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Mahroo Rezaieenejad , Fedyeh Haghollahi, Nasim Eshraghi, Hossein Gholamzadeh , Marjan Ghaemi, Zinat Ghanbari,
Volume 82, Issue 1 (April 2024)
Abstract

Background: Given the significance of patient care in obstetrics and gynecology, we aimed to assess the satisfaction of Tehran University of Medical Sciences residents with their training program in this field.
Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 77 obstetrics and gynecology residents from the first to fourth year at Tehran University of Medical Sciences participated with informed consent, adhering to ethical principles, from April to October 2023 across four teaching hospitals: Imam Khomeini, Shariati, Mohib Yas, and Arash.The researcher developed a questionnaire consisting of 62 online questions, including 15 demographic questions and 47 related to satisfaction. Most of the questions are statements with five response options: strongly agree, agree no opinion, disagree, and strongly disagree. Each criterion was assessed and classified on a scale from one to five. The assistants' satisfaction levels were assessed in various areas, yielding an overall score of 47-235. Scores above 70% indicate high satisfaction, 50-69% reflects average satisfaction, and below 50% signifies dissatisfaction. It's important to clarify that the areas include clinics, with specific focus on rotation shifts for assistants in gynecology, oncology, prenatal care, and infertility. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software, Version 22. Descriptive statistics included the median and range for continuous variables (number of surgeries and satisfaction scores) and frequency and percentage for nominal variables (quality of satisfaction) across three defined levels of desirability: appropriate, relatively appropriate, and unfavorable.
Results: Satisfaction with the number of surgeries and educational quality at Imam Khomeini Hospital was higher than at other hospitals (P=0.07). Significant differences were noted in the gynecology and pelvic surgery departments, with residents at both Imam Khomeini and Arash hospitals reporting greater satisfaction in gynecology (P=0.018) and pelvic surgery (P=0.036). Additionally, regarding the conference program and educational mornings, Shariati Hospital reported a higher level of satisfaction in this area (P=0.47).
Conclusion: The satisfaction scores in various areas indicate that 64.5% of assistants at Imam Khomeini Hospital rated their educational status as appropriate, while 60% at Arash Hospital rated it as relatively good, and 25% at Yas Hospital found it unfavorable.

Fatemeh Najafi, Masoumeh Amiri Delui, Maryam Moradi , Parastoo Sarkhosh, Zahra Rezaian, Farnoosh Sharifymood, Fateme Kameli ,
Volume 82, Issue 1 (April 2024)
Abstract

Background: one of the most common and important complications of COVID-19 is cough. The present study was designed with the aim of comparing the effect of althaea officinalis and eucalyptus nebulizer on the severity of cough in COVID-19 patients.
Methods: in this randomized clinical trial, from January 2022 to June 2022, 36 patients with COVID-19 were selected and randomly divided into three groups. Next, the severity of cough was recorded two hours before the intervention based on the visual analogue (VAS) in both groups until the patient was admitted to the hospital, then, one cc aqueous extract of althaea officinalis with five cc Normal Saline for the althaea officinalis group and four cc aqueous extract eucalyptus whit five cc Normal Saline for the eucalyptus group, were nebulized once a day for 15 minutes. Two hours after the intervention, the intensity of cough was again recorded in two groups. This intervention continued until the hospitalization of the patients. No intervention was done for the control group. The data was analyzed with Spss software at a significance level of less than 0.05.
Results: In this study before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference between the three groups in terms of cough intensity (p>0.05), but after the intervention on the second and third days, there was a statistically significant difference between the three groups in terms of cough intensity. The rate of reduction in cough severity in althaea officinalis group was higher than the other two groups (p<0.05).  Also, the results of Friedman's test indicated that althaea officinalis and eucalyptus nebulizers incense improved the severity of cough in patients over time.
Conclusion: the use of althaea officinalis and eucalyptus nebulizer improved the severity of cough in patients with COVID-19, but althaea officinalis nebulizer had a greater effect on cough severity compared to eucalyptus. It is suggested to use althaea officinalis nebulizer as well as eucalyptus as a treatment method along with other treatment methods.

Morad Ali Zareipour, Shahla Mohammad Khani , Behjat Khorsandi , Faezeh Afkhami Aghda , Fateme Moshirenia, Mahdieh Hardani Naeemzadeh ,
Volume 82, Issue 1 (April 2024)
Abstract

Background: The type of delivery significantly affects a woman's life and her newborn's health. Various factors, including medical conditions, personal preferences, and cultural influences, shape this decision. Increasing cesarean delivery rates have raised concerns about associated risks. This study examines the health impacts of different delivery types on mothers and newborns in Yazd hospitals, with a focus on maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study involved a substantial cohort of 69,321 mothers who delivered in Yazd between March 21, 2018 to March 20, 2022. Comprehensive data were collected from Iman Hospital and relevant online patient records. To analyze the relationship between delivery type and health outcomes, independent samples t test and chi-square test were utilized. Additionally, odds ratios were calculated to assess relative risks concerning various maternal and neonatal outcomes. SPSS 26 software was employed for all analyses, with a significance level set at 5% to ensure robustness in the findings.

Results: The average age of participants in the study was 34.45±6.44 years, highlighting a mature population of mothers. Neonatal outcomes indicated that babies delivered naturally were more likely to have unfavorable Apgar scores (ranging from four to six) when compared to infants delivered via cesarean section (CI=0.99-1.55, P=0.05, OR=1.24). Furthermore, naturally delivered infants showed a significantly higher likelihood of having Apgar scores below six (CI=0.90-1.03, P=0.001). Alarmingly, the odds of neonatal death were found to be 1.22 times higher for cesarean births (CI=1.19-1.25, P<0.001). Additionally, mothers who underwent cesarean deliveries exhibited nearly a 4.9 times higher likelihood of requiring intensive care after delivery (CI=4.71-5.12, P<0.001, OR=4.9) and were 14.3 times more likely to be hospitalized postoperatively compared to those who had natural deliveries (CI=3.53-1.31, P<0.001, OR=14.33).
Conclusion: This study indicates that cesarean delivery is associated with higher complications for both mothers and newborns, highlighting the need to promote natural childbirth for better health outcomes.


Samira Shahraki , Mahmoud Tavakkoli, Abolfazl Khajavirad, Maryam Moghadam Matin , Mohammad Aslzare ,
Volume 82, Issue 1 (April 2024)
Abstract

Background: A range of diseases can result in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), characterized by a gradual decline in kidney function and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Currently, renal transplantation as the most effective treatment for managing ESRD. Tissue engineering presents a considerable opportunity to expand the available supply of donor organs for kidney transplants. The aim of this research was to develop a suitable technique for preparing decellularized kidney scaffolds from human tissues.
Methods: The present study was carried out from April 2019 to August 2019 in Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. In this study, two decellularization protocols were compared using sections of human kidney tissue. Therefore, two human kidneys which collected from Ghaem and Imam Reza hospitals were used. In the first protocol, detergents such as 1% Triton X-100 (1A) and 1% SDS (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate) (1B) were employed, followed by the application of DNase I. The second protocol utilized 0.5% SDS (2A) and 1% SDS (2B). The effectiveness of these techniques was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), DNA quantification, and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
Results:  Based on H&E staining results, comparison of the decellularized and native human kidney tissues showed a successful elimination of cell nuclei and the ameliorate extracellular matrix preservation in triton-treated scaffolds (1A) in comparison with the SDS-treated scaffolds (1B) at all times protocols. Furthermore, DNA quantification illustrated triton X-100 in removing DNA was more effective in eliminating DNA from kidney tissues compared to other protocols in renal tissues. In addition, IHC staining demonstrated that the expression of collagen IV and laminin was preserved throughout the decellularization process with Triton X-100 on day fifth. Also, IHC staining indicated human leukocyte antigen (HLA) was completely eliminated in the cortex-medulla of human scaffolds treated with Triton X-100 within day fifth.
Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that triton X-100 outperformed SDS as a detergent for decellularizing human kidneys. Meanwhile these results indicate suitable method for decellularization of human kidneys to produce functional kidneys.

 
Erfan Dehghani, Pezhman Bagheri, Zahra Montaseri , Niloofar Sohrabi , Mehdi Sharafi ,
Volume 82, Issue 1 (April 2024)
Abstract

Background: COVID-19 is one of the most recent known human infections that has resulted in a global pandemic, causing high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study evaluated the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the waves of the corona epidemic within a university surveillance system in southern Iran.
Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 24,132 individuals with Covid-19 in the registered waves from the beginning of the Corona epidemic from March 2020 to March 2021 in one of the southern universities of Iran. Information on age, gender, number of infections, severity, hospitalization, recovery rate, dominant strain, and compliance with protocols separately for each wave from 2020 to 2021 was collected from the University's databases. After calculating the cumulative incidence rate, mean and standard deviation and drawing graphs, chi-square, Mann-Whitney and one-way ANOVA were used in SPSS26 at a significance level of 5%.
Results: The cumulative incidence of the disease was 11.36%, with a relative frequency of hospitalization at 11.7% and an average hospital stay of Seven days. The highest percentage of protocol compliance was applied in the initial waves. The highest frequency of infection was in the third wave, where men were more infected than women in all waves except the 4th and 5th waves. High blood pressure was the most common underlying disease in patients and the most lung involvement was observed in the fifth wave. Most of the patients have recovered, and the highest rate of recovery was observed in the sixth wave. Significant associations were found between hospitalization duration, underlying conditions, and clinical symptoms across different waves (P<0.001). Systemic symptoms were the most common, and there was a notable difference in radiological findings between waves (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings of this study emphasize the significant impact of underlying diseases and the severity of clinical symptoms on hospitalization outcomes. They also highlight the need for appropriate evidence-based management strategies and consideration of clinical changes and radiological patterns when evaluating diseases in different groups.

Nasrin Changizi, Arash Shirdel, Amin Daemi ,
Volume 82, Issue 1 (April 2024)
Abstract


Shohre Behrouz, Alireza Ebrahimi , Ehsanmoosa Farkhani,
Volume 82, Issue 2 (May 2024)
Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most important cancers in women. Considering the importance of design for improving physical and mental health, quality of life of vulnerable women, the present study aims to design of humor and laughter programs in women with breast cancer and its effects in promoting their health.
Methods: In this systematic review, in order to access relevant articles used from Persian and English databases SID, Magiran, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus and Science direct, and the key words "Humor therapy", "Laughter therapy", "Breast Cancer", "Wit and Humor as Topic" and "Breast Neoplasms" using logical operators (AND, OR, NOT) were used. All articles were evaluated between January 2008 and January 2023. To assess the quality of the articles, the "Jadad" scale was used.
Results: Among the 975 articles in the initial search, 525 articles are due to the repetition of the title and 442 articles due to other reasons such as not assigning humor therapy in breast cancer, not implementing the joke and laughter intervention program, the language of the article not being related to English or Farsi, and not Conducting clinical trials were excluded, and finally eight articles that scored higher than 3 were included in the systematic review. The results of the studies showed that laughter therapy had an effective role in improving the quality of life, improving various aspects of mental health, reducing negative emotions such as anxiety, stress, depression, pain intensity, fatigue and strengthening positive emotions such as self-esteem, mood. while There has been a non-significant decrease in the dermatitis caused by radiotherapy and the activity of immune cells and the serum level of cortisol.
Conclusion: Considering the positive effect of laughter therapy in reducing the negative emotions of patients, it is recommended that nursing managers and psychologists use this easy, fun, uncomplicated and accessible intervention to improve the physical, mental and emotional health of women with breast cancer.

Mohsen Sadat Shahabi , Ahmad Shalbaf ,
Volume 82, Issue 2 (May 2024)
Abstract

Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most prevalent and disabling mental disorders in the world. Due to the life quality decline caused by this disease and its growing nature, timely detection and treatment is of paramount importance. In the present study Electroencephalogram (EEG) signal utilized for the precise detection of MDD using Artificial Intelligence (AI) Methods.
Methods: In this analytic study, which is done in Shahid Beheshti University of medical Sciences in 2023, fifty eight subjects were investigated using an experienced psychiatrist that 30 subjects diagnosed as MDD and 28 determined to be healthy. Nineteen channels EEG signals in resting state with eyes closed situation acquired for five minutes from all of the participants including 36 men and 22 women with the average age of 39.3 years. The EEG signals were preprocessed to remove contaminating signals from brain-originated signals. The EEGLAB package in MATLAB utilized to re-reference channels to the average reference, apply a band-pass filter between 1 and 40 Hz and to remove non-brain components of the signal using Independent Component Analysis (ICA). The cleaned data segmented to the three seconds windows with 50 percent overlapping. These segments were used as the input to the AI models. Deep Learning (DL) models utilized in the present study were EEGNet, ShallowConvNet and DeepConvNet which were developed based on the deep convolutional models for the classification of healthy and MDD brain signals. The main difference between these models laid in the number of specific convolutional layers and the model complexity.
Results: MDD and Healthy signals classification has been done using EEGNet, ShallowConvNet and DeepConvNet models and accuracy of 92.3%, 83.2% and 92.2% were achieved, respectively. Also EEGNet acquired the highest sensitivity of 98.9% and specificity of 79.1%.
Conclusion: The detection of MDD patients using EEG signals with high accuracy and generalizability is possible and proposed AI models can be utilized in the clinical settings as assistant tools.

Azam Zafarbakhsh, Elham Fateminia, Anahita Babak, Somayeh Khanjani, Mamak Shariat, Fedyeh Haghollahi,
Volume 82, Issue 2 (May 2024)
Abstract

Background: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) significantly impacts perinatal mortality and maternal-fetal outcomes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the frequency of maternal risk factors, maternal and fetal outcomes and the role of care in the occurrence of outcomes.
Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study involved 317 pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) at Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Isfahan, between April 2020 and April 2022. Data were collected from medical records, including demographic information, risk factors, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Patients were categorized into two groups: those receiving care (24-34 weeks of gestation) and those undergoing pregnancy termination (less than 24 weeks or more than 34 weeks). The chi-square test was used for qualitative variables, while the T-student test was applied for quantitative variables.
Results: In this study, the average age of patients was 29.42±6.56 years. The most common risk factors for PPROM were 20.2% for abortion records, 20.2% for urinary infections, 18% for cervical insufficiency, and 13.6% for gestational diabetes. Comparing maternal outcomes between the two groups revealed that chorioamnionitis occurred more frequently in the care group (18% vs. 2%, P=0.0001), as did emergency cesarean sections (37% vs. 4.5%, P=0.0001) and NICU hospitalization (71% vs. 17%, P=0.001). In the next stage, a regression test identified the independent effects of variables on maternal and newborn outcomes without intervention or confounding factors. The analysis indicated that mothers in the care group experienced significantly more complications than those in the pregnancy termination group, and their babies also faced significantly more complications.
Conclusion: The study results indicate that a history of abortion, urinary infections, cervical insufficiency, and gestational diabetes are significant risk factors for PPROM. Expectant management of PPROM is associated with more neonatal and maternal complications than pregnancy termination. Thus, timely identification of these risk factors allows healthcare providers to educate mothers and potentially prevent and manage them, significantly reducing the incidence of PPROM and its complications.

Parviz Shahabi, Jalal Abdolalizadeh, Shirin Hasanpour, Behnaz Sadeghzadeh Oskouei , Soheila Bani,
Volume 82, Issue 2 (May 2024)
Abstract

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a significant medical and social issue, leading to varying degrees of sensory and motor impairments. Most men experience sexual dysfunction and fertility problems. These issues can be partially attributed to pathophysiological mechanisms, including damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Targeted antioxidant therapy can significantly reduce oxidative stress and neuro inflammation. This study sought to examine the impact of selenium and astaxanthin on sperm parameters and the recovery of sensory-motor function in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Methods: This experimental study utilized the rat animal model and was carried out at the Neuroscience Research Center Laboratory of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences from December 30, 2022, to November 27, 2023. Fifty adults male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups of ten: control, sham, SCI, selenium-supplemented, and astaxanthin-supplemented. Except for the control and sham groups, spinal cord injury was induced in all other groups. Six weeks after the injury and upon completion of the treatment, the effects of selenium and astaxanthin supplementation on sperm parameters and spinal cord repair were assessed. The Basso, Beattie, and Brenham (BBB) scale was employed to evaluate motor function, while the Von Frey test was utilized to assess sensory status.
Results: A considerable rise in sperm concentration was noted in both the selenium-fed group and the astaxanthin-fed group when compared to the spinal cord injury group (P=0.001). Supplementation with selenium and astaxanthin improved sperm concentration, progressive motility, and viability, bringing these parameters close to control levels (P<0.001). However, neither of these substances had an effect on abnormal sperm morphology (P>0.05). Both selenium and astaxanthin supplementation enhanced the motor and sensory functions of the injured rats (P<0.001), with selenium showing a greater role in promoting repair compared to astaxanthin (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Selenium and astaxanthin supplements improved sperm parameters, except for sperm morphology, and were effective in enhancing motor and sensory functions after spinal cord injury. Selenium was found to be more effective than astaxanthin in promoting spinal cord repair.

Vahid Malekzadeh, Shadi Sheikhizadeh , Mohadeseh Taklo, Hossein Jamalifar, Younes Ghaseminezhad Koshali , Hassan Khorramian, Hossein Naseri ,
Volume 82, Issue 2 (May 2024)
Abstract

Background: Considering the emergence of new diseases, increased prevalence of nosocomial infections, and microbial resistance in recent years, it is necessary to disinfect the hands with a suitable hand sanitizer, as instructed by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). This is because hand hygiene is the most important way to control infections. Surgical hand antisepsis protocols emphasize the importance of both mechanical cleaning and antimicrobial action to effectively eliminate microbial contamination. Recommendations from organizations such as the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) underscore this principle. While routine handwashing removes visible debris and transient microbes, surgical hand antisepsis requires additional steps and the use of antimicrobial agents. This may involve a surgical scrub with an antimicrobial soap or the application of an alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR). The latter approach has demonstrated greater efficacy in reducing microbial contamination compared to soap and water alone. Since a few compressive studies in Iran have dealt with global standards for disinfectants, this study investigated the effects of surgical scrub based on the European standards with TGSept AL Plus, produced by the research team of Tajhiz Gostar Sharif , on normal flora of hands in a group of the operating room medical staff in Hazrat Fatemeh Plastic Surgery and Repair Hospital of Tehran, in 2023.
Methods: This study evaluated the short-term durability and effectiveness of this solution according to the EN12791 standard on microorganisms and microbial contamination reduction. To this end, 30 members of the surgical team were randomly selected. The bacterial sampling was performed three times: after washing the hands with common detergents, after hand scrubbing with the studied disinfectant (about 90 seconds), and three hours after surgery. The samples were immediately transferred to a laboratory for swap culture and pour plate test.
Results: Then bacterial colonies were counted, contamination reduction was measured, and the shelf life of the solution was determined according to the standards.  Results showed that a 60-to-90-second scrub with an alcohol-based disinfectant is the best way to reduce hand contamination and, thereby, nosocomial infections.
Conclusion: Based on the study findings, alcohol-based solutions can be recommended for surgical scrubs, according to WHO guidelines.

Mohammad Ashraf Azimi , Rasul Nikdel, Seyed Hassan Seyed Sharifi ,
Volume 82, Issue 2 (May 2024)
Abstract

Background: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a potentially life-saving treatment for cardiac arrest but puts the subject at risk for iatrogenic skeletal and soft tissue injuries including the liver. In this study, an elderly patient with grade 5 liver rupture after cardiopulmonary resuscitation following laparotomy is reported.
Case Presentation: A 76-year-old female patient with diffuse abdominal pain that started a week ago and worsened since 2 days ago in the winter of 2024, referred to the emergency room of Imam Ali Bojnurd Hospital. In the examination, the patient met the criteria for shock. Abdominal examination revealed peritonitis. After initial resuscitation and stabilization of the patient's condition, an X-ray was performed for the patient. According to the Standing chest x-ray, pneumoperitoneum report, the patient underwent surgery with midline incision. In the performed surgery, evidence of gangrene and perforated was evident in a part of the small intestine, and The patient is a candidate for resection of the gangrenous and perforated intestinal segment, and then the two proximal and distal ends of the resected area were removed as an ileostomy from the right side of the abdomen. At the end of surgery, before closing the abdominal wall, the patient suffered a cardiac arrest, and CPR was started for the patient in operation room. After starting the chest massage, the patient suffered a grade 5 liver tear, the bleeding of the liver was stopped by packing with four Large Abdominal pads and CPR continued for 45 min, but unfortunately the patient died.
Conclusion: One of the rare complications of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and chest massage is visceral damage, including liver rupture. Considering that its symptoms are similar to cardiac arrest, it is difficult to diagnose in case of rupture and has a high mortality rate. According to the reports of liver and visceral damage after CPR, some studies have recommended the use of Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) to detect visceral damage after CPR.

Seyedeh Fatemeh Hosseini Nejad , Mahshid Vaziri, Ahmad Reza Mohtadi, Elham Kargar Zadeh , Mohammad Pakzadi,
Volume 82, Issue 3 (June 2024)
Abstract

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common challenge in cesarean surgeries, on the other hand, the use of dexamethasone has been proposed as an effective prophylaxis in the management of these complications. This study evaluated the effect of dexamethasone in reducing PONV.
Methods: This study was conducted as a randomized and double-blind clinical trial from April 2022 to September 2023 at Razi Hospital of Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz. Elective cesarean section patients under spinal anesthesia were divided into two groups of 30 people. In this research, there were two groups: a group that received 0.1 mg/kg dexamethasone (Iran company) and a placebo group that received normal saline. The injections were done before the start of anesthesia, and both groups had received 500 cc of normal saline serum before drug injection. During the surgery and after that at specific time intervals, parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, and the occurrence of nausea and vomiting were recorded through the V&N scoring table and shivering through the shivering scoring table. Recorded 1/2/4/6/12 after surgery.
Results: In this study the investigated variable is postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), since the investigated variable is a qualitative/nominal variable, to calculate the sample size from the formula P1- P2 ∕√P(1-P) used. The significance level of the tests is considered to be less than 0.05 and data analysis was done with SPSS type 23 software. Although no significant difference was observed between dexamethasone and placebo in the first hour after the operation, in the following hours, dexamethasone significantly reduced nausea and vomiting, on the other hand, heart rate and blood pressure decreased faster in the groups receiving dexamethasone.
Conclusion: Dexamethasone is significantly effective in reducing nausea and vomiting after cesarean surgery. It also has a positive role in reducing the heart rate and blood pressure and This drug is particularly effective in controlling complications after spinal anesthesia after the operation.

Seyed Hasan Emami Razavi , Mohammadreza Salehi, Hooshang Saberi , Mohammad Zarei, Babak Mirzashahi, Pegah Afarinesh, Sepideh Khodaparast,
Volume 82, Issue 3 (June 2024)
Abstract

Primary pyogenic spinal infection, also known as spondylodiscitis or vertebral osteomyelitis, is a serious and potentially debilitating condition involving a bacterial or fungal infection of the intervertebral disc space and adjacent vertebral bodies. While relatively uncommon, with an estimated incidence of 2.4 per 100,000 population per year, it is a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent permanent spinal damage and neurological complications. The most common causative organisms are Staphylococcus aureus, which accounts for up to 50% of cases, followed by Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, and mycobacterial infections like Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Risk factors for developing primary pyogenic spinal infection include intravenous drug use, a weakened immune system, recent spinal surgery or instrumentation, and contiguous spread from an infection elsewhere in the body, such as a urinary tract infection or endocarditis. Patients typically present with severe, localized back pain, fever, and general malaise, which can easily be mistaken for more common spinal conditions. Prompt diagnosis is critical and involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, laboratory testing, and advanced imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Blood cultures and, in some cases, image-guided biopsy may be necessary to identify the causative organism and guide appropriate antimicrobial therapy. The mainstay of treatment is the prompt initiation of targeted antibiotic or antifungal therapy, often requiring intravenous administration for several weeks. Surgical intervention may be necessary in some cases, such as to drain an abscess or provide spinal stabilization. A multidisciplinary approach involving infectious disease specialists, spine surgeons, and rehabilitation providers is essential for optimal management and outcomes. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, primary pyogenic spinal infection remains a challenging condition. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to devastating complications, including permanent spinal deformity, paralysis, and even death. With timely and appropriate management, however, most patients are able to achieve a good clinical outcome, though some may experience residual pain or neurological deficits.

Masoomeh Asgar Shirazi , Zahra Omidi, Hossein Dalili , Mamak Shariat, Seyed Reza Raeeskarami, Zeynab Kaviani, Mojtaba Fazel,
Volume 82, Issue 3 (June 2024)
Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is common among pregnant women and can lead to maternal and fetal complications during pregnancy. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between the mother's vitamin D serum level and the infant's anthropometric indices and neurodevelopment.
Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted on a group of pregnant women who visited Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran from September to March 2020. Demographic information and anthropometric characteristics of the newborn were collected using the medical record. Blood samples were collected at the time of delivery to evaluate the mother's vitamin D status, and serum vitamin D levels were measured using standard laboratory procedures. The neurodevelopment of infants was assessed at the age of 6 months through the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ). Data analysis included using descriptive statistics to summarize maternal and neonatal characteristics. The relationships between maternal serum vitamin D levels, neonatal anthropometric indicators, and neurodevelopmental outcomes were examined through Spearman's rank correlation and Mann-Whitney U tests.
Results: In total, 123 pregnant women participated in this study, with a mean age of 31.41 years (±5.75). The mean birth weight, height, and head circumference of the neonates were 3208.33 grams (±706.05), 34.32 cm (±3.91), and 50.33 cm (±2.30), respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant correlations between maternal serum vitamin D levels and the infants' weight (P=0.318), height (P=0.531), or head circumference (P=0.241). Furthermore, there was no significant association between maternal vitamin D levels and any of the assessed neurodevelopmental domains at six months (P > 0.05).
Conclusion:  While this study did not find a positive correlation between the mother's vitamin D serum level and the anthropometric indices and neurodevelopmental domains of infants at six months, it is important to interpret these results cautiously due to the study's limitations. Thus, it is advisable to conduct prospective cohort studies with large sample sizes in diverse demographics nationwide.

Roshan Nikbakht, Samira Panahandeh, Farideh Moramezi, Maryam Farzaneh ,
Volume 82, Issue 3 (June 2024)
Abstract

Background: Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve conception after one year of unprotected intercourse. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with infertility in men referred to the infertility center at Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz.
Methods: This descriptive study utilized a cross-sectional questionnaire during March 2016 to September 2019, involving 800 infertile couples with complete records. We extracted demographic data, including age, occupation, duration of infertility, smoking habits, surgical history, semen analysis, and sperm condition and quality from the files of these men referred to the IVF department. The collected details were systematically entered into an information form. Quantitative results are presented as mean±standard deviation, with differences of p<0.05 between groups deemed statistically significant.
Results: In this study, the average age of the men referred for evaluation was 33.5 years. The analysis of semen quality revealed a mean semen volume of 2.34 mL, which falls within the acceptable range for normal ejaculate volume, typically defined as being greater than 1.4 mL. The average sperm count recorded was 16,365,000 per mL. Additionally, our study demonstrated that only 5.8% of the sperm exhibited normal morphology. Sperm motility, another key factor in male fertility, averaged at 9.24%, significantly lower than the normal standard. Regarding employment status, a significant majority of participants were employed (89%), while 11% were unemployed. The surgical history among the referred men primarily included varicocelectomy (n=108), hemorrhoid surgery (n=29), urinary tract procedures (n=28), testicular hernia repairs (n=23), and appendectomies (n=18). Additionally, 24% of the subjects reported drug use, with a notable distinction made between smoking and other forms of drug use.
Conclusion: The findings from this study underscore significant concerns regarding male fertility among the referred men, particularly in terms of sperm count, motility, and morphology. These metrics suggest that many individuals may face challenges in achieving conception without medical intervention. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective treatment plans and improving reproductive outcomes for men facing infertility issues.

Mahshad Mohtadi, Mohammad Javad Pasand , Ghazaleh Eslamian,
Volume 82, Issue 3 (June 2024)
Abstract

Background: Athletes are seeking ways to enhance sports performance and protect themselves from the long-term effects of exercise. One potentially effective solution is the administration of colostrum supplements. Evidence suggests that it can support immune system function by maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of colostrum supplementation on athletes' immune system performance.
Methods: This systematic review searched English and Farsi databases including Medline, Scopus, Embase, ScienceDirect, Scientific Information Database, Islamic World Science Citation, Cochrane, and Google Scholar website without a time limit until November 2023. Eighteen randomized clinical trials, following the Cochrane protocol, were analyzed to assess the effects of colostrum supplementation on athletes' immune systems. The studies measured various factors, such as the amount of cytokines, concentration of serum immunoglobulins, salivary immunoglobulin, white blood cell count, neutrophil oxidative reactions, and the rate of respiratory system-related diseases in athletes during the consumption of colostrum supplements or its derivatives. The potential risks of bias in the studies were evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool for randomized controlled trials.
Results: The findings of these studies indicate that daily consumption of 3.2 grams of colostrum for 24 weeks can decrease the production of inflammatory cytokines caused by exercise and increase anti-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, a daily intake of 20 grams of colostrum supplement can protect against the reduction of neutrophil function and immune responses resulting from long-term exercise. The group receiving colostrum experienced fewer upper respiratory tract diseases compared to the placebo group in studies that investigated this indicator. No significant effects on leukocyte count were observed with any dosage of supplementation, and the results of studies on other immune indicators were inconsistent.
Conclusion: Bovine colostrum can improve athletes' immune system performance by regulating immune parameters and mitigating the negative effects of intense exercise. However, the contradictory results of existing studies call for further research that examines different doses of colostrum in various sports.

Romina Ghazi Mirsaid , Shirin Farahyar, Shahram Mahmoudi ,
Volume 82, Issue 3 (June 2024)
Abstract


Khadije Sohrabi, Abbas Ali Gaeini , Elham Shirzad , Shahram Khorshidi , Shahriar Nafissi, Hamid Reza Fateh,
Volume 82, Issue 4 (July 2024)
Abstract

Background: Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. It is classified into five types (from type 0 to 4) based on the age of onset of symptoms and maximum motor function. This autosomal recessive mutation results in progressive weakness and atrophy of the proximal muscles. Due to the high cost of treatment, the critical timing of intervention, and the varied responses of patients, many individuals do not sufficiently benefit from current therapeutic methods. This study evaluates the impact of resistance training on the quality of life and fatigue in patients with SMA type III, considering the potential benefits of such training.
Methods: The present study was developmental and semi-experimental. Fourteen ambulatory patients with SMA type III were randomly assigned to exercise and control groups. The exercise group engaged in lower limb resistance training at an intensity of 6 to 8 on an adult resistance exercise scale for 10 weeks (25 sessions). During this period, the control group maintained their usual daily activities. Patients in the exercise group did not engage in any exercise activity other than the protocol of the present study. Patients' quality of life was measured with the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire, and fatigue severity was measured with the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), both evaluated pre- and post-intervention. The assessments and exercises were conducted in the occupational therapy department of Shariati Hospital, Tehran, from July 2023 to September 2023.
Results: Analysis of the results showed significant improvements (P<0.05) in the exercise group compared to the control group in the subscales of physical functioning and fatigue within the quality of life assessment. Additionally, notable differences were found between the groups on the fatigue intensity scale. However, No significant difference was observed in the patients' Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements.
Conclusion: Progressive resistance training of the lower limbs enhances the quality of life and reduces fatigue in patients with SMA type III.

Navid Qaraei, Mohammad Ali Jafari, Maedeh Jafari , Fatemeh Karami Robati , Saeedeh Parvaresh,
Volume 82, Issue 4 (July 2024)
Abstract

Background: Nephrolithiasis is one of the oldest known systemic diseases of kidney and urinary tract in children. This study aimed to compare the serum level of vitamin D in children with nephrolithiasis and healthy children.
Methods: The present descriptive-cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2017 to September 2019. 74 children with kidney stones and 63 healthy children referring to Afzalipour Hospital in Kerman were selected by simple sampling method. Healthy children who were considered as the control group were matched with the case group in terms of age and gender. All patients underwent kidney and urinary tract ultrasound. The diagnosis of kidney stones was based on the radiologist's opinion. Demographic characteristics of patients (age and sex) were recorded. Patients' blood tests were checked for vitamin D and calcium. Descriptive and analytical methods and SPSS software version 21 were used to analyze the data.
Results: The average age of children with kidney stones and healthy children was 5.41±1.8 and 10.06±0.41 years old, respectively (P=0.971). The most number of patients were boys (58.1%). 29.7% of patients and 15.9% of healthy children had a family history of kidney stones (P=0.056). 71.6% of patients had unilateral kidney stones and 28% had bilateral kidney stones. The mean serum level of vitamin D was higher in healthy children (P=0.021). The average calcium was higher in children with kidney stones (P=0.001). The average calcium was higher in children with kidney stones who had a family history of kidney stones (P=0.018). Average calcium was higher in children with bilateral kidney stones (11.4±1.1) (P=0.033). The mean calcium was higher in children with kidney stones with vitamin D deficiency (P=0.001) and sufficient vitamin D levels (P=0.037).
Conclusion: The average level of vitamin D serum in healthy children was significantly higher than that of children with kidney stones, and the average level of calcium in children with kidney stones was significantly higher than that of healthy children. Larger studies with more patients are needed to investigate these relationships.


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