فهرست مطالب عبدالرضا رجایی فرد

Proper time intervals among pregnancies has a major role in family provision. Investigating the dynamism of the birth spacing, identify factors and their effects on the time interval among pregnancies and determination of optimal spacing is the utmost importance for health planners and families. The purpose was to study the abortion and stillbirth due to short inter-birth spacing, factors affecting inter-births and optimal birth spacing. In 2005, a cross-sectional study was conducted in a population of 1064 women of childbearing age in Fars province by multistage random sampling. Information on reproductive history was collected by resident health workers. Variables affecting inter-births were checked by the frailty recurrent events model using S-plus 2000 and SPSS 13 software. The rate of abortion or stillbirth was 1.7%, which fell with increasing interval between births and reached their lowest (1.9%) at 36-48 months. Mother's level of education, duration of breastfeeding of previous infant, maternal age at birth and father's job showed positive correlation with inter-birth. Mother's age at marriage, having a job other than household, socioeconomic status was negatively correlated with the the time interval to the next delivery. With increasing birth order, inter-birth of each delivery with regard to previous delivery increased on average by one to two months. The risk of abortion and stillbirth were observed more in subsequent delivery with very low or very long gap interval.

A ll nurses need continuing education, especially those working in oncology wards. In the current programs, there are just two general patterns for teaching: teacher - centered and student - centered patterns. T he aim of this study was to compare the effect of teacher -centered (lecture) and student-centered (module) teaching methods on the knowledge and practice of oncology nurses in relation to safety standards with cytotoxic drugs. In this quasi-experimental study, all the nurses in Shiraz (2010-2011), who participated in the prescription of cytotoxic drugs to patients were selected (n=86) and randomly divided into three groups. The module group (n=29) used a self-directed module, the lecture group (n=28) was taught by an experienced lecturer in the classroom for 5 hours, and the control group (n=29) did not receive any intervention. Data in relation to knowledge and practice of oncology nurses in the three groups were collected before and 8 weeks after the intervention using a researcher-made questionnaire and checklist. To analyze the data, paired t-test, Chi-square, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey test were used at 0.05. Knowledge and practice mean scores increased significantly from baseline in both intervention groups (P<.001), but there was no significant difference between the scores for the control group (P>0.05). Change of knowledge and practice mean scores in lecture and module grous was significantly more than that of the control group (P<0.001). No considerable difference was observed between the lecture and module groups (P>0.05). Given the results of the current study, advantages of student-centered educational methods, nursing workload, and the sensitive nature of the nursing profession, modules can be suggested as a suitable alternative method for lecture.

Recently, capture-recapture studies have been used and researchers tend to use these studies in the health field. Therefore, we discussed the basic concepts of these studies. First, we described capture-recapture studies. Then, the important assumptions and calculations were presented according to the close population assumption. Statistical formulas were presented for two-capture methods and dependency between the two lists was discussed. Then, we addressed more than two capture methods.

Metabolic syndrome consists of a group of metabolic disorders which is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Several studies are conducting in regard to the effects of plant polyphenols as an alternative treatment for metabolic syndrome. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to assess the effects of cranberry supplement on some features of metabolic syndrome. In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 48 women with metabolic syndrome were followed for 8 weeks, divided into two groups: intervention and control. The participants in the intervention group received 2 capsules of cranberry extract (equal to 400 miligrams of cranberry extract) and the participants in the control group received two placebo capsules daily. Serum levels of glucose, insulin, lipid profile, oxidative stress marker, fat tissue distribution and blood pressure were measured at the beginning and after 8 weeks of the study, and were compared between the two groups. Compared to the control group, HDL- cholesterol level increased significantly in the intervention group (P<0.05). Also a significant reduction was seen in systolic blood pressure and waist circumference in the intervention group (P<0.05), whereas no change was made in levels of glucose, insulin, insulin resistance index and oxidative stress marker. In the present study, cranberry supplement increased HDL-cholesterol level, decreased blood pressure and waist circumference in patients with metabolic syndrome, but did not have any effect on other lipid indices and oxidative stress marker.

Hearing is one of the dominant senses of humans. In fact، human beings learn the language which is spoken in their environment and، then، develop the capability to speak. Cochlear implantation is introduced worldwide as a method for the treatment of the severe-to-profound sensory-neural hearing loss. Therefore، the present study aims to investigate the effect of cochlear implantation on the improvement of the auditory performance of the children with profound hereditary as well as non-hereditary hearing loss. The present follow-up study was conducted on 95 children who had been referred to Fars Cochlear Implantation Center. The patients’ information was obtained from their pre- as well as post-operation profiles. Moreover، their auditory performance scores were measured through the Cap Test in 3 stages of 6 months، 1 year، and 2 years after the implantation. Besides، the non-parametric tests of Fridman، Willcoxon، and Mann-Withney U were utilized in order to analyze the gathered data. The mean and the median of the auditory performance of the children who had undergone the cochlear implantation showed a significant difference 6 months، 1 year، and 2 years after the implantation. Moreover، a statistically significant relationship was observed between the independent variable of the type of hearing loss and the auditory performance score. In line with other studies conducted on the issue، the present study also confirmed the improvement of the auditory performance in the children who have undergone the cochlear implantation. In addition، the present study revealed that the type of hearing loss can be helpful in identifying the candidates of the cochlear implantation.

The main aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the prevalence of fecundity and other reproductive problems among a group of farmers in Kavar district of Fars province، southern Iran. A total of 268 randomly selected married male farm workers were investigated. A questionnaire was devised and validated (Cronbach’s α-coefficient (0. 81)). Subjects were directly interviewed and the questionnaire forms were completed for them. The prevalence of current primary infertility among the studied population was about 7. 4%. In addition، the delayed time-to-pregnancy index (TTP) was noted in 19. 4% of subjects’ spouses. Similarly، 6. 3% of farm workers had offsprings with congenital malformations. Finally، 1. 5% and 9% of farmers’ wives had a history of stillbirth and abortion، respectively. It was concluded that the prevalence of current primary infertility and spontaneous abortion were significantly higher among farm workers families than in the normal population. Additionally، stillbirth was more common in the wives of farm workers than in the normal population، although the difference did not reach statistical significance. These effects are likely to be attributed to the exposure of farm workers to pesticides.

n-hexane is widely used in the production of glues، lacquers، paints، plastic، and rubber products. Therefore، a significant potential for exposure to this toxic solvent exists in industrial settings. This study was carried out to assess the exposure to n-hexane and to determine the correlation between this exposure and urinary concentration of free 2،5-hexanedione (2،5-HD). Thirty-eight male workers from 7 shoe making workshops were studied. Individual exposure of workers to n-hexane and urinary concentration of 2،5-HD among them were determined. Data were analyzed using the SPSS/PC statistical package version 16. 0. The calculated time-weighted average (TWA) of exposure to n-hexane and the average urinary concentration of free 2،5-HD were estimated to be 78. 6 mg/m3 and 0. 23 mg/l، respectively. A significant correlation (r = 0. 815) was found between time-weighted average of exposures to n-hexane and urinary levels of free 2،5-HD. Significantly higher urinary concentrations of 2،5-HD detected in subjects who did not wear gloves. Workers’ average exposure to n-hexane and the levels of 2،5-HD in their urine did not exceed the current recommended TLV-TWA and BEI for this chemical. Additionally، they provide further evidence in favor of the notion that free 2،5-HD is an appropriate indicator for biological monitoring of workers exposed to n-hexane. Finally، it is implied that dermal exposure also plays an important role in the overall absorption of n-hexane by the human body

The psychological health is important factor in productivity of workforce and this parameter is effective on maximum aerobic capacity. This study was conducted to investigation of association between of psychological health and maximum aerobic capacity and determination of effective factors on general health in male workers of industrial sector of Shiraz city. In this cross-sectional study، 500 male workers employed in Shiraz city industries participated voluntarily (age range= 20 to 59 years). The demographic questionnaire (including demographic/occupational and anthropometric (height، weight and BMI) and physiological (maximum aerobic capacity) characteristics) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) were used as data collecting tools. Data were analyzed using statistical tests including T-test and Pearson Correlation by SPSS software (Version 16. 0). Mean (standard deviation) of total score of general health and maximum aerobic capacity of workers were 17. 00 (9. 99) and 35. 95 (7. 39) ml. kg-1. min-1، respectively. Statistical analysis revealed significant association between job tenure، BMI، marital status، educational level and shift working with general health. Also، the results showed that there was significantly association between «anxiety and insomnia» subscale and total score of general health with maximum aerobic capacity. General health was significantly associated with maximum aerobic capacity، job tenure، BMI، marital status، educational level and shift working in studied workers.

Phytoestrogens enhance bone integrity through prevention of bone loss and stimulation of bone formation، and also facilitation of bone healing. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of vitex agnus castus extract، as a source of phytoestrogen on alkaline phosphatase and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and also callus formation in women with long bone fractures. In a double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial، 32 women with long bone fracture، age 20-45 years old، were randomly divided into the VAC (vitex agnus castus)، receiving 1 Agnugol tablet (containing 4 mg dried fruit extract of vitex agnus castus) -daily for 8 weeks or a placebo group. Serum alkaline phosphatase and VEGF were measured at the beginning and the end point، and also callus formation was checked at the end of study. Serum alkaline phosphatase was increased in both groups compared to the baseline. Although the elevation of ALP (Alkaline phosphatase) in placebo group was not significant، in treatment group، ALP was considerably increased (p=. 05). Comparison of the change of VEGF showed that، only in VAC group، VEGF level was significantly increased (p=. 01). The callus formation which revealed the fracture healing، in VAC and control groups was 71. 4% and 53. 8%، respectively. Treatment with vitex agnus castus extract for 2 months could enhance the VEGF level، however، further studies are need to show the effects of vitex agnus castus extract on alkaline phosphatase level and callus formation.

In order to match workers physiological characteristics with job demands and personnel to perform different jobs، maximum aerobic capacity (VO2-max) can be used. This study was conducted to develop a data bank of VO2-max among male workers of the industrial sector in Shiraz، Iran.

In this cross-sectional study، 500 healthy male workers employed in industries in the city of Shiraz participated voluntarily (20 to 59 years of age). Subjects were assessed by ergocycle test according to Astrand protocol for 6 minutes. A questionnaire consisting of two parts was used as data collecting tool. In the first part، demographic، and in the second part anthropometric and physiological characteristics were included.

5th، 50th، and 95th percentiles of VO2-max of workers were 2. 07، 2. 72، and 3. 02 L. min-1، respectively. The results showed that aerobic capacity decreases at a rate of ~10% per decade.

Developing such a data bank can be useful for personnel selection and assessment of workers’ physiological characteristics and job demand relevance.

Hearing is one of the premier human senses. Being deprived from hearing is not only being unable to hear the sounds, but it is also the disability to gain a lot of helpful experiences. Cochlear implantation is introduced worldwide in order to treat the severe to profound hearing loss. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the effect of age of cochlear implantation on improvement of the auditory performance. The present follow-up study was conducted on 96 children who had referred to Fars Cochlear Implantation Center. The patients’ information was gathered from their profiles both before and after the operation. In addition, the auditory performance score was obtained in 3 stages – 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after the implantation – through the Cap test. Also, non-parametric tests of Fridman, Willcoxon, and Mann-Withney U were utilized in order to analyze the data of the study. The mean of the children’s auditory performance 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after the implantation was measured as 2.8+1.03, 4.36+1.04, and 5.34+1.02, respectively. Besides, the median of their auditory performance 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after the implantation was calculated as 3, 5, and 5, respectively. Also, a statistically significant relationship was observed between the independent variable of age of cochlear implantation and the auditory performance score 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after the implantation. In line with other studies conducted on the issue, the present study showed the improvement of the auditory performance in the children who benefited from cochlear implantation. Moreover, the results of the present study revealed that the age of cochlear implantation can be of great help in determining the candidates of cochlear implantation. In other words, it can be a major prognostic factor of the response to the treatment

The etiology of childhood leukemia as the most common childhood malignancy remains largely unknown. This study was done to ascess the risk factors in childhood lymphoblastic leukemia in Shiraz-Iran. This case-control study was done on 141 children younger than 18 years suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) whome resided at Fars Province of Iran during 2009. Patients were individually matched with 141 controls in respect to age, sex and residential area. Variables included: maternal age, parental education, father occupation, child birth weight and birth order, number of siblings, history of pet ownership including cat or dog, history of child day care attendance, history of leukemia in relatives, and history of mother diagnostic radiography during pregnancy. In order to evaluate the relationships between each variable and the risk of leukemia, odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using conditional logistic regression. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 and Chi-Square test. The agricultural occupation fathers in case and control were 17% and 5.7%, respectivley (P<0.01). The association between risk of childhood lymphoblastic leukemia with birth order≥3 (OR=5.939, 95% CI: 2.646-13.331, P<0.01), pet ownership (dog or cat) (OR=2.582, 95% CI: 1.265-5.269, P<0.009) and history of leukemia in first and second degree relatives (OR=3.5, 95% CI: 1.252-10.633, P<0.027) was significant. No relationship was found between birth weight, day care attendance, history of miscarriage, number of siblings and history of mother diagnostic radiology tests with risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This study showed that father occupation, birth order, pet and history of leukemia in relation are risk factors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Delivery is one of the most painful experiences to women throughout life; therefore, it seems essential to obtain remedies for labor pain relief, especially in regard to non-invasive methods. This study intends to compare effect of two methods of acupressure and ice massage on the pain severity, anxiety level and length of labor in nulliparous women In this experimental study, 165 nulliparous women were randomly assigned to three groups. First group: acupressure, Group II: ice massage, and group III: control. Each group consisted of 55 women. Intervention was exerted in cervical dilatation of 3-4 cm on LI-4 and intervention period lasted for 30 minutes. In the first group pressure and in the second group ice massage was applied. Labor pain and anxiety levels in the three groups were assessed by VAS and Spielberger state questionnaire in two stages. Duration of first and second stage of labor was compared in the three groups. There was a significant decrease in pain immediately after intervention in ice massage and acupressure groups in comparison to the control group (P≤0/001). Moreover, pain was decreased more in the ice massage group, whereas pain intensity was increased in the control group (P≤0/001). Anxiety level and the length of first and second stage of labor were significantly reduced (P≤0/001) in comparison with the control group. Both acupressure and ice massage lead to reduce pain intensity, duration of labor and level anxiety in nulliparous women, the ice massage appeared to be more influential

It is known that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Consequently, use of antioxidant for treating and preventing complications of this disease is believed to be beneficial. Considering the antioxidant effects of soy isoflavones, this study was initiated to determine the effects of genistein, one of the isoflavones in soybeans, on serum glucose, lipid profile, and paraoxonase activity in diabetic rats. Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley rats were divided randomly into three groups, in 2 of which diabetes was induced by intravenous injection of 60 mg/kg body weight stereptozotocine dissolved in a 0.05 mol/liter citrate buffer; the criterion for diabetes was a plasma glucose level above 250 mg/dl. All the 3 groups were fed a standard diet for 3 weeks, genistein (95% purity) being added to the diet of one of the diabetic groups at a level of 600 mg/kg diet. Fasting blood samples from the tail were taken at baseline and at the end of the period for measuring glucose, lipids, and paraxonase activity. The statistical test used for data analysis and inter-group comparisons was ANOVA. Supplementation with genistein had no statistically significant effects on the serum paraxonase activity or glucose level, but it brought about significant decreases in the serum triglyceride and total, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol levels. Genistein can potentially have a beneficial effect on diabetes-induced dyslipidemia

The role of gene-environment interaction in epidemiology has been widely considered. The traditional methods of studying the gene-environment interaction need appropriate control groups which their selection may be associated with some problems. Therefore, new methods have been created to study these interactions from which are the case-only designs. In this method, only the cases data are being used. In this study, gene-environment interaction in patients with breast cancer was investigated using the case-only and case-control designs. This study conducted in 2008, using two matched case-control and case-only. Simple random sampling was used to select 300 patients with breast cancer in Shahid Mottahari Clinic for two aforementhioned designs. The control group for the matched case-control study was selected from the women referring to Shahid Mottahari Clinic. Data were analysed using lagistic regressian and conditional logistic regression. The confidence intervals and log likelihood in all variables in case-only design was better than the matched case-control. In case-only design, the standard error in the following variables; age at menarche, the first delivery at the age of ≥34 yrs and /or nulliparity, the number of live births, use of oral contraception pills, and breastfeeding history were less than those in the matched case-control design. In case-only design, the P-value of the above-menthined variables was less than those of the matched case-control design. The case-only design is an efficiency method for investigating of the interaction in terms of statistical study, sample size and the easily implementing.

Background and aims In order to physiologically fit the job to the worker’s capability, maximum aerobic capacity (VO2-max) is used. This study was conducted to estimate VO2-max and determine its associated factors among workers of industrial sector of Shiraz city. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 500 healthy male workers employed in Shiraz city industries participated voluntarily. Subjects’ aerobic capacity was assessed by ergocycle test according to Astrand protocol for 6 minutes. A questionnaire consisted of two parts covering demographic, anthropometric and physiological characteristics was used as data collecting tool. ResultsMean and standard deviation of age of workers was 32.01 and 7.66 years, respectively. Worker’s aerobic capacity was estimated to be 2.69±0.263 1.min-1. The results showed that there was association between VO2-max and age, weight and BMI while no association was found between VO2-max and height. Also, statistical analysis revealed association between VO2-max and smoking and exercise per week (P<0.05). Nature of work, shift working, job satisfaction and fatigue had no association with aerobic capacity. Based on the results, regression equations were developed for estimation of aerobic capacity. ConclusionAerobic capacity had association with age, weight, BMI, exercise and smoking.

Myometrial contractions are unique in the extent of pain in comparison to muscular contractions that a woman experiences during her life and women desire to get rid of such a pain. The purpose of this study was the compare two methods of superficial strocking & vibration massages on intensity and variation of low back pain during labor in primiparous women. In this clinical interventional study 120 women were enrolled who were referred to the lanor department of Hafez and Zeinabieh hospitals in Shiraz. Participants were randomly divided into three group of 40. The first group got strocking massage, the second got vibration massage and third group was the control group. The massages were conducted in strocking and vibration groups in three stage of dilatation (3-4, 5-7, 8-10cm respectively) in T10-L1 area for 15 minute in each stage. There was no significant difference between three groups in age & education level. Intensity of low back pain before and after of massage in two experimental groups were significantly different in 3 stages (p=0.001). Intensity of pain in 3 stages after conducting massage was significantly lower than control group (p=0.001) Variation of pain also was significantly different in 3 stages of dilatation. Both strocking & vibration massages in T10-L1 segment were effective in reducing the low back pain of primiparous women. Intensity of low back pain was descending in case groups mostly in third stage. But in control group the pain was increasing in intensity mostly in third stage.

Introduction &

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease. Asthma affects one in 13 school age children and is a leading cause of school absenteeism. It seems that prevalence of asthma is increasing wordwide. Many factors are identified and reported as factors related to asthma. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of asthma and associated factors in 600 children under six years using logistic regression and probit.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 600 children under six years old. Questionnaire was constructed based on ISSAC questionnaire and its reliability was determined with a pilot study and calculated by the Cronbach's alpha equal to 69 percent. Cluster sampling based on household records as clusters was performed. Questionnaires were completed by trained staff under supervision of an expert person and by interviewing parents and children.

The prevalence of asthma was estimated to be 3.10 (7.89 to 12.78) percent. Based on fitting models to data, factors such as gender, maternal nutrition, exclusive breast feeding to 6 months, smoking at home by a family member and having a history of respiratory allergy in families were significantly associated with asthma prevalence (p-value ≤ 0.05). The results also demonstrated that the both models are almost identical in evaluating the data.

This study showed that estimated asthma prevalence is equal to average prevalence reported in Iran. Protective factors, such as exclusive breast feeding as a strategy can be appropriated in children's health care programs and should be much more considered.

The mean age of menopause have been reported at the age of 51 in the world and regarding the increase in life expectancy in many countries more than a third of the life time of women i s in menopause period. The importance of menopause is due to its relationship with various diseases and quality of life. The present study was conducted to estimate the average natural age of menopause in women based on a meta-analysis study.

In a meta-analysis study on all the existing articles in the natural age o f menopause in Iran, 21 articles were selected based on inclusion criteria. Begg and Egger tests fo r publication bias and Cochrane test were used to determine the heterogeneity among samples.? ??? estimate of mean calculated based on Random effect model in Stata11 software.

The publication bias assumption was rejected by Begg and Egger tests with significant value s equal to 0.174 and 0.446 respectively. There was a heterogeneity among samples (Q=4626.3, df=20, P<0.001). So based on random effect model the mean age of menopause was calculated as 48.183 with 95 % CI=47.457-48.91.

The average age of natural menopause in Iranian women is favorable to some places of Middle East, but is less compared with developed countries and the world mean. Because of the importance of this period in women, educational programs seem to be necessary.

Supplementation is a simple and effective intervention method in public health for control of parasite and infectious diseases in infants. The current study was conducted to determine the effect of supplementation with zinc and vitamin A in growth rate and morbidity of respiratory and diarrhea infections.

In a randomized clinical trial, 628 infant between 6-60 month years old assigned to four groups; vitamin A and zinc, vitamin A, zinc and control. After collection of data with a questionnaire, interview and weight and height measurement, they were analyzed by regression and analysis of covariance.

Supplementation with zinc and vitamin A was associated positively with infants weight. It was also observed maximum and minimum of weight difference mean in vitamin A and control groups, respectively. In contrast, no significant differences among four groups in height mean, duration and incidence rate of respiratory and diarrhea infections was observed.

This study showed that supplementation with zinc and vitamin A increases infants weight. However, no effect on height increment as well as preventive effect for diarrhea and respiratory infections was observed.

Noticing the fact that graft survival rate of kidney transplantation from live donors is more than deceased donors, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between the graft survival rate of renal transplantation and the donor source in patients transplanted from March 1999 to March 2009 in Namazi Hospital Transplantation Center of Shiraz. In this retrospective cohort study which was designed to determine the relationship between graft survival of kidney transplantation and the donor source (related live donor, unrelated live donor, and deceased donor) in 1356 patients who were transplanted in Shiraz Transplant Center, Namazi Hospital. Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine the survival rate, log-rank test was used to compare survival curves and Cox regression model was used for ruling out the intervening factors. Five-year graft survival rates of renal transplantation from related, unrelated, and deceased donors were 92.4, 92.6 and 82.1%, respectively. Also, a significant relationship was seen between donor source and survival rate of the renal allograft (P>0.001). The findings of this study transplanted patients with kidneys from living donors (related or unrelated) have a higher graft survival rate compared with deceased donors.

Cancer diseases especially gastric cancer is one of the most important problems in Iran and many other countries. Whereas, determination of epidemiological characteristics of gastric cancer is very important, this study carried out with the aim of epidemiologic survey of gastric cancer in Fars province.

This study was performed on total gastric cancer cases that registered in Tumor Registry Center of Fars province between2001-2006. Necessary information was gathered from cancer registry forms and hospital files. All statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS (V.13) software.

Of 442 gastric cancer patients 68.6% were males and 31.4% were females. Mean age at diagnosis was 58.4 years (SD=14.46), for men 60.72 years (SD=13.82) and for women 53.29 years (SD=14.48). In total, 91.5% of patients were married, most of men were farmer and greatest parts of women were housewife. History of smoking reported by 52.8% of cases. Most prevalent clinical finding in patients were epigastric pain, loss weight and loss appetite, respectively. In 74% of patients, time interval between beginnings of first symptoms until diagnosis of disease was more than one month and in 40.7% of cases, grade of tumor at diagnosis time was poorly differentiated.

According to these results, deduction of risk factors and early detection in at risk subjects such as smokers, high risk occupations and individuals with family history of cancer, is important for prevention and control of gastric cancer

HIV and HCV are major public health concerns. Because of similar methods of transmission, HIV-HCV co-infection is common. Except for injecting drug use, there was not common idea for other routes of transmission for HCV among HIV infected persons. The aim of this study is evaluation of characteristics associated with hepatitis C virus infection in individuals infected with the HIV. One hundred HIV infected pairs were involved in this matched case-control study. Each pair consists of one HCV infected patient and one HCV negative patient. Cases and controls were matched for age, gender and marital status. In those subjects, association between HIV/HCV co infection and state of urbanization, injection drug use, imprisonment, extra marriage sexual contact, blood transfusion before 1993, gonorrhea, tuberculosis, tattooing, use of common blade, HBV infection, AIDS were evaluated with conditional logistic regression model. Injecting drug use (OR=3.47; %95CI: 1.14-10.63), history of incarceration (OR= 3.5; %95CI: 1.005-10.63) and history of tattooing in prison (OR=4.27; %95CI: 1.24-14.7) were independently associated with co-infection by hepatitis C virus. Individual risk factors for HIV/HCV co infection included a history of injection drug use, imprisonment, and in prison tattooing.

Renal transplantation is the best therapeutic option for End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). The aim of this study was to determine the graft survival rate of renal transplantation in patients who have been transplanted from live donor in Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Shiraz, Iran.

In a survival analysis study, organ survival rate after kidney transplantation from live donor was determined in 843 patients being transplanted in Shiraz Transplant Research Center, Iran during a period of 10 years (March 1999 to March 2009). Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine the survival rate, Log-rank test was used to compare survival curves and Cox proportional hazard model was used for multivariate analysis.

Mean follow-up period (± Standard deviation) was 53.07±34.6 months. Allograft survival rates at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 years after kidney transplantation were found to be 98.3%, 96.4%, 92.5%, 90.8% and 89.2%, respectively. Using Cox proportional hazard model, age of donor and creatinine level at discharge showed significant relationships with survival rate of renal allograft.

The 10- year graft survival rate of renal transplantation from live donor in this center is 89.2% which in comparison with reports from large centers of transplantation it is satisfactory.

In many countries around the world, diabetic nephropathy is the most common cause of renal transplantation and dialysis. One third of diabetic patients suffer from kidney diseases which, in turn, considerably increase mortality rates and treatment costs. The aim of this study was to compare graft survival rate in diabetic and non-diabetic patients in the Shiraz Namazi Hospital Transplant Center, during the years 1999 to 2009. This study was a retrospective cohort study that investigated graft survival rate among diabetic patients who had undergone kidney transplant and compared it with that of non-diabetic patients, in the Transplant Center of Shiraz Namazi Hospital. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the survival rate and Log-rank test was applied to compare survival curves. Furthermore, to model the factors affecting survival rate, Cox proportional hazard model was implemented. The results of the study revealed that the average follow-up period of patients was 48.15±31.05 (range: 3.07-118.03) months. The estimated 9-year graft survival rates among diabetic and non-diabetic patients were 84.2% and 85.7%, respectively. Moreover, using Cox proportional hazard model, it was found that the age of a donor <40 years, is an effective factor for higher graft survival rate in diabetic patients. Based on the results of this study, we observed that there was no significant difference between kidney transplant survival rate in diabetic and non diabetic patients. This treatment method can hence be a good option for patients with diabetic nephropathy.