Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment of the Scientific Production of Kerman University of Medical Sciences Academic Members in Scopus Database

Background: The rapid growth of scientific production and the number of researchers has made decision makers think about scientific approaches for evaluation of the researchers’ performance. Scientometric indicators have been introduced to analyze science by quantitative methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the scientific production of academic members at Kerman University of Medical Sciences (KMU) based on Scientometric indicators. Methods: This was a analytical survey research. The study population was scientific productions of all academic members of KMU until 22nd of August, 2014. Direct search of Scopus Database and checklist were used for data collection. Results: The highest mean (median) of published articles belonged to the Pharmacy School, while the lowest belonged to the Nursing and Midwifery School [17.66(20.50) and 3.08 (0) respectively, (P<0.0001)]. The highest H-Index was 17 and approximately half of the academic members had zero H-indices. A strong positive and significant correlation was found between academic members’ work experience and H-index (r=0.8, P<0.0001).There was also a positive and significant relationship between H-index and academic rank (P<0.0001). Conclusion: The results shows that scientific production of KMU academic members is not significantly different from that of other medical universities of Iran, but it is still far away from global standards. Therefore, policy makers should provide the scientific development requirements through wise planning

Frequncey of PDCD1.3 gene polymorphisms in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Background and Objective: Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in programmed cell death which expressed at high level in T cells, plays an important role in the development and cause autoimmune disorders. This study was done to evaluate the frequncy of rs11568821 polymorphism in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: This case-control study was done on 76 patients with SLE and 56 healthy controls. After DNA extraction, frequncy of polymorphisms PDCD1.3 by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing methods in subjects were determined. Results: There was a significant diference between frequency of allele and genotype at rs11568821 Polymorphism in region of intron 4 of PDCD1.3 gene in case and control groups (P<0.05). A allele and AG genotype was significantly higher in patients than healthy controls (9.5% vs 0.09%, P<0.05). There was no significant association between clinical and laboratory findings with genotype frequencies. Conclusion: rs11568821 single nucleotide polymorphism in intron 4 gene region PDCD1 can be used as a genetic factor to be involved the SLE susceptibility

Do Iranian Female-headed Households Have Lower Socio-economic and Nutritional Status Compared to Male-headed ones?

Background and Objectives: Poverty and risk of nutritional vulnerability of female-headed households (FHHs) are usually higher than male-headed households (MHHs). This study aimed at comparing the socio-economic status, and food and nutrient intake of FHHs and MHHs based on the data from Comprehensive Study on Household Food Consumption Patterns and Nutritional Status of Iran (2001-2003). Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the samples were urban and rural households of the country, which were determined by the Statistics Center of Iran using systematic cluster method. The socio-economic and demographic characteristics of households were asked by interview and observational techniques, and recorded in data forms. The dietary data were collected using three consecutive 24-hour recalls completed by nutrition experts. For the purpose of this study, FHHs and MHHs were compared in terms of socio-economic characteristics, consumption pattern and nutritional status. Results: From 7158 households of the study, 5.5% were female-headed including 116 rural (1/6%) and 280 urban (3.9%) households. Educational and occupational status among FHHs were significantly lower than among MHHs (p<0.05); however, in terms of average total expenditure per capita, accommodation type, and lodging facilities such as electricity and water consumption, no significant differences were observed between FHHs and MHHs. In contrast, MHHs enjoyed more facilities. The significant difference in food consumption among the urban households was only found in fruits and sweets, and in the rural areas, in oils and fats group (p<0.05). In FHHs, calcium, Vitamin C and thiamin intake was lower than in male-headed group. In the rural areas, the retinol and energy intake posted a lower and higher level, respectively, over MHHs (p<0.05). Conclusions: In spite of lower socio-economic level among FHHs, the differences in food and nutrient intake were only seen in fruits, calcium, Vitamin C and retinol intake, especially in the rural areas. Therefore, in the diet of these households, energy dense foods should be partly replaced by foods providing nutrients such as Ca, Vitamin C and retinol. Keywords: Female-headed households, Food consumption patterns, Nutritional status, Family structure, Socio-economic statu