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Although Iran's contact with developments in the Western world can be found in the European travelogues of Iranians during the “Safavid” and “Qajar” periods, But Iranians' dealings with the West go back to the Iran-Russia War.When Iran's military forces were defeated by Russia, “Abbas Mirza”, the war commander and Qajar crown prince, decided to increase Iran's military power by hiring military, medical and technical experts from Europe and sending a number of Iranian students to the West. As a result, from the beginning of the 19th century, reforming the educational system and importing technology and hiring military experts from Europe were the first actions of the crown prince to modernize Iran. So, from the beginning of the 19th century, reforming the educational system and importing technology and hiring military experts were among the first actions of the Crown Prince for modernization in Iran. The link between Iran's modernization and westernization created consequences and opposition in the country, and the traditional and religious system of education in Iran did not reflect it, and Iran's modernization faced complex obstacles. After “Abbas Mirza”, the other efforts of Iranian reformers in modernizing and reforming education in Iran continued with the establishment of “Daral-Funu”, School of Political Sciences, Missionary and “Rushdieh” schools until the formation of the constitution in 1906. But Iran could not benefit from a modern government and a coherent education system. This goal was postponed until the establishment of an absolute government during Reza Shah's period, and it was with the emergence of his government that the modernization of Iran in various dimensions with a focus on modern education became the fundamental goal of the new government.So far, many Researches have examined the performance of the first Pahlavi government and his modernization policies in Iran, but the studies have mainly focused on the government's identity building policy and less attention has been paid to the mutual effects of modernization and modern education in Iranian society. By examining the studies, the distinction and innovation of the current research is the explanation of modernization and education in the first Pahlavi government by relying on the theory of elitism. Based on this, the current research has tried to discuss and investigate the educational policies and measures of the first Pahlavi government, considering the cultural trends of modernization, such as the expansion of educational institutions and bureaucracy, nationalism and secularism. Therefore, the aim of the current research is to analyze the modernization and education in the first Pahlavi period and the fundamental change of Iranian society. The main question of the current research is; what changes did the performance of Reza Shah's government in the field of modernizing the educational system bring about in Iran? In order to investigate this issue, the current research has been investigated through descriptive and historical analysis. Historical analysis is a method that examines past records and documents to understand the past. In this research, by examining the actions and historical documents of the first Pahlavi government, an attempt has been made to analyze the modernization and educational policies of this period.As the findings of the research show, the constitutional failure in the formation of the centralized government of Iran was the basis for the emergence of the Pahlavi I absolute government and Reza Shah's authoritarian modernization in the country. Focusing on the political and military forces and the structure of the army, court and bureaucracy under modernization from above, his government started measures to transition Iran from traditional to capitalist and modern. One of the most important actions of this authoritarian modernization was the expansion of education in Iran. Accordingly, education in Iran during the first Pahlavi period was not only based on learning science, but had a dual function. On the one hand, the formation of citizens interested in the land of Iran in the direction of serving the country and loyalty to the king and the political system was considered, and on the other hand, the educational structure of the country in the service of modernizing the administrative apparatus in order to supply the strength of the newly established bureaucracy, nationalism, secularism and Westernization was placed. Although this view strengthened the central and inclusive government in Iran, the country's education system faced many challenges that continued for decades. The modern educational system, like the traditional educational system, relied on maintaining a large amount of information and strengthening memory and theoretical sciences that prepared citizens for administrative and managerial positions. As a result, since the beginning of the establishment of this educational system, we have witnessed quantity instead of quality and the efforts of graduates to gain status and prestige in the government and society.In such an arrangement, the cultivation of people with critical rationality and demanding citizenship is not considered, and the school, as a man-making factory, finds the task of making people in line with the ideological beliefs of the ruling regime. Emphasizing this demand, Reza Shah asked students and graduates to be obedient and patriotic people who serve the ideals of the political system. Because the first Pahlavi modernization lacked flexibility and acceptance of reforms from below, and with modernization from above, he followed educational policies in Iran and spread Pahlavi ideology in the society in this way. This ideological construction was indifferent to religious and local traditions and focused on the combination of Iranism and secularism in order to build a new Iran. On this basis, the new educational system was also used to build the ideology of modernization from above and did not pay attention to the educational functions and its compatibility with the local conditions of the Iranian society.

Background: The increasing prevalence of thyroid cancer among the survivors of atomic bomb attacks in Japan, nuclear fallout in the Marshall Islands, and Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident indicate a strong relationship between nuclear radiation and the occurrence of thyroid cancer. Materials and Methods: Systematic researches were conducted in the medical database of the American National Library of Congress, PubMed, using keywords of thyroid cancer, radiation, papillary thyroid cancer. After screening the titles and abstracts of 1791 citations, a total of 77 citations were identified to include in the current study. Results: The latency period for developing nuclear radiation-induced thyroid cancers was 5 to 10 years to decades after exposure. The most important risk factor for developing radiation-induced thyroid cancer was the received radiation dose. A strong dose-response relationship between radiation dose and the incidence of thyroid cancer has been reported (P value

In order to investigate the effect of salinity and cadmium (Cd) on yield, chlorophyll content and antioxidant activity of Kochia plant, a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications was conducted under greenhouse conditions. The experimental treatments included five Cd levels (0, 5, 30, 60 and 90 mg Cd kg-1 soil as cadmium sulphate) and three salinity levels (0, 2.5 and 5 g kg-1 soil as NaCl equal to electrical conductivity (EC) 0.65, 9.4, and 18 dS m-1, respectively). The results showed that mean shoot fresh and dry weight, root weight, and plant height at 5 g NaCl Kg-1, decreased significantly by 22, 24, 23, and 15 %; and at 90 mg Cd Kg-1 soil decreased by 52, 67, 45, and 41%, respectively. The greatest reduction in shoot fresh and dry weight, root dry weight and plant height observed at 5 g NaCl Kg-1 + 90 mg Cd Kg-1 levels. The highest total chlorophyll content observed at control (with no salinity and Cd) and 5 g kg-1 salinity + 5 mg Cd kg-1. With addition of NaCl, the harmful effect of Cd on chlorophyll content of the plant decreased. Salinity and Cd levels had a different effects on antioxidant activity of Koshia plant. However, at higher Cd levels (60 and 90 mg Cd kg-1), with increasing of salinity levels, no significant differences was observed in peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity. In general, the change in the activity pattern of the plant antioxidant system, especially catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes under high stress conditions showed that Kochia plant can withstand stress conditions via activating its antioxidant system.

Background: Moral intelligence has a direct effect on the professional performance of individuals, desirable health services and reduction of medical costs. This study was aimed to evaluate the moral intelligence of trainees and medical interns of Kashan University of medical sciences in 2021. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in 2021 on clinical students. Sampling was done by stratified random sampling among medical trainees and interns. A total of 209 people participated in the study. The data collection tool was Lenick and Kiel Moral Intelligence Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The results of this study showed that the mean score of students' moral intelligence was 71.75. 9.15 (good). In examining the dimensions of moral intelligence, honesty with a score of 73.15±10.44 has the highest score and forgiveness with a score of 10.92±68.06 has the lowest score. The difference in the mean score of moral intelligence in the dimension of responsibility was significant (P=0.03). Moral intelligence and all its dimensions except empathy were lower in dormitory students than in students living in a private home with family. Conclusion: Considering the level of moral intelligence score of medical students in clinical courses, there is a need to revise the ethical guidelines for the development of moral intelligence.

Today, water is one of the most important human concerns, especially in arid areas. One of the things that can be recycled to turn it into water used for industrial or agricultural purposes and also prevent the entry of very harmful pollutants into nature, is the treatment of wastewater containing oil pollutants. In this study, the advanced oxidation process using the Fenton method was used as a new chemical treatment method. In the Fenton treatment process, the pH of the reaction, the concentration of iron (II) catalyst, the oxidizing concentration of hydrogen peroxide and the reaction time are the four main parameters that determine the treatment efficiency. Therefore, to achieve the desired efficiency and minimize the cost of treatment, the optimal value of each parameter should be determined. The results showed that the best pH for the Fenton method in removing turbidity and COD at pH equal 3 and the highest removal efficiency of COD and turbidity in catalyst concentration of 250 mg/L, the oxidizing concentration of 500 mg/L and reaction time of 40 minutes were obtained with values of 89% and 95%, respectively, which were selected as the optimal conditions. Also, the study of kinetic models to find the reaction rate showed that the Behnajady – Modirshahla – Ghanbery (BMG) kinetic model is more consistent than the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models and has a correlation coefficient of 0.9938. As a result, the Fenton process can be used as a treatment for petroleum-containing effluents.

The Central Asian region is one of the areas that, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, has been competing and influenced by regional powers, especially Turkey. Over the past two decades, Turkey has begun a massive effort to strengthen its Central Asian region through its cultural, social and economic ties. Accordingly, this article, considering the role of economic, social, cultural and symbolic capital in consolidating power, focuses on the use of symbols by Turkish political elites in expanding foreign relations with Central Asia. The question for the authors of this article is how have Turkey's political elites managed to consolidate their symbolic power over the Central Asian region? To answer this question, we used Pierre Bourdieu, a French sociologist's theory of symbolic language and power, and suggested the theoretical basis of the paper on this basis. The hypothesis of the article is that the political elites of Turkey used their cultural, economic, social and symbolic capital to increase their influence in Central Asia. Therefore, the recognition of symbolic power and its application in Turkish foreign policy since 2002 in Central Asia is the main objective of this paper. The research findings show that Turkey is seeking to expand its influence in the Central Asian region with its economic, social, cultural and symbolic capital. In this paper, a qualitative research method has been used and the method of data collection has been done by documentary method.

Background & aim: Macro policies in the field of health tourism should be designed and implemented taking into account the facilities and environmental resources in order to provide a good opportunity to provide quality medical services to foreign patients referring to the country and create their satisfaction. The purpose of the present study was to identify and prioritize the factors affecting the management of health tourism development in Fars province. Methods: The present qualitative-exploratory study was conducted in 2019. 20 experts active in the field of health tourism were selected by purposive sampling method with maximum diversity. After obtaining informed consent from the participants, the research data were collected by semi-structured in-depth interview method and then recorded in Maxqda-10 software and analyzed using directional and summary composite content analysis. In this method, the units of analysis in each step were the paragraphs recorded by the researcher in the process of interviewing the participants. During the content analysis process, different codes were first reviewed, then grouped into subcategories, and finally 70 subcategories and 23 main categories. The five themes of structural, behavioral, environmental, conservation and development were integrated. The collected data were analyzed using paired comparison matrix test with hierarchical analysis process. Results: The results of the present study revealed that the factors affecting the management of health tourism development in Fars province consist of 5 main categories including: structural factors, development and optimization, environmental, behavioral, and protective. The relative weights identified for each of these factors were 0.512, 0.276, 0.128, 0.053 and 0.032, respectively. Conclusion: Structural, developmental and optimization, environmental, behavioral, and conservation factors had relative weight and significant incompatibility rates for health tourism development management. Therefore, the results of the present study inform high-level decision makers where and how to focus their efforts and resources to have the maximum impact on the management of health tourism development at the local and national levels.

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to adopt and calibrate the fracture risk assessment algorithm FRAX® for the Iranian population and to provide the required guidance on how to apply it in clinical practice. Methods: The age-specific ten-year probability of major osteoporotic fractures was calculated in women with an average BMI to determine the fracture probability at two potential intervention thresholds. The first threshold was the age-specific fracture probability associated with a femoral neck T-score of -2.5 SD and the other was age-specific fracture probability in women with a history of fracture without BMD. Current Iranian guidelines were used to define these thresholds. The effect of adding BMD values to the assessment of these thresholds was also evaluated separately. Results: Similar to women with a previous fracture, the 10-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture increased from 4.9% at the age of 50 years to 17% at the age of 80 years. When using a BMD T-score of ≤−2.5 SD as the intervention threshold, the FRAX probability was twice as high in women aged 50 years as in women of the same age with an average BMD and no risk factor. The FRAX probability increased with age but a T-score of -2.5 SD was actually protective after 80 years or age. Conclusion: Intervention thresholds based on BMD alone cannot effectively identify high-risk women for fracture, particularly in advanced ages. Using fracture probability based on ‘fracture threshold’ can help to improve the identification of these women.

Background & aim: Performance Indicators consist of standards, evaluation tools and identifications to check current situations in organizations. Hospitals as the center of gravity to provide health and therapy care are of no exception. The present study aimed to determe the performance indicators in selected hospitals of Tehran province. Methods: The present inquiry was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study. The statistical population of all public hospitals was covered by Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Shahid Beheshti. 14 educational and 9 non-educational cases were examined. Data collection tools were data entry forms for hospital performance indicators, which included general information on the studied hospitals and performance indicators, bed occupancy rate, average patient stay, and bed turnover rate. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. Results: The average patient stay was 5.89 days, which was only 7.15 percent desirable by standards. The bed occupancy rate was 76.35 and the bed turnover was 45.97 times a year. The status of these two indicators was optimal based on the standards available in 92.85% of the cases. Also, based on the results of the present study, the mean average patient stay was 2.91 days, which was desirable in 77.77% of the cases according to the standards. The bed occupancy rate was 62.70 and only 11.11% of the cases were favorable. The bed turnover was set at 65.44 times a year. In relation to this index, in 100% of cases, the situation was favorable. Conclusion: The non-educational hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences were in a better position regarding the length of the patientchr('39')s stay than the indicators of the Ministry of Health and even compared to the hospitals of other provinces. In relation to educational hospitals, due to the fact that according to the Ministry of Health, the optimal condition of the average patient stay is less than 3.5 days and more than 4 days is a sign of weakness and inefficiency of the hospital, the studied hospitals with an average of 5.69 days. They differ significantly from the standard. In the other two indicators, both educational and non-educational hospitals were in good condition.

Background: Chronic urticaria is an allergic skin disease characterized by severe pruritic wheal persisting at least for 6 weeks. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of plasma therapy used for the first time for the treatment of idiopathic chronic urticaria. Materials and Methods: In this case series study, the quality of life (QOL) of 30 patients with idiopathic chronic urticaria (autoimmune and spontaneous) referred to allergy clinic was evaluated before and after autologous plasma therapy by using standard questionnaires (DLQI and TSS). Results: The findings showed that the means of DLQI and TSS scores in the patients after plasma therapy was significantly reduced. The findings showed that the means of TSS scores in the patients after plasma therapy was significantly reduced (p

Background & aim: Community mental health is one of the axes of health assessment of different communities. Mental health plays an important role in ensuring the dynamism and efficiency of any society. The purpose of this study was to determine and investigate the factors affecting mental health from the perspective of people referring to health centers in Yasuj. Methods: The present paper was a descriptive-analytical study conducted in 2019-2020 in Yasuj, Iran. The statistical population of this study included all patients referred to health centers affiliated to Yasuj University of Medical Sciences on 900 people using simple random sampling method. According to Morganchr('39')s table, 200 were selected as a statistical sample by simple random sampling and completed the questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient, t-test and regression, Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests. Results: According to the results, in terms of effective factors on nurse and environmental health variables had a significant effect on mental health (p

Background: The health system reform plan was implemented by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in accordance with the Fourth and Fifth Development Plan Acts in order to achieve public health coverage. Despite achieving many successes in the pursuit of the objectives of the plan, it has faced challenges. The purpose of the study was to determine the challenges of health system reform plan in the centers of affiliated to Bushehr University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted with qualitative content analysis approach. A total of 38 healthcare providers were selected from centers affiliated with Bushehr University of Medical Sciences by purposive sampling method. Data was collected from semi- structured interviews in six focus group discussions, and analyzed simultaneously with data collection. Data accuracy and rigor were confirmed in various ways. Results: The three main categories of decreased satisfaction, infrastructure problems, and management system weaknesses emerged after analyzing 860 initial codes. Decreased satisfaction emerged from primary satisfaction and dissatisfaction subcategories; infrastructure problems emerged from ambiguities in upstream laws, weaknesses in policy making and building culture of change, and lack of comprehensive coverage, and the management system weaknesses emerged from weaknesses in planning, weakness in human resource management, and weaknesses in supervisory practices. Conclusion: It appears that the main challenges included financial problems, rapid implementation and failure to consider the less-favored cities in the implementation of the plan. In order to quickly revive the plan and achieve its positive and beneficial goals, it is recommended to revise the plan and take effective measures, especially in solving infrastructure and management problems.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: New information on the epidemiology of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents is essential for planning and management of health system. Despite the significance of recognizing the health status of children and adolescents, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents in Iran has not been systematically investigated. This study, which is part of the National Survey of Iranian Children and Adolescents (IRCAP), examines the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey, 1051 children and adolescents residing in Mazandaran, aged 6 – 18 years, were selected by multistage cluster random sampling. In addition to demographic data, the Persian version of K-SADS-PL (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children--Present and Lifetime Version) was used to assess psychiatric disorders based on Axis I of the DSM-IV. FINDINGS: The overall prevalence of psychiatric disorders is 18% (20.42 – 15.78), mood disorders is 2% (3.15 – 1.38), psychotic disorders is 0.1% (0.2 – 55.02), anxiety disorders is 10.4% (12.8 – 36.67), separation anxiety disorder is 4.6% (6.3 – 01.46), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is 0.3% (0.8 – 0.1), behavioral disorders is 5.1% (6.3 – 65.96), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is 2.9% (4.16 – 2.09), conduct disorder is 2.0% (0.0 – 8.1), neurodevelopmental disorders is 2.1% (3.1 – 15.38) and mental retardation is 0.8% (1.4 – 49.0). 42.9% of the cases with depressive disorders also have anxiety disorders. 17.4% of anxiety disorders are associated with behavioral disorders. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, psychiatric disorders are considerably common among children and adolescents in Mazandaran. Anxiety disorders are the most common and psychotic disorders are the least common group of psychiatric disorders. Separation anxiety disorder is the most common and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the least common anxiety disorder. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common and conduct disorder the least common behavioral disorder. Among psychiatric disorders, the highest comorbidity is between depression and anxiety disorders.

Background and Objective: Due to the existence of industries such as stainless steel, the presence of nickel (II) ions in water and wastewater has been reported at high concentrations. Removal of nickel (II) ions from wastewater and the environment are of primary importance. In this study, iron (III) oxide nanoparticles were studied as an adsorbent for removal of Ni (II) ions from water in the batch equilibrium system. Materials and Methods: FT-IR, SEM and XRD techniques were used to characterize the structure of the sample. To determine the optimum adsorption, the effect of important parameters such as pH, contact time, adsorbent weight and initial concentration were investigated. Also, thermodynamic study (Gibbs standard energy variations, enthalpy and entropy), isothermal studies (absorption capacity) and kinetic studies (absorbent effect with time) were investigated. Results: The results showed that the magnetic adsorbent had the highest removal efficiency of nickel (II) at pH 7, contact time 60 min, adsorbent dosage of 200 mg, and maximum removable concentration of 400 mg/L. Conclusion: With thermodynamic studies, it was determined that the reaction was endothermic and the spontaneous process was controlled using the entropy factor (ΔG°=-2.7 KJ/mol, ΔS°=+165.17 J/mol.K). In order to better understand the mechanism of adsorption, kinetics studies were carried out using the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. Then, Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were investigated to determine the adsorption capacity, and it was found that the adsorption data were well fitted to Freundlich model and the maximum adsorption capacity was 43.5 mg/g, which indicated high adsorption capacity and its multi-layers.Then, Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms were investigated and it was found that the adsorption data were well fitted to Freundlich model and maximum adsorption capacity (qmax=43.5 mg/g) was obtained which indicates good adsorption capacity of adsorbent and its multi-layers.

Background and purpose: Hyperlipidemia is known as one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Thyme is one of oldest medicinal herbs that is used mainly for medicinal aims. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) hydrolyzes triglycerides in lipoproteins and angiopoietin-like protein (ANGPTL4) is a LPL regulator, therefore, this study aimed at examining the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of thyme on serum levels of ANGPTL4 and LPL in hyperlipidemic rats. Materials and methods: This case-control study was performed in 48 male Wistar rats weighing 180-250g. The animals were divided into 6 groups, including Becker control, fat control group, and 1, 2, 3, and 4 test groups. After induction of hyperlipidemia, test groups (1, 2, and 3) were subjected to gavage with thyme extract at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, respectively and group 4 was subjected to gavage with Gemfibrozil at 10 mg/kg for 10 days. Blood samples were taken from all groups and serums were collected for measuring various parameters. Results: Serum cholesterol concentration in treatment groups receiving thyme at 200 mg/kg (p=0.035) and 300 mg/kg (p=0.003) and Gemfibrosil (p=0.025) showed a significant decrease compared to fat control group but other factors such as LPL and ANGPTL4 showed no significant changes (p

Background and Objective: Coagulation, which is carried out by mixing coagulants such as alum, ferric chloride and poly aluminum chloride PAC with raw water, is one of the main processes in conventional water treatment plants. Sludge from this process contains high amounts of coagulants with high economic value. Therefore, if these coagulants are recovered, in addition to reducing the risks relate to sludge disposal, the expenses related to the supply of fresh coagulant in water or wastewater treatment plant may decrease. Materials and Methods: To access related documentation, ScienceDirect, Google scholar and other databases were searched using keywords such as “coagulant recovery”, “water residuals management”, etc. More than one hundred fifty documents were investigated based on the content validity and thematic relation. Gathered contents were classified and summarized under the titles of “recovery methods”, “repeated recoveries”, “recovery regarding economic aspect” and “advantages and disadvantages of methods”. Results: Use of new methods such as combination of membrane and chemical processes or ion exchange membrane processes leads to the recovery of coagulants with a similar quality to the commercial ones. In case of using conventional and less costly methods such as acid digestion, quality of recovered coagulants is not comparable with those of commercial ones, which are used in water treatment. Conclusion: Different coagulants recovery methods were investigated to determine the reuse strategies. It is likely that using of recovered coagulants through conventional methods is in accordance with the related regulations of the wastewater treatment plants. Industrial use of novel processes for recovery of coagulants with higher quality needs precise technical and economical investigations.

Background and Objective: Liver enzyme tests are usually normal or slightly increased during pregnancy. Abnormal liver enzyme tests are seen in 3% of pregnancies and should be evaluated immediately. Early detection and timely treatment is the key to successful treatment. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of abnormal liver enzymes and pregnancy outcome in women admitted to Sayyad-e-Shirazi hospital in Gorgan-north of Iran. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out on 73 hospitalized pregnant women out of 6680 pregnant women in the Sayyad Shirazi hospital, in north of Iran during April to September 2015. Clinical information was including laboratory tests, final diagnosis and complications postpartum of 73 women with impaired liver enzymes. Results: The most common cause of abnormal liver enzymes were pre-eclampsia in pregnant women (16 patients 21.9%) which occured in the third trimester. HELLP syndrome was observed in 9 (12.3%) of patients which occurred in the third trimester. Also in 3 cases (4.1%) eclampsia was reported in the third trimester. Conclusion: Due to the high incidence of pre-eclampsia and HELLP syndrome in women with impaired liver enzymes, careful examination of patients, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy is essential.

Background: The present study aimed to confirm the hypothesis that indicates the role of Irisin as an adipomyokine, in boosting energy consumption and heat generation in brown fat tissue following moderate exercise and calorie restriction. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 28 male Wistar rats (180-250g) were divided into four groups: Standard Control (STC), High Fat-high Carbohydrate diet (HFC), Stop High Fat- high Carbohydrate diet (S-HFC) and Exercise (EXE).The first 16 weeks were used to apply a special model (HF-HC diet for long-term) for inducing hypertriglyceridemia and weight gain, followed by five weeks of treatment for both groups (S-HFC and EXE). S-HFC group diet changed to standard food and the EXE group ran on treadmill for 20 minutes daily for 5 days a week. The other two groups continued the same diet as the first 16 weeks (standard diet for STC and HF-HC diet for HFC). Lipid profile was measured by spectrophotometry and Irisin by ELISA method. Results: The model we used to induce the hypertriglyceridemia (p=0.000) and obese (p=0.001) was significantly successful. Serum triglyceride levels decreased after the treatment (p=0.011) while there were no significant changes in other components of lipid profiles, weight and serum Irisin concentration. Moreover, the serum concentration of Irisin and triglyceride were not correlated (p=0.693, r=0.071). Conclusion: The result of this study suggested that exercise along with calorie restriction significantly reduced serum triglyceride levels, but did not necessarily affect the weight loss. There was no correlation between the concentration of triglyceride and Irisin.

Background: SIRT1 and FGF21 are known to regulate glucose metabolism and moderate diabetes complications. Sargassum oligocystum extract has therapeutic characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of sargassum oligocystum on serum levels of SIRT1 and FGF21in diabetic rats. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into six groups: the non-diabetic control, the diabetic control, the diabetic treated with 150mg/kg of the extract, the diabetic treated with 300mg/kg of extract, the diabetic treated with 450mg/kg of the extract and the diabetic treated with 100mg/kg of Metformin. After 30 days of treatment, serum levels of SIRT1 and FGF21 of rats were measured. The data was analyzed in SPSS software version 22. Results: The extract of sargassum at the dose of 450mg/kg significantly reduced the SIRT1 serum level, but no changes were observed in the serum level of FGF21 and insulin at any of the doses. Moreover, serum glucose and insulin resistance were decreased at the doses of 300mg/kg of the extract. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the algae extract did not significantly change SIRT1 and FGF21 levels in order to regulate the glucose metabolism.

Background: The knowledge transfer gap is one of the challenges facing the healthcare system. Nowadays, choosing the right and all-inclusive audience, determining the research priorities and publishing the key message of the research in a simple and understandable language have a special place in research. Knowledge translation is an effective strategy for acceptance and application of research results in practice. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the performance of researchers at Bushehr University of Medical Sciences from the transfer of research question to promoting the use of evidence in the process of knowledge translation. Materials and Methods: This descriptive survey recruited a population of researchers from Bushehr University of Medical Sciences who were randomly selected. Eighty-three researchers were selected if they met the inclusion criteria of having at least five approved research projects from 2011 to 2015 as the main researcher or collaborator. Data were collected using Self-Assessment Questionnaire of Academic Researchers Knowledge Translation Activities, which was validated in another phase of this research. Results: The findings of this study showed that the researchers' performance was better in the following items: knowing research priorities of the university (4±1.08), familiarity with the users of the research results (3.61±0.90) (the transfer of research question domain), conducting up-to-date research in accordance with the needs of the stakeholders (4.25±0.84), performing the necessary activities to produce a transmittable message (4.09±0.83) and observing the appropriate interval between determining the subject and beginning the study (4.08±0.83) (knowledge production domain), publication of research results in local and foreign journals (4.58±0.65), presenting the research results in local and foreign conferences, seminars and congresses (4.22±0.95) (knowledge transfer domain) and conducting research with the objective of evidence-based decision making (3.97±1.02) (promoting the use of evidence domain). Conclusion: The results indicate that although the performance of researchers is Bushehr University of Medical Sciences is at a desirable level in the whole process of knowledge translation, but the gap between the knowledge and practice in transfer of research question and knowledge requires effective intervention. Therefore, it is suggested that a Knowledge Translation Committee be established at the Deputy of Research and Technology.

This article is aimed to explain transition to democracy by using some concepts of the theory of government elites, especially the notion of "transitional situations in Iran. From such a theoretical perspective one major question arises: what is the role of the government elites and the political field in the transition to democracy in Iran? In order to answer this question, we examined the hypothesis that the process of successful transition to democracy in Iran not only requires political elites who, in terms of structural solidarity and value correlation, are in opposition to the transition from the least harmony, but require a political field in which there exists a number of diverse civil, political, and economic institutions and parties and media. Therefore, from the perspective of the role of the government elites by studying the transition to democracy in the Islamic Republic and discussing the state of transition, its characteristics and factors, the present research tries to explain the relationship between the nature of the government elites and the political field and the transition to democracy in Iran. It tries to present an explanation of the different paths and outcomes of the transition. Thus the research shows that the transitional situation in Iran involves the consolidation of government elites and in order to achieve this, while reviewing the performance of the government elites in Iran, it highlights the main obstacles of the transition to democracy in Iran, and discusses about the ideological government, mass society, and the rentier economy structure.

Background: Life expectancy continues to increase and Iran’s older population grows dramatically. Old age is the strongest risk factor for developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Hence, effective lipid management can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Materials and Methods: Between March 2013 and October 2014, a total of 3000 men and women aged ≥ 60 years, residing in Bushehr, Iran who participated in Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) program were evaluated for dyslipidemia. Serum lipid levels in fasting state were measured using Selectra 2 auto analyzer. The cut-offs of cardiovascular risks were derived from the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines in the United States (Adult Treatment Panel [ATP] III). Results: The prevalence rates for hypercholesterolemia (≥ 200 mg/dl), high LDL-cholesterol (≥ 130 mg/dl), low HDL-cholesterol (

A scientific article is written to convey information to the reader. The results section is the core component of an article and its objective is to report the findings obtained from statistical analyses for testing hypotheses. For multiple reasons, articles published in medical journals are statistically poor; however, few biomedical journals describe the basics of statistical results presentation to authors. As regards, the writing and presentation of statistical results are as important as statistical results finding. The objective of present article is providing an instruction for reporting the results obtained from data analyses by using some common statistical methods. This article contains two parts: general principles about the structure of results section and basic principles related to how to report descriptive and analytical statistics.

Background: There is a controversial evidence about adiponectin role in cardiovascular diseases and visfatin role has been suggested in pathogenesis of coronary artery disease. Material and Methods: A total of 378 postmenopausal women were randomly selected from 13 clusters in Bushehr Port. The prevalence of ischemic heart disease was assessed by using the Minnesota Code with a 12-lead resting electrocardiogram (EKG). Serum adiponectin and visfatin levels were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods Results: A total of 159 patients (41.8 percent) were suffering from ischemic heart disease. There was no significant difference between women with ischemic heart disease and healthy postmenopausal women in adiponectin serum level. However, diabetic women with ischemic heart disease, compared with healthy postmenopausal women had a higher level of visfatin (Geometric Mean: 3.05±1.84 ng/ml versus 2.52±1.90 ng/ml, respectively; p=0.023). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that higher serum levels of visfatin were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of ischemic heart disease after adjusting for potential confounders, including classical cardiovascular risk factors and circulating hs-CRP levels [odds ratio=3.26, confidence interval (1.14-9.68), p=0.027]. Conclusion: Adiponectin was not correlated with ischemic heart disease among postmenopausal women. But visfatin serum level correlated with ischemic heart disease in postmenopausal non-diabetic women independently from cardiovascular risk factors.

One of the major problems in educational systems is students' probation during their course of study. With regard to the importance of identifying factors affecting on the probation, this study was performed to determine the status of use self-regulating learning in normal and probation students of Islamic Azad University Sepidan Branch. In order to achieve this goal, 268 students were selected that included 59 probation students (39 male, 20 female) and 209 normal students (129 male, 80 female). Data was gathered by two questionnaires including demographic characteristics questionnaire and Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (Pintrich & DeGroot, 1990). Independent sample t-tests were performed to identify the presence of significant differences in the scale scores at group level. The analyses of data showed that, normal students reported significantly higher scores for cognitive and meta-cognitive strategies compared to the probation group of students. The same group also reported higher scores for, motivational beliefs, which is more of a surface strategy. But, no significant difference was found among girls and boys in motivational components and self-regulated learning strategies.

Background: There is growing evidence that supports oxidized LDL particles may have an ability to inhibit osteoblastic activity, and increase osteoclastic activity; hence these particles may lead the balance to osteoporosis. However, the relationship between oxidized LDL and osteoporosis has not been investigated in human studies yet. The main aim of the current population-based cohort study was to investigate the correlation between serum levels of oxidized LDL and bone mineral density (BMD) among postmenopausal women. Materials and methods: A total of 378 healthy, postmenopausal women were randomly selected from 13 clusters in the port city of Bushehr, Iran. Serum levels of oxidized LDL, MDA-oxidised LDL, osteoprotegerin (OPG), the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL), CrossLaps, and osteocalcin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured at the femoral neck and lumbar spine at baseline and at follow-up 5.8 years later. Results: Annual bone loss was 0.82 % at the femoral neck and 3.55% at the lumbar spine among the women. No significant correlation was found among circulating MDA- oxidised LDL, antibodies against oxidised LDL and biomarkers of bone metabolism (P>0.05). There was no correlation between MDA- oxidised LDL, antibodies against oxidised LDL and BMD at all anatomic sites (P>0.05). In logistic regression analysis, neither oxidized LDL levels nor antibodies against oxidized LDL predicted incident lumbar or spine osteoporosis 5.8 years later. Conclusion: Neither serum levels of MDA-oxidized LDL nor antibodies against oxidized LDL was associated with BMD at the lumbar or femoral neck area. Neither serum levels of oxidized LDL levels nor circulating antibodies against oxidized LDL predicted incident osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Background: Although the association between oxidized LDL particles and cardiovascular diseases has been shown in different studies, the role of oxidized LDL for cardiovascular diseases in menopause is very limited. The main aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between MDA-oxidised LDL, antibodies against oxidized LDL and ischemic heart disease or myocardial infarction among postmenopausal women. Materials and methods: A total of 378 healthy, postmenopausal women were randomly selected from 13 clusters in the port city of Bushehr, Iran. Serum oxidized LDL and MDA-oxidised LDL levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. The prevalence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) was assessed using the Minnesota Code with a 12-lead resting electrocardiogram (EKG). The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), Adult Treatment Panel III was used to assign the subjects to different levels of cardiovascular risk for lipid profile. Results: There was a significant difference for circulating oxidized LDL between subjects who had high LDL-cholesterol or high total cholesterol levels with normal postmenopausal women (P

Background: According to World Health Organization, aggression is one of the most serious problems in nations’ general health. The current study was aimed to investigate the predictive factors of aggressive behaviors in guidance and high school male students, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. Material and Methods: A total of 457 guidance and high school male students from Sanandaj city were randomly selected. They were asked to complete a questionnaire included questions about attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, intention, and aggressive behavior. The questionnaire was validated by the researcher, beforehand. Pearson correlation coefficient and Linear and Ordinal Multivariate Regression was used to investigate the predictability of the constructs of the theory for intention and behavior. Results: The participants’ age range was from 12 to 17 year (mean, 14.70). %35.5 of the participants reported no physical aggression and %26.9 of them reported no verbal aggression during the last month. Linear regression showed that the theory components, all together, could predict %50.2 of the intended physical aggressive behavior, and %73.3 of the intended verbal aggressive behavior. Moreover, the perceived behavior control was the most predictive construct for intended aggression. The results, also, revealed that the theory components, all together, could predict %36.3 of the verbal aggressive behavior, and %21.1 of the physical aggressive behavior. The results, also showed that, intended behavior was the most predictive construct for the verbal aggressive behavior, and that perceived behavior control was the most predictive construct for physical aggression. Conclusion: As, during physical aggression, people feel less control on their behavior; and their verbal aggression is affected by their attitudes, paying attention to these constructs could result into decreasing adolescents’ aggression. In other words, taking part in workshops aimed to increasing behavior control and attitude improvement could help adolescents to control their behavior and to avoid aggressive behaviors.

Background: Breast cancer is the most common female cancer worldwide. Survival rate of breast cancer, especially as an indicator of the successful implementation of screening, diagnosis and treatment programs, has been at the center of attention of public health experts Material and Methods: In a survival study, the records of breast cancer cases in cancer registry system of Bushehr Province were extracted during 2001, March to 2013, September. These records were linked and matched with records of death registry system. After determining patients, status regarding being alive or dead, survival analysis was done. Life table, Kaplan-Mayer analysis, log rank and Breslow tests were used for computing and comparing survival rates. Results: In 300 recorded breast cancer cases, mean and standard deviation of age was 51.26±13.87. Survival rates were 95, 88, 78, 73 and 68 percent since the first year through the fifth year, respectively. Mean survival was 87.20 months (95% CI= 81.28- 93.12). There was no significant difference in mean survival regarding age and different geographical areas. Conclusion: Although survival rates of registered breast cancer patients in Bushehr Province are similar to other provinces, they are far from those of developed countries. This situation demands more extensive efforts regarding public education and improving the process of diagnosis, treatment and care of patients especially during first two years after diagnosis.

Background: Low circulating IGF-1 and high hs-CRP may be associated with cardiovascular diseases. Hence, it is an important question that is there any correlation between these important biomarkers? Since the correlation between IGF-1 and hs-CRP has not been adequately investigated, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the association between these biomarkers among postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: A total of 361 healthy Iranian postmenopausal women were randomly selected in a population-based study. The metabolic syndrome was defined according to NCEP, ATPIII criteria. Circulating hs-CRP and IGF-1 levels were measured by highly specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results: Women with higher than median hs-CRP levels had lower IGF-1 levels, in comparison to women with lower than median hs-CRP levels (p

Background: Overweight and obesity are risk factors for many non-communicable diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and 6-year incidence of obesity and overweight in adults through the prospective study of the Persian Gulf Healthy Heart Study. Materials and Methods: In the first phase of the study which was started from 2003, totally 3735 people aged 25 years and more from Bushehr, Genaveh and Deylam cities participated. In the second phase which was conducted in 2009, 1856 people (49.7%) of them were investigated again. Demographic data and the information about obesity and overweight were collected through personal interview. The crude prevalence of obesity and overweight and the age and gender adjusted rates were calculated by using direct standardization method for both phases of the study. Results: Crude prevalence of obesity in the first and second phases of the study were 26.5 % (25%-27.8%) and 30.5% (28.4%-32.7%), respectively. The crude prevalence of overweight in two phases of the study were 39.8% (38.2%-41.3%) and 43.4% (41.1%-45.7%), respectively. The standardized prevalence of obesity in two phases of the study were 27.2% (25.8%-28.6%) and 29.6% (27.4%- 31.8%) respectively and the standardized prevalence of overweight were 40% (38.4%-41.6%) and 42.8% (40.3%-45.31%), respectively. The 6 year incidence rate of obesity and overweight were 9.12% (7.13%-11.46%) and 29.81% (24.86%-35.13%) in men and 13.96% (11.35%-16.92%) and 29.18% (23.43%-35.47%) in women, respectively. Conclusion: The incidence and prevalence of overweight and obesity in Bushehr province is significantly high. It is recommended to conduct more studies to determine the contributing factors and ways of controlling this trend and also to prevent the related diseases in future.

Background: It is not known whether infection by a specific pathogens is associated with type 2. We examined the association between chronic infection with four pathogens (Chlaydia pneumonia, Helicopacter pylori, Herpes simplex virus type 1 and cytomegalovirus) and type 2 diabetes mellitus in a general Iranian population, in the northern Persian Gulf. Materials and Methods : In a population-based study of men and women aged >25 years, a random sample of 1754 (49.2 % males, 50.8 % females) subjects were evaluated. Sera were analyzed for immunoglobulin G antibodies to C. pneumoniae, HSV-1, H. pylori, and CMV using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was defined according to criteria of American Diabetes association. Results: A total of 150 (8.6%) subjects had type 2 diabetes mellitus. In the diabetic group, 42% were seropositive for C. pneumoniae, 64.7% for H. pylori, 92.9% for HSV-1 and 94.7% for CMV. In multiple logistic regression analyses, seropositivity for C.pneumoniae (OR=0.89, CI: 0.60-1.34, P=0.602), H. pylori(OR= 0.95, CI: 0.64-1.41, P= 0.808), HSV-1(OR= 1.76, CI: 0.86-3.62, P=0.120) ,CMV(OR=0.99, CI: 0.43-2.27, P=0.982) did not show a significant independent association with type 2 diabetes mellitus after adjustment for age, sex, chronic low-grade inflammation, and cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusion: There was not a strong association between type 2 dibetes mellitus and prior infection with viral and bacterial pathogens that had been previously correlated with coronary artery disease as well as carotid atherosclerosis.

Background: The determination of goiter prevalence in children by thyroid ultrasound is an important tool for assessing iodine deficiency disorders. The main aim of this study was to determine thyroid volume and goiter prevalence in schoolchildren of Bushehr port, based on 2007 normative values. Materials and Methods : A probability proportionate-to-size cluster sampling method was used to obtain a representative sample of 1148 school children of Bushehr port aged 7-10 years. The median and 97th percentile of thyroid volumes for age and body surface area (BSA) was measured by data of ultrasonography. The normative value of thyroid volume of the 2007 study was used as reference. Results: The 97th percentile of thyroid volume based on age or BSA in school children was higher than the international normative reference. The age-, and BSA-adjusted mean of thyroid volume was higher in both sexes than the thyroid volume of school children in the 2007 study (p

Background: There is conflicting evidence regarding adipocytokines in relation to bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporotic fractures in women and men. Recently, we found that circulating omentin-1 levels had an inverse correlation with BMD at the lumbar spine in postmenopausal women. The main aim of this study was to investigate the predictive role of adipocytokines for bone loss and incident osteoporosis among postmenopausal women after a 5.8- year follow-up. Material and methods: A total of 382 healthy postmenopausal women who participated in a prospective cohort study were followed for 5.8 years. Omentin-1, visfatin, adiponectin, and the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) were measured by highly specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. BMD was determined for the lumbar spine (L2–L4) and the proximal femur using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: The femoral neck and lumbar spine bone loss at the 5.8-year follow-up were 1.0% and 3.4% per year.In logistic regression analysis, none of the studied adipocytokines predicted BMD at any skeletal sites or incident osteoporosis at the femoral neck or lumbar area after 5.8 year follow-up. However, RANKL levels predicted BMD at the lumbar spine (β=−0.19, p=0.003) and femoral neck (β=-0.341, p=0.018) after controlling for body mass index. Conclusion: Serum levels of omentin-1, visfatin and adiponectin did not predict bone loss and incident osteoporosis among postmenopausal women.

Background: There is accumulation evidence regarding the protective role of higher serum uric acid in bone loss and osteoprotic fractures. This effect may arise from its antioxidant properties. The main aim of this study was to investigate serum uric acid in relation to bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women. Material and methods: A total of 382 postmenopausal women who participated in a prospective study were selected randomly from Bushehr port. Serum uric acid levels and biochemical markers including serum alkaline phosphatase were measured. Circulating levels of CrossLaps, osteocalcin and hsCRP were also measured by ELISA. Results: Uric acid levels had significant correlation with osteocalcin & alkaline phosphatase. However, no correlation could be found between uric acid and CrossLaps. The correlation between uric acid & osteocalcin (r= 0.25, P=0.0001) & alkaline phosphatase(r=0.12, P=0.019) remained after adjustment with age, BMI & hsCRP. Conclusion: Serum uric acid had a positive and significant correlation with osteoblastic born turnover markers. Hence, the role of uric acid in osteoblastic function should be investigated.

Background: In recent years frequency of skin allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) and urticaria is reported to be high in the region. Identification of reactive allergens in different areas are very important in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. The aim of this study was to determine frequency of common allergens in patients with skin allergies in province of Bushehr with regards to eczema and urticaria. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 234 patients with urticarial and eczema were enrolled. The participants reacted to at least one allergen with SPT. Skin prick test with standard inhaled and food was performed on patients according to the herbal geography of the area. Results: Among 837 patients referred to allergy clinic, 91 patients had eczema and 143 had urticaria. The frequency of both eczema and urticaria was significantly higher in females than in males. The most common food allergens in patients with eczema were almond (56.6%), walnut (47.7%) and soybean (46.1%). And in patients with urticaria were almond (58%), walnut (53.1%) and tomato (48.2%). Also, aeroallergens in the subjects were house dust mite (HDM) (63.7%), Russian thistle (57.7%) and Alternaria alternara (51.6%). Meanwhile, the common aeroallergens in the patients were HDM (66.4%), Russian thistle (52.4%) and date palm (51%). Conclusion: Our findings indicated that almond and walnut are important food allergens in participants with eczema and urticaria. Moreover, SPT reactivity was positive with aeroallergens such as HDM and weeds.

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection may contribute to the development of extra-gastrointestinal manifestations like cardiovascular diseases. Detection of Helicobacter pylori in Athrosclerotic plaques is a strong evidence for this association which may play a role in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis with classic cardiovascular risk factor such as hypertension and lipid profile. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of H. pylori infection on lipid profiles in a large community- based study. Material and Methods: A total of 1754 (50.8% Female & 49.2% male) subjects (age >25 years old) were selected randomely from Monica Healthy Heart Study project. H. pylori status was determined by IgG ELISA method. Subjects with titers > 30 Iu/ml were cansidered seropositive. Data were analazed by using statistical software Spss version 18 and probability values 0.05) Conclusion: According to this large – scale population- based study in large northern cities of Persian Gulf, there was no significant association between H.pylori IgG seropositivity and lipid profiles in both men and women.

Background: Muslims participation in Mecca & Medina (Saudi Arabia) for Hajj which is the largest organized annual mass gathering in the world. In addition of Hajj, many pilgrims attend in Saudi Arabia for Umrah that is performed year-round. This great human immigration is an important challenge of health care and infection control systems. Current study reviews the most prevalent infectious diseases among pilgrims during Hajj along with their mode of transmission and control. Materials and methods: A comprehensive search was done on PubMed, Science Direct & Google Scholar databases by using Hajj, Pilgrims, Infectious Diseases & Mecca as keywords. Our search was restricted to English & Persian papers from 1994 to 2014. Results: Overall, 97 papers were found. After omitting old and repeated reports, 64 articles were reviewed finally. Conclusion: Due to scale of Hajj and prevalence of various infectious diseases such as meningococcal infections, diarrheal diseases and Influenza preventive measures and vaccination are recommended both before and during pilgrimage.Pilgrims and health care workers must be educated about health hazards and protective behaviors.

Background: Based on previous studies, tobacco smoking generally and water pipe smoking particularly, have high prevalence in Bushehr province. This study is a new analysis of the Persian Gulf healthy heart study with goal of determination of prevalence and pattern of cigarette and water pipe smoking in Bushehr province. Materials and methods: A total of 3735 men and women aged 25 years old or higher from three districts of Bushehr province (Bushehr, Genaveh, and Deylam) were participated in the study phase I in 2003, from which 1833 persons (49.7%) were participated in the phase II 6 years later in 2009. Demographic data and pattern of smoking, either cigarette or water pipe, were collected with personal interview. Gender specific crude and directly standardized prevalence of cigarette and water pipe smoking was calculated for both phases of the study. Results: Prevalence of cigarette smoking were 11.9% and 7.5% for the firstand second phase, respectively. 21.6% of men and 0.4% of women in the first phase and 13% of men and 0.7% of women in the second phase were cigarette smokers. Prevalence of water pipe smoking were 17.9% and 12.9% in the first and second phase, respectively. 10.7% of men and 25.8% of women in the first phase and 7.1% of men and 19.05% of women in second phase were water pipe smokers. Conclusion: Water pipe smoking in women in Bushehr province was significantly higher than other non-southern areas of Iran. More studies are needed to determine main causes of women tendency in water pipe smoking in southern provinces of Iran.

مقدمه: ازوفاژیت، التهاب اپیتلیوم سنگفرشی مری است و شایع‌ترین علت آن رفلاكس معده به مری می‌باشد. هر چند علل دیگری از جمله ازوفاژیت ائوزینوفیلی، ازوفاژیت آلرژیک، ازوفاژیت ناشی از اشعه و ... نیز وجود دارد. كودكان مبتلا به طور معمول، علایم و نشانه‌های غیر اختصاصی دارند كه بر اساس اتیولوژی و سن بیمار متفاوت است. مطالعاتی که در مورد رفلاكس معده به مری در ایران انجام گرفته است، اغلب در بزرگسالان بوده است. به دلیل تعداد کم گزارش‌های به دست آمده از کشورهای در حال توسعه، این پژوهش با هدف بررسی علایم بالینی ازوفاژیت در کودکان جنوب کشور ایران انجام گرفته است. روش‌ها: این مطالعه‌ی مقطعی در سال‌های 91-1387 در مرکز آموزشی- درمانی نمازی وابسته به دانشگاه علوم پزشکی شیراز، به عنوان مرکز ارجاع جنوب کشور ایران انجام گرفت. کلیه‌ی بیماران با سن کمتر از 18 سال که طی این سال‌ها در این مرکز تحت بررسی اندوسکوپی قرار گرفته بودند و تشخیص پاتولوژی ازوفاژیت برای آن‌ها مسجل شده بود، در این طرح مورد ارزیابی واقع شدند. داده‌ها شامل ویژگی‌های فردی، بیماری‌های همراه و یافته‌های بالینی می‌باشد که توسط پرسش‌نامه گردآوری شد. یافته‌ها: در این پژوهش، 125 کودک مورد بررسی قرار گرفتند که 8/48 درصد آ‌ن‌ها دختر و 2/51 درصد پسر و با میانگین سنی 5/5 ± 6/6 بودند. در میان علایم بالینی، بارزترین علامت، استفراغ مکرر با فراوانی 60 درصد بیماران بود و بعد از آن تب که در 28 درصد بیماران مشاهده شد. شایع‌ترین یافته‌های اندوسکوپی شامل اریتما یا قرمزی (6/33 درصد)، زخم مری (2/11 درصد) و پلاک سفید رنگ (8/0 درصد) و شایع‌ترین تشخیص‌های بافت‌شناسی به ترتیب ازوفاژیت ناشی از رفلاکس (8/32 درصد)، ازوفاژیت مزمن (4/6 درصد)، ازوفاژیت حاد (6/5 درصد) و ازوفاژیت کاندیدایی (6/5 درصد) بود. در بین بیماران، تشخیص‌های ازوفاژیت ائوزینوفیلی، عفونت با آسپرژیلوس و بیماری پیوند علیه میزبان، هر کدام فقط برای 8/0 درصد بیماران گذاشته شد. نتیجه‌گیری: رفلاکس شایع‌ترین عامل ازوفاژیت در جمعیت کودکان جنوب کشور ایران می‌باشد. با وجود گزارش‌های قبلی، شیوع ازوفاژیت ائوزینوفیلی بسیار کمتر از مقدار تخمینی می‌باشد. در حالی که شیوع عفونت‌های فرصت طلب ثانویه به سرکوب سیستم ایمنی بعد از پیوند کبد، بیشتر است که این امر، به دلیل قطبیت بیمارستان نمازی در پیوند کبد ایران است.

Abstract Background & aim: Awareness about the different aspects of health during puberty plays an important role in the health of girls and finally on their health future pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to to compare the effect of role playing and classical training methods in the the improvement of puberty health among secondary school girls in Yasouj City, Iran. Methods: In this study, the educational need during puberty school girls in the interview was determined. The two schools girls were randomly selected (students any school-60). Next, a knowledge and attitude questionnaire and a behavior checklist related to the main puberty health problems were completed. Then one of the schools randomly was selected as educational interventions schools and other were studied as controls. After grouping the students into four groups of 15, intervention were conducted in four sessions including: role-play, question and answer, and lecture. In the control group, all number of school students received training on puberty health through a classical education (lectures). The results were subsequently compared. Data were analyzed by Student t-test paired t-test, and analysis of variance. Results: The results of this study showed that the level of knowledge, attitude and behavior related to health matters during puberty showed significant improvement in the girls before and after implementation of educational intervention through role play (p

Abstract Background & aim: MRI is a new and expensive diagnostic technology which has been increasingly used globally. This aim of study was to determining the administration of MRI for the Lumbar vertebrae using the appropriate RAND Method. Methods: This qualitative study was based on consensus. The population study included 9 professionals involved in prescribing the procedure based on Rand. Two criteria were identified: Valid clinical guidelines and expert opinion. Scoring criteria were the numbers 1 to 9. Numbers in the range of 1 to 3 unfit, 4 to 6, unreliable, and 7 to 9, placed in an appropriate range. An agreement was done when 7 specialists agreed marked the same range. Results: 97 scenarios were selected for the lumbar spine MRI in the extracting phase. 18 other scenarios were added by panel members. Finally, a total of 115 scenarios were identified. After implementing two rounds, the scenarios were categorized into three ranges. Sixty eight (%59.1) of the scenarios were considered as appropriate, 44(%38.2) as uncertain, and 3(%2.6) as inappropriate. Conclusion: A developed scenario in this project for MRI lumbar vertebrae treated with Guide is perfect for specialists. It is recommended that insurance companies and other institutions use this as a benchmark for the payment of MRI lumbar vertebrae fees. RAND appropriateness Method is useful for identifying stakeholder views in settings with limited resources. Key words: Lumbar Spine, Low Back Pain, RAND Appropriateness Method

Background: Thalassemic patients are prone to impair self-esteem duo to life-long side effects. Abnormal appearance at young age and higher risk of blood infections such as AIDS and hepatitis, affect their marriage opportunities. These side effects lead to hopelessness and isolation.. This experimental study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral group therapy (C.B.G.T) on stimulation of self-esteem in β-Thalasemic adolescents. Methods: A total of 59 Thalassemic patients were recruited and randomly assigned into experimental or control group. The experimental group participated in eight C.B.G.T sessions of 90 minutes each, following a manualized treatment protocol. The findings were assessed by using independent group t-test, two way ANOVA and regression analysis to examine the effect of the intervention on dependent variables (self-esteem and hopelessness). Results: The score of hopelessness was decreased significantly (p

Background and objective: The nested case-control study has become popular as an efficient alternative to the full-cohort design. This study compares the results of a nested case-control analysis approach with the full cohort analysis. Methods: A cohort of 276 subjects (new cases from a TB registry) was used for this study. Cox Regression model was used for the full cohort analysis. In order to do the nested case-control analysis, for each death, three random controls were selected from those who did not suffer from the outcome at the time of the outcome took place. Case control data was analyzed by the conditional logistic regression model. Results: Results from both cohort and nested case-control analyses show that treatment group is the only variable that affects on the outcome. Gender, place of residence, and age has no effect on the outcome. For binary exposure variables with trivial effects (e.g. Gender and place of residence), the relative efficiency of nested case-control study design is approximately 75%. Conclusion: Results of this study show that nested case-control study is not only an easy and cost-effective method for data analysis but also is as robust as cohort analysis in rate ratio and its variance estimation.

ABSTRACT: Introduction & Objective: Results of different studies show that a relatively large number of healthcare services offered are inappropriate or unnecessary. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a benign enlargement of the prostate gland. Clinical features of this disease are one of the most common problems encountered by elderly males. The aim of this study was to assess the appropriateness of benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery. Materials & Methods: In this qualitative study which was conducted in 2008-9, in Tehran University of Medical Sciences, the RAN/UCLA method was used, which was designed in 1980 by the RAND institute and the University of California in Los Angeles. Regarding the stages of our method, scenarios and indications for benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery were chosen from the latest approved scientific resources and subsequently sent to urology specialists, who were chosen as members of the specialized panel. Panel members gave scores ranging from 1 to 9 to each indication and scenario based on scientific resources, clinical experiences and patient’s condition in two separate panel sessions. After compilation, the indications were finally grouped as appropriate, equivocal, and inappropriate so that they could be used to determine appropriateness of benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery in hospitals. In this study, the most suitable and most approved clinical guidelines related to benign prostatic hyperplasia, the Guidelines Evaluation and Research Appraisal (AGREE) were used.The selected guidelines were used as scientific resources for choosing the indications of benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery. SPSS version 16 and kappa weighted value were used in analysis process of the study. Results: Out of 282 scenarios grouped as 9 conditions related to benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery, which were extracted from scientific sources, 73 cases (25.9%) were considered as appropriate, 14 cases (5%) as equivocal and 7 cases (2.5%) were considered as inappropriate. Also 22 cases (7.8%) were considered as appropriate indications for drug therapy and none were found to be suitable for waiting and watching. There were 94 scenarios related to surgery that 75 scenarios (80%) were grouped in appropriate and 8 scenarios (8.5%) identified inappropriate. Conclusion: At the present time, due to the lack of scientific evidence for suitable decision-making in providing health services, methods based upon agreement, including the one used in the present study, and the use of treatment standards derived from similar studies, are amongst the most important measures taken to improve the standard of health, provide suitable health services, and to reduce unnecessary costs. In addition, RAM appropriateness method could be an ideal method in determining the appropriateness of health care and in reducing the rate of inappropriate services provided. The similarity of results derived from other studies performed by the RAND method in determining the appropriateness of benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment with the current study shows the validity and reliability of this method. Keywords: Appropriate criteria, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE).

Diabetes mellitus is an important problem amongst human and animals. In veterinary medicine too, diabetes mellitus occurs in many animals particularly household pets. This study was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of date consumption on serumic levels of glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and HDL in rats suffering from experimental diabetes mellitus. Thirty male wistar rats with the age of 8 weeks and mean body weight of 200±20 gr were selected and divided into 5 groups so that there were 6 rats per group. The groups consisted of day one healthy control, final day healthy control, healthy treatment consuming date, diabetic treatment consuming date and diabetic control group. Diabetic treatment and control groups received 100 mg/kg of alloxan subcutaneously to create experimental diabetes. The two healthy control groups also received equal amounts of normal saline solution subcutaneously. The injections were repeated a week later in all groups. After observing the diabetes symptoms including polydipsia, polyuria, glucosuria and hyperglycemia in groups that were given alloxan, feeding of healthy and diabetic treatment groups with equal ratio of date and pellet was initiated. Final day healthy control group and diabetic control group were fed only with pellet. The groups were fed for 10 days following the start of diabetes symptoms. Blood samples were collected from all groups on day 10. Evaluation of the serumic levels of glucose, cholesterol and LDL revealed statistically significant increase in diabetic control group in comparison with the healthy control groups and also in healthy and diabetic treatment groups consuming date as compared with diabetic control and healthy groups (p

Introduction: In this paper, Prioritizing the effective criteria for hospital design with a passive defense approach will enable hospitals, as one of the most important centers for providing services to the injured, to perform their duties as correctly as possible in crisis and danger times.Methods: the present study is mixed-method research that is based on two approaches, qualitative and quantitative. First, the authors reviewed past research and interviewed experts in the field to identify and determine the effective criteria for hospital design with a passive defense approach. Then, they prepared the Delphi questionnaire to confirm and validate the identified criteria. Next, they used paired comparison questionnaire to categorize and classify the criteria. Finally, the hierarchical analysis method and Excle software were used to analyze data.Results: at this stage, all identified criteria were approved, and none were deleted. These criteria, based on their priority, are plan, façade, escalators (emergency exit), structure, location, form, facilities and equipment, general and functional, and access. Based on the results, plan criterion was the first criterion with a weight of 0.152t.Conclusion: Based on architecture experts' and pundits' opinions, an earthquakeresistant structure has a simple plan, while it is symmetrical and without elongation at the surface (plan) and height (facade and cross sections). Such a structure has a uniform and continuous resistance distribution and is more resistant to earthquakes. The simpler plan of building, gives engineers more power to understand the seismic behavior of the structure and find more information about the dynamic (kinetic) behavior of its connections.

Background: Low circulating IGF-1 and high hs-CRP may be associated with cardiovascular diseases. Hence, it is an important question that is there any correlation between these important biomarkers? Since the correlation between IGF-1 and hs-CRP has not been adequately investigated, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the association between these biomarkers among postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: A total of 361 healthy Iranian postmenopausal women were randomly selected in a population-based study. The metabolic syndrome was defined according to NCEP, ATPIII criteria. Circulating hs-CRP and IGF-1 levels were measured by highly specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results: Women with higher than median hs-CRP levels had lower IGF-1 levels, in comparison to women with lower than median hs-CRP levels (p<0.0001). In multiple regression analysis, after adjustment for age and the metabolic syndrome, IGF-1 levels had a significant inverse correlation with circulating hs-CRP levels (β=-0.139, p<0.007). After adjustment for age, body mass index and type 2 diabetes mellitus, IGF-1 levels also showed an inverse correlation with hs-CRP levels (β=-0.130, p<0.014). Conclusion: There is a significant inverse correlation between serum IGF-1 and hs-CRP levels in postmenopausal women. This finding provides evidence of the potential cardioprotective effect of IGF-1 via anti-inflammatory mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Overweight and obesity are risk factors for many non-communicable diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and 6-year incidence of obesity and overweight in adults through the prospective study of the Persian Gulf Healthy Heart Study. Materials and Methods: In the first phase of the study which was started from 2003, totally 3735 people aged 25 years and more from Bushehr, Genaveh and Deylam cities participated. In the second phase which was conducted in 2009, 1856 people (49.7%) of them were investigated again. Demographic data and the information about obesity and overweight were collected through personal interview. The crude prevalence of obesity and overweight and the age and gender adjusted rates were calculated by using direct standardization method for both phases of the study. Results: Crude prevalence of obesity in the first and second phases of the study were 26.5 % (25%- 27.8%) and 30.5% (28.4%-32.7%), respectively. The crude prevalence of overweight in two phases of the study were 39.8% (38.2%-41.3%) and 43.4% (41.1%-45.7%), respectively. The standardized prevalence of obesity in two phases of the study were 27.2% (25.8%-28.6%) and 29.6% (27.4%- 31.8%) respectively and the standardized prevalence of overweight were 40% (38.4%-41.6%) and 42.8% (40.3%-45.31%), respectively. The 6 year incidence rate of obesity and overweight were 9.12% (7.13%-11.46%) and 29.81% (24.86%-35.13%) in men and 13.96% (11.35%-16.92%) and 29.18% (23.43%-35.47%) in women, respectively. Conclusion: The incidence and prevalence of overweight and obesity in Bushehr province is significantly high. It is recommended to conduct more studies to determine the contributing factors and ways of controlling this trend and also to prevent the related diseases in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]