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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.

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

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.

Determining the impact of stoic resilience training on operating room staff
Elmira Hajizade, Hossein Karimi Moonaghi , Jamshid Jamali, Haniye Mastour ,
Volume 81, Issue 10 (January 2024)
Abstract
Background: In health care, the well-being and flexibility of the operating room staff are of great importance due to the hard and stressful nature of their work. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of Stoic resilience training on the resilience of operating room staff.
Methods: The present study was a semi-experimental pre-test-post-test intervention study with a control group. A study was conducted among 67 people operating room staff working in Imam Ali and Imam Hassan hospitals in Bojnord city in September 2023 In this research, the demographic check list and the Connor and Davidson standard resilience questionnaire were used to collect information. The educational intervention was also implemented using the “SeRenE” Stoic education package. This training package includes 4 exercises, which were used only 3 exercises per day and for 6 consecutive days (45 minutes per day) due to the resilience variable. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 24 and at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: Based on the results, the total resilience score increased after the Stoic training (72.03±8.31) and showed a statistically significant difference with the control group (65.03±11.16) (P>0.05). The results showed that after Stoic training, mean of subscales of competence, trust in one’s instincts, tolerance of negative affect, positive acceptance of change and secure relationships, control as well as the total score of resilience increased in the training group. Although the mean score of spiritual influences dimension increased after the training, this increase was not statistically significant (P=0.097).
Conclusion: The findings show that Stoic training had a positive effect on various aspects of resilience among operating room staff, whose effects are more obvious in some subscales such as trusting individual instincts, tolerance of negative emotions, and positive acceptance of change. In general, the results showed that people's resilience increased after Stoic training. It is recommended to include Stoic training programs in the training of health personnel and caregivers.

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).

Inspiring managers in the Iranian health system; now more than ever: a letter to editor
Mohammadreza Sheikhy-Chaman , Neda Hoseini Abforosh, Aghdas Souresrafil, Vahid Makhtoumi,
Volume 81, Issue 10 (January 2024)
Abstract

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 short-term outcomes of vasopressin and tranexamic acid in acute gastrointestinal bleeding
Seyed Arash Yazdanbakhsh, Simin Najafgholian, Arash Izadpanah , Mohammad Parohan, Azim Forozan, Amir Almasi Heshiani ,
Volume 81, Issue 11 (February 2024)
Abstract
Background: Acute gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the critical emergencies with good prognosis if properly managed. Combination of drug has had the best possible clinical results to stabilize the hemodynamic status of these patients. Therefore, in this study, the short-term consequences of simultaneous administration of vasopressin and tranexamic acid were compared.
Methods: In this double-blind clinical trial study that was conducted from November 2018 to November 2019 at Valiasr Hospital in Arak 120 eligible patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding were included. Patients were divided into four groups of 30. In the first group (TXA) the common treatment with tranexamic acid was first infused at the rate of 10mg/kg as an initial dose over 20 minutes and then received to 1mg/kg per hour as a maintenance dose for up to four hours. The second group (VP group) received common treatment with infusion of 30 units per hour for six hours. The third group (R group) received only conventional treatments and the fourth group (TXA+VP group) received both tranexamic acid and vasopressin along with conventional treatment. The amount of light blood lose and vital signs including blood pressure and heart rate and Hg, BUN , CR , NA, K, BS, PT, PTT, INR were checked.
Results: In this study, the vasopressin group had a greater decrease in hemoglobin (p≤0.05), the increase in blood urea was less in the two groups that received vasopressin than the other two groups (p≤0.05). The group of tranexamic acid had much better conditions than the group of vasopressin, in terms of hematochezia or hematemesis interruption, need for blood transfusion, re-bleeding, need for endoscopy and emergency surgery, and adding vasopressin to tranexamic acid also led to improved outcomes (p≤0.05).
Conclusion: It seems that the concurrent use of tranexamic acid and vasopressin in upper gastrointestinal bleeding improves renal function and stops bleeding and reduces the risk of re-bleeding, the need for blood transfusion and endoscopic and surgical intervention. Its long-term results need further study.

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

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.

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

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.

Application of bone cements based on ceramic and polymer in orthopedic surgeries: a review article
Naeemeh Kalali, Sogand Mirshah, Mohammad Hossein Ebrahimzadeh , Bibi Fatemeh Kalalinia, Ali Moradi, Azar Gharib, Nafiseh Jirofti ,
Volume 81, Issue 12 (March 2024)
Abstract
For over 50 years, bone cement has been used to strengthen artificial joints like hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow joints. The main purpose of bone cement is to fill the space between the prosthesis and the bone. This absorbs the forces on the joint by creating an elastic area. Besides ensuring the long-term stability of the artificial implant, it also improves the damaged bone. Polymeric bone cement consists of a polymer matrix known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and a liquid monomer called methyl methacrylate (MMA). When these two components are mixed, a free radical polymerization reaction occurs, leading to the cement's hardening at the place of use. The properties of bone cement, such as mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and handling characteristics, can be adjusted by combining the effective polymerization parameters. However, there are some challenges, such as heat generation during polymerization.
Ceramic bone cement is a composite material of ceramic particles dispersed in a polymer matrix, including calcium phosphate and calcium sulfate. The ceramic particles provide strength and bioactivity, while the polymer matrix enhances the transport properties of the cement. This combination results in a mechanically stable, bone-conductive, and biocompatible cement. Moreover, ceramic bone cement can be engineered to release therapeutic agents, such as antibiotics or growth factors, to prevent infection and foster bone regeneration. Ceramic bone cement is a promising alternative material for bone cement in joint replacement. However, more research and development are required to optimize the properties of bone cement and overcome the challenges associated with its use. With continued advancements in biomaterials, ceramic and polymer bone cement could revolutionize the field of orthopedic surgery and improve patient outcomes. Recent research has focused on developing new bone cement with improved properties like bioactivity, antibacterial activity, and drug delivery capabilities. These developments aim to enhance the performance of bone cement and remove the current limitations in orthopedic applications. In this review study, we will focus on the types of bone cement, their mechanical, biological, and structural properties, and how to optimize them.

Existential distress in palliative care of cancer patients at the end of life: a systematic review
Hossein Eskandari, Faramarz Sohrabi , Adeleh Rezagholizadeh Shirvan , Mohammad Asgari , Neda Shahvaroughi Farahani ,
Volume 81, Issue 12 (March 2024)
Abstract
Background: The experience of existential distress, along with other forms of distress, is one of the common experiences in end-of-life patients. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to review related studies and conceptualize existential distress in palliative care of cancer patients.
Methods: This study was a systematic review, which was conducted from May 1 to July 31, 1402 at Allameh Tabatabai University and search strategy was written and performed in MEDLINE, Web of Science/PubMed and Scopus databases from the beginning of 2003 to the end of 2022. The inclusion criteria included all quantitative, qualitative, mixed and review studies that focused on the experience of adult patients. Lack of access to the full text of the article and studies in non-English language, clinical trial (randomized and non-randomized), letter to the editor, case report and protocol were excluded from the list of studies. After removing duplicate articles, two research authors reviewed the studies independently according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the differences between them were resolved by discussion.
Results: After searching, screening and selecting articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, finally 22 articles were included in the study, of which three were review articles, eight were quantitative and 11 were qualitative. Terminally cancer patients experience existential distress, and the data are significant for estimating the prevalence of these symptoms, especially in the severe category. In addition to examining the prevalence of this symptom, patients have described their experience of existential distress in several categories: Feelings of loneliness and isolation (or loss of support system), relationship concerns (concerns about family, changes in relationships, and conflictual relationships), loss of control/autonomy (physical control, cognitive and emotional control), burden on others, loss of sense of continuity (loss of roles, pleasurable activities and sense of self), uncompleted life tasks, hopelessness/helplessness, dissolving of the future, uncertainty and frightening ambiguity, feeling guilt/ regret about the past, lack of meaning, inevitable thoughts of death.
Conclusion: It seems that the themes raised beyond cultural differences show the universal human suffering, whose accurate conceptualization can help to develop effective therapeutic interventions to reduce existential distress.

Effect of strabismus surgery on emotional quotient in patients referring to Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz
Gholamreza Khataminia , Reza Papahn, Atefeh Mahdianrad , Soroush Karamirad, Samaneh Mohamadpour,
Volume 81, Issue 12 (March 2024)
Abstract
Background: Psychosocial improvements of successful strabismus surgery have been reported in previous studies. But the effect of strabismus surgery on the emotional intelligence of patients is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of strabismus surgery on emotional quotient in patients referring to Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz.
Methods: This prospective interventional study conducted on patients underwent strabismus surgery in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz during May 2021 to March 2022. A total of 38 patients between 8-37 years were included. Patients with previous surgery were excluded. All subjects were evaluated before and three months after successful strabismus surgery. Three months post-surgery the improvement of emotional quotient, self-esteem, body image, social anxiety and social avoidance were evaluated and compared with previous surgery. All data were analyzed by SPSS (V25). P-Value less than 0.05 was considered as significant level.
Results: 38 subjects including 18 males (47.4%) and 20 females (52.6%) were included. The mean age of patients was 18.11±9.33 years old. Our results showed that compared with before surgery, significant improvements were noted after surgery, within the emotional quotient subscales including self-awareness (P=0.016), self-regulation (P<0.0001), self-motivation (P<0.0001), empathy (P<0.0001), social skills (P<0.0001) and emotional quotient total score (P<0.0001). Further analysis revealed statistically significant improvements in body image (P<0.0001), social anxiety (P=0.004) and social avoidance (P=0.002). The result showed that the improvement of emotional quotient after strabismus surgery was significantly higher in the age group of less than 12 years (P<0.0001). No significant difference was fund between two  genders for emotional quotient subscales (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed a significant improvement in the psychosocial factors including emotional quotient, body image, social anxiety and social avoidance after strabismus surgery. This result suggests that beyond functional and cosmetic improvements, successful strabismus surgery can result in improved emotional quotient and social anxiety, with the greatest effect noted in younger patients.

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