Polymorphism of rs599839 in the PSRC1 gene is associated with coronary artery disease in an Iranian population

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading health complication worldwide because of its high prevalence and mortality. The association between CAD susceptibility and the rs599839 (C/T) polymorphism in the human proline and serine-rich coiled-coil (PSRC1) was reported in a genome-wide association study. To validate this association, we performed this case-control study to genotype the 1p13.3 (rs599839) locus in a sample of the Iranian population with CAD (stenosis≥70% in≥1 coronary artery). Methods: We performed an association analysis with PCR and Sanger sequencing of rs599839 (C/T) polymorphism and CAD risk in 280 CAD patients and 287 healthy controls defined as a coronary calcium score of zero and no noncalcified plaques in coronary computed tomography angiography. SPSS, version 16.0, was applied for statistical analysis. Results: The rs599839 (C/T) locus showed a significant association with CAD (P value<0.001). TT and CT genotypes were associated with CAD (P value<0.001). Furthermore, the dominant status (TT+CT vs. CC) was associated with an increased risk of CAD (OR, 9.14; 95% CI, 3.77 to 22.15; and P value<0.001). Conclusion: The study findings indicate strong evidence for rs599839 (C/T) association with CAD risk

Knowledge transfer in Tehran University of Medical Sciences: an academic example of a developing country

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In the past two decades, scientific publications in Iran have considerably increased their medical science content, and the number of articles published in ISI journals has doubled between 1997 and 2001. The aim of the present study was to determine how frequently knowledge transfer strategies were applied in Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). We were also interested in studying the determining factors leading to the type of strategy selected.</p> <p>Methodology</p> <p>All TUMS research projects that had received grants from inside and outside the university in 2004, and were completed by the end of 2006, were included in the study. In total, 301 projects were examined, and data on each of the projects were collected by the research team using a standardized questionnaire. The projects' principle investigators filled out a second questionnaire. In all, 208 questionnaires were collected.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Researchers stated being more engaged in the passive strategies of knowledge transfer, especially those publishing in peer-reviewed journals. The mean score for the researchers' performance in passive and active strategies were 22% and 9% of the total score, respectively. Linear regression analysis showed that the passive strategy score decreased with the increase in the number of years working as a professional (p = 0.01) and personal interest as the only reason for choosing the research topic (p = 0.01). Regarding the active strategies of knowledge transfer, health system research studies significantly raised the score (p = 0.02) and 'executive responsibility' significantly lowered it (p = 0.03).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>As a study carried out in a Middle Eastern developing country, we see that, like many other universities in the world, many academicians still do not give priority to active strategies of knowledge transfer. Therefore, if 'linking knowledge to action' is necessary, it may also be necessary to introduce considerable changes in academic procedures and encouragement policies (<it>e.g.</it>, employment and promotion criteria of academic members).</p

Research collaboration in Tehran University of Medical Sciences: two decades after integration

Background: In 1985 medical schools were integrated into the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education was created in Iran. Under this infrastructure education, research and service provision are unified, and it is expected that collaboration between researchers and decision makers become easier in such an integrated context. The question here is how the researchers behavior in the biggest medical university of the country towards collaboration is, i.e. how much do decision makers participate in different stages of research? Which factors affect it? Methodology: The samples under study were all Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) completed research projects that had gotten grants in 2004 and were over by the time this study was done. Two questionnaires were designed for this study: i) the research checklist which was filled for 301 projects, ii) the researcher's questionnaire, which was sent to principle investigators, 208 of which were collected. Multiple linear regression analysis was used for evaluating the potential factors affecting individuals 'collaboration score'. Results: Only 2.2 percent of TUMS' projects initiated in 2004 have had collaboration as a joint PI or co-investigator from non-academic organizations. The principle investigators mean collaboration score was 2.09, where 6 was the total score. So the collaboration score obtained was 35%. The 'type of research' had significant association with the collaboration score which is shown in the linear regression; collaboration was seen more in clinical (p = 0.007) and health system researches (p = 0.001) as compared to basic research. Conclusion: The present study shows that not many individuals collaborated as co-investigators from outside the university. This finding shows that research policy makers need to introduce interventions in this field. And assessment of barriers to collaboration and its facilitating factors should be considered in order to make it actually happen. © 2009 Majdzadeh et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd

Knowledge transfer in Tehran University of Medical Sciences: an academic example of a developing country

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In the past two decades, scientific publications in Iran have considerably increased their medical science content, and the number of articles published in ISI journals has doubled between 1997 and 2001. The aim of the present study was to determine how frequently knowledge transfer strategies were applied in Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). We were also interested in studying the determining factors leading to the type of strategy selected.</p> <p>Methodology</p> <p>All TUMS research projects that had received grants from inside and outside the university in 2004, and were completed by the end of 2006, were included in the study. In total, 301 projects were examined, and data on each of the projects were collected by the research team using a standardized questionnaire. The projects' principle investigators filled out a second questionnaire. In all, 208 questionnaires were collected.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Researchers stated being more engaged in the passive strategies of knowledge transfer, especially those publishing in peer-reviewed journals. The mean score for the researchers' performance in passive and active strategies were 22% and 9% of the total score, respectively. Linear regression analysis showed that the passive strategy score decreased with the increase in the number of years working as a professional (p = 0.01) and personal interest as the only reason for choosing the research topic (p = 0.01). Regarding the active strategies of knowledge transfer, health system research studies significantly raised the score (p = 0.02) and 'executive responsibility' significantly lowered it (p = 0.03).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>As a study carried out in a Middle Eastern developing country, we see that, like many other universities in the world, many academicians still do not give priority to active strategies of knowledge transfer. Therefore, if 'linking knowledge to action' is necessary, it may also be necessary to introduce considerable changes in academic procedures and encouragement policies (<it>e.g.</it>, employment and promotion criteria of academic members).</p

How should we assess knowledge translation in research organizations; designing a knowledge translation self-assessment tool for research institutes (SATORI)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The knowledge translation self-assessment tool for research institutes (SATORI) was designed to assess the status of knowledge translation in research institutes. The objective was, to identify the weaknesses and strengths of knowledge translation in research centres and faculties associated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The tool, consisting of 50 statements in four main domains, was used in 20 TUMS-affiliated research centres and departments after its reliability was established. It was completed in a group discussion by the members of the research council, researchers and research users' representatives from each centre and/or department.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The mean score obtained in the four domains of 'The question of research', 'Knowledge production', 'Knowledge transfer' and 'Promoting the use of evidence' were 2.26, 2.92, 2 and 1.89 (out of 5) respectively.</p> <p>Nine out of 12 interventional priorities with the lowest quartile score were related to knowledge transfer resources and strategies, whereas eight of them were in the highest quartile and related to 'The question of research' and 'Knowledge production'.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The self-assessment tool identifies the gaps in capacity and infrastructure of knowledge translation support within research organizations. Assessment of research institutes using SATORI pointed out that strengthening knowledge translation through provision of financial support for knowledge translation activities, creating supportive and facilitating infrastructures, and facilitating interactions between researchers and target audiences to exchange questions and research findings are among the priorities of research centres and/or departments.</p

Challenges of pre-disaster management in Iran: Are organizations prepared to respond to freshwater oil spills?

Oil spill in freshwater is one of the major threats to human health and environmental stability; protection of water resources based on pre-determined plans could prevent the occurrence of such a disaster. The aim of this study was to determine the challenges of pre-disaster management of oil spill incidents. This was a qualitative case study conducted in 2015 in Isfahan, Iran, on an oil spill incident and its roots based on a disaster management approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection. Nineteen managers and staff members from among those responsible or involved in the management of the Isfahan oil spill incident were recruited to the study. Qualitative content analysis approach was employed for data analysis. Document analysis was used to collect additional information. “Weaknesses of risk reduction programs” and “weaknesses of preparedness plans” were identified as the roots of the disaster. Preparedness is a crucial aspect of timely and appropriate response to oil spill incidents

Methodologies and Messages in Iranian Articles on Maternal Care, Diabetes Mellitus, and Tuberculosis, Published in 2001 – 2006

Introduction: An article with a clear message can transfer research knowledge better. However, this is the case when the message suits the type of study methodology (research design) and its results. The objective of this study was to assess the presence of message articles and the type of study methodologies. Methods: Articles published between 2001 and 2006, on maternal care, diabetes, and tuberculosis, which were based on studies performed on the Iranian population were investigated. A systematic search was performed in foreign databases ′Pubmed, Medline, and Embase′, and national databases ′Iranmedex, SID (Scientific Information Database), and Iranpsych′. Seven hundred and ninety-five articles were examined for the type of study methodology and presence of an actionable message (one that specifies what and how an action should be carried out). Results: Among the 795 articles accessed, cross-sectional studies were the most frequent (50.9%) and systematic reviews were the least frequent (0.4%). Cohort cases were observed in 6.9% of the cases. Actionable messages were observed in 22.1% of all the cases and 24.7% of the cross-sectional studies. Conclusions: Cohort studies increased from 5% in 2001 to 6.9% in 2006, but the shortage of systematic reviews represented a major weakness in the country′s knowledge production process. Studies with a higher level of evidence such as systematic reviews, and cohort and interventional studies should be among the priorities of knowledge production in the country

How Much Importance Do We Give to Target Audiences in Article Writing?

Objectives: Writing papers can be used as a means to convey amessage. Knowledge transfer is also about conveying the rightmessage to the right target audience. The aim of this study was todetermine the proportion of articles that had mentioned a clearmessage and the target audience in the abstract and the article as awhole, and also to examine their association with different determinantfactors.Methods: Articles published from 2001 to 2006 that were basedon clinical and health system research conducted on Iranian populationsand on maternal care, diabetes and tuberculosis weresearched systematically in domestic and international databases.Eventually checklists (Additional file 1) were completed for 795articles.Results: Overall, 98.5% of articles had a clear message, whereas12.5% had addressed the direct target audience. Presence of a clearmessage in formatted abstracts were seen 3.6 times more (CI95%:1.5-8.7) than in articles without formatted abstracts (p = 0.005).Addressing of the direct target audience was seen twice as much inhealth system research articles as compared to clinical studies,odds ratio was 2.3 (CI95%: 1.47-3.48 ,p<0.001).Conclusions: Creating a format for journal abstracts seems to bean effective intervention for presenting the message in articles