Factors Affecting the Decline in Childbearing in Iran: A Systematic Review

AbstractIntroduction: The decline in fertility and childbearing tendency in Iran is due tovarious demographic, economic, social, and cultural variables. The present research wasconducted to review studies carried out on factors affecting the decline in childbearing.Methods: This systematic review searched for articles published from 2011 to 2017in all the available Iranian and foreign databases, including SID, Magiran, Irandoc,Medlib, Pubmed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Proquest using the followingkeywords, “childbearing”, “fertility”, “fertility decline” and “population decline”. Thesearch ultimately led to the inclusion of 53 studies.Results: The main factors affecting the decline in childbearing discussed in the 53reviewed articles were divided to three general categories: 1. Personal and familyfactors, including aging, older age at marriage, current number of children, theduration of marriage, the mean birth spacing, gender preferences, hopefulness, maritalsatisfaction, and quality of life, 2. Socioeconomic factors, including social support,education, occupation and social participation, especially of females, place of residenceand the effect of social networks, 3. Cultural factors, including modernity, urbanizationand industrialization, attitude change towards the value of children, changes in familyvalues and religion.Conclusions: To intervene in the decline in childbearing and to increase the successrate of the designed plans and strategies, policy-makers and planners should providestrategies to deal with all the three noted groups of factors affecting childbearing

The effect of health education program on knowledge, attitude and performance in male primary school students regarding Tinea Capitis in Chabahar

Background and aim: In many parts of the world Tinea Capitis is a public health problem, especially in primary school children. The control of the disease is dependent on patients education for increasing their knowledge and health. The aim of this study was to evaluate on knowledge, attitude and performance in male primary school students regarding Tinea Capitis in Chabahar in 2007-2008. Methods: In this quasi-experimental (case – control) study, 115 primary school students were randomly selected from two primary school in the city of Chabahar. Students were assigned into two groups. Tools and data collection methods were included: questionnaire, check list and laboratory samples of scalp and hair. At the beginning of the research, a pre-test was performed on the students and according to the data obtained, an educational program were prepared and was performed for experimental group. Post-test was done after two months. Data was analyzed using chi-square, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon and McNemar tests. Results: The findings showed a significant increase in the knowledge, attitude, performance in experimental group (P<0.001). In addition, experimental group demonstrated a significant decrease in Tinea Capitis (P<0.01). The results of this study showed that there is a significant relationship between Tinea Capitis and weight, type of skin and parents education (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this research show that the risk of Tinea Capitis transmission is a public health problem and health education is a suitable response to this problem

Oropharyngeal candidiasis and resistance to antifungal drugs in patients receiving radiation for head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND: Oropharyngeal candidiasis is a common infection in patient receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Accurate and rapid identification of candida species is very important in clinical laboratory, because the incidence of candidiasis continues to rise after radiotherapy. The genus Candida has about 154 species that show different level of resistance to antifungal drugs and have high degree of phenotypic similarity. The aim of this study was to investigate oral yeast colonization and infection and resistance to antifungal drugs in these patients. METHODS: Thirty patients receiving a 6-week course of radiation therapy for treatment of head and neck cancer at the Oncology Unit in Shafa Hospital, in 2008, were enrolled in the study. Specimens from patients were cultured weekly for Candida. All isolates were plated on CHROM agar and RPMI-based medium. They were subcultured and submitted for antifungal susceptibility testing (nystatin, fluconazole, clotrimazole and ketoconazole) and molecular typing. RESULTS: Infection (clinical and microbiological evidence) occurred in 50% of the patients and Candida colonization (only microbiological evidence) occurred in 70% of subjects in the first week. Candida albicans alone was isolated in 94.9% of patient visits with positive cultures. Candida tropicalis was isolated from 5.1% of patient visits with positive cultures. All isolates were susceptible to nystatin, but did not respond to the other antifungal drugs CONCLUSIONS: The irradiation-induced changes of the intraoral environment such as xerostomia lead to increased intraoral colonization by Candida species. All yeast isolates were susceptible to nystatin. Thus prophylactic therapy with nystatin should be considered for these patients. KEY WORDS: Oropharyngeal candidiasis, radiation, colonization, antifungal drugs, cance

Evaluation of an intervention program to promote neck care for computer user among staff and students of a Malaysian public university

Background: Computers are one of the most useful equipment developed in this electronic era. However incorrect posture and prolonged use of computers are risk factors for developing neck pain. A health promotion program was developed to educate computer users regarding neck care. The program was then evaluated to observe its effects in increasing knowledge, attitude and practice among the respondents. Materials and Methods: This was an intervention study conducted in a local public university. A set of materials consisting of a pamphlet, posters and questionnaire, were developed for the study. The pamphlet and posters were based on a study on exercises performed while sitting, while the questionnaire was based on a study assessing a neck care intervention program. The materials were assessed and validated prior to the program. Study variables were respondents’ characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practice/intention to practice neck care. The knowledge, attitude and practice/intention to practice were measured at baseline and post intervention and the changes were compared. Result: A total of 41 respondents participated. At baseline, only 61% of the respondents knew that daily computer use for 2 hours or more increased the risk of developing neck problem, however the percentage increased significantly after the program (P=0.001). The attitude toward the necessity to do exercise while working in front of the computer was 85.5% at the beginning but had also increased significantly after the program (P=0.008). All parameters forming the intention to practice good neck care (i.e. to sit with straight upper back, to do simple neck exercise while working in front of the computer and to adjust sitting position to maintain good posture) were significantly increased (P<0.05) after the intervention program. Conclusion: The knowledge and attitude regarding good neck care and the intention to practice good neck care significantly improved after the intervention program. More intervention programs to promote neck care for computer users should be carried out

Multi-Cultural Curriculum Planning Approaches in Higher Education

Curriculum as a political document in every society must reflect its values and basic policies. In this research some approaches to multi-cultural curriculum planning in higher education have been presented, the results of which could be applicable in the Ministry of Higher Education (for all Universities), Farhangian University, and Shahid Rajaiee Teachers’ Training University. The research is a practical one using a descriptive-analytical methodology and library or documented study. It has also carried out a field survey obtaining the needed info through interviews and questionnaires. Using Cochran Model, the sampling consisted of 373 persons from the statistical population of 10000 professors, staff,  and university students studying within the period of 1391 to 1396, pursuing their continuous Bachelor Degree in Farhangian University. In this research SWOT method has been used for analyzing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and presenting the most important policies of multi cultural curriculum. Moreover, the strategic model of SOAR has been applied to planning the strategy of strengths and explaining the opportunities, ideals, and results. Then with applying the quantitative strategic planning matrix, the various strategy choices have been identified and assessed. We can sum پ up the best strategy for multi-cultural curriculum planning as setting up the curriculum and syllabus on the basis of the whole country's cultural diversity to the extent that the policy of “unity in plurality” will be implemented properly

Relationship between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Febrile Seizures

ObjectiveFebrile seizure is the most common convulsive disorder in childhood. The role of iron in metabolism of neurotransmitters and carrying oxygen to the brain suggests the possibility of a relationship between iron deficiency anemia and febrile seizures.The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between iron deficiency anemia and febrile seizures.Materials &amp; MethodsThis case - control study was performed on 132 cases and 88 controls, aged 9 months to 5 years, from July 2007 to June 2009 in Baqyiatallah Hospital. Patients were selected using simple random sampling. The case group included children with first febrile seizure (core temperature over 38.5˚C during  seizure) without a central nervous system infection or an acute brain insult. The control group included children suffering from a febrile illness without seizure. Iron deficiency anemia was defined with one of these laboratory indexes: 1) Hemoglobin (Hb) &lt;10.5mg/dl 2) Plasma ferritin &lt;12ng/dl 3) Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) &lt;70  fl. The data collected from patients were analyzed with SPSS.13 software.ResultsLow plasma ferritin was found in 35 cases (26.5%) compared to 26 controls (29.5%), low Hb level was found in 4 cases (3%) compared to 6 controls (6.8%) and low MCV was found in 5 cases (3.8%) compared to 6 controls (6.8%).There was no significant difference in plasma ferritin , Hb level and MCV indices between the two group.ConclusionConsidering the above-mentioned results, there is no relationship between iron deficiency anemia and febrile seizures

Molecular diagnosis and anti-microbial resistance patterns among Shigella spp. isolated from patients with diarrhea

Aim: This study aims to determine the serogroup distribution and molecular diagnosis, as well as antimicrobial resistance profiles among Shigella spp. isolated from patients with diarrhea in Kerman, southeast of Iran. Background: Shigella species are frequent cause of bacterial dysentery worldwide. Previous studies have been reported that S. sonnei and S. flexneri are the most prevalent serogroups in various parts of Iran. Patients and methods: A total of 624 stool samples were randomly collected from patients with diarrhea from June 2013 to August 2014. Biochemical and serological characterizations were performed for identifying Shigella spp. In addition, the multiplex PCR assay was carried out for the detection and differentiation of three pathogenic Shigella spp. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results: Fifty six (9%) Shigella strains were isolated from stool samples. The most common species were S. flexneri 31(55.4%), followed by S. sonnei 18(32.1%) and S. boydii 7(12.5%). S. dysentery was not detected in the present study. All the isolates that identified by serological test as Shigella spp. were confirmed by the multiplex PCR method. The highest rate of resistance was observed for ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole antibiotics with 52(92.9%) resistant, followed by tetracycline 44(78.6%) and cefotaxime 33(58.9%). All Shigella isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin. A significant relationship was found between the Shigella species and cefotaxime resistance (p<0.05). Conclusion: S. flexneri was found as the most prevalent serogroup causing shigellosis. The high rate of resistance to third-generation cephalosporins limits the treatment options available for the management of shigellosis in Kerman, Iran

Thyroid Function in Epileptic Children who Receive Carbamazepine, Primidone, Phenobarbital and Valproic Acid

ObjectiveIn this study, we investigated the changes of the serum levels of thyroidhormones including Thyroxine (T4), Triiodothyronine (T3), T3 resin uptake andThyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in epileptic children during treatment withanti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) including carbamazepine (CBZ), primidone (PRM),phenobarbital and valproic acid (VPA).Materials and MethodsThis study consisted of four case-series comparisons, was conducted on 115epileptic children (37 girls and 78 boys with an age range between 2 monthsand 15 years, mean: 62.06 ± 44.97 months). These children were divided into4 groups who took either phenobarbital (n=29), PRM (n=28), CBZ (n=29), orVPA (n=29) for 3 months. Thyroid hormone levels (T3, T3 resin uptake, T4 andTSH) were measured at the beginning and three months after starting the study.ResultsAt first, all patients were euthyroid and there were no clinical or laboratoryfindings suggestive of hypothyroidism. Regarding thyroid hormones before andafter the administration of phenobarbital, carbamazepine, valproic acid andprimidone, there were no significant changes in serum T3, T4, T3 resin uptakeand TSH levels.ConclusionOur findings showed that short term therapy with phenobarbital, carbamazepine,valproic acid and primidone had no effect on thyroid function etsts.Key words: Anti-epileptic drugs; Thyroid hormones; Epileptic children.  

The Study of SLC26A4 Gene Causing Autosomal Recessive Hearing Loss by Linkage Analysis in a Cohort of Iranian Populations.

Sensorineural non-syndromic hearing loss is the most common disorder which affects 1 in 500 newborns. Hearing loss is an extremely heterogeneous defect with more than 100 loci identified to date. According to the studies, mutations in GJB2 are estimated to be involved in 50- 80% of autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss cases, but contribution of other loci in this disorder is yet ambiguous. With regard to studies, DFNB4 locus (SLC26A4) can be classified as the second cause of hearing loss. So, this study aimed to determine the contribution of this locus in hearing loss as well as the frequency of SLC26A4 gene mutations in a population in the west of Iran. In this descriptive laboratory study, we included 30 families from the west of Iran with no mutation in GJB2 gene. Linkage analysis was performed by DFNB4 (SLC26A4) molecular markers (STR). The families with hearing loss linked to this locus were further analyzed for mutation detection. SLC26A4 gene exons were amplified and analyzed using direct DNA sequencing. In studied families, 2 families displayed linkage to DFNB4 locus. Identified mutations include mutation in exon 5 (c.416 G>T) and in splicing site of exon 7 (IVS-2 A>G or c.919-2 A>G)

The Relationship between Structure of the Corticoreticular Tract and Walking Capacity in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Background: Disruption in the descending pathways may lead to gait impairments in Cerebral Palsy (CP) children. Though, the mechanisms behind walking problems have not been completely understood.Objective: We aimed to define the relationship between the structure of the corticoreticular tract (CRT) and walking capacity in children with CP.Material and Methods: This is a retrospective, observational, and cross-sectional study. Twenty-six children with CP between 4 to 15 years old participated. Also, we used existed data of healthy children aged 4 to 15 years old. CRT structure was characterized using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). The DTI parameters extracted to quantify CRT structure included: fractional anisotropy (FA), mean (MD), axial (AD), and radial (RD) diffusivity. Balance and walking capacity was evaluated using popular clinical measures, including the Berg balance scale (BBS), Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG; balance and mobility), six-minute walk test (6 MWT; gait endurance), and 10-meter walk Test (10 MWT; gait speed).Results: There are significant differences between MD, AD, and RD in CP and healthy groups. Brain injury leads to various patterns of the CRT structure in children with CP. In the CP group with abnormal CRT patterns, DTI parameters of the more affected CRT are significantly correlated with walking balance, speed, and endurance measures. Conclusion: Considering the high inter-subject variability, the variability of CRT patterns is vital for determining the nature of changes in CRT structure, their relationship with gait impairment, and understanding the underlying mechanisms of movement disorders. This information is also important for the development or prescription of an effective rehabilitation target for individualizing treatment