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Survey of norA and mecA genes in methicillin–resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from wound and blood samples
Shokoufeh Akbari, Monireh Rahimkhani, Reza Mirnejad,
Volume 81, Issue 10 (January 2024)
Abstract
Background: Today, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) has become one of the public health concerns due to its resistance to antimicrobial drugs, and this problem makes treating patients with infections caused by this bacterium difficult. Infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains are pervasive in both community and hospital settings, primarily attributable to Staphylococcus aureus' capacity to colonize areas like the nose or skin. In this study, with the aim of comparing phenotypic (disc diffusion method) and genotypic (PCR) methods, to detect methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from patients of hospitals under supervision of Tehran university of medical sciences, and also detection of nor A, that is the one of the most important genes in efflux pump cluster genes.
Methods: The present research was a cross- sectional study that was conducted from February 2022 to September 2023. In this research, 43 isolated strains of Staphylococcus aureus from wound discharge and blood samples, were collected from different departments of Tehran hospitals and had submitted to the research laboratory of the school of allied medical sciences in Tehran university of medical sciences. After identifying the strains, the resistance of the isolates to 14 types of antibiotics was checked by disk diffusion method.
Results: Staphylococcus aureus diagnostic tests including gram staining on colonies, catalase, coagulase, DNase tests were performed and it was found that all strains were Staphylococcus aureus. In the next step, all samples were resistant to Cloxacillin by disc diffusion method, and the presence of mec A gene in them was confirmed by PCR method, thus the presence of MRSA strains was confirmed from the genotypic point of view. Of the 43 Staphylococcus aureus strains, 26 samples were identified as having the nor A gene by PCR and electrophoresis.
Conclusion: The results of the present research have shown that the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in hospital samples is significant and resistance to methicillin and ciprofloxacin has increased in the strains of this bacteria.

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.

Awareness, attitude and behavior toward using microwave in health care workers of shahid beheshti university
Zainab Moradi, Tayebeh Marashi, Ali Ramezankhani,
Volume 81, Issue 10 (January 2024)
Abstract
Background: In the last decade, the use of microwave ovens throughout the world, including Iran, has increased significantly. Therefore, it is important to understand the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of microwave oven use among employees of the Eastern Health Center to promote safe and responsible practices in the workplace. Assessing their familiarity and attitudes with microwave ovens, this study aims to identify potential areas for improvement and training. This, in turn, can create a safer and more efficient work environment for all involved.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study in 2022, the study population was all employees working in the health center and comprehensive health service centers affiliated with the East of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, numbering 162 people. The research tool was a questionnaire adapted from Nadiri's thesis (2015). After collecting the questionnaires, the data was obtained by SPSS 26 software and were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient, multiple regression, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA.
Results: Although the attitude (36.35±3.579) and the behavior (61.16±6.402) towards using microwave ovens are favorable, there is still room for improvement of knowledge and awareness. Knowledge has a positive and significant effect on behavior (P=0.002, B=0.245) and attitude (P=0.001, B=0.263), which shows that improving knowledge about the safe and responsible use of microwave devices can lead to behavior. and a more favorable attitude among employees. In addition, the attitude has a strong positive and significant effect on behavior (P=0.001, B=0.417), and promoting a positive attitude toward using microwave devices can also lead to more favorable behavior. However, the relatively weak effect of awareness on attitude indicates that other factors may also play a role in determining the attitude toward using microwave devices.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of educational and awareness campaigns to promote the safe and responsible use of microwave devices among healthcare workers.

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).

The impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with berberine supplementation on hematological parameters in middle-aged men with pre-diabetes: a randomized controlled trial
Mehdi Nikseresht, Valiollah Dabidi Roshan , Khadijeh Nasiri,
Volume 81, Issue 10 (January 2024)
Abstract
Background: Exercise programs can lead to different physiological adaptations, but the effects of low-volume, low-frequency HIIT protocols with varying interval structures have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to explore the impact of HIIT with high compression (HC) and low compression (LC), with or without berberine (BBR) supplementation, on hematological parameters in pre-diabetic men.
Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted between October and December 2021 at Mazandaran University. Fifty-four overweight/obese men with a mean age of 48.6±6.6 years, a body mass index of 30.7±7.3 kg/m², and a body fat percentage of 34.4±4.3% were randomly and equally divided into one of six groups: HC, LC, HC+BBR, LC+BBR, BBR, and control. The HC group (2:1 work-to-rest ratio) and LC group (1:1 work-to-rest ratio) underwent training programs comprising 2-4 sets of 8 exercises at an intensity of 80-95% of their maximum heart rate twice a week for 8 weeks. Hematological responses to Bruce's incremental exercise test were measured before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni's post hoc test, with a significance level set at P<0.05.
Results: Baseline hematological indices showed no significant differences between pre-diabetic and non-diabetic groups (all, P>0.05). Following the 8-week intervention, there were significant decreases in white blood cells (WBCs) in the LC and LC+BBR groups, and in lymphocytes across all intervention groups except BBR (all, P<0.05). Additionally, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels showed significant reductions in the HC and HC+BBR groups (both, P<0.05). However, in response to Bruce's incremental exercise test, a significant decrease in WBCs was observed in the LC and LC+BBR groups, with reductions of 18% and 25%, respectively (both, P<0.05).
Conclusion: The LC protocol, even without berberine supplementation, seems to provide better immunological benefits and result in less hemolysis compared to the HC protocol, as evidenced by reductions in white blood cell counts.

The presence of atrioventricular accessory pathway can cause heart failure due to the disorder of cardiac depolarization sequence: a case report
Babak Payami, Shirin Azizidoost , Naem Mansouri ,
Volume 81, Issue 10 (January 2024)
Abstract
Background: Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is a rare but well-known disease that predisposes a person to cardiac arrhythmias. But sometimes this syndrome is accompanied by heart failure in the affected person. Several causes have been proposed for this complication including recurrent or incessant tachyarrhythmias that are frequently found in symptomatic (especially children) Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome patients causing heart dysfunction and dilation and dilated cardiomyopathy, and also pre-excitation-related dyssynchrony leading to progressive ventricular remodeling and dilation. In this report, a patient is introduced who has improved his heart failure by radio-frequency ablation of free wall type of this syndrome.
Case Presentation: A 35-year-old man who had a history of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome from 8 years ago and suffered from dilatation and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction in recent years was presented with a pre-excited atrial fibrillation attack at the emergency department. The initial surface ECG showed positive delta wave in all precordial leads and negative QRS complexes in interior leads with QRS duration of about 200 ms. He had undergone electrophysiology study and ablation at the left postero-lateral accessory pathway. After ablation of accessory pathway within the months (from November 2022 until June 2023), left ventricular function was gradually improved and the symptoms of the patient's shortness of breath were also decreased.
Conclusion: The existence of heart failure in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can be due to various reasons including the presence of an accessory pathway and the dyssynchrony of intraventricular contraction which is caused by premature excitation of the connected part of the left ventricle by accessory atrioventricular pathway. Although in order to rule out the possibility of the incidental association of the accessory pathway with primary dilated cardiomyopathy and to investigate the segmental dyskinesia, it is necessary to perform diagnostic measures such as echocardiography and cardiac computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, ablation of such accessory pathway not only controls arrhythmic attacks but also leads to the improvement of the left ventricular systolic function even in a middle age patient.

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.

Prevalence of acute kidney injury and its correlation with disease severity and outcomes in COVID-19 patients
Shima Heydari , Mohammad Nasrollahi, Mohammad Khodashenas Roudsari,
Volume 81, Issue 11 (February 2024)
Abstract
Background: Studies of viral pandemics in the past, as well as studies of patients with sepsis, have shown that there is a direct relationship between the occurrence of AKI with disease severity and mortality, prognosis and outcomes. Considering that the COVID-19 disease is a novel pandemic and there is not enough information on the occurrence of AKI with COVID outcomes and its consequences, especially in Iran, it is necessary to conduct research in this field.
Methods: This is a retrospective study on 310 Covid patients hospitalized in the internal medicine, critical care and infectious disease ward of Birjand Valiasr Hospital from 20 March 2020 until 20 March 2021. Data were collected from the hospital's health information unit. The information was collected including demographics, underlying diseases, vital signs, laboratory information, and imaging and type of respiratory support. Finally, data was analyzed by SPSS V.22.
Results: 310 patients with an average age of 51.9 ± 17.4 participated in this study, 58.4% of them were male. The prevalence of acute kidney injury in patients was 7.4%. There was a significant relationship between acute kidney injury and the COVID severity, so that the COVID severity increases with the occurrence of acute kidney injury. There was a significant relationship between COVID outcomes and acute kidney injury, so that a higher mortality rate was observed in patients with acute kidney injury. No significant relationship was found between the occurrence of acute kidney injury and the score of pulmonary involvement. Patients with hypertension were more tent to experience acute kidney injury. Also, patients with acute kidney injury have more leukocytosis compared to patients without acute kidney injury. In this study, no significant relationship was observed between lymphocyte count and acute kidney injury. This study showed that the level of serum CRP and BUN are significantly higher in patients with acute kidney injury.
Conclusion: Acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is not common but had a significant effect on disease severity and outcomes.

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.

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.

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.

The effectiveness of intermittent Nordic exercises with and without VR on body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness in boys with internet addiction
Nima Nejati Boushehri , Valiollah Dabidi Roshan ,
Volume 81, Issue 12 (March 2024)
Abstract
Background: Being sedentary due to internet addiction is a common public health problem that causes overweight and obesity. Novel methods are needed for weight control behaviors. This study aimed to determine effects of short-term (two weeks) and moderate-term (four weeks) of virtual reality (VR) exercise program with and without interval Nordic walking (INW) in adolescent boys on novel body composition and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) parameters; body adiposity index (BAI), abdominal volume index (AVI), conicity index (CI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and a body shape index (ABSI).
Methods: In a semi-experimental trial during July to December 2023, 70 adolescent boys (age 14.8 years, body mass index (BMI)=24.4 kg/m2 and VO2max 38 ml/kg/min) with the Young IA tests score ranging over five, were selected from the city of Karaj and randomly was classified to VR, INW, VR+INW and control groups. Individual and combined exercise programs of VR and INW were performed (three session in week for 30 min) for two and or four weeks. The parameters were evaluated at the baseline and the follow up phases (two and four weeks after the interventions period) with a repeated measure ANOVA.
Results: According to Young's internet addiction test scores at the beginning of the study, there was no significant difference between the control and intervention groups (P≥0.05). It has been observed that internet addiction negatively affects cardiorespiratory fitness. When a 2-week intervention of VR exercises was implemented along with INW, the improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) was better than when VR exercises alone lasted for four weeks (P≤0.05). After four weeks of INW intervention, separately and in combination with VR, a significant improvement was observed in VO2max, WHtR and BAI values compared to the control group (P≤0.01).
Conclusion: Although improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness of boys with IA can be achieved by doing short and medium term INW, VR and INW+VR exercises, longer interventions, i.e., four weeks or more, cause more significant changes in the novel body composition.

Relationship between maternal early pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and weight gain during pregnancy with pregnancy outcomes: a cross-sectional study
Lida Saeed, Niusha Bahmanpoor, Robabe Hosseinisadat, Fatemeh Karami Robati ,
Volume 81, Issue 12 (March 2024)
Abstract
Background: One of the factors affecting the outcome of pregnancy is the primary body mass index (BMI) and the amount of weight gain during pregnancy. This study aimed to check the relationship between mother's initial body mass index and weight gain in pregnancy with pregnancy outcomes.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 455 pregnant women referred to Afzalipour Hospital in Kerman, Iran, from August 2021 to August 2022. These pregnant women were included in the study through easy and accessible sampling. The mother's initial weight was recorded through the mother's health card. The height of the mother was measured using a standard meter and the final weight of the mother before delivery was measured using a standard scale available in the department. Other information of the mothers was extracted from their records. Weight gain during pregnancy and initial body mass index were calculated and divided into four categories, less than normal, normal, overweight and obese. Maternal-fetal complications were included in the information registration form. Descriptive and analytical statistical methods and SPSS version 24 software were used to analyze the data.
Results: The average age of women was 27.56±6.82 years. Body mass index of more than 40% of them (44.4%) was normal (19.8-26) and more than 45% of them were overweight 11.5-16 (45.5%). There was a significant relationship between initial body mass index and weight gain during pregnancy (P=0.001), gestational diabetes (P=0.001) and newborn weight (P=0.019). There was also a significant relationship between weight gain during pregnancy with premature birth (P=0.001), vaginal delivery (P=0.001), gestational diabetes (P=0.001) and newborn Apgar (P=0.001).
Conclusion: High body mass index of the mother and weight gain during pregnancy can cause complications in the mother and the fetus. Therefore, prenatal care should be done more carefully and health care providers should place mothers who have abnormal body mass index and inappropriate weight gain in pregnancy in the high-risk group and under special care to minimize maternal and fetal complications.

Investigating the effectiveness of Sodae herbal capsule on migraine headaches and comparing it with sodium valproate
Daryoush Afshari, Mansour Rezaei, Mojtaba Khazaei, Negin Fakhri ,
Volume 81, Issue 12 (March 2024)
Abstract
Background: One of the first-line treatments to prevent migraine attacks is Sodium Valproate. "Booali Daroo" pharmaceutical company has made a herbal capsule called Sodae based on traditional Iranian medicine. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of Sodae and Sodium Valproate on migraine headaches.
Methods: This two-center, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted between December 2021 and July 2022 in the cities of Kermanshah and Hamadan. In this study, 76 migraine patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group received routine medication with Soda capsules and the other group received routine medication with Valproate capsules. Tow group were examined and followed up for three months. Data related to demographic and clinical information of patients were collected and entered into SPSS software version 25. Data analysis was done with a significance level of 0.05.
Results: Overall, 76 patients assessed (36 in the Sodae group and 40 in the Valproate group). The reduction of headache indicators was not significant between the two groups; in such a way that: the frequency (7.49±6.1 vs. 5.75±4.5, P=0.183), the severity (5.66±1.6 vs. 6.34±1.8, P=0.089), the duration of attacks (23.48±30.5 vs. 32.35±32.6, P=0.069), and the Migraine Disability Assessment Score (53.94±77.3 vs. 95.94±104.2, P=0.061) respectively in Valproate and Sodae. Examining different classes of MIDAS score showed that at the end of the study compared to the beginning of the study, the number of people with severe disability decreased significantly and their disability changed from severe disability to lower degrees of disability (P<0.05). The frequency of side effects was not significantly different between the two groups (12 patients (35%) in Sodae versus 21 patients (55%) in Valproate, P=0.090).
Conclusion: In terms of frequency, intensity and duration of migraine headaches as well as side effects, there was no significant difference between Sodium Valproate and Sodae groups.

Investigation of the relationship between the dietary inflammation index and the dietary phytochemical index with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases
Parastoo Beknejadi, Davoud Vahabzadeh, Esmaeil Yousefi Rad , Somayeh Saboori , Koroush Ghanadi , Mehdi Birjandi,
Volume 81, Issue 12 (March 2024)
Abstract
Background: The increasing prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in recent years has raised concerns about its significant risks for public health. According to previous studies, a diet with low phytochemicals and high inflammatory index is related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In this study, we intend to investigate the relationship between inflammatory diet and phytochemical diet with NAFLD.
Methods: In this case control study, 112 newly diagnosed patients with NAFLD referred to the Shahid Rahimi Hospital clinic in Khorramabad between January 1400 and April 1401 and 112 healthy individuals without NAFLD and any other chronic diseases as the control group, with the range 23-59 years old were selected. General information, demographics, physical activity level and food intake were collected using general information questionnaire, physical activity questionnaire and valid semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The energy received between the people of the two groups was adjusted. People's diet was divided into two anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory groups based on the DII index based on the score quartiles.
Results: The results showed a significant relationship between DII score and NAFLD in the crude model (OR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.04 -4.73), model I (adjusted for energy and age classification) (OR: 2.4, 95% CI:1.07-5.58), model II (adjusted for model I+physical activity, sex, education) (OR:2.77, 95% CI:1.14-6.77) and model III (model II+BMI) (OR: 2.16, 95% CI: 0.81-5.71) and DPI score and NAFLD the crude model (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.32-1.47), model I (adjusted for energy and age classification) (OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 1.29-5.58), model II (adjusted for model I+physical activity, sex, education) (OR:0.58, 95% CI: 0.23-1.44) and model III (model II+BMI) (OR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.24-1.75).
Conclusion: The results obtained from this study showed an inverse relationship between following an anti-inflammatory diet and the risk of NAFLD. However, there was no correlation between receiving a diet with a high phytochemical index and NAFLD.

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