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Jamal Falahati, Rahmatallah Jadidi, Abdolah Rashidi,
Volume 16, Issue 12 (3-2014)
Volume 16, Issue 12 (3-2014)
Abstract
Background: According to the toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis leading to loss of central vision, corneal opacity, tearing, photophobia, and is, therefore early treatment is very important. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal injection of toxoplasmic retinochoroditis clindamycin in comparison with conventional therapy (oral drug) was performed.
Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, target population was all patients with the toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis referred to clinics in ophthalmology Arak city, that stratified randomly into two groups, interventional group “A” was received treatment with intravitreal injection clindamaycin " and control group “B” was received standard oral treatment (Pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine and clindamaycin). Tool for data gathering was questionnaires and medical records of patients in which visual acuity based on the Senllene Chart and retinal thickness with use tomography layers of the retina (OCT). Results of measurement were recorded by specialist retina before and after intervention (weekly and monthly until complete resolution of lesions in retina) during one year. The data entered into the SPSS 16 software and after matching age &sex of patients, was final analysis the using descriptive and inferential tests such as t-test was performed.
Results: Of the 26 patients with toxoplasmic retinochoroditis, 16 (61.5%), urban and number 10 (38.5%) were rural. The average improvement in visual acuity between the two groups in mean time to lesion healing (A) and (B) was different. The visual acuity in before and after treatment (separation of treatment) was significant difference in both groups (p<0.05). Also central macular thickness (in patients with toxoplasmic retinochoroditis) between before and after treatment in each group was different (p= 0.001), but the changes mean central macular thickness (in cases of toxoplasmic retinochoroditis) There was no significant difference between treatments (p=0.452).
Conclusion: Although any two methods of treatment are effective, but intravitreal injection clindamaycin method due to shorter lesion healing time and increase higher visual acuity, is better than the alternative similar way .
Aliasghar Farazi, Nader Zarrinfar, Farshideh Didgar, Mansoureh Jabbariasl, Parisa Mirzajani,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (7-2014)
Volume 17, Issue 4 (7-2014)
Abstract
Background: Treatment failure and relapse is a major problem in the treatment and control of brucellosis. The present study directed to determine risk factors for failure of treatment and relapse in patients treated for brucellosis.
Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive - analytic and prospective study and were conducted in 72 patients with acute brucellosis.Patients were followed up during treatment and for six months after completion of therapy, and patients with treatment failure or relapse were analyzed. All data analyzed using SPSS software and P-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The mean value of age in patients was 40.2 ± 16.5 years. Treatment failures was 6.9% and the relapse at the end of the ninth month was 12.5% that recurrence of symptoms were associated with increased titers of serological tests and 80.6 percent had successful treatment. In this study gender of male (P = 0.026), occupational exposure (P = 0.005), delayed treatment in less than two weeks (P = 0.016), hepatosplenomegaly (P = 0.003), thrombocytopenia (P = 0.023), CRP &ge +2 (P = 0.017) and Wright &ge 1/320 and 2-ME &ge 1.160 at the end of the sixth week of treatment (P = 0.004 and P = 0.010) were risk factors of treatment failure and relapse in brucellosis.
Conclusion: The diagnosis and treatment of relapse and treatment failure in acute brucellosis is not clear, therefore, the prediction of relapse may be useful in preventing recurrence and treatment of patients.
Sayed Abolhasan Sayed Zadeh, Mehrdad Bakhtiari, Akram Soleimani,
Volume 17, Issue 8 (11-2014)
Volume 17, Issue 8 (11-2014)
Abstract
Background: Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) is the most common urologic anomaly in children. In spite of prescribing prophylactic antibiotics in children with VUR, in some cases breakthrough infection (BTI) occurs while receiving prophylactic antibiotics which may cause pyelonephritis that can ultimately lead in renal scarring.
Materials and Methods: In this discreptive-analytic study, 288 children with primary vesicoureteral reflux under Cotrimoxazole(2mg/kg) treatment have been under supervision for duration of at least one year. Based on the collected data, predictive effect of some factors like gender, mean age of VUR diagnosis, VUR grade, unilateral versus bilateral and presence of abnormal renal scar on the breakthrough infection under prophylactic treatment, were examined.
Results: Breakthrough infection while receiving prophylactic antibiotics was observed among 111(38.54%) patients consisting of 88 girls (79.28%) and 23 boys (20.72%). The moderate to high VUR grades (grade III-V), presence of renal scar and female gender were found to be the important risk factors for BTI. However, no statistically significant relationship between mean age of VUR diagnosis and unilateral versus bilateral VUR with BTI was found.
Conclusion: Results of the current study will help improving parents' and physicians' awareness of the risk factors associated with BTI which may potentially lead to renal damage.
Fazad Zamani, Habib Soheily, Hamid Reza Jamilian, Neda Salehjafari, Mohammad Rafiei, Amin Tamizi,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (4-2015)
Volume 18, Issue 1 (4-2015)
Abstract
Background: Allergic rhinitis is a common disease which is present in 20% of general population. Major symptoms include sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and nasal pruritus. It seems that tricyclic antidepressants blocking histamine receptors may be used as an effective treatment in allergic rhinitis.
Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 84 patients with allergic rhinitis entered the study and randomly divided into two groups. Patients of 1st group received cetirizine and 2nd group received doxepin for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks patients were evaluated about sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and nasal pruritus.
Results: The results of our study showed that clinical score of patients after 2 weeks was not different in both groups (p=0.261). The only symptom that was affected by the kind of treatment and was significantly different between groups was sneezing (p=0.005).
Conclusion: It seems that there is not much difference in using cetirizine and doxepin in treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis sympotoms. It is recommended that future studies use TCAs with more potent blocking anti-histamine receptors feature and on more samples.
Mojtaba Hashemi, Javad Javaheri, Marjan Habibi, Parsa Yousefi Chaijan, Mahdyieh Naziri,
Volume 18, Issue 6 (9-2015)
Volume 18, Issue 6 (9-2015)
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of constipation in childhood is 0.7% to 29.6%. Inorganic causes are considered as the most common cause of constipation in children. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the most effective and safest laxatives which is usable in children in the long-term. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effect of PEG treatment and probiotic bacilluscoagulans and bifidobacterium and probiotic to enhance the growth of probiotics.
Materials and Methods: In this double blind clinical trial study(interventional study), 120 children aged 2-16 years with chronic functional constipation enrolled the study based on ROME III criteria. The bowels became empty by using liquid paraffin. Then, children were randomly divided into three groups of polyethylene glycol+placebo and Probiotics+placebo and polyethylene glycol+probiotics recipients. After 6 weeks of treatment, treatment success rates between the three groups were compared before and after the study Data analyzed by SPSS 20 software.
Results: The results of the study conducted on the three groups for treatment of constipation showed that the effect of polyethylene glycol and probiotic on treatment was considerable before and after treatment but the levels of effect was similar in the comparison of groups. The simultaneous use of two drugs was more effective than a single drug.
Conclusion: Overall, the results of our study showed that concurrent use of polyethylene glycol and probiotics is much more effective in the treatment of constipation.
Davarkhah Rabbani, Mohammad Reza Rezaeimofrad, Ashraf Mazaheri, Mohadeseh Mosayebi,
Volume 18, Issue 9 (12-2015)
Volume 18, Issue 9 (12-2015)
Abstract
Background: The growth of population, improvement of quality of life and the development of industries have led to increase in the rate of urban and industrial waste. As the leachate of the waste has a lot of pollution, influences harmfully human health and the environment. Researches have shown that the advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) such as Fenton and Fenton-related processes can reduce chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the leachate effectively.
Materials and Methods: In this paper, the rate of decrease in the total suspended solids (TSS) of leachate from a composting facility in Isfahan was studied using electrochemical, Fenton and electro-Fenton processes. These processes were conducted at reaction times 0, 20, 40, and 60 minutes, with the currents of 0.5, 1 and 1.5A and hydrogen peroxide dosages 1000, 2000, and 3000 mg/L.
Results: In the three mentioned processes, the most TSS removal was observed at the first 40 minute of the reactions. Among the studied processes, the electro-Fenton removed up to 92.4% of the TSS and was recognized as the most effective method. Furthermore, electrochemical and Fenton removed 41.7% and 60.3% of the TSS, respectively.
Conclusion: Therefore, decreasing the TSS of leachate could change its qualities and reduce the leachate pollution and the adverse environmental effects.
Alireza Zarinara, Mohammad Mahdi Akhondi, Hojjat Zeraati, Koorosh Kamali, Kazem Mohammad,
Volume 19, Issue 6 (9-2016)
Volume 19, Issue 6 (9-2016)
Abstract
Background: The prediction models for infertility treatment success have presented since 25 years ago. There are scientific principles for designing and applying the prediction models that is also used to predict the success rate of infertility treatment. The purpose of this study is to provide basic principles for designing the model to predic infertility treatment success.
Materials and Methods: In this paper, the principles for developing predictive models are explained and then the design of such models in infertility treatments is described in more details by explaining one sample.
Results: The important principles for models that firstly are described are: identifying and defining the purpose, expected function of model, input data that will be used to develop a model: type of intervention or diagnostic procedures that can lead to changes in the samples and output definition or expected result of model function. Further, characteristics of predictive factors in final model, drawing the information flowchart, internal and external validation and attention to the analysis programme of results are the important subjects that have been described.
Conclusion: If predictive models are used properly, can help treatment team and patients to achive best treatment in ART.
Atefe Azimi, Abdollah Omidi, Elham Shafiei, Arash Nademi,
Volume 20, Issue 10 (1-2018)
Volume 20, Issue 10 (1-2018)
Abstract
- Abstract
- Background: Students face a lot of emotional problems and psychological stress that affect their individual and social adaptation as well as their quality of life. Therefore, examining treatment models for these problems is very important. One of these models, the Fractal Diagnostic Treatment Model, is based on emotional regulation skills for a wide range of emotional disorders that can be used properly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of integrated diagnostic therapy on individual and social adaptations and emotional adjustment.
- Materials and Methods: A total of 70 female students were selected and assigned into two diagnostic groups (35 patients) and control (35 people). The experimental group received 12 sessions of diagnostic diagnosis weekly. Data were gathered in this study by Social Compliance Scale and Graz's Regulatory Emotion Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate covariance analysis (MANCOVA).
- Results: The results showed that transdiagnostic treatment focused on the dimensions of emotional regulation, including: refusal of emotional responses (F = 120.69, p < 0.01), impulse control problems (F = 14.57, p < 0.01), lack of emotional awareness (F =104.82, p< 0.01), lack of emotional resolution (F=42.64, p< 0.01), participation problems (F = 41.00, p<0.01), and limitations in achieving emotional regulation (F = 85.33, p<0. 01) is effective. Also, the results showed that exacerbation-based fetal diagnostic therapy was effective on individual adaptations (F = 146.76, p < 0.01) and social (F = 85.02, p<0.01).
- Conclusion: Regarding the effect of Fract-Intervention therapy based on emotional adjustment on personal and social adaptation and student's emotional adjustment dimensions, these results are applicable to clinical practitioners, counselors and practitioners in academic counseling centers.
Masoomeh Sofian,
Volume 21, Issue 5 (10-2018)
Volume 21, Issue 5 (10-2018)
Abstract
| Hepatitis C is one of the important causes of liver disease in the world. It seems that HCV will emerge as the leading cause of viral hepatitis-related advanced liver diseases and death in the near future. There are approximately 71 million chronically infected individuals worldwide, many of whom are unaware of their infection (1). It has been estimated that the prevalence of HCV in the Iranian general population is less than 0.5%. In Iran, the average prevalence of HCV is among thalassemia patients (16.6%), hemophilia patient (54%), individuals under dialysis (8.3%) and among injection drug users (51.4 percent). After screening of blood donors for HCV in Iran, the burden of HCV infection decreased significantly in hemophilia, thalassemia and patients on hemodialysis. Unfortunately, injecting illicit drugs still continues to be a major source of infection in Iran (2, 3). Iran has the lowest prevalence for HCV infection in the Middle East. Countries such as Pakistan and Azerbaijan with high prevalence of HCV infection are neighbors of Iran (2). The main populations at risk of HCV infection in Iran include intravenous drug users (IDUs) followed by people with tattoos, use of common razor, multi partner, homosexuality, receiving blood, and patients on hemodialysis (2). Clinical care for patients with hepatitis c infection has advanced considerably thanks to an enhanced understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease and because of developments in diagnostic procedures and improvement in therapy and prevention, and HCV elimination has been considered by the World Health Organization till 2030 (2,3). Screening and treating patients is necessary to eradicate HCV, So, EIA test is used for initial screening and detecting antibody against hepatitis C. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) using serum, plasma, finger stick, whole blood or saliva as matrices can be used for initial screening. If anti-HCV antibodies are detected, the presence of HCV RNA or alternatively HCV core antigen in serum or plasma should be determined to identify patients with ongoing infection. Although the sensitivity of the core antigen assay is less than HCV RNA assay, but because of low cost and good sensitivity, it is a valuable test for HCV. The positive Anti HCV by EIA and negative PCR may be occurred by following reasons: 1-false positive 2-spontaneous viral clearance 3- treatment –induced viral clearance, 4- low levels of virus DNA in the Blood that is not determined by PCR. Following spontaneous or treatment –induced viral clearance, anti HCV antibodies may be persist lifelong. Thus, the follow of treated patient use of PCR or core Ag is necessary (1). HCV has a high rate of genetic heterogeneity (1-7 genotype), therefore, no vaccine to prevent this infection today. Genotype 1a and 3a are the most prevalent genotypes in Iran. HCV reinfection can occur after spontaneous or treatment induced viral clearance, essentially if patient at high risk of infection and re exposure (4). Strategies to promote diagnosis, screening, and treatment should be targeted to high-risk groups rather than the general population. Annual screening is recommended for Individuals with a history of injecting illicit drug. In the past, treatment of HCV was interferon and ribavirin for 24 to 48 weeks. This treatment regimen associated with low response to treatment, high drug complication and high drug cost. In 2011, protease inhibitors, the first generation of DAAs (Telaprevir and Boceprevir), were emerged as the third component of the standard of care. These drugs had a lot of complications such as drug-drug interactions, severe skin rashes/pruritus and anemia. In 2013, Sofosbuvir, a new DAA, was introduced for treatment of HCV infection. SOF-containing regimens had a shorter duration of therapy, with fewer side effects in comparison with protease inhibitor-based triple therapy (5). At present, in Iran, the basis of treatment is sofosbovir 400 milligram that combined with second drug daclatasvir (60 mg) or velpatasvir in pan genotype and or ledipasvir (90 mg) in genotype 1a. These drugs exist in separated or combination form with different brand names. In fact, the patient with hepatitis C in both treatment-naive and non-cirrhotic, taking a combination pill daily for 12 weeks associated with high treatment response. However, in cirrhotic patients or patients with previous treatment experience, treatment prolongs 24 weeks or ribavirin (1000 -1200 mg, 5-6 200mg tablets) is added to 12 weeks of treatment according patient weight. Accurate assessment of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis is essential for predicting prognosis and for planning treatment duration and adding RBV to the standard therapy of patients with chronic HCV infection. So, percutaneous liver biopsy or elastography non-invasive methods have been considered as the gold standard for assessing hepatic fibrosis. If biopsy or elastography not available, platelet count, liver sonography and liver enzyme level is helpful for determination of liver fibrosis (6). In EASL Recommendations on Treatment of Hepatitis C 2018, other drugs of DAAs like pibrentasvir, glecaprevir, elbatasvir and grazoprevir are recommended. Also 8, 16 and 28 weeks of treatments are suggested in special cases and treatment without sofosbovir is mentioned (1). Determination of viral load by quantitative PCR and genotyping of HCV recommend before the treatment, if viral load and genotyping is not available, qualitative PCR without genotyping is sufficient for treatment with pan genotyping drugs (1, 5). New treatments are free-INF and these drugs have low cost and low adverse effect (5, 7). Todays, HCV is treated very simply by consuming only one pill daily for 12 weeks. Sustained viral response (SVR) that defined negative PCR 12-24 weeks after discontinuing treatment occurred in more than 90% of patients (1, 4). In patients with cirrhosis, despite SVR, sonography of liver and αFP level test for screening of liver malignancy is recommended every 6 months (1). It seems that the best strategy for HCV prevention in the community is increasing case finding and therapy with the ultimate goal of stopping the vicious cycle in the community. Todays, there is no vaccine for HCV prevention yet. The incidence of HCV infection should be reduced by providing safe blood transfusion and medical procedures in hospitals and out-patient clinics, increasing people awareness and public education regarding the risks of exposure such as unsafe tattooing and unsafe sexual contacts and finally implementation of harm reduction for IDUs (1, 5). |
Masoud Rezagholizamenjany, Parsa Yousefichaijan,
Volume 21, Issue 7 (2-2019)
Volume 21, Issue 7 (2-2019)
Abstract
Nephrotic syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome is a manifestation of glomerular disease as a proteinuria in the nephrotic and triad of hypoalbuminemia, edema, hyperlipidemia, and high protein in the urine. Nephrotic proteinuria is defined as protein excretion of more than 40 mg/m2 of body surface per hour or protein to creatinine ratio of more than 2-3 at the first morning urine sample. Its annual incidence in most western countries is 2-3 cases per 100000 children per year, and in developing countries it is often higher due to malaria (1). New findings in this area are often about treatment, which are evaluated and reviewed in following.
Nephrotic syndrome is a manifestation of glomerular disease as a proteinuria in the nephrotic and triad of hypoalbuminemia, edema, hyperlipidemia, and high protein in the urine. Nephrotic proteinuria is defined as protein excretion of more than 40 mg/m2 of body surface per hour or protein to creatinine ratio of more than 2-3 at the first morning urine sample. Its annual incidence in most western countries is 2-3 cases per 100000 children per year, and in developing countries it is often higher due to malaria (1). New findings in this area are often about treatment, which are evaluated and reviewed in following.
Ali Hojabr Rajeooni, Parvaneh Mehrbod,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the most important viral diseases in the current decade which has caused widespread crisis worldwide. The disease was first reported on December 8, 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in the patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. On January 8, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in China identified the virus, and it was named 2019-nCoV by the World Health Organization (WHO). The name of the disease was later changed to COVID-19. According to the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, the virus is called SARS-CoV-2 which belongs to the family of Coronaviridae. The viruses of this family have caused outbreaks in several countries (SARS in 2003 and MERS in 2013) which have led to death and economic loss.
Methods & Materials: In this review study, COVID-19 was studied from various aspects including evolutionary process and molecular biology of its virus. The selected articles were examined based on the information available in the WHO database. SARS-CoV-2 proteins were identified molecularly and functionally using data analysis and bioinformatics methods, and then related drugs and their effects on virus replication and inhibition were investigated.
Ethical Considerations: All ethical principles were observed in this study.
Results: Studies on the structure of SARS-CoV-2 and drug therapies to inhibit the disease progression showed that the use of different pharmaceutical strategies is effective in treating COVID-19 depending on the progression of the disease. Molecular studies showed that the use of nucleoside analogues and protease inhibitors is effective in the course of the disease and intravenous immunoglobulin, aminoquinoline compounds, TMPRSS2 inhibitors and viral S protein can be effective in the early stages of disease.
Conclusion: In order to control COVID-19, it is very important to study the structure of SARS-CoV-2 virus and its biology in the body. It is essential to identify the drugs that affect the virus based on its biological structure. Due to the structural changes of the virus and successive mutations in the virus genome as well as the emergence of resistant strains or highly contagious strains, further studies on the structure of SARS-CoV-2 and its changes in the body are recommended for designing pharmaceutical and therapeutic strategies. These strategies varies according to the stage of the disease, such that some drugs prevent the virus from entering the target cells in the early stages of the disease and other drugs, in combination with the virus’ surface glycoproteins, prevent the virus antigen from binding to receptors in the host cells. In the late stages of the disease, antiviral drugs including protease inhibitors and nucleoside analogues, interfere with the replication and structure of the virus. Due to intermittent changes in the virus and the development of drug-resistant viruses, it is important to continuously review virological and clinical studies and the performance of existing drugs against SARS-CoV-2.
Niloofar Agharezaee, Flora Forouzesh,
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Volume 23, Issue 5 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause disease in humans and animals. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus. The World Health Organization has declared this infectious disease as a global pandemic.
Objective: This study aims to review the latest research advances in genetics, pathogenicity, and clinical features of COVID-19, as well as current therapies to combat this disease.
Methods & Materials: This is a systematic review study on articles published from 2010 to 2020 by searching in reputable databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect.
Ethical Considerations: Ethical principles have been observed in accordance with the guidelines of the National Ethics Committee and the COPE regulations.
Results: Examining the genome and genetic studies of the virus, it can be said that there are many similarities between different coronavirus types, but there are differences in their genomic and phenotypic structures that can affect their pathogenesis. Re-use of existing therapeutic drugs, previously designed for other infections and viral pathologies is currently the only practical approach to fight COVID-19. The tests for SARS-CoV-2 genome-specific vaccines and the therapeutic antibodies are currently being tested, but they require a long-term process and complete safety testing.
Conclusion: Rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is the basis of disease control. There is currently no specific antiviral drug approved for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, preventive measures are necessary to stop and control the spread of COVID-19, according to genetic studies and the obtaining knowledge of the molecular mechanism of this virus.
Objective: This study aims to review the latest research advances in genetics, pathogenicity, and clinical features of COVID-19, as well as current therapies to combat this disease.
Methods & Materials: This is a systematic review study on articles published from 2010 to 2020 by searching in reputable databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect.
Ethical Considerations: Ethical principles have been observed in accordance with the guidelines of the National Ethics Committee and the COPE regulations.
Results: Examining the genome and genetic studies of the virus, it can be said that there are many similarities between different coronavirus types, but there are differences in their genomic and phenotypic structures that can affect their pathogenesis. Re-use of existing therapeutic drugs, previously designed for other infections and viral pathologies is currently the only practical approach to fight COVID-19. The tests for SARS-CoV-2 genome-specific vaccines and the therapeutic antibodies are currently being tested, but they require a long-term process and complete safety testing.
Conclusion: Rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is the basis of disease control. There is currently no specific antiviral drug approved for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, preventive measures are necessary to stop and control the spread of COVID-19, according to genetic studies and the obtaining knowledge of the molecular mechanism of this virus.
Maryam Moradi, Mahla Salarfard, Zahra Abedian, Seyed Reza Mazloum, Ehsan Mousa Farkhani,
Volume 23, Issue 6 (11-2020)
Volume 23, Issue 6 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The adherence of diabetic patients to the recommended treatment regimens is among the major challenges in diabetes control. Dietary adherence is low in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Non-compliance can reduce the beneficial effects of treatment, symptoms, and signs, increase complications, or even cause death. Therefore, further research on the determinants of follow-up behaviors is essential.
Methods & Materials: This was a descriptive-analytical study. In total, 260 women with gestational diabetes treated with diet referring to healthcare centers, and Imam Reza (AS), Ghaem, and Umm Al-Banin Hospitals in Mashhad City, Iran participated in this research. The study subjects were selected using convenience, multistage, class, and cluster sampling methods. The required data were collected using a demographic and pregnancy profile questionnaire and a researcher-made questionnaire of adherence to the treatment regimen. The obtained data were analyzed by inferential statists and regression tests in SPSS v. 16.
Ethical Considerations: This study was registered with ethics code of IR.MUMS.NURSE.REC.1397.091 in the ethics committee of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.
Results: The regression analysis results indicated that dietary adherence, blood glucose monitoring, and exercise adherence scores presented a significant and positive effect on the total treatment adherence score (P<0.001). Furthermore, education (P=0.044), unwanted (P=0.006), or unplanned pregnancy (P=0.21) provided a positive and significant effect on the overall score of treatment adherence. Women with a history of diabetes in first-degree relatives (P=0.010) and those with a history of miscarriage (P=0.021) obtained higher scores of total treatment adherence.
Conclusion: According to the present study findings, some demographic and pregnancy characteristics can affect the rate of adherence to the treatment regimen in women with gestational diabetes. Healthcare providers need to pay attention to the impact of these factors in improving adherence to patients’ treatment regimens.
Methods & Materials: This was a descriptive-analytical study. In total, 260 women with gestational diabetes treated with diet referring to healthcare centers, and Imam Reza (AS), Ghaem, and Umm Al-Banin Hospitals in Mashhad City, Iran participated in this research. The study subjects were selected using convenience, multistage, class, and cluster sampling methods. The required data were collected using a demographic and pregnancy profile questionnaire and a researcher-made questionnaire of adherence to the treatment regimen. The obtained data were analyzed by inferential statists and regression tests in SPSS v. 16.
Ethical Considerations: This study was registered with ethics code of IR.MUMS.NURSE.REC.1397.091 in the ethics committee of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.
Results: The regression analysis results indicated that dietary adherence, blood glucose monitoring, and exercise adherence scores presented a significant and positive effect on the total treatment adherence score (P<0.001). Furthermore, education (P=0.044), unwanted (P=0.006), or unplanned pregnancy (P=0.21) provided a positive and significant effect on the overall score of treatment adherence. Women with a history of diabetes in first-degree relatives (P=0.010) and those with a history of miscarriage (P=0.021) obtained higher scores of total treatment adherence.
Conclusion: According to the present study findings, some demographic and pregnancy characteristics can affect the rate of adherence to the treatment regimen in women with gestational diabetes. Healthcare providers need to pay attention to the impact of these factors in improving adherence to patients’ treatment regimens.
Farideh Ranjbaran, Hamid Reza Jamilian, Bahman Sadeghi Sade,
Volume 24, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Volume 24, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is the most common mental health condition, with a severe decline in performance, disability, and a 15% risk of suicide. Allopurinol increases the level of tryptophan in the body by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, and by elevating the level of tryptophan, i.e., a precursor to serotonin. Accordingly, it can improve the symptoms of depression. This study aimed to investigate the impact of allopurinol on MDD.
Methods & Materials: In this double-blind clinical trial, 70 patients with MDD, diagnosed based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders- Fourth Edition-Third Edition (DSM IV-TR) were randomly (paired & individual patient records) divided into two equal groups. Both research groups received 40 mg of citalopram daily for 6 weeks. In addition to citalopram, the intervention group received 300 mg allopurinol daily and the control group received a placebo. At the end of the third and sixth weeks, the examined patients were tested for Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS).
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1394.68). Also, it was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (Code: IRCT201508277373n6).
Results: The Mean±SD HDRS’s score, after 3 weeks of treatment, in the control and allopurinol groups was measured as 28.42±3.1 and 23.02±3.4, respectively. After 6 weeks after treatment, the Mean±SD depression score in the control and allopurinol groups was equal to 23.28±4.1 and 20.4±1.2, in sequence. A significant difference was observed between the research groups; thus, the intervention group obtained a lower mean score in the HDRS than the controls.
Conclusion: Allopurinol can improve the symptoms of depression and can also be used as an adjunct in the treatment of depression.
Mrs Fatemeh Jahanshahi, Dr. Morteza Ghasemi, Mr. Pooyan Falahi, Mrs Neda Ghasemi,
Volume 26, Issue 1 (4-2023)
Volume 26, Issue 1 (4-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: The current research was conducted with the aim of "investigating the role of medical staff in health policies during the corona virus pandemic".
Methods: This research is practical in terms of purpose and exploratory research in terms of method.
Results: The statistical population of this research is all the medical staff of Arak city Since access to all these people is not possible; Therefore, the sampling method is used. The data collection tool in this research was a questionnaire. This research was done using the factor analysis model.
Conclusions: The data and information extracted from the factor analysis test showed that: establishing proper communication with patients, interacting with citizens and the government, paying attention to the laws and encouraging others to comply with them, learning specialized training to contain the corona virus, explaining the situation to worried people, Adhering to health protocols and informing others, perception of organizational justice, alignment between individual and organizational goals, transfer of sense of responsibility to the work environment, existence of an efficient evaluation system and encouragement to inject vaccines are the most important role of the medical staff in health policies. They were during the corona disease pandemic.
Toktam Masomi, Doctor Gholamreza Manshaee, Doctor Hadi Farhadi,
Volume 26, Issue 5 (12-2023)
Volume 26, Issue 5 (12-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: This research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of combined treatment based on virtual reality and mindfulness on cortisol levels in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder.
Methods: The study employed a semi-experimental design with a pre-test-post-test control group and a two-month follow-up period. The study population included all individuals with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder who referred to the clinics of the Psychological Services Center and Counseling in Region 3, the Counseling and Psychological Services Center of Welfare in Region 6, and the Aryaz Counseling and Psychological Services of Region 6, Tehran, from April 2022 to the end of autumn 2022.
Results: The sample consisted of 30 individuals (10 males and 20 females) with generalized anxiety disorder, selected purposefully and randomly assigned to a treatment group based on virtual reality and mindfulness (15 individuals) and a control group (15 individuals). Pre-test, post-test, and follow-up cortisol levels were measured, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) was used as the entry criterion. Subsequently, the experimental group received an eight-session, 17-minute weekly treatment based on virtual reality and mindfulness. Participants in this group, while immersed in a virtual environment, watched 360-degree virtual reality videos, "Walking by the Beach" and "Pebbles in the Lake," accompanied by mindfulness audio contemplation, "Being Present and Breathing," and "Wise Mind," using a VR headset and VR-ARBOX. The control group received no treatment.
Conclusions: After completing the interventions, post-tests and two-month follow-ups were conducted. The data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with SPSS23 software, revealing that the combined treatment based on virtual reality and mindfulness was effective in reducing cortisol levels. It is suggested that this combined method is used as a clinical intervention in order to reduce the level of anxiety and cortisol of people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder alone or along with other psychological and pharmaceutical interventions.
Methods: The study employed a semi-experimental design with a pre-test-post-test control group and a two-month follow-up period. The study population included all individuals with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder who referred to the clinics of the Psychological Services Center and Counseling in Region 3, the Counseling and Psychological Services Center of Welfare in Region 6, and the Aryaz Counseling and Psychological Services of Region 6, Tehran, from April 2022 to the end of autumn 2022.
Results: The sample consisted of 30 individuals (10 males and 20 females) with generalized anxiety disorder, selected purposefully and randomly assigned to a treatment group based on virtual reality and mindfulness (15 individuals) and a control group (15 individuals). Pre-test, post-test, and follow-up cortisol levels were measured, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) was used as the entry criterion. Subsequently, the experimental group received an eight-session, 17-minute weekly treatment based on virtual reality and mindfulness. Participants in this group, while immersed in a virtual environment, watched 360-degree virtual reality videos, "Walking by the Beach" and "Pebbles in the Lake," accompanied by mindfulness audio contemplation, "Being Present and Breathing," and "Wise Mind," using a VR headset and VR-ARBOX. The control group received no treatment.
Conclusions: After completing the interventions, post-tests and two-month follow-ups were conducted. The data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with SPSS23 software, revealing that the combined treatment based on virtual reality and mindfulness was effective in reducing cortisol levels. It is suggested that this combined method is used as a clinical intervention in order to reduce the level of anxiety and cortisol of people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder alone or along with other psychological and pharmaceutical interventions.
Mohammad Douzandeh Nargesi, Zohreh Teymori, Mehnoosh Tavakkolifard,
Volume 27, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Volume 27, Issue 3 (7-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: The stress caused by COVID-19 had affected many people in society, especially individuals at risk. The present study was carried out to investigate, firstly, whether COVID-19-related stress plays a mediating role in the relationship between rumination and aggression in drug-dependent people undergoing treatment. Secondly, the study was conducted to know whether rumination has an indirect effect on the aggression of substance-dependent people under treatment through the mediation of COVID-19-related stress.
Methods: In this correlational analytical study, 136 patients undergoing maintenance treatment with methadone who were willing to enter the study were investigated by the available sampling method in two addiction treatment centers in the 1st and 2nd districts. The data collection tools in the present study included the Corona Disease Anxiety Questionnaire, Rumination Questionnaire, and Bass and Perry Aggression Questionnaire. After collecting the data, the anxiety score of each participant was measured from 0 to 54, the rumination score from 0 to 88, and the aggression score from 29 to 145. Then, the data was analyzed using Lisrel statistical software.
Results: Findings showed that the direct effect of rumination on aggression is 0.23, which is significant at the P < 0.01 level. Therefore, rumination has a positive and direct effect on aggression. Also, COVID-19-related stress plays a mediating role in the relationship between rumination and aggression in drug addicts under treatment. In addition, the indirect effect of rumination on aggression is 0.25, which is significant. Thus, rumination has an indirect effect on aggression through the mediation of COVID-19-related stress.
Conclusions: According to the high prevalence of psycho-social problems such as depression, anxiety, fear, addiction, job burnout, suicidal thoughts, violence, domestic and post-traumatic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the post-corona era, we have witnessed a high amount of mental and social injuries in the world. For this reason, governments must screen psychologically vulnerable groups in advance.
Azam Mivefroshan, Roghaiyeh Afsargharehbagh,
Volume 27, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Volume 27, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Hyperlipidemia, a chronic metabolic disorder marked by elevated blood lipid levels, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. While pharmacological interventions exist, factors such as medication side effects, cost considerations, and a growing interest in complementary and alternative medicine have stimulated research into the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants in managing hyperlipidemia. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of these botanical agents in reducing blood lipid levels.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across reputable databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and other relevant online platforms. Keywords such as "hyperlipidemia," "herbal medicine," "traditional medicine," "herbal extract," and "herbal therapy" were employed to identify studies published up to 2024. Inclusion criteria were established to select studies that reported the impact of medicinal plants on lipid profile modifications.
Results: Based on the results, the study revealed that various medicinal plants, including Thymus vulgaris, Apium graveolens, Cichorium intybus, Fumaria officinalis, Heracleum rawianum, Anthemis altissima, Gundelia tourneforttii, Cynodon dactylon, Anthriscus sylvestrianum, Solanum nigrum, Arum elongatum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Berberis vulgaris, Rheum ribes, and Mentha spicata, are commonly used in traditional medicine to address hyperlipidemia.
Conclusions: The use of indigenous Iranian medicinal plants for managing hyperlipidemia is deeply rooted in the country’s ancient history and has been increasingly validated by contemporary scientific research. These natural compounds can help lower blood lipid levels by inhibiting fat absorption and boosting lipid metabolism. The growing interest in traditional medicine and medicinal plants can be attributed to their inherent advantages, such as a lower incidence of side effects compared to synthetic drugs. Ongoing scientific research in this field offers promising avenues for developing innovative and effective herbal-based therapies
Parvin Roosta, Dr Sayed Abdollah Sadat Bahreinian, Ghasem Ahi, Mohammad Hassan Ghanifar,
Volume 27, Issue 5 (12-2024)
Volume 27, Issue 5 (12-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: One of the problems during adolescence is the existence of conflict with parents, which creates object relationships and feelings of shame and guilt in them. This research was conducted to determine the effectiveness of treatment based on the mentalization of object relations and feelings of shame and guilt in conflicting mother-child relationships.
Methods: This research method was semi-experimental and pre-test-post-test with a control group. The statistical population of this research included all mothers and adolescents with conflicting relationships who were referred to counseling centers in Shiraz in 2022. By using the available sampling method, 30 people from the mentioned community were selected as a sample and were randomly divided into two experimental (15 people) and control (15 people) groups. Asadi et al.'s parent-child conflict questionnaires (2010), Bell's object relations (1995), and Cohen et al.'s (2011) feelings of shame and guilt were used to collect information. The experimental group underwent executive function training for 13 sessions twice a week for 60 minutes, and the control group did not receive any training. The research data was analyzed using correlation.
Results: The mean ± standard deviation of the experimental group in the post-test in the variable of object relations from 1.5 ± 1.37 to 28.6 ± 4.3 and in the variable of shame and guilt from 5 ± 1.60 to 5.60 ± 3. 51.2 ± 9.1 decreased. The results showed that in the post-test stage, the mean scores of object relations and feelings of shame and guilt in the experimental group decreased significantly compared to the control group (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: Treatment based on mentalization was effective in improving object relationships and reducing feelings of shame and guilt. Therefore, this treatment can be suggested to reduce the conflict between adolescents and mothers.
Zahra Zohre Vandi, Narges Babakhani, Afsaneh Taheri,
Volume 28, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Volume 28, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: The present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment-based therapy on the lifestyle of improving the health and emotional distress of women undergoing infertility treatment with the in vitro fertilization (IVF) method.
Methods: The method of this study was semi-experimental with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group and a follow-up stage. The statistical population of the study included women undergoing infertility treatment with the IVF method referring to the infertility center of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran in the first six months of 2012. In this research, 27 women undergoing infertility treatment with IVF method were selected by voluntary sampling method and replaced by random method in test and control groups. The experimental group underwent acceptance and commitment therapy (10 sessions) for two and a half months. A health-promoting lifestyle questionnaire (HPLP) and an emotional distress questionnaire (Lavibond and Lavibond, 1995) were used as research tools. The data were analyzed using a mixed analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc test.
Results: It showed that the treatment based on acceptance and commitment to the lifestyle level improves health (Eta = 0.56, F = 19.74) and has a significant effect on the dimensions of emotional disorders such as depression (P < 0.0001, Eta = 0.58, F = 0.58). F = 34), anxiety (P > 0001; Eta = 0.59; F = 35.69), and stress (P > 0.0001; Eta = 0.61; F = 40.12) of women undergoing infertility treatment with the IVF, and has been able to lead to increase a healthy lifestyle, reduce depression, anxiety, and stress in these individuals.
Conclusions: Acceptance and commitment therapy, utilizing six psychological acceptance processes, cognitive breakdown, self under context, interaction with the present, specified values, and committed behavior, can be used as an effective treatment to reduce emotional distress in women undergoing IVF infertility treatment.
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Journal of Arak University Medical Sciences
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