---

Background and purpose: Particular attention is paid to relation between emotion and cognition and complementary aspects of them has found a new dimention in both theorethical and practical domains which introduced by a concept called "Emotional Intelligence" (EI). An important aspect of this subject is to survey the relation between EI and marital adjustment (satisfaction). The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of EI and marital satisfaction, and their correlation among discordant and well-adjusted couples.
Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive-analytical research designed to compare the levels of EI and marital satisfaction and relation between them in two groups of discordant (25) and well-adjusted (25) married couples. All subjects completed EQ-i, ENRICH, and a demographic sheet. Statistical analysis were done by ANOVA, Tukey and Pearson,s correlation coefficient (r) using SPSS-10 program.
Results: A significant difference was between EI and marital satisfaction and their component scores among discordant and well adjusted couples. Moreover, there was only a significant relation between EI and marital satisfaction of the well adjusted couples, this was also observed in well adjusted wives and husbands scores.
Conclusion: This project demonstrated the relation between EI and marital satisfaction as well as the different levels of them in both groups of discordant and satisfied couples. Also, the study indicated that the EI competencies are a basic and efficacient construct for improving the quality of satisfied marital relationships. Therefore, considering the efficacy and role of EI in the domain of interpersonal and marital relationships, it may aid to resolve or eliminate the problems of discordant couples.

---

Background and purpose: Mother nutrition during lactation plays an important role in guaranteeing the health of both the mother and the child therefore, identifying the effective factors is the basis of their health promotion. This study aimed to determine calorie intake and the related factors in lactating mothers referring to health centers.
Materials and methods: Ïn this cross-sectional study, 1112 lactating mothers referring to health centers were selected based on stratified sampling. To collect data, the 24h dietary recall questionnaire was used. The amount of nutrition consumption was determined based on the unit and calorie of each food group. Then the ratio of the reported calorie intake was calculated against the predicted calorie requirement.
Results: The mean of the daily calorie intake of lactating mothers was 1868.17 ± 184.4 kcal. There was significant relationship between the efficiency of calorie intake of lactating mothers and their educational level (P>0.05) and occupation (P>0.05). Mothers under 21 and those above 30 years old received adequate calorie intake (P>0.05). There was significant relationship between the efficiency of calorie intake of lactating mothers and their body mass index (P>0.05).
Çonclusion: Due to inadequate calorie intake in lactating mothers, specially, those who are underweight and housewives, it is necessary to provide them with proper nutrition instruction and support during the lactation.

---

Hallervorden Spatz Disease is a rare neurodegenerative disorder with the prevalence of one to three per million. The onset of symptoms is usually in late childhood and early adolescence. However, some cases of the disease were reported in adulthood which could be familial or sporadic. The familial cases are autosomal-recessive resulting from mutation in the pantothenate kinase 2 gene located on chromosome 20 causing abnormal accumulation of iron in globus pallidus and pars reticulata. Major clinical features include abnormal involuntary movements and cognitive impairment. Diagnosis is made based on presence of both pyramidal and extrapyramidal symptoms in clinical and radiological investigation. The radiological features are hypointense signals in globus pallidus and substantia nigra on MRI of brain. Occasionally the pallidal hypointense signals surround hyperintense signals which is known as “tiger-eye-sign” and is believed to be specific for Hallervorden Spatz Disease.

---

Background and purpose: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic diseases of the nervous system in which the myelin nerve fiber in the brain and spinal cord is destroyed and the causes are still unclear. MS could result in progressive disabilities in young adults with different symptoms and incidence rate. This research aimed at comparing the big five personality factor in MS patients and healthy individuals. Materials and methods: This research was a case-control study which was conducted in east of Mazandaran. The research population included 191 patients with multiple sclerosis and 191 healthy individuals who were the patients’ companions with similar age, sex, marital status and education level with the first group. Personal questionnaire and NEO Personality Inventory-Revised were used and the data was analyzed by independent t-test. Results: The mean of neuroticism personality factor in patients and healthy subjects was 30.81 and 24.12, respectively (P= 0.001). Their means in conscientiousness were 30.9 and 35.93, respectively (P= 0.001). Conclusion: This study revealed that patients suffering from MS had a higher score in neuroticism personality factor and a lower score in conscientiousness compared with healthy subjects.

---

Abstract Background and purpose: Nowadays, tuberculosis (TB) is still growing as one of the biggest human killers in all ancient years, in spite of there are effective drugs and diagnostic tools. In recent years, the incidence rate of this disease has increased. This study was conducted to evaluate the epidemiologic status of Pulmonary Tuberculosis and its associated risk factors in Qom province during 2002-2010. Materials and methods: This study was performed as a descriptive-analytic study, on TB patient's diagnosing during 2002 to 2010 in Qom Province. The data obtained from TB patient's documented files. Data analysis has been done by SPSS software, and with T-test and chi-square. Results: A total of 1035 Pulmonary TB patients (744 positive smears and 291 negative smears) were diagnosed during 2002-2010. Lowest incidence rate were observed in 2002 (9.59 per 100000) and the highest rate were observed in 2008 (13.6 per 100000). Mean age of injured population was 47.43 ±20.92 Disease incidence rate during years of study hasn't increasing or decreasing significant trend (p>0.05). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, more attention to case finding in the age group 65 and upper years and foreign refugees (afghan) is recommended. It seems to be necessary some workshops for general physicians about case finding, early diagnosing of patients, and also general health education for public are suggested.

---

Background and purpose: Based on the epidemiologic studies, stroke has become one of the fundamental problems in the Middle East. Considering to the role of serum paraoxonase (PON1) in stroke, the present study designed to evaluate the prognostic importance of paraoxonase to arylesterase activity ratio (Para/Aryl) and ratios of the activities to HDL in nondiabetic patients with ischemic stroke. Materials and methods: In this case-control study, 85 patients with ischemic stroke (46 men and 39 women) and 71 control individuals (38 men and 33 women) were enrolled. Paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were determined spectrophotometrically using paraoxon and phenylacetate as the substrates, respectively. Lipid profile was assayed using laboratory kits. The statistical analysis was performed by t-test, Chi-square and Spearman Correlation tests. Results: Compared with the control group, apo A1 levels were significantly decreased (P=0.000). Among three ratios of Para/Aryl, Para/HDL and Aryl/HDL, the greatest statistical difference belonged to Para/Aryl (P=0.016). Para/HDL and Aryl/HDL ratios were higher in patients than controls (P=0.097 and P=0.57, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation (r= 0.268, P= 0.015) between arylesterase activity and apo A1 levels in patients. Conclusion: It concluded that in the evaluation of PON1 status in nondiabetic patients with ischemic stroke, the assay of Para/Aryl and Para/HDL ratios are better indicators of measuring the activity alone. Increased amounts of Para/Aryl, Para/HDL and Aryl/HDL and reduced levels of Aryl may be considered as prognostic biomarkers in the study patients.

---

Background and purpose: Aflatoxin B1 is the most important poison of aflatoxins that contaminated animal feeds by mold and is transformed to type M1 in kidney and liver after some chemical reactions and they are transmitted to human through animal milk Materials and methods: In current study, 75 samples of pasteurized milk were collected from Mazandaran Province during spring and summer of 2011 and amount of aflatoxin M1was measured by ELISA method. T-test was used for mean comparison Results: Results showed that aflatoxin M1in 4% samples (3.75) was non dedtected and in 37.3% samples (27.75) concentration of aflatoxin M1 was less than the limit permitted by Codex. However, 62.67% samples (47.75) had a contamination of aflatoxin M1 higher than Codex threshold level, among which 12% samples (9.75) had even higher concentration than Iran's national standard permit. The highest amount was observed in factory NO.21 (97.55 ng/l). There was no significant relation between seasons and aflatoxin Conclusion: Due to high level of contamination observed in samples, regular monitoring of contamination in milk samples and controlling of most contaminating causes seem to be necessary

---

Background and purpose: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the diseases of nervous system that is accompanied with destruction of neuron ways corded sheath. The weakening nature of this disease affects all aspects of patient’s life and decreases their life expectancy. This consequence plays a considerable role in accelerating acute diseases such as MS. This study was done to assess the effectuality of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on the life expectancy of patients suffering from MS. Materials and methods: this semi-experimental study included thirty MS patients attending Bou Ali Sina Hospital in Sari who were randomly divided into two groups. (control group=15 and intervention group= 15). The experimental group received CBT for three months during 12 sessions. The control group was placed in treatment waiting list. The data was collected using Hallajian Life Expectancy Questionnaire (2010). Results: The results showed that the mean scores for life expectancy increased significantly in the experimental group in post-treatment and follow up stages (P<0.001). Conclusion: According to his study interventions such as CBT could be of great benefit in in increasing life expectancy among patients with chronic diseases.

---

Background and purpose: Multiple Sclerosis is a disease related to immune system with unknown factors which is considered one of the most important debilitating neurological diseases in adults particularly in youths in which myelin part of Central Nervous System (CNS) is damaged. This study mainly aims to compare styles of coping with stress in people with Multiple Sclerosisand healthy people in the East of Mazandaran. Materials and methods: in this study performed in case-control method comprised of the age range of 20-40 years, 191 patients with MS and 191 healthy people out of patient's accompaniers from the east of Mazandaran based on age, gender, marital status and education level matched with each other were selected. Endler and Parker's questionnaires of demographic characteristics and styles of coping with stress were used as a tool. Data were analyzed using independent t-test. Results: The mean of problem-focused coping style in patients was 16.86 and the one in healthy people was 15.60 (P>0.05). The mean of emotion-focused coping style in patients was 32.39 and the one in healthy people was 33.15 (P>0.05), and finally the mean of avoidant coping style in patients was 54.05 and the one in healthy people was 32.63 (P<0.01). Conclusion: Results of the study indicated that there was no significant difference between patients with MS in using problem-focused coping styles and emotion-focused compared with healthy people and they use more avoidant coping style.

---

Hollow fiber membrane contactors have been applied in various industries e.g. chemistry, petroleum, biotechnology and medicine. They are also widely used in artificial organs e.g. artificial lung, kidney and liver as well as some pharmaceutical procedures such as separation and purification of biological materials. Intrinsic properties of hollow fiber membranes, such as high packing density and high mass transfer rate have increased the use of these membranes. In tissue engineering, using such membranes is of great importance for membrane bioreactors and culturing of cells sensitive to stress and those which require high mass transfer rates. This article comprehensively investigates the use of the hollow fiber membrane contactors applied in advanced medical sciences and pharmaceutics. Their composition materials in addition to the important factors affecting their performance characteristics are also discussed.

---

Background and purpose: Migraine affects about 12% of the general population and is one of the causes of cerebral parenchymal. Applying cross sectional imaging of brain particularly MRI opens a new approach in diagnosis of migraine pathogenesis and could highly influence the patients’ follow up program. We investigated anatomical MR imaging abnormality in people with and without migraine in sensitive MRI sequences. Materials and methods: This case-control study included 120 patients between 50-30 years of age referring neurology clinic. Patients with clinical symptoms of migraine were introduced to MRI units. The cases in the control group included those not meeting the diagnostic criteria for migraine. Brains MRI were evaluated for anatomical signal intensity changing. Two radiologists detected and recorded abnormal findings blindly in both groups based on special protocols. Results: Sixty people presented in each group were matched for age and sex. The mean ages of patients in case and control groups were 39.3±6.9 and 38.6±6.2 years, respectively. Changes of white matter hyperintensity foci were significantly higher at subcortical regions of the brain. In 35 patients (58.3%) of case group and 12 patients (20%) of controls there were supratentorial white matter signal changes in the brain MRI (P=0.000). Cerebral cortex was also involved in some individuals among the case group. Conclusion: In migrainous patients hypersignal foci were detected in white matter of the brain, therefore, proving such presence in patients with typical symptoms of migraine can assist in diagnosis and even MRI can be used in follow-up of the disease. Parenchymal abnormalities in migraine could show severity of the disease and brain damage.

---

Background and purpose: Ischemic brain stroke is one of the most common neurologic diseases and the second cause of death among adults. There is currently no information on the relationship between risk factors influencing anterior and posterior circulation. The most common ischemic strokes occur in the (anterior circulation) AC, while strokes occurring in the posterior circulation (PC) are more severe. We sought to explore the differences between risk factors of common ischemic brain strokes on AC and PC. Materials and methods: In this prospective descriptive study, we evaluated 200 patients referring to Sari Bualisina and Behshahr Imam Hospitals. Strokes in AC and PC were diagnosed by clinical and neuroimaging findings including brain CT Scanning and MRI. Pre-stroke cerebrovascular risk factors were recorded for each patient including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and smoking. Results: Among the patients 40.4% had hypertension, 45.2% were diabetic, 33.3% were hyperlipidemic, 14.7 % had ischemic heart disease and 7.7% were smokers. The effect of age and sex was not significant between circulations. The prevalence of hypertension as a major risk factor of stroke and diabetes mellitus was higher in patients with PC stroke compared to patients with AC stroke (P<0.05). The co effect of diabetes mellitus and hypertension did not have any significant effect on type of circulation. The prevalence of hyperlipidemia was five times higher in patients with AC stroke (P<0.05). No any significant difference was seen between smoking and ischemic heart diseases and the type of circulation. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus as major risk factors of stroke resulted in more PC strokes. Therefore, controlling the risk factors is of great importance to reduce the rate of such strokes.

---

The combination of generalized broken livedoreticularis and cerebrovascular accident is referred to as Sneddon syndrome with the incidence of 4/million/year. It predominates among young women and the more prevalent mean age at the moment of diagnosis is the fifth decade. The disease has a slow and progressive clinical course that can lead to disability or death, due to neurological problems or associated complications. Livedo reticularis is characterized by persistent lesions with a cyanotic coloration, which are not influenced by temperature. Patients should be classified as primary Sneddon syndrome, if no etiologic factor can be detected, and secondary Sneddon syndrome, which occurs mainly as part of an autoimmune disorder or in a thrombophilic state. The severity of the disease seems to be correlated with magnetic resonance imaging aspects, but not to the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. Histopathological study revealed that the disease affects small and medium arteries, located in the profound dermis and superior band of the subcutaneous cellular tissue. We have reported a patient with recurrent vascular accident who had significant skin lesion named livedoreticularis as long as treating for obsessive convulsive for a long time and infertility. We want to emphasis to see well as the first step of examination for diagnosis and treatment of disease.

---

Background and purpose: Post stroke depression is one of the common emotional disorders affecting stroke survivors. Stroke is one of neurological diseases and is a public health problem. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of possible risk factors in prevalence of post stroke depression. Material and Methods: This descriptive study was performed using relevant sampling method on 116 inpatient ischemic stroke admitted in neurology department of Boali Sina hospital in Sari. The diagnosis of brain ischemic stroke was made based on the clinical findings of a neurologist and confirmed by Brain.C.T.S and M.R.I. Frequency of depression was determined using DSM IV criteria and HADS inquiry. The risk factors were recorded after being confirmed by a physician based on paraclinical testes along with demographic information. Data was analyzed applying Chi Square and logistic regression in SPSS V.16. Results: Finding revealed that 47.4% of the patients suffered post stroke depression. Frequency of depression was significantly higher in women (29.3%) compared to that in men which was (18.1%). There was no significant relation between depression and age and educational level. But we found a significant correlation between post stroke depression and gender, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Conclusion: This study showed a high incidence of depression after stroke which is found to be more prominent among women. There is a significant correlation between depression and sex, diabetes, and hypertension. Early diagnosis and proper interventions can help in decreasing the rate of post stroke depression especially in women, hence, the quality of life and expectancy of life will increase in these patients.

---

Background and purpose: Providing excellent patient care requires effective leadership. The aim of this study was to codify accreditation standards based on scientific evidences and local conditions for management and leadership in hospitals in Iran. Materials and methods: In this applied study the codification process lasted for three years (2007-2010) and several activities were done in different stages. They were reviewing the accreditation standards of selected countries, reviewing the standards of Iranian hospital evaluation, forming expert panel and determining the type of accreditation model, preparing a standard draft and feedback form, organizing symposium and expert panel, performing a pilot study, holding workshops and subsequent revisions, codification and notification standards. Results: National hospital accreditation standards for leadership and management in Iran consists of 9 categories and 151 standards (65 clauses, 86 sub clauses) including governance, executive, chairman- managing director, hospital administration, management of educational and research activities, risk management, crisis/disaster management, failures and adverse events, and financial management. Financial management included most of the standard clauses (24 clauses and 23 sub clauses). Conclusion: Hospital managers play an important role in developing hospital accreditation standards in different wards and departments (clinical and non-clinical), patient safety, and quality improvement

---

Background and purpose: In recent years quality of life is regarded an important issue in both health and clinical investigations. Many instruments such as SF-36 were provided for assessing quality of life in general population and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The purpose of this article was to determine the quality of life in patients with RA in west of Mazandaran. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 165 RA patients attending rheumatology clinics in Ramsar and Tonekabon who were selected by random sampling. Data was collected through self-reports, interview and observation. The SF-36 Persian version questionnaire of quality of life including 8 components was completed. Data was analyzed in SPPS V.17 applying descriptive statistics and T-test, ANOVA and Regression analysis. Results: Among the subjects 145 (87.9%) were female, 126 (76.3%) were urban, and 140 (84.8%) were married. Mean age of the patients was 51.5 years. Mean of physical function, vitality and general health were different between male and female but in other components no significant differences were observed. Mean of quality of life in bodily pain (BP), physical role and general health in women were lower than other components. No significant differences were seen in urban and rural women regarding the studied components. We found significant correlations between age and the studied components, however, this correlation was not found for emotional role and BP (p<0.05). Correlation and regression analyses have shown that duration of disease and age were negatively correlated with all components of quality of life (r= -0.32 to -0.22). Conclusion: This study showed RA patients with low scores in physical components and higher scores in mental and social components. Quality of life is highly influenced by chronic RA, therefore, it is necessary to have appropriate plans in order to improve the patients’ quality of life by controlling the disease and its side effects.

---

Several therapeutic methods require an artificial lung (oxygenator) to replace the physiological function of lung. For instance, in some acute respiratory syndromes, the patient’s lungs are unable to perform their normal function and would need an assistive device to fulfill their performance. Moreover, in cardio-pulmonary bypass, when the heart has stopped pumping, blood is not sent to the lungs, and should be flowed in an extracorporeal circuit, incorporating an oxygenator through a heart-lung machine. The demand to design a proper oxygenator had begun since more than three centuries ago, and has achieved significant achievements so far. Efforts have been devoted to promote the performance characteristics of oxygenators by increasing their hemocompatibility, providing larger contact area between blood and gas phases, reducing blood pressure drop between inlet and outlet flows and lowering their priming volume. This article reviews the history, structural and functional properties of oxygenators and provides a wide perspective of their clinical applications for adults, children and neonates. Moreover, techniques used in different prototypes, as well as limiting factors are discussed. The state of art oxygenators and future aspects towards implantable oxygenators are also introduced which might be effective in motivating biomedical scientists to conduct their researches in this direction.

---

Interferons (IFNs) are pleotropic cytokines with strong anti-viral and immunomodulatory properties. Their function is dependent to signaling pathway upon binding to IFN receptor. Both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects are seen in interferons-related immune responses. While, interferons are in direct correlation with autoantibodies production during autoimmunity, they have protective effects. This paradoxical role of interferons may impose on immunopathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and selecting appropriate medical strategies. Here, we will review the role of interferons in autoimmune diseases such as giant cell arteritis and describe a general overview on their dual role in autoimmune diseases including, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma.

---

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Although the main cause of MS is still unknown, several risk factors may contribute in MS development. In the search for the etiology of MS, infectious agents, genetic factors, and/or their combination were believed to participate in MS occurrence. The association between MS and infectious diseases was proposed by Pierre Marie in 1884. It was later accepted following epidemiological studies, analysis on twins, immigrants and animal model. This study aimed at investigating the possible relationship between infectious agents and MS. Our findings showed that viral agents such as EBV, borna virus, measles, mumps, and fungi are possible agents in MS development, while parasites may induce immunomodulatory effects. Identifying the relationship between MS and infectious agents and determining a special pathogenic agent for MS could lead to novel treatment strategies. Furthermore, it may result in developing preventive programs. Therefore, further studies are needed to understand and identify the infectious agents that might affect the pathogenesis of MS and their mechanism of actions.

---

Background and purpose: Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica are common liver flukes that are the etiological agents of fasciolosis, which affects both domestic livestock and humans worldwide. In the present study we established a rapid, easy and also accurate tool, for differentiation between F. hepatica and F. gigantica using Fast PCR. Material and methods: Thirty adults of Fasciola species were isolated from sheep and cattle liver form abattoirs in Mazandaran province. ITS1 rDNA region were amplified by Sapphire Amp® Fast PCR and compared with AccuPower® Taq PCR PreMix from Bioneer. In addition, PCR-RFLP assay using Tsp509I was performed for identification of F. hepatica and F. gigantica. Results: A fragment of approximately 463bp was amplified in all of the Fasciola samples using Sapphire Amp® Fast PCR premix in just 34 minutes, while nucleic acid amplification was completed in about 1 hour and 46 minutes by Bioneer PCR master mix. All PCR products were digested with restriction enzyme TasІ (Tsp509I). After digestion, F. hepatica revealed two fragments of 151 and 312 bp while F. gigantica produced three fragments of 93, 151, and 219 bp. Conclusion: Fast PCR reaction using Sapphire Amp® Fast PCR premix was completed three times faster than the time of conventional premix. The new Fast PCR assay using Sapphire Amp® Fast PCR premix provides a simple, rapid and accurate technique for identification and differentiation of Fasciola species in epidemiological researches on human and domestic animals in endemic regions of fasciolosis.