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This page proudly presents the PhD thesis abstracts carried-our by Iranian (decent) researchers around the world. For adding your abstract to the database please use submit abstract page. Browse publications based on the author’s surname by clicking on the related link below:
There are ( 153 ) abstracts available.
| [1] | Aarabi, M
, (2007), "RISK STRATIFICATION OF CORONARY HEART DISEASE IN UK SOUTH ASIANS" Division of Medical Sciences (South), School of Medicine - UK Email: mohsen.aarabi@gmail.com, (Related Link). Abstract: It is clear that South Asians living in the West have substantially greater relative (coronary heart disease) CHD mortality and morbidity than the general population. Despite this current risk functions based on classical risk factors alone underestimate risk in non diabetic South Asians. After reviewing the available literature for longitudinal studies exploring the relationship between South Asian ethnicity, as an independent factor, and CHD an adjustment factor suitable for use with the paper-based risk prediction functions was derived. The exploration of possible explanations for the excess risk identified dysglycaemia as one possible explain. Adding 10 years to age, although crude and based on the single prospective study, provides adequate sensitivity and specificity to take into account an ethnicity factor accounting for average excess risk in individual UK South Asians. Using this adjustment it was shown that more South Asian men and women, living in the UK, are candidates to receive lipid-lowering therapy for primary prevention than their Caucasian counterparts are. Although the evidence base for a CVD risk estimation procedure in South Asians is slight it is better that they have their risk estimated, albeit with less precision, than be excluded. The present work provides a properly researched evidence base. Moreover, it provides its own very simple, but in practice acceptable, adjustment for currently used paper risk estimation tools. Acceptance of antihypertensives as a primary prevention treatment was looked at in the South Asians community. South Asians are at least equally accepting of treatment as Caucasians when given information about the personal impact of CVD and the effect and tolerability of antihypertensive treatment. With South Asians having a greater need and at least equal acceptance of preventive therapy, they should receive more such treatment. Current evidence suggests that this is not the case and targeted intervention may be needed. Further research is still required in many areas such as risk factors, risk estimation and recalibration, lifestyle intervention, and efficacy of preventive drug therapy in ethnic minorities. Because this population is at high risk, the benefits of appropriate research will also be high. |
| [2] | Aflatoonian, B
, (2007), "AN INVESTIGATION OF HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM AND GERM CELL DERIVATION IN VITRO" School of Medicine - The University of Sheffield - United Kingdom Email: b.aflatonian@sheffield.ac.uk, (Related Link). Abstract: Investigating the mechanisms of human primordial germ cell (PGC) and gamete development is important for understanding the causes of infertility and effects of environmental chemicals on reproductive development. However, there are practical and ethical difficulties associated with obtaining human tissue in early development. The aim of this study was to derive and characterise new human embryonic stem cell lines (hESCs) and investigate whether these cells generated germ cells to provide an in vitro model of gamete development. Human embryonic germ (hEG) cells, pluripotent stem cells derived from the genital ridge of the foetus were investigated as an alternative source to hESCs. Seven hESC lines were derived from human blastocysts, using both a conventional open culture and a novel microdrop system. These cell lines were characterised and accepted by the UK Stem Cell Bank. Human ESCs differentiated as embryoid bodies (EBs) in vitro. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) revealed gene expression profiles consistent with PGC formation and germ cell development. A small population of post-meiotic spermatid cells were identified using sperm-specific antibodies (Protamine 1 and 1.97). Although gene expression of egg development and follicle-like structures were detected, a committed oocyte with extra-cellular zona pellucida (ZP) was not recognised with ZP-specific monoclonal antibody. A novel culture medium was devised that enabled hESCs to differentiate via EB formation to PGCs. This consisted of HES and neonatal mouse testes (NMT) conditioned medium supplemented with retinoic acid (RA), bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4), Leukaemia inhibiting factor (LIF) and forskolin. The medium was used in co-culture with feeder cells expressing membrane-associated stem cell factor (SCF). More than 50 hEG cell lines were generated from genital ridge of the first trimester foetus. These cell lines were characterised with specific markers and differentiated in vitro to various cell types. It was not possible to maintain an undifferentiated hEG cell line for more than 30 passages. |
| [3] | Aghakhani, A
, (2007), "Rate of YMDD motif mutants in lamivudine-untreated Iranian patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection" Clinical Research Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran - Iran Email: aaghakhani@pasteur.ac.ir Abstract: Background Lamivudine is used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B patients. Recent studies show that the YMDD motif mutants (resistant hepatitis B virus) occur as natural genome variability in lamivudine-untreated chronic hepatitis B patients. In this study we aimed to determine the rate of YMDD motif mutants in lamivudine-untreated chronic hepatitis B patients in Iran. Patients and methods A total of 77 chronic hepatitis B patients who had not been treated with lamivudine were included in the study. Serum samples from patients were tested by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) for detection of YMDD motif mutants. All patients were also tested for liver enzymes, anti-HCV, HBeAg, and anti-HBe. Results Of the 77 patients enrolled in the study, 73% were male and 27% were female. Mean ALT and AST levels were 124.4 ± 73.4 and 103.1 ± 81 IU/l, respectively. HBeAg was positive in 40% and anti-HBe in 60% of the patients. Anti-HCV was negative in all of them. YMDD motif mutants were not detected in any of the patients despite the liver enzyme levels and the presence of HBeAg or anti-HBe. Conclusion Although the natural occurrence of YMDD motif mutants in lamivudine-untreated patients with chronic hepatitis B has been reported, these mutants were not detected in Iranian lamivudine-untreated chronic hepatitis B patients. |
| [4] | Aghamohammadi, A
, (2006), "Ataxia-Telangiectasia in Iran: Clinical and Laboratory Features of 104 Patients" Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Children’s Medical Center, and Immunology, Asthma and Allergy Research Institute - Iran Email: aghamohammadi@sina.tums.ac.ir Abstract: Ataxia-telangiectasia is a multisystem disorder characterized by progressive neurologic impairment, variable immunodeficiency, impaired organ maturation, x-ray hypersensitivity, oculocutaneous telangiectasia, and a predisposition to malignancy. To evaluate clinical and immunologic features of Iranian patients with ataxia-telangiectasia, the records of 104 patients with ataxia-telangiectasia (54 male, 50 female) with the age range of 1.6-23.5 years were reviewed. The Iranian Primary Immunodeficiency Registry was used as the data source. Progressive ataxia was seen in all the patients. Other symptoms were eye movement disorders (n = 84), slurred speech (n = 70), mental retardation (n = 10), and ocular (n = 87) and cutaneous (n = 73) telangiectasia. Three patients developed leukemia and lymphoma, and 17 patients had family history of malignancy. Positive correlation was seen between clinical immunologic symptoms and immunoglobulin deficiencies (P = 0.004). The predominant infections were sinopulmonary and acute and recurrent infections (78 cases). Infections included pneumonia (56 patients), otitis media (34 patients), and sinusitis (50 patients). Average serum a-fetoprotein level was 149 ± 137 ng/dL. The incidence of ataxia-telangiectasia in Iran is high, possibly due to familial marriages. Treatment should be focused on supportive management to prolong survival. |
| [5] | Ahmadi, A
, (2006), "Prevention of self-immolation by community-based intervention" Research Affaires, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences Medical Sciences - Iran Email: ahmadiar@yahoo.com Abstract: Objective To describe the effectiveness of a community-based program targeting prevention of self-immolation. Suicide by burning is rare in developed countries (0.1–1.8% of all suicides), but more frequent in developing countries (up to 41% of all suicides). Self-immolation constitutes from 0.4% to 40% of admissions to burn centers worldwide. During 2001, an average of 11 Iranians committed suicide daily, 4 of these being self-immolations (36%). Self-immolation caused from 4% to 28% of all admissions to Iranian burn centers. Approximately 80% of hospitalized self-immolation patients die. All descriptive self-immolation studies in Iran emphasize the need for implementing prevention programs. Design Quasi-experimental. Setting The Iranian cities Gilangharb (intervention) and Sarpolzahab (reference). Participants The populations of these communities. Methods Hospital data collection on self-immolation patients and suicide attempts (all mechanisms) was made from 21 March 1999 to 20 March 2003. The first 12 months of the study provided baseline data, while the last 3 years comprised of a community-based intervention, using a mix of passive and active interventions. Videos showing victim stories were an important component in the prevention program. The interventions were particularly aimed at young women and socio-economically deprived groups, these being shown to be at high risk in earlier studies. Results Compared to baseline, the mean self-immolation attempts rate decreased by 57% after the implementation of the intervention in Gilangharb (p = 0.04, Yates corrected p = 0.07). Correspondingly, the reference city rate decreased 27% (n.s.). Moreover, in Gilangharb a 19% decrease of suicide attempts (all mechanisms) was observed while the corresponding reference city rate increased by 24% (n.s.). While the suicide attempt rates were similar in the two populations during baseline, the mean rates observed during the intervention period differed significantly (p > 0.0001). Conclusions A community prevention program targeting self-immolation can be effective. Local data and the showing of videos depicting victim stories from self-immolation attempts provided a stimulus for community action. |
| [6] | Ajdary, S
, (2006), "Soluble CD26 and CD30 levels in patients with anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis" Immunology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran - Iran Email: sohary@yahoo.com Abstract: Objective Leishmania tropica is the causative agent of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Iran. The disease often heals within a year; however, the non-healing forms of disease are also known. The aim of the present study was the determination of the levels of soluble (s) CD26 and CD30 co-stimulatory molecules in sera of L. tropica-infected individuals. The correlations of sCD26 and sCD30 levels with clinical presentation of the disease were assessed. The levels of sCD26 and sCD30 were determined by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in sera from patients with acute and non-healing presentation of disease. The serum level of sCD26 was significantly higher in non-healing patients than in cases with acute CL (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in sCD26 level between patients with acute CL and healthy controls. However, the levels of sCD30 in sera from all L. tropica-infected individuals were higher than controls (P < 0.001). A significant difference was also found in sCD30 level between non-healing cases and patients with acute CL (P < 0.001). These findings suggest sCD30 is more relevant to clinical manifestation of cutaneous leishmaniasis than sCD26. The high sCD26 and sCD30 levels in non-healing patients reflect the presence of mixed Th1- and Th2-type responses in these patients. |
| [7] | Amid, J
, (2005), "The dilemma of cheap food and self-sufficiency: The case of wheat in Iran" Uppsala University, Department of Economics - Sweden Email: Javad.Amid@nek.uu.se Abstract: Self-sufficiency in wheat has been one of the major goals of Iranian agricultural policies since the Revolution of 1979. Even so, the country failed to achieve this goal by the early 2000s, despite a satisfactory growth in wheat production. This paper addresses this failure and the political difficulties in introducing reforms that would reduce the need for import. First, the production and consumption of wheat are examined. The conclusion is that the cheap-bread policy has mainly been responsible for the imbalances between domestic supply and demand, and the continued reliance on wheat imports. Moreover, the paper argues that the subsidy program is an expensive safety net for the needy and shows that the Iranian government has intended to reform the program since the early 1990s. However, subsidy reforms are politically sensitive, especially in developing countries where subsidies are considered very important, both for supporting the poor and for political stability. An analysis of the Iranian attempts at subsidy reform suggests that they have not yet succeeded, mainly due to such political considerations. |
| [8] | Amini, M
, (2006), "A survey on 30 months electrical burns in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Burn Hospital" Department of Surgery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences - Iran Email: mehrabad@sums.ac.ir Abstract: Electrical burn is less common nowadays but still has complications and requires therapeutic interventions especially in developing countries. It occurs more in males and in industrial sites. The importance of electrical burn led us to study a 30 months history of electrical burn in Shiraz, Southern Iran. In a cross-sectional retrospective study, 1352 patients were surveyed for 30 months in relation to the cause, time, demographic information, therapeutic measures and prognosis of the electrical burn. Among burn patients, 4.73% were due to electrical burns (mean age, 30.5 years) and 95.3% were male. The mean hospitalization period was 11.5 days and the mean burn extent was 27.5%. Half of the victims were employees and 59.3% of the electrical burns occurred at their work site. 67.2% of burns were due to high voltage electrical current (more than 1000 V) and 4.6% of the patients died due to the direct cause of electrical burn. The high prevalence of electrical burn in males and workers emphasizes on the essence of standardization of occupational areas and use of trained workers to prevent electrical burns. |
| [9] | Amini-Bavil-Olyaeea, S
, (2006), "Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype and YMDD motif mutation profile among patients infected with HBV and untreated with lamivudine" Biotechnology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, 13164 Tehran - Iran Email: samini@ukaachen.de Abstract: Objectives A few reports exist on hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype distribution in Iran; however the sample sizes of these studies are insufficient. The first objective of this study was to determine the HBV genotype distribution with a large sample size (147 specimens). The second objective was to determine the incidence of the lamivudine-resistant YMDD mutant profile among HBV-infected patients not treated with lamivudine; some studies have reported that YMDD mutants are detectable even before antiviral treatment. Methods We used two cost-effective PCR-based methods that have been developed in-house: gap-PCR and artificially created restriction site-PCR (ACRS-PCR). Also, 11 samples were randomly selected and bi-directionally sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Results Gap-PCR results revealed genotype D of HBV in all patients, and ACRS-PCR results disclosed the absence of mutation within the YMDD motif before antiviral therapy in the study population. Phylogenetic analysis supported the former genotyping results with the segregation of all Iranian HBV isolates in the genotype D branch with a high bootstrap value (99%, 1000 replicates). Conclusions The present study using two cost-effective methods showed that genotype D of HBV is dominant among Iranian HBV-infected subjects, and HBV lamivudine-resistant strains do not exist naturally among Iranian patients not treated with lamivudine. |
| [10] | Amrollahi, H
, (2005), "Screening Trichoderma Strains for Peptide Synthetase Genes Involved in Peptaibol Biosynthesis" The University of Sheffield-MBB Dept, Faculty of Pure Science - UK (Current address: Microbiology Dept., Faculty of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Science, Iran) Email: hamrollahi@yahoo.com Abstract: A presume peptide synthetase fragment investigated from Trichoderma harzianum has been identified as belonging to a peptaibol synthetase gene which has been named ptb1. A transformation system was developed for Trichoderma harzianum using the amdS gene of Aspergillus nidulans. Disruption of the ptb1 was achieved by transformation with a 3kb internal fragment of the gene. Mass spectrometry analysis of wild type and disrupted strain showed that disruption of ptb1 abolished peptaibol biosynthesis. The internal fragment showed 82% identity sequence with modules 12 and 13 of a peptaibol synthetase gene (tex1) subsequently isolated from Trichoderma virens. The ptb1 internal fragment was also used as a probe against other species of Trichoderma to look at distribution over a wide taxonomic range. Several approaches were used in order to obtain more of this gene, in particular the 5' end. This would make it possible in future to change the promoter and modify expression of this gene. Several approaches were unsuccessful, but PCR primers based on an acyl transferase domain in the 5 region of tex1 successfully identified a further ptb1 fragment thought to be located close to the translation start. This N-treminal fragment showed 91% identiry the acyl transferase sequence reported for tex1 from Trichoderma virens. |
| [11] | Ansari, AH
, (2007), "Salivary Gland Tumors in an Iranian Population: A Retrospective Study of 130 Cases" Associate Professor and Dean, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental School, University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan - Iran Email: ansari@umsha.ac.ir Abstract: Purpose Tumors of the salivary glands are uncommon, comprising 3% to 10% of head and neck neoplasia. In the absence of epidemiologic studies of these neoplasms in an Iranian population, we conducted a preliminary survey of 130 cases over the last 20 years in Hamedan, Iran. Patients and Methods The medical records and case notes of all patients with histologically confirmed salivary gland tumors were reviewed retrospectively from February 1984 to March 2003. This review found 89 patients with benign tumors and 41 patients with malignant tumors. The collection of data included gender, age, location, and histopathology of the tumor. Other recorded data included diagnostic procedures, operative reports, complications, additional treatment, and follow-up. Results We studied 78 females and 52 males with a mean age of 44.9 years. Patients with benign and malignant tumors presented with a mean age of 41.3 and 47 years, respectively. The frequency of benign tumors was 68.4% (n = 89) and 31.6% for malignant tumors (n = 41). Tumors were localized in the parotid gland (63%; n = 82), the submandibular gland (23%; n = 30), and in the minor salivary glands (14%; n = 18). The most common benign tumor was pleomorphic adenoma (65.4%; n = 85). Among malignant tumors, mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most frequent (11.5%; n = 15), followed by adenocarcinoma (10%; n = 13). Greater than 63% of malignant tumors were treated surgically, and the remaining with combined therapy. Seven patients died over the follow-up period (6 with persistent disease), 5 were lost to follow-up, and 23 remained cancer-free. Conclusion Between benign and malignant salivary gland tumors, frequency of pleomorphic adenoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma was in keeping with studies reported previously. In other salivary gland tumors, however, diversity was obvious and showed significant difference, requiring further studies. |
| [12] | Ardestani, M
, (2006), "Environmental damage costs in Iran by the energy sector" Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran - Iran Email: ardestan@ut.ac.ir Abstract: On the basis of the energy supply and demand, this paper assesses the environmental damage from air pollution in Iran using the Extern-E study that has extended over 10 years and is still in progress in the European Union (EU) commission. Damage costs were transferred from Western European practice to the conditions of Iran by scaling according to GDP per capital measured in PPP terms. Using this approach, the total health damage from air pollution in 2001 is assessed at about $7 billion; equivalent to 8.4% of nominal GDP. In the absence of price reform and control policies, it is estimated that damage in Iran will grow to $9 billion by 2019, in the money of 2001. This is equivalent to 10.9% of nominal GDP, i.e. a larger percentage of a larger GDP. Of this total, $8.4 billion comes from the transport sector. The damage cost to the global environment from the flaring of natural gas, assessed on the basis of a carbon price of $10/ton CO2 and found to be approximately $600 million per year. This is equal to a little less than 1% of current GDP. There are larger costs associated with recovery and use of such gas, but equally there are large potential benefits. |
| [13] | Asadi Lari, Ali
, (2005), "Analytical and numerical investigations to increase the predictability of wheelset life" The University of Sheffield - Faculty of engineering, Mechanical Engineering Dept - England Email: asadi_l@iust.ac.ir, mep01aa@s Abstract: The wheelset life on Iranian Railways has been investigated by a combination of literature and field studies. The tribological operating conditions of the wheelset have been established using commercial dynamic multibody software. The gradient of contact pressure has then been obtained and the real life conditions were considered by applying the theories of dynamics related issues further to contact mechanics. After a study of premature wheel wear on Iranian Railways to determine vital parameters, the author of this research focused on wheel topography, material characteristics and tangential forces within the wheel and rail interface (W/RI). Potential failure mechanisms have been studied, focusing on wear modes. A proposed qualitative contact model for plastic deformation and the corresponding strain accumulation using micrograph laboratory examinations and published techniques for determining the stress-strain curve has been quantified. The wheel topography, including microscale aspect (surface roughness) and macroscale aspect (wheel profile), has been investigated quantitatively. This study was carried out to determine the plasticity index using the two models based on the surface statistical properties and the shakedown limit theories. Also, the effect of profile contact on the contact patch size, shape and location has been studied based on the literature review, the static field test results and a rigid profile contact programme, namely, CONTLOC. Both wheel regions, i.e., flange and tread, have been investigated using conventional measurement devices to measure wear which affects respectively the safety and stability of the rail vehicle. The measurement results have been critically analysed to distinguish the wear rate and wear pattern of the two test bogie wheels. Forces within the W/RI in a quasistatic mode along curved tracks have been investigated analytically and numerically. This analysis included radial force, gravitational stiffness force, frictional and creep forces, resulting in conditions balanced so as to cause flange contact or to prevent it when a bogie direction reversal scheme was pursued. This changing of the bogie orientation during the running-in period of the wheels was found a reliable method to equalize wheel wear, although a set of alternative solutions have also been proposed. |
| [14] | Asadi, HH
, (2000), "A predictive GIS model for mapping potential gold and base metal mineralization in Takab area, Iran" International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation - The Netherlands, (Related Link). Abstract: The 1785 km2 Takab area of northwest Iran is a region of high mineral potential but difficult access for which an innovative exploration approach is required. Interpretation of aeromagnetic, Landsat TM, geological and mineral occurrence data are used to recognize a combination of mapped geological features, spectral characteristics, and magnetic signatures that could be associated with epithermal gold, arsenic, antimony, and base metal deposits near Takab. Geological data such as permeable, reactive host rocks, surface igneous rocks, and structures are integrated with interpretations of remotely sensed data of hydrothermal alteration and subsurface igneous heat sources. Four binary maps representing diagnostic deposit recognition criteria were combined in a weights-of-evidence model, which uses the spatial distribution of 19 known mineral occurrences to calculate a final map of further gold and base metal potential in the Takab area. |
| [15] | Asadi-Pooya, AA
, (2007), "Do foods precipitate seizures? A cross-cultural comparison" Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University - America Email: aliasadipooya@yahoo.com Abstract: Objectives It has been reported that a common belief of the families of the patients with epilepsy in Iran is that foods provoke seizures. Our aim in the present study was to ascertain whether a culturally different population of patients with epilepsy in the United States believe that foods precipitate seizures. Adults aged 18 and older with epilepsy were recruited in either the inpatient epilepsy monitoring unit or the outpatient epilepsy clinic at Thomas Jefferson University from September to December 2006. Patients completed a questionnaire asking their age, sex, education, seizure control, and beliefs about the relationship between foods and seizures. One hundred ninety-three patients participated, with a mean age of 40.3 ± 16. Only 11 (5.7%) patients reported foods as a precipitating factor for seizures. The difference between the results of the Iranian study, in which 55.2% of the families of children with epilepsy reported a relationship between specific foods and seizures, and the present results is significant (P = 0.0001). The perception of foods as a seizure precipitant differs greatly between a Middle Eastern country (Iran) and a Western country (United States). This discordance suggests that cultural factors may play a large role in the perception of probable precipitating factors related to seizures. Some commonly reported seizure precipitants may represent cultural beliefs, and this raises a question as to whether foods truly precipitate seizures. |
| [16] | Askariana, M
, (2006), "Risk factors for rectal colonization with vancomycin-resistant enterococci in Shiraz, Iran" Department of Community Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences - Iran Email: askariam@sums.ac.ir Abstract: Objectives In order to determine the risk factors for rectal colonization with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) at the Shiraz Namazi Hospital, we performed a nested case–control study. Methods From December 2003 to July 2004 rectal swabs were taken from 700 randomly selected hospitalized patients every 5 days. Results A total of 99 of the 700 patients (14%) were colonized with VRE (cases) and 59 patients were colonized with vancomycin-sensitive strains (VSE), serving as controls. In the univariate analysis, history of antibiotic use (p = 0.04), underlying disease (p = 0.013), hemodialysis (p = 0.03), use of third generation cephalosporins (p = 0.04), use of vancomycin (p = 0.04), and duration of vancomycin therapy longer than 7 days (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with VRE colonization. In a multivariate analysis, underlying disease and the duration of vancomycin use longer than 7 days were independently associated with VRE colonization. Conclusion Our study, the first on VRE carriage in Iran, demonstrates that VRE prevalence is high in Shiraz and confirms earlier observations in other countries. The identified risk factor ‘use of vancomycin longer than 7 days’ may be avoidable, indicating a feasible intervention strategy in the control of VRE. |
| [17] | Aslariam, M
, (2007), "Needlestick Injuries Among Nurses of Fars Province, Iran" From the Department of Community Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences - Iran Email: askariam@sums.ac.ir Abstract: Purpose A prevalence survey was performed to estimate the magnitude and predictors for needlestick injury (NSI) in nurses of Fars province hospitals. Methods Questionnaires were distributed in 52 hospitals to a stratified random sample of 2118 (46.3%) nurses between April and September 2005 to collect self-reported NSI in the past 12- months. Results Of the 1555 nurses who returned a completed questionnaire, 49.6% (95% confidence interval [95 CI] 47.1%–52.1%) recalled at least one sharps injury, of which 52.6% were classified as NSI. Just over one fourth (26.3%; 95 CI 24.1%–28.6%, 409/1555) of respondents sustained at least one NSI, 75.6% (95 CI 71.1%–79.6%) recalled having sustained between 1 and 4 injuries in the past 12-months, of which 72.2% involved a hollow-bore needle and 95.1% of injuries involved fingers. Predictors of NSI included being a registered nurse (odds ratio [OR] 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.3) or midwife (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4–3.9) compared with nurse managers, being employed in a hospital located in other cities smaller than Shiraz (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.8). Nurses who reported a previous contaminated NSI were less likely to sustain a further injury (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2–0.4). Conclusion The prevalence of NSI in Iranian nurses is high, with the majority of injured staff having sustained up to 4 NSIs in a 12-month period. Nearly all NSIs were high-risk injuries involving a hollow-bore needle. Providing nursing staff with safety-engineered devices, including retractable syringes when hollow-bore needles are to be used, will be an important step toward reducing our NSI epidemic. |
| [18] | Ayatollahia, S
, (2007), "The Possibility of Wax Formation in Gas Fields: a Case Study" School of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Shiraz University, Shiraz - Iran Email: shahab@shirazu.ac.ir Abstract: Natural gas production from a gas reservoir (Reservoir A) located in the south of Iran, presents solids deposition during processing because the condensate contains suspended and dissolved solids. Solids deposition occurs not only in the transportation lines from the wells to the separators but also in the various operating units of gas streams and condensate stream. In this study, the multisolid-phase model has been used to predict the wax precipitation from gas and gas condensate fluids. The properties of gas and liquid phases are described using the Soave-Redlich-Kwong (SRK) equation of state. The model is then used to predict the possibility of the wax formation in Reservoir A gas facilities, located at the south of Iran. Solid deposition which occurred in the various streams of that facility confirmed the calculated results. Finally, the wax appearance temperature (WAT), the weight percent of wax formation and the effects of pressure and temperature on the wax formation were also predicted. |
| [19] | Babazadeh, A
, (2006), "New biostratigraphic data from Cretaceous planktic foraminifera in Sahlabad province, eastern Iran" Birjand Payame-noor University - Iran Email: Ababazadeh2001@yahoo.fr Abstract: The foraminiferal content of two stratigraphic sections, located in eastern Iran within the Sahlabad province, between the Lut and Afghan blocks and ranging in age from Turonian to Campanian is investigated. Previous studies were general and only indicated the presence of planktonic foraminifera in this province. This paper presents a detailed study of planktonic foraminifera of the Shirshotor unit and establishes for the first time a local biostratigraphy consisting of five biozones. Biozones from the upper Turonian to lower Campanian are recognized, but the upper lower Campanian to lower upper Campanian strata are missing, as demonstrated by the lack of the Globotruncana ventricosa biozone. Tectonic activity in this region during the late early Campanian and mid-Campanian resulted in the presence of an unconformity together with debrites (debris flow deposits) in the lower upper Campanian. About twenty-five planktonic foraminiferal species are reported and illustrated. The largest faunal diversity is encountered in the upper Santonian. The planktonic foraminiferal biozones are precisely defined in selected stratigraphic sections and allow age determinations for the deepest marine sediments (pelagic limestones and bedded cherts) before the collision of the Lut and Afghan blocks. |
| [20] | Baghestani, MA
, (2007), "Study on the efficacy of weed control in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with tank mixtures of grass herbicides with broadleaved herbicides" Department of Weed Research, Plant Protection Research Institute - Iran Email: baghestani@hotmail.com Abstract: Field experiments were conducted in 2004–2005 to study weed control and winter wheat response to tank mixtures of a wide range of broadleaved herbicides currently applied in wheat in Iran with grass herbicides clodinafop propargyl and fenoxaprop-p-ethyl. These experiments were conducted at Gonbad, Shahroud and Dezfoul as a randomized complete block design with four replications. Herbicides were applied at wheat tillering. Results indicated that herbicide mixtures rarely resulted in antagonistic effects. Conversely, in some cases synergistic reactions were more distinct and better performance was achieved when herbicides were applied in mixture. It was found that clodinafop propargyl acted better than fenoxaprop-p-ethyl when tank mixed with broadleaved herbicides. Also, bromoxynil plus MCPA included treatments almost acted well with regard to the broadleaved weed control. Dual purpose herbicide iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium plus mesosulfuron-methyl at 21 g ai/ha was also a good option in controlling weeds. Overall, tank mixture bromoxynil plus MCPA at 600 g ai/ha with clodinafop propargyl at 96 g ai/ha resulted in the highest grain yield. |