Morteza Mansoorian, Babak Rastegari-Mehr, Mostafa Ghorbani, Zahra Shafieian, Omid Safari, Sara Moradi, Zahra Delshadi, Aziz Rezapour, Hossein Ansari, Hamid Asayesh,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (5-2015)
Abstract
Background & Objective: Using internet have had a significant impact on the lifestyle changes of internet clients which can affect their health. The aim of this study was to survey the relationship between lifestyle related to internet with loneliness and social support of the internet clients in Ilam University of medical sciences.
Methods: This study was a cross sectional study which was performed in 2014 on 400 university students and personnel of Ilam University of medical sciences using stratified random sampling method.Data collection instrument was a questionnaire comprising of four sections: demographic information, lifestyle related to internet questionnaire , loneliness and social supports questionnaires.All data were analyzed using SPSS software by Mann Withney and Kruscall- Wallis tests and linear regression test.
Results: The linear regression results showed that there was a significant relationship between loneliness and lifestyle related to the internet, gender, marital status, occupational statues and age (P<0.01). There was also a significant relationship between social support and lifestyle related to the internet and age (P<0/05). The results showed that there was a significant relationship between loneliness and social support with marital status, educational degree and internet usage (P<0/01).
Conclusion: According to the significant relation between loneliness and social support with the lifestyle related to the internet, and regarding the inevitability of Internet, it seems more supporting the students and implementing the educational programs for university clients about suitable using of internet is necessary.
Samaneh Taghilou, Mirjamal Hosseini,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (10-2015)
Abstract
The dialkyl- or alkyl/aryl esters of 1, 2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, which are known as Phthalates, are high-production volume synthetic chemicals and considered as environmental pollutants, due to high production and uses in community, plastics industry and common consuming products. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the most abundant phthalate in the environment. Human exposure with DEHP could be done via different chemical compounds including food packaging, household furnishings, nutritional supplements, cleaning materials and insecticides. Besides, exposure of human with phthalates occurs through different pathways such as direct contact and using Phthalate-containing products, and indirectly through leaching into other products, or general environmental contaminations. Historically, the diet has been considered the major source of phthalate exposure in the general population, but in all sources, pathways, and their relative contributions to human exposures are not well understood. Medical devices are other source of significant exposure in human. Furthermore, cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, herbal remedies and insecticides, may result in significant but poorly quantified human exposure with this compounds. In the present review article, we tried to discuss about metabolism of phthalates in human, toxicity, monitoring of phthalates in foods, environment, and cosmetic products and then metabolites of phthalates. Finally, evaluation of human exposure through biological control is discussed.
Ali Memarian, Sara Abdolmaleki,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (10-2015)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Defect in Immune responses, such as immunosuppression is one of the major causes of AML pathogenesis and progression which could be targeted for immunotherapy of these patients. CD200 and IDO are immunoregulatory factors which are overexpressed in some solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Distinct researches have shown that CD200 and IDO expressions are associated with AML progression. In the current study, we simultaneously examined the expression of these molecules, as the two important factors including in immunosuppression, in the newly diagnosed and relapse AML patients to investigate their correlation with each other.
Methods: In this study, 48 Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) samples of newly diagnosed and relapsed AML patients were tested and also 32 PBMCs of normal subjects were employed as normal controls. CD200 expression level was examined on the cells by Flowcytometry and quantitative real time RT-PCR was used to determine the IDO-1 gene expression. Finally data were analyzed statistically by Spss 17 software.
Results: Our data showed that CD200 (P=0.02) and IDO-1 (P=0.44) were overexpressed in AML samples especially in relapsed patients. Comparison between FAB AML subgroups demonstrated no statistical differences regarding CD200 level but expression of IDO-1 was slightly increased only in M4 subgroup in comparison to M3 (P=0.01). Correlation analyses showed strong association between the expressions of CD200 and IDO-1 in all patients particularly in relapsed AML, whereas no significant correlation was found in normal subjects.
Conclusion: According to the role and overexpression of CD200 and IDO-1 in AML patients and also their two-way correlation with T-reg lymphocytes in disease induction and progression, simultaneous assessment of these parameters are so valuable for more exact prognosis detection. Also inhibition of all these immunoregulatory pathways could be so useful for immunotherapy outcome, especially in relapsed AML.
Samaneh Homayouni-Meyamndi, Noormohammad Bakhshani,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (10-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objective: β-Thalassemia major is a chronic genetic disease which is determined with symptoms and signs of a chronic severe anemia. Children with β-Thalassemia major have several risk factors for cognitive problems. The purpose of this study was to compare the cognitive function in β-thalassemia major children and healthy counterparts.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 1391, using convenient sampling method in Zahedan and Shiraz cities. After matching children in terms of age, gender and city of residence, 40 children with β-thalassemia major and 40 matched healthy 6-12 year old children were compared using the independent t-test and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Revision (WISC-R) in terms of verbal understanding, organizing perceptual and freedom from distraction. Data were expressed in descriptive ways and independent t-test was used to analyze data using spss 18 software.
Results: Children with β-Thalassemia major gained low scores in the areas of verbal understanding (P=0.01) and freedom from distraction (P=0.01) significantly in comparison to healthy counterparts, but no significant difference was observed in the area of organizing perceptual index (P=0.29) not difference between the two groups.
Conclusion: Children with β-Thalassemia major do not necessarily face cognitive decline and are slightly lower than their healthy counterparts and require more attention in the field of education, to improve the quality of their knowledge.
Afshin Salahian, Hasan Gharibi, Neda Malekpour, Noshin Salahian,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (10-2015)
Abstract
Background and objective: According to the high and increasing prevalence of internet addiction, and the fact that little research has been done on the predictors of internet addiction in Iran, the purpose of this study was to examine the role of predictor variables of mental health and personality subscales in internet addiction of students in medical and non-medical universities of Sanandaj in 2014.
Methods: The Method of this research was correlation and the statistical population were all of medical and non-medical students of Sanandaj Universities in 2014. In this study, 250 students (125 female and 125 male), were randomly selected, and completed the checklist of mental health symptoms, NEO personality questionnaire, and internet addiction questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Pearson Correlation, stepwise regression, and T test by SPSS software version 20.
Results: The results indicated that obsession-compulsion, openness, consciousness, aggression and somatization subscales had predictor roles in internet addiction, and totally 51 percent of variances predicted the internet addiction (F=29.97; P=0.001).
Conclusion: The internet addiction of university students is dependent upon their mental health and personality, and one can predict the internet addiction of students via subscales of mental health and personality.
Arezoo Bagheri, Mahsa Saadati,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (10-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Discriminant analysis and logistic regression are classical methods for classifying data in several studies. However, these models do not lead in valid results due to not meeting all necessary assumptions. The purpose of this study was to classify the number of Children Ever Born (CEB) using decision tree model in order to present an efficient method to classify demographic data.
Methods: In the present study, CART tree model with Gini splitting rule was fitted to classify the number of CEB in fertility behavior of at least once married 15-49 year-old women, in Semnan-2012. 405 women aged 15-49 years old comprised the survey sample.
Results: Women in first and second birth cohorts who had married at an early age had 3 CEB while women who had married at an older age had 2 CEB. Women in third birth cohort who had married at an early age and were employed, had 2 CEB while unemployed women in this cohort whose type of marriages were familial and non-familial had 0 and 1 CEB respectively. Women in the third birth cohort who were married in older age had 1 CEB.
Conclusion: Among important advantages of CART model are the simplicity in interpretation, using distribution-free measures, considering missing data and outliers for construction trees which has increased the usage of this method. Therefore, this method is a suitable way for classifying demographic data in comparison to other classical modeling methods in the conditions that necessary assumptions are not met.
Fatemeh Bagheri, , ,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (10-2015)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Investigatingg the mortality in a population has been considered as one of the appropriate methods of health detection. Although, there are some problems such as lack of confidence in accuracy measurement and quality of data collection. Establishment of death registration systems and using international classification codes of diseases, and also mortality data integrating by responsible organizations have solved great parts of the previous problems. In this study, considering a set of parameters, the study population was divided into two groups: deceased under one year (infants) and over one year (adults). Then both groups were clustered using the K-means method to identify different groups. Hidden models and useful patterns were also discovered using decision tree algorithms. Finally, a neural network algorithm was used to show the ranking of attributes in order of their importance.
Methods: In this research, data of 12,865 deceased individuals in Golestan province since 2007 to 2009 is studied. The data has been obtained from the Health Center of Golestan province. The main characteristics used in this study are: deceased age, gender, cause of death, place of residence and place of death. K-means algorithm is used to cluster data. The decision tree algorithms and neural networks algorithm were also used for classification. Finally, results and rules were extracted. Due to different natures of causes of death in infants and adults, studying on these different groups is performed separately.
Results: In clustering phase, the optimal number of clusters is obtained by Dunn index; eight clusters for infants and seven clusters for adults were obtained. Among four decision-tree algorithms (C5.0, QUEST, CHAID and CART), C5.0 algorithm with high correction rate, 77.37% in infants data and 96.86% in adults data was the best classifier algorithm. Age, gender and place of death were the most important variables that were detected by neural network algorithm.
Conclusion: In the present study, the collected mortality data was clustered by considering the effective factors and the standard of International Classification of Diseases. The hidden patterns of mortality for infants and adults were extracted. Due to the explicit nature and the intelligibility of the decision tree algorithms, the results and extracted rules are very useful for specialists in this field.
Borhan Mansouri, Namamali Azadi, Yazdan Habibi,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (10-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objective: The industrial development along with the rising in human population has led to releasing considerable hazardous materials such as heavy metals into the environment. Environmental pollution by heavy metals can in turn threaten the human health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the concentration levels of some heavy metals including; Cd, Pb, Cr and Cu, as well as to estimate the physico-chemical parameters of drinking water distribution network of Sanandaj city in 2014.
Methods: In order to accomplish the present descriptive study, 18 samples were collected from the water distribution network of Sanandaj during 2014. The level of heavy metals were assayed by using a graphite furnace atomic absorption (Phoenix 986). The standard approaches mentioned in the standard method book were used to measure the fluoride, nitrate and hardness of water. The Pearson Correlation test was used to estimate the association between parameters.
Results: The mean concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cr and Cu were found to be 0.0004, 0.011, 0.03, 0.3 mg/L respectively. Moreover, the mean levels of fluoride, nitrate, and total hardness were 0.11, 6.57, and 166 mg/L respectively. The level of Hazard Quotient in this study was lower than 1 (HQ < 1).
Conclusion: The concentration of all heavy metals in this study were lower than the national and international thresholds of drinking water. It is concluded that Sanandaj drinking water is safe to drink concerning health issues.
Fariba Bagherieh,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (10-2015)
Abstract
Background and Objective: Extinction coefficient is the unique value to each protein and can evaluate the type and purity of recombinant protein produced in laboratories and factories producing recombinant proteins. In this study, a simple method for calculating the extinction coefficient of recombinant protein Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) is presented.
Methods: G-CSF with concentration of 0.5 mg/ml was prepared from Arya Tina Gene. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) method was used to check the purity of the protein, then serial dilutions of 1/2 to 1/64 of the protein were prepared and using UV-VIS spectroscopy the optical density was measured.
Results: Electrophoresis result as a single band of 18 kDa was observed. The results of UV-VIS spectroscopy of serial dilution were plotted as a distinct spectrograms and these were used to plot linear regression curve of the standard concentration of G-CSF.
Conclusion: The results of this study shows the extinction coefficient equal to 0.81 M-1 cm-1 for recombinant G-CSF that was accordant with the number reports by international producers of G-CSF and suggests the correct method is used to calculate the physicochemical parameter.
Soraya Karami, Layasadat Khorsandi,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (5-2016)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Seeds of cultivated safflower which are now used in pharmaceutical and food industries are in white coat color. No commercially available pigmented genotype of cultivated safflower has been reported yet. This study was to investigate the probable toxicological effects of black coat seed of a new pigmented variety of safflower (A82) on liver and kidney tissues of male wistar rats.
Methods: In the present experimental study, 54 male wistar rats were randomly divided into 2 groups of 24 (including 4 subgroups of 6 rats) and a control group of 6 rats. Group 1 (control group), distilled water, group 2 (CTBS) and Group 3 (CTWS) were respectively given grain crust suspension (A82) and white shell (C111) safflower on a daily basis, at doses of 30, 60, 180 and 240 mg per kg body weight orally for 5 weeks. In order to address the biochemical tests including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ,alkaline phosphatase (ALP), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr), arterial blood samples were taken. Regarding histological studies, liver and kidney organs were removed immediately. After fixation of samples in 10% formalin, 4-5 µm tissue sections were prepared. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining method followed by light microscopy was used to examine the sections. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the means between groups and least significant difference (LSD) was used to perform additional tests.
Results: In both CTBS and CTWS treatment groups, the body weight of wistar rats increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner (233.00±4.74 and 218.76±5.43, respectively) compared to the control group (196.79±4.88). The increasing trend was significantly higher in CTBS group compared to the CTWS group (p<0.05). In contrast to the results of body weight, organ weights of liver and kidney treatment groups were not significantly changed in all treatment groups. The serum levels of ALT and AST showed no significant difference between treatment groups and also in comparison to the control group. The serum level of ALP within CTBS treatment group (567.39±32.5) was significantly lower than CTWS (609.94±30.5) and control groups (819.50±38.21) (p<0.05). BUN and Cr were decreased among treatment groups in comparison to the control group (p>0.05). Moreover, regarding histopathological studies, neither liver nor kidney necrosis or damages were visualized in treatment groups in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusion: Our findings showed that safflower seed, especially black ones (A82) has no toxic effects over liver and kidney tissues. The positive effects of black seeds on body weight among wistar rats may be an interesting effect to be further investigated for exploitation in the poultry industry.
Pedram Torabian, Dr Vahid Erfani-Moghadam,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (5-2016)
Abstract
For decades, researchers have tried to develop non-invasive mechanisms for monitoring pathological conditions within the body of patients. Emerging nanotechnology enabled us to reach this aim. Scale of nano has the potential to increase early detection of pathological conditions among abnormal cells before diseased tissue or tumor development can be considerable which is helpful in disease treatment. In recent years, “Theranostics” has been emerged as a novel nano approach which performs diagnostic detection, therapy and follows up simultaneously. Therefore, Theranostics can be considered as an appropriate therapeutic approach for personalized medicine, pharmacogenomics and molecular imaging which can open a gate to develop novel therapies. Additionally, with a deeper molecular understanding, choosing drugs that are more effective will be possible. Finally, researchers believe that Theranostics has the potential to monitor treatments by increasing drug effectiveness and preventing inappropriate treatments and consequently reducing the cost of national health burden. In this review, structure and some applications of Theranostics and nano drug delivery systems have been discussed briefly.
Soheila Meimanat Abadi, Dr Fazlullah Ghofranipour, Dr Faegh Yousefi, Farhad Moradpour,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (5-2016)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Damages caused by accidents are accounted as a major cause of death for children under 5 years old. To design preventive programs, health education theories could be employed. This study aimed to determine the effect of educational intervention based on health belief model on the damage caused by accidents in children less than 5 years in 1392 in Qorveh city.
Methods: The present randomized field trial study was conducted on 120 mothers with children less than 5 years who were supported by four different health centers. These centers were randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control. The effect of intervention was investigated using a standardized questionnaire including 85 items of health belief model structures. The questionnaires were completed using interviews by trained interviewers. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 19.0, independent and two-tailed samples t-test.
Results: We found that there were positive and significant differences in terms of knowledge, intensity, perceived barriers and self-efficacy between two groups after intervention (P<0.05). Average differences before and after the intervention and the average scores were significantly different in all cases (P<0.05). There was a significant difference regarding the mild injuries among children under five years between the two groups after intervention (P=0.023).
Conclusion: Our results showed that education on the basis of health belief model, as one of the theories of health education, has positive effects on the promotion of safety knowledge, attitude change and improving the function of mothers over damaged children lower than 5 years and consequently the promotion of health and safety among children.
Dr Khaled Aslani, Ali Mohammadi, Zahra Rezaee Nia,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (5-2016)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Nowadays, it is noteworthy to consider the nature of lovemaking as an important issue in social psychology and individual personality assessment. Therefore, this study was done aiming to compare the social anxiety, dysfunctional attitudes and body image in three groups of lovemaking in the real world, lovemaking in the virtual world and without lovemaking.
Methods: This is a descriptive study of causal – comparative type. The study population includes all male and female students of Shahid Chamran University in the academic year of 2014-15. A sample size of 300 students was selected using snowball sampling method. Data collection tools were: Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS) and Multidimensional Body – Self Relations Questionnaires (MBSRQ). Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 and ANOVA Multivariate Analysis.
Results: We showed that a significant difference exists between scores of social anxiety, body image and dysfunctional attitudes in three groups of lovemaking in the real world, virtual world and without lovemaking (P < 0.0001). Our results revealed that the body image, social anxiety and dysfunctional attitudes in real world lovemaking group compared to virtual lovemaking and without lovemaking is significantly different and has a lower level. Body image, social anxiety, and dysfunctional attitudes in virtual lovemaking were also significantly different and had a lower level (P < 0.0001).
Conclusion: The results of this study could be helpful in pre-marriage and awareness counseling to people about the types of relationships and promotion of healthy communication patterns in society.
Raziye Sadat Hosseiny, Masoume Alijanpour Agha Maleki, Shahram Etemadifar, Hossein Rafiei,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (5-2016)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Human is a multidimensional creature and spiritual domain is the central dimension which has an undeniable effect on gaining health. The most important part of nursing care with family based approach is to help people in achieving optimal level of health. On the other hand, religious attitudes and spiritual health is an important domain of life in ageing period. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the religious attitudes and spiritual health among elderly inpatients in Shahrekord hospitals.
Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted in 1392 in Shahrekord hospitals. A total of 308 geriatric patients who were admitted to a surgical ward, were recruited through random sampling. Two sets of questionnaires regarding religious and spiritual health were used as the instruments. After collecting the data, descriptive (frequency, mean, variance, standard deviation) and analytical (independent t test, Pearson correlation) statistics were used by SPSS statistical software.
Results: The results showed that 68.8% of patients possessed large religious attitude with an average of 140.68 ±30.14. Spiritual health in 51.3 percent of samples was described to be low while the obtained average score was 86.18 ± 16.61. However, Pearson test showed that there is a positive significant correlation between religious attitudes and spiritual health (r =0.83, P =0.05).
Conclusions: The present study revealed that there is a significant relationship between religious attitudes and spiritual health and people with high religious attitudes have high spiritual health.
Alireza Mahboub-Ahari, Sakineh Hajebrahimi, Fatemeh Sadeghi-Ghyassi, Mahmood Yousefi, Maryam Radin Manesh,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (5-2016)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: Current study aimed to compare effectiveness and cost effectiveness of laser devices in BPH surgery. This study could provide clear evidences which could be used in prior approval and funding of such new emerging technologies.
Methods: A systematic search of related databases was performed to find Randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, Meta analyses and health technology assessment studies which had been published up to 2008.key words are: Laser، Holmium YAG laser (HOLEP)، Tolmium Laser، Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) and prostate. Data for clinical effectiveness was retrieved from the literature. Two Laser Assisted Technologies were analyzed in terms of efficacy, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness and compared with Trans-Urethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) method from the perspective of Iran Ministry of Health. We used standard costing for analysis of costs. One-way sensitivity analysis was performed for the examination of calculated ICER in different probable scenarios.
Results: Literature review stressed that there is no statistically significant difference in clinical effectiveness of Lasers assisted devices and TURP technique. The length of hospital stay and severity of side effects are clinically and statistically lower in Laser Assisted devices. Estimated unit-cost of treatment for Tolmium, Holmium and TURP was 3403541, 3019261 and 2455794 (RLS) from MOH perspective and 340354, 4719261 and 4325794 from societal perspective.
Conclusion: Sensitivity analysis showed that, in most of the study scenarios TURP was dominant intervention because of low treatment costs. Tolmium laser only with the assumption of dual applicability and 200 patients per year would be considered as a cost-effective technology.
Dr Mohammad Hossein Taziki, Mohammad Mehdi Taziki,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (5-2016)
Abstract
Background & Objective: Nasopharynx could be affected by many tumors types such as carcinoma and lymphoma. These tumors present specific manifestations and symptoms. In rare cases these tumors can present unusual symptoms and without careful attention could be missed. In the present article we have described a rare case of nasopharyngeal tumor which a mass in cheeks.
Case presentation: A 72 year-old female who presented inflammation and a mass in left cheek, nasal obstruction in right nose was referred to CTS department and coronal view of paransal sinus was performed. Because sinuses were intact, patient was treated with antibiotic and antiallergic drugs. In spite of medical therapies, cheek mass growth continued and CTS was repeated in coronal and axial view. In these images, a mass in left Nasopharynx and a polypoid mass in right nasal cavity were found. Patient was undergone endoscopic surgery and biopsies were done from those sites .Pathologist reported a nasal polyp in right nose and an undifferentiated carcinoma of left Nasopharynx and cheek. Immunohistochemistry investigation for differentiated tumor from lymphoma was done and confirmed the lymphoma. Patient was refereed to oncologist for further treatment.
Conclusion: In management of patient we should consider unusual presentation of nasopharyngeal lymphoma with cheek mass which is an unusual presentation of this tumor.
Seyed Mostafa Ghavami, Nahideh Gharehaghaji,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (5-2016)
Abstract
Background & Objectives: In spite of rapid development and arrival of newer medical imaging modalities such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, hysterosalpingography (HSG) has a great role among imaging techniques because of its enormous advantages. HSG is the standard screening test for the diagnosis of tubal infertility and can provide useful information about the uterine cavity. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the value of HSG in the evaluation of infertility and to diagnose the tubo-uterine causes of infertility in Tabriz.
Methods: In current study, 1260 patients were investigated for infertility by HSG, patients of both primary and secondary infertility were included except those who have history of acute pelvic infection and allergy to contrast media. This study was conducted at Day Medical Imaging Center in Tabriz-IRAN.
Results: HSG outlined normal uterus cavity, normal tube bilaterally with peritoneal spill in 1045 patients (82.94%) and 215 cases (17.06%) were detected with abnormalities. Among these patients, 78 cases (36.28%) detected with normal uterine shape and block of one tube, 32 (14.88%) patients shows both tubal blockages with normal uterus. There was bicurnate uterus in one patient (0.47%) with blockage of both tubes.
Conclusion: The most common abnormal finding was normal uterus cavity with block of one or both tubes. Prevention of the pelvic inflammatory diseases, on time diagnosis and treatment of genital infectious, avoiding unnecessary pelvic surgeries, healthcare improvement and increasing the knowledge of society are the important decreasing factors in the women infertility.
Ghorban Mohammad Koochaki, Behrooz Kord, Senieh Sotoodeh, Mansoureh Tatari,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (5-2016)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The validity of an educational system is dependent on students' learning. Learning is a complex variable which is affected by multiple factors. One of the most important factors is learning styles. Knowledge of learning styles of students to educational programs is very important. Therefore, this study aimed to determine students' learning styles among students of Para medicine and Health faculties in Golestan University of medical sciences.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 401 students of the faculty of Para medicine and Health in Golestan University of Medical Sciences since 1391 till 1392 were selected and filled out the Standard Kolb Learning Style Inventory (LSI) which was previously tested for reliability (8.0). Data was analyzed with SPSS version 18.0 using Chi-square and Fisher's exact test.
Results: The mean age of students was 20.57 and 71.8 percent of them were female students. Learning styles of students included a convergent (63.4 %), absorber (25.4 %), accommodating (7.5%) and divergent (3.7 %). Learning style of study had no statistically significant difference in comparison to sex, school, age, GPA, credits, semester and education levels (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Converging and absorbing learning styles were more dominant among students. Therefore, it is recommended to use training methods which fit this style such as showing hand-writings and presentations with self-study materials, simulations, laboratory assignments and problem-based learning.
Arezou Khosrojerdi, Kazem Mashayekhi, Hadi Zare Marzouni,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (10-2016)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The application of herbal medicine has been rising in recent years. Therefore, it is logical to revise and revive these traditional drugs while identifying their mechanisms of action can result in developing new treatments for many diseases. Curcumin is the most important component of Turmeric with numerous therapeutic properties. We aimed to review the anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of Curcumin and introduce it as a therapeutic molecule in the present article.
Methods: In this review, 121 articles were selected from authenticated electronic resources and scientific library databases such as Pubmed, Medline, Sciencedirect, WOS, DOAJ, SID, Iranmedex, Magiran and Google Scholar search engine in which Curcumin (Turmeric) had been evaluated as a therapeutic molecule from differeny aspects.
Results: Our findings from the literature revealed that immune responses against infectious and inflammatory factors could be fascilitated by Curcumin. However, the low solubility in water and minimal bioavailability which may lead to poor absorbance from gastrointestinal tract, quick metabolization and elimination from blood circulation are the most important problems during oral consumption.
Conclusion: According to the results of the present review article, Curcumin possesses efficient anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-parasitic properties. However, the low bioavailability of this substance has limited its treatment properties. Nowadays, several mechanisms have been proposed to increase the bioavailability which can improve its absorption.
Elham Rezaei, Hossein Vazini, Majid Pirestani,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (10-2016)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Lead exposure exerts extremely damaging effects over reproduction system. Elettaria cardamomum has several medicinal properties. This study was aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Elettaria cardamomum L. (dried fruit) hydroalcoholic extract on serum levels of gonadotropins and testosterone among lead acetate-induced adult male wistar rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, 36 adult male wistar rats (220-250 gr) were randomly allocated equally into 6 groups. Animals in control group received 0.5 ml normal saline, while the other groups were; extract group 400 mg/kg, the group receiving lead acetate 500ppm in drinking water and experimental group receiving orally lead acetate 500ppm + extract group 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg. The duration of the test was 28 days. Treatment with the extract lasted for a week. In the end of examination, after anaesthetizing, blood samples were collected directly from heart and serum levels of testosterone, FSH and LH hormones were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and one-way ANOVA P-values lower than 0.05 were considered to be significant.
Results: The mean serum level of testosterone in experimental groups receiving lead acetate 500ppm + Elettaria cardamomum L. hydroalcoholic extract was significantly increased in all three doses and the mean serum levels of LH and FSH was significantly decreased in comparison to the group receiving lead acetate. The effectiveness was markedly dose-dependent.
Conclusion: The present study showed that Elettaria cardamomum L. hydroalcoholic extract have significant effects on the serum levels of testosterone and gonadotropins. However, more precise studies are needed to investigate the involved mechanisms.
