Voltammetric measurement of entacapone in the presence of other medicines against Parkinson's disease by a screen-printed electrode modified with sulfur-tin oxide nanoparticles.

A screen-printed electrode (SPE) is described modified with sulfur-tin oxide nanoparticles (S@SnO2NP) for the determination of entacapone (ENT) in the presence of other medicines against Parkinson's disease (PD). The S@SnO2NP was synthesized through the hydrothermal method and used in the modification of the SPE. The smart utilization of the S@SnO2NP and the SPE provided excellent properties such as high surface area and current density amplification by embedding an efficient sensing interface for highly selective electrochemical measurement. Under optimized experimental conditions, the anodic peak current related to the ENT oxidation onto the sensor surface at 0.46 V presented a linear response towards different ENT concentration sin the range 100 nM to 75 µM. The limit of detection (LOD) and electrochemical sensitivity were estimated to be 0.010 µM and 2.27 µA·µM-1·cm-2, respectively. The applicability of the sensor was evaluated during ENT determination in the presence of other conventional medicines againts, including levodopa (LD), carbidopa (CD), and pramipexole (PPX). The results of the analysis of human urine and pharmaceutical formulation as real samples using the developed sensor were in good agreement withre sults of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as a standard method. These findings demonstrated that the strategy based on the SPE is a cost-effective platform creating a promising candidate for practical determination of ENT in routine clinical testing.Graphical abstract.

Carbon paste electrodes modified with SnO2/CuS, SnO2/SnS and Cu@SnO2/SnS nanocomposites as voltammetric sensors for paracetamol and hydroquinone.

Several nanocomposites of tin oxide with CuS, SnS or Cu@SnS were prepared and used to modify carbon paste electrodes (CPEs). The structure and morphology of the materials were studied by XRD and SEM techniques. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were applied to investigate their electrochemical properties. The modified CPEs exhibit superior voltammetric response to paracetamol (PAT) and hydroquinone (HQ) (when compared to a bare CPE) in terms of onset oxidation potential and current density. The CPE modified with SnO2/SnS was applied to voltammetric determination of PAT (at a working potential of 0.55 V versus Ag/AgCl and with a 0.06 µM detection limit), and of HQ (at 0.39 V versus Ag/AgCl with a 0.2 µM detection limit). The voltammetric responses were linear in the range from 1.0 to 36 µM for PAT and from 1.0 to 85 µM for HQ. Graphical abstract Carbon paste electrodes were modified with several new tin oxide and sulfidic nanocomposites and then exhibit superior properties in terms of detection of paracetamol and hydroquinone.

Magnetic activated carbon as an adsorbent for extraction of DMMP from aqueous samples followed by GC-IMS analysis.

Micro-porous magnetic activated carbon was prepared under ultrasonic irradiation as an adsorbent for dispersed solid phase extraction of dimethyl methyl phosphonate from water samples, before analysis by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry. The magnetic activated carbon was synthesized and characterized by using a vibrating sample magnetometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Then, the effects of the amount of sorbent, extraction time and pH of the sample in the dispersive solid phase extraction method were investigated and optimized by the response surface method. The dispersion of 20 mg adsorbent powder in a 50 mL water sample for 5 minutes with chloroform as the desorption solvent showed an average recovery value of 95% for dimethyl methyl phosphonate. Afterward, the method was used successfully for the determination of dimethyl methyl phosphonate in river and spring water. The linear range was obtained to be 0.05-1 µg mL-1. The limit of detection and the limit of quantification were obtained to be 0.02 µg mL-1 and 0.05 µg mL-1 respectively. The analysis also showed good reproducibility with a relative standard deviation value of 3.1%. This method was shown to be easy, fast, reliable, and inexpensive.

Preferences of Iranian patients about style of labelling and calling of their physicians.

OBJECTIVE: To document the performance of patients regarding label styles of their doctors and modes of addressing them. METHODS: In this descriptive survey, 400 patients, at two teaching hospitals--Hajar and Kashani--with a mean age of 40.5 +/- 19.5 years were enrolled. Their demographic data, disorder type and duration were recorded. Photos demonstrating different label and attire styles based on Iranian culture were shown to the patients and they were asked to mark their performances about the necessity of wearing name badge. They were also requested to nominate the way they preferred to be addressed by the doctors. RESULTS: Of the participants, 180 (45%) were men; 307 (76.8%) were married; and the mean duration of hospitalisation was 2.5 +/- 2.1 days. Most of the patients, (n = 320; 80%) stated that the doctor should always wear a name badge; 301 (75.3%) preferred to call their physicians by title; and 227 (56.8%) preferred to be called by their surnames. Patients preferred to have female physicians wearing white coat, shirt and trousers as the preferred dress code. CONCLUSION: Patients in the study preferred to have the physicians professionally attired, with the only difference being the dark veil for female physicians. Name badge and white coat were also preferred by the patients.

Magnetic polymeric core-shell as a carrier for gradual release in-vitro test drug delivery.

At first functionalized graphene oxide was selected as a basic substrate obtained through process of functionalization of graphene oxide with diethylenetriamine as substrates. Then magnetic nanoparticle sediments were formed and coated on the functionalized graphene oxide as the core center. The core nanoparticle was added to a gel containing poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid), polyethylene glycol, and polyvinylpyrrolidone and nilotinib drug for forming a shell on the core. After separation and freeze-drying, single core-shell particles were obtained. The second shell was coated by dispersing first core-shell in a new gel containing polylactic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, and nilotinib. The third layer was laminated on core-dual shell particle by entering in sodium alginate, polyethylene glycol, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid), polylactic acid and nilotinib gel according to the same method used above. In order to determine the gradual release, the core-single, dual and triple shell nanoparticles dispersed in phosphate buffer saline at the several pHs (3, 5.4, 7.4) and as well as monitoring the released concentration of nilotinib by UV-Vis spectrophotometer technique. Core-triple shell particle had gradual release at three different rates over the long time. Finally, the average release rate for 400 mg of drug, in single layer, double-layer and three layers were reported to be equal to 15.8, 10.4 and 6.6 mg/h at intervals of 24, 37 and 60 h, respectively. The release rate of the drug reduced by increasing the pH value. All products were characterized using several techniques.

Bottled water safety evaluations in IRAN: determination of bromide and oxyhalides (chlorite, chlorate, bromate) by ion chromatography.

Bottled water is most well liked within the world and attention is drawn due to its health issues. Oxyhalides is one amongst the foremost important by-products in bottled water which is produced by disinfection process such as "ozonation". International standards have been set and justified to permissible levels for chlorate, chlorite and bromate as 700, 700 and 10 µg/l. Thereafter, 168 samples of bottled water (mineral and drinking water) from Iran market obtained with the optimal working conditions and analyzed by ion chromatography (IC) with conductivity detector. The results actuated that 23 and 17 out of 168 samples as mineral and drinking water revealed bromate content in charge of the national permissible level, found as the mean level of 37.04 and 33.58 µg/l, respectively. According to risk assessment results, the average of hazard quotient (HQ) and lifetime excess cancer (ELCR) were calculated 6.955 × 10-3 and 0.25 × 10-3, respectively. Thereupon, it is indispensable to control as well as make consumers aware of oxyholides hazard especially bromate following governmental authorities with an insight to health sectors monitoring guidelines due to its obvious harmful effects and aspects on health issues.

The Relationship Between Antioxidants and Inflammation in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have identified Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as an inflammatory condition associated with immunological and oxidative responses. Therefore, it is necessary to examine these processes in these patients. The present study aimed at investigating the relationship between the dietary intake of antioxidants, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity, and the serum levels of inflammatory factors in ADHD students. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study was conducted on 64 ADHD children aged 6 - 13 years. The demographic questionnaire, Food Frequency Questionnaire, and Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire were used for data collection. SOD activity and the serum level of inflammatory factors (homocysteine, interleukin-6, and C-reactive Protein (CRP)) were measured in all patients. According to the CRP values, 32 patients were included in the case group (CRP≥1 mg/L) and 32 patients in the control group (0≤CRP<1 mg/L). RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, sex, weight, height, and body mass index. In the case group, the mean SOD activity (P=0.034), the physical activity (P=0.04), zinc intake (P=0.02), and homocysteine levels were higher than the control group (P=0.001). Of all studied variables, the best predictors were homocysteine (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.082-1.670, P=0.029) and physical activity (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.761-0.952, P=0.022) respectively, whereas other variables were not significant predictors. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that the level of inflammatory factors in the case group was significantly higher than the control group. Homocysteine and physical activity can predict the inflammation status induced by CRP.

Whey Protein (Ma'aljobon) as a Complementary Therapy for Treatment of Attention-deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Randomized Open-label Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common, chronic, neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests in childhood with symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Ma'aljobon (a kind of whey protein) that is derived from milk during cheese producing process is a popular dietary traditional product supposed to provide immune modulation and prevent neuropsychiatric disorder. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ma'aljobon in management of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this open-label randomized, double arm, and controlled clinical trial, sixty four patients with ADHD who referred to out-patient child and adolescent clinic of Khorshid Hospital of Isfahan, Iran, were randomly assigned in the intervention group (ma'aljobon 25 g once daily plus standard conventional treatment (SCT)) or control group (SCT only) for a period of 8 weeks. Scores of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Conners' Continuous Performance Test (CPT) were set as the outcome measures. RESULTS: Parent reported hyperactivity scale of SDQ showed a significant decrease in the intervention group compared to the control group (P=0.04). However, no significant between groups differences were observed in other scales of parent-reported SDQ. Also, according to the results of CPT, there was a significant improvement in the intervention group regarding attention and focus score (P=0.01). CONCLUSION: Ma'aljobon might be considered as a complementary remedy for improving hyperactivity, attention and focus of children with ADHD. However, further researches with larger sample size and longer duration should be done for achieving more reliable results.

Relationship between Antioxidant Status and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Among Children.

BACKGROUND: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the prevalent neuropsychiatric disorders in childhood. In general, diagnoses of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Recent studies have reported increased oxidative stress in psychiatric disorders such as ADHD, but the results are conflicting. This research aimed to study the relationship between antioxidant status and ADHD in children of 6-13 years old. METHODS: From schools, 32 ADHD students whose diseases were diagnosed by child and adolescence psychiatrist based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV index were recruited; moreover, 32 healthy subjects, which according to the medical history questionnaire of psychiatric disorder had not had chronic disease, were selected. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and malondiadehyde (MDA) were measured. General information, health history, and medication history were collected. All participants completed a 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Dietary intakes of antioxidants were obtained through this questionnaire. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between mean of energy intake and Zn, Se, vitamin E, C, and ß-carotene as antioxidants between the two groups. The mean of serum TAC, GSH level, and CAT level in the patients were significantly lower than the healthy group (P < 0.001), but the mean of MDA was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS: The result of this study indicates that, in ADHD, the serum levels of GSH, CAT, and TAC decrease; the level of antioxidant in the serum has been compromised to fight oxidative stress. More perspective studies with large sample sizes are essential to confirm these findings.

Claustrophobia Game: Design and Development of a New Virtual Reality Game for Treatment of Claustrophobia.

BACKGROUND: Claustrophobia or fear of closed spaces is the most common of phobias that is typically categorized as an anxiety disorder. Different methods have been proposed for treatment of phobias that one of the most recent and successful of these methods is applying virtual reality (VR) technology and simulating computer-generated environment. In this regard, the purpose of this research is design and development of a software game called "Claustrophobia Game" for treatment of claustrophobia using VR. METHODS: In the Claustrophobia Game project, two closed spaces, including an elevator and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, were designed and implemented in the form of a VR computer game. To design this game, environments and scenario of the game were prepared in collaboration with a psychiatrist expert. Implementation of the software game was developed in the unity three-dimensional (3D) game engine and the programming of it was done by the C# language. In addition, a personal computer and the Oculus Rift VR glasses were utilized for running and testing the Claustrophobia Game. RESULTS: To evaluate, we tested the game by 33 participants (14 men, 19 women, average age 24.6 years). In this regard, the Claustrophobia Game was considered from two aspects: psychology and playability using two questionnaires. Statistical analysis of the obtained data by the Excel software showed that all playability factors were "good" performance. In addition, the mean of obvious anxiety was decreased after playing the game. CONCLUSION: The promising results demonstrate that the game has an appropriate performance and can help to treat the Claustrophobia.

The Impact of an Interactive Computer Game on the Quality of Life of Children Undergoing Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life (QOL) of children with cancer reduces right from the diagnosis of disease and the start of treatment. Computer games in medicine are utilized to interact with patients and to improve their health-related behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an interactive computer game on the QOL of children undergoing chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this clinical trial, 64 children with cancer aged between 8 and12 years were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental or control group. The experimental group played a computer game for 3 hours a week for 4 consecutive weeks and the control group only received routine care. The data collection tool was the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 3.0 Cancer Module Child self-report designed for children aged between 8 to 12 years. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS software. RESULTS: Before intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of mean total QOL score (p = 0.87). However, immediately after the intervention (p = 0.02) and 1 month after the intervention (p < 0.001), the overall mean QOL score was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, computer games seem to be effective as a tool in influencing health-related behavior and improving the QOL of children undergoing chemotherapy. Therefore, according to the findings of this study, computer games can be used to improve the QOL of children undergoing chemotherapy.

Multiple Intelligences Profiles of Children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder in Comparison with Nonattention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder.

BACKGROUND: Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common psychological problem during childhood. This study aimed to evaluate multiple intelligences profiles of children with ADHD in comparison with non-ADHD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive analytical study was done on 50 children of 6-13 years old in two groups of with and without ADHD. Children with ADHD were referred to Clinics of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, in 2014. Samples were selected based on clinical interview (based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV and parent-teacher strengths and difficulties questionnaire), which was done by psychiatrist and psychologist. Raven intelligence quotient (IQ) test was used, and the findings were compared to the results of multiple intelligences test. Data analysis was done using a multivariate analysis of covariance using SPSS20 software. RESULTS: Comparing the profiles of multiple intelligence among two groups, there are more kinds of multiple intelligences in control group than ADHD group, a difference which has been more significant in logical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligence (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference with the other kinds of multiple intelligences in two groups (P > 0.05). The IQ average score in the control group and ADHD group was 102.42 ± 16.26 and 96.72 ± 16.06, respectively, that reveals the negative effect of ADHD on IQ average value. There was an insignificance relationship between linguistic and naturalist intelligence (P > 0.05). However, in other kinds of multiple intelligences, direct and significant relationships were observed (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Since the levels of IQ (Raven test) and MI in control group were more significant than ADHD group, ADHD is likely to be associated with logical-mathematical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal profiles.

Effect of Religious Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Religious Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (3 and 6 months Follow-up).

BACKGROUND: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic disorder that strongly affects one's life and social, emotional, and occupational functioning. Due to the effect of religious beliefs on phenomenology of OCD, in this paper, we assess the effectiveness of religious cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) within 3 and 6 months follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is a clinical trial with follow-ups which last 2 months consisting eight sessions of 1.5 h of religious CBT. The research is conducted in a group of 40, with pre- and post-test after 3 and 6 months. Used Yale-Brown OCD symptom scale, before, the end, after 3 months and after 6 months of intervention. Treatment is carried out by a psychiatrist and a clergyman through religious CBT. The trial is held in OCD clinic affiliated with Noor Hospital. Results are analyzed by ANOVA repeated measure with SPSS18. RESULTS: The results showed a considerable decrease in OCD symptoms which remained almost persistent after 3 and 6 months (F = 3/54. P = 0/024). It also shows that religious CBT can leave substantial effect on OCD symptoms; permanency of this intervention after 3 and 6 months is noticeable (P < 0/001). In Conclusion this therapy could be helpful for OCD patients with religious content. CONCLUSION: RCBT have a positive effect on people with religious obsessive -compulsive.

Effect of calprotectin subunit S100A9 on the expression and methylation of OCLN in human melanoma cell line A-375.

Increased levels of calprotectin subunits S100A8 and S100A9 have been detected in human cancers. Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer, and its treatment is challenging because of its brain metastasis. OCLN encodes occluding, which plays a major role in the formation and regulation of tight junctions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the methylation status of the OCLN promoter and its expression in A-375 melanoma cells treated with or without various concentrations of S100A9 for 24, 48, and 72 h. Total RNA was extracted, and synthesized cDNA was assessed by performing real-time PCR. MSP-PCR was performed after treatment with bisultfie. Recombinant S100A9 inhibited the proliferation of the A-375 cell line and the expression of the OCLN gene was downregulated in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Results of MSP-PCR showed that the OCLN gene promoter in a human melanoma cell line (A-375) was semimethylated.

The influence of escort during upper endoscopy and colonoscopy on patient satisfaction and anxiety.

AIM: Endoscopy, including esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy (CS), is a diagnostic and treatment method for various diseases. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the presence of an escort by the patient on patients' satisfaction and anxiety level before and after upper endoscopy and CS. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients who referred to the Hajar Hospital for elective EGD and CS were recruited. The patients were divided into two groups: The first group underwent endoscopy/CS with an escort beside the patient and the escort was waiting in the waiting room in the second group. After interventions, patients' and their escort's levels of anxiety and satisfaction were evaluated. Anxiety level was compared before and after endoscopy. RESULTS: Of 211 patients, 106 were referred for EGD and 105 for CS. Anxiety was same in both groups before the interventions (P > 0.05), which decreased in both after the EGD or CS (P < 0.05). Anxiety reduction after CS was influenced by the presence of the escort and the level of anxiety was less in this group than other group (P < 0.05). Satisfaction of the EGD and CS in the group that had an escort by their side was more than the other (P < 0.05). Escorts had a moderate level of anxiety in both groups with a marked reduction after endoscopy and CS (P < 0.05). However, the level of anxiety before and after endoscopy was similar in both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Having an escort at the time of endoscopy or CS appears to be an effective costless complication-free measure for increasing satisfaction and reducing anxiety in patients.

Effect of mobile parenting skills education on anxiety of the mothers with autistic children.

BACKGROUND: The parents of autistic children suffer from anxiety and tension. Unawareness of parenting skills required for autistic children (parenting) doubles their anxiety. Researchers have recently considered research on mobile education, especially mobile text messages. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of mobile parenting skills education on the anxiety of mothers with autistic children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a clinical trial conducted on 64 mothers of children suffering from autism who had a medical file. The participants were recruited by convenient sampling in selected autism centers in Isfahan, Iran. Then, the participants were randomly assigned into two 32-subject groups of study and control. Spielberger Anxiety Inventory was adopted for the mothers. The book "Parenting skills for the mothers with autistic children" was distributed in the study and control group, and then, the study group underwent a structured mobile text messages education. Sixty text messages were sent daily to the participants in the study group for two months. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney, Chi-square, independent t-test, and paired t-test using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16. RESULTS: The obtained results showed a significant decrease in mothers' anxiety mean score after intervention in the study group compared to control group (P = 0.04). There was also a significant reduction in mothers' anxiety mean score after intervention, compared to before intervention (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Mobile parenting skills education, especially through text messages, could reduce the level of anxiety among the mothers with autistic children.

Effect of Tamoxifen and Lithium on Treatment of Acute Mania Symptoms in Children and Adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: Many studies have supported the role of protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors in the physiopathology and treatment of bipolar disorder in adults. Tamoxifen is one of the drugs with the effect of PKC inhibition. This study aimed to determine the effect of tamoxifen on the rate of improvement mania symptoms in the sample of children and adolescents with acute mania. MATERIALS & METHODS: In this randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial study, registered in www.irct.ir with the code of IRCT201410126418N3, overall 44 patients with bipolar disorder with acute manic episode were randomly assigned into treatment and control groups. The serum levels of lithium and tamoxifen among the participants in the treatment groups were 0.8 -1.1 mg and 20-40 mg per day respectively. Serum level of lithium among participants in the control group was similar. The main comparisons were made based on the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Children Depression Inventory (CDI) scores of the participants at baseline and at the end of each study week. The pharmacological side effects of serum level of lithium were examined weekly. Analysis of Covariance(ANCOVA) test was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: There was no difference in the baseline score of YMRS and CDI in the treatment and control groups while a statistical significant difference (P < 0.05) in these scores was found between and within the groups. CONCLUSION: The addition of tamoxifen to lithium causes a significant difference in reducing the symptoms of mania and depression in the treatment group compared to the control group.

Effects of hope promoting interventions based on religious beliefs on quality of life of patients with congestive heart failure and their families.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure is one of the most important and prevalent diseases that may have negative effects on the quality of life (QOL). Today, the promotion of QOL in patients with heart failure is important in nursing care programs. This research aimed to determine the efficacy of hope-promoting interventions based on religious beliefs on the QOL of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial (IRCT2014100619413N1) conducted in Isfahan, Iran, 46 adult patients with CHF were selected and randomly assigned to study and control groups. Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index (QLI) was completed by both groups before, immediately after, and 1 month after the intervention. For the study group participants and their families, 60-min sessions of hope-promoting interventions based on religious beliefs were held twice a week for 3 weeks. Independent t, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, and Fisher's exact tests were adopted for data analysis. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation) overall QOL score in the area of satisfaction significantly increased in the study group, compared to the controls, immediately [70.7 (8.5) vs. 59.2 (12.5)] and 1 month after the intervention [75.2 (7.4) vs. 59.4 (12.9)] (P < 0.05). There was also a similar difference between the two groups in the area of importance immediately [73.6 (5.8) vs. 65.7 (7.5)] and 1 month after the intervention [76.3 (8.1) vs. 66.8 (8.5)] (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hope-promoting intervention based on religious beliefs is a useful method for improving QOL in patients with CHF.

Nejat Briefcase: A tool for drug education.

BACKGROUND: On account of the prevalence of psychoactive substances and drug abuse and its diversity of forms and methods of use, along with the reduction in the age of drug abuse, a continuing medical educationof physicians with these issues is necessary. Although it is legally forbidden, most physicians have no close contact to these drugs, and this is not effective for training, prevention and treatment of drug addiction. In this regard, offering an educational tool is needed, if in close contact to these drugs. The 'Nejat Briefcase' is a tool designed for the purpose of training and familiarization of psychoactive substances and drugs. The aim of this study is to investigate the points of view of the participants in the continuing medical education program, 'Introduction to types of psychoactive substances and drugs' and about the Nejat Briefcase, in the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IUMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, all the general physicians (108 people) who participated in the continuing medical education program, 'Introducing types of psychoactive substances and drugs,' in the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), in 2012 - 2013, were considered. In this program, in order to introduce various types of psychoactive substances and drugs to the physicians, as well as acquaint them with their forms, methods of use, and prices, the new educational tool (Nejat Briefcase), containing various types of psychoactive substances and drugs and the related educational packages, such as, booklets and brochures, was used. A researcher-made, valid and reliable questionnaire was distributed at the end of program to gather the participants' points of view about the educational program. Data was analyzed by the SPSS and t-test and descriptive statistical tests. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The response rate to the questionnaire was 83%. Forty-four people (41%) were women and 64 (59%) were men. The mean total score of the participants' points of view was 4/58 ± 0/45 (out of 5), which indicated the positive points of view of the participants. Ninety-seven people (90%) were satisfied with the program. CONCLUSIONS: On account of the participants' positive points of view on the Nejat Briefcase and their consent to it, using varied and attractive educational tools for psychoactive substances and drug training and producing tools similar to the Nejat Briefcase are proposed.

Effect of Playing Interactive Computer Game on Distress of Insulin Injection Among Type 1 Diabetic Children.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic children and their families experience high level stress because of daily insulin injection. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the impact of an interactive computer game on behavioral distress due to insulin injection among diabetic children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this clinical trial, thirty children (3-12 years) with type 1 diabetes who needed daily insulin injection were recruited and allocated randomly into two groups. Children in intervention groups received an interactive computer game and asked to play at home for a week. No special intervention was done for control group. The behavioral distress of groups was assessed before, during and after the intervention by Observational Scale of Behavioral Distress-Revised (OSBD-R). RESULTS: Repeated measure ANOVA test showed no significantly difference of OSBD-R over time for control group (P = 0.08), but this changes is signification in the study group (P = 0.001). Comparison mean score of distress were significantly different between two groups (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings, playing interactive computer game can decrease behavioral distress induced by insulin injection in type 1 diabetic children. It seems this game can be beneficial to be used alongside other interventions.