Ali Momeni; Masoud Amiri; Mahdi Ghatrehsamani; Maryam Mohammadi; Morteza Hashemzadeh Chaleshtori; Alireza Nematolahi
Volume 24, Issue 3 , 2022
Abstract
Background: Gene polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) may be associated with adverse prognosis and increased cardiovascular complications in hemodialysis patients.
Objectives: This study aimed to compare the frequency of ACE gene polymorphism in both hemodialysis patients and normal individuals ...
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Background: Gene polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) may be associated with adverse prognosis and increased cardiovascular complications in hemodialysis patients.
Objectives: This study aimed to compare the frequency of ACE gene polymorphism in both hemodialysis patients and normal individuals considering echocardiographic findings.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 110 hemodialysis patients (case) and 113 healthy subjects (control). Gene polymorphism of ACE was evaluated in both groups. ECG and echocardiography tests were performed for all patients. Correlations between gene polymorphisms and other variables were analyzed in this study. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify the short deletion allele (D with 190bp), large insertion allele (I with 490bp), and ID genotype which has both alleles.
Results: Case and control groups included 46 and 54 female and 64 and 59 male patients, respectively. There were no significant differences between the prevalence of DD, II, and DI alleles of the ACE gene with DI as the most common allele in both groups. No significant differences were found between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate in DD, DI, and II alleles of the case group. Echocardiographic findings of the patients showed no significant differences between DD, DI, and II genotypes of the case group and intraventricular septal end-diastole (IVSd), MVE vel, MVA vel, MVE/A ratio, MV DT, and MV Dec slope. The mean±SD left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) in II, ID, and DD patients were 4.3±0.72, 4.52±0.66, and 4.89±0.93 respectively (P=0.046).
Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed that there were no differences in the prevalence of alleles of an ACE gene in hemodialysis patients and control groups. Moreover, no significant associations were observed between alleles of an ACE gene in the patients' group and echocardiographic findings except in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter.
Romina Kardan; Abbas Shahedi; Mohammad Hosseini-sharifabad; Maryam Yadegari; Mohammad Ebrahim Rezvani
Volume 24, Issue 5 , 2022
Abstract
Background: Curcumin is a natural antioxidant known for its neuroprotective properties against cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury. Stroke has the greatest impact on the hippocampus cornu ammonis (CA1) region and leads to cognitive impairment.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of ...
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Background: Curcumin is a natural antioxidant known for its neuroprotective properties against cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury. Stroke has the greatest impact on the hippocampus cornu ammonis (CA1) region and leads to cognitive impairment.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of pretreatment with turmeric extracts before the induction of cerebral ischemia on the structure of the hippocampus CA1 region, learning, and spatial memory.
Methods: A total of 32 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: 1) control group, 2) sham group (received dimethyl sulfoxide), 3) ischemia group (15 min bilateral carotid artery), and 4) curcumin group (received 100 mg/kg of curcumin daily for five days before the induction of ischemia). The Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate memory impairment in mice 48 h after ischemia induction. The animals were then anesthetized, and their blood samples were taken for malondialdehyde measurement. Subsequently, the animals brains were removed, and the number of neurons, as well as the volume of the layers, were examined using cresyl violet staining.
Results: The results of the stereology showed a significant increase in the volume of the CA1 region and its substrates in the curcumin treatment group, compared to the ischemia group. In addition, the number of pyramidal neurons in the treatment group showed a significant increase, in comparison with the ischemia group. Moreover, curcumin administration reduced the spatial memory impairment in the treatment group, compared to the ischemia group.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that pretreatment with curcumin can improve memory and learning disorders, as well as hippocampal neuron damage, following ischemia.
Sethu Thakachy Subha; Mohamad Doi; Fathinul Fikri Ahmad Saad; Nor Yatizah Mohd Yatim
Volume 25, Issue 9 , 2023
Abstract
Background: Spindle cell sarcoma of the tonsil is an extremely rare malignancy in the head and neck region. The initial clinical presentation can be an asymptomatic mass lesion, and the biopsy of this growing mass should be conducted to exclude a malignant process. In this case report, we described a ...
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Background: Spindle cell sarcoma of the tonsil is an extremely rare malignancy in the head and neck region. The initial clinical presentation can be an asymptomatic mass lesion, and the biopsy of this growing mass should be conducted to exclude a malignant process. In this case report, we described a patient with spindle cell sarcoma of the tonsil with good clinical outcome after surgery alone.Case presentation: A 38-year-old male presented with foreign body sensation of the throat and clinical examination revealed asymmetrical enlargement of the right tonsil. Tonsillectomy was performed, and histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry analysis revealed a low-grade spindle cell sarcoma of the tonsil. He developed local recurrence at twelve months and underwent wide local excision. The patient remained well without any local recurrences and metastases eight years after diagnosis.Conclusion: We reported this case study in an effort to increase the awareness of spindle cell sarcoma of the tonsil and to emphasize the challenges in the diagnosis of this sarcoma. Surgical extirpation with a clear margin appeared to be an adequate treatment for the low-grade spindle cell sarcoma of the tonsil.
Samira Mohajer; Li Yoong Tang; Mei Chan Chong; Mahmoud Danaee; Seyyed Reza Mazlum; Nasser Bagheri
Volume 23, Issue 12 , 2021
Abstract
Background: Professional self-concept (PSC) is an important issue concerning the nursing profession and is reflected as the key concept in nursing professionalism. Although previous studies investigated this concept and its related factors among nursing students, their results showed no consensus.
Objectives: ...
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Background: Professional self-concept (PSC) is an important issue concerning the nursing profession and is reflected as the key concept in nursing professionalism. Although previous studies investigated this concept and its related factors among nursing students, their results showed no consensus.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess PSCs among senior nursing students and examine their relationship with gender and Grade Point Average (GPA).
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 157 nursing students selected by a convenience sampling among senior nursing students in the seventh semester in January 2020 at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. The data were collected using Cowin's 36-item Nursing Professional Self-Concept questionnaire, which measures nursing self-concept in six dimensions.
Results: Undergraduate nursing students were 22-24 years old (22.58±98). Moreover, two-thirds of the students were female (66%) and married (71%). The nursing students reported a total mean score of PSC to be 161.1±3.27. The highest mean score of the PSC dimensions belonged to communication (27.7±1.17), and the lowest mean score was observed for self-esteem (25.52±1.06). In addition, there was no significant difference among gender, total PSC, and its dimensions, and there was no relationship with GPA, except for the staff relations (r=-0.198, P<0.05) and leadership (r=-0.210, P<0.05), which showed a negative and significant correlation; however, the correlation coefficients were not strong (P<0.3).
Conclusion: Due to a moderate level of total PSC and the lowest dimensions in self-esteem among nursing students, it is recommended that nursing students' PSC and its dimensions, specifically in self-esteem, be taken into account, which can boost their nursing professionalism.
Ali Hosseinzadeh; Abbas Tavakolian; Vahid Kia; Hossein Ebrahimi; Hossein Sheibani; Ehsan Binesh; Majid Rahmati; Maryam Yarmohammadi; Nazanin Aghayan; Seyed Mohammad Mirrezaie; Moslem Jafarisani; Reza Jafari
Volume 24, Issue 8 , 2022
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus pandemic has affected a large population worldwide. Currently, the standard care for individuals who are exposed is supportive care, symptomatic management, and isolation.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the combined use of ethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide ...
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Background: Coronavirus pandemic has affected a large population worldwide. Currently, the standard care for individuals who are exposed is supportive care, symptomatic management, and isolation.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the combined use of ethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a nasal spray in preventing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on volunteer healthcare workers of medical centers who were at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 in Shahroud, Iran. In total, 232 participants were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups to receive DMSO/ethanol or routine care, respectively. The subjects were followed for four weeks to determine the incidence of COVID-19 infection in each group based on the RT-PCR test. Finally, absolute risk difference and relative risk were calculated to evaluate the effect of DMSO on COVID-19 prevention.
Results: The results showed that the incidence rates of COVID-19 were 0.07 and 0.008 in the control and intervention groups, respectively. The relative risk was obtained at 0.12 (0.02-0.97) according to the incidence rate in the two groups.
Conclusion: Combined administration of DMSO and ethanol by healthcare providers can considerably prevent COVID-19.
Ghazal Ghasempour Dabaghi; Mehrdad Rabiee Rad; Mohammad Eslamian; Maryam Goharian
Volume 24, Issue 4 , 2022
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a major health problem worldwide. Vascular thrombosis is increasingly observed in COVID-19 patients. This complication seems to be due to coagulopathy and endothelial damage. In this paper, we report a COVID-19 patient with superior mesenteric artery ...
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Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a major health problem worldwide. Vascular thrombosis is increasingly observed in COVID-19 patients. This complication seems to be due to coagulopathy and endothelial damage. In this paper, we report a COVID-19 patient with superior mesenteric artery thrombosis and review of 27 COVID-19 cases with acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI).
Case presentation: A 59-years old man with confirmed COVID-19 readmitted to the hospital due to abdominal pain and diarrhea two days after discharge from the emergency department. He was diagnosed with acute mesenteric ischemia by abdominal CT scan with contrast. The patient underwent emergency laparotomy and the ischemic gangrenous bowel was resected. Unfortunately, the patient succumbed one month after the operation.
Conclusion: AMI is a life-threatening thrombotic event rarely seen in COVID-19 patients, so it is vital to diagnose it. Anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory prophylactic therapies might be useful in preventing AMI, especially in the patients with thrombosis risk factor. So, it is crucial to reduce its incidence in COVID-19 patients.
Haniye Mastour; AmirAli Moodi Ghalibaf; Shabnam Niroumand
Volume 24, Issue 3 , 2022
Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) forced higher education to adopt e-learning and remote online tests as a kind of assessment that leads to new paradigms.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the medical students' test anxiety toward remote online tests during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: ...
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Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) forced higher education to adopt e-learning and remote online tests as a kind of assessment that leads to new paradigms.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the medical students' test anxiety toward remote online tests during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: The current cross-sectional study has been conducted in the 2020-2021 academic year. A self-reported online questionnaire was used to investigate the medical students' test anxiety at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. The survey consisted of demographic characteristics, including gender, age, and curriculum phase, as well as the validated version of the Sarasons's test anxiety scale in Persian.
Results: The findings indicated that the prevalence rates of mild, moderate, and severe test anxiety were 27.9%, 36.9%, and 35.2%, respectively, toward remote online tests. Although the comparison of test anxiety levels showed a statistically significant difference due to gender and age (P<0.05), the difference in test anxiety among the students of basic sciences and preclinical was not significant (P>0.05). Furthermore, the female students' test anxiety was more than that of male students, and participants over 20 years old had higher test anxiety scores (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Moderate to severe test anxiety was more common in medical students, which can have devastating effects on the students' academic performance. There is a critical need to recommend anxiety management techniques and bring reforms in e-assessment systems to reduce test anxiety in medical students.
Tiancheng Luo; Xinhua Huang; Wei Lei; Yujen Tseng; Ji Zhou; shiyao Chen; Jian Wang; Lili Ma
Volume 25, Issue 5 , 2023
Abstract
Background: Splenomegaly and hypersplenism are common presentations of portal hypertension and can result in severe comorbidities. The degree of splenomegaly is associated with disease severity and has been established as a reliable noninvasive indicator for disease surveillance.
Objectives: This study ...
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Background: Splenomegaly and hypersplenism are common presentations of portal hypertension and can result in severe comorbidities. The degree of splenomegaly is associated with disease severity and has been established as a reliable noninvasive indicator for disease surveillance.
Objectives: This study aimed to propose a simple and repeatable splenic measurement model to estimate the splenic volume in patients with portal hypertension.
Methods: In total, 161 patients with portal hypertension were admitted to our hospital from March 2017 to August 2020, with a final enrollment of 106 subjects. The splenic volume calculated via IQQA-Liver software was used for reference. Radiological data were retrospectively reviewed to measure the height, length, and width of the spleen. Different volume prediction models were constructed based on statistically significant laboratory and radiological parameters.
Results: The average spleen volume measured by the IQQA-Liver software was 852.29±362.26cm3. Model 0 was constructed based on hematological and radiological parameters, while Models 1 and 2 were based on radiological parameters alone. Model 1 was superior to the others according to the Bland-Altman scatterplot and correlation analysis.
Conclusion: The proposed estimation model is a reliable predictor for splenic volume, providing valuable information in patients with portal hypertension. The simple technique allows for widespread clinical application.
Chengyuan Ji; Wei Wang; Jiyuan Bu; Zhong Wang
Volume 24, Issue 4 , 2022
Abstract
Background: Acoustic neuroma (AN), also known as vestibular schwannoma, is a benign, generally slow-growing tumor which might result in hearing loss, tinnitus, and disequilibrium. There are currently studies showing that the mean duration from the original operation and the diagnosis of recurrence was ...
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Background: Acoustic neuroma (AN), also known as vestibular schwannoma, is a benign, generally slow-growing tumor which might result in hearing loss, tinnitus, and disequilibrium. There are currently studies showing that the mean duration from the original operation and the diagnosis of recurrence was 4.2 years and the main recurrent symptoms were intracranial hypertension and walking disorder.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors of postoperative recurrence of acoustic neuroma (AN) and provide a reference for its clinical prevention and treatment.
Methods: This retrospective study included a total of 30 patients with recurrent AN and 23 patients with non-recurrent AN who were admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China from January 2013 to December 2018. The recurrence rate during the same periods was calculated and surgical treatment was decided according to the tumor size. The surgical effects of the recurrent patients further compared and investigated the way different treatments affected the preservation of the auditory nerve, facial nerve, and posterior group nerve and increased facial paralysis in AN patients.
Results: Univariate analysis of 30 recurrent AN cases showed that tumor size, internal auditory canal invasion, and tumor blood supply are linked to the recurrence of AN (P<0.05). In addition, the multi-factor analysis demonstrated that rich blood supply, medium texture, intratumoral canal invasion, incomplete resection, and large-diameter tumor were independent risk factors for recurrent AN. We observed a significant difference in the preservation of the auditory nerve, but not in the preservation of the facial nerve and posterior nerve, and between the recurrent and non-recurrent AN patients.
Conclusion: This study analyzed the risk factors of postoperative recurrence in patients with acoustic neuroma. The results showed that small size of tumor, tumor blood supply, tumor texture, tumor vascular invasion, and incomplete tumor resection were independent risk factors for recurrent AN patients. Therefore, these factors can be included in the reference indexes, and relevant prevention and treatment measures can also be taken during the operation to reduce the risk of postoperative recurrence.
Maryam Hajian; Shahram Mohaghegh; Eznollah Azargashb; Mohammad Reza Sohrabi
Volume 24, Issue 3 , 2022
Abstract
Background: Sedentary lifestyle has been associated with many chronic conditions and is recognized as a leading cause of total mortality. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and osteoporosis and increase fitness, balance, muscle strength, and improve psychological ...
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Background: Sedentary lifestyle has been associated with many chronic conditions and is recognized as a leading cause of total mortality. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and osteoporosis and increase fitness, balance, muscle strength, and improve psychological function and self-satisfaction.
Objectives: Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the physical activity level among employees working at the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran to find any relationship between physical activity level and job satisfaction, which is crucial for professional success and productivity.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 300 administrative staff members were randomly selected in the proportion of their numbers from various deputies, faculties, hospitals, health networks, and centers of the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences using multistage sampling. The subjects were selected from both male and female employees. The data were collected through a demographic questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Visoki, and Chrome's Job Satisfaction Questionnaire.
Results: Mean and standard deviation of physical activity of employees were 3021.83 and 2688.65 MET-minutes/week, respectively. The average was slightly higher than the moderate level of physical activity according to IPAQ. The average and standard deviation of job satisfaction of workers were 112.36 and 26.16, respectively, which were relatively good. Physical activity and job satisfaction of female workers were higher than those of their male colleagues (P= 0.019, P= 0.036 respectively). A significant difference was observed between the level of physical activity of workers and their job satisfaction as workers with higher levels of physical activity had more job satisfaction (P< 0.001).
Conclusion: Regarding the significant relationship between physical activity and job satisfaction, physical activity and exercise of employees in the workplace are crucial. Future prospective studies can validate this association.
Esmeray Mutlu Y?lmaz; ?lknur Esen Y?ld?z; Emine Sehmen
Volume 24, Issue 10 , 2022
Abstract
Background: Stigma and discrimination against patients with HIV and hepatitis C are well defined in the literature. However, hepatitis B is an older and more common infection worldwide than HCV and HIV.Objectives: To determine the rates of stigma and discrimination in people with hepatitis B in our region ...
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Background: Stigma and discrimination against patients with HIV and hepatitis C are well defined in the literature. However, hepatitis B is an older and more common infection worldwide than HCV and HIV.Objectives: To determine the rates of stigma and discrimination in people with hepatitis B in our region and to present data from our country to the international literature.Methods: In this study, a questionnaire prepared for chronic hepatitis B patients was applied using face-to-face interview technique. Data analyzed with SPSS-V23 and AMOS-V24.Results: A total of 505 patients were interviewed. The mean age of the patients was 41 and 56% were male. 47.1% of the patients stated that they hid their illness from their surroundings, 47% feared stigma, 36% feared exclusion. While 20(4%) stated that they broke up with their spouse or lover due to their illness, 47(11.7%) stated that they did not plan to marry because of their illness. It was determined that 73.8% of the participants had fear of transmitting the disease to others. 21.6% of the patients stated that they experienced stigma while receiving health services. The rate of being exposed to any stigma and discrimination in the workplace was 12.3%(n=43). Twenty one(5.8%) of the participants stated that they lost their job due to their illness. The rate of exclusion from the social environment was11%(n=55). There was a significant difference between those who hid their disease and those who did not, in terms of age, education level, marital status, place of residence, worrying about the course of the disease, fear of infecting others, and exposure to any stigma. As the level of education increased gradually, it was observed that the individuals shared that they had hepatitis B with fewer people (p=0.002). It was determined that those who have never been married and those living in towns and villages hid their hepatitis positivity more (p=0.020 and 0.011, respectively). As the participants' anxiety levels about the course of the disease and their fear of infecting others increased, it was observed that the hiding behavior increased (p=0.004 and 0.009).Conclusion: In this article, it is shown that HBV positive people in our country accept this situation as a reason for stigmatization and related discrimination. The participants stated that they avoided disclosing their illness mostly because they were afraid of being stigmatized and excluded.
Huseyin Kilavuz; Murat Demir; Ugur Topal
Volume 24, Issue 3 , 2022
Abstract
Background: Various techniques can be used for the closure of the appendiceal stump in laparoscopic appendectomy, although no consensus exists on the optimum approach.
Objectives: The present study was conducted to compare three different stump closure techniques in cases of complicated appendicitis.
Methods: ...
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Background: Various techniques can be used for the closure of the appendiceal stump in laparoscopic appendectomy, although no consensus exists on the optimum approach.
Objectives: The present study was conducted to compare three different stump closure techniques in cases of complicated appendicitis.
Methods: A total of 172 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis were selected for conducting the present retrospective cohort study. The patients were divided into three groups according to the appendiceal stump closure technique: Hem-o-lok clips; extracorporeal knots which were pushed into the abdomen; and laparoscopic knots which were tied manually within the abdomen. The three groups of patients were compared for demographic and clinical characteristics as well as follow-up data.
Results: A total of 85 patients were in Group 1, 43 patients in Group 2, and 44 patients in Group 3. The most common surgical finding was a necrotic appendix in all three groups (67.1% vs. 81.4% vs. 68.2%; p: 0.448). The rate of drain use (42.4% vs. 34.9% vs. 31.8%; p: 0.455) and the readmission rates (10.6% vs. 14% vs. 11.4%; p: 0.178) were also similar in all groups. The median postoperative hospital stay was 2 days in all groups.
Conclusion: No superiority was identified in any of the approaches to stump closure for the laparoscopic treatment of complicated appendicitis cases. All three techniques can be used safely. Accordingly, the technique should be selected based on the assessment of the surgeon, patients characteristics, and cost.
elham ghazanchaei; Kiyoumars Allahbakhshi; Davoud Khorasani-Zavareh; Javad Aghazadeh-Attari; Iraj Mohebbi
Volume 24, Issue 4 , 2022
Abstract
Introduction: In disasters, patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, are considered to be a vulnerable population. This study aimed to examine the natural disaster preparedness knowledge of patients with chronic diseases in Iran with a focus on diabetic patients ...
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Introduction: In disasters, patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, are considered to be a vulnerable population. This study aimed to examine the natural disaster preparedness knowledge of patients with chronic diseases in Iran with a focus on diabetic patients and those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) admitted to Masih Daneshvari Hospital in Tehran, Iran.
Methodology: This cross-sectional survey was administered from August 2020 to April 2021. A disaster preparedness knowledge questionnaire was devised and validated, subsequently. A total of 86 eligible patients were selected using the census method and completed the questionnaire. The questionnaire included items on patients knowledge of disasters (n=7), personal preparedness of patients in disasters (n=8), and family and community preparedness in disasters (n=4).
Results: A total of 86 patients were included in this survey, including 44 (51.2%) males. In total, 64% (n=55), 34.9% (n=30), and 1.2% (n=1) of patients had diabetes, COPD, and both, respectively. Two-thirds of patients reported that they had no good knowledge of disaster and emergency awareness and preparedness.
Conclusion: Based on the obtained results and due to the low readiness of patients, it is necessary to make decisions to improve the patients readiness. Therefore, it is possible to help promote the level of knowledge and preparedness of patients with diabetes and COPD to improve the health results during and after disasters through the adoption of required strategies and comprehensive plans in different areas of public health.
Reza Ghanei Gheshlagh; Mahdie Ghalenoee; Hamid Sharif Nia; Abbas Ebadi; Naser Parizad
Volume 24, Issue 12 , 2022
Abstract
Background: Self-care during Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) helps people follow self-care strategies to reduce the spread of the virus. To control the disease, people need to engage in self-care behaviors, which should be investigated by a valid and reliable instrument to yield valid and credible ...
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Background: Self-care during Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) helps people follow self-care strategies to reduce the spread of the virus. To control the disease, people need to engage in self-care behaviors, which should be investigated by a valid and reliable instrument to yield valid and credible results.
Objectives: This study aimed to validate the Persian version of the Self-Care in COVID-19 Scale (SCOVID Scale).
Methods: The sample included 582 participants from Tehrans general population, selected through convenience sampling in 2021. They were divided into two groups, one for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the other for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Cronbachs alpha coefficient and McDonalds omega were used to assess the internal consistency. Standard error of measurement and the interclass correlation coefficient were also employed to examine absolute and relative stability, respectively.
Results: In the EFA, three factors, including Precaution, Routine Activities, and Lifestyle, were extracted, explaining 32.31% of the total variance in COVID-19 self-care. Internal consistency of the whole scale using both Cronbachs alpha coefficient and McDonalds omega was above 0.7. The goodness of fit indices of the second-order CFA were in the acceptable range (x2=262.365, df=82, P<0.001, RMSEA=0.062, PCFI=0.725, PNFI=0.703, IFI=0.930, and the CFI=0.929).
Conclusion: The Persian version of the SCOVID Scale is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used in studies on COVID-19.
Mahdi Shahriari; Maryam Namavari; Mazyar Ziyaeyan; Peyman Etemadfar
Volume 24, Issue 9 , 2022
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have pointed to the major role of viruses in the pathogenesis of cancers, especially lymphoproliferative cancers.
Objectives: The current study investigated the relationship between recent Human Herpesvirus Type 6 (HHV6) infection and childhood leukemia-lymphoma syndrome. ...
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Background: Previous studies have pointed to the major role of viruses in the pathogenesis of cancers, especially lymphoproliferative cancers.
Objectives: The current study investigated the relationship between recent Human Herpesvirus Type 6 (HHV6) infection and childhood leukemia-lymphoma syndrome.
Methods: From January 2011 to December 2012, we entered every new case of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, acute myeloblastic leukemia, and Hodgkin lymphoma as the case group (n=48); moreover, 60 patients were randomly selected as controls from hospitalized children without infectious agents and myocarditis in the department of pediatric cardiology in Shiraz, Iran. Immunophenotyping of bone marrow or lymph node biopsy was performed for the case group. The DNA was extracted from all collected samples using a DNA extraction kit (Invitek Company, Germany), and a Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for the U38 gene of HHV-6 was performed for the detection of the HHV-6 genome for both groups.
Results: In the case group, 48 patients with the age range of 0-18 years were assigned to four subgroups: 1- Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, 2- Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia, 3- Hodgkin Lymphoma, and 4- non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. In the case group, there were four positive HHV-6 PCR patients: One in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, one in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, and two patients in the Hodgkin Lymphoma subgroup. None of the patients with T-cell leukemia-lymphoma had positive PCR. The frequency of HHV6 PCR positive was not significantly different between the case (8.3%) and control (1.6%) groups (P=0.169). No HHV-6 PCR positive was detected in T-cell leukemia/lymphoma patients.
Conclusion: As evidenced by the results of the present study, HHV-6 infection has no significant difference in children with T-Cell leukemia-lymphoma and healthy people.
Niusha Shahidi Sadeghi; Mohammadreza Maleki; Hasan Abolghasem Gorji; Soudabeh Vatankhah; Bahram Mohaghegh; Mahnaz Raouf; Leila Abdollahi; Fatemeh Samie; Hasan Askari
Volume 24, Issue 7 , 2022
Abstract
Background: Hospitals, similar to other organizations, are complex social systems influenced by elements, such as staff, resources, and structures, that work to achieve specific goals. In terms of goals and missions, hospitals are divided into teaching and non-teaching categories. There are many differences ...
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Background: Hospitals, similar to other organizations, are complex social systems influenced by elements, such as staff, resources, and structures, that work to achieve specific goals. In terms of goals and missions, hospitals are divided into teaching and non-teaching categories. There are many differences in the nature and needs of these two types of hospitals that must be considered for proper operation by policymakers and managers.
Objectives: The present study compared issues between non-teaching and teaching hospitals in Iran.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews according to an interview guide with 40 Iranian hospital managers and policymakers selected through purposive sampling in 2021. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis with an inductive approach using the MAXQDA software (version 10).
Results: According to the results, the main categories of differences between non-teaching and teaching hospitals in Iran were as follows: legal and social responsibility, cost-effectiveness and efficiency, supply of resources, empowerment of human capital, goals and missions, external and internal communications, revenue-cost management, organizational structure, customer satisfaction, organizational behavior, clinical and support departments, hospital processes, type and level of services, manpower, performance evaluation, and the organization of the teaching mission.
Conclusion: Practical findings of this study include understanding the complexity and instability of command unity in teaching hospitals, understanding the differences in organizational hierarchy, developing a mechanism to cover costs for clients, increasing the legal and social responsibility of the management team, prioritizing organizational goals, coordinating policy demands with providing resources, funding the teaching mission, organizing multiple supervisory organizations, establishing transparent communication between hospitals and colleges, understanding the complexity of processes, considering the change of individual and group communication, changing the performance appraisal system, and paying for performance. It is suggested that policymakers consider these issues in providing the resources and facilities needed for hospitals based on their function.
Mostafa Vahedian; Seyed Jalal Eshagh Hoseini; amir hamta; mohammadreza saadati; Hamid Farahani
Volume 24, Issue 4 , 2022
Abstract
Background: Despite clinical and basic different investigations, the role of plasma adipokines, such as adiponectin as a precise predictor of the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) is still conflicting.
Aim: This study investigated the association between CRC and insulin resistance, obesity, and plasma ...
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Background: Despite clinical and basic different investigations, the role of plasma adipokines, such as adiponectin as a precise predictor of the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) is still conflicting.
Aim: This study investigated the association between CRC and insulin resistance, obesity, and plasma adiponectin level for the first time in Iran.
Method: A total of 80 subjects (including 45 CRC patients and 35 healthy individuals) were enrolled in this case-control study. Demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data were recorded, and serum levels of adiponectin, insulin, and glucose were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and glucose oxidase technique, respectively. Insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was measured as well.
Results: The mean±SD plasma adiponectin concentration of the CRC patients (7.98±0.64 ng/ml) was not significantly higher, compared to that in the control group (8.05±1.14 ng/mL). The mean±SD of HOMA-IR and plasma glucose levels (1.81±0.61 and 7.64±1.34 mm/L, respectively) of the CRC group were significantly higher (P<0.05), compared to the control group (1.37±0.3 and 119±1.1 mg/dL, respectively); however, plasma insulin wasnt significantly different in the two study groups. Following the stratification of CRC patients according to the tumor site, a significantly lower level of adiponectin (7.36 ±1.1 ng/ml) (P<0.05) and a significantly higher level of HOMA-IR (2.08±0.44) were observed in patients with colon cancer (P<0.005), compared to the controls. Regression among the plasma adiponectin and the plasma insulin and HOMA was negative in the control and CRC groups.
Conclusion: Insulin resistance has an important role in the development of CRC, especially in genesis colon cancer, regardless of the change that it causes in plasma levels of adiponectin.
Ali Khani; Farnoosh Ebrahimzadeh; Alireza Mohammadzadeh Shabestari; Parisa Eshaghizadeh; Soheila Aminzadeh; majid taati moghadam
Volume 24, Issue 4 , 2022
Abstract
Because the article is letter to editor is not needed.
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Because the article is letter to editor is not needed.
Fahime Hashemi; Shayan Vafaei; Mehdi Sadeghi; Atena Samarehfekri; Mitra Samarehfekri; Hossein Mirzaei; Niloofar Rashidipour; Mozhgan Taebi
Volume 25, Issue 5 , 2023
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a viral disease that mostly affects the respiratory system and leads to respiratory failure. Alongside, pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the most important components in the management of respiratory system diseases and can rehabilitate persons after lung-damaged ...
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Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a viral disease that mostly affects the respiratory system and leads to respiratory failure. Alongside, pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the most important components in the management of respiratory system diseases and can rehabilitate persons after lung-damaged disease.
Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the efficiency of Home-Based Pulmonary Rehabilitation in pulmonary function in patients with COVID-19
Methods: This simple randomized interventional study was conducted on 70 COVID-19 patients in Kerman, Iran. They were assigned to two equal groups of control and intervention. In the control group, patients received only routine post-discharge care, and in the intervention group, patients received home-based pulmonary rehabilitation procedures containing some movements to improve pulmonary function for four weeks after discharge.
Results: Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (P<0.001), vital capacity (P<0.001) and these two parameters ratio (P<0.02), peak expiratory flow (P<0.001), in four weeks after discharge from the hospital in the intervention group was significantly higher than in the control group. Moreover, 6-min walk distance (P<0.001) was significantly increased, and the severity of dyspnea (P<0.001) was significantly reduced in the intervention group. As well, the number of patients with severe dyspnea decreased significantly (P<0.001).
Conclusion: It seems that our home-based program can result in a marked improvement in vital capacity and other pulmonary function tests, as well as a reduction in dyspnea after discharge. In conclusion, this rehabilitation procedure is effective in pulmonary recovery in COVID-19 patients and can be used as a treatment procedure for recovery in these patients.
Tooraj Zandbaf; Mohammad Ebrahim Kalantari; Yeganeh Azadmanesh; Hamzeh Sherafati; Ali Akbar Bagherzadeh
Volume 24, Issue 4 , 2022
Abstract
Introduction: Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain that is often misinterpreted. Only about 2% of patients who present with acute abdominal pain display this condition. Damage to the superior or inferior epigastric arteries or their branches, as well as direct rupture ...
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Introduction: Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is an uncommon cause of acute abdominal pain that is often misinterpreted. Only about 2% of patients who present with acute abdominal pain display this condition. Damage to the superior or inferior epigastric arteries or their branches, as well as direct rupture of the rectus abdominis muscle, causes bleeding into the rectus sheath. In hospitalized COVID-19 patients, anticoagulant prophylaxis with heparin has become a standard part of medical care. This method may raise the risk of bleeding in older people with comorbidities.
Case presentation: The patient was a 60-year-old woman with a history of asthma and diabetes mellitus who was referred to the emergency department with shortness of breath and cough. Chest X-Ray demonstrated Covid-19 pneumonia. On the second day of hospitalization, after the exacerbation of tachypnea, computed tomography (CT) angiography was performed, and the results confirmed pulmonary embolism; therefore, the therapeutic dose of heparin was initiated. On the 21st day of hospitalization, the patient experienced abdominal pain and was visited by a general surgeon. A large ecchymosis was observed in the periumbilical; nonetheless, there was no significant tenderness in the abdominal exam. The patient's hemoglobin dropped to 7.9 mg/dl at this time. An abdominal and pelvic CT scan showed a 45 mm hematoma in the left rectus muscle.
Conclusion: In patients presenting with acute abdominal pain, any physician in the field of emergency or surgery should include RSH in their differential diagnosis list, especially those who have certain predisposing conditions.
Longcheng Li; Yang Xu; Fei Jiang; Xue Zhang
Volume 24, Issue 3 , 2022
Abstract
Background: Both transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) and quadratus lumborum block (QLB) can provide effective analgesia for abdominal surgery.
Objectives: To explore whether there are differences in the effects of TAPB and QLB on the quality of postoperative recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic ...
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Background: Both transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) and quadratus lumborum block (QLB) can provide effective analgesia for abdominal surgery.
Objectives: To explore whether there are differences in the effects of TAPB and QLB on the quality of postoperative recovery in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection for rectal cancer.
Methods: In total, 102 patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection for rectal cancer were randomly divided into two groups. Bilateral TAPB or QLB was performed using 0.375% ropivacaine after the induction of anesthesia. The 15-item Quality of Recovery (QoR-15) scale was used to assess the quality of recovery at 24 h postoperatively. Secondary indicators included 24-h postoperative fentanyl consumption, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), incidence of adverse reactions, numerical rating scale (NRS) at rest and during exercise, and incidence of postoperative complications.
Results: QoR-15 scores were higher in the QLB group than in the TAPB group (115.6±11.3 vs. 99.7±14.2, P<0.05). Moreover, the 24-h sufentanil consumption was less in the QLB group than in the TAPB group (2.4±0.5 vs. 5.5±0.3 ?g, P<0.05) after surgery. Time durations to first postoperative PCA compression were 152.1±28.4 and 100.3 ± 22.9 min, respectively (P<0.05). The numbers of PCA compressions within 24 h after surgery were 6.0 (2.0, 8.0) and 9.0 (3.0, 12.0) (P<0.05). There were no differences in secondary outcomes, such as adverse reactions, NRS scores at rest and exercise at 24 h postoperatively, as well as complication rates.
Conclusion: Patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection for rectal cancer with QLB had a better quality of recovery and better analgesic effects at 24 h postoperatively, compared to TAPB.
Chao Xu; Buyun Xu; Fang Peng; Jie Pan; Yuanqing Lou; Longhui Yan; Yangbo Xing
Volume 24, Issue 4 , 2022
Abstract
Background: Catheter ablation (CA) is a potentially curative method for treatment of severe symptomatic and drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF).
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of steerable sheaths on catheter stability in paroxysmal AF based on contact force (CF).
Methods: Fifty-two ...
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Background: Catheter ablation (CA) is a potentially curative method for treatment of severe symptomatic and drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF).
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of steerable sheaths on catheter stability in paroxysmal AF based on contact force (CF).
Methods: Fifty-two patients were included in this study and they were randomly enrolled to two groups: Pulmonary vein isolation using steerable (Group 1, n=26) or fixed-curve (Group 2, n=26) sheaths employing a force-sensing ablation catheter. We analyzed the operator-blinded and unblinded CFs when the operators were satisfied with the catheter position.
Results: The average CF was 23.56±9.43 g (Group 1) vs. 22.03±10.56 g (Group 2) for the blind condition (P<0.05) and 24.61±10.46 g (Group 1) vs. 22.18±?9.84 g (Group 2) for the unblinded condition (P<0.05). There was significant heterogeneity of CFs between the segments: the CFs of the anterior-middle, anteroinferior, posterior-middle, and inferior posteroinferior segments of the right pulmonary vein (RPV), as well as of the roof, superior anterosuperior, anterior-middle, inferior anteroinferior, and inferior posteroinferior segments of the left pulmonary vein (LPV), showed statistical differences in the blinded condition (P<0.05). The CFs of the roof, anterosuperior, anterior-middle, and inferior anteroinferior, and posteroinferior segments of the RPV, and LPV showed statistical differences in the unblinded condition (P<0.05). Posterior and roof segments showed enhanced CFs in both groups. Group one had a lower proportion of acute reconnection rate and less tendency for recurrence.
Conclusion: In conclusion, catheter stability improved with steerable sheaths owing to the potential of attaining higher CFs. This advantage was independent of CF guidance and exhibited a specific distribution pattern.
Tevfik Ozlu; Murat Topbas; Kubra Sahin; Demet Saglam Aykut; Naz?m Ercument Beyhun
Volume 25, Issue 5 , 2023
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected several areas of society, such as social life, the economy, education, and the provision of health services. The need to evaluate individuals' risk perception has assumed particular importance in this situation in which people find themselves.
Objectives: ...
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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected several areas of society, such as social life, the economy, education, and the provision of health services. The need to evaluate individuals' risk perception has assumed particular importance in this situation in which people find themselves.
Objectives: This study aimed to develop a "COVID-19 Disease Risk Perception Scale" for determining COVID-19 risk perceptions in the adult patient group during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: The proposed scale form was established once the content validity of the item pool created by the research team had been evaluated by experts. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis for construct validity, item-total correlation, Cronbach alpha coefficients, and the test-retest method were employed to determine criterion-dependent validity and reliability in a group of 564 individuals aged 18-73.
Results: Following exploratory factor analysis, a nine-factor structure explaining 61.733% of variance was established. Confirmatory factor analysis results were found within the values defined in the literature. The Cronbach alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.906, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.881 (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The developed scale is a valid and reliable inventory capable of using in the examination and evaluation of risk perception of COVID-19 disease in the adult age group.
Vahideh Keyvani; Seyed Reza Kazemi Nezhad; Meysam Moghbeli; Samaneh Mollazadeh; Mohammad Reza Abbaszadegan
Volume 24, Issue 4 , 2022
Abstract
Background: Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of tumor cells involved in ovarian tumor formation, metastasis, relapse, and chemoresistance. Moreover, the Notch signaling pathway has a pivotal role in CSCs ...
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Background: Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of tumor cells involved in ovarian tumor formation, metastasis, relapse, and chemoresistance. Moreover, the Notch signaling pathway has a pivotal role in CSCs maintenance. This study was designed to isolate CSCs from the A2780 cell line and determine the effectiveness of Mastermind-like transcriptional coactivator 1 (MAML1) inhibition, a key factor of the Notch pathway, in targeted therapy against ovarian CSCs.
Methods: The CD44+ or CD133+ CSCs were isolated from the ovarian A2780 cell line using magnetic cell sorting. The isolated CSCs were also evaluated for stemness markers expression, self-renewal capacity, cell cycle progression, and chemoresistance compared to their negative counterparts. Afterward, MAML1-shRNA was used to inhibit the Notch pathway in CD44+CSCs. The role of MAML1 was also evaluated in the CD44+ CSCs epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and migration.
Results: In addition to the high expression of stemness markers, such as Sox2 and Musashi1, ovarian CD44+ or CD133+ CSCs had a high ability for sphere formation, higher percentage in the G1 phase to S phase, and decreased sensitivity to chemotherapy drug compared to CD44- or CD133- cells. Besides, silencing MAML1 significantly reduced the levels of EMT markers and cell migration in CD44+ CSCs, compared to scramble.
Conclusions: Mastermind-like transcriptional coactivator 1 can be considered a pivotal factor in the targeted therapy and eradication of CD44+ CSCs through the inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway in an ovarian cancer patient with a special focus on the ovarian A2780 cell line.
Mohammad Hassan Ehrampoush; Ghader Ghanizadeh; Hossein Kardan Yamchi; Sayyed Morteza Hosseini Shokouh; Mohammad Taghi Ghaneian
Volume 24, Issue 5 , 2022
Abstract
Background: The role of environmental determinants in the community's resilience in flood, as a predominant hydrological disaster, has not been investigated.
Objectives: This systematic review aimed to discuss the role of environmental determinants on communities' resilience in floods using the Preferred ...
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Background: The role of environmental determinants in the community's resilience in flood, as a predominant hydrological disaster, has not been investigated.
Objectives: This systematic review aimed to discuss the role of environmental determinants on communities' resilience in floods using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol.
Methods: A total of 50 relevant papers were extracted, including those on the subject of water resource planning (n=32), soil-plant systems (n=8), and air and climatic factors (n=10).
Results: The results revealed that although most studies have investigated climatic factors, biological effects, surface water flooding, and groundwater contamination, the researchers did not have a comprehensive approach to environmental determinants. This study highlighted the role of water, soil, and air, as the main environmental determinants. In addition, the related subdeterminants should simultaneously be considered in flood risk management and community resilience.
Conclusion: Eventually, a conceptual model is presented for analyzing the effects of environmental factors on the communities' resilience against floods.
