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  ABSTRACT

  Background and Aim : In patients who have a chronic disease such as end stage renal disease (ESRD) for which cure is not a realistic goal, improving performance and well-being of the patients should be regarded as primary objectives. However, the status of performance in the dialysis patients is lower than normal. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of self-care educational program on decreasing the problems and improving the quality of life of dialysis patients.

  Materials and Methods : This study was a Quasi-Experimental research in which pretest and posttest were designed for one group in the educational hospitals of Iran and Tehran medical science universities in 1383-1384. From 36 patients invited to participate in the study, 4 of them refused to cooperate. 32 patients took part in the study. The patients were chosen on the basis of a non-randomized sampling. Every patient was assessed two times in an interval of two weeks before starting dialysis by questionnaires about educational requirement, quality of life and by a checklist. In order to validate the results, the laboratory variables were analyzed on the average two months prior to the education. Then an educational program including existing problems was designed and the characteristics of every subject were determined and the required information was presented in two sessions. After the educational period, the laboratory variables and quality of life two months after education were evaluated and analyzed. Also the checklists were reviewed in two stages, two weeks apart (third and fifth weeks).

  Results : The results of this study showed that there was a significant decrease in serum urea, s uric acid, s p, weight gain at intervals between dialyses, systolic blood pressure, edema, skin itching, local vascular problems with improvement of the quality of life.

  Conclusion : Performing the self-care educational program had a positive effect on decreasing the problems leading to improvement of the quality of life of dialysis patients.�

  Key words: Self-care, Quality of life, Dialysis�

 

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  ABSTRACT

 Background and Aim: Chromium is a transitional element of group 6 and is the 21rst common element in the nature which occurs in two forms: a three valent and a 6 valent form. Electroplating industry contributes much to the pollution of the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of reverse osmosis membrane in the removal of chromium from industrial sewages. We also studied the optimum condition for reverse osmosis membrane for removal of chromium.

  Material and Methods: At first, synthetic chromium solutions with concentrations of 5, 10, 15, 20 g/l were prepared and injected into the spiral module of 2521 TE model RO system made in Korea by CSM Company. The influence of operating pressure, feed concentration, temperature, and pH on chromium removal efficiency for each concentration was determined.

  Results: Our study revealed that a 200psi pressure (α=0.01), 10 g/l concentration (α=0.05), 25˚C temperature (α=0.05) and a pH of 6-7 gave rise to the optimum condition for removal chromium.

  Conclusion: The efficiency of chromium removal by reverse osmosis membrane was about 99%. Therefore this method of chromium removal, when compared to other methods, is more suitable and effective.

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Background and Aim: Retrobulbar block is a relatively unpleasant and painful procedure. For well being and safety of the patients during retrobulbar block, sedation is required. This study was designed to compare the sum of sedative effects of ketamine and propofol with that of propofol alone in patients receiving retrobulbar block for cataract surgery. Material and Methods: Sixty patients were assigned into two groups randomly and received retrobulbar nerve block for cataract surgery. Under identical conditions, in the propofol group sedation was induced with 0.3mg/kg propofol while sedation in ketamine plus propofol group was induced with 0.3mg/kg propofol plus 0.15mg/kg ketamine. In all patients, vital signs, the status of sedation and hypnoses, intraocular pressure, amnesia, onset and duration of sedation were measured and recorded. Side effects of the drugs were evaluated in the first 24 h after operation. Data were analyzed by means of T-test and x2. Results: Duration of sedation was longer in ketamine plus propofol group (5.8±2.8 min) than that of propofol group (4.1±2.4 min) (p<0/05(. Intraocular pressure in ketamine plus propofol group was less than that of propofol group (p>0/05). On the other hand ketamine plus propofol group patients showed a decline in the need for excess sedation, awareness, and psychological reactions. Seven patients in propofol group developed vertigo and six patients in ketamine plus propofol group developed agitation as the side effects of these drugs. Conclusion: Addition of low dose ketamine to propofol will increase duration of sedation and decrease IOP, without increasing unwanted side effects, in comparison with propofol alone for performing retrobulbarblock,. Conflict of Interest: Nill Received: Dec 14, 2008 Accepted: April 15, 2009

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Background and Aim: Selenium as an antioxidant is essential for normal function of testis and spermatogenesis. It can reduce formation of free oxygen radicals and as a result it is expected to improve male fertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate alterations in antioxidant capacity of old rats sperms after prescription of 0.2 mg/kg of Selenium. Materials and Methods: In this study, 15 old male rats of 10-12 months of age and 15 adult male rats of 2-3 months of age were randomly divided into three groups: control, sham and experimental groups. Control group did not receive any treatment sham group rats received intra peritoneal injections of equal volume of Selenium solvents (normal saline) as Selenium in experimental group. Experimental groups of male rats received daily intraperitoneal injection of Selenium (0.2 mg/kg) for 5 weeks. After 42 days from initiation of injection, the rats were killed by cervical dislocation and after obtaining sperm, total antioxidant capacity of the sperms was measured by FRAP assay. The absorbance of TPTZ-Fe+2 was read at 593 nm by spectrophotometery. For the statistical analysis, SPSS software was used and data analysis was performed by means of Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Withney U tests. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Results of this study showed significant differences in mean values of total antioxidant capacity in both old and adult rats in experimental and control groups (P<0.05). Also comparison of mean values of antioxidant capacity of sperm solution in adult and old control groups showed a significant difference (742.26±1.06 vs. 672.061±0.78 respectively) (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that Selenium treatment in old rats (0.2 mg/kg after 35 days) can improve total antioxidant capacity of the sperms of old rats. Regarding low levels of antioxidants in old rats, it can be suggested oxidative stress can result in diminution of antioxidant levels. Therefore antioxidant therapy could be considered as a method for improvement of the quality of sperms of old men. Conflict of Interest: Nill Received: Sep 15, 2008 Accepted: May 31, 2009

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ABSTRACT Background and Aim: Regular blood transfusions in beta thalassemic patients can lead to accumulation of extra iron in the body which may result in cardiac complications and death. Deferrioxamin (DFO) is the standard treatment for this condition but 12-8 hours subcutaneous (SQ) injection of this drug per day can cause local pain which together with lack of patients´ compliance, it is necessary to use another drug to improve the condition of the patients. Deferiprone (DFP), is an approved drug for this purpose and removes iron from cells including cardiac muscle cells. The aim of this study is to compare efficacy of deferrioxamin with that of combined deferiprone and deferrioxamin on echocardiographic indices in beta thalassemic patients. Material and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial 40 thalassemic patients who met the inclusion criteria of this study were divided into two equal groups. Controls group received SQ deferrioxamin for six days/week and intervention group received deferrioxamin for three days/week and deferiprone orally for four days/week. Cardiac indices were measured and compared before and after the study. Results: Mean values of the age of the patients were 15.65.1 and 14.16 years in the intervention and control group respectively. Right ventricle diameter (RVD) indices in control group was 18.77.6 and 20.86.6 mm before and after treatment respectively (P<0.05). In the intervention group RVD indices were 19.55.8 and 18.0 4.7 mm before and after treatment respectively (P>0.05). Other indices such as LVEDD, LVESD, aortic root diameter, EF and Fs of left ventricle and also indices of the heart valves revealed no significant differences between the two groups. We didn’t observe any side effect of the drugs in the patients. Conclusion: We concluded combined therapy with 4 days DFP and 3 days DFO per week did not lead to cardiac complications and deterioration of echocardiographic indices. Key words: Major thalassemia, Deferrioxamin, Deferiprone, Echocardiographic indices. Conflict of Interest: Nill Received: May 25, 2009 Accepted: August 11, 2009

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ABSTRACT Background and Aim: Isoniazid is one of the essential first line drugs in TB treatment. Resistance rate to this drug is increasing in many parts of the world. Mutations in KatG and inhA genes are frequently the cause of resistance of mycobacterium TB to INH. The aim of this study was to find a precise method for early detection of mutations associated with resistance of mycobacterium TB to INH. Materials and Methods: After performing sensitivity tests, presence of mutations in special loci of katG and inhA genes in 90 specimens obtained from positive cultures of TB patients was investigated. PCR-RLFP method was used to detect mutations in katG 315 codon. The PCR product resulting from the reproduction of this genetic segment (620 bp) was digested by restriction enzyme MspI. To identify mutations in inhA gene, MAS-PCR technique was used. Results: 34.5% of the INH resistant strains had Thr315 phenotype and 65.5% had Ser 315 phenotype. Thr 315 is 100% specific for determination of INH resistant isolates. Among 52 resistant isolates, 34.6% had Arg and 65.4% had Leu in codon 463. The frequencies of mutations in the (-15C → T) locus of inhA gene were 20% and 16.7% in MDR and Non MDR isolates respectively. Conclusions: By using PCR-RFLP with restrictive enzyme and MAS PCR mutations in codon 315 of KatG gene and promoter location of inhA gene can be identified. These methods are simpler and cheaper than other methods and provide early accurate and reliable results. Key words: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Isoniazid resistance, PCR-RFLP, KatG, inhA. Conflict of Interest: Nill Received: Dec 30, 2009 Accepted: Feb 7, 2010

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ABSTRACT Background and Aim: C- reactive protein (CRP) is a plasma protein which is a marker of inflammation. Recently it has been shown that the increased level of CRP is associated with increased risk of MI, IHD, DM and hypertension. There are plenty of published articles in regard to the role of CRP in the pathogenesis of COPD. Also a potential role for CRP in the pathogenesis of asthma has been proposed. The local inflammation is an established pathology in the asthma however, little is known about role of systemic inflammation. We compared serum levels of highly sensitive CRP between steroid inhaling asthmatic patients and non asthmatic healthy controls. Material and Methods: This case-control study, based on standard criteria, included fifty known cases of asthmatic patients who met the inclusion criteria and fifty non asthmatic subjects. Serum levels of CRP were measured and compared with each other in both groups by ELISA method. All asthmatics were at the same stage of treatment. Results: The mean age of the asthmatic patients was 46.9±9.8 years and that of control group was 44±14.35 years. Durations of pulmonary symptoms were <3 years in 20%, 3-5 years in 36%, 6-12 years in 24% and >13years in 20% of the patients. HS-CRP levels were significantly higher in asthmatic patients than in control patients (34.79 mg/dl versus 12.8 mg/dl respectively) (P=0.001). HS-CRP levels had no significant relation with age, gender and duration of asthma. Conclusion: In asthma inflammation is not limited to airways and like COPD, evidence of systemic inflammation such as increased CRP can be detected. Key words: HS CRP, Asthma, serum levels Conflict of Interest: Nill Received: Dec 21, 2009 Accepted: Apr 14, 2010

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ABSTRACT Corneal neovascularization occurs through inordinate wound healing after infection, injury or surgery. Neovascularization is formation of new vascular structures in the locations which had not already vessels. The two overlapping mechanisms including vasculogenesis and angiogenesis are probably involved in neovascularization process, and the last mechanism is more involved in tumor growth and corneal and retinal disorders. In fact, corneal neovascularization is a visual threatening status that usually occurs along with inflammatory or infectious disorders of the eye surface. The studies of angiogenesis-related cancer showed that there is a balance between angiogenic factors (such as VEGF and FGF) and antiangiogenic molecules (such as angiostatin, endostatin and pigment epithelium-derived factor EPDF) in cornea. Problems such as inflammation, infection, injury and lesions result in corneal neovascularization, which are due to stimulation of angiogenesis in this tissue. Corneal neovascularization may be influenced by matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) and other proteolytic enzymes. The application of new medical and surgical therapies such as angiostatic steroids, non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, argon laser photocoagulation and photodynamic therapy (PDT) in animal models had been efficient to some extent for inhibition of corneal neovascularization. In this study we reviewed neovascularization-dependent corneal disorders and molecular processes involved in this disorder, and also their potential therapies. Key words: Corneal Neovascularization, Angiogenesis, Inflammation, Matrix Metalloproteinase Conflict of Interest: Nill Received: Dec 7, 2009 Accepted: March 5, 2010

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ABSTRACT Background and Aim: Anxiety is a common psychiatric disorder affecting many people in the society and is associated with clinical symptoms such as tachycardia, sweating, shortness of breath, insensitivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate anxiolytic effects of sylimarin extract in wistar rats. Material and Methods: 35 male Wistar rats with a mean weight of 250±25grams were divided into 5 experimental groups (n=7). Silymarin was purchased from Goldaroo company in Isfahan. The rats received sylimarin with different doses of 35, 70, 140 and 280 mg/Kg for two weeks. The control group received saline orally with the same volume. Then, using elevated plus maze (EPM), 30 minutes after treatment, the behavior of the experimental groups was compared to that of control group. Data were introduced into SPSS software and analyzed by variance analysis. Results: According to the results of this study, sylimarin with the three doses of 35, 70 and 140 mg/Kg caused a statically significant decrease in anxiety, in comparison to the control group. Conclusion: Our data showed that silymarin seems to be a potential and effective anxiolytic agent and can be used for anxiety control. Key words: Anxiety, Silymarin, Milk thistle, Rat Conflict of Interest: Nill Received: July 25, 2010 Accepted: Nov 20, 2010

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ABSTRACT Aureobasidium pullulans (de Bary) is a yeast-like fungus which belongs to the order Dothideales that occurs in Mediterranean, dry and tropical areas where fresh water and marine precipitates can be found on the leaves of the trees. A. pullulans has different applications in various biological fields. Production of pullulan is one of its uses and also it can be used in tasteless polymers as a flavor. Pullulan is a biomaterial factor and is used as a primary material in production of medications and food. Pullulan is used in pharmacologic industry as a binder and oxidative agent. A. pullulans can be used for production of “single cell protein” and also removal of oil spots on the seas, lakes and seashores. It can be used for production of xylanase, sucrase, amylase, and b-galactosidase, glucoamylase. In addition, other important enzymes can be produced which add to the importance of this organism. There are few reports indicating yet another potential of A. pullulans as a probable source of new extracellular and intracellular antimicrobial agents. Considering the above mentioned potentials of A. pullulans, it is clear that this organism is of great importance for various research point of view. Therefore considering the importance of its industrial production (antibiotic, pullulan, single cell protein, removal of environmental pollution, and paint manufacturing industry), we recommend more investigations in the future and its industrial production. Key words: A. pullulans, pullulans, enzyme, antimicrobial activity, Single Cell protein, Environmental control Conflict of Interest: Nill Received: July 4, 2010 Accepted: Dec 22, 2010

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ABSTRACT Background and Aim: One of the important sources of environmental pollution existing in different industrial wastewater, including loom wastewater are dyes which are harmful for human health and environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficiency of photochemical and sonochemical processes combined with hydrogen peroxide in removal of DB71 from aqueous solution. Material and Methods: This study was an experimental - laboratory study. At first, a reactor was designed and made. Then, optimum pH was determined which was 7 for photochemical and 3 for sonochemical process in constant condition. The effects of initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide, DB71 and contact time were studied at the constant optimum pH. Then data were interpreted and analyzed by use of Excel software and regression coefficient. Result: The results of this study showed that with increased initial concentration of DB71, its removal decreased. But removal efficiency of DB71 increased by increasing contact time and initial concentration of hydrogen peroxide. In addition, kinetic parameters were obtained by application of first–order (Langmuir-Hinshelwood) equations. Conclusion: The results showed that UV/ H2O2 and US/H2O2 processes can be effective in the removal of DB71 from aqueous solutions. Considering dye removal efficiency and availability, photochemical process combined with hydrogen peroxide can be recommended as a fast effective method for removal of dyes from aqueous solutions. Key word: Direct Blue 71, Photochemical process, Sonochemical process, Aqueous solution, Kinetic Conflict of Interest: Nill Received: Dec 22, 2010 Accepted: Jan 12, 2011

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ABSTRACT Background and Aim: Peripheral nerve lesions are a challenge for neurosurgeons and different surgical repairing methods are applied for the treatment of this problem. This study was conducted to evaluate the poled polyvinelidene fluoride (PVDF) tube filled with nerve growth factor (NGF) and collagen gel as a substitute for nerve autograft. Material and Methods: In this experimental study the left sciatic nerve was manipulated in 50 male Wistar rats and then the animals were divided randomly into five groups. In the epineural group the injured nerves were repaired by end to end suture. In the rats with autograft a 10 mm piece of sciatic nerve was rotated through 180° and sutured in the nerve gap. In the nerve guidance channel group (NGC), polarized piezoelectric PVDF tube containing NGF and collagen gel was replaced in the gap and in the axotomy group two nerve ends were hidden among muscles. The left sciatic nerve was exposed but not transected in the sham group. After two months L4-L6 segment neurons of spinal cord were studied histologically and by immunohistochemical and axonal DiI tracing. The collected data were analyzed by one way ANOVA, LSD and paired t- test. Results: The mean number of Bax positive cells and labeled motor neurons increased significantly in axotomy and sham group respectively, compared to the other groups (P<0.05). Also, the mean number of labeled motor neurons increased significantly in epinural group in comparison to the autograft and the NGC groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the mean number of the labeled neurons between the autograft and nerve guidance channel groups. The mean number of motor neurons in the left side showed a significant decrease in comparison to that of the right side (p<0.01). Conclusion: The PVDF tube together with other therapies provided a favorable environment for nerve regeneration and could be used as a substitute for autograft in nerve injuries. Key words: Guidance channel, NGF, PVDF, Sciatic nerve repair, Spinal motor neurons, Tracing. Conflict of Interest: Nill Received: Nov 19, 2010 Accepted: Jun 14, 2011

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ABSTRACT Background and Aim: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of different exercises including resistance, endurance and combined exercise training with equal intensity on some cardiovascular risk factors. Materials and Methods: 40 middle-aged healthy men were selected from academic and working staff of Azad University in Sanandaj and randomly divided into four groups including (G1: Endurance training, G2: resistance training, G3: combined endurance and resistance training, and control groups. The experimental groups 1, 2 and 3, trained endurance exercise for 8 weeks. Levels of HDL, LDL, TG, TC, Apo A, Apo B, ratio of Apo B / Apo A, and LPL were measured before and after exercise. Results: The levels of Apo B and Apo B/Apo A ratio decreased significantly in G3 group (P <0.05). TG and LDL levels decreased significantly in G1 and G3 groups (P <0.05). Ratio and HDL levels reduced significantly in G2 group (P <0.05). LPL, TC and Apo A levels did not show any significant change in the groups. Conclusion: Various exercise trainings have beneficial effects on some indicators of cardiovascular risk factors in healthy middle-aged people. But it seems that a combination of resistance and endurance trainings has higher efficacy on cardiac risk factors than strength or endurance exercise training alone. Key words: combined training, endurance training, resistance training, levels of plasma lipids and lipoproteins. Received: Nov 16, 2010 Accepted: Sep 17, 2011 Conflict of interest: Nill

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Angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessels formation from existing ones, is important for the normal body growth and development. Angiogenesis is dependent on a delicate equilibrium between endogenous angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors. If this equilibrium is disturbed, different diseases such as corneal neovascularization, endometriosis, obesity, atherosclerosis, diabetic retinopathy, psoriasis, tumor growth and metastasis may ensue. In general, angiogenesis process is under the influence of several factors and consists of cellular events such as migration, proliferation and differentiation of endothelial cells and finally formation, maturation and remodeling of vessels. Hence, angiogenesis inhibition as a useful measure in conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation has attracted scientists’ attention studying on these issues. In recent years, the angiogenesis control has been considered as a novel idea for control and treatment of angiogenesis-dependent disorders especially tumor growth and metastasis. Because of its importance in causing these disorders, we discuss various aspects of angiogenesis, its mechanisms and causes and also the related studies in this review article.

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Background and Aim: Application of WBC-reduced blood products can decrease side effects related to white blood cells transfer, such as febrile reactions, CMV infection and …. Advances in biotechnology have led to production and development of filters that are capable of reducing WBC hence, diminishing these side effects. The aim of this study was to determine and compare side effects of blood transfusion between pre-storage filtration and post-storage filtration methods in thalassemia patients. Material and Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial with crossover design and included adult thalassemia patients referring to hospital from 1388 to 1389 and receiving alternately red blood cell concentrates by using pre-storage and post-storage filtration methods. Side effects of blood transfusion including hypotension, fever, hemoglobin drop and blood transfusion rate were recorded and compared between the two methods. Data were introduced in to SPSS software and analyzed by paired t-test, χ2, t-test and P>0.05 was considered significant. Results: Comparison of the incidences of hypotension, FNHTR, allergic reactions and hemoglobin drop between pre-storage and post-storage filtration methods showed no significant differences. A significant difference was observed in the transfusion rates between the two methods which indicated a lower transfusion rate in the pre-storage method (p<0.001). Conclusion: Pre-storage filtration method is not superior to post-storage filtration method for blood transfusion in thalassemia patients.

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Background and Aim: One of the useful methods to assess hospital performance is Pabon Lasso Model. The aim of this study was to assess performance of the hospitals of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences by Pabon Lasso Model from 2007 to 2011. Material and Methods: In this cross sectional study we used turnover rate, bed occupancy rate and the average duration of hospitalization as our indicators to assess the performance of 12 hospitals of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences by Pabon Lasso Model from 2007 to 2011. We used Excel software for data analysis. Results: In this study we found a bed occupancy rate of 62.5% and a bed turnover rate of 79.2 times. The average duration of hospitalization was 3.4 days. One (8%) hospital was located in zone 1, four (33%) hospitals in zone 2, five (42%) hospitals in zone 3 and two (17%) hospitals in zone 4. Conclusion: According to the results of this study it can be suggested that the development of outpatient services, transmission of beds between the hospitals and prevention of development and extension of medical center scan be considered as the main strategies for increasing the efficiency of the hospitals. Received: March 2, 2013 Accepted: Nov 10, 2013 Conflict of interest: None declared

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Background and Aim: Nowadays, removal of pollutants from water resources is a matter of concern in environmental sciences. Colors in addition to its negative impact on the aesthetic aspects have serious chemical and biological negative effects on the environment. Considering their resistance to heat, light and chemicals, they are not disintegrated easily in the environment. So this type of pollutants must be refined before pouring into the environment. Colors are used in paper, plastics and cosmetic industries and their effluent can contaminate surface and groundwater. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of modified garlic pods in the removal of cationic blue 41 from aqueous media in batch systems. Material and Method: In this experimental - laboratory study- at first we prepared garlic pods. The optimum pH was determined under stable conditions. Then initial concentration of adsorbent, contact time and different concentrations of dye were assessed at optimal pH level. Using Excel software, data analysis was performed by means of regression coefficient. Result: The results revealed that the maximum cationic dye removal occurred at neutral pH. By increasing the dye concentration elimination of the dye decreased. Also we found that the efficiency of dye removal improved by increasing contact time and adsorbent concentration. Conclusion: Adsorption is a highly efficient method for removal of color, odor, organic and inorganic substances from wastewaters in different industries. Garlic pod is cheap and available and can be used as an adsorbent for removal of dyes from wastewaters in the textile industries. Key words: Cat Blue 41, Garlic Pods, Natural Sorbent, Dye Received: Sep 22, 2013 Accepted: May 28, 2014

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Background and Aim: Damp environments with suitable temperature such as swimming pools and public baths produce appropriate conditions for growth and spread of fungi. Investigation of opportunistic and pathogenic fungi in these places can be helpful for elimination or reduction of the rate of potential fungal infections. This study was performed to find fungal contamination in the student hostels in Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Method: Samples were collected from the walls and floors of the bathrooms and were cultured in Sabouraud dextrose agar medium containing chloramphenicol (SC), and Sabouraud dextrose agar medium containing chloramphenicol and cyclohexamide (SCC). All cultures were incubated at 28 C, and were observed weekly for fungal growth. All fungal isolates were identified by macroscopic and microscopic examination. Result: A total of 256 samples were collected.196samples (56/76%) were positivefor fungal growth. The most common fungi were: Cladosporium spp. (28.9%), Exophialla spp. (23.3%), and Rodutorella spp. (13.2%). Also Trichophitonmentagrophytes and Microsporumgypseum were isolated from baths samples. Conclusion: For prevention of mycotic infections, effective preventive measures such as use of private or disposable slippers and adequate cleaning of the bathrooms after taking bath can be beneficial. Keyword: Baths, Fungal, Contamination, Student hostel. Received: Jan 6, 2013 Accepted: Jun 25, 2014

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Background and Aim: Neuropsychological dysfunctions in patients with major depression may be related to the risk of committing suicide among them. The purpose of the present study was to compare neuropsychological dysfunctions between patients with non-psychotic major depression with suicide history, without suicide history and normal people. Method and Materials: This was an ex-post facto study with control group. Using convenience sampling method subjects were selected from the patients referring to Loghman and Imam Hosein hospitals in Tehran. The patients were assigned to 3 groups: patients with major depression and history of suicide (n=16), patients with major depression and without history of suicide (n=17), and normal people (n=22). 3 domains of neuropsychological dysfunction including focused attention, selective attention and cognitive flexibility were assessed by computerized tests of Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Continued performance Test (CPT) and Stroop Test. Also, we assessed the severity of depression of participants by Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Using SPSS-16 data were analysed by MANOVA, MANCOVA and one-way ANOVA methods. Result: The results showed that, with controlling depression, patients with major depression with suicide history showed significantly poorer function in WCST compared to the other two groups. But we did not observe any similar differences in the other 2 tests. Conclusion: In general, cognitive flexibility is injured more in the patients with major depression and suicide history than in the patients with major depression and without suicide history, which may result in increased risk of committing suicide among these patients. Keywords: Major depression, Suicide, Neuropsychological functions. Received: Apr 23, 2014 Accepted: Oct 17, 2014

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Background and Aim: Escherichia coli is the most common organism found in urinary tract infection (UTI) and the incidence of UTI caused by E. coli isolates resistant to antibiotics is on the rise. Many antibiotic resistant genes are encoded by plasmids. In this study, we investigated the plasmid profile of E. coli isolated from the patients with urinary tract infection. Material and Methods: A total of 200 E. coli were isolated from the urine of the outpatients with UTI by using culture and biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion, and ESBL production was determined using the double disc method. Using plasmid kits, plasmids were extracted and then were digested by using HindIII and BamH1 enzymes and the size and patterns of plasmids were determined by electrophoresis and DNA markers. Results: All E. coli isolates were susceptible to imipenem whereas 80.7% of them were resistant to ampicillin. Resistance rates to co-trimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, tobramycin, and aztreonam were 57.49, 36.99, 23.35 and 22.5%, respectively. A total of 166 isolates (83%) contained plasmids mostly with the sizes of 15 to 24 kb. Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that E. coli isolates had a high rate of antibiotic resistance. A strong relationship was observed between plasmid and ESBL which was indicative of the role of plasmid in the development of antibiotic resistance to various antibiotic groups, in particular cephalosporins. The similarity of plasmid patterns of isolates explains transmission and dissemination of antibiotic resistance. Keywords:Escherichia coli, Urinary tract infection, Antibiotic resistance, Plasmid Received: Jun9, 2014 Accepted: Dec 22, 2014