Preparation and in vitro evaluation of a novel chitosan-based hydrogel for injectable delivery of enrofloxacin

Background: the development of injectable sustained- release products are of great interest to veterinary pharmaceuticals and animal health business. Recently, great attention has been paid to in situ gel-forming chitosan/ beta-glycerophosphate [chitosan/beta-GP] solutions due to their good biodegradability and thermosensitivity

Objectives: the general aim of this study was to prepare a novel in situ gel-forming drug delivery system with a sustained release profile for enrofloxacin

Methods: chitosan, beta-GP and enrofloxacin were used in different concentrations and six formulations of chitosan/beta-GP were prepared. The properties of the hydrogels including the pattern of drug release, gelation time, syringeability, morphology, FTIR spectra, and in vitro antimicrobial activity were evaluated

Results: the release rate of enrofloxacin from the hydrogels and syringeability of the final solutions were decreased by increasing in beta-GP and chitosan concentrations. All formulations could release the drug up to 120 hours but formulation 1 [chitosan-2%, beta-GP-5% and enrofloxacin-1%] gave the best results based on its optimal drug release profile and viscosity. The FTIR studies showed that there were no interactions between enrofloxacin and hydrogel excipients. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the formed gel had a continuous texture, while the swelled gel in phosphate buffer had a porous structure. Microbiological tests revealed high bactericidal activities for this enrofloxacin- loaded hydrogel which were comparable to those of positive control [enrofloxacin suspension] in terms of inhibition zone, MIC and MBC values

Conclusions: because of simple preparation and sustained release profile of the drug, this hydrogel could be a promising delivery system for enrofloxacin in animals

Preparation and evaluation of a thermosensitive liposomal hydrogel for sustained delivery of danofloxacin using mesoporous silica nanoparticles

Background: sustained release delivery system can reduce the dosage frequency and maintain the therapeutic level of drugs for a longer time. Biodegradable, biocompatible and thermosensitive chitosan-beta-glycerophosphate [C-GP] solutions can solidify at body temperature and maintain their physical integrity for a longer duration

Objectives: to develop a novel delivery system based on the integration of liposomes in hydrogel using mesoporous silica nanoparticles [MSNs] for sustained release of danofloxacin in farm animals

Methods: the MSNs were prepared using N-cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and tetraethylortho silica. The liposomes were prepared by thin film hydration method. C-GP solution containing danofloxacin-loaded MSN liposomes underwent different in-vitro tests, including evaluation of the entrapment efficiency, gelation time, morphology, drug release pattern as well as antimicrobial activities against S. aureus and E. coli

Results: the mean pore size of MSNs was 2.8 nm and the mean MSN entrapment efficiency was 45%. Kinetics of danofloxacin release from liposomal hydrogel followed the Higuchi's model. This formulation was capable of sustaining the danofloxacin release for more than 96 h. The FTIR studies showed that there were no interactions between danofloxacin and hydrogel excipients. Scanning electron microscopy [SEM] showed that the formed gel had a continuous texture, while the swelled gel in the phosphate buffer had a porous structure. Microbiological tests revealed a high antibacterial activity for lipomosal hydrogel of danofloxacin-loaded MSN comparable with danofloxacin solution

Conclusions: the liposomal hydrogel solidified at body temperature, effectively sustained the release of danofloxacin and showed in vitro antibacterial effects

Estimation of influenza and severe acute respiratory illness incidence [burden] in three provinces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 2012 and 2013

There are few estimates of influenza burden in the WHO Region for the Eastern Mediterranean. In this study we estimated the burden of severe acute respiratory infection [SARI] and influenza-associated SARI [F-SARI] in selected provinces of Islamic Republic of Iran, the trends of SARI and confirmed cases of influenza [F-SARI] over 12 months [seasonality], and the age groups most at risk. Using the electronic Iranian influenza surveillance system and data of cases in sentinel hospitals of 3 selected provinces, we estimated the monthly trend [seasonality] of incidence for SARI and F-SARI, overall incidence of SARI and F-SARI and their disaggregation by age with the aid using the Monte Carlo technique. The age groups most at-risk were children aged under 2 years and adults older than 50 years

Comparing carotid intima-media thickness between the type 1 diabetesmellitus and healthy individuals

Increased carotid intima-media thickness [CIMT] is considered as a marker for early detection of atherosclerotic changes in the arterial walls. The purpose of this study was to assess CIMT in type 1 diabetic patients compared to controls. A case-control study was performed on 34 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and 33 healthy people in Kashan during 2013-2014. The inclusion criterion was the diabetes history more than one year and the exclusion criteria were the use of antihypertensive or lipid reducing drugs, smoking, family history of cardiovascular disease, any complications of diabetes and any chronic disease. The weight, height, blood pressure and CIMT of the patients were measured. Moreover, laboratory tests including fast blood sugar, Hb Ale and lipid tests were performed. Sixty-seven subjects [34 type 1 diabetes patients and 33 healthy controls] were evaluated. The mean history of diabetes mellitus was 76.03 +/- 51.44 months. The mean age of the healthy subjects was 15.35 +/- 5.73 years and for the patients 15.25 +/- 7.94 years. Mean CIMT in healthy subjects was 0.439 +/- 0.06 mm and in patients 0.478 +/- 0.05 mm [P=0.005]. Moreover, maximum CIMT was higher in the patients than in the controls [P=0.01]. The multiple linear regression showed that CIMT was about 0.012 units higher in diabetic patients than in controls, and also CIMT was increased 0.012 units per one unit increase in HbAlc values. The mean CIMT in patients with type 1 diabetes was higher than in the controls and positively correlated with the history of diabetes, while it does not correlate with the lipid profiles, blood pressure and body mass index

What do we need to eradicate rubella in the Islamic Republic of Iran?

To evaluate the need for congenital rubella syndrome prevention in our national health programme we aimed to determine the rate of anti-rubella positivity in umbilical cord blood samples 8 years after measles–rubella mass vaccination in the Islamic Republic of Iran. In a cross-sectional study we tested umbilical cord blood samples for anti-rubella IgG and IgM by ELISA in 154 deliveries at a university hospital in Tehran. Overall 72.7% of umbilical cord blood samples were positive for anti-rubella IgG and 27.3% were negative. All of the samples were negative for anti-rubella IgM. In the samples with a history of mothers' rubella vaccination, only 87.5% were positive for anti-rubella IgG. The results suggest the need for another mass vaccination for rubella in women of child-bearing age and continuation of routine vaccination of infants, plus consideration of obligatory anti-rubella IgG testing before pregnancy in women who were not vaccinated and vaccination of women before marriage.

[ effect of concomitant administration of furosemide and salbutamol on spirometry parameters in persistent asthma]

Considering the effectiveness of nebulized furosemide in asthma crisis that were non-responsive to the inhalational beta-agonists, this study aimed to examine the effect of concomitant administration of furosemide [10 mg] and nebulized salbutamol [2.5 mg] on spirometry parameters in persistent asthma. In this clinical trial, 53 patients [age, 18-75 years] with a 6-months history of persistent asthma were randomly allocated to two groups, the salbutamol [n=27] and salbutamol + furosemide [n=26] groups. Participants in each group were classified into the mild, moderate and severe persistent asthma on the basis of FEV1. Participants were administered salbutamol or salbutamol + furosemide, and then the spirometry parameters were recorded 15 minutes after the completion of nebulization treatment. Before and after the treatment, mean and standard deviation of the spirometry parameters and their changes were calculated. Results showed no significant difference regarding the mean percentage change for FEV1 in the salbutamol [27.5%] and salbutamol + furosemide groups [25.83%] after the treatment [P=0.72]. Moreover, no significant difference was seen between the two groups regarding the mean percentage changes in other parameters after the treatment [FVC, FEV1, PEF, MMEF, FEV1/FVC, P>0.25]. Concomitant administration of furosemide and salbutamol has no advantage over salbutamol in normalizing the spirometry parameters of persistent asthma

[Evaluation of phosphorus removal from filtered effluent of activated sludge using the electrochemical process]

Phosphorus [in a concentration range of 0.005-0.05 mg/L-P] is enough for eutrophication of water bodies; therefore, phosphorus removal from effluents is necessary. The electrochemical process is one of the methods used for phosphorus removal. Thus, this study aimed to examine the effect of the electrochemical process on phosphorus removal from filtered effluent of activated sludge. This bench-scale experimental study was carried out on the samples of filtered effluent of activated sludge in a batch system. Phosphorus concentrations for 210 samples were measured through stannous-chloride method [The Standard Method, 4500 P-D.]. Data were analyzed using Green house Geisser, one-way ANOVA and the Tukey's post- hoc tests. The average phosphorus concentration before the electrochemical process in the filtered samples and the maximum efficiency of phosphorus removal were 1.93 +/- 0.86 mg/L-P and 98%, respectively. The residual phosphorus concentrations [electrical current >/= 0.3A, reaction time >/= 10min] in all samples were decreased to less than 1mg/L-P. Results showed that the electrochemical process can decrease the residual phosphorus to less than the standard limit [1mg/L-P] in Iran. The plot for the average residual phosphorus concentrations versus reaction time is a straight line [R[2]=0.837]. Phosphorus removal from the samples of filtered effluent of activated sludge is considered as a second-order reaction and the fitted model can be formulated as y= -0.001x[2] + 0.133x + 0.875 [R[2]=0.925]

[Identification of serological groups A, B, C, W135, Y, X Neisseria meningitidis carriers by multiplex PCR in the nasopharynx of students in Kashan during 2011-2012]

Neisseria meningitidis [N. meningitidis] is a pathogen which colonizes in the nasopharynx without any clinical manifestations. Among the 13 different serological groups, only the serogroups A, B, C, W135, Y, X play a major role in disease development. This study aimed to determine N. meningitidis cases carrying these serological groups using the multiplex PCR method in the nasopharynx of students in Kashan schools. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1289 students in Kashan during 2011-2012. Samples were collected from the students' nasopharynx using a sterile swab and cultured on a selective medium. Strains were identified through biochemical tests. Then the serological groups were determined using the multiplex PCR method. One-hundred and fifteen [8.9%] out of 1289 students were N.meningitidis carriers; 75 [65.2%] male and 40 [34.8%] female. There was a significant difference between gender and the rate of carriers [P=0.032]. The highest rate of carriers [12.3%] was in the 15 to 19 year age group. There was a significant relationship between the rate of carriers and increase in the number of family members [P<0.001]. In this study, only the serological groups B [8 cases] and C [107 cases] were detected. Since the serological group C is involved in the outbreak and there is no vaccine currently available for the serological group B to prevent the infection, detection of these serological groups can be important

[Evaluation of the problems among the physical-mental disabled children under the coverage of Kashan rehabilitation centers]

In recent years, special emphasis has been placed on the problems of the parents with disabled children. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the problems in the families of disabled children. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 352 disabled children residing in rehabilitation centers of Kashan during 2007-8. A census was conducted in families of the children through an interview and a questionnaire. Moreover, some demographic characteristics [e.g. family attitude, and problems related to disabilities] were evaluated and analyzed using the descriptive statistics. Among 352 cases, 234 [66.6%] were male and most of them [36.1%] aged 10-19 years. The mean age of children was 24.2 +/- 18.5 years. Ninety-seven percent of mothers were housewives; 52% mentally disabled; 15.6% physically disabled and the remaining both mentally and physically disabled. Almost one-third of the families had more than one disabled children. The most frequent disabilities were associated with behavioral disorders, facial paralyses, limb deformities, fecal and urinary incontinence, running off at the mouth and convulsion, respectively. Most children were dependent on their adults in feeding, dressing and playing. In addition, the most important problems of the children were fecal and urinary incontinence, impairment in social adaptation with healthy children, verbal communication, recognizing individuals and also financial problems. Moreover, a significant relationship was seen between the severity of physical disability and gender [P=0.001]. Considering that the disabled children face multiple social and physical problems, they require financial, social and familial support to have a near normal life

[Relationship between mothers' and daughters' self-esteem]

Background: Adolescence is one of the most critical stages of human development. Low self-esteem is one of the problems that most adolescents often face with. Moreover, low selfesteem can cause other psychological disorders [e.g. anxiety, depression and drug abuse]. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between mothers' and daughters' self-esteem

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 474 students were randomly selected among the Kashan's high schools during 2009-10. They were divided into three equal groups [low, average and high self-esteem] who met the inclusion criteria [ages 13-19, living with biological parents and without experiencing severe stress over the last year]. Izink standard test and a researcher-made questionnaire were also used to assess both the mothers' and daughters' self-esteem; scores less than 14 were considered as low selfesteem

Results: There was a significant relationship between mothers' and daughters' self-esteem [OR= 3.24, CI= 2.1-4.85, r=0.416]. Seventy-six percent of mothers with low self-esteem had also daughters with low self-esteem. Moreover, while no significant relation was seen between the student's self-esteem and age, education level, birth order and number of brothers and sisters, but there was a significant relationship between the student's self-esteem and intimacy with mother, number of close friends, the average school scores in last year, extracurricular activities, feeling of success, popularity among friends and satisfaction with height and weight

Conclusion: Our study showed a positive correlation between mothers' and daughters' selfesteem

[Job stress among the nursing staff of Kashan hospitals]

Background: Job stress, the most important factor in reducing organizational productivity and the cause of psychosomatic disorders, today is more prevalent among the healthcare staff. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the level of job stress among the nursing staff of Kashan hospitals during 2009

Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 190 nurses of Kashan hospitals using the Osipow questionnaire consisted of two parts: demographic data and six stress-inducing work roles [role overload, role insufficiency, role ambiguity, role boundary, responsibility and physical environment]. In addition, job stress was divided into four [subnormal, normal, moderate and severe] levels

Results: Results indicated that the 95.3% of nursing staff were found to have a normal level of job stress. No significant relationship was seen between the job stress and gender; however, there was a significant relation between the role insufficiency, role boundary, responsibility and physical environment and gender. Moreover, no significant relationship was found between the job stress and some factors [e.g. age, education, marital status, income and type of hospital]. The most frequent job stressors among the men and women were responsibility [90.2%] and role ambiguity [40.9%], respectively

Conclusion: Role ambiguity, responsibility and workload are the major sources of stress among the nursing staff

[Comparison of different methods of education on reducing the anxiety of patients with myocardial infarction]

Anxiety is one of the most common and most important psychological reactions in patients with acute myocardial infarction which has a very negative effect on the prognosis of their disease and their physical and mental recovery period. Accordingly this study was conducted in order to compare the effects of different education methods on reducing the State-anxiety of patients with myocardial infarction. It was an experimental study. Sixty six patients with myocardial infarction hospitalized in a CCU in a hospital in Qom city were recruited by convenience sampling considering the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to three equal groups of face-to-face, pamphlet and CD-ROM training methods. Data were collected by Spielberg State-anxiety inventory. State anxiety was measured and compared in three groups before and after intervention. Data were analyzed by SPSS-PC [v.11.5]. The findings showed that the different training methods had significant effects on reducing the state anxiety levels of the sample [P=0/000]. However no significant difference was seen between the three experimental groups [P>0/05]. Findings suggest that different methods of reducing anxiety in patients with acute myocardial infarction are effective. So using all three methods is advisable

Developing a model for analysis of uncertainties in prediction of floods

A realistic new sediment-laden water prediction computer model was developed. In this model unsteady non-uniform flow computations were incorporated. Using this model, flooding flow-sediments were simulated and compared to earlier research including hydrologic engineering centre [HEC-series] computer models. Uncertain value of parameters and errors in flow-sediment transport equation in existing coupled flow-sediment models were studied. Sensitive nonlinear flow-sediment terms simplified in linear models and state of non-uniform sediment laden flooding flows in loosed boundaries were considered. The new applied modeling of flooding sediment-water transport simulation was tested with data of three rivers and relative merits of the various techniques involved in full phases of flow-sediment in loosed boundaries for real river situations were discussed. Uncertain values of sensitive parameters were investigated through sensitivity analysis of flow-sediment parameters in three hydrologic catchments. Results of numerical analysis were compared to field observations relying on the accuracy of the developed model. Uncertainties and errors involved in; numerical scheme, hydraulic-sediment parameters, the out-reach output, flooding sediment-laden water characteristics, peak outflow, time increments, depth, speed of floods were found rather sensitive to the solution of problems. Computed grid size intervals and the peak outflows increased with space step and decreased with time step. Errors of in-reach parameters, the peak inflow hydrograph and roughness coefficient highlighted out-reach output

Preparation and evaluation of poly [caprolactone fumarate] nanoparticles containing doxorubicin HCl

Biodegradable Poly[caprolactone fumarate] [PCLF] has been used as bioresorbable sutures. In this study, doxorubicin HCl [Dox] loaded PCLF nanoparticles were prepared and characterized. PCLFs were synthesized by polycondensation of PCL diols [Mws of 530, 1250 and 2000] with fumaryl chloride. The degradation of PCLF in NaOH, water and phosphate buffer saline [PBS], was determined in terms of Mw. Nanoparticles [NPs] were prepared by two methods. In microemulsion polymerization method, dichloromethane containing PCLF and photoinitiator were combined with the water containing surfactants and then the mixture was placed under light for crosslinking. In nanoprecipitation method, the organic solvent containing PCLF was poured into the stirring water. The effect of several variables including concentration of PCLF, polyvinyl alcohol [PVA], Dox and Trypan blue [Trb] and the Mw of PCLF and PVA on NP size and loading were evaluated. PCLF 530, 1250 and 2000 in PBS or water were not degraded over 28 days. Nanoprecipitaion method gave spherical [revealed by SEM images] stable NPs of about 225 with narrow size distribution and a zeta potential of-43 mV. The size of NP increased significantly by increase in Mw or concentration of PCLF. Although PVA was not necessary for formation of NPs, but it decreased the NP size. Dox loading and EE were 2.5-6.8% and 15-20%, respectively. Increasing the drug concentration, increased the drug loading [DL] and NP size. The entrapment efficiency [EE] for Trb ranged from 1% for PCLF530 to 6% for PCLF2000. An increase in PCLF concentration resulted in an increase in EE. Dox and Trb release showed a burst followed by 80% and 78% release during 3 and 4 days respectively. PCLF possessed suitable characteristics for preparation nanoparticulate drug delivery system including desired NP size, stability and degradation time. Although PCLF530 NPs were the smallest, but their DL were lower than PCLF1250 and 2000 NPs

[Evaluating the quantity and composition of solid waste generated in Kashan during 2009-10]

Solid waste management is considered to be one of the most immediate and serious environmental problems confronting urban governments in developing countries. Qualitative and quantitative variety of waste composition, uncontrolled urban development and the lack of appropriate waste management technology cause particular problems that solving them needs a careful study and the coordination of science and experience in the form of a proper management. This descriptive study was carried out on solid wastes generated in Kashan over a limited timeframe of 12 months during 2009-10. One sample was randomly taken per month according to the standard instruction and subsequently the physical analysis of it was performed. The average daily waste generation rate in Kashan is 185 tons, of which 75.5% are putrescible materials. The average daily waste generation is tantamount to 638 g/capita while the average density of the waste 194 kg/m[3] at transfer station. The most frequent metal measured in the leachate solid waste was iron. According to the results high percentages of solid wastes in Kashan were allocated to plastic and corruptible materials, and then the paper and cardboard. Considering that the prevention of adverse environmental effects of solid waste is a priority and applying proper management techniques can help to achieve this, public education for the waste separation at the source, waste reduction and subsequently reduction of the leachate volume as well as the proper manner of recycling, collection and disposal of the waste are recommended

[Prevalence and multi-drug resistance of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli [EPEC] isolated from children under 5 years of age with diarrhea in Kashan Shahid Beheshti hospital during 2009-10]

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli [EPEC] is the most important diarrheagenic agent among children in developing countries. However, recent studies have shown its prevalence in developed countries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and multi-drug resistant [MDR] of EPEC isolated from children under 5 years of age with diarrhea hospitalized in Kashan Shahid Beheshti hospital during 2009-10. In this descriptive study 313 fecal specimens were collected using rectal swab method from all children under 5 years of age with diarrhea hospitalized in Kashan Shahid Beheshti Hospital during 2009-10. Specimens were examined by PCR test to determine the eae Gene for detection of EPEC pathotype. The isolated multi-drug resistance pattern of EPEC was evaluated by disk diffusion agar. The antimicrobial disks used were ampicillin, nalidixic acid, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, cefalexin, ceftazidime, streptomycin and imipenem. Of all 178 E. coli cases 51 [28.6%] EPEC pathotypes were isolated. The prevalence of EPEC was higher in children under 1 year of age. MDR rate in EPEC was 70.6%. The exact application of antibiogram test is necessary before antibiotic prescription for complete treatment and prevention of diarrhea caused by multi-drug resistance agents

[Efficacy of educational workshop on self-esteem of students at Kashan university of medical sciences]

Self-esteem, a sublime mental feeling highly effective for improving physical and mental health, can be considered as one of the areas of vulnerability to depression disorders. The purpose of this study was to promote the self-esteem of students using the educational workshop held at Kashan university of medical sciences. This experimental study with a random-allocation block design was performed on 106 students [54 in the experimental group and 52 in control group] at Kahsan university of medical sciences. A six-hour training workshop was held for the experimental group and an Eysenck self-esteem questionnaire for one-month post-workshop follow up. Finally, the average scores of self-esteem in two groups, before and after the intervention, were reported. The mean score of self-esteem in the experimental group was significantly increased from 20.50 to 23.22 [P=0.001]. Moreover, The average test score for one-month post-workshop follow up was 22.60, signifying the difference in self-esteem promotion [P=0.001]; however, the mean score in the control group was decreased from 21.29 to 21.24. In addition, the average follow up score was 21.27 and no significant difference was seen for self-esteem score. The results indicate that holding educational self-esteem workshop enhances students' self-esteem

[Clinical evaluation of the effect of myrtle oil on the oral lesions of FMD in cattle]

Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven - hoofed animals and has severe economic consequences. FMD causes painful sores and blisters on the feet, mouth and teats of animals. Clinical evaluation of Myrtle oil [Myrtus communis L.] caused by foot and mouth disease [FMD] in cattle. 76 cows and claves between one and five years of age and weight between 80 to 600 kg with clinical sing of FMD were randomly in two groups, receiving myrtle oil and control group. The data recorded during the three stages of clinical examination before treatment, second day and fourth day after treatment was performed. Results indicated that recovery of mouth lesion with myrtle oil was remarkable as compared with control group. This difference was very statistically significant in two stages after treatment [p<0/001]. Cases of oral lesions improved in the group treated with the oil in the second and fourth days, respectively, 80.9 and 93.6 percent and the rate control group were 20.6 and 58.6 percent, respectively. The result also indicated that amount of purulent-free secretion in myrtle oil group was 68.1 and 89.4 percent in the 2[nd] and fourth day respectively. The number was 48.3 and 62.1 percent for control group. The medication of myrtle oil on the wounds of FMD, causes mouth ulcers faster improvement and reduce discharge purulent

[ correlation between arterial blood gases and venous blood gases among the mechanically ventilated patients admitted in intensive care unit]

Background: While the arteriopuncture is a painful and relatively risky procedure and may be complicated by some problems, venopuncture required for assessing the venous blood gases [VBG] is an easier procedure with fewer complications. Considering the mentioned notion, substituting the VBG values for of ABG values can prevent such complications. This study was carried out with the aim of determining whether the VBG values can be replaced for ABG values in the management of mechanically ventilated patients admitted in ICU wards

Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 102 patients admitted in ICU ward of Shahid Beheshti. After performing the Allen test, ABG was taken from radial artery of one hand and immediately VBG from the brachiocephalic vein of the other. The ABG and VBG indexes were calculated using a GEM3000 system. After the data collection and calculation of mean and standard deviation of all indexes, two methods were compared using paired t-test, subsequent correlation ratio and the linear regression model

Results: Among the 102 hospitalized patients 70 were males and the remaining 32 females. The results of comparing the ABG and VBG indexes in terms of Pearson-correlation coefficient and the relevant significant level were: pH [0.801, P<0.001]; PCO2 [0.835, P<0.001]; HCO[3] [0.768, P=0.369]; PO[2][0.287, P<0.001]; SaO2 [0.317, P<0.001]; BE [0.810, P<0.011]

Conclusion: While there was a significant correlation between the ABG and VBG indexes, but with the consideration of the power of correlation, the substitution of VBG for ABG is not recommended for mechanically ventilated patients

[Seeking treatment behaviors for acute myocardial infarction symptoms in patients referred to Kashan Shahid Beheshti Hospital 2006-7]

Background: The time spend for prehospital action and the type of seeking treatment behaviors of MI patients are important. The present study was conducted to answer seeking treatment behaviors at patients with myocardial infarction [MI] in Kashan Shahid Beheshti Hospital

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional case study was conducted on 280 patients with MI during 2006-7. Data were gathered using a questionnaire including 7 questions related to the demographic characteristics of subjects, the time of manifestation of symptoms, the hospitalization history, the initial perception of symptoms, the patient's seeking treatment behaviors and methods using to come to the hospital. The patient's behaviors were categorized in two groups of appropriate and inappropriate

Results: From a total of 280 samples 73.8% were men [mean age: 61.37+/-13.34 years] and 26.4% were female [mean age: 67.21+/-9.97 years]. The most revealed behaviors were rest [42.5%], self medication [34.3%] and calling the Emergency Medical Service [22.85%], using sublingual TNG [20.5%], respectively. Only 107 patients had appropriate seeking treatment behaviors. On the other hand, 60 patients displayed inappropriate treatment behaviors. A combination of appropriate and inappropriate seeking treatment behaviors have also reported by 113 patients

Conclusion: A considerable number of the patients with MI demonstrated inappropriate seeking treatment behavior. Public education would be helpful to reduce the prevalence of the inappropriate behaviors