Journal of Birjand University of Medical Sciences
Year:2003 | Volume:10 | Issue:3|Papers Count:8

Background and Aim: Immunoglobulins prepared by Ion Exchange Chromatography (IEC) from plasma are administered intravenously because of low anti-complementary activity and aggregation. Mostly separation of gamaglobulins in plasma is difficult because of lipoproteins. In IgG purification by IEC, plasma lipoproteins may change the capacity of IEC gel. In this research, the role of lipoproteins on the capacity of the IEC gel used for Anti-D IgG purification was studied. Materials and Methods: Two different methods were used to eliminate plasma lipoproteins and then, Anti-D was purified by IEC from normal and free lipoprotein plasma. Anti-D titer and ratio of IgG to total protein in purified Anti-D was also evaluated. Results: The results indicated that lipoproteins were eliminated considerably by Dextran-Silicagel method. Elimination of plasma lipoproteins increase the ratio of IgG to total protein in IEC purified Anti-D, whereas Anti-D titer was constant. Conclusion: Elimination of plasma lipoproteins increases the capacity of the IEC gel for purification of IgG from plasma. This is an economical advantage in industrial level purification and production of IgG due to decrease the final prices.

Background and Aim: Inadequate knowledge about two approaches in research, qualitative and quantitative, can lead to disuse of these methods. Therefore, introducing the different aspects of qualitative and quantitative research can clear up the ambiguity surrounding them and which would play an effective role in applying these methods in research. For these reasons, this study was conducted to compare the features of qualitative and quantitative research in different aspects specially data analysis in qualitative studies. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out by reviewing the library and electronic resources. Correspondence with the international research organization also was another way for gathering information. Results: Qualitative research like quantitative is a precise method of survey. In the qualitative research information about phenomena are presented in the form of explanation and description. Even though in some cases statistics and numbers are used, the main goal of qualitative research is to develop sensitizing concepts and create theory, while quantitative research tries to test a hypothesis. Data analysis in qualitative research is inductive and in the quantitative research is deductive. Conclusion: Because, qualitative research from point of issue, goals and application, data collection techniques and many other aspects are different from quantitative research, therefore introducing and educating of this approach is recommended for all researchers, especially PhD students and residents.

Background and Aim: Cancer is the 2nd cause of death in the world after cardiovascular diseases. Life expectancy is directly selected to the cancer stage when the diagnosis is established. Nowadays the only practical way for early diagnosis of cancers is screening test. Despite the provision of screening programs, attendance for screening remains low. This study was undertaken to investigate the attitude and screening practice about cancer among a population of Birjand. Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study 1504 people (15-85 years old) of different parts of the city were selected by cluster sampling method. They were then studied by questionnaire including demographic information and questions related to attitude and screening practice and its hindrances. The data were analyzed by independent sample T-test and analysis of variance with P≤0.05. Results: Most of the cases were female (59.3%). 60/8% were higher than diploma and 61.5 were married, the average ages of males and females were 31±11 and 30.7±12 years respectively. On the whole 91% of the cases were liable to take part in periodical check up and screening but 60% of them did nothing for early diagnosis of cancer. 30.8% was due to fear of having cancer; the rest was due to time limitation and economical problems. Ladies attitude and practice were better (P<0.001). There was a negative relation between educational level with attitude and practice (P<0.001). Conclusion: It was found that peoples attitude to cancer and screening practice was not appropriate. People should be warred of thought to understand the importance of screening and its role in early diagnosis of cancer and its treatment.

Background and Aim: Coronary artery bypass grafting with CPB is an effective surgical treatment of CAD with low morbidity and mortality. Besides long-term outcomes are excellent. In recent years application of OPCAB (Without CPB) technique is increasing. The aim of this study was clinical evaluation and electocardiographic changes in patient with coronary artery bypass with/without CPB. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, from 22 Jun 2002 to 6 mar 2003 primary isolated coronary artery bypass graft was performed in 115 patients (75 patients off - pump and 40 patients on - pump) in Department of cardiac surgery Ghaem Hospital. In two groups, hospital outcome and the level of CK-MB, CTnI, ECG changes (to evaluate myocardial injury) were compared together postoperatively. Data were analyzed by x2, logistic regression and t tests. Results: Two groups were similar in terms of age (off-pump 56.3±9.3 year Vs on-pump 55.6±10.6), sex, Risk factor, Preoperative EF, Extend of coronary disease, functional class, average of grafts (off- pump 4.09±0.9 Vs on-pump 4.02±0.7). Mean postoperative CK-MB level was (off-pump 39.3±36.7 U/lit Vs on-pump 56.68±33 U/lit) significantly less in off-pump group (P=0.03). Similar results were obtained also for CTnI (off-pump had 8% weakly positive and 6.7% positive Vs on-pump 17.5% weakly positive and 15% positive) (P=0.03). Postoperative and Discharge ECGs were similar in the two groups for new Q and ST changes (P=0.62). ICU and Hospital length of stay, intubation time, arrythmia, hemodynamic state, neurologic and perioperative mortality defects were not significant in two groups. Postoperative hemorrhage (P=0.009) and need for allogenic blood transfusion during the first postoperative 24 hours were significantly (0.044) less in off-pump group. Conclusion: Enzymatic changes (Myocardial injury) in off-Pump technique is less than on pump and these changes were more reliable than ECG changes. OPCAB is safe for CAD.

Background and Aim: Providing, securing and promotion of newborns health as vulnerable group are of high specific importance in health services. Considering neonatal death importance, this study is drawn up toward determining causes of mortality and morbidity and effective factors on neonatal period in Birjand. Materials and Methods: This was a population based case-control study which was conducted on 90 infants died in age under one in health houses of Birjand in years 2000 and 2001. For each case, two controls were provided who matched one-to-one considering variables of residence and date of birth. Information was collected through questionnaire taken by the researcher at health centers where filled considering family file, interview with mothers and with health workers. Data were described and analyzed by EPI-INFO 2000 and SPSS through conditional logistic regression analysis. Results: According to the study 28.9% of neonate deaths were during the first 24 hours after birth 42.2% between 2 and 7 days and the rest 28.9% in the range of 8-28 days. The most important causes of neonatal death were prematurity and low birth weight (in 44.4%) and after it congenital anomalies (15.6%), infections (10%), asphyxia and delivery problems (10%) and narcotic intoxicant (6.7%) respectively. In this study mothers addiction to tobacco (OR=6.45 & P=0.01), mothers addiction to narcotic drugs (OR=4.25 & P=0.001), immaturity (OR=119.3 & P<0.001), mothers age in the first pregnancy less than 20 (OR=1.9 & P=0.01) and birth weight less than 2500gr (OR=61.5 & P<0.001) and significant relationship with neonatal morbidity and mortality. Conclusion: Special attention to childhood period and special care for babies born by mothers at risk, and providing special health education and care to these mothers can play an important role in infants mortality rate reduction.

Background and Aim: Cerebral Hemodynamic (CH) can be assessed by transcranial doppler technology. The effect of several factors ie; age and sex on CH should be considered. The aim of this study was evaluation effect of age and sex to cerebral hemodynamic. Materials and Methods: This descriptive - analytical study was carried out on 150 healthy volunteers (75 females and 75 males) within 3 age groups 20-39 y, 40-59y and 60-79y.CH was evaluated with transcranial doppler technology using a Vingmed 800,Norway device and a 2MHz probe. Through transtemporal window the middle cerebral artery was insonated at depth 50-55mm. The Peak Systolic Velocity (PSV), Mean Velocity (MV) and End Diastolic Velocity (EDV) were recorded. Data were analyzed by logistic regression and t tests. Results: The mean levels of PSV and MV were significantly lower in older age groups respectively (P<0.05). Although mean level of EDV in age group 2 was not significantly lower than age group 1 (P=0.182), however this lower difference in age group 3 was significant (P<0.05). The mean levels of MV and EDV in our female volunteers were significantly higher than males (P<0.05) but mean level of PSV wasnt significantly higher in females (P=0.248). Conclusion: These results are congruent with other studies and should be respected in the interpretation of CH.

Background and Aim: The quality of life of millions of women due to menopause symptoms is degraded. Hormone replacement therapy can relieve vasomotor symptoms, decrease LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reduce some coronary heart disease risk factors, and not only offsets bone loss but also improves physical fitness. The purpose of this study was to determine knowledge, attitude and practice of Birjand menopausal women with respect to hormone replacement therapy. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive and analytic study 295 menopausal women from the nine areas of Birjand, under the supervision of qualified questioners, answered a questionnaire including demographic questions and special questions concerning their knowledge, attitude, and practice with respect to post-menopause HRT. Then the data was analyzed by SPSS software x2 and logistic regression tests. Result: Mean age of the cases was 58.7 year, 5.4% were employers, 79.9% were illiterate, 62.7% thought that menopause has complications, 60.7% were worried about menopause and the most important complication was menopausal flash according to 34.9% of them 65.8% had no problem with menopause, 57.7% of whom gained their satisfaction through praying in 88.5% of cases HRT was not done, 70.1% of which was due to lack of knowledge. Mean score of knowledge was 3.63±2.43 (out of 12) and mean score of attitude was 2.29±1.11 (out of 9) both of which showed a low state. There was a significant relationship between education and knowledge and between knowledge and attitude as well. Conclusion: According to the results, knowledge, attitude and practice of Birjand menopausal women with respect to HRT is very low and these women must be given necessary instructions.

Mycetoma is a chronic local subcutaneous infection that is caused by eumycetoma and actinomycetoma. It is a rare mycetic disease in Iran. This paper tries to describe unusual symptoms of the disease and explain step by step all the diagnostic processes that the patient goes through in order to emphasis the importance of this disease and the need for an appropriate and in time diagnosis as well as the effect of a proper treatment on this chronic disease