javad rasooli

Problem statement: 

The initial phase of design is a complex, crucial, and ambiguous stage. Researchers suggest that designers rely on very simplistic thoughts at the onset of design to narrow down the chain of possible solutions, referred to as primary generators. Primary generators have various sources, one of which is cross-disciplinary references; cinema, in particular, provides a vast array of unexplored spaces. Therefore, the question of this study is: how can cinematic works be considered a source for the formation of primary generators?

This study aims to explore the role of cinema as a formative source of primary generators, thus establishing a credible resource to facilitate the initial design step, which often faces numerous complexities.

The present study first elucidates the concept of primary generators based on existing theoretical discussions in library sources. It then employs qualitative research methods and content analysis of sequences from selected cinematic works to assess the potential of cinema as a source of primary generators.

After gaining insight into the concept of primary generators, a categorization was provided, along with theoretical evidence from cinematic texts for each category. Four distinct viewpoints were adopted based on this categorization, including existential (human life), metaphorical-philosophical, environmental, and formal aspects, with examples from cinematic works presented for each. These findings demonstrate that cinema is a significant source of primary generators and can inspire a wide range of primary generators.

 Hemodialysis (HD) patients are considered as a high-risk population for cardiovascular disease, within which morbidity and mortality have been determined to be associated with dyslipidemia, pro-inflammatory cytokines, increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), and adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1). Different markers have been investigated to detect inflammation in hemodialysis patients, as well as the prognostic values of these markers.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of nano-curcumin (120 mg) over 12 weeks on hs-CRP levels, adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1), and serum lipid profiles on hemodialysis patients in a randomized controlled clinical trial.

The results revealed that the mean serum hs-CRP level in the nano-curcumin group exhibited a decrease by the end of the study, when compared to mean serum hs-CRP level in the placebo group. However, this intra-group trend was not found to be statistically significant (P > .05). Nevertheless, a significant difference was determined between the values in the group receiving nano-curcumin, in comparison with the placebo group, at the end of the study (P < .001). Based on the attained results, mean serum levels of VCAM-1 in the nano-curcumin group were significantly reduced at the end of the study, compared with the placebo group (P < .001). Furthermore, the intra-group changes comparison showed significant reductions in serum levels of ICAM1 in patients treated with nano-curcumin at the end of the study (P < .05). Additionally, though decreases in mean triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C were noted, there were no statistically significant intra-group differences (P > .05). Moreover, intra-group changes comparison of HDL-C levels and fasting blood sugar did not show any significant changes.

The current study indicates that nano-curcumin may show beneficial effects in lowering inflammation and hs-CRP levels, as well as adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1), in hemodialysis patients. However, the evidence is still insufficient.

Due to the increasing global use of nutritional supplements, dietitians play a key role in raising consumer awareness and reducing supplementary side effects. Hence, determination of the states of knowledge, attitudes and practices of this group as to common dietary supplements is important.
A list of all the dietitians employed in the health centers, nutrition clinics and private offices of Shiraz city was prepared; then, all the 36 qualified dietitians were referred to and the information of 25 dietitians was collected. To gather the data, we employed a 4-part questionnaire including demographic data and questions related to their knowledge, attitudes, and practices about prescribed dietary supplements. The knowledge scores of less than 50%, 50-75%, and over 75% were considered as low, medium, and good knowledge, respectively. And the classification of attitudes was determined based on quartile ranking. The data were statistically analyzed through SPSS, version19, using Chi-square and t-test statistical methods.
Most of the dietitians had moderate (80%) and low (20%) level of knowledge, while 100% of them had a positive attitude (3rd quartile) about the role of dietary supplements in health, side effects, and food interactions. The most common supplements recommended were those for anemia and growth of children. In this study, the dietitians who had higher level of knowledge significantly used nutritional journals to increase their awareness.
Considering the key roles of dietitians and their knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the field of supplements and the results of the study, it appears that necessary measures should be taken to enhance the dietitians’ knowledge.

The evidence saying that the rate of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) is high in patients with advanced cirrhosis and portal hypertension, this could have negative outcome on patients prognosis. This prospective study included 109 cirrhotic patients who were admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital, affiliated with Orumieh University of Medical Sciences, during 2011-2012. The presence of SIRS and the model for end stage liver disease (MELD) were assessed on admission and during the hospital stay. SIRS was considered positive if patients had two or more of the following: temperature of >38ºC or 90 beats/min; respiratory rate >20/min or PaCO2 12000/mm3 or