Quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease: translation and psychometric evaluation of the Iranian version of PDQ-39

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199515220091020Quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease: translation and psychometric evaluation of the Iranian version of PDQ-396369ENDepartment of Community MedicineMedicine Specialist, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.Neurologist, Rasoule Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranProfessor of Health Services Research, Health Services Research Unit, Department of Public Health, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK200907112009101420091013<ul><li>BACKGROUND: Health related quality of life is an important outcome measure in studies involving patients with chronic neurological conditions. Disease specific patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly used as primary end points in clinical trials. The most widely used disease specific PROM is the 39 item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). The aim of this study was to determine validity and reliability of Persian PDQ-39.</li><li>METHODS: Two hundred Parkinson's disease patients attending neurologic clinics of teaching hospitals were recruited. PD patients completed a translated version of the PDQ-39. Internal consistency reliability of the questionnaire was assessed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Reproducibility was assessed across the 3-week interval using the intraclass correlation coefficient. To assess convergent validity, results on the PDQ-39 were correlated with those gained on the SF-36. Discriminate validity of questionnaire was assessed by comparing PDQ-39 scores and the severity and the duration of disease.</li><li>RESULTS: A value of 0.93 (Cronbach's α) was gained for the summary score (PDQ-SI), indicating high levels of internal reliability. Alpha value of seven domains was greater than 0.70. The intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.47 to 0.90. The range of correlation coefficients between domains of SF-36 and PDQ-SI was from -0.40 to -0.61. There was a statistically significant difference between severity of disease and mean scores of PDSI.</li><li>CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that the Persian version of PDQ-39 is a valid and reliable measure of quality of life in PD.</li><li>KEYWORDS: Parkinson's Disease, Quality of Life, Patient Reported Outcomes Measures, PDQ-39, Validity, Reliability.</li></ul>  http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/3978http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/3978/1852

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199515220091212Effects of education on self-monitoring of blood pressure based on BASNEF model in hypertensive patients7077ENAssociate Professor in Health Education, School of Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.MS in Health Education, School of Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.Assistant Professor in Health Education, School of Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, IranAssociate Professor in Health Education, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.Assistant Professor in Cardiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.Associate Editor, Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. Assistant Professor of Nutrition, Department of Nutrition, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences200909072009121220091212<ul><li>BACKGROUND: Hypertension is one of the most important health problems. Self-monitoring may be an effective method for controlling this disease. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of education on blood pressure self-monitoring in patients with hypertension based on BASNEF model.</li><li>METHODS: In this clinical trial, 150 outpatients with hypertension were randomly selected from those referred to private clinics in Yazd, Iran, during 2008. They were divided in two groups. The data were collected by a validated and reliable questionnaire. The implementing educational program was continued for 2 months and the pre-test and post-test had an interval of 2-months. BASNEF model was applied to explain the motivation of a behavior. Descriptive analysis, correlation test and also regression analysis were used to analyze data.</li><li>RESULTS: The respondents acquired 17.72% of total score for self-monitoring behavior, 47.03% of attitude, 12.37% of subjective norms, 33.46% of intention and 50.95% of enabling factors. After intervention, there were significant increases in self-monitoring behavior (173.31%), attitude (62.60%), subjective norms (54.70%), intention (129.93%) and enabling factors (46.62%) in the intervention group. There was no significant difference between the constructs of BASNEF model in the control group after intervention compared to the baseline values (p > 0.05).</li><li>CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that the level of self-monitoring behavior in the patients was low. Educational programs are helpful and necessary to improve self-monitoring behavior in patients with hypertension.</li><li>KEYWORDS: Education, Self-monitoring, Hypertension, BASNEF Model.</li></ul>  http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/4182http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/4182/1914

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199515220100104The effects of exercise training on maximum aerobic capacity, rest heart rate, blood pressure and anthropometric variables of postmenopausal women with breast cancer7883ENAssociate Professorb PhD Student, Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iranc Professor, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.Assistant Professor, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, IranAssistant Professor, Department of Radiotherapy, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.200906272009112320100217<ul><li>BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise training on maximum aerobic capacity, resting heart rate (RHR), blood pressure and anthropometric variables of postmenopausal women with breast cancer.</li><li>METHODS: Twenty nine women with breast cancer who received surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy with current hormone therapy were divided into two groups; intervention and control. Subjects in the intervention group performed 15 weeks combination exercise training including walking for 25 to 45 minutes (2 sessions per week) and resistance training for 60 minutes (2 sessions per week that were different from walking days). In pre and post tests, VO2max, RHR, blood pressure, body weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were measured in both groups. Data was analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).</li><li>RESULTS: Significant differences were observed for VO2max, RHR, body weight, BMI and WHR between intervention and control groups after 15 weeks (p < 0.05). In fact, exercise training had positive effects on the VO2max, RHR, body weight, BMI and WHR in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. No significant different was found for blood pressure between two groups (p > 0.05).</li><li>CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that exercise training may improve maximum aerobic capacity, RHR and anthropometric variables in postmenopausal women with breast cancer.</li><li>KEYWORDS: Breast Cancer, Postmenopausal, Maximum Aerobic Capacity, Blood Pressure, Anthropometric Variables.</li></ul>  http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/3927http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/3927/1899

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199515220100104Using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging to differentiate between Healthy Aging subjects, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Alzheimerâ€™s Patients8493ENHead of NeuroImaging and Analysis Team (NIAT)Radiation Medicine Engineering Department of Shahid Beheshti UniversityMemory and Behavioral Neurology Department of Tehran University of Medical SciencesPsychology Department of Shahid Beheshti UniversityDepartment of Neuro-Vascular Diseases, Shariati Hospital, Tehran2009070120091223<ul><li>BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia which is still difficult to be differentiated from other types of brain disorders. Moreover, Mild Cognitive Impairment refers to the presence of cognitive impairments that is not severe enough to meet the criteria of Alzheimer's, and its diagnosis in early stages is so critical. There is currently no distinct method available for diagnosing Alzheimer's or Mild Cognitive Impairment, and their diagnosis needs a combination of different methods and assessments.</li><li>METHODS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) in differentiating between Alzheimer's, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and healthy aging. To prove fMRI's ability, resting-state brain activation patterns between these three groups of subjects were compared using Independent Component Analysis (ICA) algorithm. Forty age- and sex-matched subjects, 15 elderly, 11 MCI and 14 Alzheimer's subjects were examined.</li><li>RESULTS: The results showed that during a certain resting-state session, healthy aging brain benefits from larger area and greater intensity of activation (compared with MCI and Alzheimer's group) in Posterior Cingulate Cortex (PCC) region of the brain, as part of Default Mode Network.</li><li>CONCLUSIONS: This difference in activation pattern can be used as a diagnostic criterion in using fMRI for differentiating between Alzheimer's Disease (AD), MCI and healthy aging.</li><li>KEYWORDS: FMRI, Default Mode Network, Alzheimer's, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Resting-State.</li></ul>  http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/3942http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/3942/1934

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199515220100104Does Early-Onset Multiple Scleroses differ from Adult-onset form?9499ENIsfahan University of Medical Sciences,Isfahan Neurosciences Reesearch Center,Isfahan Medical Education Research Center, Isfahan , IRANIsfahan University of Medical Sciences,Isfahan Neurosciences Reesearch CenterIsfahan University of Medical Sciences , IRANIsfahan University of Medical Sciences , IRAN2009072920091115<ul><li>Asia. This study sought to identify the characteristics of early-onset Multiple Sclerosis (EOMS) comparison to adult-onset form (AOMS) in Isfahan, IRAN.</li><li>METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on 104 youths with multiple sclerosis beginning before the age of 16 years and 123 patients with adult-onset multiple sclerosis. Patients were observed for a mean period of 5 years. The common presenting symptoms, MRI finding, course of disease and disability score were compared between the two groups.</li><li>RESULTS: The mean onset age of disease in youths and adults were 14 ± 1.9 and 27.7 ± 8.06 years, respectively. Female/male ratio was 4.47:1 in EOMS and 3.92:1 in AOMS, this ratio was 7:1 in early childhood MS (≤ 10 year). The most common presenting symptom was optic neuritis in the EOMS group and paresthesia in AOMS. Optic neuritis was common in AOMS too, but brainstem/cerebellar signs were more common in EOMS than AOMS. Seizure occurred more frequently in EOMS than in the AOMS group (12.6% vs. 1.6%, respectively, p < 0.001). MRI showed that brainstem plaques were more prevalent in the EOMS compared with the AOMS group.</li><li>CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that early-onset MS does not significantly differ from adult form in terms of major clinical manifestation and course of disease, however Seizure is more common in EOMS, and brainstem and cerebellar symptoms as presenting symptom are more common.</li><li>KEYWORDS: Multiple Sclerosis, Optic Neuritis, Adulthood.</li></ul>http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/4049http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/4049/1912

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199515220100104Psychological Evaluation In Pregnant Women Affected By Thalassemia Major: Traits And Personality100106ENHereditary Anemia Center, Dept Internal Medicine, Policlinico Foundation IRCCS, University of Milan, ItalyUnit of Psychiatry, Policlinico Foundation IRCCS, University of Milan, ItalyHereditary Anemia Center, Dept Internal Medicine, Policlinico Foundation IRCCS, University of Milan, ItalyHereditary Anemia Center, Dept Internal Medicine, Policlinico Foundation IRCCS, University of Milan, ItalyHereditary Anemia Center, Dept Internal Medicine, Policlinico Foundation IRCCS, University of Milan, ItalyHereditary Anemia Center, Dept Internal Medicine, Policlinico Foundation IRCCS, University of Milan, ItalyUnit of Endocrinology, Policlinico Foundation IRCCS, University of Milan, ItalyHereditary Anemia Center, Dept Internal Medicine, Policlinico Foundation IRCCS, University of Milan, Italy2009081920091028<ul><li>BACKGROUND: The reproductive and sexual health issues concerning persons affected by thalassemia major are complex. The study was planned to investigate the psychological attitudes and expectations in a group of thalassemic pregnant women attending hospital for regular blood transfusion.</li><li>METHODS: This is a preliminary cross-sectional study involving 20 consecutive thalassemic patients and a control group of 42 healthy pregnant volunteers. The personality structure was evaluated by Rorschach's test and the presence of psychic symptoms by SCL-90-R and STAI.</li><li>RESULTS: Narcissism and sexual traumas are significantly higher in thalassemic women with respects to the control group. Also the percent of anxiety and depression observed with the SCL-90-R was significantly higher than in control group (45% vs. 3%, p < 0.001, mean and SD values are 1.65 ± 0.15 vs. 0.43 ± 0.18 for anxiety; 55% vs. 12%, p < 0.001, mean and SD values are 1.76 ± 0.18 vs. 0.85 ± 0.25 for depression). The score observed with the STAI shows that the trait of anxiety differed between thalassemic pregnant women and the control group, even though the score values aren't pathologic in neither group (87% vs. 42%, p < 0.05, mean and SD values are 33 ± 0.8 vs. 22 ± 0.2).</li><li>CONCLUSIONS: This study addresses the need for developing, implementing and evaluating proper psychological support for thalassemic pregnant patients. Moreover, psychological screening and support prior to, during and following pregnancy would be indicated.</li><li>KEYWORDS: Personality, Pregnancy, Thalassemia Major.</li></ul>http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/4115http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/4115/1855

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199515220100119Capture-recapture method for assessing publication bias107115ENDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS)Community Medicine Department and Physiology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS)Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS)Digestive Disease Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS)Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS)200909302010011920100109<ul><li>BACKGROUND: Publication bias is an important factor that may result in selection bias and lead to overestimation of the intervention effect. In this study, the focus was on using capture-recapture method as a statistical procedure which may possibly be a practical means for measuring the amount of publication bias.</li><li>METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to estimate the duration of protection provided by hepatitis B vaccine by measuring the anamnestic immune response to booster doses of vaccine and retrieved studies from three separate sources of electronic databases, reference lists of the studies, and conference databases as well as contact with experts and manufacturers. Capture-recapture and some conventional methods such as funnel plot, Begg test, Egger test, and trim and fill method were employed for assessing publication bias.</li><li>RESULTS: Based on capture-recapture method, completeness of the overall search results was 87.2% [95% CI: 84.6% to 89.0%] and log-linear model suggested 5 [95% CI: 4.2 to 6.2] missing studies. The funnel plot was asymmetric while Begg and Egger tests results were statistically insignificant and trill and fill approach made no change in pooled effect.</li><li>CONCLUSIONS: Capture-recapture method may be a useful practical approach for estimating the number of missing studies which are not usually detected by search strategy. As a result, use of capture-recapture method as an alternative approach could be suggested for estimating the extent of publication bias based on overlapping information rather than mirror image of extreme values on funnel plot.</li><li>KEYWORDS: Meta-Analysis, Publication Bias, Review Literature, Capture-Recapture.</li></ul>http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/4295http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/4295/1972

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199515220100104The Seroepidemiology of the Chronic Infections in Patient with Myocardial Infraction in North of Iran116119ENIslamic Azad University-Gorgan branchMicrobiology department, Golestan university of medical sciences, Gorgan , IranGolestan university of medical sciences, Gorgan , Iran200901102009110920090915<ul><li>BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested that chronic infections with Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn) and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) may be associated with the risk of Myocardial Infarction (MI).</li><li>METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted on 140 citizens. Seroprevalence was assessed by ELISA tests measuring IgA and IgG antibodies to Cpn and Hp in sera.</li><li>RESULTS: Among patients, %11.4 and %90.0 were seropositive for Anti-Cpn IgA and IgG respectively, and also %51.4 and %58.6 were seropositive for Anti-Hp IgA and IgG respectively.</li><li>CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that previous infection to Cpn in patients with MI is important. But there are no significant association between infection with Hp and MI.</li><li>KEYWORDS: Myocardial Infarction, Helicobacter Pylori, Chlamydiae Pneumoniae, IgA, IgG.</li></ul> http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/2828http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/2828/1866

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199515220100104Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis in Children: A case series120124ENAssistant Professor of Pediatrics, Mofid Children Hospital, Shaheed Beheshti Medical University, Tehran, IRANProfessor of pediatric infectious diseasesAssistant Professor of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Research Center, Mofid Children Hospital, Shaheed Beheshti Medical University, Tehran, IRANAssistant Professor of Anesthesiology, Shaheed Moddares Hospital, Shaheed Beheshti Medical University, Tehran, IRANAssistant Professor of Pathology, Pediatric Infectious Research Center, Mofid Children Hospital, Shaheed Beheshti Medical University, Tehran, IRANAssociate Professor of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Research Center, Mofid Children Hospital, Shahid Beheshti Medical University, Tehran, IranGeneral Practitioner, Researcher, Pediatric Infections Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University,Tehran, Iran.2008122020091104<ul><li>Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, (PAP) is a rare disease of unknown etiology, characterized by accumulation of intra-alveolar proteinaceous material which is rich in lipid and positive on periodic acid-Schiff stain. Two clinically different pediatric types have been defined as congenital PAP which is fulminant and fatal, and a late-onset PAP which is similar to the adult form and less severe. Eight children with late-onset PAP were hospitalized from 1998 to 2005 in Mofid Children Hospital. Characteristics of these patients and the methods of diagnosis and treatment are presented in this case series.</li><li>KEYWORDS: Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis, Respiratory Failure, Respiratory Distress, Children.</li></ul>    http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/2744http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/2744/1876

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199515220100104Treatment of atrophic cutaneous leishmaniasis scar using autologous fibroblasts and keratinocytes (a case report and literature review):125126ENSkin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Center for Research and Training in Skin Diseases and Leprosy, Medical Sciences/University of Tehran, IranEmbryologist, Rooyan Institute, Jahad DaneshgahiDepartment of Physiology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranSkin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center(Sedigheh Tahereh), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center(Sedigheh Tahereh), Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.skin disease and leishmaniasis research center-isfahan university of medical sciences2009061820091109In this case report we present a case of wide, deep, atrophic cutaneous leishmaniasis scar that was improved significantly using injection of autologus fibroblasts, dermabrasion and dressing with autologus keratinocytes and fibroblasts. To our best knowledge, it is the first time that separate cultured fibroblasts and keratinocytes are used in conjunction with dermabrasion for treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis scar. We have started this procedure as an extensive research on patients with leishmaniasis scar that will be reported in the future.http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/3907http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/download/3907/1915

Journal of Research in Medical Sciences1735-199515220100301How to survive and improve peer review?52405240ENDepartment of physiology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran2010040220100402Publications are the key element in scientific communication and influence future science development. Peer review is at the heart of the procedures of not just medical journals but of all of the science. It is viewed as a vital stage by which grants are allocated, papers published, and faculties promoted. Peer review began in the early 1900s in response to the editor's need for expert advice to pick the best quality articles from various submissions. The editors of JRMS recently held a workshop to discuss ways to survive and improve peer review (see below for slides) in Isfahan university of medical sciences, and this paper summarizes the sessions. The workshop was attended by editorial members of Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. This one-day workshop covered a wide range of topics including the peer review process and how to make it more pleasant, reviewers responsibility,and how to improve peer review . All sessions were followed by interactive discussions between the speakers and participants. In brief, the reviewer's responsibilities include help the editors to decide if the manuscript reaches the level of priority to be published in a given journal and improving the submitted manuscript with constructive comments. Accordingly, the reviewer should protect the integrity of his or her speciality, the reputation of the scientific journal, and the ethical issues, as well as handling the author's manuscript with respect, and fairness. Practically, if there is a conflict of interest, participating in review should be declined. After informing the editors about the willingness to review the fallowing issues should be validated (1) the originality, (2) methodological validity (3) significance of results, (4) the clarity of presentation, (5) if the results support the conclusions made (6) if the abstract properly reveal the full content of the manuscript, (7) the findings’ interest to the readership of the journal and, most importantly (8) the ethical issues of the study. Another important question with peer review which was discussed in this workshop was” how to improve it”. The most interesting findings presented in response to this question include: homogenizing the process by using more checklists; opening up the process; reviewing protocols; training reviewers; being more meticulous in choosing reviewers; rewarding reviewers; giving feedback to reviewers.http://jrms.mui.ac.ir/index.php/jrms/article/view/5240