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Complications of trans-obturator mesh surgery in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence; A 10 Year Review
Shahnaz Barat, Goldis Ola , Zinatossadat Bouzari, Azita Ghanbarpour, Hoda Shirafkan,
Volume 81, Issue 6 (September 2023)
Abstract
Background: Urinary stress incontinence occurs due to weakness of the urethral sphincter and/or weakness of the pelvic floor muscles. The purpose of this study is to investigate the complications of TOT surgery in the treatment of women with stress urinary February.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted on women suffering from stress urinary incontinence who underwent TOT surgery in Rohani and Mehregan Hospitals of Babol between March 2010 and February 2019. In order to record early complications, the medical records available in the clinic were referred to for the examination of patients one week and two months after the operation. The late complications of the operation were also investigated at the time of entering the study. Also, satisfaction with the procedure was scored using a visual scale (score 0 to 100). SPSS version 26 software was used in this study. Also, the significance level is less than 0.05.
Results: The study included 59 patients, the majority of whom were housewives (91.5%), had an education level below high school (74.6%), and were menopausal (71.2%). The average age of the participants is 54.92±9.40 years. The most common postoperative complications were Dyspareunia (20.3%), lower urinary symptoms (13.6%), and incontinency (10.2%). Also, the rarest complications were intraoperative injury to the urethra or bladder (1.7%), mild Vaginal erogenous (1.7%), pain at the operation site (3.4%), and need for adjuvant treatment (3.4%). In response to the question of whether you would recommend this surgery to others who have the same problem, 53 people (83.89%) responded positively. The average level of patients' satisfaction with the operation (on a scale of 0 to 100) was 88.64±23.44. According to the T-test, there is a statistically significant relationship between the incidence of postoperative complications and the level of patient satisfaction (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Dyspareunia is the most common and complications during surgery such as damage to the urethra are the rarest complications of TOT surgery.

Effect of resistance training modalities on angiogenic indices in sedentary male students
Mohammad Ali Gharaat , Yaghoob Mehri Alvar,
Volume 81, Issue 6 (September 2023)
Abstract
Background: Angiogenesis is a physiological process leading to capillary density enhancement and better blood distribution in skeletal muscles, which triggers in response to physical training. The present study aimed to investigate the changes in physiological factors involved in angiogenesis in response to circuit or traditional resistance training.
Methods: Thirty-six healthy sedentary students who were studying at Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University of Tehran (age: 22.1±2.3 years; height: 172.7±5.1 cm) volunteered to participate in the study (from October 2021 to February 2022). Following a pre-test to evaluate one repetition maximum (1RM) of selected movements (Leg Press, Leg Curl, Leg Extension, Bench Pull, Seated Row, Biceps Curl), subjects randomly divided into Circuit Resistance training (CRT) (training protocol included 4 circles/3 times a week/8 weeks circuit performance/50-55% 1 Repetition Maximum (1RM), n=12), Traditional resistance training (RT) (training protocol included 8 repetition/3 set/3 time per week/8 weeks of same movements with 75% 1RM followed by 2 minutes break to rest between the sets; n=12) and the control group without any regular training (n=12). We assessed the level of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), plasma level of growth hormone (GH), and Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (BFGF) to the mentioned training methods. Data were evaluated by utilizing SPSS version 14.
Results: Present findings showed that CRT and RT protocols resulted in significant increases in post-test compared to pre-test in VEGF (P=0.00), GH (P=0.04), and BFGF (P=0.00). In addition, the magnitude of changes in VEGF and GH were significantly greater than the magnitude of changes in control group in post-test (P=0.03, and 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between absolute values of GH and VEGF (r=0.74 and r=0.71) following CRT (P=0.01) and RT (P=0.02).
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that CRT and RT might enhance angiogenesis through an increase in VEGF, bFGF and GH, leading to better blood distribution in muscles.

Frequency of causes of otalgia in patients referred to the ENT clinic: a brief report
Mohamad Ali Damghani , Ayeh Shamsadini , Elham Abbaszade,
Volume 81, Issue 6 (September 2023)
Abstract
Background: Otalgia is defined as pain localizing in the ear that can be primary or referred. By careful history and physical examination, all causes in this extensive differential diagnosis can be excluded. Given that otalgia is one of the most common causes for patients to visit the clinic and has a wide variety of differential diagnosis, the purpose of this study is to investigate the frequency of different etiologies of ear pain in patients referred to referral clinic.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on patients presenting with otalgia. After entering the study, the patient underwent a thorough examination of the ear, nose, throat, head and neck, teeth and salivary glands by a resident under the supervision of a senior otologist, and based on the findings, relevant para clinical procedures such as x-ray, CT scan or stroboscopy were performed. Data collection was done based on a data log check list. Samples were collected during six months. SPSS software version 20 was used for analyses.
Results: The most common causes of otalgia were acute otitis media 29%, external otitis 17% and chronic otitis media 15%. Cerumen and referral ear pain were next in line (13.5%). There was significant relationship between otalgia with age groups (The age between 13 and 30 years were the most referred due to otalgia). There was no significant relationship between otalgia and gender, underlying disease, economic status, smoking and opium use.
Conclusion: Given that otalgia is a common complaint in patients referred to the clinic, knowing its causes and origin is useful in diagnosing, proper treating it and avoiding unnecessary para clinical procedures and empirical treatment. The most common causes of otalgia in this study were acute otitis media, otitis externa and chronic otitis media, respectively. Referral otalgia and cerumen impaction were the next causes. Among the age groups, the age between 13 and 30 years were the most referred due to otalgia, but there was no significant relationship with any of the variables of gender, economic status and smoking and opium use.

Actual and potential health benefactors: a letter to editor
Ali Asghar Khaleghi,
Volume 81, Issue 6 (September 2023)
Abstract

Enhancing bioterrorism defense, leveraging animal models for viral drug and vaccine development: a review article
Hadi Lotfi, Morteza Izadi, Ehsan Lutfi , Hadi Esmaeili Gouvarchin Ghaleh,
Volume 81, Issue 7 (October 2023)
Abstract
Deliberate or threatening use of viruses, bacteria, toxins, or poisonous substances prepared from living organisms to cause death or disease in humans, animals, and plants is called bioterrorism. These agents can be spread by spraying them in the air, causing infection in animals, transferring this infection to humans, or contaminating water and food sources. Defense measures, such as emergency responses to this type of terrorism, are unfamiliar and unknown. The general state of helplessness caused by the lack of complete preparation and the lack of anti-pollution strategies complicates the issue. The ability and widespread interest of civilian personnel to participate in the development of chemical and biological weapons is directly related to easy access to academic excellence around the world. Another factor is the tempting misuse of freely available electronic data and knowledge about the production of antibiotics, vaccines, and conventional weapons with their various complex details. The use of animals in laboratory research to better understand the mechanisms of disease and treatment and to overcome the limitations of clinical trials has a long history. For many viruses, laboratory diagnostic methods and reagents must be continuously modified to account for genetic variations and variants. Unlike bacterial diseases, many of which can be treated with antimicrobial drugs, there are fewer medical countermeasures to combat viral infections. Many of these pathogens are lethal or cause debilitating diseases in humans, making it ethically inappropriate to test the effectiveness of these countermeasures on human volunteers. Researchers must have a correct understanding of various animal models so that they can make the correct choice, gain a better understanding of the clinical symptoms of viral diseases, and provide possible options for treatment and vaccine development. It should be noted that decision-making when faced with a biological attack should be done away from too much fear, and this requires researchers to have prior knowledge of facing these threats. Despite all these checks and measures taken in advance, the international preparedness against these attacks is weak, which can be attributed to the lack of global plans to deal with the epidemic.

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.

Investigating the relationship between types of breast tumors and menopause in women
Ahmad Kachoei, Monireh Mirzaei , Amrolah Salimi, Mostafa Vahidian, Shima Rahimi, Ali Ghalehnoie,
Volume 81, Issue 7 (October 2023)
Abstract
Background: Considering the high prevalence of breast masses and the importance of screening and follow-up for malignancies in women, and since age and hormonal changes during menopause play a role in determining the type of pathology and prognosis of the masses, the purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between menopause and mass pathology.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional-analytical study that was conducted in order to investigate the types of pathology of breast masses and their relationship with the age of menopause in women referred to Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Qom between April 2013 and April 2019. The inclusion criteria include: having sufficient file information and having a contact number to complete personal information, no history of cancer in other parts of the body and simultaneous malignancies, and the exclusion criteria also include: samples that were taken by cellular aspiration sampling, There were women who had a history of first-degree breast malignancy and were previously diagnosed with breast cancer and there was a possibility that the new mass under study was metastatic. Finally, the patients' information was extracted from the files and recorded in pre-prepared checklists. And the supplementary information of the incomplete files was asked and completed using the contact information of the patients. After collecting the information, using SPSS software version 26 and with chi-square and t-test statistical tests and considering the significance level of 0.05 the data was analyzed.
Results: He prevalence of malignancy in postmenopausal women was higher than in premenopausal women. Also, a significant difference was found between tumor size, the presence or absence of metastasis, and menopause (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between tumor location and menopause (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Breast malignancies (invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive mixed carcinoma, mucinous, medullary, and papillary carcinoma) were more common in postmenopausal women than non-menopausal women. In both groups, ductal dilatation and chronic inflammation were the most benign findings, and fibroadenoma was found at a much lower rate in menopausal women than in non-menopausal.

The associated risk factors of premature rupture of membrane (PROM) and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) among pregnant women in Firooz-abadi hospital
Maryam Fakehi, Marjan Ghaemi, Nasim Eshraghi, Melina Poorkazemi, Maryam Mazloomi, Fedyeh Haghollahi,
Volume 81, Issue 8 (November 2023)
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to identify the associated risk factors of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).
Methods: This retrospective case-control study was conducted at Firooz-abadi Hospital between 2019 and 2021. The study included 90 pregnant women diagnosed with PROM or PPROM (case group), compared with 90 women without this complication (control group) who presented to the hospital during the specified period. Demographic and clinical information of the case group was collected and compared with data from 90 pregnant women in the control group, matched for gestational age and other relevant factors. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the differences between the groups.
Results: Maternal age and weight were found to be significantly lower in the case group compared to the control group (P=0.02, P<0.001, respectively). This suggests that younger age and lower maternal weight may be risk factors for PROM and PPROM. Furthermore, the number of women with a history of PROM or PPROM was significantly higher in the Case group (P<0.001), indicating that a previous occurrence of membrane rupture increases the risk of subsequent incident. In addition, the study findings showed a significantly higher rate of smoking among pregnant women in the case group compared to the control group (P=0.04). Moreover, the occurrence of urinary tract infections during pregnancy and chorioamnionitis was significantly higher in the case group (P<0.001), suggesting that these infections may contribute to membrane rupture.
Conclusion: In conclusion, our study provides valuable insights into the risk factors associated with PROM and PPROM. It highlights that lower maternal age and weight, a history of PROM or PPROM, lower gestational age, a history of gestational diabetes mellitus and first-trimester bleeding, smoking, and urinary tract infections during pregnancy are significantly associated with an increased risk of PROM and PPROM. These findings emphasize the importance of early identification and management of these risk factors in order to prevent or mitigate the occurrence of PROM and PPROM, ultimately improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. Further research and public health initiatives are warranted to raise awareness and promote preventive measures targeting these identified risk factors.

Initial crohn’s disease flare-up following an anal trauma in a 2.5-year-old boy: a case report
Ali Samady Khanghah , Maryam Khalesi , Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Hokmabadi, Khashayar Atqiaee,
Volume 81, Issue 8 (November 2023)
Abstract
Background: Crohn's disease is considered a heterogeneous disorder with multi-factorial etiologies, in which the interaction of genetics and environment manifests the disease. Adverse childhood experiences can affect future physical and mental health outcomes. The rich innervation of the intestine with the Vagus nerve and hormonal interactions on the one hand and the constant contact of the digestive system with various pathogenic and non-pathogenic antigens have a proven role in autoimmune diseases and can gradually be chosen as a therapeutic goal.
Case Presentation: We are reporting a case of Crohn's flare-up after trauma in a pediatric case. A 2.5-year-old male with a through and through anal trauma was presented in Akbar Children's Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, Spring 2023 with active bleeding but conscious. He then underwent a physical examination under general anesthesia in the operating room. At the Lithotomy position, a penetrating wound at the 3 o'clock anal verge and a tear in the perineal area at 9 o'clock, which, according to the evidence of pus discharge, were seen hours after the incident which was irrigated with normal saline and Hydrogen Peroxide respectively. Due to the contamination of the area, a supportive colostomy was decided to be closed after six months. At the appointed time during the colonoscopy, the pediatric gastroenterologist noticed extensive inflammation in the distal patch of the colon, which was consistent with Crohn's disease. Histopathological studies then confirmed this diagnosis. This was even though there were no symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease in the history of the boy's illness before the accident. The patient is then treated with prednisolone, Asacol, and ciprofloxacin, and after the disease subsides, the colostomy surgery team closes the disease.
Conclusion: Trauma can be an immune-disrupting factor in the digestive system, and trying to reset the brain-gut axis can be chosen as a therapeutic goal.

A systematic review on the effect of brachytherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer
Mostafa Kazemi , Mohammad Hossain Dadkhah Tehrani , Ali Asghar Khaleghi, Masoud Mohammadi ,
Volume 81, Issue 9 (December 2023)
Abstract
Background: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, which is associated with a high prevalence, especially in the elderly male population. Treatment options for non-metastatic prostate cancer usually include active surveillance, radiotherapy and surgery, so the aim of the present study is a systematic review of brachytherapy in the treatment of prostate cancer.
Methods: The study conducted is a systematic review article in which a review of the treatment of prostate cancer with brachytherapy has been done. The information used is taken from articles published in Persian and English in Google scholar, SID and PubMed databases from 2000 to 2022. The selected keywords in this article included Brachy therapy, Prostate cancer, Radio therapy, Prostate neoplasms, High dose rate, Low dose rate and External beam radio therapy. Selection of studies was done according to PRISMA guidelines.
Results: Brachytherapy can be classified into 2 types of permanent implantation and temporary implantation based on the length of the treatment period. In permanent brachytherapy implants for prostate cancer, iodine (125I) or palladium (103Pd) are used as radioactive sources for low dose rate cases and for high dose rate brachytherapy. Iridium (192Ir) is used. Brachytherapy is usually used in two ways, either as a monotherapy in which LDR and HDR are used to treat some low-risk patients, or as a booster treatment after other treatments such as EBRT, which here may be part of the treatment process before, after, or during treatment. In contrast to brachytherapy alone, brachytherapy plus EBRT is an appropriate approach in patients with intermediate-risk and high-risk disease. In high-risk patients, the combined use of EBRT and HDR-BT can lead to better results than EBRT alone. Brachytherapy treatment is not suitable for every disease.
Conclusion: One of the main advantages of this treatment method is the ability to administer a high dose of radiation while minimizing radiation exposure to adjacent healthy organs. Since optimal dose distribution occurs in the treatment, quality treatment can be ensured. The results obtained from both forms of brachytherapy are generally suitable and comparable to other treatment methods with fewer side effects.

Determining the relationship between evidence-based medicine with academic self-efficacy and research self-efficacy in medical students
Arghavan Afra, Pouriya Nafari, Masoud Foroutan, Mahboobeh Momtazan , Naser Kamyari,
Volume 81, Issue 9 (December 2023)
Abstract
Background: Correct clinical decision-making has a significant impact on the treatment process, achieving the expected clinical outcome and increasing patient satisfaction, and identifying the factors affecting it is essential for evidence-based medical education. This study aimed to determine the relationship between evidence-based medicine with academic self-efficacy and research self-efficacy of medical students.
Methods: This descriptive analytical study conducted from October 2022 to October 2023 on 45 medical students at Abadan University of Medical Sciences. After obtaining consent from the students and registering demographic and educational information, data collection was performed using evidence-based medicine, academic self-efficacy, and research self-efficacy questionnaires. Then data analyzed by descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, Spearman correlation coefficient, and regression model in SPSS.
Results: The findings of our study showed that research self-efficacy in students who had research experience (189.03) was significantly higher than students who did not have research experience (140.76).  In addition, the average score of academic and research self-efficacy and evidence-based medicine in students who had a history of membership in the student research committee was significantly higher than students who did not have a history of membership. Finally, it was found that evidence-based medicine had a direct and significant relationship with research self-efficacy (r=0.361, P<0.05) and academic self-efficacy (r=0.457, P<0.001). In examining the relationship between academic self-efficacy and research self-efficacy, it was also found that these two variables have a direct and significant relationship with each other (r=0.714, P<0.001). As well as, there was no significant relationship between academic self-efficacy, research self-efficacy, and understanding the characteristics of evidence-based practice with any of the variables of age, gender and entry year (P>0.05).
Conclusion:  According to the obtained results, it can be concluded that academic self-efficacy and research self-efficacy have an effect on evidence-based medicine, and all of the above can be improved by teaching  medical students to participate in student research committees and doing research work. In this way, it improves the quality of treatment in doctors.

Investigating the mean indexes of the cervical vertebrae through radiography in normal peop
Mahsa Akhavan-Sabbagh, Mohammad Ghasem Hanafi , Mozhgan Samet Zadeh , Arvin Rostami ,
Volume 81, Issue 9 (December 2023)
Abstract
Background: The study of the angles between the vertebrae and the curvatures of the spine plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of spinal disorders. Among the essential topics, the cervical sagittal parameters are widely used in evaluating cervical spine disorders and surgery. Measurement of cervical lordosis curves in healthy people is influenced by various factors. This study was conducted in order to investigate the average indexes of the cervical vertebrae in simple graphs in normal people.
Methods: In this descriptive study, using Gunya and Radiant software, radiographic photographs of the lateral view of the cervical region of 50 people (28 men and 22 women) who were referred for purposes other than problems related to neck pain were examined. Patients who were candidates for surgery and congenital disorders of the cervical spine were excluded. The study was conducted between March to April 2022. In this study, 12 cervical indexes were comprehensively measured and the scope of their changes in relation to age and gender was investigated. The measurements were conducted by an experienced radiologist.
Results:  In this study, 50 participants including 28 male (58%) and 22 female (44%) were included in the study. The mean age of participants 38.42 ± 2.1 years. After comparing the two genders, except for C0-C2/C2-C7 ratio index (4.9 in men and 2.6 in women) (P= 0.012), no significant difference was seen for other indexes (P> 0.05). After comparing the two groups, a significant difference was seen only in the T1 slope (T1S) index, which was significantly higher in people over 35 years old than in people under 35 years old (71.15 vs. 69.04) (P=0.049).
Conclusion: The evidence from this study shows that T1S increases with age and C0-C2/C2-C7 is significantly less in women than in men. These findings can be used to diagnose pathology or destructive changes in the elderly, to evaluate movement disorders, the effectiveness of treatment, and to determine the outcome.

The relationship between stroke and physical activity: effects of exercise on prevention and rehabilitation: a review article
Hamid Reza Choobdari , Mohammad Ali Gharaat ,
Volume 81, Issue 10 (January 2024)
Abstract
Stroke is a medical condition in which occluded blood flow to the brain causes cell necrosis. The main types of stroke are ischemic (due to lack of blood flow with much higher prevalence) and hemorrhagic (due to bleeding with low prevalence). Ischemic stroke is caused by the reduction of blood to the brain tissue or complete occlusion of brain vessels by a blood clot following arterial plaques rapture of cerebral arteries due to atherosclerosis, cerebral myocardial infarction and small vascular lesion infarction. Inflammatory reactions, increased oxidative stress, cell death and autophagy are the most aggravating factors in this condition. Instead, hemorrhagic stroke is caused by spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage, highly common in men. To prevent the possible causes of stroke, investigators attempted to study about the ways that may decrease the risk factors such as trauma, high arterial hypertension, alcohol, low-density lipoprotein and glycerides, tobacco and drugs. Physical activity is a potent inhibitory factor which reported to be effective in prevention of stroke and post-stroke rehabilitation. Aerobic, combined or strenuous activities protect brain tissue by balancing apoptotic and anti-apoptotic pathways, stimulating angiogenesis, reducing oxidative stress, increasing antioxidant activity, optimizing Integrity and preservation of the blood-brain barrier, improving nerve functions and preventing neuronal death. The mechanisms involved in rehabilitation after ischemic stroke with physical activity mostly refer to improved dendrites and synapses, synaptic flexibility, regulation of inotropic receptors with glutamate, increased BDNF, GAP43 and insulin-like growth factor. In patients with cognitive impairments following acute ischemic stroke, high intensity exercise improves processing timing and attention allocation, self-independence, walking ability, aerobic power and reduces memory degradation. Moreover, early start of physical activity after ischemic stroke inhibits the initial physiological response to stroke and prevents optimal recovery. In contrary, reports show positive effects of onset of physical exercise a day after stroke. In hemorrhagic stroke, exercise reduces systolic blood pressure, moderates resting blood pressure via parasympathetic regulations and triggers angiogenesis in the nervous system. Light to moderate or long-term physical training is recommended in comparison to short-term high-intensity training. In addition, early onset of physical activity during recovery after stroke may be beneficial.

Preventable risk factors of hospital readmission in stroke patients: an integrative review
Mohammad Rajabpour, Abbas Heidary , Kavian Ghandehari , Amir Mirhaghi,
Volume 81, Issue 10 (January 2024)
Abstract
Background: Despite advances in medical treatments, readmission of stroke patients remains high and has been reported between 31% and 56.1% during the first year after discharge. The difference between the risk factors of readmission and the risk factors of stroke is not clear. The purpose of this study is: 1) to determine the preventable risk factors associated with stroke readmission and 2) to provide a conceptual model for preventable factors that effective in the readmission of stroke patients.
Methods: This integrated review was performed according to Whittemore and Knafl (2005) method in five stages including problem identification, literature search, data evaluation, data analysis, and presentation. In order to find relevant articles, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus databases and Google Scholar search engine were searched. The search was conducted using the keywords "stroke," "readmission," "recurrence," "re-hospitalization," "review," and "systematic review," for the period between January 2023 and September 2023, following the PRISMA guidelines. In addition to providing a qualitative synthesis of readmission factors categorized into categories, a conceptual model of these factors was also presented.
Results: Out of a total of 3785 article titles, 38 articles were included in the study for the final analysis after screening and removing duplicates. The most important risk factors for readmission in four categories: (1) knowledge deficit about the comorbidities (such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes), (2) unhealthy diet and medicine, (3) high-risk behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use disorder), and (4) psychological distress (depression and worry about the future). In addition, the conceptual model showed that the most important preventable factor in readmission of stroke patients is of knowledge deficit about comorbidities (especially hypertension). 
Conclusion: The most important preventable risk factors that are effective in the readmission of stroke patients are knowledge deficit regarding clinical risk factors, especially high blood pressure, high-risk behaviors and unhealthy diet and medicine. Therefore, more detailed care and follow-up programs should be designed for stroke patients after discharge.

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.

The relationship of serum iron and ferritin levels with mucormycosis infection in diabetic patients having acute COVID-19 during the year 2021 in Kermanshah University of medical sciences
Shayda Barat, Khosro Iranfar, Mahsa Ghanbari,
Volume 81, Issue 10 (January 2024)
Abstract
Background: Mucormycosis is a rare and aggressive opportunistic fungal infection that has grown significantly in recent years. This infection is rarely seen in healthy people. Mucormycosis usually appears as an acute infection with manifestations in the rhino-cerebral, pulmonary and skin areas, and sometimes its manifestations can be seen as a widespread infection. The special importance of mucormycosis is due to its high mortality rate, which leads to death in 75 to 80 percent of cases. The specific susceptibility of some patients to mucormycosis points to the importance of iron absorption in the pathogenesis of mucormycosis, therefore, we decided to investigate the relationship between serum iron and ferritin levels and mucormycosis disease in patients with underlying factors predisposing to COVID-19.
Methods: This study is a case-control type, in which patients with mucormycosis after contracting COVID-19 and also with a history of diabetes mellitus as the case group and patients with COVID-19 and a history of diabetes mellitus are considered as the control group and the serum level of iron and ferritin will be measured and compared in both groups and the outcome of the study will be determined based on the obtained results.The study took place in hospitals of the Kermanshah university of medical sciences in the Kermanshah city from March 2021 to March 2022.
Results: In this study, 38 patients were examined in two groups of patients with mucormycosis along with COVID-19 and diabetes in the case group and patients with  COVID-19 and diabetes in the control group with an average age of 63 years. In this study, there was no significant difference between the average age in the two studied groups. However, a significant difference was observed between serum iron and ferritin levels in two groups.
Conclusion: Hyperferritinemia is considered not only as an indicator of the systemic inflammatory process in the infection of COVID-19, but also indicates an increase in free iron level, which, as a result, contributes to the growth and spread of the fungus (mucormycosis).

Microbiota and probiotics, a new approach in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer: a review article
Saeedeh Keyvani-Ghamsari , Kiana Nouri, Ali Khaleseh Nejad , Shokoufeh Hassani,
Volume 81, Issue 11 (February 2024)
Abstract
Today, despite vast advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer is still the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Various factors such as race, age, family history, mutation in the BRCA1/2 gene, diet, inactivity, alcohol consumption, and estrogen levels have been identified as risk factors for breast cancer. In recent years, microbiota has also been recognized as a new risk factor in breast cancer. In fact, the change in the microbial balance that occurs due to many environmental and internal factors of the body can be effective in the spread of cancer by affecting the intracellular pathways and signals. Studies have shown that intestinal dysbiosis affects the spread of breast cancer by affecting the metabolism and production of estrogen, or mechanisms unrelated to estrogen, such as the production of microbial metabolites that affect the immune system and lead to chronic inflammation. In addition, it has been proven that the breast tissue also has its microbiota, the types of which are different in healthy people, patients, even in different stages of breast cancer, and its subgroups. In such a way that a large amount of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Lactobacillus, and Actinobacteria are observed in healthy breasts, while their ratio changes in cancerous tissues. Considering the relationship between microbiota and breast cancer, maintaining a healthy microbiota is a new and significant approach to reducing the risk of developing, spreading, and managing this cancer. In this regard, compounds such as probiotics that can affect the balance of intestinal microbiota are considered as an effective approach to prevent and treat breast cancer. Probiotics can stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria by causing physicochemical changes and affecting the metabolism of the intestinal microbiota. Furthermore, the consumption of probiotics can prevent the proliferation of cancer cells and reduce the tumor size by balancing the immune system, reducing inflammation, and inducing apoptosis in the cancer cells. This study describes the importance of microbiota in breast cancer, the difference between microbiota in a healthy person and a sick person, and the role of probiotics in the treatment of breast cancer.

Evaluating the role of brain MRI in predicting clinical outcome of global developmental delay in children
Alireza Dehghan, Mahbube Abshirini, Hamid Nemati, Mahdi Saeedi-Moghadam ,
Volume 81, Issue 11 (February 2024)
Abstract
Background: Developmental disorders in children include a group of problems and limitations in learning and acquiring specific skills of each age group. The term global developmental delay is used to describe developmental disability in children under five years of age, which is in at least two areas of major development. Neuroradiological imaging such as brain MRI provides important information for physicians. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of brain MRI in predicting the clinical outcome of global developmental delay in children.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, from 79 - from September 2013 to September 2018 at Motahari Clinic of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz Iran - eligible children with developmental disabilities, 37 patient who had brain MRI were selected as a sample and children scores in five ASQ clinical areas and MRI findings were reviewed and compared. Patients suffering from metabolic, genetic, trauma, infection and neoplasms problems and diseases were excluded from the study.
Results: Out of 37 patients studied, 23 were female and 14 were male with a dispersion of three 3 to 60 months of age. 31 of these children had at least one abnormal finding in brain MRI images and the other six were completely normal. In relation to the imaging findings, the highest frequency is related to abnormal head circumference with a prevalence of 54% and the lowest frequency is related to abnormal myelinization with a prevalence of 10.8%. Results of MRI findings correlation with developmental domains demonstrated that Children with white matter disorder on MRI show severe gross motor abnormality (P<0.049) and who had MRI finding of cortical problems suffer from developmental delay in fine motor area. (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Considering the mentioned findings; brain MRI can be a useful diagnostic tool in children with developmental delay and also focusing on the developmental area that is more likely to be affected, MRI can help with treatment and rehabilitation process of these children in the future.

Comparison of Liver stiffness Prevalence in Diabetics and Prediabetics
Elena Lak , Eskandar Hajiani, Jalal Sayyah , Zeynab Hosseinpour , Alireza Sedaghat,
Volume 81, Issue 11 (February 2024)
Abstract
Background: Diabetes is known to be linked with a high risk of liver stiffness in non-alcoholic fatty liver patients. Previous studies have faced challenges in examining the association between prediabetes and liver stiffness. This study aimed to compare liver fibrosis in diabetes and prediabetes patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on patients with diabetes and prediabetes who were referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz from March 2022 to March 2023. The study aimed to clear the relationship between liver stiffness and age, gender, BMI, AST, ALT, ALKP, Bilirubin, and the type of treatment. The normality of quantitative variables was checked using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The chi-square test examined two qualitative variables with more than two levels.
Results: Out of the total participants, 53 people (63.9%) had diabetes, while 30 people (36.1%) had prediabetes. There was a significant difference between the mean severity of liver fibrosis in diabetic and pre-diabetic patients (P=0.014). The frequency of liver stiffness in all levels except in the group with mild or no fibrosis (F0-F1) was higher in diabetic than pre-diabetic patients. In both diabetes and prediabetes groups, there was no significant relationship between gender, age, BMI, ALT, and ALKP with liver fibrosis. However, there was a significant direct relationship between HbA1C% and liver fibrosis (P≥0.003) in both groups. In diabetic patients, a significant relationship between FBS and liver fibrosis was observed (P=0.001). In pre-diabetic patients, significant direct relationship was seen between the severity of liver fibrosis and AST levels (P=0.026).
Conclusion: Diabetic patients showed a higher severity of liver fibrosis compared to pre-diabetic patients. No statistically significant relationship was seen between liver fibrosis and age, sex, body mass index, ALT, and ALKP in both groups. Additionally, both diabetes and prediabetes groups showed significant relationship between liver fibrosis and HbA1C (P≥0.003). Prediabetes was also found to be associated with an elevated risk of liver fibrosis.

A guide for conducting exploratory factor analysis in medical science research using SPSS: a brief report
Jafar Hassanzadeh, Haleh Ghaem Maralani , Fatemeh Jafari , Aboubakr Jafarnezhad,
Volume 81, Issue 11 (February 2024)
Abstract
Background: It is necessary to examine different dimensions of psychometrics in different sciences, and paying attention to the accuracy and precision of the results can lead to the construction of reliable and valid tools; In this article, exploratory factor analysis has been done using SPSS software, version 26.
Methods: This research was a brief report that was conducted between 30 January 2023 to 10 October 2023. Reliability means reproducibility and continuity of results in the same conditions, and validity means matching the test with the purpose for which it was designed. Validity includes face, content, criterion and construct validity. To determine construct validity, various methods are used including: convergent validity, divergent validity, internal consistency and factor analysis. Factor analysis is a method that aims to simplify a complex set of data and allows researchers to find a specific pattern among many variables and complex relationships between them which includes exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Exploratory factor analysis is a statistical technique that is used to estimate hidden factors or variables and reduce the large number of variables.
Results: exploratory factor analysis is a statistical method that is used by reducing the number of variables and exploring the underlying structure of a large set of variables with the aim of discovering factors or hidden variables, and its basic assumption is that any variable may be related to any factor. It tries to use factor loadings to discover the factorial structure of the data and by identifying the basic structures, grouping the factors by considering the common meaning of the variables.
Conclusion: Reliability means repeatability and validity of the degree of accuracy of the results which are measured through different methods. Exploratory factor analysis uses construct validity measurement methods to simplify the data and provide more reliable and valid tools, so it is very important to pay attention to the accurate and correct measurement of the results in the validation of health system tools.

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