Cluster approximation solution of a two species annihilation model

A two species reaction-diffusion model, in which particles diffuse on a one-dimensional lattice and annihilate when meeting each other, has been investigated. Mean field equations for general choice of reaction rates have been solved exactly. Cluster mean field approximation of the model is also studied. It is shown that, the general form of large time behavior of one- and two-point functions of the number operators, are determined by the diffusion rates of the two type of species, and is independent of annihilation rates.Comment: 9 pages, 7 figure

Endonasal endoscopic Laser-assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy

Endonasal endoscopic laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy has many advantages over conventional external dacryocystorhinostomy. This technique avoids a cutaneous scar and causes less surgical trauma and bleeding than that seen in conventional lacrimal surgery. A total of 20 endoscopic laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy in 16 patients were performed between 1998 and 1999. the procedure was successful in 90% of cases, with no major complications. This success rate is comparable with external dacryocystorhinostomy. Silicone tubing was applied in 11 cases. The difference of success rates between the two groups (with and without silicone tubing) was not significant. It seems that creading a patent rhinostomy plays a more important role to achieve desirable results. Endonasal endoscopic laser-assisted dacryocystor-hinostomy provides a simple, bloodless, and incisionless alternative to external dacryocytorhinostomy in the majority of the patients suffering from symptoms of lacrimal obstruction

The Impact of Magnesium Supplementation on Serum Alkaline Phosphatase, Osteocalcin and Fracture Healing in Women with Bone Fracture

Introduction: Magnesium is an essential mineral in bone formation. This nutrient incorporates in bone metabolism and enhances bone mineralization. This study was designed to assess the effect of magnesium supplementation on alkaline phosphatase , osteocalcin, and also callus formation in women with long bone fracture. Methods: In this double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial, 32 women with long bone fracture, aged 20-45 years old, were randomly divided into the Mg group and control, receiving 250 mg magnesium oxide daily and placebo respectively for 8 weeks. Serum alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were measured at the beginning and the end point, and also callus formation was checked at the end of study. P value < 0.05 was considered as the significant level. Results: There was no significant difference between two groups in alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels at the beginning and the end of study. Serum alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels were increased in both groups, but they were not statistically significant. Furthermore, the callus formation, which revealed the fracture healing, was not different between 2 groups. Conclusion: This study concluded that Magnesium supplementation did not change the serum markers of bone formation and fracture healing; however, further studies need to approve this finding

Thallium determination using catalytic redox reaction between methylene blue and ascorbic acid

Methylene blue has been proposed as a new analytical reagent for the catalytic spectrophotometric determination of thallium (I). It reacts with ascorbic acid in acidic medium to form a colorless product. Thallium (I) increases the rate of reaction and it can be determined base on its catalytic effect on the reaction. The reagents and manifold variables influences on the sensitivity were investigated and the optimum conditions were established. The reaction has been followed spectrophotometrically by measuring the decrease in the absorbance of methylene blue at 664 nm. A fixed time method of 180.0 s from initiation of the reaction was used. Under optimum conditions, the proposed method allows the determination of thallium concentrations in the range 3.0 - 200 μg/mL with a detection limit of 0.09 μg/mL. This method is free from of most interference. The results of the proposed method for water samples were comparable with atomic absorption spectroscopy and were found to be in good agreement

Determining the Midwifery Staff in the Maternity Ward of Hospitals Using the Birthrate Plus Model

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In addition to reducing the costs in hospitals, manpower planning can ensure the quality of patient care. Therefore, this study, which is part of a comprehensive study, was conducted with the aim of applying the birth rate method to estimate the number of midwives required in the maternity ward. METHODS: In this analytical study, 334 patients who referred to the delivery ward of two hospitals affiliated to the Social Security Organization in Khorasan Razavi province were selected by systematic random sampling. Retrospective data were collected from patients' medical records using the Birthrate Plus (BR+) model questionnaire consisting of 34 items related to maternal and neonatal clinical factors based on scores obtained in five groups (score 6 in group one, score 7-9 in group two, score 10-13 in group three, score 14-18 in group four, and score 19 and above in group five). Then, the data were analyzed. FINDINGS: The results showed that the duration of stay in the maternity wards of the province and district hospitals was 12.07±5.18 and 7.17±4.22 hours, respectively (p<0.001). The mean duration of midwife's care in the two hospitals was significantly different (p<0.001). The results indicated more patients with complex conditions in the maternity ward of the province hospital. According to the "BR+" model, about 60% of patients in the province hospital were in groups 4 and 5, while it was 18% in another hospital. The number of midwives required in district and province hospitals was 27 and 72, respectively, based on full-time equivalent (FTE), which was obtained by converting it into an index equivalent to one midwife for 142 and 95 annual deliveries in the mentioned hospitals. CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that the use of the BR+ model, considering the length of stay and the severity of clients' symptoms, is a suitable model for determining the midwifery staff in the maternity ward

Mersilene mesh versus sclera in wrapping hydroxyapatite orbital implants

PURPOSE: To compare Mersilene mesh versus sclera in wrapping hydroxyapatite orbital implants used in primary enucleation. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized, interventional comparative case series, 60 eyes from 60 consecutive patients were included and randomly allocated for primary enucleation and either Mersilene mesh-wrapped hydroxyapatite (MHA) orbital implant (30 cases, 50) or sclera-wrapped hydroxyapatite (SHA) orbital implant (30 cases, 50) under general anesthesia. Complete socket examination was performed at 1 week, 1 month, and then every 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Mean age was not significantly different (P = 0.08) between patients with MHA (36.43 years) and SHA (28.50 years) orbital implants. The most common cause of enucleation was trauma in both groups (P = 0.09). Patients with MHA had significantly (P =0.005) longer follow-up time (mean, 11.40 months) than those with SHA (mean, 9.40 months). No exposure was found at last follow-up in the MHA group, but one patient in the SHA group had a small exposure (1 � 1 mm) 1 month after surgery that was conservatively treated. There were no significant postoperative soft tissue complications in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Sclera and Mersilene mesh could be used as a wrapping material for hydroxyapatite orbital implants without significant complications. Absence of disease transmission, low cost, and availability are the main advantages of Mersilene mesh. ©2006 The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Inc

Drug non-compliance among different types of psychiatric patients

Non-compliance in medication denotes the failure or refusal of an individual to take the prescribed medications as recommended by the medical practitioner. Compliance is adhering to the prescription of oral or other forms of medication as stipulated by the medical practitioner. Medication compliance affects intervention outcomes. Therefore, this study seeks to examine medication compliance among psychiatric patients. The majority of the participants have anxiety disorders, followed by depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder(OCD). Anxiety and depression disorders were the most common disorders between non-compliance patients. Most patients with non compliance medication were in the anxiety disorders and depression disorders groups. most of patient were unemployed or housewife that we include both groups as an un-employed group

Investigating Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease Based on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome phenotypes in the 18-14 year Old High School Girls in Shiraz 2009

Introduction: In patients with polycystic ovary syndrome hyperinsulinaemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia may represent an increased risk for coronary cardiovascular disease .This study aimed to investigate risk factors for cardiovascular disease based on polycystic ovary syndrome phenotypes in Shiraz. Methods: This Cross-sectional study was performed on 3200 students aged 18-14. Demographic survey, clinical signs of androgen excess (acne, hirsutism, alopecia), Ultrasound were applied in order to find the cyst. Tests included prolactin, dehydroepiandrodion sulfate, and oral glucose tolerance test, fasting blood glucose, blood sugar two hours later, triglycerides, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein. Data were submitted to SPSS software, version 11.5 and then analyzed by chi-square tests. Results: The serum cholesterol mean in four phenotypes had a statistically significant relationship with non-PCOS patients(p<0.05). Mean of serum cholesterol in oligomenorrhea, Hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovary phenotype (195.09±30.28) was higher than the other phenotypes. Mean of serum cholesterol and low density lipoprotein(LDL-C) were significantly higher in patients with Hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovarian phenotype(130.046±26.27) and oligomenorrhea, Hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovary syndrome phenotype(138.58±28.34) compared with non-infected individuals. Serum glucose mean in all phenotype was higher than non-infected after two hours and it showed a significant relation in oligomenorrhea and also polycystic ovarian phenotype(98.03 ± 20.98 versus 87.5±12.97) with non-infected individuals. Conclusion: Biochemical factors that lead to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases is increased in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Therefore, it should be attended in prevention program