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Showing 48 results for Function
Comparative study of echocardiographic right ventricular systolic function before and after angioplasty on right coronary artery
Amir Masoud Jafari , Nahid Salehi , Hashem Kazerani , Farid Najafi ,
Volume 72, Issue 4 (7-2014)
Abstract
Background: In patients who undergoing PCI, association between right ventricular function and outcome of the procedure remained unclear. The present study aimed to determine association between echocardiography findings of systolic right ventricular function and functional status of patients following PCI. Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted at Imam Ali hospital and heart center in Kermanshah, Iran in 2013, 40 patients with history of inferior wall myocardial infarction (Inf MI) according to previous electrocardiography (ECG) in past hospitalization for MI who were candidate for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on right coronary artery (RCA) and had left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 40% were included. The subjects underwent echocardiography on admission to assess echocardiography indices of systolic right ventricular function including tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid annular systolic velocity (TASV), Tei-index (Myocardial performance index), and RV fractional area (RVFA) change that was repeated one month later. Baseline functional status was assessed based on the New York Heart Association functional classification score (NYHA score) that divided to 4 grades. Results: NYHA score improved following PCI procedure (from 2.20±0.46 to 1.10±0.30, P<0.001). The mean score of TAPSE significantly increased from 18.68±2.12 to 20.40±2.11 (P<0.001). The mean of TASV also increased from 13.28±1.52 to 14.85±1.90 (P<0.001). Also, Tei-index was improved from 0.52±0.05 to 0.47±0.03 (P<0.001). Moreover, RVFA was significantly increased after PCI (from 35.02±2.40 to 38.25±2.57, P<0.001). There was no significant relationship between the changes in NYHA score and each of right ventricular systolic function indices. Conclusion: Although right ventricular systolic function considerably improved fol-lowing PCI procedure, but the changes in this improvement is not associated with the improvement of function class after the procedure.
Sexual dysfunction in Obsessive-Compulsive disorder
Firoozeh Raisi , Habibollah Ghassemzadeh , Alipasha Meysami , Reihaneh Firoozikhojastefar , Narges Karamghadiri , Maryam Sorayani , Abbas Ali Nasehi, Jalil Fallah, Narges Ebrahimkhani ,
Volume 73, Issue 2 (5-2015)
Abstract

Background: Although sexual dysfunction is a common problem in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), there are sparse clinical research on the study of the correlation between OCD subtypes and different phases of sexual response cycle. This study was undertaken to assess sexual function and its different phases in a group of Iranian patients with OCD. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The subjects consisted of 56 married OCD patients (36 female, 20 male) who suffered from OCD according to a psychiatric interview and DSM-IV questionnaire based on structured clinical interview for DSM (SCID). Patients were between 18 to 50 year age that had been referred to the outpatient clinic of Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital and three private psychiatric clinics in Tehran (from September 2011 to February 2013). Five Questionnaires were used in this study: Iranian validated form of Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Maudsley Obsessional Compulsive Inventory (MOCI), Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) and a questionnaire which has provided demographic data and other relevant information regarding sexual function and OCD. Results: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction among female was 80.6% and the frequency of disorders in different subscales of FSFI including sexual desire, sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and sexual pain were 50%, 58.3%, 36.1%, 44.4%, 41.7% and 52.8% respectively. Sexual disorder is reported in 25% of male OCD patients which subscales' evaluation of IIEF shows low sexual desire in 10%, erectile disorder in 20%, orgasmic disorder in 25%, sexual dissatisfaction in 40% and 50% decreased in the total sore of IIEF. Moreover, the correlation coefficients between the total score of OCI-R with erectile and satisfaction subscales of IIEF were statistically significant. The score of washing subscale in OCI-R and sexual satisfaction was significantly correlated. Conclusion: High prevalence of sexual dysfunction in OCD women and significant correlation between male sexual dysfunction and OCD (r= -481.0 between total score of OCI-R with erectile dysfunction and r= -458.0 between total score of OCI-R and sexual satisfaction) could confirm a relation between OCD and sexual disorders. So, evaluation of sexual function in all patients with OCD is recommended.


The prevalence of left ventricular heart failure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: brief report
Shirin Izadi , Hounaz Akbari , Behzad Farahani , Shahrokh Izadi ,
Volume 73, Issue 4 (7-2015)
Abstract
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure are prevalent comorbidities affecting a vast proportion of the world population, responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, their coexistence is more frequent than previously recognized that poses important diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We intend to determine the prevalence of concomitant left ventricular dysfunction in COPD patients. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in patients who had referred to Firuzgar University Hospital in Tehran from March 2011 to March 2013 in period of 2 years. All participants were compatible for including and excluding criteria’s. In all cases of COPD, pulmonary function test was done also Echocardiography was performed as the diagnostic assessment of heart failure. Results: Out of 74 participants there was 56(75.7%) male and 18(24.3%) female with the mean age of 67.712.9 (SD), the prevalence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) was 25.70%, also the prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) was 74.60% among 71 patients. The prevalence of LVSD in patients with and without history of coronary artery disease (CAD) was 33.30% and 15.60% respectively. The prevalence of LVDD was 85.40% in patient with history of CAD and 60% in patients without it. The presence of ventricular dysfunction (neither systolic nor diastolic) in COPD patients was not statistically associated with presence of CAD or the intensity of underlying COPD disease. Conclusion: Knowledge about the prevalence of concomitant left side heart failure in COPD patients is limited, but it seems the presence is rather common, so more attention should be paid to coexistence of ventricular dysfunction in COPD patients disregarding presence of CAD or COPD intensity in clinical practice.
Implication of thymoglobulin in kidney transplant patients: review article
Sudabeh Alatab , Gholamreza Pourmand ,
Volume 73, Issue 8 (11-2015)
Abstract

Thymoglobulin is a purified polyclonal immunoglobulin that has been used widely over the last decades in the prevention and treatment of rejection following renal transplantation. This immunoglobulin works against human thymocytes. Since thymoglobulin does not contain the nephrotoxic properties therefore it can be used in induction therapy especially in patients with higher risk of graft rejection such as patients who receive graft from cadavers. Recent research showed also its beneficial role in cross-match-positive transplantation, a role that is mediated through conjunction with inhibitors of terminal complement activation. This immunoglobulin has also been used for treatment of rejection following renal transplantation. Thymoglobulin can have various effects on various Immune system cells including T cells, B cells and also plasma cells. Thymoglobulin also affects the Tcell surface antigens, natural killer-cell antigens, B cell antigens, plasma cell antigens, adhesion molecules and chemokine receptors. Diverse effects of thymoglobulin on the immune system includes: T cell depletion, induce apoptosis in B cell lineage and interference with dendritic cell functional properties. Thymoglobulin can cause acute complications, delayed complications as well as infectious complications. Acute reaction events includes: anaphylaxis, fever, chills, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Thymoglobulin also induces cytokine release syndrome manifested by high grade fevers and chills and treated by steroid therapy. Delayed reactions events usually present as serum sickness and infections. Infectious complications are more important and include cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, sepsis, candidiasis, herpes simplex and urinary infections. Thymoglobulin can also induce cytokine release syndrome. It has been thought that thymoglobulin increases the risk of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), however, debate still exists whether such an association is present when lower dosing regimens are used. In this review, we aimed to present first a brief history of thymoglobulin development and its mechanism of action and then assess the most recent published data regarding the role of thymoglobulin in following issues: immunological tolerance, ischemia-reperfusion injury, delayed graft function, prevention and treatment of acute allograft rejection, live donor transplantation, graft and patient survival and posttrans-plant lymphoproliferative disorder. This review can help specialist in transplant domain to appropriately used thymoglobulin in transplant patients.


The effect of sub-epineural platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on regeneration of the sciatic nerve in a rat model
Mohammad Javad Fatemi , Farzin Pakfetrat , Mohammad Reza Akhoondinasab Akhoondinasab , Kourosh Mansouri , Seyed Jaber Moosavi , Seyed Aboozar Hosseini , Mitra Niazi ,
Volume 73, Issue 10 (1-2016)
Abstract

Background: Peripheral nerve injury is one of the most challenging of modern surgical problem. Recent advances in understanding the physiological and molecular pathways demonstrated the important role of growth factors in peripheral nerve regeneration. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a biological product that has many growth factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PRP in the regeneration of sciatic nerve crush in the rat model.

Methods: In this experimental study that established in the animal lab of the Hazrat Fatemeh Hospital in Tehran from September to October 2013, Twenty-four healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g) were randomly divided into two groups. In all rats the sciatic nerve was cut and then carefully repaired by the tension free method under a light microscope. In group 1, after the repair, 0.05 µL of PRP was injected below the epineurium to the proximal and distal parts of the repaired area. In group 2 the same amount of normal saline was injected to the proximal and distal of the repaired area. After six weeks footprint analysis, neurophysiologic and histopathology evaluations were performed.

Results: Significant differences existed between the two groups footprint analysis (P= 0.001). Also the nerve conduction latency test was significantly shorter in PRP group. (1.0233 ms in PRP group and 1.7375 ms in control) (P< 0.001). The average amplitude in the first group and the second group was 7.6250 mv (control) 6.3667 mv that does not show a statistically significant difference (P= 0.093). Significant differences between the two groups in the number of axons of the proximal portion of the study was not seen (P= 0.29). The parameters included number of axons of the proximal and the distal part of axons, the diameter of the distal and proximal axons in the two groups were compared. In the two groups there was statistically significant difference between the above parameters. (P= 0.298).

Conclusion: It seems that PRP may have an important role in peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery after nerve laceration and repair. Further clinical evaluation recommended.


Sexual dysfunction and the underlying medical problems in post-menopausal women
Soheila Nazarpour , Masoumeh Simbar , Rameza Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani , Hamid Alavi Majd ,
Volume 73, Issue 11 (2-2016)
Abstract

Background: Sexual dysfunction could be under the influence of some underlying medical problems. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between medical problems and sexual function in post-menopausal women.

Methods: This is a community-based, descriptive-correlation study of 405 post-menopausal women residing in Chalus and Nowshahr cities, North of Iran, aged 40 to 65 years old from October 2013 to May 2014. A multistage, randomized sampling was conducted. The data was acquired through interviews using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire and a researcher-made questionnaire, and was analyzed using descriptive and analytical tests such as multiple linear regression and logistic regression models.

Results: 51.4% of the subjects had medical conditions. Cardiovascular disorders were the most common diseases among the subjects. 61% of the women were suffering from female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Sexual dysfunction in patients with medical conditions was significantly higher (P= 0.037). Scores of arousal (P= 0.000), orgasm (P= 0.018), and satisfaction (P= 0.026), as well as the FSFI total score (P= 0.005), were significantly lower in subjects with cardiovascular disorders. Scores of desire (P= 0.001), arousal (P= 0.006), lubrication (P= 0.010), orgasm (P= 0.004), and satisfaction (P= 0.022), as well as the FSFI total score (P= 0.017), were significantly lower in subjects with diabetes. Scores of pain were significantly lower in subjects with musculoskeletal disorders (P= 0.041), they experienced more pain during intercourse. In domains of arousal (P= 0.030), satisfaction (P= 0.040), and pain (P= 0.044), the scores of those taking antihypertensive medications were significantly lower than the scores of the rest of the subjects. Scores of desire (P= 0.001), arousal (P= 0.006), orgasm (P= 0.006), and satisfaction (P= 0.048), as well as the FSFI total score (P= 0.006), were significantly lower in those taking antidiabetic drugs. And lastly, the mean satisfaction score in women whose spouse had medical conditions was significantly lower (P= 0.040).

Conclusion: Cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders could have a negative impact on sexual function in post-menopausal women. Thus, these diseases must be considered and treated in order to improve women’s health, particularly their sexual function.


The effect of pelvic floor physical therapy on sexual function in women complaining dyspareunia
Parvin Bastani , Sakineh Hajebrahimi , Fariba Ghaderi , Zahra Vakilazad , Morteza Ghojazadeh ,
Volume 74, Issue 7 (10-2016)
Abstract

Background: Dyspareunia is a pain that is occurs in the genital area before, during or after intercourse and is an important factor for sexual dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pelvic floor physical therapy on sexual function and muscle strength and endurance of pelvic floor (as a non-invasive therapy) in women with dyspareunia.

Methods: In this clinical trial study, 32 women in the age range of 20-50-year-old and sexually active with complaints of dyspareunia, before the investigation were examined in terms of genital health and strength and endurance of the pelvic floor muscles. After the confidence of mental health, patients underwent pelvic floor rehabilitation for 10 sessions during 3 months. After assessment, myofascial release techniques and progressive pelvic floor muscles exercise was performed for patients based on their primary strength. Finally, patients were compared in terms of the severity of dyspareunia, sexual performance status (by using female sexual function index questionnaire), improvement of symptoms, pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance before (first session of physiotherapy) and after (after 3 months) investigation.

Results: In the remaining 32 patients with dyspareunia with a mean age of 38±1.24 years, desire index score 0.95 unit, arousal index score 1.01 unit, lubrication index score 0.67 unit, orgasm index score 0.71 unit, satisfaction index score 1.03 unit, pain index score was increased 1.05 unit, strength index score 2.44 unit, endurance index score 7.06 unit were increased in comparison to before the investigation that showed a significant different with P< 0.0001.

Conclusion: According to obtained results, pelvic floor physical therapy had a significant effect in women with dyspareunia. So that the severity of dyspareunia, pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance had clinically significant improvement after pelvic floor physiotherapy.


Clinical effectiveness of modified sequential organ failure assessment scoring system for predicting ICU indexing scores
Hassan Babamohamadi , Abbasali Ebrahimian , Fateme Paknazar , Hojat Torkamandi ,
Volume 74, Issue 7 (10-2016)
Abstract

Background: The ability to recognize the severity of the disease in those who their survival depend entirely on admission to the intensive care unit, is very valuable clinically. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of modified sequential organ failure assessment (MSOFA) scale to predict mortality and length of stay in intensive care unit patients respectively.

Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted on hospital records of patients admitted to the intensive care unit. All patients’ records who admitted to the intensive care unit of Kowsar Hospital, Semnan city (the capital of the province), Iran, in 2015 considered as the sample. Collecting data were done during 4 weeks in April and May 2016. The data collection tool was a demographic questionnaire and modified sequential organ failure assessment scale. Exclusion criteria included discharge in the first 24 hours after admission, the patient died a few hours after admission and incomplete information to complete the modified sequential organ failure assessment form.

Results: The study of 105 patients' records of the intensive care unit showed that 45.7% of patients were died, 15.2% and 39% were discharged and moved to other wards respectively. The results of logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that this criterion had moderate sensitivity and specificity for prediction of mortality and length of stay in ICU patients (Area=0.635, CI= 0.527-0.743) and each unit increase in modified sequential organ failure assessment score is accompanied by increasing 32 percent chance of death (OR=1.325; 95% CI:1.129,1.555; P= 0.001(. Also each unit increase in modified sequential organ failure assessment (MSOFA) score accompanied by increasing 19% length of stay in ICU (OR=1.191; 95% CI: 1.034, 1.371; P= 0.015(.

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the modified sequential organ failure assessment scale is not useful tool to predict the length of stay and mortality of patients admitted to the intensive care unit.


Cardiac systolic function in cirrhotic patients’ candidate of liver trans-plantation compared with control group
Roya Sattarzadeh-Badkoubeh , Babak Geraiely , Mohsen Nassiri-Toosi , Ali Jafarian, Kazem Heydari ,
Volume 74, Issue 11 (2-2017)
Abstract

Background: We assessed different systolic cardiac indices to describe left and right ventricular dysfunction in cirrhotic patients before liver transplantation.

Methods: In this case-control study, eighty-one consecutive individuals with the confirmed hepatic cirrhosis and candidate for liver transplantation in the Imam Khomeini Hospital between March 2008 and March 2010 were selected. Thirty-two age and gender cross-matched healthy volunteers were also selected as the control group. A detailed two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography was obtained in all patients and controls performed by the same operator on the day of admission.

Results: Dimensions of both left and right atriums as well as left ventricular end-diastolic volume and basal right ventricular dimension in the cirrhotic group were significantly higher than control group. Left ventricular end-systolic dimensions as well as aortic annulus diameter were not different between the two study groups. Left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral, isovolumic pre-ejection time, isovolumic relaxation time, stroke volume, left ventricular ejection fraction, IVCT+IVRT+ET, systolic velocity of tricuspid annulus, systolic velocity of basal segment of RV free wall, systolic velocity of basal segment of septal wall, peak strain of septal margin (base), peak strain of septal margin (midpoint), peak strain of lateral margin (midpoint), strain rate of septal margin (base), strain rate of septal margin (midpoint), strain rate of lateral margin (base), strain rate of lateral margin (midpoint), Tei index (left and right ventricles), systolic time interval and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion were higher in cirrhotic group, significantly, (P< 0.05). Left ventricular ejection time and systolic velocity of mid segment of lateral wall were lower in cirrhotic group, significantly, (P< 0.05).

Conclusion: In this study, the effects of liver on heart were volume overload, hyperdynamic state and systolic dysfunction in cirrhotic patients. These effects were due to chamber enlargement and we cannot use the most of cardiac indices for evaluation systolic function in cirrhotic patients. So, we suggest that systolic time interval and Tei index are useful indices in evaluation of systolic function in cirrhotic patients.


Evaluation of thyroid hormones in patients with lead poisoning
Saeed Nouri , Anahita Zoghi , Mohammad Reza Sharif , Najla Farhang , Maziar Shojaei ,
Volume 76, Issue 7 (10-2018)
Abstract
Background: Each toxic agent results in unique presentations, depending on what neurophysiological changes occur following exposure. Scientific understanding of lead toxicity in the organ systems and at low levels of exposure continues to evolve. However, effects of lead poisoning on the thyroid gland function are controversial. In this descriptive study, changes in thyroid hormones in patients with lead poisoning were compared with patients with opioid addiction and healthy individual who were matched for age and sex.
Methods: In this descriptive study, which was conducted from March 2016 to February 2017 in Loghman Hakim Hospital in Tehran, ninety patients were evaluated using convenient sampling method for lead and thyroid hormones levels. The levels of lead and thyroid hormones were evaluated using standard laboratory method, in thirty male patients with lead poisoning, thirty male patients with opioid addiction referring to addiction treatment center and thirty healthy male referring to a blood donation center who were matched for age. Thyroid function parameters in patients with lead toxicity were compared with those of control groups.
Results: The lead level in the lead toxicity group was 57.5±23.5 µg/dl, in the first control group with opium addiction 7.8±3.8 µg/dl and in the healthy male referring to a blood donation center, 5.9±9 µg/dl. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was significantly lower in patients with lead poisoning (0.2±0.01 Milli-International Units Per Liter (mIU/L) than in the patients with opioid addiction (2.4±1/05 mIU/L) and healthy male referring to a blood donation center (2.3±0.01 mIU/L) (P= 0.04), and thyroxine hormone (T4) was significantly higher in patients with lead poisoning (17.8±2.6 µg/dl) than in the patients with opioid addiction (8.8±1/9 µg/dl) and healthy male referring to a blood donation center (7.4±3.5 µg/dl) (P= 0.02).
Conclusion: Lead toxicity has an effect on thyroid function and it reduces thyroid stimulating hormone and increases thyroxin levels. Clinicians should be aware of the potential hazardous effects of lead on the thyroid and mechanisms through which lead causes these effects on thyroid function need to be elucidated.

Investigating the responsiveness of the Persian version of functional rating index in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain: brief report
Hojjatollah Foroutani , Noureddin Nakhostin Ansari , Nakhostin Ansari , Shohreh Jalaei ,
Volume 76, Issue 7 (10-2018)
Abstract
Background: It is important to use reliable, valid, and responsive instruments to assess the treatment outcomes. The functional rating index (FRI) is a patient reported outcome measure to assess the pain and function in patients with neck and low back pain. The FRI has been translated and culturally adapted into Persian language. The purpose of this study was to investigate the responsiveness of Persian functional rating index in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain (CNSNP).
Methods: The adult patients with CNSNP recruited from Shariati Hospital in Tehran and filled the Persian functional rating index (PFRI), Persian neck disability index (PNDI), and pain numerical rating scale (NRS) before and after 10 physiotherapy sessions, from March to July 2017. The patients completed the global rating change scale after treatment. For statistical analyses, the effect size (ES), standardized response mean (SRM), Guyatt response index (GRI) were used. The Spearman or Pearson test was used for correlation analyses. The area under the receiver operating curve (ROC) and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) were calculated.
Results: In this study, 30 patients (female 17) with a mean of age 45.6 years [standard deviation (SD) 13.8] participated. The mean duration of neck pain was 14.7 months (SD 12.8). Significant strong and moderate correlations were identified between PFRI with PNDI and GRC scores (r= 0.78 and r= 0.69). The respective ES and SRM values were 0.73 and 0.78 for PFRI. The GRI was 5.58. The AUC was 0.89 (P= 0.001). MCID was 11.7%.
Conclusion: This study confirms that the Persian functional rating index is responsive for assessing disability in Persian speaking patients with chronic non-specific neck pain.

Assessment of cognitive impairments following coronary artery bypass surgery with emphasis on working memory performance
Mohadeseh Mozafari , Seyyed Abolghasem Mehri Nejad , Jamshid Bagheri , Mehrangiz Peyvstegar , Masoud Saghafinia ,
Volume 78, Issue 3 (6-2020)
Abstract
Background: Previous researches have provided contradictory results about on working memory performance after the coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). In addition, studies have focused on the elderly community. For this reason and with regard to the importance and direct effects of working memory on the quality of life human. This study was designed to compare working memory of young CABG patients with age range of 30-55 years one year postoperatively with healthy subjects.
Methods: In this Case-control study, which was conducted from February 2017 to October 2018, two groups of people, 40 patient men with coronary artery bypass graft that admitted to the heart center of Tehran in last year and 64 healthy males were selected with using available sampling method. Both groups were tested with Wechsler's working memory scale.
Results: The results of the study showed that the mean and standard deviation of the age of coronary artery bypass graft patients were 52.65 and 5.559, respectively, and the mean and standard deviation of healthy subjects were 41.81 and 8.619, respectively. The results showed that The two group had significantly difference (P<0.01), in the sub scales of the working memory including of the forward auditory memory and reverse auditory memory, total score of auditory memory, reverse visual memory and auditory memory span and the two groups had significantly difference (P<0.05), in the total score of visual memory. But the two group had not significantly difference (P>0.05) in the forward visual memory (CABG [mean=5.40 & standard deviation=1.41] Healty people [mean=6.13 & standard deviation=3]) and visual memory span (CABG [mean=5.35 & standard deviation=1.12] Healty people [mean=5.56 & standard deviation=1.97]). The results showed that Patients with CABG than healthy people have overall poorer results for all sub scales the of working memory test.
Conclusion: The results of this study confirm the prevalence of relatively high cognitive decline, especially in working memory after CABG, and provide a pattern of persistence of cognitive decline after one year of coronary artery bypass surgery in young patients aged 30 to 55 years.

Identification of mild cognitive impairment disease using brain functional connectivity and graph analysis in fMRI data
Hasan Mohammadi Kiani , Ahmad Shalbaf, Arash Maghsoudi,
Volume 79, Issue 2 (5-2021)
Abstract
Background: Early diagnosis of patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's, known as mild cognitive impairment, is of great importance in the treatment of this disease. If a patient can be diagnosed at this stage, it is possible to treat or delay Alzheimer's disease. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is very common in the process of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we intend to separate subjects with mild cognitive impairment from healthy control based on fMRI data using brain functional connectivity and graph theory.
Methods: In this article, which was done from April to November 2020 in Tehran, after pre-processing the fMRI data, 116 brain regions were extracted using an Automated Anatomical Labeling atlas. Then, the functional connectivity matrix between the time signals of 116 brain regions was calculated using Pearson correlation and mutual information methods. Using functional connectivity calculations, the brain graph network was formed, followed by thresholding of the brain connectivity network to keep significant and strong edges while eliminating weaker edges that were likely noise. Finally, 11 global features were extracted from the graph network and after performing statistical analyses and selecting optimal features; the classification of 14 healthy individuals and 11 patients with mild cognitive impairment was performed using a support vector machine classifier.
Results: Calculations were showed that the mutual information algorithm as a functional connectivity method and five global features of the graph network, including average strength, eccentricity, local efficiency, coefficient clustering and transitivity, using the support vector machine classifier achieved the best performance with the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 84, 86 and 93 percent, respectively.
Conclusion: Combining the features of brain graph and functional connectivity by the mutual information method with a machine learning approach, based on fMRI imaging analysis, is very effective in diagnosing mild cognitive impairment in the early stages of Alzheimer’s which consequently allows treating or delaying this disease.

Relationship between some indices of cardiovascular functions and pulse pressure as a predictor index for heart diseases: a case-control study
Salman Daliri, Mohammad Khanbeigi, Reza Heidary Moghadam , Parisa Asadollahi, Khairollah Asadollahi,
Volume 79, Issue 8 (11-2021)
Abstract
Background: Pulse pressure has recently been considered as a predictor of coronary heart disease. The difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure is called pulse pressure. Various factors including increased age, vascular stiffness, stenosis, and hypertension are associated with pulse pressure. The present study, therefore, aimed to investigate the relationship between some cardiovascular function indicators such as vascular stenosis, blood pressure and cardiac output with pulse pressure as a predictor of cardiovascular diseases.
Methods: This case-control study was performed on 544 patients who were referred to Imam Ali Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran, from March 2015 to February 2016. In this study, according to the angiographic findings, individuals with artery stenosis were considered as the case group (n=272) and those without artery stenosis were considered as the control group (n=272). Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and odds ratio estimation by SPSS22 software.
Results: According to the findings of this study, ages over 50 (OR: 3.3, 95% CI: 2.1-5.2), high systolic blood pressure (OR: 8, 95% CI: 4.3-15.2), high diastolic blood pressure (OR: 4.9, 95% CI: 2.0-11.7), cardiac output less than 50% (OR: 1.8%, 95% CI: 1.3-2.7) and vascular stenosis (OR: 3.5, 95% CI: 2.4-5.1) were associated with high pulse pressure. The male gender had a preventive role in increasing of pulse pressure (OR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5-0.9). A significant relationship was demonstrated between systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure (P<0.0001).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, the chances of having high pulse pressure are high among individuals over 50 years of age, female gender, those with elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and individuals with high coronary artery stenosis. This chance is associated with decreased cardiac output and coronary stenosis. Increased pulse pressure is a predictive indicator of cardiovascular disease and it is recommended that pulse pressure measurements of all referrals, especially those who are being referred to cardiology clinics, are taken into account by medical professionals to prevent adverse clinical outcomes.

The effect of Perineoplasty surgery and anterior-posterior repair (APR) on body image, sexual function, and quality of life in women.
Maryam Hajihashemy , Narges Agha Esmaeli , Azar Danesh Shahraki , Fedyeh Haghollahi ,
Volume 80, Issue 3 (6-2022)
Abstract
Background: Pelvic organ prolapse is one of the elements increasing the prevalence of Female Sexual Dysfunction which influences the lifestyles of women and their marital relationships. One of the critical desires of surgical remedies of those women, further than enhancing signs and symptoms and restoring regular anatomy, is to preserve and enhance sexual function. The effect of perineorrhaphy and anterior-posterior vaginal repair on body image, sexual function, and quality of life in postoperative women is one of the objectives of this study.
Methods: The present study is a clinical trial without a control group. 119 women referred to Shahid Beheshti and Al-Zahra hospitals in Isfahan, aged 28-49 years, with rectocele and cystocele, uterine prolapse and a candidate for perineal surgery and anterior-posterior vaginal repair, entered the study from October 2020 to August 2021. Data collection tools were three questionnaires on Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Multidimensional Body–Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ), and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) that were completed before and 6 months after surgery by interviewing individuals. All surgeries were performed by a Fellowship in pelvic floor disorder, and the type of surgery was the same in all patients. Data were analyzed using a dependent t-test.
Results: Data of 119 women with rectocele, second and third-degree cystocele with maximal grade 1 apex prolapse, and candidates for perineorrhaphy and anterior-posterior vaginal repair were evaluated. The mean age of the study samples was 36.40±6.39 years and the age range was 28 to 49 years (before menopause).
 In the postoperative stage; perineorrhaphy and anterior-posterior vaginal repair affect body image, improvement of sexual function, and quality of life in women (P<0.001).
Conclusion: It seems that perineorrhaphy and anterior-posterior vaginal repair affect the body image, Improving sexual function and quality of life, and can be effective in improving the quality and improving the relationship between couples who need this surgery.

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 (1-2023)
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.

Effect of cell therapy compared to renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blocking agent in chronic kidney disease in cat-animal model
Nahid Askari, Ali Ali Shafieipour , Soudeh Khanamani Falahati-Pour,
Volume 81, Issue 5 (8-2023)
Abstract
Background: Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is a promising therapy for kidney repair. This study compared the regenerative effects of feline MSCs (fMSCs) and telmisartan, a renin-angiotensin blocker (RAB), in a feline model of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Methods: The fMSCs were obtained from 35 Persian cats with CKD and characterized by CD44, CD90, and CD105 markers by using real-time RT-qPCR. The cats were randomly allocated to four groups, fMSCs injection (first group), telmisartan administration (second group), no treatment (third group), and healthy controls (fourth group). The study was conducted in Kerman province from December 2018 to December 2019. The factors that may affect the risk of CKD, such as age, weight, and history of kidney diseases, were considered as independent variables. The presence or absence of CKD was the dependent variable. The cats were followed up for 120 days and evaluated by physical examination, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), serum urea, alanine transaminase (ALT), urine specific gravity (SG), and kidney histopathology. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 20) with two-way ANOVA and Tukey test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The fMSCs group showed significant improvement in GFR, BUN, SCr, serum urea, SG, and kidney histology compared to the other groups. The fMSCs group also showed increased expression of CD44, CD90, and CD105 genes in the kidney tissue, indicating enhanced stem cell activity. The telmisartan group showed modest improvement in blood pressure and proteinuria, but no significant effect on other parameters. fMSCs transplantation can restore the kidney function and structure in cats with CKD by modulating the apoptosis and proliferation of renal cells. The telmisartan  patients benefited from the anti-hypertensive and anti-proteinuric effects of the drug, but not from its anti-fibrotic or anti-inflammatory effects.
Conclusion: fMSCs transplantation was more effective than telmisartan in improving kidney function and reducing kidney damage in cats with CKD. fMSCs may be a potential therapeutic option for CKD patients.

Comparison of changes in right ventricular echocardiographic indices in pregnant women in the third trimester and non-pregnant women
Mohammad Haji Aghajani , Mohammad Parsa Mahjoob , Reza Miri , Roxana Sadeghi , Fatemeh Omidi , Maryam Roozitalab,
Volume 82, Issue 9 (12-2024)
Abstract
Background: Changes in the heart during pregnancy, especially changes in the left side of the heart, have been evaluated in various studies. However, alterations in the right ventricle have not been well studied. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the changes in echocardiographic indices of the right ventricle in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 30 pregnant women, as case group, in their second trimester who were referred to the perinatology clinic of Imam Hossein Hospital, Tehran, were examined by trans-thoracic echocardiography From April 4, 2023, to April 10, 2024. The results of the control group were compared with 30 age-matched non-pregnant and healthy women, as the control group. Exclusion criteria included multiple gestation, maternal age > 40, underlying cardiovascular disease, and significant obstetric or fetal complications. Hemodynamics and demographic data including age, height, weight, and body mass index were recorded and compared. Also, the anatomical and functional indices of the right ventricle were evaluated and compared.
Results: 60 participants were enrolled in this study. The two investigated groups were similar in terms of age, but the weight, height, and BMI were significantly different in the two groups; Such that weight and body mass index were significantly higher in pregnant women and height in non-pregnant women (p<0.05). Comparison of echocardiographic indices showed that tricuspid regurgitation gradient (TRG) and fractional area change (FAC) were significantly different in the two groups (in pregnant women, TRG index was higher and FAC index was lower (p<0.05)). Right atrium area, RV length, base of RV, mid of RV, and Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion showed no significant differences between case and control group.
Conclusion: FAC and TRG indices were significantly different between pregnant women and the control group. Paying attention to the changes in the normal values of these variables in pregnant women can be useful in improving the diagnosis of disorders and preventing the occurrence of cardiac events during pregnancy.
 

The effect of dry needle on tissue repair of ligament injury in the acute stage of ankle sprain
Morteza Talebi Doluee , Mohsen Ramzanzadeh, Majid Shahbazi, Mahdi Foroughian,
Volume 83, Issue 1 (4-2025)
Abstract
Background: Ankle sprain is one of the most common sports injuries and accounts for 10 to 30 percent of sports injuries, especially in athletes. This injury can lead to pain, imbalance, and movement restriction, and therefore has a significant impact on athletes' performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dry needling on tissue repair of ligamentous injury in the acute phase of ankle sprain.
Methods: This double-blind clinical trial study was conducted on 52 patients with ankle sprains at Imam Reza Hospital in 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: control and intervention. The control group received conventional treatment including medication and splints, while the intervention group received dry needling in addition to conventional treatments. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 21 software and descriptive statistics and inferential statistical tests at a significance level of P<0.05.
Results: The results showed that the intervention group showed significant improvement in pain (P=0.002), activities of daily living (P<0.001), sports activities (P<0.001), plantar flexion (P=0.027), dorsiflexion (P=0.003), inversion (P=0.012), and edema (P=0.005) compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference in symptom severity (P=0.752) and quality of life (P=0.348) between the two groups. Overall patient change analysis showed that most patients in the intervention group improved, while only 7.7% in the control group improved.
Conclusion:  A combination of splinting, medication, and dry needling can be effective in improving pain, daily activities, exercise and recreation, range of motion, and edema in patients with ankle sprains. These findings can provide a basis for implementing new treatment protocols for the management of ankle sprains in athletes and other injured patients. It is recommended that further studies be conducted on the long-term effects of dry needling and other therapeutic interventions to further identify their potential to accelerate the recovery process in patients.
 

Effects of using autologous fibrin sealant in functional endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized controlled clinical trialbackground
Ehsan Nasirai, Mehdi Bakhshaee, Bashir Rasoulian, Daryoush Hamidi Alamdari, Kiana Ketabi, Imaneh Roshanzamir,
Volume 83, Issue 5 (8-2025)
Abstract
Background: To improve hemostasis and optimize the healing process, autologous fibrin sealant (FS) has been introduced in selected cases. However, the clinical benefits of FS in sinonasal surgery remain controversial and require further evaluation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of autologous FS on hemostasis, mucosal healing, postoperative clinical outcomes, and recurrence in patients undergoing bilateral FESS, compared with normal saline as the control.
Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 32 patients who underwent bilateral FESS at Ghaem and Imam Reza University Hospitals in Mashhad, Iran, between 2019 and 2021. For each patient, autologous FS was applied to one nasal cavity, while the contralateral cavity received normal saline. Postoperative outcomes including bleeding, crusting, adhesion formation, and infection were assessed at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery. In addition, sinonasal symptom burden and endoscopic findings were evaluated using the Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and the Lund-Kennedy endoscopic score, respectively, both recorded preoperatively and three months postoperatively.
Results: Application of autologous FS significantly reduced immediate postoperative bleeding, and no further bleeding events were noted during follow-up. Pain severity was comparable between the two sides. No statistically significant differences were observed in crust formation, adhesion, infection, recurrence, or changes in Lund-Kennedy scores between the FS and control sides (p=0.08, p=0.8, p=0.17, and p=0.14, respectively).
Conclusion: Autologous fibrin sealant reduced early postoperative bleeding without adversely affecting pain control, mucosal healing, or recurrence after FESS. Larger randomized trials with extended follow-up are recommended to determine its definitive clinical value and potential for routine use in surgical practice.

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