Journal of Arak University of Medical Sciences

Comparison of Qualitative and Quantitative Characteristics of Dermatoglyphic Patterns of Patients with Arthritis Rheumatoid with Fars ethnical background in Mashhad, Iran

Jina Khayatzadeh

Introduction: Dermatoglyphic is a science that study the lines in the skin of the palms and fingertips properly. In some studies, the relationship between dermatoglyphic patterns with some diseases has been proven Arthritis Rheumatoid is a chronic inflammatory disease with autoimmune pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of dermatoglyphics in people with rheumatoid arthritis compared to the control group.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 50 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 50 people in the control group living in Mashhad. The fingerprint was recorded by the scanner. The distribution of the frequency of fingerprint patterns, including Arch, Loop and Whorl, along with the counting of fingerprint lines in both groups was investigated. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed using ANOVA and X² tests.
Results: According to the results, the maximum frequency of dermatoglyphic patterns in both hands was related to the ulnar loop type. After that, in the patient group, simple Whorl patterns and double Whorl patterns and in the healthy group, double Whorl patterns and simple Whorl patterns were the most frequent. Between the average finger ridge count in the right hand of healthy people with the right hand of patient’s people and the left hand of healthy people with the left hand of patient’s people showed a significant difference in the error level of 0.05.
Conclusions: It seems that this difference can be used as a biological diagnostic marker to screen people prone to rheumatoid arthritis. This information in prognosis of psychological, medical and therapeutic plans, issues related to anthropology and social sciences can also be useful.

Frequency of Different Symptoms in Patients with Omicron 2022 in Arak

Masoud Bahrami

Introduction: The Symptoms of Omicron are still unknown. Primary data show that the Omicron symptoms are mainly related to the respiratory system, including runny nose, sore throat, headache, fatigue, and sneezing. Based on the need for more evidence about Omicron symptoms, this study was conducted to investigate the symptoms of this COVID serotype.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was performed for 6 months in Arak city on 160 definitively diagnosed patients with Omicron. For all patients who entered the study, the information evaluation checklist, including demographics and symptoms (24 symptoms), was completed. Disease diagnosis was done by PCR.
Results: The disease of 55% of people was mild, 35% moderate, and 10% severe. Fifty-one people (31.9%) mentioned a history of previous infection with COVID-19. Pulmonary involvement, the type of drug used, and anxiety at the time of infection were related to the severity of the disease (P < 0.05). The five most common symptoms of Omicron (%) were sore throat (86.3), cough (82.5), weakness and lethargy (76.3), headache (72.5) and dry mouth (62.5). There was also a relationship between old age with dry mouth and headache, underlying disease with sneezing, anxiety during illness with joint pain and chest pain, and smoking with abdominal pain (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: The most common symptoms included sore throat, cough, weakness and lethargy, headache, and musculoskeletal pain. However, reduced smell and taste, night sweats, fever, and joint pain, common in the previous serotypes, were among the less frequent symptoms of Omicron.

The Effect of the SMART Discharge Protocol on the Anxiety of Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Fateme Ganjeh

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcer is the most common cause of hospitalization in diabetic people, while one of the prominent sources of anxiety in patients is the time of discharge from the hospital. This study aimed to determine the effect of the SMART discharge protocol on the anxiety of diabetic foot ulcer patients.
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 50 patients with diabetic foot ulcers Were divided equally into two control (25 patients) and intervention (25 patients) groups, randomly and based on the Inclusion criteria. In the intervention group, the SMART discharge protocol was implemented from their admission to the day of discharge. The Demographic information questionnaire and Spielberger questionnaire were used to determine patients' anxiety. The data were analyzed at two descriptive and inferential levels.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the mean score of anxiety for diabetic foot ulcer patients in the two groups before the intervention. In contrast, after the intervention, the mean anxiety score in the two groups showed a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0001).
Conclusions: According to the results of the present study, it seems that the smart discharge protocol was effective in reducing the anxiety of diabetic foot ulcer patients. Therefore, it is recommended that nursing officials and managers implement this protocol.

The Effect of Counseling Based on Problem-Solving Skills on Sexual Dysfunction and Satisfaction in Pregnant Women

Fereshteh Farzan Azar

Introduction: Deep physical and psychological changes in pregnancy can affect women's sexual relations. This study aims to investigate the effect of psychological counseling on problem-solving skills on sexual dysfunction and satisfaction of pregnant women.
Methods: In a pre-test-post-test intervention study, 70 pregnant volunteers meeting the inclusion criteria, referring to health centers in Arak City, and with sexual function and sexual satisfaction questionnaire scores of less than 28 and 42, respectively, were randomly assigned to two intervention groups of 35 and a control group. The intervention group received six counseling sessions based on problem-solving, and both groups received routine care. Rosen's sexual performance questionnaire and Larson's sexual satisfaction questionnaire were answered by both groups before, immediately, and one month after the intervention. Data analysis was done using Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and Repeated measure tests.
Results: The repeated measure design test showed that immediately and one month after the intervention, the average sexual performance (26.82 ± 1.61 and 28.88 ± 1.1) and sexual satisfaction (39.22 ± 2.27 and 15.15) (43.19 ± 2) compared to the control group (23.69±1.97, 22.63±2.08) (36.23±2.44, 35.06±2.46) compared to the control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: This study showed that counseling based on problem-solving improves the performance and sexual satisfaction of pregnant women effectively and can be included in educational protocols during pregnancy to improve the quality of sexual life.

Relative Contribution to Predicting Components of Marital Satisfaction of Older Adults in Urmia City and Its Correlation with Lifestyle in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Yeganeh Dadashzadeh-Sangary

Introduction: The growing increase in the elderly population requires more research to identify the health priorities of this group, especially in critical situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the current study was conducted to determine the influential components of marital satisfaction and its relationship with lifestyle in Urmia City in 2021.
Methods: In this descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional correlational study, 220 married elderly living in Urmia were selected through cluster sampling. The Miler's life satisfaction and Haynes's marital satisfaction questionnaires were used in addition to the demographic questionnaire to collect data in this research. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tests (mean and standard deviation, frequency, and percentage) and analytical (Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple linear regression) at a significant level of P ≤ 0.05.
Results: A step-by-step multiple linear regression model also revealed that variables of lifestyle (ß = -0.364), age (ß = 0.425), number of children (ß = 0.143), occupation (ß = 0.425) and illness (ß = 3.608) - had the most considerable contribution in the sensitive prediction of marital satisfaction. The regression model excluded other demographic variables.
Conclusions: This study showed that lifestyle and demographic variables such as age, number of children, occupation, and illness have the greatest contribution in predicting marital satisfaction. Therefore, it seems necessary to design counseling services in comprehensive health centers for this group so that counselors can teach healthy lifestyles to older adults to improve marital relationships.

The Effect of Two Methods of Training in Water (Traband dnd Nasm Training) on Pain and Motor Function in Women with Knee Osteoarthritis

Allahyar Arabmomeni

Introduction: Exercise and physical activity have always been recommended as a core treatment for knee osteoarthritis. However, it is unclear which types of exercises have the most splendid effect on this condition. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of two methods of water exercise (Traband exercise and NASM exercise) on pain and motor function in women with knee osteoarthritis.
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, with a design pre and post-test and a control group, 45 women with knee osteoarthritis with an average age = 56.5 years and a BMI = 29.04 kg/m2 were purposefully selected and divided into three groups (n = 15); Water Exercise with Theraband, Water Exercise with the NASM Approach and Control randomly. An exercise protocol with Theraband and NASM approach (approved by the Medical College of Georgia for patients with knee osteoarthritis) was performed for eight weeks, three sessions per week, and each session lasted about 60 minutes in the water. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and physical performance tests of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) were used to estimate the study variables. MANCOVA and post hoc Bonferroni tests were conducted to analyze the data at a significant level (P ≤ 0.05).
Results: The results showed that, similarly, in both experimental groups, the amount of pain and the time of tests TUG, 40MW, and SCT decreased significantly (P≥ 0.05). In addition, in both experimental groups, there was a significant increase in the scores of the 30-S-CS and 6MWT tests (P≥ 0.05).
Conclusions: These results showed the beneficial effects of training in water with the traband and training in water with the NASM approach on pain and motor performance indicators. Therefore, the use of these training methods is recommended as a suitable prevention and treatment method for knee osteoarthritis.

Explaining the Experiences of Families with Patients Affected by COVID-19: A Qualitative Study

Kobra Rahzani

Introduction: The coronavirus crisis is a multidimensional phenomenon that affects even the family. The impact of the situation on the family has been less discussed. Therefore, a qualitative study was conducted to explain families' experiences with patients suffering from COVID-19.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with a content analysis approach in 2021. Sampling started with purposive sampling and continued theoretically until information saturation was reached. The primary data collection tool was a semi-structured, in-depth interview in which
10 participants were interviewed. The participants were people from the family of a patient with COVID-19 who, while willing to participate in the study, were either involved in caring for the patient or were worried about the patient's infection. In addition, their patient recovered from Corona and was alive. The interview location was chosen according to the participants' opinion, whether it was at their home or a place that was convenient for them. The interviews were analyzed using the Granheim and Lundman method.
Results: After analyzing the data, initially, 391 codes, 16 subcategories, and finally, five themes were extracted. The five themes that emerged are the experienced symptoms of the disease with two subcategories (symptoms of the onset of the disease and the course of the symptoms), mental and emotional disturbances with seven subcategories (contagion anxiety, death anxiety, fear of the vague nature of the disease, torment of conscience, obsession, emotional suffering, and financial worries), sacrifice in care with two subcategories (suffering care and multiplicity of roles), resilience in the path of care with three subcategories (supportive aspects, reduction of caregiving stress and obtaining information about the disease), Change and evolution in the course of life with two subcategories (individual growth and getting the meaning of life).
Conclusions: According to the present study, after one of the family members gets infected with Corona, the other members have a crisis. The individual, psychological, social, and economic dimensions of the family foundation are facing challenges. It needs the comprehensive support of the family as the first and most important institution of society. Although facing this crisis and accompanying challenges leads to the experience of special suffering, it lays the foundation for personal growth and a better understanding of the meaning of life. Therefore, it can be said that the experience of this crisis is not only from the social aspect but also from the individual aspect, along with tremendous positive and negative developments.

Preparation of Nanoliposomes Containing Rosemary Alcoholic Extract with Polyethylene Glycol Coating

Ali Ganji

Introduction: Nowadays, plant-derived compound is widely used in medical treatment as complementary therapies. Rosemary is one of these plants that have anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor effects. However, low solubility and low bioavailability lead to limited use of this compound. To overcome this limitation, the use of liposomes is beneficial. So, this study aimed to prepare liposomes containing rosemary alcoholic extract to obtain the best formulation with best properties to use in the antitumor study.
Methods: Liposomes were prepared by Thin-Film-Hydration method in different ratios of rosemary extract, hydrogenated-soybean-phosphatidylcholine (HSPC), Cholesterol, and mPEG2000 (F1-F6). The characterization of nanoliposomes includes size, PDI (Poly dispersity index), zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and release rate was measured.
Results: The results showed that the average particle size and zeta potential were 113.4 nm and -10.8 mV, respectively. Encapsulation efficiency showed a range of 60- 90%. The average release rate of the extract was about 60%. Also, the results showed that the F1 formulation was transparent, had appropriate properties, and did not precipitate. F2 formulation was not transparent. F3-F4 formulations were precipitated, and F5-F6 formulations did not achieve the appropriate size.
Conclusions: This study proved that F1 formulation in a ratio of 55:30:5 HSPC/chol/mPEG2000 is the best formulation for the preparation of nanoliposomes containing rosemary alcoholic extract to achieve the best properties for use in cancer studies.

The Prediction of Somatic Symptom Disorder Based on Demographic Characteristics, Social Isolation, and Perceived Anxiety

Isaac Rahimian-Boogar

Introduction: Sociodemographic factors and perceived anxiety have a significant impact on the development of somatic symptom disorder. This study aimed to investigate the role of demographic characteristics, social isolation, and perceived anxiety in predicting somatic symptom disorder.
Methods: In a cross-sectional descriptive study among adults aged 18 to 60 in Tehran in 2023, 437 participants were selected based on convenience sampling. The participants completed the Somatic Symptom Disorder Questionnaire (SSEQ), Social Isolation Questionnaire, and Perceived Anxiety Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression analysis.
Results: The results indicated that social isolation and perceived anxiety have a positive and significant correlation with somatic symptoms disorder (P < 0.01). There was no correlation between demographic characteristics (age, gender, marital status, education, and employment status) and somatic symptoms (P <0.01). Multiple correlation and regression coefficients among research variables were statistically significant (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: The examined model was almost able to predict 22% of the somatic symptoms of the disorder. The results have implications for formulating interventions based on social isolation and perceived anxiety in controlling somatic symptoms. It is essential to pay attention to social isolation and perceived anxiety in the formulation and implementation of interventions and educational programs for the prevention and improvement of somatic symptom disorder.

Developing a Structural Equation Model of Resilience Based on Self-Differentiation with the Mediation of Marital Intimacy in Married Female Nurses Working in Government Hospitals and Health Centers

Kianoush Zahrakar

Introduction: Resilience is an influential component of various psychological, emotional, and emotional variables and is substantial in occupational, individual, and family issues research.
Methods: The present study is fundamental in its purpose and descriptive in collecting data; it is a correlational type with a structural equation model. The statistical population of the study also includes all married female nurses in government medical centers and hospitals in Alborz province who were working in 2022, from which 400 people were selected as a sample using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Connor and Davidson's (2003) resilience questionnaire, the revised short form of the Skorn-Smith Self-Differentiation Questionnaire (2003), and Bagarozzi's (2001) Marital Intimacy Questionnaire were used to collect data.
Results: There is a positive and significant relationship between self-differentiation (r = 0.732,
P > 0.01) and marital intimacy (r = 0.856, P > 0.01) with resilience. Also, the standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis of the self-differentiation variable were 20.686, 0.212, and -0.941; the marital intimacy variable was 89.597, 887, and -0.019; and the resilience variable was 30.055, 0.202, and -1.131.
Conclusions: The results showed that the data fit the research's conceptual model and also confirmed the mediating role of marital intimacy in the relationship between self-differentiation and resilience. Therefore, it is recommended that healthcare professionals pay special attention to the cognitive, emotional, and affective variables of this group to increase the strength of married female nurses.

A Review of Compounds and Medicinal Properties of Bird's-foot Trefoil

Fatemeh Nasernakhaei

Introduction: Bird′s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L., Fabaceae) has many medicinal properties due to its valuable chemical compounds. This research reviews the chemical compounds and medicinal properties of this plant.
Methods: This study used library resources, search engines, and databases such as Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, PubChem, ScienceDirect, Magiran, ResearchGate, and SID. The data were collected and classified.
Results: The results indicate that bird′s-foot trefoil is rich in valuable compounds such as kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin, oleamide, and linoleamide. Different extracts of this plant have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant, anti-cancer, anti-pain, anti-depressant, anti-amylase, anti-fungal, antiprotozoal, and anti-bacterial activities. It is used for wound healing, controlling anxiety and nausea, treating urinary infections, removing kidney stones, and as an antispasmodic and anti-hemorrhoid. Topical application of Lotus corniculatus seed extract has reduced the sebum contents and areas of oily human skin.
Conclusions: L. corniculatus can directly and indirectly affect human life and health. Due to the effective compounds and medicinal properties of Bird′s-foot trefoil, additional studies and clinical tests on its medicinal properties should be performed.