Journal of Inflammatory Diseases
Volume:18 Issue: 3, 2014

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) combined with chemometric techniques have been employed for qualitative analysis of proteins in blood serum. The aim of this study was to suggest a diagnostic method for stage determination of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This laboratory study was conducted in Faculty of Science of Imam Khomeini International University during 2010-2011. 50 samples were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. 0.5 ml of blood serum was poured in FTIR cell for each sample. The samples were from different stages of CKD and their stages were verified by Jaffe method as gold standard (Distribution of stages was as follows: 9 stage I/ healthy, 7 stage II, 11 stage III, 8 stage IV, 5 stage V and 10 stage VI). The samples were evaluated by Quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA). Data were modified with wavelengths selection algorithms using the Successive Projection Algorithm (SPA) and the Genetic Algorithm (GA) and were applied for prediction of serum samples status with different stages of CKD. Quadratic discriminant analysis together with successive projection algorithm and genetic algorithm as wavelength selection strategies are suitable for prediction of CKDs. The correct classification rates of the samples were 85% and 97% for SPA and GA models, respectively. With regards to the results, this new diagnostic method can be used for multi-stage classification of the chronic kidney disease as an improved method.

Despite the importance of metabolic syndrome and its components in the incidence of noncommunicable diseases especially cardiovascular diseases, its prevalence, incidence and trend are not clear. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components in Qazvin, Iran. This descriptive study was conducted in 996 men and women over 24 years old in mindoodar district of Qazvin, 2012. Data were collected using interview, past medical and drug history and anthropometric and biochemical measurements. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 33% (30.9% in men and 34.9% in women) and increased with age. The most common component of metabolic syndrome was low high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (66.6%) and the least prevalent component was high blood pressure (24.8%). The order of prevalent components was different according to gender. In men the most common component was low HDL cholesterol which was followed by high level of serum triglycerides and impaired fasting glucose. In women the most common component was low HDL cholesterol which was followed by central obesity and high level of serum triglycerides. High prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its related risk factors that increase with age, other diseases and their complications necessitates the implementation of efficient preventive programs to decrease the related risk factors.

Hepatitis B is the most common occupational hazard in health personnel especially those that do not adhere to standard precautions in occupational exposures. Fatal complications and the lack of specific treatment for this infection have driven the attention of health researchers to the education of preventive methods. The aim of this study was to design a valid and reliable tool with sociological characteristics in order to measure seven behavioral factors controlling hepatitis B. This descriptive study was conducted in 135 health personnel that were selected by two-stage cluster random sampling method in Tehran during 2012-2013. The questionnaire was designed according to the definition recommended by Green and Kruter. Validity was determined in terms of face, content and construct validity. Reliability was determined by internal consistency and test-retest using the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The content validity ratio was greater than 0.80, the content validity index was greater than 0.79 and the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.82. Exploratory factor analysis extracted seven factors that could predict %76.5 of the variance. Based on confirmatory factor analysis, the reliability of the model was fitted to 0.91. With regards to the results, the questionnaire obtained from this study can be used for research, education and practical purposes.

Macrolide-resistant streptococcus isolates may show constitutive or inducible resistance to clindamycin. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of erythromycin resistant phenotypes in streptococcus isolates from laryngoscopes in Shahid Rajaei hospital, Qazvin. This descriptive study was conducted in streptococcus isolates from laryngoscopes in Shahid Rajaei hospital, 2013. The isolates were examined by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method using erythromycin and clindamycin disks on Mueller-Hinton agar (according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute standards). Inducible clindamycin resistance was tested by D-test in erythromycin resistant isolates. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test. The phenotypes detected among the 23 isolates were as follows: one (4.35%) inducible clindamycin resistance (iMLSB), 6 (26.11%) constitutive clindamycin resistance (cMLSB), 5 (21.72%) MS phenotype and 11 (47.82%) wild type. The association between erythromycin and clindamycin resistance of the streptococcus isolates and D-test was not statistically significant. With regards to the results, laryngoscope can potentially carry erythromycin and clindamycin resistant isolates. Therefore, infection control is necessary before using this instrument.

Emotional Intelligence is important in the success of people in healthcare organizations. Nurses who have higher E motional I ntelligence can improve the quality of care and increase satisfaction with proper communication with patients. The aim of this study was to determine the a ssociation of emotional intelligence and communication skills with patients in nurses. This analytical study was conducted in 80 male and female nurses that were selected by quota sampling method from selected hospitals in Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. The measurement tools were Emotional I ntelligence and communication skills questionnaire s. Data were analyzed using T -test, ANOVA and Pearson ’s correlation coefficient. There was a positive significant correlation between emotional intelligence and communication skills (P< 0.001, r= 0.705). The associations of the demographic differences (gender, age, work experience, education level and type of employment) with emotional intelligence and communication skills were not statistically significant. With regards to the results, i t is suggested to consider the emotional intelligence training in hospitals. Since increasing E motional I ntelligence is an effective way to improve communication skills of nurses and therefore improve the quality of nursing care.

Public managers are always looking to achieve clear and accurate information about the financial performance of the organization to have better accountability in this area in addition to efficient management and improvement of indices. The aim of this study was t o evaluate the effect of implementing the accrual-based financial system on transparency and accountability. This survey was conducted in Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, 2013. The study population consisted of 70 financial managers, auditors of Supreme Audit Court, heads of accounting units, financial and budget staff, middle and high rank managers, auditors of Board of Trustees of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences that were selected by random sampling method. The measurement tool was a two-part questionnaire consisted of 15 questions for financial transparency, 11 questions for financial accountability in three dimensions and 6 questions for operational accountability in three dimensions. Data were analyzed using one-sample T-test. There were statistically significant relationship between the implementation of the accrual-based financial system and the followings: increased financial transparency and the possibility for assessment of the approved budget control, the application of the financial regulations, the financial reporting to increase financial accountability and the possibility for assessment of efficiency and economic profit to increase operational accountability. The association of the accrual-based financial system and the possibility for assessment of effectiveness to increase operational accountability was not statistically significant. With regards to the results, the implementation of the accrual-based financial system led to increased financial transparency and financial and operational accountability in Qazvin University of Medical Sciences.

Selecting and recruit ing qualified employees and managers are of critical activities in modern organizations. Organizations try to choose the best managers and managers try to recruit the best employees. The aim of this study was to determine the similar-to-me error among staff managers of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. This descriptive - analytical study was conducted in 70 high and middle rank and operational managers that were selected by census sampling method in Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, 2012. The measurement tool was a standard questionnaire that its validity and reliability had been confirmed in previous studies. Data were analyzed using T-test, ANOVA and Pearson ’s correlation coefficient. The association of the similar-to-me error with groupthink, functional conflict and narcissism was statistically significant in the studied managers. With regards to the association of the similar-to-me error with groupthink and functional conflict, and its negative effect on organizational performance, informing managers about devastating consequences of similar to me error can be useful for improving the organizational performance.

A few decades ago, drugs which were used to treat different diseases were only limited to chemical drugs, peptides, monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins. Since the first nucleotide drug was approved by the Food and Drug Organization of the United States, this new generation of medications became remarkable to researchers and pharmacists. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) based drugs were among these category that encountered a number of hurdles along the way such as potential immunogenicity, structural instability and the need for a vehicle to deliver the drug into the cell. With regards to the simplicity of the RNA therapeutics design, researchers could overcome the challenges with improvements in synthetic delivery carriers and chemical modifications of the RNA therapeutics. Numerous types of RNA-based drugs are being extensively tested in various stages of clinical trials. This review focuses on therapeutic ribozymes, antisense oligonucleotides, interfering RNAs and aptamers.

This retrospective study was conducted in 80 patients with diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation who underwent open lumbar discectomy at neurosurgery department of Urmia Imam Khomeini hospital from 2009 to 2012. The study variables included age, gender, the operated level, duration of low back pain and lower limb pain, smoking history, patient weight, first or recurrent discectomy and lumbar disc herniation class on MRI. Data were analyzed using student T-test and Chi-square test. No significant relationships were found between lower limb pain and other variables after surgery. The prognosis of open lumbar discectomy was poor in recurrent lumbar disc herniation, females and protruded and sequestrated disc types on MRI.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the relationship between contract management and managerial characteristics in 6 hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2012. Data were collected using a questionnaire that was filled by 113 managers. Data were analyzed using paired T-test. The mean scores of technical and managerial capabilities were 2.90 and 2.94 (out of 5) before and after the implementation of the management contract, respectively. The mean scores of flexibility were 2.64 and 2.70 (out of 5) before and after the implementation of the management contract. The differences between the mean scores of these factors were not statistically significant before and after the management contract.