Showing 131 results for Mani
Ali Reza Morad Abadi, Mohammad Arjomandzadegan, Navid Emami, Manijeh Kahbazi, Azam Ahmadi, Saeed Falahat, Seyyed Hossein Hosseini, Mehdi Kargaran, Parisa Khosravi,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (8-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Ziehl Nelson staining, fluorescent and also culture are the standard methods for the diagnosis of tuberculosis. In this study, the performance of conventional cultivation methods was compared with Flash PCR.
Materials and Methods: A total of 56 sputum samples from patients with suspected tuberculosis in Tuberculosis Center of Arak city were collected and Ziehl–Neelsen and culture in Löwenstein–Jensen medium were accomplished. Moreover, DNA from all of the 56 sputum samples was extracted by Chelex100 method. Molecular evaluation was accomplished by Flash PCR kit containing probes and primers for gene amplification IS6110. Positive and negative controls together with samples were used in a MTC410 apparatus for amplification. FD-12 apparatus was used to evaluate the results. In addition, electrophoresis on agarose was used for confirmation of the results.
Findings: From 56 sputum samples of suspected TB patients, 20 samples were positive and 36 samples were negative on microscopic evaluation and culture methods. FLASH-PCR molecular analysis showed that all of 20 positive samples were positive in molecular methods, too. On the other hand, three of sputum samples that were negative by culture and staining were positive in FLASH-PCR method. One of these 3 patients, received Isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol antibiotic by responsible medicine. All results were confirmed using conventional electrophoresis.
Conclusion: In some negative samples, possibly because of the small number of bacteria in sample or a defect in the sampling, the Flash PCR may due good advantages. Therefore, due to the low cost, this method is recommended for routine use.
Rahimeh Khavari , Mohammad Rezaei , Neda Soleimani , Reza Massudi ,
Volume 21, Issue 5 (10-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Enterococci are among the microbial flora in human and animals digestive tract. The nosocomial pathogenicity of enterococci has emerged in recent years. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of a diode laser with a wavelength of 810nm and a power of 30mw at 180s on the survival of an antibiotic resistant enterococci.
Materials and Methods: 30 clinical isolates of enterococcus bacteria were tested for sensitivity to antibiotics according to diffusion method. 10 isolates with the highest antibiotic resistance were selected and diode laser with a wavelength of 810nm and a power of 30mw for 180s were beamed on them and investigated.
Findings: The Results of our antibiotic susceptibility test showed that among 30 isolates resistant to antibiotic enterococci, 27 isolates (90%) were resistant to Oxacillin antibiotics. The results of the diode laser radiation showed that the lowest survival rate of the intended isolates was at 810nm and 30mw for 180s (0.58%).
Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, the antibacterial effect of the diode laser is at 810nm and 30mw for 180s. Therefore, it is recommended to use a 810nm diode laser to eliminate clinical strains of antibiotic-resistant enterococci.
Arman Zamani, Abolghasem Babaei, Nayyer Sadat Mostafavi,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (4-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Diagnosis of leukemia is very difficult, therefore, it is necessary to use image processing techniques. The main objective of this study was to provide a system based on intelligent models that could improve the accuracy of the diagnostic system for acute leukemia.
Materials and Methods: The images produced in this study were extracted from the University Degli Studi Dimilan database and processed in the MATlab 2014a software. In this research, Fuzzy-Cmeans method was used in fragmentation and neural network and support vector machine in classification networks.
Ethical Considerations: In this study, all principles of research ethics were considered.
Findings: Feature data were extracted using the original image transfer to RGB, HSV, Lab and Enhanced RGB spaces. The data obtained from the previous step were entered into the SVM network, then the network separated normal data from abnormal data. The results of comparing the output of the proposed method with different educational methods showed the highest mean of accuracy equal to 95.7%.
Conclusion: The application of the proposed network in this study was that eliminate the weak points of all the networks in addition to presenting the advantages of these network. Combining the networks improved the accuracy of output up to 98% and considerably reduced the time required for calculations.
Farzaneh Jajarmi, Ahmad Jonidi Jafari, Majid Kermani, Mitra Gholami,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (4-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Dust was considered by researchers as one of the most important forms of air pollution. The aim of this study was to identify the physical and chemical characteristics of dust storm sources in Tehran.
Materials and methods: This study was conducted in selected air sampling stations of Tehran, in the days of dust and ordinary from January 2016 for one year. The concentration of dust particles was determined by gravimetric. Heavy metal concentrations in samples after digestion were determined with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS-GF). Mineralogy and morphology of the dust fall particles were inspected using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy and sources particles using Enrichment Factor Analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed. For statistical analysis, R software was used.
Ethical Considerations: This study with research ethics code IR.IUMS.REC.1397.313 has been approved by research ethics committee at Iran University of Medical Sciences.
Findngs: The highest average particle concentration in normal days was related to the central station (122.63 µg / m3), and the lowest for the East Station (67.13 µg / m3). The highest concentrations of the elements measured in the particles are related to iron and aluminum and the lowest concentrations of chromium and nickel. Lowest amount of Enrichment Factor was obtained for iron, less than one.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that the concentration of dust in center was higher than other station. Natural and human resources both play a significant role in the release of metals. By conducting further studies on the source of dust in Tehran and using the results, effective control measures can be designed and implemented.
Pooneh Roghanian, Jafar Amani, Shoreh Zare, Zahra Nour Mohammadi,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (4-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is one of the most common bacterial causes of diarrhea deaths among children and travelers in developing countries. The ETEC colonization factors, such as CFA/I and CS2 play an important role in the development of the disease. In this study, to produce the CFaE fusion recombinant protein, the tip subunits CFA/I(CfaE) and sub structural unit of CS2 (CotD) from ETEC, were used. Since mucosal immune responses to CFs can prevent disease, the aim of this study was to develop a chimeric antigen for developing the effective vaccine.
Materials and Methods: In order to amplify the cfae-cotd gene, a dual gene construct consisting of cfae and cotd, the PCR reaction was performed by designed primers. The propagated gene was cloned in the expression vector pET28a. Following the induction of a recombinant gene construct with IPTG, the recombinant protein was expressed and purified by Ni-NTA chromatography column and confirmed by western blotting by Anti-Histag.
Ethical Considerations: This study with research ethics code IR.IAU.SRB.REC.1397.066 has been approved by research ethics committee at Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch of Tehran, Iran.
Findings: Cloning accuracy was confirmed by PCR and enzyme digestion reaction. The presence of the band in the SDS-PAGE 10% gel in the 68 kDa region, the expression of the recombinant protein, and the presence of the band on the nitrocellulose paper in the Western blotting test confirmed the production of recombinant protein.
Conclusion: Optimization of codon and expression in heterologous hosts is a useful method for the production of recombinant proteins. The production of ETEC antigens as a candidate for vaccination against this bacterium is also prominent.
Mehdi Rostamizadeh, Alireza Elmieh, Farhad Rahmani Nia,
Volume 22, Issue 1 (4-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Physical activity causes the releases of bone resorption indices in the bloodstream by the mechanical load on bone, which in interaction with adipokines reduces obesity and prevent its complications. So, the present study aims to compare the effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on Anthropometric Indices and osteocalcin, leptin, adiponectin levels in overweight men.
Materials and Methods: A total of 40 overweight young healthy men (BMI 28.67±0.96 and age 31.50 ± 2.23) were randomly assigned to control (n = 14), aerobic exercise (n = 13) and resistance exercise (n = 13) groups. Subjects in the exercise group were on 8-week supervised exercise training programme for three sessions per week (aerobic exercise were performed at 60-85% of HRR, and resistance exercise were performed at 55-75% of 1RM). Osteocalcin and adipocytokines (leptin, adiponectin) were assessed from fasting blood samples before and after the 8-week exercise programme. Data were analyzed by t-test and ANOVA.
Ethical Considerations: This study with research ethics code IR.IAU.RASHT.REC.1396.124 has been approved by research ethics committee at Islamic Azad University, Rasht branch, Iran and also has been registered with code IRCT20180226038876N1 at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT).
Findings: Aerobic and resistance training led to decrease in anthropometric indices (p<0.05), leptin levels (p<0.001, p=0.001) and increase in osteocalcin (p=0.001, p<0.001) and adiponectin (p=0.001, p<0.001), respectively. In addition, the difference between the two training groups was not statistically significant (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Considering to the effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on osteocalcin and adipocytokines level, it seems that both exercise methods can be increasing mechanical load on bone mass and cause to change in energy metabolism and body weight and can be an important factor in decrease of obesity complications.
Mohammad Khalili Kelaki, Ruholah Karimzadeh , Neda Soleimani, Seyed Masoud Hosseini, Maghsud Arshadi,
Volume 22, Issue 3 (8-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Background and Aim: Photodynamic therapy is a minimally invasive approach to cancer, which is used to combine non-toxic photosensitizer and visible light to produce reactive oxygen species and destroy tumors. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity effect of Graphene Oxide (GO)as an organic matter with many oxygen groups on photodynamic on destroying cancer cells.
Materials and Methods: This study was performed on breast cancer cells (MCF-7) in vitro. The study groups included the first group of drug with different concentrations of graphene oxide (333.3, 285.7, 230.7, 166.6, 90.9,
47.6 µg/ml), the second group co-drug and laser light irradiation and the control group consisted of cells treated only with laser irradiation and the control group was treated with no treatment. Cells were exposed to visible laser irradiation (405 nm) at 0.1 W / cm2. Cell viability was determined by MTT assay.
Ethical Considerations: This study with research ethics code SBU/S.1397.46A has been approved by research ethics committee at Shahid Behesht University of Tehran, Iran.
Findings: The results of in vitro experiments showed that the dark toxicity of graphene oxide at concentrations of less than the 90.9 μg / ml concentration had no significant effect on cancer cells. Also, laser light alone don’t has toxic effect on cells. But graphene oxide-mediated dynamic light therapy has reduced the bioavailability of cancer cells on average by 21% over dark toxicity. Results are presented as mean of three independent replications, standard error, and p< 0.05 was considered significant.
Conclusion: In this study, graphene oxide is fully biodegradable at concentrations below a certain value, but with increasing concentration, the toxicity effect increases. With exposure to light and graphene oxide, viability decreses that it is more effective for in vivio studies.
Farzad Zamani,
Volume 22, Issue 4 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim Inferior turbinate hypertrophy is one of the most common causes of nasal obstruction after nasal septal deviation. Enlargement of the turbinate is the result of the position of turbinate bone or swelling of turbinate submucosal. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the SubMucosal Resection (SMR) method with electrocautery method in the treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy.
Methods and Materials A total of 140 patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy complicated with nasal congestion and rhinorrhea and candidate of surgery were randomly divided into two groups. In the first group, after induction of anesthesia, we performed SMR of inferior turbinate hypertrophy. In the second group, after induction of anesthesia, we performed monopolar cauterization with 20-gauge angiocath in three anterior, middle, and posterior regions and crests of the inferior turbinate.
Ethical Considerations This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: 91.133.3).
Results In the electrocautery group, a significant improvement was observed in nasal congestion after 6 months (P=0.017). In the SMR group, a satisfactory headache improvement was reported (P=0.034), one month after the operation. Also, the electrocautery group reported less pain and burning in the site of surgery, sneezing, coughing, and itching (P=0.013).
Conclusion Electrocautery can be superior over SMR because of its less bleeding, shorter time of surgery, the availability of primary equipment, and relative improvement in decreasing the rhinorrhea. However, if the patient suffers from isolated inferior turbinate hypertrophy, SMR as a suitable method is recommended.
Nastaran Zamani, Ahmad Ali Moazedi,
Volume 22, Issue 6 (February & March 2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Alzheimer’s disease is the most common causes of dementia among the elderly people. The aim of this study was to evaluate the synergistic effects of memantine and vitamin D on spatial learning and memory impairment in adult male rat model of Alzheimer's disease.
Methods & Materials: In this experimental study, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine groups (n=7): 1= Control, 2= NBM lesion (received bilateral electric lesion of NBM), 3= Sham (the electrode was entered into the NBM with no electric lesion), 4= NBM lesion+ Vehicle Memantine (received saline), 5= NBM lesion+ Vehicle Vitamin D (received saline), 6= NBM lesion+ Vehicle Memantine+ Vehicle Vitamin D (received saline plus sesame oil), 7= NBM lesion+ Vitamin D; 8= NBM lesion+Memantine, and 9= NBM lesion+Vitamin D+Memantine. After one week, the rats were trained to perform the Y-maze task for five days. Twenty five days after training, a retention test was performed to evaluate their long-term memory.
Ethical Considerations: This study with research ethics code of “EE/ 97, 24, 3061243/scu.ac.ir” was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz In Iran.
Results: Bilateral NBM lesion reduced spatial learning in comparison with control and sham groups. No effect on spatial learning was observed in NBM lesion+ Vehicle Memantine and NBM lesion+ Vehicle Vitamin D groups compared to the NBM lesion group. Spatial learning and memory in NBM lesion +Vitamin D+Memantine group (P<0.001) was significantly improved compared to NBM lesion+Vitamin D (P<0.01) and NBM lesion+Memantine (P<0.05) groups. Moreover, no significant difference was observed between the results in the 5th day of training and the memory retention at the 30th day.
Conclusion: Co-administration of memantine and vitamin D is more effective than memantine or vitamin D alone in spatial learning and memory improvement in rat model of Alzheimer's disease.
Khadijeh Ahrari, Mandana Gholami, Maryam Chamani, Hossein Abednatanzi,
Volume 22, Issue 6 (February & March 2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Pregnancy and exercise training are associated with changes in the cardiovascular anatomy and physiology. There is a few studies on this issue in Iran. In this regard, the aim of this study is to assess the effect of a combined exercise training program on blood pressure and heart rate variability of pregnant women.
Methods & Materials: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in Shahid Akbarabadi Hospital in Tehran, Iran in 2019. Participants were 10 healthy pregnant women with a gestational age of 24-26 weeks in the interventional group and 10 healthy pregnant women in the control group. The interventional group received 8 weeks of combined exercise training at moderate intensity. The blood pressure measurement, electrocardiogram and aerobic and resistant exercise tests of samples were performed before and after training. AST3000 Avicenna software was used to analyze the heart rate variability parameters, and for statistical analysis, paired and independent t-tests, Mann Whitney U, and Wilcoxon tests were used.
Ethical Considerations: This study with registered clinical trial code IRCT20190227042856N1 was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University of Science and Research Branch in Tehran, Iran (code: IR.IAU.SRB.REC.1397.101).
Results: The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were lower in the interventional group by the 34th week of pregnancy compared to the control group (P<0.05). The mean of time-domain parameters in the interventional group were higher by the 34th week of pregnancy compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Combined exercise training can improve autonomic and parasympathetic nervous systems in pregnant women.
Ramin Parvizrad, Sara Khalili Dermani, Azam Ahmadi,
Volume 23, Issue 3 (August & September 2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Staphylococcus aureus is common pathogens of nosocomial infections. Nasal swabs in hospital staff is main sources of hospital infections are considered. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of nasopharyngeal carriers of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and microbial contamination of health care workers' cell phones in Emergency department of Vali-e-Asr Hospital in Arak City.
Methods & Materials: In this descriptive study, nose swabs and cell phone levels were taken from 70 health care workers in the emergency ward of Vali-e-Asr Hospital. The Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates were identified using standard microbiological methods (catalase, coagulase, mannitol fermentation and DNase). The susceptibility to oxacillin and cefoxitin was detected by the disk diffusion and the mecA genes in this clinically isolated strain of staphylococci was investigated by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences. (Code : IR.ARAKMU.REC.1396.282).
Results: According the results, Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 16 cases, which 5 cases were methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA), and 11 cases were Methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Also, 3 cell phones were infected with Staphylococcus aureus, which 1 case was MRSA and 2 cases were MSSA.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that frequency of MSSA strains is significant in emergency personnel of the hospital. Thus, regarding to the risk of epidemics due to nosocomial infections, periodic testing for the identification and treatment of carriers among employees for controlling and preventing hospital infections seems necessary.
Tahere Azimi, Malihe Bagheri, Mahdi Pariyan, Behzad Khansarinejad, Ashraf Zamani, Mahdieh Mondanizadeh,
Volume 23, Issue 3 (August & September 2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Cervical Cancer (CC) is the third most common malignancy in the women, the main cause of which is human papillomavirus (HPV). Both E6 and E7 oncogenes of the virus play an important role in its tumorigenesis. Today, methods available for screening CC are not capable of detecting the disease at an early stage. Therefore, it is important to identify new biomarkers for early detection of this cancer. For this purpose, in the present study, miRNAs targeting the two oncogenes E6 and E7 of human papillomavirus (types 16 and 18) were studied in CC by bioinformatics.
Methods & Materials: First, using the NCBI database, the E6 and E7 gene sequences were obtained for both human papillomavirus types 16 and 18. Then, using the miRBase and RNA22 bioinformatics databases, the most appropriate targeting miRNAs for these genes were selected.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences.
Results: Based on the P obtained from bioinformatics databases, miRNA including miR-92a-5p (P=7.51e-2), miR-195-3p (P=2.24e-1), miR-34a-5p (P=2.73e-1) and miR-155-5p (P=4.95e-2) were introduced for the two genes E6 and E7.
Conclusion: Results from bioinformatics studies revealed that of the four miRNAs identified, miR-155-5p and miR-92a-5p are probably the targeting miRNAs specific for the E6 and E7 genes, respectively. Therefore, it seems that these miRNAs can be a suitable candidate for in vitro studies in CC patients.
Esmaeil Shiri, Hamidreza Pouratemad, Jalil Fathabadi, Mohammad Narimani,
Volume 23, Issue 4 (October & November 2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: One of the problems of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is behavioral excesses resistance to many educational and rehabilitation programs. Parent-mediated behavioral interventions seem to be effective in overcoming these problems. However, these methods are not well-introduced. The purpose of this study is to systematically review these studies and their primary and secondary outcomes, and finally analyze the components.
Methods & Materials: This study was a systematic review. The search included SID, Magiran, Medline, PubMed, Springer, Science Direct, Online Library, and PsycINFO. We reviewed The articles published between 2000 and 2017 about parent-mediated behavioral interventions on behavioral excesses in autistic children.
Ethical Considerations: This study with ethical code IR.SBU.ICBS.97/1013 was approved by the Biological Research Department of Shahid Beheshti University.
Results: The findings of 9 studies indicated positive effects of parent-mediated behavioral intervention on behavioral excesses, including repetitive behaviors, irritability (including tantrums, aggression, and self-injurious behaviors), echolalia, and destructive behaviors (preliminary results). Also, these interventions improved the adaptive behaviors in autistic children, and parental functions such as self-efficacy, parental style, psychological problems (secondary results). Components of the therapeutic program included the type of consequence-based interventions (such as response interruption and redirection), antecedent-based interventions A (visual cue and daily schedules), antecedent-based interventions B (such as enriching environment with play). Three articles had medium certainty of the evidence, and 6 had high certainty of evidence.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated the positive effect of parent-mediated behavioral intervention on behavioral excesses in children with ASD. Future studies should emphasize the comprehensiveness of all the effective components in the parent-mediated behavioral intervention and the feasibility of the intervention in various contexts. It is suggested that parent-mediated interventions be implemented on behavioral excesses in children with ASD in Iran.
Alireza Amani, Ali Kamali, Bahman Sadeghi, Ali Reza Sistani, Mahdi Tavakolizadeh, Sajad Ghodibigi, Farid Saghabi, Mojtaba Ahmadlou,
Volume 23, Issue 4 (October & November 2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Ankle injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries in sports, accounting for 10% to 15% of all injuries. Since controlling pain and inflammation in ankle sprains is one of the main goals of treatment, we decided to compare the therapeutic effects of Cheleh daghi Herbal ointment with a common therapeutic gel such as piroxicam.
Methods & Materials: This study was performed as a double-blinded clinical trial for 6 months from January 2019 to August 2019. After referral, all patients completed the consent form, and the patient's details and study variables were recorded by the evaluator in the research form. To measure joint inflammation, we measured the ankle with a meter tape in the ankle area (cm) and recorded. A goniometer was also used to measure the degree of ankle movements. The symptoms of ankle ecchymosis were also checked by physical examination and observation and recorded in the checklist. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS V. 18 using statistical tests (the Mann-Whitney U test, the Chi-square, and the independent t-test).
Ethical Considerations: The Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences approved the study (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1396.55) and registered by the Clinical Trial (Code: IRCT2017071720258N53).
Results: The Mean±SD age in the control group was 34.2±8.6 years, and in the case group was 35.4±8.9 years. There was no statistically significant difference according to the Mann-Whitney U test (P<0.05). Also, the Mean±SD height in the control group was 1.7±0.12 m and in the case group was 1.72±0.11 m. The results also showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups studied before and after the intervention regarding the mean indicators of pain, swelling, and inflammation around the joints (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results of our study showed that Cheleh daghi Herbal ointment for 3 weeks could be more effective in reducing local pain and inflammation than piroxicam gel treatment.
Mohammad Rahmanian, Ali Reza Kamali, Hadi Mosalanezhad, Mahdi Foroughian, Navid Kalani, Naser Hatami, Mohammad Heidarnezhad, Esmaeal Rayatdoost, Samaneh Abiri,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (December & January - Special Issue on COVID-19 2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The recent Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has caused a lot of stress and anxiety in the world. Given that health care workers are at the forefront of fighting against COVID-19, they are the first to be exposed to this disease.
Methods & Materials: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 402 medical and administrative staff working in hospitals and health centers affiliated to Jahrom University of Medical Sciences in 2020. Data collection tools were a demographic form and the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS).
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Vice-Chancellor for Research of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.JUMS.REC.1399.046).
Results: The mean score of psychological symptoms of anxiety in the medical staff (46.91) was higher than in the administrative staff (42.63). Its physical symptoms were also higher in the clinical staff (12.80) compared to the administrative staff (10.94). There was a significant difference between the clinical and administrative staff in terms of anxiety (P=0.030).
Conclusion: Medical staff has higher psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety compared to the non-medical staff during the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, in order to reduce the anxiety of medical staff, health policymakers should take the necessary measures to take care of this group.
Mohammad Rahmanian, Ali Reza Kamali, Mahdi Foroughian, Navid Kalani, Nafiseh Esmaealpour, Naser Hatami, Esmaeal Rayat Dost,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (December & January - Special Issue on COVID-19 2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic is capable of severely affecting the mental health of health care workers, who are at the forefront of this crisis; while the official staff of health organizations is facing the same danger. Therefore, monitoring awareness and other mental health issues to understand the mediating factors and awareness of appropriate interventions is a necessary priority. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical and administrative staff in facing the COVID-19 virus.
Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed on 160 medical and administrative staff of Jahrom hospitals in 2020. Demographic information questionnaire and researcher-made questionnaire of knowledge, attitude and practice of medical personnel about coronavirus (Covid 19) were used to collect information. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21 and descriptive and inferential statistical tests.
Results: 65% of subjects were women and the rest were men. In most of the answers given to each item in both groups, the medical and administrative staff’s answers were close to each other. In the case of the statement "I am more likely to get a corona", 54.4% of the medical staff chose the strongly agreed option, while this percentage is 16.5% for the administrative staff. This indicates that the medical staff is very afraid of getting COVID-19. According to the results, the mean knowledge scores of the medical staff (with an average of 94.35) were significantly higher than the administrative staff (with an average of 87.75) (t=5.96, p<0.001). But the performance of administrative staff (with an average of 93.14) is significantly higher than medical staff (with an average of 87.17) (t=-2.710, p=0.007). No significant difference was observed between the mean scores of the attitude scores of both groups (p=0.438).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the level of awareness in the face of corona virus in the administrative staff is significantly lower than the medical staff, but the administrative staff has a better performance in facing of the corona virus than the medical staff. It seems that educational measures are necessary to increase the awareness of these people.
Nasrin Goodarzi, Javid Peymani, Hasan Ashayeri, Farahnaz Meschi, Mehrdad Sabet, Mohammad-Esmaeil Akbari,
Volume 24, Issue 2 (June & July 2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In every age of history, human beings have been afflicted with the fear of disease. Undoubtedly, cancer is among the most concerning diseases; cancer pain is among the major pains. The present study aimed to compare the effects of cognitive-behavioral group therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on multidimensional pain symptoms in patients with breast cancer.
Methods & Materials: The present study was applied concerning the purpose and applied a quasi-experimental with pretest-posttest, a two-month follow-up, and control group design. The statistical population was all women with breast cancer referring to Tehran Cancer Research Center in 2018 who were selected by convenience sampling method, consisting of 30 patients. They were randomly divided into two groups of intervention and the control group. The repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the obtained data. The research instrument was a multidimensional pain questionnaire (West Hyun-Yale) to evaluate multiple pain indices.
Results: The current study results suggested that cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy were effective on pain experience (P<0.001); however, there was no significant difference between the intervention groups respecting pain experience.
Conclusion Based on the present research findings, cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy impacted the management and pain intensity of patients with breast cancer.
Mojtaba Asad Samani, Maryam Peymani,
Volume 24, Issue 2 (June & July 2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The protein encoded by the SGO1 gene is a member of the shugoshin family of proteins and protects the centromere during mitosis. lncRNAs are non-coding RNA with 200 nucleotides lengths, i.e., involved in regulating gene expression. The current study aimed to evaluate the expression of SGO1 and SGO1-AS1 in different stages of disease progression; we also compared their expression pattern in tumor tissues with healthy tissues in colorectal cancer patients.
Methods & Materials: In total, 40 tissue samples of patients with colorectal cancer were reported according to the examination and criteria with the approval of a pathologist. Besides, 40 normal tissues were sampled from a completely healthy part of the intestine of the same patients. After RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, the Real-time RT-PCR technique was used to evaluate the expression of the desired genes in the study groups. ROC curve analysis was also used to determine the ability of each selected gene to diagnose the disease.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Shahrekord Azad University (Code: IR.IAU.SHKREC.1398.020).
Results The obtained data suggested that SGO1 significantly decreased in the colorectal cancer tumor samples (P<0.001) and SGO1-AS1 LncRNA significantly increased expression, compared to adjacent healthy tissues. Additionally, in the age group of below 60 years, compared to the age group of over 60 years, SGO1 expression increased and SGO1-AS1 expression decreased. Based on the AUC obtained from the ROC diagram, it was found that the SGO1 gene with AUC=0.8041 and SGO1-AS1 with AUC=0.6364 could significantly distinguish a healthy population from patients with colorectal cancer.
Conclusion: According to the collected results, SGO1 -AS1 and SGO1 were significantly reduced and increased in tumor tissue, respectively; however, only the SGO1 gene was introduced as a good marker for diagnosing colorectal cancer.
Behzad Salmani, Jaafar Hasani,
Volume 24, Issue 2 (June & July 2021)
Abstract
Background & Aim: This study aimed at comparing efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy, Zolpidem 10 mg, and waiting list group on illness perception and sleep efficiency in individuals with chronic insomnia disorder.
Materials & Methods: Participants included 74 (female = 43) individuals with chronic insomnia disorder who were recruited from 2018 December to 2020 February by purposive sampling (inclusive & exclusive criteria). Then, patients randomly allocated to one of the three conditions, including cognitive behavioral therapy (N=25), pharmacotherapy (Zolpidem 10 mg.; N=29), and the waiting list (N=20). All patients were assessed three times at pretreatment, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up by the Persian version of Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire and Sleep Efficiency Index. The data were analyzed by mixed analysis of variance with Bonferroni post-hoc test and repeated measure analysis of variance.
Ethical Considerations: All stages of the research have been carried after taking supervising and approving of Kharazmi University's ethics in research committee.
Findings: The patients who received cognitive behavioral therapy compared to patients in waiting list group, obtained significantly lower scores in illness perception and sleep efficiency during post-treatment and 3-month follow-up. Efficacy of pharmacotherapy only observed during post-treatment but there were no significant differences between pharmacotherapy and waiting list patients during 3-month follow-up.
Conclusion: Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia reduced significantly illness perceptions and sleep efficiency during 3 months. All the treatment gains remain stable even 3 months later treatment ends. In addition, not receiving any treatment in waiting list and gradually discontinued the treatment in pharmacotherapy group leads to decreasing of sleep efficiency and increasing of illness perception.
Ali Asghar Ghalenoei, Hossein Ansari, Abolfazl Payandeh, Azizollah Arbabi Sarjou, Gholamreza Soleimani, Ali Meshkinian,
Volume 24, Issue 3 (August & September 2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Genetic and environmental factors are known to be related to the development of childhood Eczema. We aimed to assess the ecological factors associated with the prevalence of Eczema among children using the ISAAC questionnaire.
Methods & Materials: A total of 1600 primary school girls and boys were selected and examined by multistage random sampling in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected and completed using the International ISAAC Questionnaire, including demographic questions and risk factors through interviews with parents, especially the student’s mother. The data were analyzed in SPSS v. 19 software using the Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences (Code: REC.1397.481).
Results: The prevalence of current Eczema was 10.4% (95%CI: 8.9-11.9). Co-morbidity with Asthma and Rhinitis was 82.8% and 74.5%, respectively. In multiple logistic regression models, history of allergies in family members (OR: 2.35, 95%CI: 1.53-3.59), father snoring (OR: 3.00, CI95%: 1.98-4.55), Keeping any animal in (OR: 1.6, 95%CI: 1.002-2.58), family size (OR: 0.85, 95%CI: 0.68-0.95), exposure to tobacco smoke at home (OR: 2.84, 95%CI: 1.18-6.81), showed a significant relationship with the occurrence of students’ Eczema.
Conclusion: Exposure to tobacco smoke at home, keeping any animal at home are effective factors in the prevalence of Eczema in children. By eliminating these factors, the prevalence of this disease can be reduced. However, the mothers have the most crucial role in screening and early diagnosis of Eczema in school children regarding determinants in this study. According to the results of this study, it is suggested that parents’ education, especially mothers, be emphasized by paying attention to these favorable factors.
