disorder were improved completely and there was no sign of recurrence during 18 months follow up period. Conclusion: Hydatid cyst should be considered as a differential diagnosis of cystic brain lesions in endemic areas. Although hydatid cyst is a benign lesion but surgical removal of it without rupture is very important for prevention of probable future complications.
Touraj Rahmani , Farid Bahrpeyma, Manoochehr Iranparvar , Mohammad Taghikhani ,
Volume 14, Issue 3 (10-2014)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus results in vascular dysfunction and reduction of nitric oxide (NO) level. In this study the effect of electromagnetic field (EMF) on NO level, an effective factor in increasing blood flow, and on ankle brachial index (ABI) as a n index of lower extremity blood flow in type 2 diabetic patients, have been investigated. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial carried out in Imam Khomeini hospital of Ardabil and Mehr physiotherapy center in 2013. Thirty diabetic patients after initial pilot study participated in this experiment based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, they were randomly assigned into two equal groups, electromagnetic therapy and control. The baseline levels of ABI and NO of both groups were measured. Patients in electromagnetic group were exposed to 10 Hz EMF radiation (with intensity of 8 mT) together with scanning lower limbs (three sessions per week, and 40 minutes per session for 8 weeks). The control group did not receive any treatment. After eight weeks, the amount of ABI and NO level were recorded. For statistical analysis paired t-test and independent t-test were used in SPSS 19 software. Results: Statistical analysis showed significant differences between pre (1.009±0.02) and post (1.052±0.02) measurement of ABI of diabetic patient after applying magnetic field ( P = 0.013). However, there was no significant difference between p and after measurement of ABI and NO level in controlgroup and also NO level in magnet groups ( P> 0.05). Difference between pre and post therapy of ABI in electromagnetic group (0.05±0.01) showed significant increase compared with control group (0.004±0.003) ( P = 0.001). Conclusion: Increase in ABI after 8 weeks electromagnetic therapy could be considered as an accretion index in blood flow in lower extremity.
Rahim Davari , Fathollah Behnoud ,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (1-2014)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Deviation of the nasal septum is a common cause of unilateral or bilateral nasal airway obstruction and may follow nasal and midface trauma. Patient complaints of airway obstruction that are consistent with intranasal physical findings often lead to septoplasty and turbinate surgery. Severe nasal septal deviation leads to complete nasal obstruction and disturbs air passage from nostrils, however the effect of septal deviation and nasal obstruction surgery (septoplasty) on Eustachian tube function and middle ear pressure is controversial and isn’t clear. Whereas many of surgeons do not believe the considerable effect of septoplasty on Eustachian tube function and middle ear pressure, so they do not recommend this procedure before middle ear surgery. On the other hand, some have an idea that septoplasty has significant effect on middle ear pressure suggesting this procedure before ear surgery like tympanoplasty. Methods: This prospective analytical-descriptive study was conducted on seventy patients from 18 to 65 years of age who underwent septoplasty due to severe septal deviation leading to nasal obstruction in Beesat Hospital during one year (2012-2013). Middle ear pressure and Eustachian tube function on the septal deviated side and contralateral side before and after septoplasty (3 to 6 months later) were measured through tympanometry and Eustachian tube function test (Toynbee test). The comparison between pre- and postoperative ETF tests and middle ear pressures was assessed using Paired –T test and p-value of less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results : This study revealed that comparison between mean values of pressure in the deviated and contralateral side has no significant statistical difference before and after septoplasty. Also comparison between Eustachian function in the deviated side and contralateral side showed no significant difference before and after septoplasty. Conclusion : The septoplasty didn’t have considerable effect on Eustachian tube function and middle ear pressure three to six months after surgery, and on the basis of pre- and post operative measurements it was stated that surgical correction of a nasal septal deviation before ear surgery such as tympanoplasty is not justified.
Mahdi Saadati , Mahdokht Taheri , Mohammad Hadi Bahadori ,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (1-2014)
Abstract
Background & objectives : Infertility is a global problem affecting millions of men and women in developed and developing countries. In this regard, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) plays an important role in improving the quality of life in infertile patients. However, studies have shown that the implantation failure in IVF is the main challenge of this procedure. Melatonin can increase the survival rate of embryos and IVF success rate through eliminating free radicals and removing reactive oxygen species. So, this study is conducted to investigate the effects of different concentrations of melatonin on the rate of newborns of mice following transfer oftwo-cell embryos . Methods : In this study, female mice with average age of six to eight weeks were superovulated by administering pregnant mares serum gonadotropin (PMSG) intraperitoneally (7.5 IU. ip), and followed after 48h by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (7.5 IU. ip). Two-cell mouse embryos were obtained from female mice oviduct after 48 h. The embryos transferred bilaterally into pseudopregnant mice of the same strain through surgical procedure and 8-14 embryos were transferred to each tube. The study included 4 treatment groups and one control group (6 mice in each group). The treatment groups were exposed to subcutaneous injection of concentrations of 100 µm , 10 µm , 1 µm and 100 nm of melatonin. After the cesarean on 18th day of pregnancy, the percentage of live births was assessed. The outcomes of the live birth rate were assessed using the chi-square test and statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS version 16.0. Percentage of live birth was calculated and compared with the control group. Results: A total of 701 two-cell mouse embryos were transferred into one control group and four experimental groups. The number and percentage of live births at concentrations of 100 µm and 10 µm of melatonin and the control groups were 21 (15.55%), 13 (9.15%) and 9 (6.47%), respectively. No infant was born at the concentrations of 1 µM and 100 nM of melatonin . The highest rate of live births was obtained at the concentration of 100 µM and showed a significant difference with the control group (p ≤ 0.01). There was no significant difference in live births at the concentration of 10 µm and control group. Conclusion : The results of this study indicated that subcutaneous injection of melatonin improves the two-cell mouse embryo growth and post implantation development of mice.
Akbar Atadokht, Sajjad Basharpoor, Neda Rahimi, Elmira Nouri, Parviz Molavi,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (1-2014)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Chronic psychiatric patients not only become inactive members of community but also the heavy costs of their maintenance and rehabilitation burden on society and their family. According to importance of subject, this study aimed to investigate the role of percieved social support in predicting positive and negative syndrome in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: In this descriptive-correlational study, 124 patients have been selected among patients with schizophrenia hospitalized in Issar Psychiatric Hospital and Rehabilitation Centers in first 3 mounths of 2014 in Ardabil, Iran and completed Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and a researcher made demographic checklist. Data were analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient and multivariate regression analysis on SPSS-16 software and P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 36.34±9.09 and their education level was mostly (58%) primary or illiterate. Results showed that there is a negative relationship between patients positive symptoms index and their family, some others and total social support (p<0.01) and also between negative symptoms index and patients friends, some others and total social support (p<0.05). Results of multivariate regression analysis showed that 11% of positive and negative symptom syndrome are explained by percieved social support in patients with schizophrenia (p<0.01). Conclusion: Percieved social support has relationship with positive and negative syndrome of patients with schizophrenia and measures to increase resources of social support and promotion of patients percieved social support can be used as an effective intervention by clinicians, patients and their family.
Nasrin Fouladi , Farhad Pourfarzi , Jalal Tagizadeh, Hosein Alimohammadi , Raheleh Mohammadi,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (1-2014)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Addiction is one of the problems in world threating the social, economic and culture factors. It is essential to have an accurate knowledge about the characteristics of drug users in order to diminish the high-risk behaviors of intravenous drug addicts. This research has been done to assess relationship between individual characteristics and high risk behavior in intravenous drug addicts. Method: In this descriptive-analytic research, 360 drug users were selected from different places in Ardabil city and interviewed by a prepared questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical tests including t-test, Pearson correlation and ANOVA with SPSS statistical software. Results: The results showed that the age, gender, material status, job position, age of addiction start, age of injection start, injection frequency, injection frequency per day, syringe supply place and the partner’s gender during recent few months had no significant difference compared to drug users with needle sharing and without needle sharing. The educational level of drug users with needle sharing was lower (P=0.037) and the number of new syringe usage per month was also lesser (P=0.001). They predicted to be more likely infected with AIDS (P=0.001) and had a less argument with their partner about using condom, also mostly have not used condom at their last sexual relationship (P=0.001). The average number of their partners during last three months was high (P=0.003) and there was a meaningful relationship between true sense of peril and using condom in drug users with needle sharing group (p=0.001). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between the true sense of danger and the using condom. It is necessary to have an appropriate advertising to increase using condoms among injecting drug users.
Mohammadreza Behvarz , Masoud Maleki , Mohammadreza Mashayekhi ,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (1-2014)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells that replace dead or injured cells. There are adult stem cells in some regions of human tissues and hair follicle is one of the tissues that have adult stem cell source and these cells have an important role in hair life cycle. In this study, we investigated the isolation of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) and expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers on the isolated cells. Methods : Human hair follicles obtained from men scalp tissue by micro punch technique. Hair follicles isolated and cultured in culture flasks in DMEM-F12 + FBS. After outgrowth of stem cells from hair bulges, they analyzed by flow cytometry for detection of stem cell markers. Results: 23 to 27 days after isolation and culture of HFSCs in uncoated cell culture flasks, cell surface markers expression studied by flow cytometry. Flow cytometric analysis showed 25.26% Stro-1, 50.85% CD90, 45.24% CD105, 61.20% CD44, 8.20% CD45, 11.86% CD146, 2.72% CD106, 7.21% CD166 and 26.74% CD19 expression in HFSCs. Conclusion: In this study, isolated stem cells significantly expressed some of the mesenchymal stem cell markers higher than other markers. These markers give certain characteristics to HFSCs, and introduce the cells as an alternative option for cell therapy, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Yousef Mohammadi Kebar, Elham Nejadseyfi , Hasan Ghobadi , Firouz Amani ,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (1-2014)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Procalcitonin (PCT) is a precursor of calcitonin hormone, comprising 116 amino acids, which is produced in thyroid neuroendocrine cells. However, in conditions such as septic shock, metastatic cancers, bacterial and fungal infections PCT is secreted by lung neuroendocrine cells, liver cells, and leukocytes. PCT is involved in acute phase of inflammatory process as a reactant protein. Hence, in this study serum and pleural fluid PCT was evaluated in common types of pleural effusion. Methods: This is a cross-sectional case-series study carried out on 60 patients with pleural effusion. In this study, effusion cases due to tuberculosis, malignancy, effusion followed by pneumonia, and also transudate were investigated. Other cases of pleural effusion were excluded from this study. After collecting the samples, PCT levels in pleural fluid and serum of patients were measured and compared statistically with respect to the primary etiology of effusion. Results: Sixty patients (10 patients with TB, 10 patients with malignancy, 10 patients with para-pneumonic, and 30 patients with transudative pleural effusion) participated in this study in which 61.7% were men and 38.3% women (p=0.204). The mean age of participants was 62.68 ±19.38 years. Results showed that mean of PCT in pleural fluid of patients with exudative effusion was 0.74 ng/ml (0.63 ng/ml in malignancy, 0.42 ng/ml in TB and 1.51 ng/ml in para-pneumonic) and in patients with transudative was 0.42 ng/ml. In addition, mean of PCT in the serum of patients with exudative pleural effusion was 0.74 ng/ml (0.65 ng/ml in malignancy, 0.40 ng/ml in TB and 1.20 ng/ml in para-pneumonic) and in patients with transudative was 0.43 ng/ml. The analyzed data showed that there was a significant difference in the pleural fluid (p=0.016) and serum PCT (p=0.009) of patients with pleural effusion transudate and exudates. After excluding patients with transudative, a significant difference was also observed among patients with exudative in such a way that in the para-pneumonic group the amount of PCT level in the serum and pleural fluid was more than tuberculosis and malignancy groups. Conclusion: Serum and pleural fluid PCT is increased as a marker in response to inflammation. Although its increase in patients with bacterial and pneumonia infection is significant, it can be increased in patients with secondary inflammation of tuberculosis or malignancy and consequently can be used as an inflammatory indicator in the evaluation of patients with pleural effusion.
Hasan Ghobadi , Nasrin Mehrnoush , Gholamreza Hamidkholgh, Firouz Amani ,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (1-2014)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Today, the concept of q uality of services is particularly important in health care and customer satisfaction can be defined by comparing the expectations of the services with perception of provided services. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of services provided for outpatients in clinic of Ardebil city based on the SERVQUAL model. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 650 patients referred to outpatient clinic since July to September 201 3 using a standardized SERVQUAL questionnaire (1988 ) with confirmed reliability and validity. The paired t-test and Friedman test were used for analysis of data by SPSS software. Results: 56.1 % of respondents were male and 43.9 % of them were female . The mean age of patients was 33 ± 11.91 , 68.9 % of patients were in Ardabil and 27.3 % of them had bachelor's or higher. The results showed that there is a significant difference between perceptions and expectations of the patients about five dimensions of the service quality (tangibility, reliability, assurance, responsiveness, and empathy) in the studied clinic (P< 0.001). The highest mean gap and minimum gap were related to empathy and assurance, respectively. Conclusion: Regarding to observed differences in quality , the managers and also planners have to evaluate their performance more accurately in order to have better planning for future actions. In fact, any efforts to reduce the gap between expectation and perception of patients result in greater satisfaction, loyalty and further visits to organizations.
Saadat Jalili , Mousa Aghaei, Akraossadat Saeid Mahdavi ,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (1-2014)
Abstract
Background & objectives: At the present time, health care services have been increasingly transformed to a competitive issue and many factors influence usage of hospital services and selection of a hospital by the patients. This study has been performed for surveying effective factors on selecting a public or private hospital among non-emergent patients of Ardabil hospitals in 2012. Method: This research was a cross-sectional descriptive-correlational study and the statistical population was non emergent patients of four public and two private hospitals of Ardabil in 2012. The samples (598 patients) were collected by stratified random sampling method. Data-gathering tool was a researcher-made questionnaire and data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, frequency [distribution] tables, and logistic regression analysis. Results: The results depicted a direct interdependence between selecting a hospital (public or private) and the three factors of social elements, hospital services, and hospital facilities with a confidence coefficient of 92%. Based on logistic regression analysis and Exp(B) coefficient, the patients’ priorities for hospital choosing were hospital services, social elements, and hospital facilities with Exp(B) of 1.932, 1.332, and 0.338, respectively. Conclusion: The most important factor for choosing public hospitals was lower cost of services and for private hospitals was physician’s recommendation. The strong effects of these two factors have overshadowed other variables.
Mojghan Mirghafourvand , Fahimeh Sehhatieshafaie , Jaleh Vosoughi-Niri ,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (1-2014)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Childbirth is the most stressful event for the women both mentally and physically affecting their physiological and psychological indicators during labour. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of non-pharmacological methods of labor pain relief in mothers’ perceived stress conducted in Alavi hospital of Ardabil, 2013. Methods: In this double blind randomized controlled trial, 320 mothers were allocated into two groups by stratified block randomization . The intervention group (n=158) received continuous support throughout the labour process, positioning and movement, music, aromatherapy, showering andconsumption of a light diet or water.The control group received only a routine care. The perceived stress scale (PSS) was employed to collect data in three stages at the beginning of the active phase, before the intervention, six hours after birth and then eight weeks postpartum. The two groupswere compared using General Linear Model with controlling the baseline scores. Results: There were 14 participants loss to follow-up. The mean of perceived stress score in the intervention group was significantly lower than the control group at 6 hours [adjusted mean difference: -1.0 (95% confidence interval: -0.01 to -1.9]. However, there was no difference between two groups in terms of perceived stress score at 8 weeks postpartum (p=0.692). Conclusion: Non-pharmacological methods of labor pain relief are an effective intervention for reducing perceived stress level in mothers during labor and therefore use of this intervention is recommended.
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