Search published articles
Showing 86 results for Ram
Reza Saadat Mehr, Aram Karimian, Kamel Abdi, Fereshteh Bakhshian, Mehran Zarghami,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Volume 17, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Burned patients experience a high level of anxiety during dress changing. The use of complementary medicine is one of the methods of anxiety management that many studies have conducted about it in recent years. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of progressive relaxation with abdominal respiration technique on pain anxiety of burn dressing.
Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial with a control group. We selected forty-five patients referred to Zare Hospital in Sari through simple sampling and assigned into three groups. The first group received relaxation intervention, the second group received respiratory technique intervention, and no intervention was performed in the control group. Burn Specific Pain Anxiety Scale (BSPAS) was used to measure pain-related anxiety. SPSS software version 20 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test were used for data analysis.
Results: Based on the results, 28% of the participants in the study were single and 72% were married. In terms of age, most of the participants were between 31 and 40 years old. The findings showed that there was no significant difference between the mean pain anxiety levels in the three groups before the intervention. There was a significant difference in the average burn dressing pain anxiety after the intervention between the relaxation group and the control group (P<0.001) and the breathing techniques group and the control group (P<0.000), so that the average burn dressing pain anxiety in the group Relaxation was reduced by 8.60 units as compared to the control group and in the breathing techniques group by 11.60 units as compared to the control group.
Conclusions: The use of relaxation “techniques” and respiratory techniques, which are non-pharmacological methods, are recommended during dress changing in the burned patient. These methods are simple and inexpensive and can reduce the effects of pain anxiety during dress changing.
Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial with a control group. We selected forty-five patients referred to Zare Hospital in Sari through simple sampling and assigned into three groups. The first group received relaxation intervention, the second group received respiratory technique intervention, and no intervention was performed in the control group. Burn Specific Pain Anxiety Scale (BSPAS) was used to measure pain-related anxiety. SPSS software version 20 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test were used for data analysis.
Results: Based on the results, 28% of the participants in the study were single and 72% were married. In terms of age, most of the participants were between 31 and 40 years old. The findings showed that there was no significant difference between the mean pain anxiety levels in the three groups before the intervention. There was a significant difference in the average burn dressing pain anxiety after the intervention between the relaxation group and the control group (P<0.001) and the breathing techniques group and the control group (P<0.000), so that the average burn dressing pain anxiety in the group Relaxation was reduced by 8.60 units as compared to the control group and in the breathing techniques group by 11.60 units as compared to the control group.
Conclusions: The use of relaxation “techniques” and respiratory techniques, which are non-pharmacological methods, are recommended during dress changing in the burned patient. These methods are simple and inexpensive and can reduce the effects of pain anxiety during dress changing.
Akram Hemmatipour, Ali Hatami, Azam Jahangirimehr, Foruzan Jelodari, Zahra Mehri,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Volume 17, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: There is a correlation between disease and quality of life in patients with chronic disease and physical disorders have a direct effect on all aspects of quality of life. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of family-centered empowerment model based on multimedia education on the quality of life of children with thalassemia.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 120 patients along with their parents, who had medical records at the thalassemia center of Khatam al-Anbiya Hospital in Shoushtar, were selected according to the inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups of intervention and control (n=60) by random allocation. Subjects were matched in terms of age and gender. The data collection tools included Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (Ped-SQL) and researcher-made questionnaires of awareness and self-efficacy in the area of thalassemia. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS and Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon statistical tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.
Results: Out of 120 children who were included in the study, 87 were girls (72.5%), the mean age of these children was 9.74±2.25 years and disease duration was 5.35±4.47 years. In this study, in terms of children’s quality of life and its dimensions, after the implementation of the educational model, a significant increase was observed compared to pre-test phase only in the intervention group (P<0.001). After implementing this model, the level of knowledge (P<0.001) and self-efficacy of parents (P=0.003) was faced with a significant increase, and this significance was also observed compared to the control group (P<0.001). The variables of age, gender, disease duration and parents’ education level had no effect on parents’ self-efficacy and knowledge as well as children’s quality of life (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, the implementation of family-centered empowerment programs based on multimedia education among parents of children with thalassemia improved the quality of life of these children by increasing the knowledge and self-efficacy of their parents. It is suggested that this program be implemented on a wider scale with better facilities for parents and the family members.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 120 patients along with their parents, who had medical records at the thalassemia center of Khatam al-Anbiya Hospital in Shoushtar, were selected according to the inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups of intervention and control (n=60) by random allocation. Subjects were matched in terms of age and gender. The data collection tools included Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (Ped-SQL) and researcher-made questionnaires of awareness and self-efficacy in the area of thalassemia. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS and Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon statistical tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.
Results: Out of 120 children who were included in the study, 87 were girls (72.5%), the mean age of these children was 9.74±2.25 years and disease duration was 5.35±4.47 years. In this study, in terms of children’s quality of life and its dimensions, after the implementation of the educational model, a significant increase was observed compared to pre-test phase only in the intervention group (P<0.001). After implementing this model, the level of knowledge (P<0.001) and self-efficacy of parents (P=0.003) was faced with a significant increase, and this significance was also observed compared to the control group (P<0.001). The variables of age, gender, disease duration and parents’ education level had no effect on parents’ self-efficacy and knowledge as well as children’s quality of life (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, the implementation of family-centered empowerment programs based on multimedia education among parents of children with thalassemia improved the quality of life of these children by increasing the knowledge and self-efficacy of their parents. It is suggested that this program be implemented on a wider scale with better facilities for parents and the family members.
Maryam Aghajarinezhad, Yahya Salimi, Shahab Rezaeian, Ghobad Moradi, Mehdi Moradinazar, Fatemeh Khosravi Shadmani, Roya Safari_ Faramani, Mitra Darbandi, Farid Najafi,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (5-2023)
Volume 17, Issue 2 (5-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: All people living in a society are not equally at risk of COVID-19 infection and hospitalization. The current study is aimed to determine the factors related to COVID-19 infection and hospitalization among participants of Ravansar Non-Communicable Disease (RaNCD) cohort study.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted between 28th February, 2020 to 27th November, 2021. Data from the RaNCD study, morbidity and hospitalizations cases (extracted from the medical care monitoring system, SAMA system and the handwritten list of the health department) and positive serological results were used. For the case-cohort study, 626 confirmed and/or probable cases and 2107 randomly selected participants as sub-cohort were recruited. For the case-control study, 188 COVID-19 hospitalized patients from RaNCD (as cases) and 632 positive outpatients identified as controls. Data were analyzed using Cox and logistic regression, respectively.
Results: In case-cohort study, the hazard ratio of COVID-19 among people living in rural areas, in smokers and those in middle socioeconomic status was, 0.37 (0.24, 0.58), 1.50 (1.07, 2.11), as compared to the reference groups. While the hazard ratio of people aged 46-64 and those ≥65 years old, as compared to the reference group within the first year, was 3.47 (1.76, 6.86) and 6.45 (2.80, 14.85), the corresponding value after one year was 2.23 (1.13, 4.40) and 3.52 (1.53, 8.10), respectively. The hazard ratio among those with at least one comorbidity was 2.45 (1.53, 3.92) in the first year of study and after one year decreased to 1.82 (1.14, 2.92). In addition, moderate and vigorous physical activity decreased the hazard ratio. In case-control study the odds ratio of hospitalization increased by 0.03% (1.03(1.01, 1.05)) with an increase of one year in age and in people with at least three comorbidities was 2.43 (1.24, 4.73) times of those without comorbidity.
Conclusion: Overall, one year after starting the study the decrease in hazard ratio of COVID-19 was significant. Increase in age and having comorbidities are factors that increased the odds ratio of hospitalization. Such people can be considered for the next waves of COVID-19 prioritized for health care and booster vaccination.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted between 28th February, 2020 to 27th November, 2021. Data from the RaNCD study, morbidity and hospitalizations cases (extracted from the medical care monitoring system, SAMA system and the handwritten list of the health department) and positive serological results were used. For the case-cohort study, 626 confirmed and/or probable cases and 2107 randomly selected participants as sub-cohort were recruited. For the case-control study, 188 COVID-19 hospitalized patients from RaNCD (as cases) and 632 positive outpatients identified as controls. Data were analyzed using Cox and logistic regression, respectively.
Results: In case-cohort study, the hazard ratio of COVID-19 among people living in rural areas, in smokers and those in middle socioeconomic status was, 0.37 (0.24, 0.58), 1.50 (1.07, 2.11), as compared to the reference groups. While the hazard ratio of people aged 46-64 and those ≥65 years old, as compared to the reference group within the first year, was 3.47 (1.76, 6.86) and 6.45 (2.80, 14.85), the corresponding value after one year was 2.23 (1.13, 4.40) and 3.52 (1.53, 8.10), respectively. The hazard ratio among those with at least one comorbidity was 2.45 (1.53, 3.92) in the first year of study and after one year decreased to 1.82 (1.14, 2.92). In addition, moderate and vigorous physical activity decreased the hazard ratio. In case-control study the odds ratio of hospitalization increased by 0.03% (1.03(1.01, 1.05)) with an increase of one year in age and in people with at least three comorbidities was 2.43 (1.24, 4.73) times of those without comorbidity.
Conclusion: Overall, one year after starting the study the decrease in hazard ratio of COVID-19 was significant. Increase in age and having comorbidities are factors that increased the odds ratio of hospitalization. Such people can be considered for the next waves of COVID-19 prioritized for health care and booster vaccination.
Samaneh Dehghan Abnavi, Afshin Karami Varnamkhasti , Mostafa Roshanzadeh, Fatemeh Kazemi Najafabadi,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (8-2023)
Volume 17, Issue 3 (8-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Communication skills are considered as the most important feature required for health care workers and provide the basis for the development of professional ethics. Since working in the operating room requires team effort and establishing communication between team members, the importance of communication skills in operating room nurses is more visible. Therefore, in the present study was performed, with the aim of determining the effect of virtual training on the principles of professional ethics on communication skills of operating room staff of Ayatollah Kashani and Hajar hospitals of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences.
Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a single-group plan before and after in 2020 was performed on 35 operating room staff of Kashani and Hajar teaching hospitals in Shahrekord who were selected by random sampling. Demographic information questionnaire and Queen Dam communication skills questionnaire were used to collect the data. Data analysis was performed by SPSS software using independent t test, Analysis of variance, paired t-test and ANOVA statistics.
Results: Paired t-test showed that the mean of communication skills after the intervention was significantly different from before (P<0.001). The mean of communication skills before the intervention was 65.85±24.52 and after the intervention was 139.77±5.70. No significant relationship was reported between communication skills and age, service history and number of working hours (P>.0.05). Also, there was no significant difference in the average of communication skills according to the variables of gender, marital status, field of study and degree (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The present study showed that professional ethics training was able to improve the communication skills of employees. Therefore, it seems necessary to compile virtual professional ethics training for health care providers and other groups providing health services who do not have enough time to participate in face-to-face classes. According to the results obtained, managers of health systems are recommended to use strategies such as holding workshops on the principles of professional ethics to develop communication skills in their employees.
Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a single-group plan before and after in 2020 was performed on 35 operating room staff of Kashani and Hajar teaching hospitals in Shahrekord who were selected by random sampling. Demographic information questionnaire and Queen Dam communication skills questionnaire were used to collect the data. Data analysis was performed by SPSS software using independent t test, Analysis of variance, paired t-test and ANOVA statistics.
Results: Paired t-test showed that the mean of communication skills after the intervention was significantly different from before (P<0.001). The mean of communication skills before the intervention was 65.85±24.52 and after the intervention was 139.77±5.70. No significant relationship was reported between communication skills and age, service history and number of working hours (P>.0.05). Also, there was no significant difference in the average of communication skills according to the variables of gender, marital status, field of study and degree (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The present study showed that professional ethics training was able to improve the communication skills of employees. Therefore, it seems necessary to compile virtual professional ethics training for health care providers and other groups providing health services who do not have enough time to participate in face-to-face classes. According to the results obtained, managers of health systems are recommended to use strategies such as holding workshops on the principles of professional ethics to develop communication skills in their employees.
Mohamad Jebraeily, Shima Touraj, Farid Khorrami,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (8-2023)
Volume 17, Issue 3 (8-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: In the health system, reimbursement methods are an important criterion for the allocation of resources and the performance of service providers. The use of diagnosis-related groups (DRG) system reduces the length of stay and additional costs of the patient, prevents unnecessary treatment, increases resource efficiency and transparency of health care services. The development of the DRG system focuses on the accurate documentation of medical records and the correct coding of diagnoses and procedures. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the documentation and coding requirements of medical records in the implementation of a payment system based on diagnosis-related groups in Iran.
Materials and Methods: This research was descriptive-cross-sectional and was conducted in 2022. The data collection tool was a researcher-made checklist, the validity of which was confirmed based on the opinion of experts (health information management health economics) and its reliability was obtained by calculating Cronbach’s alpha (0.83). The research population consisted of 418 medical records in five medical training centers affiliated to Urmia University of Medical Sciences, which were selected through stratified-proportional sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: The results of the evaluation of the documentation and coding requirements of medical records for the implementation of the DRG system showed that the demographic/administrative variables including age, sex, type of admission, length of stay, health insurance, and doctor’s expertise were completely recorded. Evaluation of clinical variables also showed that the main diagnosis, main procedure, secondary diagnosis and other procedures were documented in medical records in 98%, 97%, 88% and 75% respectively. Regarding the coding of the main diagnosis and the main procedure, 100%, secondary diagnosis 68% and other procedures 80% have been done.
Conclusion: Considering that some essential clinical variables for the implementation of DRG, especially co-morbidities, complications and other procedures are not recorded separately and completely, therefore it is necessary to define separate information elements in medical records and HIS for accurate recording of these variables and proper interaction between coders and doctors is established to increase the possibility of correct coding. It is also suggested that the DRG system be implemented in our country in a phased and gradual approach so that necessary changes are made in the documentation process and hospital information systems.
Materials and Methods: This research was descriptive-cross-sectional and was conducted in 2022. The data collection tool was a researcher-made checklist, the validity of which was confirmed based on the opinion of experts (health information management health economics) and its reliability was obtained by calculating Cronbach’s alpha (0.83). The research population consisted of 418 medical records in five medical training centers affiliated to Urmia University of Medical Sciences, which were selected through stratified-proportional sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: The results of the evaluation of the documentation and coding requirements of medical records for the implementation of the DRG system showed that the demographic/administrative variables including age, sex, type of admission, length of stay, health insurance, and doctor’s expertise were completely recorded. Evaluation of clinical variables also showed that the main diagnosis, main procedure, secondary diagnosis and other procedures were documented in medical records in 98%, 97%, 88% and 75% respectively. Regarding the coding of the main diagnosis and the main procedure, 100%, secondary diagnosis 68% and other procedures 80% have been done.
Conclusion: Considering that some essential clinical variables for the implementation of DRG, especially co-morbidities, complications and other procedures are not recorded separately and completely, therefore it is necessary to define separate information elements in medical records and HIS for accurate recording of these variables and proper interaction between coders and doctors is established to increase the possibility of correct coding. It is also suggested that the DRG system be implemented in our country in a phased and gradual approach so that necessary changes are made in the documentation process and hospital information systems.
Maryam Bahrami, Somayeh Mohammadi, Mostafa Roshanzadeh, Samaneh Dehghan Abnavi, Ali Taj, Fatemeh Maraki,
Volume 17, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Volume 17, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Operating room students have experienced anxiety for various reasons that affect their educational process such as stitching. Due to the effective role of simulation in improving the education of students, this study was conducted with the aim of the effect of animal skin suturing simulation on the skill level and anxiety level of operating room students.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 30 people (75%) of the samples were aged 18-25 and 10 people (25%) of them were 26-35. 10 people (25%) were men and 30 people (75%) were women. Also, in terms of marriage, 7 people (17.5%) were married and 33 people (82.5%) were single. The present quasi-experimental study was performed with a two-group plan before and after with 40 operating room students of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences (Shahrekord, Broujen) in 2020. The samples were randomly assigned to two test and control groups using the method based on the purpose of selection. Data were collected before and after the intervention by Spielberger Anxiety Tool and Suturing Skills Questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS software and descriptive and analytical statistical tests (Chi-square test, t-test, paired t-test).
Results: The t-test test showed that the mean of obvious anxiety in the intervention group (36.35±10.22) and the control group (41.15±7.92) after the intervention was not significant (P=0.346). Also, the mean hidden anxiety in the intervention group (36.65±10.47) and the control group (38.65±6.13) had no significant difference (P=0.089). The t-test test showed that there was a significant difference in sewing skills after the intervention in the two intervention groups (28.2±58.22) and the control group (23.42±3.12) (P=0.04).
Conclusion: The texture of suture mannequins is very different from human skin in terms of consistency, and it does not convey the same feeling of sutures on natural skin to students. On the other hand, it is easier to enter and exit and move the needle and thread in the sheepskin, and this provides the students with the possibility of stitching more easily. Therefore, it is suggested to buy and prepare sheep skin for training students and teach them stitches on it.
Reza Dehkhodaei, Mazyar Karamali, Mohammad Mohammadian, Mohammadkarim Bahadori, Mohsen Abbasifarajzadeh,
Volume 17, Issue 6 (2-2024)
Volume 17, Issue 6 (2-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Considering the importance of knowledge management in the current era and the emphasis on the implementation of knowledge management in the health system in the knowledge management system of the Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education, and since it is one of the first steps in the implementation of knowledge management, Drawing the knowledge tree of the organization, the purpose of the current research is to review the process of publishing the knowledge tree and examine it in the field of health.
Materials and Methods: The current research is a type of applied and descriptive review study that was carried out with the method of scientometrics and co-occurrence analysis of keywords. For this purpose, the term “Knowledge tree” OR “knowledge trees” was searched in Scopus reference database. For data analysis, the analyzes provided by the database itself were used, and VOSviewer software was used to visualize the data.
Results: The growth of scientific productions related to the field of the tree of knowledge in general in the mentioned base has started since 1979 and has had a growing trend until 2023. In the field of knowledge tree, among the authors Yang, Y, among the organizations, machine intelligence institute, iona college, and among the countries, China, America, and England have been at the top of the most productive in this field. Among the subjects, the most related articles are primarily related to the field of computer science (32.2 percent) and then to the field of engineering (22.1 percent) and mathematics (10.1 percent), which is significant. that medicine is in the sixth place and this is a sign of the weakness of producing resources in this field and the clustering resulting from the co-occurrence of keywords led to the identification of five clusters respectively with the titles of data mining and information processing, artificial intelligence and expert systems. , knowledge structure and decision support systems, semantics and knowledge representation, and finally learning and teaching systems.
Conclusion: The study of the thematic structure of scientific productions in the field of Knowledge Tree showed that the field of health has a weakness in the production of resources in this field. Therefore, it is necessary for future researches to pay special attention to the development and explanation of this concept and modeling its drawing, especially in the health system, in order to identify and prevent diseases.
Shahnaz Khademizadeh, Bahram Peymannia, Fatemeh Rafieinasab,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Volume 18, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The term “information behavior,” with an emphasis on health and hygiene, refers to purposeful actions taken to satisfy informational needs related to health. The objective of the current research is to develop and validate a questionnaire on information behavior, with a focus on health and hygiene information.
Materials and Methods: This study was a quantitative research conducted with a tool design approach. Initially, a questionnaire for measuring this behavior was prepared using instrument design methods. The basis for extracting the factors of the present questionnaire has been argumentation and logical repetition. In other words, the researcher, in line with the background of these factors and their repetition in the sources, used them as influential factors in the questionnaire construction. After confirming the content and structural validity, the modified questionnaire was distributed among 238 patients with multiple sclerosis. The sample selection.
was done using the available sampling method. Then, the data were analyzed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The internal consistency of the data was calculated using Cronbach’s alpha. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods with the help of SPSS and AMOS software.
Results: The content validity of the questionnaire was evaluated with the opinion of 20 experts in information behavior. The reliability of the health information behavior questionnaire was adequate and satisfactory with the overall Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.78 and the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the components between 0.71 and 0.94. In order to factor analysis, the sampling adequacy index and the value of Bartlett’s Crowley test were calculated, and all 29 items were statistically significant; which confirms the factorization of the correlation matrix. In the exploratory factor analysis, five factors (avoidance of information), the second factor (need for information), the third factor (exposure to information), the fourth factor (seeking information), and the fifth factor (use of information) were obtained. The indicators of confirmatory factor analysis showed the validity of the proposed structure. The results of the structural equation model test showed that the fit indices were favorable and also indicated the fit of the presented model in the MS patient population.
Conclusion: The obtained results demonstrated that health information behavior in this questionnaire encompasses five factors: information needs, information-seeking behavior, information avoidance, information use, and information confrontation, which were confirmed. The designed scale for assessing health information behavior in the Iranian community has been evaluated and is recommended for use in measuring health information behavior effectively.
Hanie Pooshideh, Jalal Jafarzade, Ali Heidarpour, Mojtaba Taghizade Armaki, Saeid Mahdavi Omran, P.h.d Firoozeh Kermani, Mohsen Karami,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (5-2024)
Volume 18, Issue 2 (5-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Cockroaches are potential carriers of a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms (fungi, bacteria and parasites). Considering the importance of these insects in the transmission of pathogenic fungi and their impact on the health of hospitalized people, the aim of this study was isolation and molecular identification of pathogenic fungi from the external and internal surfaces of cockroaches collected from three educational hospitals of Babol city, Mazandaran Province, Iran.
Materials and Methods: Cockroaches were caught by a sterile manual method and after washing to remove surface contamination with 70% ethyl alcohol for 2min, 100 µL of the solutions from the external and internal parts of cockroaches were cultured on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar with 0.05% chloramphenicol and incubated at 30 °C for 3 weeks. The different yeast and filamentous colonies were distinguished using standard mycological methods. The PCR-RFLP method and the restriction enzymes Msp I and Bln I were used for the differentiation of Candida species, and the restriction enzyme Alw I for Aspergillus species.
Results: A total of 85 fungi species/genera were isolated from all 50 studied cockroaches, including German cockroaches 15 (30%), American cockroach 20 (40%) and brown 15 (30%), which included 52 isolates from external surfaces (61%) and 33 isolates from internal surfaces of cockroaches (39%). Of the total number of 49 filamentous fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus 16 (32.65%) and out of the total number of 36 yeasts identified, Candida albicans 14 (38.89%) were the most common fungi isolated in this study. Other filamentous fungi and yeasts isolated from cockroaches include Aspergillus niger 11 (22.45%), Aspergillus flavus 8 (16.32%), Penicillium 4 (8.2%), Rhizopus 3 (6.1%), Cladosporium 3 (6.1%), Mucor 2 (4%), Alternaria 2 (4%), Candida parapsilosis 6 (16.67%), Candida krusei 12 (33.33%), Candida glabrata 3 (8.33%), and Candida tropicalis 1 (2.78%) were isolated.
Conclusion: Considering the isolation of several fungal species from cockroaches and their importance in the possible mechanical transmission of common fungal infections in hospitals, these insects can be a source of continuous transmission of infection, if there is no regular preventive disinfection of the hospital environment.
Materials and Methods: Cockroaches were caught by a sterile manual method and after washing to remove surface contamination with 70% ethyl alcohol for 2min, 100 µL of the solutions from the external and internal parts of cockroaches were cultured on Sabouraud’s dextrose agar with 0.05% chloramphenicol and incubated at 30 °C for 3 weeks. The different yeast and filamentous colonies were distinguished using standard mycological methods. The PCR-RFLP method and the restriction enzymes Msp I and Bln I were used for the differentiation of Candida species, and the restriction enzyme Alw I for Aspergillus species.
Results: A total of 85 fungi species/genera were isolated from all 50 studied cockroaches, including German cockroaches 15 (30%), American cockroach 20 (40%) and brown 15 (30%), which included 52 isolates from external surfaces (61%) and 33 isolates from internal surfaces of cockroaches (39%). Of the total number of 49 filamentous fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus 16 (32.65%) and out of the total number of 36 yeasts identified, Candida albicans 14 (38.89%) were the most common fungi isolated in this study. Other filamentous fungi and yeasts isolated from cockroaches include Aspergillus niger 11 (22.45%), Aspergillus flavus 8 (16.32%), Penicillium 4 (8.2%), Rhizopus 3 (6.1%), Cladosporium 3 (6.1%), Mucor 2 (4%), Alternaria 2 (4%), Candida parapsilosis 6 (16.67%), Candida krusei 12 (33.33%), Candida glabrata 3 (8.33%), and Candida tropicalis 1 (2.78%) were isolated.
Conclusion: Considering the isolation of several fungal species from cockroaches and their importance in the possible mechanical transmission of common fungal infections in hospitals, these insects can be a source of continuous transmission of infection, if there is no regular preventive disinfection of the hospital environment.
Sedigheh Mohammadesmaeili, Nahid Ramzanghorbani, Shiba Kianmehr,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (5-2024)
Volume 18, Issue 2 (5-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Passive smoking is known to have an impact on the respiratory system of infants and children. The aim of this study is to examine the positive effects of parental smoking cessation programs using nicotine replacement on quality of life in children with asthma at the Children's Medical Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
Materials and Methods: This case-control study included 100 children aged 6-10 years with asthma who had their parents smoking in the Allergy Department of the Children's Medical Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. During the 2019-2021 period, this study was conducted using a census as the sampling method. Data were collected using standard questionnaires of the Child Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), standard versions of the Short Form (SF-12) and the St George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). The two groups were compared using independent t-tests and paired t-tests, and Pearson's correlation coefficient was utilized to examine the correlation between the two questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.
Results: Children with asthma who had their parents quit smoking had a mean score lower than those who did not intervene. This indicates that the quality of life in children with asthma whose parents underwent nicotine replacement program improved significantly (P=0.03). Nicotine gum consumption can enhance certain aspects of health-related quality of life for both parents and children, as assessed by SF-12 and SGRQ, according to the results. Physical functioning (P=0.007) and school performance (P=0.002) were the two components most significantly affected.
Conclusion: The physical health and quality of life of parents are can affecte children with asthma, who face many challenges in meeting their daily needs. Smoking cessation using nicotine gum can improve the quality of life of parents and children. To maximize the effectiveness of parental smoking cessation information therapy programs for children with asthma, providing personalized support and advice to parents or caregivers, evidence-based treatments, and educating families on how to manage this disease in children seems essential.
Materials and Methods: This case-control study included 100 children aged 6-10 years with asthma who had their parents smoking in the Allergy Department of the Children's Medical Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. During the 2019-2021 period, this study was conducted using a census as the sampling method. Data were collected using standard questionnaires of the Child Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), standard versions of the Short Form (SF-12) and the St George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). The two groups were compared using independent t-tests and paired t-tests, and Pearson's correlation coefficient was utilized to examine the correlation between the two questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.
Results: Children with asthma who had their parents quit smoking had a mean score lower than those who did not intervene. This indicates that the quality of life in children with asthma whose parents underwent nicotine replacement program improved significantly (P=0.03). Nicotine gum consumption can enhance certain aspects of health-related quality of life for both parents and children, as assessed by SF-12 and SGRQ, according to the results. Physical functioning (P=0.007) and school performance (P=0.002) were the two components most significantly affected.
Conclusion: The physical health and quality of life of parents are can affecte children with asthma, who face many challenges in meeting their daily needs. Smoking cessation using nicotine gum can improve the quality of life of parents and children. To maximize the effectiveness of parental smoking cessation information therapy programs for children with asthma, providing personalized support and advice to parents or caregivers, evidence-based treatments, and educating families on how to manage this disease in children seems essential.
Kourosh Abbasiyan, Mohammad Alimoradnori, Mohammad Bagher Karami,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (5-2024)
Volume 18, Issue 2 (5-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Managers, as the main decision-makers in facing various internal and external organizational problems, play a significant and determining role in the success or even failure of an organization. If competent and experienced managers are positioned at the top of organizations, the success of these organizations in achieving their goals will be guaranteed and an organization can achieve maximum efficiency with minimal resources. The aim of this study was to design a model of managerial competencies for hospital managers.
Materials and Methods: This qualitative research was conducted from year 2020 to 2022. After reviewing studies related to the topic, the extracted competencies were given to 19 experts consisted of relevant academic faculty members and managers with experience in the healthcare system and hospitals. Eventually, a managerial competency model was formulated through the use of the Delphi method and expert panel discussions. Collected data were analyzed in Excel software.
Results: The developed model in this research for the concept of hospital managers’ competencies includes 33 managerial competencies of hospital managers in four main management functions (planning, organizing, leadership and control) and managerial roles, which starts from literature review and performing two Delphi steps and implementing two expert panel plans. In the competency of hospital managers model, the planning dimension consists 4 components, organizing consists 4 components, leadership consists 12 components, control consists 4 components, and managerial roles consists 9 components. Strategic thinking, which is a subset of planning, has the highest weight (0.495) and highest rank among other components, and continuous improvement, which is a subset of managerial roles, has the lowest weight (0.033) and lowest rank among other components.
Conclusion: This study proposes an exclusive and comprehensive model, utilizing practical techniques as a suitable solution for evaluating the managerial competencies of hospital managers. The proposed framework in this study can serve as a standard performance assessment tool for evaluating managers.
Materials and Methods: This qualitative research was conducted from year 2020 to 2022. After reviewing studies related to the topic, the extracted competencies were given to 19 experts consisted of relevant academic faculty members and managers with experience in the healthcare system and hospitals. Eventually, a managerial competency model was formulated through the use of the Delphi method and expert panel discussions. Collected data were analyzed in Excel software.
Results: The developed model in this research for the concept of hospital managers’ competencies includes 33 managerial competencies of hospital managers in four main management functions (planning, organizing, leadership and control) and managerial roles, which starts from literature review and performing two Delphi steps and implementing two expert panel plans. In the competency of hospital managers model, the planning dimension consists 4 components, organizing consists 4 components, leadership consists 12 components, control consists 4 components, and managerial roles consists 9 components. Strategic thinking, which is a subset of planning, has the highest weight (0.495) and highest rank among other components, and continuous improvement, which is a subset of managerial roles, has the lowest weight (0.033) and lowest rank among other components.
Conclusion: This study proposes an exclusive and comprehensive model, utilizing practical techniques as a suitable solution for evaluating the managerial competencies of hospital managers. The proposed framework in this study can serve as a standard performance assessment tool for evaluating managers.
Sara Hashemi, Shahla Faramarzi, Laya Rahmani Pirouz, Azita Yazdani,
Volume 18, Issue 2 (5-2024)
Volume 18, Issue 2 (5-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Burn injury are one of the most common traumas worldwide and the sixth leading cause of death in Iran. The challenges related to the survival rate of burn patients, as well as the associated mortality cases, have led to advancements in the identification of risk factors. Early detection and recognition of these risk factors are essential, and the provision of predictive models can be beneficial. This research was conducted with the aim of reviewing the effectiveness of artificial intelligence in predicting survival in burn patients.
Materials and Methods: This study was a systematic review. A comprehensive search of Scopus, PubMed, IEEE, and Web of Science databases was conducted from inception to July 2023 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Keywords and Mesh terms related to burn, artificial intelligence, survival and prediction were used in the search.
Results: Out of 3599 identified studies, only nine were included in the analysis. Based on the articles reviewed, the effective factors in predicting survival or mortality in burn patients were classified into four main categories: demographic, clinical, tests and co-morbidities. Some of the known effective factors in patient survival, which have been examined in over 40% of studies, include age, gender, total body surface area, inhalation injury, and type of burn. The results showed that in the studies reviewed, the volume of the smallest dataset used in the analyses was 92 samples. In contrast, the volume of the largest dataset used was reported to be 66,611 samples. Among these studies, 33% have indicated that artificial neural network algorithms and random forest show the best performance. The criteria used to evaluate the models in the retrieved studies are diverse.
Conclusion: The use of machine learning algorithms in predicting the survival of burn patients is promising. The results obtained from identified influential factors can assist data science researchers in the data understanding phase and can serve as a roadmap in collecting the initial dataset.
Materials and Methods: This study was a systematic review. A comprehensive search of Scopus, PubMed, IEEE, and Web of Science databases was conducted from inception to July 2023 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Keywords and Mesh terms related to burn, artificial intelligence, survival and prediction were used in the search.
Results: Out of 3599 identified studies, only nine were included in the analysis. Based on the articles reviewed, the effective factors in predicting survival or mortality in burn patients were classified into four main categories: demographic, clinical, tests and co-morbidities. Some of the known effective factors in patient survival, which have been examined in over 40% of studies, include age, gender, total body surface area, inhalation injury, and type of burn. The results showed that in the studies reviewed, the volume of the smallest dataset used in the analyses was 92 samples. In contrast, the volume of the largest dataset used was reported to be 66,611 samples. Among these studies, 33% have indicated that artificial neural network algorithms and random forest show the best performance. The criteria used to evaluate the models in the retrieved studies are diverse.
Conclusion: The use of machine learning algorithms in predicting the survival of burn patients is promising. The results obtained from identified influential factors can assist data science researchers in the data understanding phase and can serve as a roadmap in collecting the initial dataset.
Mazyar Karamali, Azadeh Soleimaninejad, Peirhossein Kolivand, Reza Dehkhodaei,
Volume 18, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Volume 18, Issue 4 (10-2024)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) is recognized as one of the ten most powerful national societies among the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies globally in responding to disasters and emergencies. The purpose of this study is to outline the research topics of the Iranian Red Crescent Society by analyzing its scientific outputs over the past years.
Materials and Methods: The research is of an applied type with a scientometric approach and bibliometric analysis, which uses event network visualization techniques and synonym analysis. The statistical population of the study included all research conducted by the Iranian Red Crescent Society and articles indexed in the Scopus database since the 1990s. The synonym analysis of research titles conducted in the organization and article abstract information and data visualization techniques were used with VOSviewer, NVIVO, WordCloud and iThoughts software.
Results: The trend of publishing research outputs has been upward. Analysis of outputs showed that Shiraz University of Medical Sciences had the highest output and the Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences had the lowest output among the 10 most active institutions. Also, the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal had the highest output, and among the topics related to outputs, the field of medicine was ranked first and the field of Multidisciplinary was ranked lowest. Among the frequently used words, “human” was ranked first. Identifying and drawing a map of research issues for this organization showed that the problem-oriented research topics of the Red Crescent Society were categorized into nine main areas, among which relief and rescue was ranked first with 21.4% and technology and innovation was ranked lowest with 4.6%.
Conclusion: The study of the scientific and research outputs of the Iranian Red Crescent indicates the breadth and diversity of research issues in the subject areas raised. The status of research conducted in the map of Iranian Red Crescent issues by comparing the keywords showed that the research performance of this organization is higher in the fields of health services, relief and rescue, and education. Given the breadth of issues commensurate with its missions, it needs balanced growth in research and knowledge production in other areas.
Materials and Methods: The research is of an applied type with a scientometric approach and bibliometric analysis, which uses event network visualization techniques and synonym analysis. The statistical population of the study included all research conducted by the Iranian Red Crescent Society and articles indexed in the Scopus database since the 1990s. The synonym analysis of research titles conducted in the organization and article abstract information and data visualization techniques were used with VOSviewer, NVIVO, WordCloud and iThoughts software.
Results: The trend of publishing research outputs has been upward. Analysis of outputs showed that Shiraz University of Medical Sciences had the highest output and the Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences had the lowest output among the 10 most active institutions. Also, the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal had the highest output, and among the topics related to outputs, the field of medicine was ranked first and the field of Multidisciplinary was ranked lowest. Among the frequently used words, “human” was ranked first. Identifying and drawing a map of research issues for this organization showed that the problem-oriented research topics of the Red Crescent Society were categorized into nine main areas, among which relief and rescue was ranked first with 21.4% and technology and innovation was ranked lowest with 4.6%.
Conclusion: The study of the scientific and research outputs of the Iranian Red Crescent indicates the breadth and diversity of research issues in the subject areas raised. The status of research conducted in the map of Iranian Red Crescent issues by comparing the keywords showed that the research performance of this organization is higher in the fields of health services, relief and rescue, and education. Given the breadth of issues commensurate with its missions, it needs balanced growth in research and knowledge production in other areas.
Akram Hemmatipour, Fatemh Karimi, Azam Jahangirimehr, Elham Abdolahi Shahvali, Mehdi Makvand,
Volume 18, Issue 6 (2-2025)
Volume 18, Issue 6 (2-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: One of the most important medical problems in the whole world is chronic pain, which affects millions of people every year and they are not provided with proper treatment. Research shows that one of the consequences of chronic pain is emotional reactions such as anxiety, depression, and stress that occur due to the long-term effects of pain. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to determine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy on the mental health and pain intensity level of patients with chronic pain.
Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 126 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and having entry and exit criteria from physiotherapy centers under the supervision of Shoushtar Medical Sciences Faculty were randomly divided into two groups of 63 intervention and control. The intervention group received the intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy for three months and 12 educational sessions. The patients of both groups completed the data collection tool, which included the numerical pain questionnaire (VAS) and the stress, anxiety and depression level questionnaire DASS21, before the intervention and one week after the completion of the educational intervention. To analyze the data, descriptive and parametric tests (paired t and independent t), Pearson correlation and covariance analysis were used using SPSS software.
Results: The average age of the participants was (46.12±27.16) years. The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy was associated with a significant reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression levels (P<0.001) only in the intervention group, and this reduction was seen in the levels of stress (P=0.032), anxiety (P=0.030), and depression (P=0.015) compared to the control group. A significant reduction in pain intensity was observed in both groups (P<0.001). However, this reduction in the intervention group was not statistically different from the control group (P>0.05). Also, there was no significant correlation between the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression and pain disability (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The findings of the present study emphasize the importance of using cognitive behavioral therapy in a group setting to treat stress, anxiety, depression, and pain intensity in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 126 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and having entry and exit criteria from physiotherapy centers under the supervision of Shoushtar Medical Sciences Faculty were randomly divided into two groups of 63 intervention and control. The intervention group received the intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy for three months and 12 educational sessions. The patients of both groups completed the data collection tool, which included the numerical pain questionnaire (VAS) and the stress, anxiety and depression level questionnaire DASS21, before the intervention and one week after the completion of the educational intervention. To analyze the data, descriptive and parametric tests (paired t and independent t), Pearson correlation and covariance analysis were used using SPSS software.
Results: The average age of the participants was (46.12±27.16) years. The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy was associated with a significant reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression levels (P<0.001) only in the intervention group, and this reduction was seen in the levels of stress (P=0.032), anxiety (P=0.030), and depression (P=0.015) compared to the control group. A significant reduction in pain intensity was observed in both groups (P<0.001). However, this reduction in the intervention group was not statistically different from the control group (P>0.05). Also, there was no significant correlation between the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression and pain disability (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The findings of the present study emphasize the importance of using cognitive behavioral therapy in a group setting to treat stress, anxiety, depression, and pain intensity in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Zhila Maghbooli, Solaleh Emamgholipour, Majid Ramezani, Mohammad Ali Sahraian,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Volume 19, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) is an uncommon disorder of the central nervous system mainly affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord. NMOSD is associated with IgG antibody binding to aquaporin-4 (AQP4) that triggers astrocyte and axon loss. Aquaporin 4 is also expressed skeletally and affects bioenergetic regulation pathways and calcium (Ca²⁺) translocations.
The aim of this study was the association between AQP4 and bone loss in NMOSD patients.
Material and Methods: In this study, 32 NMOSD patients were enrolled as the case group, and 37 age-matched individuals without a history of neurological disorders or other acute or chronic conditions served as the control group. Patients with NMOSD were diagnosed based on the criteria established by Wingerchuk et al. Dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was used to assess bone mineral density (BMD) at three bone sites: the total hip, femoral neck, and spinal lumbar vertebrae (L1-L4). Bone status was defined based on the Z-score in these regions, with a Z-score less than -2 classified as severe bone loss.
Results: Among patients with NMOSD, 15.6% exhibited severe bone densitometry loss in at least one area (total hip, femoral neck, or spine), compared to 5.4% in the control group (P=0.01). Bone densitometry results showed that the Z-score in the femoral neck and hip regions was significantly lower in individuals with NMOSD compared to the control group (P<0.05). In NMOSD patients, the Z-score in the femoral neck and hip regions was considerably lower in aquaporin-4 positive patients compared to the control group (P<0.05). In the regression model, after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and history of vitamin D supplementation, patients with aquaporin-4 had lower bone mass (P=0.02).
Conclusion: The study results indicate that aquaporin-4 may play a mediating role in the bone status of patients with NMOSD.
The aim of this study was the association between AQP4 and bone loss in NMOSD patients.
Material and Methods: In this study, 32 NMOSD patients were enrolled as the case group, and 37 age-matched individuals without a history of neurological disorders or other acute or chronic conditions served as the control group. Patients with NMOSD were diagnosed based on the criteria established by Wingerchuk et al. Dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was used to assess bone mineral density (BMD) at three bone sites: the total hip, femoral neck, and spinal lumbar vertebrae (L1-L4). Bone status was defined based on the Z-score in these regions, with a Z-score less than -2 classified as severe bone loss.
Results: Among patients with NMOSD, 15.6% exhibited severe bone densitometry loss in at least one area (total hip, femoral neck, or spine), compared to 5.4% in the control group (P=0.01). Bone densitometry results showed that the Z-score in the femoral neck and hip regions was significantly lower in individuals with NMOSD compared to the control group (P<0.05). In NMOSD patients, the Z-score in the femoral neck and hip regions was considerably lower in aquaporin-4 positive patients compared to the control group (P<0.05). In the regression model, after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and history of vitamin D supplementation, patients with aquaporin-4 had lower bone mass (P=0.02).
Conclusion: The study results indicate that aquaporin-4 may play a mediating role in the bone status of patients with NMOSD.
Keivan Keramati, Sina Adib, Mahmood Ahmadi Hamedani, Leila Mohammadnejad Nasrabadi,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (7-2025)
Volume 19, Issue 2 (7-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: BronchoT.D is an Iranian herbal drug manufactured for human consumption and has anti-cough and expectorant properties. Isoproterenol is a non selective agonist of beta-adrenergic receptors that although has been used as a drug in cases such as bradycardia, but based on the results of some studies, it has been determined that isoproterenol can also lead to tissue damage and hematological changes. The aim of this research was hematological evaluation of the interaction of BronchoT.D® with isoproterenol.
Materials and Methods: This was an experimental study. Eighteen male wistar rat were used in 3 experimental groups (each group 6 rats) including control, recipient of isoproterenol and normal saline and recipient of isoproterenol and BronchoT.D. There was no intervention in the control group. Isoproterenol was administered via twice injection and normal saline and BronchoT.D were administered five times orally. Finally, blood was collected from the rats and White Blood Cells (WBC), Red Blood Cells (RBC), Hematocrit (Hct), Hemoglobin (Hgb), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) and Platelets (Plt) were measured. Statistical analysis of data was performed through one-way analysis of variance using SPSS software.
Results: In terms of WBC, the difference between the experimental groups was not significant. The isoproterenol and normal saline receiving group had a significant increase in terms of RBC, Hct, Hgb and Plt as compared to the control group. The difference between the isoproterenol and BronchoT.D receiving group was not significant in terms of RBC, Hct and Plt as compared to the control group. In terms of Hgb and MCHC, the isoproterenol and BronchoT.D receiving group had a significant increase as compared to the control group. In term of MCV, the difference between experimental groups was not significant. The isoproterenol and normal saline receiving group did not differ significantly in comparison with the control group in term of MCHC.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that BronchoT.D not only prevents some hematological changes caused by isoproterenol, such as an increasing of RBC and plt, but can also increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood through a significant increase in Hgb and MCHC. BronchoT.D probably causes such effects by counteracting oxidative stress or by directly affecting the bone marrow, although additional researches are necessary to investigate such probablities.
Materials and Methods: This was an experimental study. Eighteen male wistar rat were used in 3 experimental groups (each group 6 rats) including control, recipient of isoproterenol and normal saline and recipient of isoproterenol and BronchoT.D. There was no intervention in the control group. Isoproterenol was administered via twice injection and normal saline and BronchoT.D were administered five times orally. Finally, blood was collected from the rats and White Blood Cells (WBC), Red Blood Cells (RBC), Hematocrit (Hct), Hemoglobin (Hgb), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) and Platelets (Plt) were measured. Statistical analysis of data was performed through one-way analysis of variance using SPSS software.
Results: In terms of WBC, the difference between the experimental groups was not significant. The isoproterenol and normal saline receiving group had a significant increase in terms of RBC, Hct, Hgb and Plt as compared to the control group. The difference between the isoproterenol and BronchoT.D receiving group was not significant in terms of RBC, Hct and Plt as compared to the control group. In terms of Hgb and MCHC, the isoproterenol and BronchoT.D receiving group had a significant increase as compared to the control group. In term of MCV, the difference between experimental groups was not significant. The isoproterenol and normal saline receiving group did not differ significantly in comparison with the control group in term of MCHC.
Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that BronchoT.D not only prevents some hematological changes caused by isoproterenol, such as an increasing of RBC and plt, but can also increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood through a significant increase in Hgb and MCHC. BronchoT.D probably causes such effects by counteracting oxidative stress or by directly affecting the bone marrow, although additional researches are necessary to investigate such probablities.
Creating a Management Dashboard for the Oncology Ward to Monitor Health Data of Children with Cancer
Saber Yazdani Damavandi, Tayebeh Baniasadi, Mohammad Ali Molavi, Farid Khorrami,
Volume 19, Issue 5 (12-2025)
Volume 19, Issue 5 (12-2025)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Cancer has been recognized as the second leading cause of child mortality in recent years. Due to the increasing amount of healthcare data for cancer patients, healthcare providers need a tool to monitor patients for immediate intervention. An intelligent and dynamic information management dashboard is capable of compiling and displaying data using charts and tables. In the present study, a management dashboard was designed for the oncology department of a children’s hospital, and its usability was evaluated.
Materials and Methods: This developmental–applied research was conducted in 2024 at the Educational, Medical, and Research Center for Children in Bandar Abbas. In order to create a management dashboard for the pediatric oncology department, three stages were carried out. In the first stage, all necessary content to be displayed on the dashboard was extracted based on a review of literature and documents from the oncology department of Bandar Abbas Children’s Hospital. This content was then validated by experts using the Delphi method in two rounds. In the second stage, a prototype of dashboard for the oncology ward was designed using Power BI Desktop software. Finally, its usability was evaluated using a SUS questionnaire by 20 users. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS software.
Results: Following the screening of 3,435 initial records and a review of 22 articles alongside 38 patient files, a preliminary set of 104 managerial and 67 clinical indicators was extracted. These indicators were validated through a tworound Delphi process with 12 experts, resulting in the final selection of 105 managerial and 71 clinical indicators for dashboard inclusion. Based on this validated set, a tenpage managerial dashboard was developed to present key performance metrics. Usability assessment using the System Usability Scale (SUS) yielded a mean score of 75.87, which, according to the Bangor scale, is classified as “acceptable” and corresponds to a grade of “excellent.” User feedback informed subsequent refinements to the dashboard’s data visualizations and interface. In summary, the developed dashboard represents an effective and userfriendly tool for monitoring and managing information within a pediatric oncology department.
Conclusion: The pediatric oncology management dashboard facilitates the integration and summarization of essential data for healthcare providers, thereby assisting them in making timely diagnoses and interventions for children with cancer. Additionally, the present dashboard demonstrates appropriate usability, which enhances users’ understanding of health information and leads to more accurate decision-making.
Materials and Methods: This developmental–applied research was conducted in 2024 at the Educational, Medical, and Research Center for Children in Bandar Abbas. In order to create a management dashboard for the pediatric oncology department, three stages were carried out. In the first stage, all necessary content to be displayed on the dashboard was extracted based on a review of literature and documents from the oncology department of Bandar Abbas Children’s Hospital. This content was then validated by experts using the Delphi method in two rounds. In the second stage, a prototype of dashboard for the oncology ward was designed using Power BI Desktop software. Finally, its usability was evaluated using a SUS questionnaire by 20 users. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS software.
Results: Following the screening of 3,435 initial records and a review of 22 articles alongside 38 patient files, a preliminary set of 104 managerial and 67 clinical indicators was extracted. These indicators were validated through a tworound Delphi process with 12 experts, resulting in the final selection of 105 managerial and 71 clinical indicators for dashboard inclusion. Based on this validated set, a tenpage managerial dashboard was developed to present key performance metrics. Usability assessment using the System Usability Scale (SUS) yielded a mean score of 75.87, which, according to the Bangor scale, is classified as “acceptable” and corresponds to a grade of “excellent.” User feedback informed subsequent refinements to the dashboard’s data visualizations and interface. In summary, the developed dashboard represents an effective and userfriendly tool for monitoring and managing information within a pediatric oncology department.
Conclusion: The pediatric oncology management dashboard facilitates the integration and summarization of essential data for healthcare providers, thereby assisting them in making timely diagnoses and interventions for children with cancer. Additionally, the present dashboard demonstrates appropriate usability, which enhances users’ understanding of health information and leads to more accurate decision-making.
Reza Safdari, Arash Mansourian, Shahram Tahmasebian, Niloofar Mohammadzadeh, Hamideh Ehtesham,
Volume 19, Issue 6 (3-2026)
Volume 19, Issue 6 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Artificial intelligence-based systems can facilitate data management and interpretation in various dental specialties and can be used as auxiliary tools in diagnosis and education. Case-based reasoning is a promising artificial intelligence method for implementing decision support systems in medical sciences. In the current research, this technique has been used to design an intelligent system for the differential diagnosis of oral diseases.
Materials and Methods: This research is a developmental study and is applied in terms of results. To create a database of cases, patient data was collected by referring to the specialized polyclinic of the Faculty of Dentistry at Tehran University of Medical Sciences and through clinical interviews. The [feature-value] collection was used to display the cases. The weight of the features was determined through a specialized Delphi survey conducted at the national level and as an online study. The determined weights were stored in the case database and used as similarity evaluation parameters. Then, the similarity index was calculated for each case.
Results: The intelligent system designed in this research has been developed based on web technologies. Problem-solving in the case-based reasoning method is done in a cycle and includes four main stages: recovery, reuse, review, and maintenance. The input parameters of the system include clinical indicators, paraclinical indicators, historical data, and management data affecting the diagnosis process. The system provides a prioritized list of differential diagnoses of oral diseases across six main axes as output including Ulcerative, vesicular, and bullous lesions, Red and white lesions of the oral mucosa, Pigmented lesions of the oral mucosa, Benign lesions of the oral cavity, Oral cancer, Salivary gland diseases.
Conclusion: The development of the system utilizing case-based reasoning techniques and clinical data processing has the potential to assist dentists in achieving differential diagnosis across six main areas of oral diseases.
Materials and Methods: This research is a developmental study and is applied in terms of results. To create a database of cases, patient data was collected by referring to the specialized polyclinic of the Faculty of Dentistry at Tehran University of Medical Sciences and through clinical interviews. The [feature-value] collection was used to display the cases. The weight of the features was determined through a specialized Delphi survey conducted at the national level and as an online study. The determined weights were stored in the case database and used as similarity evaluation parameters. Then, the similarity index was calculated for each case.
Results: The intelligent system designed in this research has been developed based on web technologies. Problem-solving in the case-based reasoning method is done in a cycle and includes four main stages: recovery, reuse, review, and maintenance. The input parameters of the system include clinical indicators, paraclinical indicators, historical data, and management data affecting the diagnosis process. The system provides a prioritized list of differential diagnoses of oral diseases across six main axes as output including Ulcerative, vesicular, and bullous lesions, Red and white lesions of the oral mucosa, Pigmented lesions of the oral mucosa, Benign lesions of the oral cavity, Oral cancer, Salivary gland diseases.
Conclusion: The development of the system utilizing case-based reasoning techniques and clinical data processing has the potential to assist dentists in achieving differential diagnosis across six main areas of oral diseases.
Davood Bahrami, Mahin Tavakoli, Bahram Ahmadi,
Volume 19, Issue 6 (3-2026)
Volume 19, Issue 6 (3-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Trichophyton rubrum is among the most frequently detected species that cause dermatophyte infections, especially chronic infections, so it requires early diagnosis and appropriate antifungal treatment. Due to the increasing resistance of different species of dermatophytes to antifungals, the use of herbal compounds with antifungal properties can be used as adjuvant therapy or even an alternative therapy. Carvacrol has a wide range of biological activities, including antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties. Accordingly, we aimed to determine the antifungal effect of carvacrol on 12 strains of Trichophyton rubrum in comparison to the antifungal drug terbinafine in vitro.
Materials and Methods: This investigation was conducted on Trichophyton rubrum isolates that had been previously identified morphologically and molecularly. The protocol used to perform in vitro susceptibility testing was the A38-M-CLSI standard using the Broth Microdilution method. The obtained results were analyzed using SPSS software, and the MIC50, MIC90, and GM of this compound against Trichophyton rubrum isolates were estimated compared to terbinafine.
Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using different concentrations of carvacrol (in the concentration range of 0.25 to 2 μg/mL) and terbinafine (in the concentration range of 0.0625 to 0. 5 μg/mL). The MIC50 and MIC90 values for Carvacrol were determined to be 0. 5 and 2 μg/mL, respectively. Whereas, the corresponding values for terbinafine were calculated at 0.0625 and 0. 5 μg/mL. The GM values were 0.5 for cavacrol and 0.1 for terbinafine. Similar to terbinafine, the antifungal efficacy of the studied compound displayed significant differences against Trichophyton rubrum isolates (P-value<0.05).
Conclusion: Although the MIC values for carvacrol were higher than those for terbinafine in vitro, it demonstrated significant antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum isolates. Therefore, this natural compound seems to be a good option for adjuvant therapy along with antifungals in dermatophyte infections, although the realization of this matter requires further investigation on the combined effect of carvacrol and terbinafine, determining the toxicity of carvacrol, and also examining this compound in vivo.
Materials and Methods: This investigation was conducted on Trichophyton rubrum isolates that had been previously identified morphologically and molecularly. The protocol used to perform in vitro susceptibility testing was the A38-M-CLSI standard using the Broth Microdilution method. The obtained results were analyzed using SPSS software, and the MIC50, MIC90, and GM of this compound against Trichophyton rubrum isolates were estimated compared to terbinafine.
Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using different concentrations of carvacrol (in the concentration range of 0.25 to 2 μg/mL) and terbinafine (in the concentration range of 0.0625 to 0. 5 μg/mL). The MIC50 and MIC90 values for Carvacrol were determined to be 0. 5 and 2 μg/mL, respectively. Whereas, the corresponding values for terbinafine were calculated at 0.0625 and 0. 5 μg/mL. The GM values were 0.5 for cavacrol and 0.1 for terbinafine. Similar to terbinafine, the antifungal efficacy of the studied compound displayed significant differences against Trichophyton rubrum isolates (P-value<0.05).
Conclusion: Although the MIC values for carvacrol were higher than those for terbinafine in vitro, it demonstrated significant antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum isolates. Therefore, this natural compound seems to be a good option for adjuvant therapy along with antifungals in dermatophyte infections, although the realization of this matter requires further investigation on the combined effect of carvacrol and terbinafine, determining the toxicity of carvacrol, and also examining this compound in vivo.
Mohammad Ahmadian, Zahra Molaei, Monireh Rahimkhani, Shaban Alizadeh, Fariba Nabatchian, Nasrin Dashti, Hamid Choobineh, Bahram Nikmanesh, Yoosef Erfani, Mehdi Zavvar, Reza Afrisham, Ziba Majidi, Alireza Latifi, Mohammad Ebrahimi Siahboomi, Azade Omidkhoda,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (4-2026)
Volume 20, Issue 1 (4-2026)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Preparing laboratory sciences students for clinical internship requires enhancing practical skills and effective review of theoretical topics taught in the early years. This study aimed to design, implement, and evaluate a summer school for laboratory skills to improve students’ preparedness before entering clinical internships.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted over two consecutive academic years (2022–2023 and 2023–2024) at the School of Allied Medical Sciences, in collaboration with the Departments of Laboratory Sciences, Hematology and Blood Transfusion, and Medical Information Sciences. Educational needs were identified through literature review and unstructured interviews. Subsequently, six specialized hands-on workshops were designed and conducted, covering Hematology and Blood Banking, Biochemistry, Immunology and Serology, Microbiology, Parasitology, and Hormone Assays. The quality of the courses was assessed with a researcher-made questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed based on a literature review and considering the research objectives. The face and content validity of this questionnaire was qualitatively reviewed and confirmed by experienced teachers (5 members of the faculty of the Laboratory Sciences Department), and its reliability was calculated and confirmed based on Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.92. The questionnaire items measured the level of student satisfaction with a 5-point Likert scale from completely disagree (1) to completely agree (5). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software. The effect of the courses on the students’ competence after the internship was also measured with the questionnaire.
Results: Based on the results of the questionnaires completed by the students, 93.3% of the participants expressed their satisfaction with the overall implementation of the summer school. Further details showed that 91.6% of the students believed that the summer school was effective in improving their practical skills. Also, 78.8% of the participants gave a positive rating to the educational environment provided for practical learning, and 93.9% expressed their satisfaction with the supervision and feedback provided by the professors. Based on the results of the questionnaires after the end of the 12-unit internship, on average, 77.7% of the students stated that participating in the summer school increased their self-confidence and ability to perform laboratory tests during the internship. Also, 66.6% of the participants evaluated the course as an effective factor in improving their readiness to enter the clinical hospital environment. More than 90% considered the workshops useful for consolidating knowledge.
Conclusion: It seems that the summer school increased students’ satisfaction and preparedness for entry into the clinical environment. It is recommended that such programs be integrated into the laboratory sciences curriculum.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted over two consecutive academic years (2022–2023 and 2023–2024) at the School of Allied Medical Sciences, in collaboration with the Departments of Laboratory Sciences, Hematology and Blood Transfusion, and Medical Information Sciences. Educational needs were identified through literature review and unstructured interviews. Subsequently, six specialized hands-on workshops were designed and conducted, covering Hematology and Blood Banking, Biochemistry, Immunology and Serology, Microbiology, Parasitology, and Hormone Assays. The quality of the courses was assessed with a researcher-made questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed based on a literature review and considering the research objectives. The face and content validity of this questionnaire was qualitatively reviewed and confirmed by experienced teachers (5 members of the faculty of the Laboratory Sciences Department), and its reliability was calculated and confirmed based on Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.92. The questionnaire items measured the level of student satisfaction with a 5-point Likert scale from completely disagree (1) to completely agree (5). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software. The effect of the courses on the students’ competence after the internship was also measured with the questionnaire.
Results: Based on the results of the questionnaires completed by the students, 93.3% of the participants expressed their satisfaction with the overall implementation of the summer school. Further details showed that 91.6% of the students believed that the summer school was effective in improving their practical skills. Also, 78.8% of the participants gave a positive rating to the educational environment provided for practical learning, and 93.9% expressed their satisfaction with the supervision and feedback provided by the professors. Based on the results of the questionnaires after the end of the 12-unit internship, on average, 77.7% of the students stated that participating in the summer school increased their self-confidence and ability to perform laboratory tests during the internship. Also, 66.6% of the participants evaluated the course as an effective factor in improving their readiness to enter the clinical hospital environment. More than 90% considered the workshops useful for consolidating knowledge.
Conclusion: It seems that the summer school increased students’ satisfaction and preparedness for entry into the clinical environment. It is recommended that such programs be integrated into the laboratory sciences curriculum.
Related Websites
Site Keywords
Health Information Management, Health Care Management, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Medical Library & Information Sciences, Radiation Biology (Radiobiology and Radiation Protection), Operating Room, Anesthesiology
Site Statistics- Registered users: 3394 users
- Online users: 0 users
- Guest users: 101 users
- All visits: 7309050 visits
- Visits in 24 Hours: 14837 visits
- Total articles: 3263 articles
- Published articles: 845 articles
© 2026 , Tehran University of Medical Sciences, CC BY-NC 4.0
Designed & Developed by: Yektaweb