Comparing the positive results of carpal tunnel syndrome surgery in two groups of patients with and without splint

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition in which the median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel is compressed. Then, gradual paralysis occurs. This study aimed to compare patient outcomes after surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome in both groups with and without splint. Methods: This study was conducted in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in Kashani hospital during 2011. 64 patients underwent surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome were selected and randomly divided into two groups of 32. For the first group, splints were considered after the surgery and for the second group, as the control group, splint was not given. Patients within 3, 6 and 12 weeks after surgery were followed and healing in the sense of motion and pain based on the visual analogue scale (VAS) measures were examined. Findings: Sensory conflict scores at the 3rd and 6th weeks in the group with splint were higher than the group without it; but, 12 weeks after the treatment, the results were identical. In any cases, motor involvement was not seen. At the 3rd week after the treatment, the mean pain score in the group without splint was higher than with splint group. The results of the 6th week after the treatment in both groups were almost identical; but, at the 12th week after the treatment, changes in pain intensity was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.97). Conclusion: Splinting after the surgical release of the median nerve probably causes a delay in the recovery of sensory, motor and pain; but due to the effect of material of used splint, the result is still uncertain and further broader interventions needs to be done in this regard

White blood cell count to mean platelet volume ratio as a novel non-invasive marker predicting long-term outcomes in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome

Background: Total white blood cell (WBC) count and mean platelet volume have previously been shown to predict outcomes in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. In this prospective study, we sought to determine the prognostic value of baseline WBC count to mean platelet volume ratio (WMR) in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). Methods: A total of 490 patients with NSTE-ACS were prospectively enrolled. The relationship between baseline WMR and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) incidence was assessed during a mean follow-up of 330.8 ± 38 days. Results: The patients’ mean age was 60.4 ± 12.9 year, 59% of them were male. The patients were categorized into two groups based on WMR values, high- and low-WMR groups (< 755 vs. ≥ 755). The incidence of MACE was significantly higher in high-WMR compared with that of low-WMR group (22.4% vs. 10.7%, p < 0.001). Total WBC counts (median 7.9 vs. 6.9 ×103/μL, p = 0.004), neutrophil count (median 4.6 vs. 4.2 ×103/μL, p = 0.021), and WMR (median 863.2 vs. 731.5, p = 0.001) were significantly higher in the MACE-positive than MACE-negative group. The high-WMR was found to be significantly associated with the MACE-free survival rate (p < 0.001). In an adjusted cox regression model, the elevated WMR was independently predicted the incidence of MACE (hazard ratio 2.419, 95% CI 1.515–3.862, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The elevated baseline WMR independently predicted the MACE incidence in patients with NSTE-ACS during long-term follow-up.

Seawater reverse osmosis membrane fouling causes in a full scale desalination plant; through the analysis of environmental issues: raw water quality

Background: Membrane clogging is one of the most important problem for desalination plant operators in Iran, therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the main causes of this problem using field analysis. Methods: In this study, six continuous membranes in a reverse osmosis (RO) pressure vessel under the 33-month service period (April 2017 to November 2019) were selected. The membranes were analyzed through visual evaluation of the outer and inner membrane surface, analyzing the damages and physical harms, oxidative stress tests, iron spot test, fouling chemical analysis using loss on ignition (LOI) tests, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Results: Particle size distribution in raw seawater (EC = 55 000 μs/cm, turbidity = 11 NTU) was 66.4% smaller than 1 μ and 28.3% between 1 to 1.9 μm. Physical damages were not seen on the membranes but telescopic damages were observed which was due to membrane fouling. Removal efficiencies of turbidity and silt density index (SDI) were 84% and 18%, respectively. Membrane oxidation was also seen. Most of the sediments compositions on the membranes were SiO2, Al2O3, MgO, and Fe2O3. Biological fouling was detected on the membranes surface. Conclusion: Inaccurate use of chlorine neutralizer caused the residual chlorine to be present in the membrane entering water, which damaged the membrane. Accumulation of clogging agents on membrane surface showed malfunction of pretreatment function, therefore, revision of design and operation of units is necessary. Biological fouling is due to non-effective pre-chlorination of drinking water. Metallic compounds sedimentation on the membrane is due to improper use of anti-fouling chemicals. High SDI in the influent shows the need to change the cartridge filters. Keywords: Seawater, Drinking, Chlorides, Particle size, Chloride, Spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, Ira

Reliability, Validity, and Factorial Analysis of a Short Version of the Self-Regulation Inventory

AbstractThe study examined psychometric properties of a short version of the Self-Regulation Inventory (SRI-S) including reliability, validity, and exploratory factor analysis of the SRI-S in an Iranian students. Six hundred and seventy six Iranian volunteers (294 \males, 382 females) from universities in Iran were included in this study. All participants were asked to complete the SRI-S (Marques, Ibanez, Ruiperez, Moya, & Ortet, 2005), the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised Short Scale (EPQ-RS; Eysenck, Eysenck, & Barrett, 1985), and the Mental Health Inventory (MHI-28; Besharat, 2009). The results of explarotary factor analysis supported a single general factor of self-regulation and a five factor structure including Positive Actions, Controllability, Expression of Feelings and Needs, Assertiveness, and Well-Being Seeking. The convergent and discriminant validity of the SRI-S were supported by an expected pattern of correlations between the scale and the measures of personality and mental health. All correlation coefficients between the mean scores on the SRI-S and scores of the extraversion, neuroticism, psychological well-being, and psychological distress were statistically significant

Bilateral Angle-Closure Glaucoma in a Young Female Receiving Cabergoline: A Case Report

Purpose: To report a case of bilateral acute angle-closure glaucoma after oral administration of cabergoline for the treatment of galactorrhea. Methods: A diagnosis of secondary drug-induced angle-closure glaucoma was made in a patient with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and myopic refractive shift, which was confirmed by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) of the ciliary body and anterior segment, sonography, and optical coherence tomography. The treatment included the discontinuation of the culprit drug and the administration of topical anti-glaucoma drops. The treatment course was followed with serial measurements of the IOP and refraction, and with performing UBM. Results: Five hours after he received a single 0.5-mg oral cabergoline tablet, the patient suffered from acute secondary angle-closure glaucoma and myopic refractive error. UBM demonstrated both effusion of the ciliary body and an anterior rotation of the iris-ciliary body. IOP was reduced 8 h after cessation of the causative agent and administration of anti-glaucoma drops. Refractive errors returned to normal levels after 8 days. Conclusion: Secondary acute angle-closure glaucoma has been reported to occur after the administration of some drugs. In this report, an attempt has been made to describe this adverse reaction after oral cabergoline intake

The Effects of the Toxicity of (Fe (so4).7H2o) on the isolated Mitochondria from the brain of rat

Introduction: Iron, through the reaction of Fenton, generates free radicals such as active oxygen radicals and activates the oxidative stress pathway. The oxidative stress due to the increased iron level in the brain regions plays  an important role in creation of neurodegenerative diseases. Methods and Results:In this study, the mitochondria of the brain tissue of Wild Wistar Rat isolated from various centrifuge rounds and with the concentrations of Fe (so4).7H2o were incubated at 30 and 60 minutes. To determine IC50 Fe (so4).7H2o, the mitochondrial survival ratio was measured by MTT test. Mitochondrial suspension with the concentration of 0.5 mg protein/ml at various concentrations of Fe (so4).7H2o was placed in a shaker incubator at 37° C for 30 and 60 minutes. Then the activity of mitochondrial complex 2 and the formation ratio of reactive oxygen species was investigated. The results showed that IC50 ratio for Fe (so4).7H2o was 20 and 5 μg/ml at 30 and 60 minutes, respectively, and mitochondria incubation isolated from the brain tissue of the rat with Fe (so4).7H2o can disrupt be the electron transfer chain and significantly increases the formation of reactive oxygen species compared to the control group (P <0.001). Conclusions:The findings of this study indicate that Fe (so4).7H2o disrupts electron transfer chain in the mitochondria and causes increasing ROS production. This excessive increase of ROS can activate the oxidative stress pathway and ultimately activate the cell toxicity pathways

The Effect of Listening to the Quran Verses on the Happiness of Girl Students of Junior High School in Borujen

Background: Happiness among students can enhance school performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of listening to the Quran verses on the happiness of female students of a junior high school in Borujen, Iran. Methods: In this semi-experimental study, all students of the 2nd grade of the Distinct Governmental Junior High School in Borujen, Iran, were included by census sampling method. Data were collected by the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire completed by the students. Then, the verses of Hashr sura recited by Mahmoud Minshavi were replayed for one week. After this, the questionnaires were completed by the students again. Finally, the data were analyzed by paired t-tests using SPSS 15. Results: In this study, 92 girl students of Junior High School with an average age of 13.57±0.49 were included. The average score of happiness before and after listening to the Quran verses were 60.39±10.69 and 67.58±14.30, respectively. The scores of happiness significantly increased (P<0.001). Conclusion: The findings show that Quran recitation probably increases the happiness of the students. Therefore, by planning to have Quran recitation in schools, the level of students’ happiness can be increased

Adjunctive Local Application of Lidocaine during Scleral Buckling under General Anesthesia

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of local lidocaine application on the incidence of the oculocardiac reflex (OCR) during scleral buckling (SB) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) under general anesthesia. Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, eyes with RRD scheduled for SB under general anesthesia were randomized to adjunctive local application of 1 ml lidocaine 2% versus normal saline to the muscles after conjunctival opening. Surgical stimulation was initiated 5 minutes afterwards. Additionally, 100 mg of lidocaine 2% was added to 50 ml of normal saline in the treatment group which was used for irrigation during surgery; control eyes were irrigated with normal saline. The incidence of the OCR, rate of postoperative nausea/vomiting (PONV), total intravenous (IV) analgesic dose, duration of surgery, and period of hospitalization were compared between the study groups. Results: Thirty eyes of 30 patients including 22 (73.3%) male and 8 (26.7%) subjects with mean age of 49.4΁16.3 years were operated. OCR and PONV occurred less frequently, and total intravenous analgesic dose was significantly lower in the lidocaine group (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). However, no significant difference was noted between the study groups in terms of duration of surgery and period of hospitalization. Conclusion: Adjunctive local application of lidocaine during SB under GA for RRD decreases the rate of OCR and PONV, reduces the intravenous analgesic dose, but does not affect the duration of surgery or hospitalization

Operational Strategies for Establishing Disaster-Resilient Schools: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Resilient schools can warranty students’ health and survival at disasters. It is obligatory that schools be prepared for natural challenges through local programs. Considering the great population of students, disaster-resilient schools can be a safe and suitable environment for students at the time of disaster.&nbsp;Objective: This study aims to identify certain operational strategies for establishing schools resilient to natural disasters.&nbsp;Method: This qualitative study was based on conventional content analysis. Using purposive sampling method, 24 experts in the fields of health in disasters, construction engineering, psychology, teaching, and administrative management participated in the study. Maximum variation sampling continued until data saturation was achieved. The data collected via unstructured interviews were analyzed with Graneheim and Lundmen’s conventional content analysis.&nbsp;Results: Content analysis resulted in four main categories as operational strategies for establishing disaster-resilient schools including: 1) “construction and non-construction optimization”, with four subcategories of construct risk management, optimization of construct architecture and physical structure, correct construct localization, and promotion of non-construct safety, 2) “promotion of organizational coordination and interactions” with two subcategories, namely improvement&nbsp; in intra-organizational communication and improvement&nbsp; in extra-organizational communication, 3) “improvement&nbsp; in education” with three subcategories of holding educational courses for families and students, holding educational courses for managers and personnel, and holding simulated exercises, and 4) “process promotion” with four subcategories of increased preparedness, correct planning, creation of organizational structure, and rehabilitation facilitation.&nbsp;Conclusion: Various factors affecting schools’ response to disasters form operational strategies to establish disaster-resilient schools. These strategies influence pre- and post-disaster preparedness. Awareness of these components followed by preparedness prior to disasters can save students’ lives, improve school performance after disasters, and aid in establishing disaster-resilient schools as safe lodgings