Parisa Nourbakhsh, Rezvan Merzaei, Fatemeh Yeganeh-Fard, Ghasem Mosayebi,
Volume 19, Issue 5 (8-2016)
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is one of the major causes of cancer-related death and the most common solid malignancy in women worldwide. Chemerin as a new adipokine has an inflammatory activity that initiates inflammation via chemotaxis of immature DCs and macrophages. This study aimed to evaluate the level of chemerin in patients with breast cancer.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study that was performed as a case-control study, we enrolled 45 patients with breast cancer in Vali-asr hospital from June to December 2015 (age range, 18-60 years) and 40 healthy volunteers as a control group (age range, 22-56 years). The patients with invasive breast were selected before mastectomy. The level of serum chemerin was measured by ELISA kit.
Results: The results showed that the mean serum chemerin level in the breast cancer patients (1536 ±608 ng/L) was significantly lower than the normal individuals (1919±544 ng/L),(p=0.04). There is no correlation between the level of chemerin with body weight, stage of disease, duration of disease and the number of white and red blood cells.
Conclusion: With due attention to the inflammatory role of chemerin, decreasing the serum chemerin level in patients with breast cancer may be related to the consumption of chemerin in the inflammatory responses or immunosuppression by tumor. The low level of chemrerin may be suitable for tumor growth and progression.
Nader Saeedi, Mohammadreza Rezvanfar, Mehdi Hadidi, Farvah Asgharizadeh Mahani, Mojtaba Ahmadlou,
Volume 19, Issue 6 (9-2016)
Abstract
Background: The renin-angiotensin system(RAS) has a major role in development of diabetic nephropathy and blocking of RAS by inhibitors and blocking of angiotesin receptors is standard treatment for preventing kidney disease and proteinuria. It is reported that VIT-D analogues are able to suppress renin exertion and improve proteinuria. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of VitD analogue (calitriol) on reducing proteinuria in patients with diabetic nephropathy.
Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 132 eligible patients that had diabetic nephropathy and hadn’t vit D deficiency were selected. The patients were divided into two equal groups. First group received the combination of losartan 25mg twice daily and calcitriol 0.25mg and second group received losartan 25 mg twice daly alone for 3 months. The FBS, lipid profile, ESR-CRP BUN, Cr, HbA1c, Ca, P, and 24 hours urine protein were evaluated in all patients at beginning and end of study and the results were statistcally compared.
Results: The 24-hour urine protein in losartan and calitriol group was improved compared to losartan. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.003). As well as, in kidney function (BUN, Cr) in the losartan and calcitriol group compared to losartan alone was significantly improved(p<0.05).
Conclusion: Combination of calcitriol with angiotesin receptor blockers(ARBs) is more effective than ARBs alone in improvement of proteinuria and real function.
Afsaneh Talaei, Mehdi Mahmoudpoor, Maryam Shahdost,
Volume 21, Issue 4 (8-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Regarding to paradoxical results of the studies about the effects of atorvastatin on inflammatory markers and metabolism, we aimed to evaluate the effects of atorvastatin on inflammatory markers in diabetic patients.
Materials and Methods: Through a double blind randomized clinical trial, placebo control, 88 type two diabetic patients (T2DP), were treated with anti-diabetes oral agents, were randomly classified into two 44 cases groups. The intervention group took atorvastatin 40 mg daily and control group took placebo for three months and adiponectin, hsCRP, leptin, TNF-α, lipid profile and fasting blood glucose (FBS) were measured and compared at the beginning and the end of the study. The data were analyzed using student t test and paired t test.
Findings: After three months, adiponectin was significantly increased in intervention group in comparison to control group, but leptin had not a significant change in two groups. Total cholesterol, hsCRP and LDL cholesterol (Low density Lipoprotein) were decreased significantly in the intervention group than control group, while FBS was
non-significantly decreased.
Conclusion: It seems atorvastatin is effective to decrease inflammatopry markers in diabetic patients.
Farzaneh Fuladi Targhi, Fardin Faraji, Ali Akbar Maleki Rad, Keyvan Ghassami, Afsoon Talaei,
Volume 21, Issue 6 (12-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Multiple Sclerosis is (MS) is a common demyelinating disease of CNS that inflammation and stress oxidative processes have an important role in clinical courses and progression of it. The aim of the present study was to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of Melatonin on fatigue in MS.
Materials and Methods: In a double-blind clinical trials study, 62 patients with relapsing remitting MS were randomized to oral Melatonin 3 mg or placebo daily for 8 weeks. Scale of Fatigue in MS was studied by assessing FSS (Fatigue Severity Scale) on weeks 1 and 8.
Findings: 47 patients in intervention group and 15 patients in placebo group completed the study. In intervention group, treatment with Melatonin produced a significant decrease in FSS vs placebo group (before intervention: the average of FSS in patient group was 32.04±13.97 and in control group was 35.86±15.44; after intervention: the average of FSS in patient group was 30.42±12.40 and in control group was 41±12.66). Although in control group, the average of FSS was 35.866 and it was 41 after intervention. Because the score of placebo patient is near or upper than 36, this study suggested that Melatonin has a significant effect on improving and decreasing fatigue in MS.
Conclusion: The use of melatonin alongside of First-line drugs such as mitoxantrone, IFN – B or glatimer acetate can improve fatigue and disability in patient with MS.
Abdollatif Moini, Leila Mehraban,
Volume 22, Issue 2 (6-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Mucormycosis represents a group of life threatening infections caused by fungi of the order mucorales. Mucormycosis results in higher rates of morbidity and mortality than many other infections. A high index of suspicion and considering risky factors are critical for diagnosis and early initiation of therapy is necessary to optimize outcomes. In this paper, we report a woman with pulmonary mucormycosis.
Case Report: A 47-year old woman with a history of uncontrolled diabetes presented with cough, hemoptysis, dyspnea and dysphagia from 3 weeks ago. On physical examination, course crackles, generalized wheezing and stridor were found along with fever. Laboratory testing demonstrated a high-titer ESR, CRP3+ and leukocytosis. The ENT examination revealed a mild erythema of the vocal cords. An initial chest-x-ray was compatible with a pulmonary infiltration in the right middle lobe. Ct-scan of the sinuses was unremarkable. Bronchoscopy findings and lung biopsy was consistent fibrinoleukocytic exudates with extensive necrosis and broad hyphae and was reported fungal infection in favor of mucormycosis. She was eventually treated with amphotericin B.
Ethical Considerations: This study with research ethics code IR.ARAKMU.REC.1398.48 has been approved by research ethics committee at Arak University of Medical Sciences.
Conclusion: Mucormycosis has high mortality in diabetic patients and has even higher rates in uncontrolled diabetics. Therefore, due to underestimation and undertreatment of the condition, mucormycosis must be considered in diabetics underestimate pneumonia.
Afsaneh Talaei, Mehdi Mahmudpour, Maryam Shahdost,
Volume 22, Issue 2 (6-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Regarding the controversy about the effects of atorvastatin on blood glucose control and diabetes, we evaluated the effects of atorvastatin on blood glucose and insulin resistance in the present study.
Materials and Methods: 88 type two diabetic patients (T2DP), were treated with anti-diabetes oral agents were enrolled in a double blind randomized clinical trial, placebo control. Then they were randomly classified into two 44 cases groups. The intervention group took atorvastatin 40 mg daily and control group took placebo for three months and fasting blood glucose (FBS), insulin resistance, HbA1c and lipid profile were measured and compared at the beginning and the end of the study. Data were analyzed using student t-test and paired t-test.
Ethical Considerations: This study with research ethics code IR.ARAKMU.REC.90.108.10 has been approved by research ethics committee at Arak University of Medical Sciences.
Findings: After three months, insulin, insulin resistance and HbA1c decreased significantly in the intervention group than control group, while FBS non-significantly decreased. Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (Low density Lipoprotein) were also decreased.
Conclusion: It seems atorvastatin is effective to decrease FBS and insulin resistance in diabetic patients.
Zahra Shiravand, Afsaneh Talaei,
Volume 22, Issue 4 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim Thyroid diseases are among the most common endocrine disorders. Animal and human experiences indicate that iron deficiency disrupts thyroid metabolism. On the other hand, iron therapy can improve thyroid function and even decrease the dose of levothyroxine.
Methods and Materials In this randomized clinical trial, we selected 94 women with hypothyroidism by simple random sampling method and divided them into two equal groups by simple block sampling. At the beginning of the study, we measured and recorded T4, TSH, T3, and iron profiles (Serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, ferritin, Hemoglobin) in all patients. Then, the patients in the intervention group were treated with levothyroxine plus 100 mg oral iron daily for 8 weeks, and the patients in the control group were treated with levothyroxine only. After two months, we measured their T4, TSH, T3 levels and iron profiles in both groups again.
Ethical Considerations The Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences approved this study (Research Ethics Code: 1396154). Also, the study has been registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (Code: IRCT 20151114025031).
Results After 2 months, the TSH Mean±SD serum levels were found as 2.2±1.0 mIU/L and 2.9±1.1 mIU/L for the intervention and control group, respectively (P=0.04). Also, the serum Mean±SD level of T4 and T3 were found as 9.3±1.48 mcg/dL vs. 8.2±0.9 mcg/dL (P=0.01), and 1.6±0.3 ng/mL vs. 1.1±0.3 ng/mL (P=0.01), for two different groups, respectively.
Conclusion Concurrent administration of iron supplementation with the usual dose of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism decreases THS level and improves laboratory parameters and response to treatment.
Mina Mirnezami, Bahman Sadeghi, Sajid Ghadbighi, Farid Sahabi, Mojtaba Ahmadloo,
Volume 22, Issue 5 (11-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim Male Androgenic Alopecia (MAA) is one of the most common causes of hair loss in men. Minoxidil solution is one of the most commonly used medications for MAA treatment; however, it has several cutaneous side effects including itching, scaling and erythema, which cause the discontinuation of its consumption.
Methods & Materials In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 51 males with MAA were treated with 5% minoxidil solution and 7% chamomile extract. At the same time, 49 patients as controls were matched with this group and treated with 5% minoxidil solution alone. Both groups were treated and followed up for 6 months.
Ethical Considerations This study has received its ethical approval from the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1395.456) and is a registered clinical trial (Code: 2017042420258N41).
Results In both groups, the severity of itching and scaling gradually decreased. in the control group, erythema increased, while in the chamomile group, erythema also decreased. All three side effects of itching, scaling and erythema were lower in the group treated with chamomile extract and minoxidil solution than in the group used minoxidil solution alone.
Conclusion It seems that simultaneous administration of 7% chamomile extract and 5% minoxidil solution leads to a reduction in the severity and duration of cutaneous side effects caused by minoxidil solution use in treatment of MAA. It can increase the patient's compliance to the treatment and eventually the chance of MAA treatment.
Morteza Gharibi, Simin Najafgholian, Fatemeh Rafiee, Ali Nazemi, Esmaeil Mansourizadeh,
Volume 22, Issue 5 (11-2019)
Abstract
Background and Aim American College Of Emergency Medicine (ACEM) guideline has a recommendation for early diagnosis of head injuries following mild trauma. In this study we examined the prediction power, sensitivity, and specificity of this clinical guideline in the need for computed tomography (CT) scan
Methods & Materials This cross-sectional study was performed for 6 months on patients over 18 years old referred to the emergency department of Vali-e-Asr Hospital in Arak who met ACEM criteria for head CT scan for suspected mild trauma. Demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, trauma mechanism, physical injuries caused by head trauma, and history of drug abuse were recorded. The consciousness level (Glasgow Coma Scale) was checked every two hours. Patients underwent treatment if there was a pathology in CT images, and those with no clear pathology were discharged after 6 hours and, followed up by phone for two weeks, and in case of any abnormality in the level of consciousness, they were re-examined by CT scanning.
Ethical Considerations This study has an ethical approval obtained from Arak University of Medical sciences (code: IR.ARAKMU.REC.1396.227).
Results 500 patients, 335 male (67%) and 165 females (33%) with the mean age of 46.39± 2.01 years were studied; the sensitivity the ACEM guideline for predicting the need for CT scan in patients with mild head trauma were 100% with a specificity of 3.46% (for the second recommendation, the sensitivity was 100% with a specificity of 6.7%) which indicated that the test was highly sensitive to diagnosing the patients, but its specificity was low.
Conclusion The ACEM guideline had high sensitivity to predicting the need for CT in patients with mild head trauma, but had very low specificity which makes it an unacceptable criterion for rejecting or performing CT scan in these patients.
Mohammad Sadegh Maschi, Sheida Sodagar, Farhad Jomehri, Marjan Hosseinzadeh Taghvai, Mojgan Forootan,
Volume 23, Issue 6 (11-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Patients with the symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases and ulcers constitute a large number of patients referring to general and internal clinics. Furthermore, preliminary studies on gastric ulcers highlighted the role of psychological factors in the development of a susceptible gastric ulcer. The current study aimed to determine the effects of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on pain intensity and stress coping styles in patients with gastric ulcers.
Methods & Materials: This was an experimental study with a pretest-posttest-follow-up and a control group design. The statistical population included all patients with a gastric ulcer who were referred to public health centers in Tehran City, Iran, in the winter of 2018. Among the volunteers participating in the study, 30 patients with gastric ulcers were selected by the convenience sampling method. Next, they were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups (n=15/group). Measurement tools included the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS; Endler & Parker, 1990). The experimental group subjects participated in eight 90-minute sessions of CBT. However, the controls received no psychological treatment in this period. For data analysis, repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc tests were applied.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch (Code: IR.IAU.K.REC.1397.85).
Results: The present research results signified that CBT improved problem-oriented coping styles (P<0.01) and decreased emotion-focused coping styles (P<0.01) and avoidance (P<0.01) in the test group. Besides, the mean scores of pain intensity decreased in the experimental group, compared to the controls (P<0.01).
Conclusion: The provided CBT was effective on pain intensity and stress coping styles in patients with gastric ulcers.
Elahe Fini, Neda Nasirian, Bahram Hosein Beigy,
Volume 24, Issue 2 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Ovarian cancer is among the most common cancers in women worldwide. CA125 is the most frequent biomarker used in the screening for ovarian cancer. CA125 has no high sensitivity and specificity as a screening test in the medical community; however, because of being simple and noninvasive, it is almost always requested for evaluation and ruling out cancer. It plays an important role in the treatment and post-treatment process, the prediction of prognosis, and the relapse of the disease. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between a high level of CA125 tumor marker and ovarian cancer by detecting spesivity, sensivity, positive and negative predictive values.
Methods & Materials: In this cross-sectional study, all cases undergoing CA125 test in Velayat Hospital in
2017-1028 were evaluated for having ovarian cancer. In addition, the CA125 level was compared between healthy individuals and patients with ovarian cancer. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS.
Ethical Considerations: The present study was approved by the Qazvin University of Medical Sciences (Ethics Code: IR.QUMS.REC.1396.316).
Results: In this study, 35.3% of the study participants received a definite diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Generally, CA125 values were negative in 41.8% and positive in.58.2% of the study subjects. The sensitivity of the test was measured as 80.1%, the specivity as 53.6%, the positive predictive value equaled 48.4%, and the negative predictive value was measured as 83%. There was a significant relationship between age and the presence of ovarian cancer, and serum CA125 levels.
Conclusion: The present study suggested that age and the serum level of CA125 were statistically significant. Finally, CA125 levels were significantly related to ovarian cancer. It provided moderate specivity and specivity as well as low positive predictive value and high negative predictive value as a tumor marker; it is valuable for ruling out of tumor but not appropriate as a screening test.
Farzin Bagheri Sheykhangafshe, Abbas Abolghasemi, Seyyed Mousa Kafi Masouleh,
Volume 24, Issue 2 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The concept of resilience has been recently extensively considered concerning sports studies; accordingly, in most qualitative studies, it has been used to explore the attitudes of coaches, athletes, and sports psychologists. In this regard, the present study aimed to determine resilience in athletic students based on dark triad personality and psychological wellbeing.
Methods & Materials: This was a descriptive and correlational study. The population of the study consisted of all male students of Guilan University of Physical Education in the first semester of the academic year 2019-2020. A sample of 200 individuals was selected by convenience sampling method; then, the required data were collected using Sheard et al.’s (2009) Resilience Scale for Adults, Jonsson and Webster’s Dark Triad Personality Questionnaire, and Ryff’s 18-item Psychological Wellbeing Scale (1989). The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by Research Ethics Committee of Guilan University of Medical Sciences (Code: IR.GUMS.REC.1398.121).
Results: The present research results suggested a positive and significant correlation between the resilience of the examined athletic students and narcissism (r=0.495, P<0.001), self-acceptance (r=0.598, P<0.001), purposefulness in life (r=0.556, P<0.001), personal growth (r=0.648, P<0.001), the mastery of the environment (r=0.645, P<0.001), positive correlation with others (r=0.569, P<0.001), and independence (r=0.381, P<0.001). Moreover, there was a significant negative correlation between antisocial behavior (r=-0.557, P<0.001) and Machiavelli’s aspect (r=-0.604, P<0.001), and the explored students’ resilience. Additionally, multiple regression analysis data revealed that dark triad personality and psychological wellbeing predict 62% of resilience in the study subjects.
Conclusion: The current investigation results signified a significant correlation between dark triad personality and psychological wellbeing, and resilience in athletic students. Accordingly, educators and teachers need to pay more attention to the role of psychological wellbeing and different dimensions of athletes’ personalities for promoting the health and performance of students.
Nasrin Goodarzi, Javid Peymani, Hasan Ashayeri, Farahnaz Meschi, Mehrdad Sabet, Mohammad-Esmaeil Akbari,
Volume 24, Issue 2 (5-2021)
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.
Dr Sina Banijamali, Dr Oldooz Aloosh, Dr Vahan Moradians, Dr Tayeb Ramim, Dr Haleh Afshar,
Volume 26, Issue 3 (9-2023)
Abstract
Introduction: Patients with COVID-19 can have various and complex coagulation disorders that cause hypercoagulable conditions. Investigating the role of anticoagulants with different doses in the outcome of patients with COVID-19 seems to be needed. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of predicting factors of severe disease, including the number of lymphocytes, LDH, and the recovery status of patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Hazrat Rasool Akram (PBUH) Hospital. Study entry includes acute respiratory symptoms caused by COVID-19 disease (uncontrollable cough, dyspnea, prolonged medicine and blood saturation drop) along with lung involvement in chest spiral CT scan without injection, SARS RT-PCR–CO virus test was positive and transfer to intensive care unit (ICU) was indicated. Anticoagulant starting time, type and dose of anticoagulant received and duration of use were recorded. Two groups of prophylaxis dose, higher dose than prophylaxis (medium dose and therapeutic dose) were divided.
Results: Out of the total number of patients referred to Rasul Akram Hospital, 90 people (43 women (47.8%) and 47 men (52.22%)) participated in this study. The average hospitalization in the ICU was 13.50 ± 12.39 days and 17.18 ± 13.36 days in the hospital. Also, the duration of coagulant therapy was 17.13 ± 13.38 days. 53 patients (58.9%) received a prophylactic dose, 28 patients (31.1%) received a therapeutic dose, and 9 patients (10%) received a moderate dose of anticoagulant. Anticoagulant in 74 patients (82.2%) was unfractionated heparin (UFH) and in 16 cases (17.8%) low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). The changes of LDH, number of lymphocytes, dimer, fibrinogen, ferritin and FDP according to the dose of anticoagulant assessed in the three groups of prophylaxis, treatment and no statistically significant difference. The mean of ICU admission days according to different doses of anticoagulant did not show a statistically significant difference.
Conclusions: Finally, the findings obtained from the study showed that the use of different doses of anticoagulant does not cause a difference in the level of LDH, number of lymphocytes, ferritin and FDP at different measurement times. Also, the length of stay in the hospital and the time of hospitalization in the intensive care unit did not differ between the groups receiving prophylactic anticoagulant, medium dose and therapeutic dose.
Dr Abolhasan Halvani, Dr Sareh Rafatmagham, Dr Dorsa Saeedi,
Volume 27, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: In this study, the effective factors in pleural malignancy based on pleural fluid characteristics and the type of primary tumor in Shahid Sadouqhi and Shahid Rahmonun hospitals of Yazd from 2019 to 2021 were evaluated.
Methods: In this descriptive study, 98 patients with pleural effusion referred for thoracoscopy to the thoracic surgery department in Shahid Sadouqhi and Shahid Rahmonun hospitals in Yazd were studied from 2019 to 2021. The method of data collection in this research was file reading. Among the patients who underwent thoracoscopy during this period, only patients who had at least one study of pleural fluid thoracentesis and pleural fluid analysis in terms of cytology (White blood cells (WBC) and Red blood cells (RBC)), protein, albumin, Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), and pH and after reviewing the biopsy pathology report the pleura of these patients were thoracocentesis. Those who had reported cases of pleural malignancy were included in the study. The database used in this research was a simple questionnaire containing the studied variables.
Results: In the examination of the pleural fluid of patients with pleural malignancy, in terms of the WBC level, most of the cases were below 1000 units per cubic milliliter. In terms of the LDH level, most of the cases were more than 1000 units/liter. More than 90% of cases had lymphocytes, and the lowest amount was 62 % of lymphocytes. All cases had exudative pleural fluid, which was exudative mainly due to LDH level and then due to both protein and LDH levels at the same time.
Conclusions: According to the findings, in patients with pleural malignancy, pleural effusion is exudative in all cases, mainly due to the effect of LDH in the pleural fluid. On the other hand, the percentage of white blood cells in all Cases of predominant lymphocyte percentage were seen.
Saman Afrasiabi, Mahdi Goudarzvand, Amir Saeid Sedighi, Yazdan Shafikhani, Behrooz Ghanbari,
Volume 27, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Sequential word learning is a crucial aspect of memory research in cognitive neuroscience, emphasizing the importance of recalling words at the beginning (primacy) and end (recency) of a sequence. This study aims to investigate the extent of primacy and recency effects in patients with neglect syndrome caused by right parietal lobe damage.
Methods: This case-control study involved 18 patients with parietal lobe tumors, divided into two groups: 9 patients with neglect syndrome and nine without. Patients referred to the neurosurgery department of Shahid Tajrish Hospital with right parietal lobe lesions underwent neurological and psychological evaluations, including the cancellation test, line bisection test, copying test, and the 5-point test. Those diagnosed with neglect syndrome formed the syndrome group, while the rest constituted the control group. Both groups participated in immediate recall (short-term memory) and delayed recall (long-term memory) tests for sequential word learning, with results analyzed for primacy and recency effects.
Results: Among the 18 patients, 61% were men and 39% were women. Analysis of immediate and short-term memory tests for sequential word learning revealed no significant differences in primacy and recency effects between the two groups.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that patients with right parietal lobe damage and neglect syndrome do not exhibit significant differences in primacy or recency effects in verbal memory during sequential word learning compared to the control group. Consequently, immediate and short-term memory appears relatively unaffected in these patients.
Hadi Goudarzi, Ali Heidarianpour, Maryam Keshvari,
Volume 27, Issue 2 (5-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disorder in industrialized societies. As an appetite inhibitory and energy balance regulator, nesfatin-1 plays a substantial role in the pathogenesis of obesity-related abnormalities. This study was conducted to determine the effects of 12 weeks of combined training (resistance training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT)) on the serum levels of nesfatin-1 and some liver enzymes in men with NAFLD.
Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 20 middle-aged men with NAFLD were randomly divided into two exercise and control groups. The exercise program included 12 weeks of combined training, featuring two sessions per week of resistance training and one session of HIIT. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), nesfatin-1 peptide, liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP), lipid profile, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and body fat percentage at the beginning and after 12-weeks were evaluated. Independent and dependent t-tests were analyzed to assess intra-group and inter-group differences, and the significance level was
P < 0.05.
Results: 12 weeks of combined resistance training and HIIT increased nesfatin-1 and decreased liver enzymes ALT, AST, and ALP in the exercise group compared to the control group and the pre-training stage (P < 0.05). We also observed an increase in VO2 max and a decrease in body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and LDL in the exercise group compared to before starting the training protocol (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that performing combined exercise training for twelve weeks led to an increase in nesfatin-1 peptide levels and a decrease in liver enzymes. It was suggested that this could be a cost-effective therapeutic approach recommended for patients with NAFLD.
Ebrahim Mohammadi, Laya Hooshmand, Arash Masumi,
Volume 28, Issue 1 (3-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Novel antidiabetic medications are employed to manage glycemic control and mitigate the long-term complications of type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of adverse events, including hypoglycemia, associated with these novel antidiabetic agents in a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 157 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus attending the Endocrinology Clinic at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Urmia, during the summer of 2024. A convenience sampling method was employed to recruit participants. Data on demographics, the incidence of hypoglycemia, and reported adverse drug reactions were collected from all eligible patients through a structured interview. Subsequently, patients were stratified into three treatment groups based on the specific novel antidiabetic medication they received.
Results: In patients receiving sitagliptin, the most prevalent adverse events included arthralgia and rheumatic problems (26.31%), dermatological manifestations (36.84%), and allergic reactions (21.06%). Nausea (52.94%) and abdominal pain (17.65%) were the most frequent adverse events observed in patients treated with liraglutide. Polydipsia (28.72%), weakness and lethargy (26.6%), and dry mucous membranes (27.66%) were commonly reported in patients receiving empagliflozin. Hypoglycemia was observed predominantly in male patients aged 51-55 years receiving sitagliptin.
Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate a low incidence of hypoglycemia among patients treated with modern antidiabetic medications. Prevalent short-term adverse events observed included gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions, and dermatological manifestations.
Afsaneh Talaei, Fatemeh Rafiei, Glonaz Motamedi, Ali Chehrei,
Volume 28, Issue 2 (4-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Thyroid nodules are highly prevalent. The role of insulin resistance in thyroid nodule formation has recently gained attention. While several studies have explored the relationship between metformin and insulin resistance, limited research has assessed the effect of metformin therapy on thyroid nodule volume and number. This study investigated the effect of metformin on the size and number of thyroid nodules.
Methods: A total of 240 euthyroid women with thyroid nodules were divided into four groups. Group 1 received levothyroxine 100 μg/day, Group 2 received metformin 500 mg twice daily, Group 3 received a combination of both drugs for three months, and Group 4 served as the control group with no treatment. Thyroid ultrasound was performed at baseline and after three months. Statistical analyses included the Kruskall–Wallis, Wilcoxon, and Chi-square tests, examined the differences of the size of thyroid nodules and the mean of thyroid hormones levels between groups, for Each group included 60 people and to compare the percentage of differences between the groups, respectively. Also P value less than 0.05 was considered meaningful.
Results: Results showed no statistically significant differences in thyroid hormone levels after treatment among the three groups except the levothyroxine group. Additionally, only the levothyroxine group showed a significant post-treatment decrease in TSH and increase in T4. Thyroid nodule size significantly decreased in the levothyroxine group and the levothyroxine-metformin combination group compared to the metformin-alone and control groups.
Conclusions: This study indicates that metformin does not reduce the size of thyroid nodules, contradicting studies suggesting its potential antineoplastic effects on the thyroid. However, the study duration may be insufficient for definitive conclusions, necessitating further high-quality studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods.
Mostafa Mirzaei, Mohammadreza Amiri Nikpour, Rezvan Noruzzadeh,
Volume 28, Issue 2 (4-2025)
Abstract
Introduction: Imaging of the vascular system supplying the brain parenchyma is a diagnostic tool in the evaluation of stroke patients. This study aimed to compare the results of digital subtraction angiography with color Doppler ultrasound of the carotid arteries in patients with ischemic stroke.
Methods: In this cross-sectional-analytical study, the medical records of patients with ischemic stroke admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital from July 1401 to July 1402 were reviewed to collect data. Demographic information, along with the results of color Doppler ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography of the patients, were extracted and evaluated.
Results: This study included 48 patients with ischemic stroke with a mean age of 12.8 ± 0.67 years. Hypertension was present in 68.8%, diabetes mellitus in 20.8%, and smoking in 25% of patients. Based on the results of digital subtraction angiography and color Doppler ultrasound, the most common vascular abnormality was plaque (79.2%). Vascular stenosis and occlusion were present in 91.7% of patients. Color Doppler ultrasound in examining the right and left internal carotid arteries had a sensitivity of 94.9% and 92.8%, specificity of 66.7% and 38.9%, positive predictive value of 92.1% and 70.3%, and negative predictive value of 75% and 77.8%.
Conclusions: Color Doppler vascular ultrasound demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in detecting the presence and severity of stenosis in internal carotid arteries of ischemic stroke patients, supporting its use as a non-invasive and cost-effective method in clinical practice.
