Journal of Inflammatory Diseases
Year:2011 | Volume:15 | Issue:2 (59)|Papers Count:15

Background: The relation between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and a number of diseases has triggered many researches.Objective : Investigating the possible relations between SNPs present in DNMT1 gene from man’s chromosome 19 and colorectal cancer.Methods : This was a case/control study in which 100 patients with colorectal cancer, referred to Research Center of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases of Shaheed Beheshti Medical University during 2008, were chosen as case group. The control group included an equal number of patients who visited the medical center for a variety of reasons. Genetic test was carried out on all patients to determine the type of 6 SNPs of DNMT1 gene from man’s chromosome 19. Data were statistically analyzed by SPSS software using chi-square test and logistic regression.Findings : All SNPs investigated showed significant relations with colorectal cancer indicating that in all cases the chance of getting colorectal cancer in people with genotype 1 and 2 was much higher than those with genotype 0.Conclusion: By exploring people’s SNPs, it is feasible to predict the risk of catching colorectal cancer and thus establishing proper preventive measures.

Background: Lead enters the human body through water, food, air and accumulates in bones instead of calcium. It can damage nervous system, kidneys and genital system especially in children and also affects hemoglobin synthesis.Objective: To optimize the environment conditions to increase the biosorption with Saccharomyces cerevisiae as well as cell immobilization and determination of its efficiency associated with degree of biosorption.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out at the Laboratory Center, Islamic Azad University, Sciences & Researches Division, Tehran (Iran) during 2009-2010. The strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae used in this study was obtained from Lorestan yeast manufacturer, Lorestan, Iran.All factors affecting biosorption including the initial lead concentration, contact time, and pH were investigated. Entrapment method was used to immobilize cells.Findings: The maximum biosorption capacity of 80 mg g-1dw was observed at the following conditions: contact time 2 h, initial lead concentration 500 ppm, and pH 4.5.The metal biosorption capacity of pretreated yeast strain by autoclave was 35.3 mg g-1dw.Also, the biosorption capacity of immobilized cells was almost doubled compared to that of free cells.Conclusion: Regarding the data found in our study, non-pretreated and stabilized Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a suitable biosorbent for removal of lead ions from environment.

Background: Determining the protein content of a 24-hour urine sample is the gold standard for diagnosis of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.Objective: To determine whether the 2-hour urine protein value can be used as a substitute for the 24-hour urine protein value in patients with preeclampsia.Methods: This was a cross sectional study performed on 60 inpatient women with suspected preeclampsia due to positive urinary test strip with minimum protein content of 1+and BP³140/90 at Kosar Teaching Hospital in Qazvin (Iran) during autumn and winter 2008. Urine samples were collected within 24 hours in successive periods: The first 2-hour and the next 22-hours urine, in separate containers. The protein contents of 2-hour and 24-hour urine samples were calculated and the correlation between both groups was determined using Pearson's correlation. The cut off point for 2-hour urine protein was obtained with ROC curve.Findings: Of 60 patients studied, 42 had proteinuria less then 0.3gr/24h and 18 with proteinuria higher than 0.3gr/24h. No patient with severe proteinuria (>2gr/24h) was detected. There was a significant correlation between the 2-hour and 24-hour urine protein content in patients’ samples. Pearson' s correlation coefficient (r) was 0.788 (p=0.000). The cut off point for mild proteinuria was determined at 0.035gr/2h with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 63.3%, 89.5%, 77.8%, and 80.95%, respectively.Conclusion: Total protein values of 2-hour samples positively correlated with values of 24-hour samples of preeclamptic women and therefore can be substituted for assessing the protein content of 24-hour urine samples as a more convenient, faster, and cheaper method for diagnosis of preeclampsia.

Background : Identification of factors preventing preeclampsia in high risk pregnant women is of prime importance. The omega-3 supplementation may reduce the risk of preeclampsia.Objective : The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of omega-3 supplementation on high risk pregnancy for preeclampsia in the city of Qazvin.Methods : This was a single-blind randomized clinical trial conducted on 100 high risk pregnant women for preeclampsia over a period between 14 to 18 weeks of gestation in the city of Qazvin, Iran. Fifty patients were assigned to omega-3 group and another 50 to placebo group. Women were given a daily supplementation of 1000mg omega-3 or placebo until delivery.Later, preeclampsia and pregnancy outcome were assessed in both groups. Data were analyzed statistically using t-test, chi square test, Mannwhitney, and Fisher exact tests.Findings : There were significant differences between the omega-3 and placebo groups regarding the rate (p=0.015) and intensity (p=0.01) of preeclampsia. Statistically, a significant correlation between the omega-3 group and outcome of pregnancy including the birth weight (p=0.000) and apgar score (p=0.002) was found.Conclusion : Our results suggest that supplementation with omega-3 during pregnancy reduces the risk of preeclampsia in high risk pregnant women.Thus it seems necessary to promote educational programs on nutrition for pregnant women.

Background: Management of labor pain is one of the main goals of maternity care. Non-pharmacologic approaches toward this goal are consistent with midwifery care and the method of choice for many women.Midwives have a pivotal role in using different pain relief approaches.Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the role of education on midwives' knowledge, attitude, and practice towards pain reducing approaches during labor.Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study carried out at labor wards within the hospitals affiliated to Gilan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Data were collected using a questionnaire confirmed by a panel of experts and test-retest method for its validity and reliability, respectively. A total of 59 midwives were chosen by quota sampling and participated in a one-day workshop. Pretest and post-test questionnaire were completed before and four months after education. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inference statistical methods using SPSS.Findings: Results showed that the midwives' knowledge, attitude and practice about pain relieving methods changed significantly following workshop (p<0/005). No significant difference between the mean knowledge, attitude and practice scores and demographic characteristics was found.Conclusion: Although education caused a significant effect on knowledge, attitude, and practice of midwives in using different labor pain relieving approaches as well as a positive attitude towards these approaches nevertheless the health manager's support plays an important role in regular practice of such approaches in labor wards.

Background: MS is a disease of the central nervous system affecting all economic, financial, social, and emotional aspects of individual, family, and community. Performing continuous care leads to chronic stress in caregivers of patients and this in turn threatens their self-efficacy and quality of life.Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on self-efficacy and quality of life in caregivers of patients with multiple sclerosis.Methods: This was a controlled clinical trial in which 70 family caregivers of MS patients were investigated. The study population was divided into two age- and sex-matched case and control groups.Progressive muscle relaxation techniques were employed for the case group for three months (90 sessions) and its application was followed using a self-report checklist. After three months, self-efficacy and quality of life questionnaires were re-filled by members of both groups. Data were analyzed using descriptive and presumption statistical tests while a p£0.05 was considered as significant.Findings: Paired t-test showed a significant difference in self efficacy and quality of life for family caregivers of case group three months after intervention (p=0.001). On the contrary, no significant difference regarding the efficacy and quality of life in family caregivers of MS patients in control group was found (P³0.05).Conclusion: Several interventions such as progressive muscle relaxation program with low cost, good safety and effect can help reduce the stress of family caregivers of patients in particular those with chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis and thus leading to an increase in their self-efficacy, care quality, and quality of life.

Background: Anxiety and depression have increasingly affected many people within the last two decades and therefore researchers are trying to find non-invasive and non-drug methods for these disorders. In this respect, Hatha yoga practice, as an alternative medical system, seems to have attracted considerable attention.Objective : The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of Hatha yoga and physical fitness training on anxiety and depression in women.Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test performed on 42 women who visited the sport clubs of yoga and physical fitness in the city of Shiraz (Iran) in 2009. Women diagnosed as having anxiety and depression but declined to take medications were invited to fill out the questionnaire designed by the researchers if they were willing to do so. The study population was randomly divided in two groups as Hatha yoga and physical fitness of 21 members each. Exercise protocol included 24 sessions of Hatha yoga and physical fitness over eight weeks and performed as three training sessions of 90 min duration a week. Depression, anxiety, and stress scales were used to evaluate the degree of anxiety and depression.Findings: There was a significant difference in degree of anxiety and depression between the pre-test and post-test findings in Hatha yoga group (p=0.017) but not in the physical fitness group (p=0.664).Also, a significant difference in post-test results for anxiety and depression between the Hatha yoga and physical fitness groups was demonstrated (p=0.001).Conclusion: Consistent with other similar studies, our study showed that the Hatha yoga and physical fitness practices have beneficial effects on management of anxiety and depression symptoms and could lead to appearance of a balance in physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual capacities of an individual. Hence the Hatha yoga and physical fitness practices can be used as an alternative medical system for these disorders.

Background: Development of human capital within the healthcare organizations is of vital importance due to their dealing with health and lives of people.Objective: The aim of this study was to recognize the main factors affecting the Human Capital Development in hospitals affiliated to Iran social security organization.Methods : This was a descriptive and applicable study carried out within the hospitals affiliated to Iran social security organization. in 2010. Initially, a conceptual model was designed based on comparative study of Human Capital Development models which was later confirmed by a group of expert. In addition, a questionnaire was designed based on conceptual models of components and variants and filled out by the organization’s Education authorities (n=68) in two stages with a 20-day interval to assess the current state of the Human Capital Development. After determining the adequacy of sample volume by Kaiser Meyer Olkin method and meaningfulness of coefficient matrix with Bartlott test, the exploration factors analysis using maximum probable method as well as the interpretation of variants by Varimax method were performed. Later, to confirm the acquired factors verifying factor analysis and to determine the direct and indirect relationships of components, the structural equations model method was used.Findings : Factors-related commitment component (organization development and management commitment) showed a direct relationship with planning component (career development path and plan for education). The factors of career development path and master plan for education demonstrated a bilateral relationship in which a direct correlation between these factors and the factors of Human Capital Development (education and personal development) was established. Also, it was found that the Evaluation factor is an effective independent factor influencing all other factors.Conclusion: The factors recognized in this research are suitable for Human Capital Development in hospitals affiliated to Iran social security organization.

Background: Conflict and dispute are inevitable phenomena in man’s life and considered as necessity of social activities. Healthcare system, especially nursing ward is susceptible to develop kinds of conflict that must be directed and controlled by head nurses.Negotiation as an advantageous, effective and factual method is known to resolve the conflict.Objective: This research intended to investigate the correlation between nurses’ conflict level and head nurses negotiation styles at general hospitals in province of Boushehr.Methods : This was a kind of correlation study carried out in a given time course in 2007. The study population consisted of 362 nurses and 53 head nurses from general hospitals in Boushehr province south of Iran. Two questionnaires including the Dubrin conflict and Pierre negotiation styles questionnaires were used to collect data based on literature survey. Descriptive and analytic statistics were used for data analysis.Findings: Results showed that the nurse's conflict level was located at average level except for Fatemeh Zahra Hospital in which a high level of conflict was observed. Head nurses had overuse of factual, analytic and normative negotiation style with only proper use of initiative negotiation style. There was a reverse correlation between the nurse's conflict level and the use of negotiation styles yet no significant difference between these variables was demonstrated.Conclusion: Hospital managers must recognize the causes of conflict to properly handle it. There are some important chances in hospitals with average level of conflict to improve the performance and produce creativity. These opportunities could be used as competitive advantage in health markets. Head nurses must learn conflict resolving skills such as negotiation but they must also use these skills correctly and adjust their negotiation styles on the basis of special situations.

Background: In Angle classification, the maxillary first molar furnishes more nearly than any other tooth or point in the anatomy an exact scientific basis from which to reason on malocclusion.Angle believed that malocclusions are of the mandibular origin.Objective: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between some cephalometric parameters and sagittal position of the maxillary first permanent molar.Methods : This was a descriptive analytical study in which 250 lateral cephalometric samples that were randomly selected before orthodontic treatment were examined. The samples were divided into two groups marked as mixed dentition and permanent dentition. Statistical analyses including the linear correlation coefficients and student t-test were used to compare the upper molar position in two groups.Findings: There was no significant correlation between the age, maxillary length, and ANB in two groups. The position of maxillary first molar in the permanent dentition demonstrated a significant positive relationship with ANS-PNS, Jaraback index, and Ba-PTM whereas a significant negative correlation was found with FMA and Basal angle. Moreover, the maxillary first molar position in the mixed dentition showed a significant positive relationship with Ba-A and Ba-PTM.Conclusion: Based on results found in the present study, the sagittal position of maxillary molar between mixed and permanent dentition was different. Maxillary first molar position in the permanent dentition showed a significant relationship with facial growth pattern, facial depth, and maxillary length. However, more longitudinal studies to confirm the findings of this study are needed.

Background: Manual carrying of loads is one of the most important causes of occupational lumbago in workplaces. The reasons for application of recommended weight limit is due to injuries frequently occur in workers while pushing or conveying objects.Objective: The aim of this research was to assess the recommended weight limit in manual carrying of loads using NIOSH standard in Packaging lines of a factory within the industrial city of Qazvin.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in one of the factories of industrial city of Qazvin in 2008. Three palette workers who were selected randomly included in our study. On each palette, cartons were arranged in 4 rows each containing 16 cartons. From 16 points on each row, 8 points were selected for assessment. Later, through determination of the multipliers of load lifting, the RWL (resistible weight limit), which is the final product of this equation, was obtained and the LI (lifting index) of each worker calculated. Calculations (definition of variables and coefficients as well as calculation of RWL and LI) and drawing of diagrams were performed using Excel program.Findings: Considering the recommended RWL, the box weight used in this study (15 kg) was heavier than the recommended weight limit (9.55 kg for origin and 7.33 kg for destination) and the LI was excited in all cases.Conclusion: By correcting the coefficients associated with load lifting height, distance of load displacement, and turning angle of the body, the LI can decrease to a great extent.

Background: Type 1 diabetes is the most common metabolic disease worldwide. Thyroid autoimmune diseases is the most common endocrinopathy in diabetes type 1.Therefore, assessment of thyroid function tests and anti thyroid antibodies in diabetic patients (type 1) is beneficial in early.Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the anti-thyroid antibodies in diabetic children (type 1) with healthy children.Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study, 65 children with Type 1 diabetes and 65 healthy children who had referred to Children's Hospital in Qazvin were selected by simple sampling. Anti-TG, Anti-TPO, TSH and T4 were measured in both groups. Chi-square, t-independent and Kruskal Valis was used for statistical analysis.Findings. : The difference between sex and age in both groups (case and control) was not significant but BMI percentile was significantly different. Positive Anti-TG was 10.8% in patients and was 1.5% in controls. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.029).16.9% of patients and 3.1% of controls had positive Anti-TPO (p=0.024).10.8% of patients had increased TSH and decreased T4 level (Overt Hypothyroidism).4.6% of controls had increased TSH and normal T4 level (Subclinical Hypothyroidism). The difference was statistically significant for T4.Conclusion: It seems that the prevalence of Hashimoto thyroiditis in patients with type 1 diabetes is more than healthy people. Hence, evaluation of thyroid function tests (TFT) and antithyroid antibodies (Anti-TPO) is necessary to diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune thyroid disorders.

Background: There are many underlying factors that increase the chance for occurrence of UTI and some reports indicate a role for hypercalciuria in UTI.Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the Ca/Cr status in urinary tract infection of children.Methods: This was a cross- sectional antegrade study conducted in Qods teaching hospital of Qazvin from 2006-2007, in which 50 children with urinary tract infection were studied for hypercalciuria. To determine hypercalciuria, the Ca/Cr ratio of a random urine sample was measured. Different variables such as age, gender, history of UTI and etc, were compared between hypercalciuric and normocalciuric groups. Results were analyzed with SPSS using t-test and chi square test.Findings: Of 50 patients, 27 cases (54%) were found to have hypercalciuria. There was a significant difference between hypercalciuric and normocalciuric groups regarding the abnormal sonographic findings (p<0.05).Conclusion: Based on results of this study evaluation of hypercalciuria in UTI is recommended.