Research in Medicine
Year:2008 | Volume:31 | Issue:4|Papers Count:13

Background: TNF gene polymorphisms may influence hepatitis e virus activity. In the present study we surveyed TNF-a concentration in chronic hepatitis e patients and its association with hepatic fibrosis. Materials and methods: We investigated the association between TNF-a level and inflammatory necrosis/fibrosis grading, meanwhile, TNF association was investigated with anthropometric indices (body mass index, waist to hip ratio, waist circumference, sex, age), biochemical indices (triglyceride, cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, HOMA-IR, AST, ALT, insulin, peptide-c, INR) and also pathological findings.Results: The study population included 50 males and 10 females with the mean age of 34.9±1.0.6 years. the mean TNF level was 31.13±30 pg/ml.TNF was not associated with the following indices: age, sex, height, BMI, WHR, waist circumference, TG, cholesterol, FBS, HOMA-IR, insulin, peptide-c, INR, ferittin, transferrin, serum iron, steatosis and iron precipitate. However, TNF level was associated with drug abuse and alcohol (p<0.008, p<0.017). Based on logistic regression analysis, FBS, TG, iron level, peptide-c, height, total and indirect bilirubin were associated with TNF. Conclusion: TNF-a level was associated with FBS, TG, serum iron, peptide-c, total and indirect bilirubin, height, drug abuse, and alcohol use, however, it was not associated with inflammatory necrosis/fibrosis grading.

Background: Strongyloides stercoralis is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. S. stercoralis is the only nematodes with the ability to multiply in its host's body via autoinfection transmission. Larvae detection in faeces is difficult partly because of low egg production and irregular larvae excretion in faeces. Serologic tests (ELISA, IFA) are also diagnostic; however, S. stercoralis antigens are not available as a diagnostic tool. In the present study, we analyzed filariform larva (U) proteins of S. stercoralis by the immuno blot technique.Materials and methods: Stool samples were examined by direct smear, formalin-ether and agar plate method to identify the patients. Sera were stored at 20°C. Filariform larvae were obtained by agar plate culture, which was incubated for 6-7days at 25°C, then frozen at - 70°C. Finally, larvae were suspended at a concentration level of 12000 in 250ml PBS, containing protease inhibitors and then sonicated. Protein level was measured by Bradford method. Proteins of S. stercoralis filari form larvae were separated by SDS-PAGE, blotted onto nitrocellulose paper. Western blot analysis of these antigens was achieved using infected human sera (0.1, 0.01, 0.001 dilution) with strongyloidiasis, toxocariasis, hydatidosis, amoebiasis and normal human serum as control.Results: Four immunodominant proteins (23, 28, 30, 41 kDa) were recognized with strongyloidiasis sera in O.ldiluted serum. None of the proteins reacted to normal human and amebiasis serum, but some showed reaction with serum of hydatidosis and toxocariosis. Having increased the level of serum dilution, only 41 kDa protein was recognized by strongyloidiasis sera. Other sera did not show any reaction to the parasite's proteins. Therefore, the 41 kDa protein presents as most important immunodaminant protein in this study.Conclusion: The identification of immunodominant proteins, which have adapted themselves to the physiological and genetically conditions of the host is an appropriate diagnostic approach. Indeed, recombinant protein, such as 41 kDa, could enhance the sensitivity and specificity of serologic tests.

Background: Advances in knowledge and experience of human beings are rapidly changing and put organization's role and performance in a big challenge. Nowadays, a successful organization steps in new approaches by means of knowledge forces and respecting human resource development. The present study was achieved to design a human resource development model for the health sector of Iran.Materials and methods: For this descriptive study, a thorough literature review was performed. Desired countries were selected according to their health and economic indices. They have approach, missions, program and specific allocates for their human resource development. Our designed model was introduced to the experts and the final model was developed based on the experts' comments. Results: Results revealed that in health sector of Iran, especially Ministry of Health, human resource development should be set as priority and supported by the head of the organization. Meanwhile, designing the infrastructure and suitable mechanisms, appropriate approach, providing facilities, human and financial resources, and appropriate attitude may result in health service improvement.Conclusion: In the developed model human resources, financial resources and physical facilities had the most powerful effect. The model was approved by experts, therefore, such models should be applied in associated organizations and revised according to environmental and infrastructure conditions.

Background: Pesticides are an extremely diverse group of substances with a wide potential for a variety of toxic effects. They are biocidal agents used to control a wide variety of organisms that pose a threat to health or compete for food or other materials. Selective toxicity for the target pest is the principle of pesticide use, but because organisms are similar at the cellular or subcellular level, adverse human health effects may occur. Worldwide estimates suggest the problem of toxicity and death is much greater in developing countries than in developed countries.Material and method: For this cross sectional study, 1279 farmers were selected in 5 provinces through a cluster sampling. Initial data were gathered by a questionnaire and acute and chronic side effects of pesticides were recorded.Results: Totally, 50% of farmers were illiterate, while the mean duration of their work experience was 22 years (18-26 years). In different regions, different pesticides were used, for instance, in Rafsanjan and Savejbolagh most of pesticides were organophosphates (95%). Meanwhile, 68% of farmers did not use any personal protective equipment. Only 5% of farmers noticed the manufacturers' instructions and 27% burned the vessels. Conclusion: Educational package consisting of pesticides and their uses, the techniques of management and control of short and long term effects of pesticide poisoning, the methods of properly and effective use of personal protective equipment, and the necessary acts after use of vessel, should be distributed among farmers.

Background: Impact factor is still a suitable index of evaluating effectiveness of medical journals. The present study 'Yas designed to determine the impact factor and immediacy index of Persian medical journals in order to aware authors and librarians of journals status.Materials and methods: For this analytical study, impact factor of 38 Persian medical journals (of 90 approved medical journals as "Academic Research Journal" by the Journal Commission of Ministry of Health) was determined by citation analysis. Papers' references were used to calculate the impact factor. Results: Totally, 1586 papers, 2673 Persian references were entered in the analysis the most effective journals were: "Education in Medical Science" (IF=0.232), Iranian Journal of Endocrine Diseases and Metabolism" (IF=0.105) and "Blood" (IF=0.098). Meanwhile, "Journal of Research in Medicine (Pejouhesh Dar Pezeshki)" has the highest immediacy index (0.133).Conclusion: Results revealed the low rate of Persian paper citation among Iranian authors, therefore, the associated impact factor is quite low.

Background: Bladder cancer is the second prevalent cancer of urogenital tract, affecting males 3 more commonly than females. Different risk factors have been proposed, among which viral infections, especially HPV, have been explained recently. The present study surveyed HPV and its associated types in patients with bladder cancer using PCR technique.Materials and methods: A total of 186 patients, including 147 cases and 39 controls were biopsied and HPV frequency and its associated types were determined by PCR.Results: Totally, 34.7% of cases and 7.6% of controls were HPV positive. HPV18 was the most frequent type (47%). Males were 6 times more frequently affected than females. Most of the cases were aged 51-60 years.Conclusion: With respect to the high frequency rate of HPV among patients with bladder cancer when compared with controls, HPV seems to be significantly associated with bladder cancer.

Background: Prior investigators have proposed the association between religious orientation and mental health, since recently investigators have trended towards religious effects on mental health. The purpose of the present study was to determine the relationship between the religious orientation and mental health.Materials and methods: For this cross sectional study, 140 university students were randomly selected and assessed by Alport Religious Orientation Scale and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ).Results: Results revealed a significant correlation between the religious orientation and mental health. Intrinsic religious orientation was associated with mental health (p<0.004). As extrinsic religious orientation score increases mental health scores decreases and depression occurs more frequently. Conclusions: Internalizing the religion behavior and values may play basic roles in mental health status. Intrinsic religious orientation should be considered in psychotherapy and psychoeducational interventions.

Background: Transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TCB) has different results in different societies. In the present study the diagnostic effectiveness of TCB was determined in a group of Iranian neonates with severe jaundice.Materials and methods: Totally, 525 samples from 260 neonates were surveyed. Neonates were examined during the first 26±6hours and entered the study if fulfilled the inclusion criteria. TCB was calculated by Billi Check. then, 30 minutes later, a blood sample was obtained and bilirubin was determined according to the standard protocol. Chi square and Fisher's exact test were applied, when appropriate.Results: Totally, 63 neonates with severe jaundice required phototherapy. TCB had 92.1% sensitivity, 92.4% specificity, 97.3% negative predictive value (NPV) and 79.5% positive predictive value (PP V).Conclusion: TCB revealed to be a suitable diagnostic tool for neonates with severe jaundice. It could safely applied for bilirubin of less than 15mg/dl.

Background: Occupational stress is defined as inconsistency between occupational demands and individuals abilities, capabilities, and wishes. Occupational stress leads to different physical, mental, and behavioral outcomes and complications. Police officers, due to the nature and characteristics of their job, confront various stressors. This study has been designed in order to identify the frequency of occupational stress in police officers working in Tehran.Materials and methods: In a cross-sectional study, we identified the frequency of job stress in 250 police officers in Tehran. For measuring the degree of stress, we used police officer stressor factors index and Pickle Scaling of life events questionnaire as well as General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) for measuring the mental health status.Results: There was a significant correlation between mental health and occupational stress and life events. Additionally occupational stress and life events are predictive variables for mental health. There was no difference between white-collar personnel and blue-collars (disciplinary or administrative personnel) regarding the mental health and personality type, however, administrative personnel experience higher degree of occupational stress. Meanwhile, shift workers and married personnel experience higher degree of occupational stress versus day workers and single personnel, respectively.Conclusion: Psychological test, i.e., personality type questionnaire, should be applied within preemployment exams in order to reduce stress in police officers. Periodical examination and psychological consultations are also helpful.