THE ROLE OF BURNOUT ON REDUCING EMPLOYEES' PERFORMANCE IN SOCIAL SECURITY ORGANIZATION IN TEHRAN PROVINCE

Abstract. In this research, we are looking for an appropriate answer to the question of whether job burnout can be considered as a factor in reducing job performance for employees. The purpose of this study was to measure burnout components and to investigate its relationship with employees' performance components in Social Security Organization in Tehran Province. This research is a descriptive-survey method. Using a suitable sampling method, a sample of 200 individuals was selected. The collected data were analyzed using correlation test. The results show that in general, job burnout has a significant effect on reducing employees' performance. Performance factors that affect burnout are: ability level, level of perception, motivation, evaluation, performance, perceived environmental fitness; also, various components of burnout, including emotional exhaustion, isolation and individual failure, also affect the performance of employees. Of course, the effect of burnout on perceived organizational components and credibilitywas not confirmed.Keywords: Job Burnout, Job Performance, Social Security Organization in Tehran Province

Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs on Electroencephalographic Findings in Patients with Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy

How to Cite this Article: Asadi-Pooya AA, Emami M. Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs on Electroencephalographic Findings inPatients with Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy. Iranian Journal of Child Neurology 2011;5(4):33-36.ObjectiveSeveral antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) such as phenobarbital (Pb), carbamazepine (CBZ), and valproate (VPA) may suppress interictal epileptiform activity. We investigated the effects of AEDs on electroencephalography (EEG) data from patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE).Materials & MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, all patients electroclinically diagnosed with IGE were recruited in the outpatient epilepsy clinic at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from September 2008 through August 2010. A routine EEG was requested at the time of referral for all patients. Statistical analyses were performed using Chi square and Fisher’s exact test.ResultsThis study comprised of 336 patients. For about 20.8% (70 patients) of them, the initial EEG appeared normal. The first EEG was normal in 14.2% of the patients who had newly diagnosed IGE (19 patients). Normal EEG was also detected for 27.6% of the patients who received VPA monotherapy (16 patients), 31% of the patients who received CBZ monotherapy (9 patients), 29.4% of the patients who received Pb monotherapy (5 patients), and 11.1% of the patients who received lamotrigine (LTG) (1 patient).ConclusionThis study shows that compared to LTG, VPA suppresses generalized interictal epileptiform activity in patients with IGE more effectively. Theoretically, if a drug can frequently induce normalization of EEG, then it may be a better drug for treating IGEs.References1. Betting LE, Mory SB, Lopes Cendes I, Li LM, GuerreiroMM, Guerreiro CAM, et al. EEG features in idiopathic generalized epilepsy: clues to diagnosis. Epilepsia.2006;47(3):523-8.2. Libenson MH, Caravale B. Do antiepileptic drugs differin suppressing interictal epileptiform activity in children? Pediatr Neurol 2001;24(3):214-8.3. Pro S, Vicenzini E, Pulitano P, Li Voti P, Zarabla A, Randi F, et al. Effects of levetiracetam on generalized discharges monitored with ambulatory EEG in epileptic patients. Seizure 2009;18(2):133-8.4. Rocamora R, Wagner K, Schulze - Bonhage A. Levetiracetam reduces frequency and duration ofepileptic activity in patients with refractory primarygeneralized epilepsy. Seizure 2006;15(6):428-33.5. Szaflarski JP. Effects of zonisamide on  the electroencephalogram of a patient with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2004;5(6):1024 -6.6. Covanis A. Photo sensitivity in idiopathic generalized epilepsies. Epilepsia 2005;46(suppl 9):67-72.7. Asadi-Pooya AA, Sperling M. Antiepileptic Drugs: AClinician’s Manual. Oxford University Press, USA; 2009

Is Interictal EEG Correlated with the Seizure Type in Idiopathic (Genetic) Generalized Epilepsies?

How to Cite this Article: Asadi-pooya AA, Emami M. Is Interictal EEG Correlated with the Seizure Type in Idiopathic (Genetic) Generalized Epilepsies? Iran J Child Neurol 2012;6(2): 25-28. Objective We investigated the correlation between different interictal EEG abnormalities observed in patients with idiopathic (genetic) generalized epilepsies (IGEs) and their seizure types. Material & Methods In this cross-sectional study, all patients with the diagnosis of IGE, were recruited in the outpatient epilepsy clinic at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, from 2008 through 2010. Demographic variables and relevant clinical and EEG variables were summarized descriptively. Statistical analyses were performed using independent samples T-test, Chi square and Fisher's Exact tests to determine potentially significant differences. Results Three-hundred thirty-six patients were diagnosed ashaving IGE. Interictal EEG findings in patients with generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS) compared to patients without GTCS were not different. Abnormal EEG findings in patients with myoclonic seizures compared to patients without these were not different either. However, normal EEGs were more frequently observed in patients with history of myoclonic seizures (P = 0.0001). EEG findings in patients with absences compared to patients without absences were not different. Conclusion Interictal EEG cannot differentiate the seizure types and therefore different syndromes of IGEs. Polyspikes, 3-Hz generalized spike-wave (GSW) complexes and 3.5 - 6 Hz GSW complexes, alone or in combinations, could be observed in various seizure types and syndromes of IGE. The key element in making the correct diagnosis is a detailed clinical history. References Panayiotopoulos CP. Idiopathic generalized epilepsies. In: Panayiotopoulos CP, editor. The epilepsies: seizures, syndromes and management. Oxford: Bladon Medical Publishing 2005. p. 271-348. Lagerlund TD, Cascino GD, Cicora KM, Sharbrough FW. Long-term electroencephalographic monitoring for diagnosis and management of seizures. Mayo Clin Proc 1996 Oct;71(10):1000-6. Betting LE, Mory SB, Lopes-Cendes I, Li LM, Guerreiro MM, Guerreiro CA et al. EEG features in idiopathic generalized epilepsy: clues to diagnosis. Epilepsia 2006 Mar;47(3):523-8. Yenjun S, Harvey AS, Marini C, Newton MR, King MA, Berkovic SF. EEG in adult-onset idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Epilepsia 2003 Feb;44(2):252-6. Blume WT, Lüders HO, Mizrahi E, Tassinari C, van Emde Boas W, Engel J Jr. Glossary of descriptive terminology for ictal semiology: report of the ILAE task force on classification and terminology. Epilepsia 2001;42(9):1212-8. Engel J Jr. A proposed diagnostic scheme for people with epileptic seizures and epilepsy: report of the ILAE task force on classification and terminology. Epilepsia 2001 Jun;42(6):796-803. Engel J. Jr. Report of the ILAE Classification Core Group. Epilepsia 2006 Sep;47(9):1558-68. Asadi-Pooya AA, Emami M. Effects of antiepileptic drugs on electroencephalographic findings in patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsies. Iran J Child Neurol 2011;5(4):33-6. Asadi-Pooya AA, Emami M, Nikseresht A. Early-onset versus typical childhood absence epilepsy; clinical and electrographic characteristics. Seizure 2012;21:273-5. Nordi DR. Idiopathic generalized epilepsies recognized by the International League Against Epilepsy. Epilepsia 2005;46(Suppl. 9):48-56. Panayiotopoulos CP. Syndromes of idiopathic generalized epilepsies not recognized by the International League Against Epilepsy. Epilepsia 2005;46(Suppl. 9):57-66. Asadi-Pooya AA, Sperling MR. Choices of antiepileptic drugs based on specific epilepsy syndromes and seizure types. In: Asadi-Pooya AA, Sperling MR. Antiepileptic Drugs: A Clinician’s Manual. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press; 2009. p. 95-102.  

The effect of feeding with soybean on serum levels of TSH, T3 and T4 in male mice

Introduction: Soybean possesses isoflavones and might, therefore, cause problem in thyroid hormone synthesis. The purpose of this study was to study the effect of soybean on serum levels of Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Triiodothyronine (T3), and Thyroxine (T4) in male mice. Methods: In this experimental study, 24 Balb/C male mice were randomly assigned to three groups of eight including control or base diet-fed group and treatment groups 1 and 2 receiving respectively 30 and 50 soybean-containing diet. After nine weeks, the blood sample was taken from the animals&rsquo; heart and serum levels of TSH, T3, and T4 were measured. The data were analyzed by SPSS software using one-way ANOVA and Duncan&rsquo;s test. Results: In 50 soybean group, a significant decrease was observed in T4 serum level compared to the control group (p&lt;0.05). On the other hand, this hormone level non-significantly decreased in the group fed by 30 soybean compared to the control group (p&lt;0.05). TSH serum level increased significantly in 30 soybean group compared to the control group (p&lt;0.05). But, serum level of T3 was not significantly different between 30 or 50 soybean groups and control group (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: In view of the findings, it is estimated that the effect of addition of soybean into meal on thyroid function is dose-dependent, so that the diet containing 30 and 50 soybean might cause increased TSH release in thyrotrope cells and hence variation in pituitary-thyroid axis function.</p

Antiepileptic activity of hydroalcoholic extract of basil in mice

Introduction: Epilepsy has been always considered as one of the most prevalent disorders of nervous system and despite various drugs available, there are still some patients who have drug resistance. In traditional medicine, basil (Ocimum basilicum) has been used in treating epilepsy. To achieve an effective antiepileptic drug with few side effects, the antiepileptic effect of O. basilicum was investigated in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced epilepsy model. Methods: In this experimental research, 48 laboratory female mice (for removing gender factor) were designated in 6 equal groups. The experimental groups comprised control, sham, and four treatment groups receiving the extract at 100, 250, 300, and 350 mg/kg doses (intraperitoneally; ip), 65 minutes before PTZ injection and the factors of epilepsy symptoms and the symptoms frequency were studied. Results: The obtained results of using different doses (100, 250, 300, 350 mg/kg) of the extract indicated that the mice in 100 mg/kg dose group exhibited the highest frequency of epileptic attacks. The samples receiving the extract at 100 and 250 mg/kg doses exhibited the highest and lowest frequency of myoclonic twitches, respectively. In the group treated with 250 mg/kg dose, the symptoms of epilepsy, frequency of epilepsy, and mortality rate respectively increased, decreased, and decreased (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: By the obtained results, the hydroalcoholic extract of O. basilicum at 250 mg/kg dose could be recommended as an effective drug for preventing epilepsy in the animal model.</p

The Role of Public Urban Spaces in Creating a Vivacious Society: A Case Study in Tabriz, Iran

Public spaces are an arena for displaying the flow of human life. Social interactions with triple classifications including compulsory, optional and social activities take place in these spaces. The issue that we will review in the present discussion refers to lack of public lively spaces for doing optional-recreative activities in Tabriz. First, public urban spaces and necessity of their existence in creating a lively and spirited environment will be described. Second, we will discuss the subject of virtual world and its impact on redefining of social relations, and disruption of the recent generation from the past one. Then with reviewing the available spaces in the city and their analysis, and also regarding different factors, we will try to provide appropriate solutions and new ideas in creating new spaces which will altogether take into account the issues of recreation, welfare, peace, interaction, art and virtual world. The results show that the inadequacy of the public spaces with a recreational approach is felt in urban arena and inside the dense context of Tabriz regarding its large scale in comparison with other megalopolises

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in Iran

AbstractPurposeWe investigated the demographic and clinical characteristics of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in patients in Iran.MethodsIn this prospective study, all patients with a clinical diagnosis of PNES (based on ictal recordings) were recruited at the outpatient epilepsy clinic at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, from 2008 through 2013. The epileptologist interviewed all the patients. We investigated the demographic and clinical characteristics of PNES.ResultsTwo hundred and forty-nine patients were diagnosed as having PNES. Two hundred and eleven patients had video-EEG recordings available and included in the study. One hundred and forty-one (66.8%) were female and 70 (33.2%) were male. There were no significant differences between our patients and previous reports regarding the clinical and semiological characteristics of PNES.ConclusionPsychogenic non-epileptic seizures are relatively common at epilepsy clinics. It appears that an Islamic lifestyle (in Iran) has little influence on the clinical characteristics and manifestations of PNES, as we observed similar results as in most previous studies from other cultures

Evaluation of Deformable Boundary Condition Using Finite Element Method and Impact Test for Steel Tubes

Stainless steel pipelines are crucial components to transportation and storage in the oil and gas industry. However, the rise of random attacks and vandalism on these pipes for their valuable transport has led to more security and protection for incoming surface impacts. These surface impacts can lead to large global deformations of the pipe and place the pipe under strain, causing the eventual failure of the pipeline. Therefore, understanding how these surface impact loads affect the pipes is vital to improving the pipes’ security and protection. In this study, experimental test and finite element analysis (FEA) have been carried out on EN3B stainless steel specimens to study the impact behaviour. Low velocity impact tests at 9 m/s with 16 kg dome impactor was used to simulate for high momentum impact for localised failure. FEA models of clamped and deformable boundaries were modelled to study the effect of the boundaries on the pipes impact behaviour on its impact resistance, using experimental and FEA approach. Comparison of experimental and FE simulation shows good correlation to the deformable boundaries in order to validate the robustness of the FE model to be implemented in pipe models with complex anisotropic structure

The Role of Public Urban Spaces in Creating a Vivacious Society: A Case Study in Tabriz, Iran

Public spaces are an arena for displaying the flow of human life. Social interactions with triple classifications including compulsory, optional and social activities take place in these spaces. The issue that we will review in the present discussion refers to lack of public lively spaces for doing optional-recreative activities in Tabriz. First, public urban spaces and necessity of their existence in creating a lively and spirited environment will be described. Second, we will discuss the subject of virtual world and its impact on redefining of social relations, and disruption of the recent generation from the past one. Then with reviewing the available spaces in the city and their analysis, and also regarding different factors, we will try to provide appropriate solutions and new ideas in creating new spaces which will altogether take into account the issues of recreation, welfare, peace, interaction, art and virtual world. The results show that the inadequacy of the public spaces with a recreational approach is felt in urban arena and inside the dense context of Tabriz regarding its large scale in comparison with other megalopolises