Balanced Scorecard Approach to Determine Accreditation Measures with Clinical Governance Orientation: A Case Study of Sarem Women’s Hospital

This research is conducted to determine measures of accreditation with a focus on clinical governance and balanced scorecard approach. This descriptive survey was conducted on 80 members of staff of Sarem Hospital through random sampling and by Morgan’s table. The participants were the staff from different wards who were involved in the accreditation process. For data collection, the “Balanced scorecard” and “Clinical governance” questionnaires were used. 54 indicators of accreditation were determined with a focus on clinical governance in terms of the Balanced Scorecard. Correlation between Clinical Governance indicators and Balanced Scorecard perspectives contributes to reduce the complexity of hospital Accreditation concepts

Omental Transposition in Treatment of Severe Ocular Surface Alkaline Burn: An Experimental Study

Since alkaline substances can rapidly penetrate into the cornea and subsequently damage limbal stem cells, another source of stem cells may be necessary to reconstruct the ocular surface. Omentum has some such characteristics like ability to regenerate tissue as well as anti-inflammatory capacity. Presence of adult stem cells and pluripotent embryonic cell markers make it suitable in wound healing; therefore, it seems reasonable to evaluate whether omentum can be helpful to restoration of ocular surface in severe alkaline burn. In this experimental trial, two groups of dogs (5 in each) were assigned. Following ethics approval, ocular surface alkaline burn was induced in both groups by placing filter papers soaked with NaOH (0.5 mol/l) on the cornea of one eye. Subsequently, group 1 (n=5) was treated only by conventional therapy; group 2 (n=5) was treated with omental elongation and transposition to the injured eye immediately following injury. Both groups were followed for six months. Ocular surface was evaluated by slit lamp microscope and corneal clarity was assessed and graded. At the end of six months, corneal opacity and vascularization were significantly reduced in group 2 (p-values of 0.009, 0.049, and 0.032 for corneal opacity, fluorescein staining, and vascularization grades, respectively). We have concluded that transposition of omental pedicle may be an effective treatment for severe ocular surface alkaline burn although more studies might be required

Omental Transposition in Treatment of Severe Ocular Surface Alkaline Burn: An Experimental Study

Since alkaline substances can rapidly penetrate into the cornea and subsequently damage limbal stem cells, another source of stem cells may be necessary to reconstruct the ocular surface. Omentum has some such characteristics like ability to regenerate tissue as well as anti-inflammatory capacity. Presence of adult stem cells and pluripotent embryonic cell markers make it suitable in wound healing; therefore, it seems reasonable to evaluate whether omentum can be helpful to restoration of ocular surface in severe alkaline burn. In this experimental trial, two groups of dogs (5 in each) were assigned. Following ethics approval, ocular surface alkaline burn was induced in both groups by placing filter papers soaked with NaOH (0.5 mol/l) on the cornea of one eye. Subsequently, group 1 (n=5) was treated only by conventional therapy; group 2 (n=5) was treated with omental elongation and transposition to the injured eye immediately following injury. Both groups were followed for six months. Ocular surface was evaluated by slit lamp microscope and corneal clarity was assessed and graded. At the end of six months, corneal opacity and vascularization were significantly reduced in group 2 (p-values of 0.009, 0.049, and 0.032 for corneal opacity, fluorescein staining, and vascularization grades, respectively). We have concluded that transposition of omental pedicle may be an effective treatment for severe ocular surface alkaline burn although more studies might be required

Effect of Thymus Vulgaris Ethanol Extract, on Serum Total Antioxidant in Experimental Induced Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOs) Rats

Background: Poly cystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common female endocrine disorders. One of the side effects of PCOS is oxidative stress.. Here we investigated antioxidants effects of Thymus vulgaris ethanoli extract on experimental PCOS induced rats by estradiol-valerat (PPA).Methods: Wistar female rat (n=70) were divided into 7 groups including C1: an equal volume of (0.9% NaCl) as placebo; C2: extract (0.6cc/rat/orally/daily); C3: induced PCO by single injection of estradiol-valerate (4mg/rat/IM), and T1: PCOS induced  rats + an equal volume of (0.9% NaCl) as placebo, T2: PCOS induced rats + extract(0.2cc/rat/orally/daily), T3: PCOS induced rats + extract (0.4cc/rat/orally/daily), T4:PCOS induced rats+extract (0.4cc/rat/orally/daily) test groups, were received extract supplement, for 60 consequence days. Animals were kept in standard conditions. In last day of study the blood samples of rats in whole groups were obtained and prepared to biochemical analysis.Results: Total antioxidant capacity level, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity were significantly increased in PCOS treated groups (P<0.03), these parameters in PCOS groups that did not receive extract significantly decreased (P<0.05) in comparison to control. Level of MDA in PCOS groups were significantly increased as compared to control and extract treated groups (P<0.01).Conclusions: Our results disclosed that administration of Thymus vulgaris ethanol extract significantly restitution tissue antioxidants level in PCOS induced rats.

Effect of Thymus Vulgaris Ethanol Extract, on Serum Total Antioxidant in Experimental Induced Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOs) Rats

Background: Poly cystic ovary syndrome is one of the most common female endocrine disorders. One of the side effects of PCOS is oxidative stress.. Here we investigated antioxidants effects of Thymus vulgaris ethanoli extract on experimental PCOS induced rats by estradiol-valerat (PPA).Methods: Wistar female rat (n=70) were divided into 7 groups including C1: an equal volume of (0.9% NaCl) as placebo; C2: extract (0.6cc/rat/orally/daily); C3: induced PCO by single injection of estradiol-valerate (4mg/rat/IM), and T1: PCOS induced  rats + an equal volume of (0.9% NaCl) as placebo, T2: PCOS induced rats + extract(0.2cc/rat/orally/daily), T3: PCOS induced rats + extract (0.4cc/rat/orally/daily), T4:PCOS induced rats+extract (0.4cc/rat/orally/daily) test groups, were received extract supplement, for 60 consequence days. Animals were kept in standard conditions. In last day of study the blood samples of rats in whole groups were obtained and prepared to biochemical analysis.Results: Total antioxidant capacity level, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity were significantly increased in PCOS treated groups (P<0.03), these parameters in PCOS groups that did not receive extract significantly decreased (P<0.05) in comparison to control. Level of MDA in PCOS groups were significantly increased as compared to control and extract treated groups (P<0.01).Conclusions: Our results disclosed that administration of Thymus vulgaris ethanol extract significantly restitution tissue antioxidants level in PCOS induced rats.

Role of basal stress hormones and amygdala dimensions in stress coping strategies of male rhesus monkeys in response to a hazard-reward conflict

Objective(s): In the present study the effect of stress on monkeys that had learned to retrieve food from a five-chamber receptacle, as well as the relationship between their behavior and the serum cortisol and epinephrine levels and relative size of the amygdala was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Six male rhesus monkeys were individually given access to the food reward orderly. They could easily retrieve the rewards from all chambers except for the chamber 4, which a brief, mild electric shock (3 V) was delivered to them upon touching the chamber’s interior. The coping behaviors were video-recorded and analyzed offline. Baseline serum cortisol and epinephrine levels were measured before the experiments using monkey enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. One week after the behavioral experiment, the monkeys’ brains were scanned using magnetic resonance imaging under general anesthesia. The cross-sectional area of the left amygdala in sagittal plane relative to the area of the whole brain in the same slice was evaluated by the planimetric method using ImageJ software. Results: Exposure to the distressing condition caused different behavioral responses. Monkeys with higher baseline levels of serum cortisol and epinephrine and larger amygdala behaved more violently in the face of stress, indicating adopting emotion-focused stress-coping strategies. Conversely, those with low plasma epinephrine, moderate cortisol, and smaller amygdala showed perseverative behavior, indicating a problem-focused coping style. Conclusion: In dealing with the same stress, different responses might be observed from nonhuman primates according to their cortisol and epinephrine levels as well as their amygdala dimensions

Isolation and Identification of Free Living Amoeba from Patients and Contact Lens Users in Iran

Background: Free-living amoebae (FLA) such as Acanthamoeba spp., are considered as opportunistic and pathogenic protozoans. Acanthamoeba granulomatous encephalitis (AGE) is a serious threat for immunodeficient patients and Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) for contact lens users. We aimed to identify the presence of free living amoebae in nasal swabs of patients and contact lens users in Qazvin, Iran. Methods: During 2019, 251 nasal and oral swabs (including the pharynx and mouth) were collected from patients with diabetes, AIDS and those under periodic dialysis in Qazvin, Iran. In addition, 27 soft contact lenses were collected from the participants. Following DNA extraction, PCR and sequencing were conducted to identify the genotypes of the amoeba. Phylogenetic analysis of the identified sequences was performed using MEGA 7 software. Results: A strain of Acanthamoeba belonging to the T3 genotype was isolated from hemodialysis patients. Two specimens of Acanthamoeba with T3 genotype were isolated from keratitis patients. Conclusion: The clinicians should pay attention to the possible complication of this organism because this amoeba is potentially pathogenic for immunocompromised patients. Since the amoeba is present in environmental resources, the use of contact lenses should be accompanied by considering proper hygien

The Effect of Oral Morphine Consumption on Ependymal Duct and Spinal Cord Development in Wistar Rats Embryos

Background: Previous studies have shown that morphine consumption during pregnancy may delay embryo development or cause abnormal nervous system function. The present study focused on the effects of maternal morphine consumption on ependyma duct and spinal cord development in Wistar rats. Methods: Wistar rats (170-200g) were used throughout. The experimental groups after fertility received 0.05 mg/ml of morphine by tap water while, the control group received water. On 17th day of pregnancy, the pregnant animals were anesthetized by chloroform and the embryos were removed surgically. The embryos were fixed in formalin 10% for 4 weeks. Then, tissue processing, sectioning and staining hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), were applied for the embryos. The sections were examined for ependyma duct and spinal cord development by light microscope and MOTIC ,SPSS software. Results: Severe reduction of the area ependyma duct and an increase in the marginal layer of spinal cord area were observed in the experimental group. In addition, an increase in the mantle layer area and number cells of spinal cord in the experimental group regarding to controls was identified. Conclusion: The study showed that oral morphine consumption has caused to a decrease ependyma duct and spinal cord .This defect may cause postponed on function and development central neuron system. such as, changes observed in the fetus born by opioid addicted women

Identification of Site of Morphine Action in Pregnant Wistar Rat Placenta Tissue: A C14-Morphine Study

Objective: In previous studies it has been emphasized that the site of morphine action may be either in the embryo or the placenta. In the present study, we attempt to identify the site of morphine action on the fetal section of Wistar rat placenta by using C14-morphine.Materials and Methods: In this study (experimental), female Wistar rats (weights: 170-200 g) were mated with male rats and their coupling times recorded. Experimental groups received daily doses of 0.05 mg/ml of C14-morphine in their drinking water. On the 9th and14th embryonic days, the pregnant rats were anesthetized and the placenta and uterus surgically removed. Placentas were fixed in 10% formalin for two weeks, then processed, sectioned in 5 μm and 25 μm thicknesses, and fixed on glass slides for further evaluation. The 25 μm sections were delivered to black and white film for three days. Films were processed and evaluated with a digital inverse microscope for possible radiological impression. The 5 μm sections were processed for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and evaluated by light microscope and MOTIC software.Results: Our results indicated that the site of action of C14-morphine was possibly located on the blood plexus of the fetal portion of the placenta. In addition, oral morphine consumption was shown to inhibit fetal and maternal placental development in the experimental groups.Conclusion: We conclude that morphine’s effectiveness on the reduction of embryo growth and development may be via its effects on the blood plexus of the fetal section of the placenta

A review on different aspects of men\'s participation in antenatal care

Background & Objective: Nowadays, the participation of men in prenatal care is emphasized by international institutions to improve the health and reduce mortality of mothers and children. The purpose of this study was to review the various aspects of men participation in prenatal care. Methods: All of the articles published since 2005 to 2016 containing full texts which were archived in SID, Medlib, Magiran, IranMedex, Google Scholar and Pubmed were searched with the keywords of “Men” and “the empowerment of women with prenatal care” in both Persian and English languages. After the initial investigation and search on the basis of sources, a total of 7 Persian and 28 English articles were included in this study. Results: The results showed that the participation of men in prenatal care exerts positive effects on mother-infant outcomes. Increasing the expectations of women and core families are of the most important reasons showing the necessity of men participation in prenatal care. However, despite the positive attitude of couples towards men's participation, barriers such as lack of awareness among men and their undefined role in the field of prenatal care, economic and cultural issues and health system problems are the obstacles for men to cooperate in prenatal care. Conclusion: Considering the important role of men in different areas of women's life and the positive effects of their participation in reproductive health of women, different strategies should be used to promote men's participation in order to introduce them to different aspects of fertility. Therefore, further research in this field seems necessary