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The effect of probiotics on lipid profiles in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Hosein Shabani-Mirzaee , Zahra Haghshenas , Mohsen Vigeh, Armen Malekiantaghi, Kambiz Eftekhari,
Volume 80, Issue 5 (August 2022)
Abstract
Background: Due to the chronic nature of diabetes, children with type 1 diabetes are prone to a number of long-term complications. One of the most important complications of this disease is cardiovascular involvement due to atherosclerosis, which is directly related to the control of blood lipids. The use of probiotics may be effective in the process of complications in these patients by affecting fat metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral probiotics on lipid profiles in children with type 1 diabetes.
Methods: This study was conducted at Bahrami Children's Hospital from May 2018 to May 2019. In this single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial, 52 children with type 1 diabetes (aged 2 to 16 years) were studied. We created two groups of 26 individuals. The inclusion criteria were determined as follows: Proof of T1DM by history and information of children’s medical record. Also, the Exclusion criteria were determined in this way: Patients consuming probiotics in the last 4 weeks, gastrointestinal infections in the last 2 weeks, and presence of chronic underlying intestinal diseases. The probiotic group received, in addition to insulin therapy, a daily probiotic capsule for 90 days. The control group received only routine insulin therapy. Blood samples were taken to measure lipid profiles at the beginning and end of the trial.
Results: A total of 52 patients were included. The mean age of children was 9.3±2.9 (4 to 14 years). The mean age in the probiotic and control groups was 9.6±3.5 and 9.4±3.0 respectively. The results of this study showed that HDL-C was increased in the probiotic group compared to the control group, although it was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Also, changes in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglyceride were not statistically significant.
Conclusion: In this study, the use of oral probiotics for 90 days in children with type 1 diabetes did not have a significant effect on blood lipid profiles compared to the control group.

Ten-year prevalence survey of strongyloides stercoralis in patients referred to Rouhani hospital during 2011-2020 years: a brief report
Hossein Ghorbani, Mohammad Ranaee, Alireza Firouzjahi, Zahra Ahmadnia, Samaneh Rouhi, Farzane Jafarian, Rouzbeh Mohammadi Abandansari , Somayeh Ahmadi Gorji,
Volume 80, Issue 5 (August 2022)
Abstract
Background: Infection with Strongyloides stercoralis is common in tropical and subtropical regions. To prevent and treat these diseases, information on the distribution and frequency of these parasites in different geographical areas is needed. Due to the importance of diseases in the northern provinces of Iran, the present study was performed to determine the prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis.
Methods: From April 2011 to March 2020, stool samples from patients who were referred to Rouhani hospital in Mazandaran province, Babol, were gathered. For stool samples, microscopic detection was performed immediately using the wet expansion method, followed by a formal-ether concentration process. Based on the sample size calculation, the minimum number of patients with Strongyloides stercoralis infection was considered to be 380 patients from the years 2011-2020. Mean and standard deviation indices were used to describe quantitative data and numbers and percentages were used to describe qualitative data.
Results: Out of the total number of 39,800 archived patient files that were reviewed, a total of 420 (1.05%) patients were confirmed for the presence of Strongyloides stercoralis in their feces. The age range of patients was 3 to 89 years. The population of male patients (249 patients) was higher than females (171 patients). In patients with positive Strongyloides stercoralis, disease symptoms were positive in 206 patients and negative in 214 patients. The most common underlying disease in patients was abdominal pain (220 patients). 271 patients received steroids.
Conclusion: Strongyloides stercoralis infection was detected in the northern region of Iran. The prevalence of this parasite was higher in men, the elderly, and people with underlying comorbidities. These results can be used to identify and compare areas where the prevalence of infection is higher. Therefore, revealing the effect of Strongyloides stercoralis infection on public health makes the need for in-depth clinical and diagnostic studies important. People with chronic diseases, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, should be screened for parasitic diseases.

Evaluation of the diagnostic function of shear wave elastography in the differentiation of malignant and benign breast masses and its relationship with histological factors
Parivash Parvasi, Zahra Fazelinejad, Fatemeh Mahdipour, Shahram Bagheri , Mohammad Momen Gharibvand ,
Volume 80, Issue 7 (October 2022)
Abstract
Background: Shear wave elastography (SWE) estimates the stiffness of a mass based on the velocity of shear wave propagation by sound waves. Due to higher cell density and angiogenesis, malignant masses have higher stiffness than benign ones.
Methods: The present study was a prospective study and was performed on patients who were referred to Ahvaz Golestan Hospital with breast mass during March 2020 to March 2021. Only patients with 4-5 BI-RAD were evaluated. Patients were graded based on ACR BI-RAD. All patients were subjected to ultrasound and selection of BI-RAD 4-5 patients for evaluation with SWE and sampling for pathology testing. In this study, in order to increase the maximum accuracy and take samples from the main location of the lesion, sampling was done by ultrasound-guided biopsy method. Tumor information was recorded by a specialist doctor after ultrasound and SWE. This information included tumor type, tumor size and grade, presence of metastasis, involvement of lymph nodes, average and maximum elasticity. SWE cutoffs were compared for mean and maximum elasticity to distinguish benign from malignant masses.
Results: In this study, 115 patients were evaluated. 63.5% (73) of the patients had benign mass and 36.5% (42) had malignant ones. There was a significant relationship between tumor size and mean and maximum elasticity (P<0.001 The results showed that the diagnostic accuracy of SWE in identifying malignant masses compared to benign ones was 100%, so that the mean (16.61±8.03 kPa) and maximum (21.14±8.88 kPa) elasticity in benign masses were significantly lower than the mean (32.21±7.59 kPa) and maximum (91.62±8.84 kPa) elasticity of malignant masses (P<0.001). There was also a significant difference between the 4 BI-RAD subgroups, so that in BI-RAD 4a, the lowest mean and maximum elasticity were seen (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The results showed that SWE parameters have sufficient diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing malignant breast masses. Therefore, the use of quantitative SWE parameters in conjunction with ultrasound and BI-RADS classification can avoid unnecessary biopsies.

Investigating the antibiotic resistance pattern of MRSA isolates from blood and wound samples of patients admitted in a number of Tehran university of medical sciences hospitals: a brief report
Monireh Rahimkhani,, Zahra Rajabi,
Volume 80, Issue 7 (October 2022)
Abstract
Background: Considering the frequency of MRSA strains in hospitals and medical centers as well as in different communities, it seems necessary and important to observe the use of appropriate drugs in order to reduce antibiotic resistance and reduce the economic costs of treatment. This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance pattern of MRSA isolated from blood and wound samples of patients. The study patients were hospitalized in different departments in a number of Tehran University of Medical Sciences hospitals.
Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study from September 2021 to February 2022, the blood and wound samples of the patients were collected and referred to laboratory. Staphylococcus aureus had identified by phenotypic and biotypic tests. MRSA isolates were screened by showing resistance to Cefoxitin by disc diffusion method and finally confirmed by examining the mecA gene by PCR. The microbial resistance pattern of MRSA was also measured by disk diffusion method and resistance to Vancomycin was confirmed by E.test.
Results: 41 isolates from 87 Staphylococcus aureus samples were confirmed as MRSA by present the mecA gene. The mecA gene was detected in all MRSA by PCR method. The antibiotic resistance pattern showed the highest sensitivity to Vancomycin and Linezolid with 100% sensitivity and the highest resistance to three antibiotics Erythromycin, Ceftriaxone and Cloxacillin with 97.57%by disk diffusion method. The most MRSA strains were isolated from the ICU department with 13 cases and the least MRSA strains were isolated from the two NICU and pediatric departments with one case.The majority of the population infected with MRSA belonged to the age group of 40-65 years.
Conclusion: The prevalence of microbial resistance with high dispersion was obtained among MRSA strains isolated from clinical samples; which indicates a significant increase in resistant strains and requires a quick and timely diagnosis to prescribe the appropriate antibiotic.

Examining the frequency of endoscopic findings in patients with covid-19 with upper gastrointestinal bleeding referred to al-Zahra Hospital of Isfahan
Elham Tabesh, Zahra Iravani , Mohammad Jafari, Maryam Soheilipour, Mohammad Javad Tarrahi ,
Volume 80, Issue 9 (December 2022)
Abstract
Background: Gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the consequences of COVID-19, which is associated with increased hospitalization and patient mortality. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of endoscopic findings and the outcome of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized from September to December 2019 in Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, out of 5800 patients who were admitted to Al-Zahra Hospital in Isfahan from September to December 2019 due to COVID-19 (according to the positive PCR test result), 87 patients who underwent endoscopy due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding by a skilled gastroenterologist, were selected and studied. Demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, use of anticoagulants, and laboratory findings were studied and evaluated and finally, the disease was evaluated and compared based on endoscopic findings.
Results: Based on the results obtained from this research, the patients with endoscopic lesions had higher average age (P=0.041), lower blood oxygen saturation percentage (P=0.028), and higher bleeding intensity (P=0.018). The frequency of using anticoagulant drugs in the group whose endoscopy results were abnormal was higher but insignificant. Hemoglobin, platelet, lymphocyte, and CRP levels were higher in the group whose endoscopy was normal, and NLR, LDH, and D-dimer levels were higher in the group whose endoscopy was abnormal (P<0.050). Three people (11.55%) from the group with normal endoscopy and 18 people (29.5%) from the group with abnormal endoscopy died, but the frequency of death was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.070).
Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed that the COVID patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding who had endoscopic lesions had significant differences in some characteristics such as age, bleeding intensity, and blood oxygen saturation percentage with patients with normal endoscopy. Also, the frequency of death in patients with endoscopic lesions was relatively higher. Therefore, COVID patients with gastrointestinal bleeding should undergo endoscopy as soon as possible and necessary measures should be taken to control and prevent gastrointestinal bleeding.

Investigating factors affecting the response to treatment in patients with ITP
Seyed Kamal Eshagh Hossaini , Javad Hakimelahi, Mohammad Aghaali, Zahra Mehrabi, Rasool Karimi Matlob , Saeed Karimi Matlob,
Volume 80, Issue 10 (January 2023)
Abstract
Background: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (autoimmune), the most common cause of acute onset of thrombocytopenia in children who are otherwise healthy. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the factors affecting the response to treatment in hospitalized children.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted by examining the files of patients hospitalized due to ITP in Hazrat Masoumeh (S) Hospital from April 2009 to March 2019. The criteria for inclusion in the study included confirming the diagnosis of ITP and the age of 1 month to 14 years, and the exclusion criteria included cases of discharge with personal consent and not completing the patient's treatment course, the presence of pancytopenia or bicytopenia, the presence of moderate or severe splenomegaly or severe in clinical examinations, BMA based on the presence of a diagnosis other than ITP, not receiving any of the ITP treatment protocols, and patients whose first visit with the diagnosis of ITP was in another center or city. The information about age, sex, clinical symptoms on arrival, initial platelets and the platelets of days 3, 5, 14 and 180 were extracted from the patients' files. The type of treatment protocol, the need to repeat the treatment, the recurrence of the disease and the major complications of the treatment were extracted from the patients' files and finally the data were analyzed with SPSS software.
Results: The response to the treatment on different days was unrelated to the age, gender, and initial platelets (except for one exception) (P>0.05). In relation to clinical symptoms, the response to treatment on days three and five was related to the clinical symptoms at the time of presentation and on days 14 and 180 it was unrelated. Response to treatment on days 3 and 5 in different treatment protocols had a significant relationship (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference on days 14 and 180.
Conclusion: The best response was in the combined treatment group with methylprednisolone and IVIg, and the lowest response to treatment was observed in those receiving methylprednisolone alone.

Investigating the effect of carboxytherapy in the treatment of urinary stress incontinency and sexual dysfunction in patients referred to the clinics of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
Zahra Allameh, Maryam Teimouri Jervekani , Minoo Movahedi , Maryam Hajihashemi ,
Volume 80, Issue 10 (January 2023)
Abstract
Background: The present study was performed to evaluate carboxytherapy as an outpatient and non-hormonal strategy for the treatment of a number of pelvic floor disorders.
Methods: This randomized block controlled clinical trial study was performed on 60 women aged 35-65 years in 1399-1400 to evaluate the effect of carboxytherapy on the treatment of stress urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction in comparison with the control group. At the beginning of the study, vaginal examination, cough test and POP-Q test were performed for all patients. Eligible individuals were randomly assigned to either carboxytherapy or control groups. Stress urinary incontinence was assessed using the ICIQ-UI SF questionnaire and sexual dysfunction was assessed using the PISQ-12 questionnaire. In the intervention group, 30 cc of CO2 gas with a 90-degree angle was injected in three areas of the bladder neck with the help of a needle gauge 30 with a length of 12 mm, so that each person underwent carboxytherapy twice a week for one month. The control group received the same protocol but without CO2 injection. The results were assessed both at the beginning of the study and one month and three months after the intervention through physical examination and two questionnaires.
Results: The results of the present study showed that the mean of general sexual function index and also the mean index of sexual function of patients in the physical dimension and in the dimension related to sexual partner in the intervention group was significantly different during the two stages of measurement but no significant difference was observed in the control group. The overall score of urinary function, frequency of leakage and the effect of leakage on the quality of life of women in both control and intervention groups were significantly different between the three stages of measurement. While the rate of urine leakage in the intervention group was significantly different between times, no difference was observed in the control group.
Conclusion: Carboxytherapy is a safe, effective, acceptable, inexpensive, affordable, and accessible treatment option compared to other treatments for urinary incontinence, and better results can probably be achieved by increasing treatment sessions.

Deep learning approach for motor imagery EEG signal classification
Faezeh Moghadas, Zahra Amini, Rahele Kafieh,
Volume 80, Issue 10 (January 2023)
Abstract
Background: Brain-computer interface systems provide the possibility of communicating with the outside world without using physiological mediators for people with physical disabilities through brain signals. A popular type of BCIs is the motor imagery-based systems and one of the most important parts in the design of these systems is the classification of brain signals into different motor imagery classes in order to transform them into control commands. In this paper, a new method of brain signal classifying based on deep learning methods is presented.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, from February 2020 to June 2022. In the pre-processing block, segmentation of brain signals, selection of suitable channels and filtering by Butterworth filter have been done; then data has transformed to the time-frequency domain by three different kinds of mother wavelets including Cmor, Mexicanhat, and Cgaus. In the classification step, two types of convolutional neural networks (one-dimensional and two-dimensional) were applied whereas each one of them was utilized in two different architectures. Finally, the performance of the networks has been investigated by each one of these three types of input data.
Results: Three channels were selected as the best ones for nine subjects. To separate 8-30 Hz, a 5th degree Butterworth filter was used. After finding the optimal parameters in the proposed networks, wavelet transform with Cgauss mother wavelet has the highest percentage in the both proposed architectures. Two-dimensional convolutional neural network has higher convergence speed, higher accuracy and more complexity of calculations. In terms of accuracy, precision, sensitivity and F1-score, two-dimensional convolutional neural network has performed better than one-dimensional convolutional neural network. The accuracy of 92.53%, which is obtained from the second architecture, as the best result, is reported.
Conclusion: The results obtained from the proposed network indicate that suitable, and well-designed deep learning networks can be utilized as an accurate tool for data classification in application of motion perception.

Experiences of countries in recruiting and retaining physicians in deprived areas: a systematic review
Zahra Asadi-Piri , Ebrahim Jaafaripooyan,
Volume 80, Issue 11 (February 2023)
Abstract
Background: Access to healthcare is a fundamental right of every individual, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status. In many countries, deprived areas often face a shortage of physicians and other healthcare professionals. This study aimed to investigate the approaches essential to attract and retain physicians in the deprived and rural areas.
Methods: The present study is a systematic review using appropriate keywords in Persian and English language. The main databases including Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, SID, and IranMedex were searched from May 2005 to September 2022 in both languages. Different approaches implemented by countries to attract and retain doctors were classified using thematic analysis.
Results: A total of 18 articles were selected for inclusion in the study. Educational, regulatory, motivational, and personal and professional support drivers have been used to attract and retain physicians. The successful interventions implemented were mainly educational and supportive; such as admitting native medical students, providing relevant curricula on working in the deprived and rural areas, and conducting training courses in these regions. Those studying the topics and courses related to serving in the rural areas during their academic education or internship and residency programs had served more time in these areas. Assimilating the topics related to providing services in rural areas into the curriculum, holding fellowship courses and related graduate studies, awarding scholarships to the physicians working in deprived areas, providing free amenities, reducing working hours, and considering special holidays are considered among the recommended solutions.
Conclusion: Various drivers were used for attracting and retaining physicians in the deprived and rural areas. Besides, the challenge to retain doctors in such areas was fairly common. Most countries have put more priority on the use of financial incentives, nevertheless, a combination of interventions was preferred. It is worth mentioning that a range of economic, political, and social factors could play a key role in the success of recommended interventions.

Gargled ketamine versus magnesium for prevention of postoperative sore throat: a randomized clinical trial
Zahra Azizi Farsani , Mehrdad Faizi, Arash Tafrisinejad , Mona Khoramjouy, Hamidreza Azizi Farsani ,
Volume 81, Issue 2 (May 2023)
Abstract
Background: Sore throat after surgery is the second most common cause of complications in recovery. It causes decreased patient satisfaction, and it affects patients’ well-being after surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of ketamine and magnesium sulfate gargle on sore throat after laminectomy.
Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 69 candidates for laminectomy patients in Shohade-Tajrish hospital from June 2021 to December 2022 were randomly assigned to three groups of ketamine (n=25), magnesium (n=23) and control (n=21). The Magnesium group received magnesium sulfate gargle (30 mg/kg in a total of 30 ml 5% Dextrose water), Ketamine gargle (0.5 mg/kg in a total of 30 ml 5% Dextrose water), and the control group received 30 ml 5% Dextrose water gargle. Standard similar anesthesia protocols were applied for all patients. In PACU (0) and 2, 4, 24 hours afterward sore throat was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) scoring.
Results: The study showed that the incidence of sore throat in the magnesium group was lower than ketamine. Comparison of the three groups at the time of recovery (0), 2, 4, and 24 hours after surgery showed that the differences between the three groups were significant in terms of sore throat. Also, the difference in the incidence of sore throat within each group in the four times in all three groups was statistically significant (P=0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between age, gender, body mass index, heart rate, blood pressure, duration of intubation, duration of surgery and anesthesia, size of laryngoscopy insertion and Cormack and Lehane score in the three studied groups. A drop in systolic blood pressure was observed in the both groups half an hour after the operation, which was statistically significant. Changes in diastolic blood pressure were significant only in the magnesium group.
Conclusion: The preventive effect of "magnesium sulfate gargle" on sore throat after laminectomy is much better than "ketamine" or "placebo" gargle.
 
Investigating the relationship between the serum fat level of pregnant mothers and the birth weight of the fetus: a brief report
Abnoos Mokhtari, Zahra Honarvar, Nasim Shahnanazi ,
Volume 81, Issue 2 (May 2023)
Abstract
Background: birth weight is associated with neonatal mortality and morbidity .In recent studies, fetal growth is related to the risk of developing type two diabetes and cardiovascular disease in later life. The mother’s nutrition and metabolism are major determinants of fetal growth. Some complications of low birth weight are hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia, intrauterine death. Any substance or hormone that can cross the placenta may affect the fetal growth and birth weight, including the maternal lipid during pregnancy. The effect of gestational diabetes mellitus on neonatal birth weight has been documented. Lipids and amino acids usually are not considered in the clinical management of pregnancy because there is less known about the role of these nutrients in the well-being of the pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the relationship between levels of serum lipids in pregnancy and fetal birth weight.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 170 pregnant women referred to Kerman medical university clinics in Iran from March 2019 to April 2020. After explaining the objectives of the study and gaining informed consent from the individuals, the maternal lipid profile during the first trimester of pregnancy, was measured within the first visit through a sample taken from the maternal blood. Pregnant women were monitored during pregnancy, and the variables were measured (Age, BMI, weight, frequency of pregnancy, weight gain in pregnancy, lipid and blood glucose profiles). The results of the samples were analyzed using SPSS software, version 20 (IBM SPSS, Armonk, NY, USA).
Results: The results indicated that the newborn weight increases with an increment in the maternal blood cholesterol (P=0.001) and triglyceride (P=0.001) levels. In addition, it was found that the increasing HDL (P=0.867) and LDL (P=0.803) levels of the pregnant women’s blood, does not lead to the birth weight increase of the infants.
Conclusion: Results of our study generally indicate that triglyceride and cholesterol levels are related to fetal birth weight. Studies with high sample sizes are recommended to investigate all neonatal weight gain variables.

Investigating of the time and rate of occurrence of hematoma after angiography and its related factors in Mazandaran heart center
Samad Golshani, Zahra Azizi, Aliasghar Farsavian, Abbas Alipour,
Volume 81, Issue 5 (August 2023)
Abstract
Background: Coronary angiography is an elective method to confirm or rule out coronary artery disease and to decide on the treatment plan but it is an invasive method and it has some complications. The most important and common complication was hematoma. It could be the cause of mortality and morbidity. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the time of hematoma occurrence after angioplasty and investigating the effect of various factors (for example age, sex, BMI, BP, hematocrit, anticoagulant agent, etc.) on the occurrence of hematoma.
Methods: This was a prospective cohort study from March 2022 to March 2023 in Mazandaran heart center. The study population was patients who underwent angioplasty through the femoral artery. If the ACT is less than 150-180, sheet removal was done by applying pressure with the hand on the proximal puncture site for 15-20 minutes and ensuring sufficient hemostasis. Then, the ultrasound of the puncture site was performed before pulling the sheet/one hour and six hours after pulling the sheet, and after collecting the data, the data were analyzed to study the effect of BMI, BP, sex, hematocrit, hemoglobin, age, time of sheet removal, anticoagulant agent, etc. on prevalence of hematoma and it size.
Results: 200 patients were examined, of which 44(22%) had hematoma. Women had hematoma more than men (P<0.05). BMI and blood pressure in patients with hematoma decreased and increased, respectively (P<0.05). Older age, female gender, lower hematocrit, and longer duration of sheet retention were effective factors in increasing hematoma size (P<0.05). In the logistic regression model, with increasing BMI, the chance of hematoma occurrence decreased (P=0.029, OR=0.831).
Conclusion: Controlling blood pressure and preventing of decreasing the hematocrit, reduces the incidence of hematoma in patients after angiography. Also, preventing hematocrit drop and removal of sheet at the appropriate time, can prevent of increasing in size of hematoma. There is some difference between nursing report and sonography finding. Nursing report overestimated the hematoma size.

Two asthma control test for children and asthma control questionnaire in pediatric asthma patients referred to taleghani hospial clinics, Gorgan
Mohsen Ebrahimi, Zahra Valipour Moghadam , Seyed Ali Aghapour, Azam Rashidbaghan,
Volume 81, Issue 7 (October 2023)
Abstract
Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Various tests and questionnaires are designed to monitor the severity of asthma and help the therapist and the health system prescribe the best treatment to control it. This study was designed to compare two methods Asthma Control Questionnaires (ACQ) and Asthma Control test-child (ACT-CHILD) in children with asthma.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 92 children with asthma referred to the Taleghani hospital, Gorgan, in 2022-2023. Patients were in a range of age 4-16 years. Asthma control was evaluated and compared by two methods ACT-CHILD and ACQ. ACT-CHILD included one version for 4-11-year patients completed by their parents and another one for 12-16 –year patients completed by the patients. The clinical symptoms, age, gender and the parents' records related to asthma were completed during the clinical interview. Data was analyzed using Chi-square and Spearman correlation tests. The degree of agreement between two questionnaires was determined using the Kappa coefficient.
Results: 84 children aged 4-11 years (91.3%) and 8 children aged 12-16 years (8.7%) were included in the study. According to the ACT-CHILD, 40.2% of children (n=37) had controlled asthma, 44.6% (n=41) had partially controlled asthma, and 15.2% (n=14) had uncontrolled asthma. Based on the ACQ, controlled asthma was observed in 18.5% (n=17), partially controlled asthma in 35.8% (n=33), and uncontrolled asthma in 45.7% (n=42) of children. Asthma control results based on two questionnaires were significantly different from each other (P<0.001). The agreement between the ACT-CHILD and ACQ methods in evaluating children's asthma was at a weak level (P=0.014, κ=0.157), however, a significant negative correlation was observed between the scores of the ACT-CHILD and ACQ questionnaires (r=-0.588, P>0.001) which after categorizing based on age group, this correlation was confirmed only in children aged 4-11 years (r=-0.627, P>0.001).
Conclusion: Our findings showed that there is a poor agreement between ACT-CHILD and ACQ results in the assessment of asthma control. Further studies are recommended.

Management of left ventricular thrombus: diagnostic and therapeutic methods: a review article
Maryam Mehrpooya, Zahra Sadeghi,
Volume 81, Issue 8 (November 2023)
Abstract
Left ventricular thrombosis (LVT) is a very serious condition and life-threatening complication that usually occurs after acute occlusion of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery followed by acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (STEMI), which leads to significant regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA). It should be noted that its diagnosis, treatment, and management are challenging now and depend on various factors such as the type of thrombus, time of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and underlying disease. The preferred diagnostic method is cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), but transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is routinely used for diagnostic and screening purposes also follow-up of response to treatment. It is worth mentioning that when the diagnosis of left ventricular thrombus is not clear with conventional echocardiography, contrast echocardiography is used for more resolution and detailed information. Left ventricular thrombosis can appear in both acute and chronic forms and lead to significant complications, the most important of them are stroke and systemic arterial embolism (SE). According to previous studies, vitamin K antagonist (warfarin) by keeping INR within the therapeutic range currently used to treat left ventricular thrombosis. Although the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) has brought excellent outcomes, but due to the lack of large clinical trials, the routine use of these agents is controversial, and only in case of warfarin intolerance or contraindications, DOACs can be used as an alternative. Generally, the best way to prevent left ventricular thrombosis is primary percutaneous coronary angioplasty (primary PCI) which preserves left ventricular function. Depending on the sensitivity of the diagnostic method, thrombus will likely resolve in >50% of patients by six months after the MI. On the other hand, in rare cases, surgery is indicated if a thrombosis remains despite the medical treatment especially if it is accompanied by a left ventricular aneurysm. The purpose of this narrative review is to evaluate the latest evidence in the field of left ventricular thrombosis management and to adopt the best approach for these patients.

Evaluation of Fragmented QRS complex and conduction abnormalities and its association with disease severity in systemic sclerosis patients, a case-control study
Reza Atef Yekta , Hoda Kavosi , Pouria Esavand, Monir Sadat Hakemi , Abdolvahhab Baradaran, Zahra Tamartash,
Volume 81, Issue 8 (November 2023)
Abstract
Background: Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease with multi-organ involvement mostly due to fibrosis and ectopic or excessive collagen fibers production in organs. Myocardial fibrosis is the main finding of cardiac involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis. In recent studies, the presence of Fragmented QRS complexes (FQRS) has been shown in the surface electrocardiogram in relation to fibrosis.
Methods: The present study is a case-control study during March 2019 to February 2020 that was conducted in 148 patients with scleroderma referred to the Rheumatology clinic in Shariati Hospital and 101 non-ischemic individuals in the control group matched by age and sex with the patient group. All the medical records were reviewed and those who were low risk according to 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk assessment were selected as case groups. Data of ECG were evaluated for availability of FQRS or conductive abnormalities and calculating PR, QRS, QT, QTc and Tp-e intervals.
Results: Of the 141 patients with systemic sclerosis, 127(85.81%) were female and 21(14.19%) were male. In the control group, 81 women (80.2%) were present. 61(41.2%) of patients with scleroderma and 8(7.9%) of the control group in this study had FQRS changes in their electrocardiogram. In this study, QRS, QTc and Tp-e intervals were significantly higher in patients with systemic sclerosis compared to those in the control group. The frequency of FQRS, LAHB and LPHB in patients with systemic sclerosis was significantly more than control group. The relationship between PR, QRS, QTc, Tp-e intervals with age, length of disease onset and the severity of skin involvement was assessed. There was a significant correlation between PR-interval and age. Furthermore, there were a correlation between QRS interval and Rodnan skin score, Pulmonary Artery Pressure and Finger to Palm. It is also a meaningful correlation between QTc interval and Rodnan score.
Conclusion: The FQRS finding in electrocardiogram in patients with systemic sclerosis, which has no obvious cardiac symptoms, may indicate myocardial fibrosis and predict future cardiac disorders.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of colonoscopy compared to sigmoidoscopy for colorectal cancer screening in high-risk individuals in Iran
Ahmad Tahmasebi-Ghorrabi , Zahra Heydarifard, Behrouz Nemati, Majid Davari, Alireza Delavari, Hamideh Salimzadeh , Ali Akbari Sari ,
Volume 81, Issue 9 (December 2023)
Abstract
Background: Screening is a cost-effective method for prevention, early detection of the disease and reducing the burden of the third deadliest cancer in the world, i.e. colorectal cancer. This study aimed to analyze the cost-effectiveness of colonoscopy screening compared to sigmoidoscopy for colorectal cancer in high-risk individuals in Iran.
Methods: This economic evaluation study was conducted using the cost-effectiveness method between July 2016 and February 2017. Evaluation of the effectiveness of screening methods was done using a systematic review. Cost evaluation was also done using the costs obtained from the tariff approved by the Iranian Ministry of Health in 2015 for colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy. Finally, the combined model of decision tree and Markov was used to evaluate the cost effectiveness. Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) formula was used for cost effectiveness analysis considering the final outcome of 5-year survival of high-risk individuals. Excel and TreeAge software were used for data analysis.
Results: The effectiveness of sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy in increasing 5-year survival is 11 and 15.7%, respectively, and colonoscopy screening is 4.7% more than sigmoidoscopy. The cost of colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy screening was calculated as 1000 and 19920 billion Rials, respectively. Based on cost-effectiveness analysis, the cost of treating patients in the case of screening with colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy is lower than without screening. The ICER ratio of colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy compared to no screening was -4/441/389/160 and -4/757/954/940 Rials respectively, and colonoscopy compared to sigmoidoscopy was -3/699/785/880 Rials, respectively. Finally, the use of colonoscopy leads to spending 3/699/785/880 Rials less in exchange for obtaining 4722 additional survivals with the prevention of colorectal cancer compared to sigmoidoscopy.
Conclusion: Screening by colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy methods are effective in reducing the incidence and death of colorectal cancer compared to no screening. Screening by colonoscopy is a dominant option for the high-risk population in Iran. Colonoscopy screening is more cost effective compared to sigmoidoscopy. However, decisions about colorectal cancer screening and screening methods depend on local resources and personal preferences.

Investigation of epidemiological and histopathological features of central nervous system tumors in the samples referred to the pathology department of a referral hospital in the east of iran in a 10-year period
Yasser Hasanzadeh, Zahra Sagheb Movafagh , Atena Sahrabeygi , Hamid Heidarian Miri , Masoumeh Gharib ,
Volume 81, Issue 10 (January 2024)
Abstract
Background: Identifying the epidemiological aspects of central nervous system (CNS) tumors is the first step in implementing management protocols to control the condition of these tumors. We aimed to examine the epidemiology and histopathology of both benign and malignant tumors of the CNS in one of the referral and university centers in the east of Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on all files of patients admitted to Qaem Hospital in Mashhad City, Iran, in a period of 10 years from March 2009 to February 2018 with a definitive diagnosis of benign or malignant tumors of the CNS, including tumors of the brain, cerebellum, spinal cord, or meningeal membranes. Information sources included the patients' physical files and the hospital information system (HIS). The statistical software SPSS version 28.0 for Windows (IBM SPSS, Armonk, New York, USA) was used for the statistical analysis.
Results: In total, 775 patients with benign and 771 patients with malignant CNS tumors were included in the study. Regarding epidemiological aspects of benign tumors, the incidence rate of women was almost twice that of men (68.47% versus 31.53%), with an overall average age of 45.31±19.81 years. The most common benign tumors were meningioma (72.77%), followed by schwannoma (13.67%). Regarding malignant brain tumors, the mean age of affected patients was 36.64±19.67 years, with males accounting for 53.04% of cases and females for 46.96%. The most frequent type of tumor was glioblastoma (32.68%), followed by diffuse astrocytoma (16.47%). Both benign and malignant CNS tumors were associated with significant hospital mortality; in-hospital mortality rates for benign and malignant tumors were 10.1% and 17.5%, respectively. Tumor type and its grade were the main determinants of early death in malignant CNS tumors.
Conclusion: The epidemiological characteristics of benign and malignant tumors in our study community were similar to the reports presented in other communities. Knowledge of these characteristics provides the possibility of managing patients and reducing morbidity and mortality related to these tumors.

Effect of mirror therapy on static and dynamic stability of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (between 5-12 years old)
Javad Alipour, Reihaneh Askary Kachoosangy , Zahra Ebrahimabadi , Yaghoub Shavehei, Mohammad Sadegh Malek ,
Volume 81, Issue 11 (February 2024)
Abstract
Background: Most hemiplegic children experience disorders related to lower limbs such as balance. Considering the importance of balance, in order to participate in activities of daily living, it is very important to use modern neuro-rehabilitation methods such as mirror therapy to improve balance. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of mirror therapy on the static and dynamic balance of children with hemiplegic CP aged 5 to 12 years.
Methods: This study was conducted as a double-blind, randomized clinical trial on 20 children with spastic hemiplegia aged between 5-12 years old, from June 2021 to August 2022 in Tehran, Iran. Participating children were randomly allocated into test (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. The children in the treatment group underwent 20 treatment sessions during four weeks. Each session consisted of 30 minutes of routine treatment and 15 minutes of mirror therapy for lower limbs. In the control group, sham therapy was performed instead of mirror therapy. The exercises performed in a seated position were: (1) active flexion of hip, knee, and ankle joints, (2) active knee extension plus ankle dorsiflexion, and (3) knee flexion (> 90°). Both groups were measured by the Pediatric Balance Scale to assess static balance and the Timed Up and Go test to assess dynamic balance at entry and the end of the study. SPSS version 26 software was used for statistical analysis.
Results: Examining the results of the evaluations showed that before the treatment, the static and dynamic balance of the two groups did not differ significantly (p> 0/05), but the static and dynamic balance scores of the children in the treatment group after the four weeks mirror therapy period (five days per week) were statistically significant different from the control group (p<0/05).
Conclusion: According to the present study, it seems that mirror therapy as a complementary treatment can have a positive effect on improving balance (static and dynamic) in children with hemiplegic CP.

Survival Analysis of the Length of Hospital Stay of Suspected Stroke Patients Transferred by EMS to Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad
Razieh Yousefi , Payam Sasannejad, Eisa Nazar, Ali Hadianfar, Mohammad Taghi Shakeri., Zahra Jafari ,
Volume 81, Issue 11 (February 2024)
Abstract
Background: Identifying factors that influence the length of hospital stay for suspected stroke patients is crucial for optimizing the utilization of hospital resources. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the length of hospital stay for suspected stroke patients transferred to Qaem Hospital in Mashhad through emergency services using survival analysis.
Methods: In this historical cohort study, general information was gathered for all suspected stroke patients who sought emergency services in Mashhad, the largest city in northeast Iran, from March 21, 2018, to March 20, 2019, and were then transferred to the Emergency Department of Qaem Hospital. Pre-hospital emergency data were integrated with hospital records using the mission ID. The primary outcome assessed in the study was the length of hospital stay, with model implementation carried out using the statistical software Stata.
Results: The median hospitalization time until patients' recovery was  seven days. Out of the 578 participants, 386 cases (66.8%) recovered, while the remaining 190 cases (33.2%) were censored (83 individuals had died during the study, and 107 individuals had exited the hospital for other reasons). The average age of patients at the time of hospitalization was 71.13±13.01 years. Statistical analysis employing Log-rank and Breslow tests identified a significant difference in hospitalization duration among patients receiving various levels of care and based on their insurance status. During multivariate analysis, the Cox regression model was considered unsuitable due to some variables not meeting the proportional hazards assumption, leading to the utilization of AFT models. Following the evaluation of AFT models, including Log-normal, Log-logistic, Exponential, and Weibull, the log-normal model emerged as the most suitable choice, exhibiting AIC and BIC values of 1273.909 and 1356.740, respectively. Significant variables influencing length of stay included patient admission priority, insurance status, season, and residency status.
Conclusion: The study suggests that parametric survival models are effective for analyzing lifetime data. Additionally, in light of the significant variables identified, enhancing facility readiness and resource allocation could facilitate more efficient planning and implementation.

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