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Diagnosis of bacteremia in patients with suspected septicemia using polymerase chain reaction method
Azam Shiralinezhad , Farzaneh Firoozeh , Mansooreh Momen Heravi, Esmat Aghadavod , Mojtaba Sehat ,
Volume 77, Issue 10 (January 2020)
Abstract
Background: Sepsis or blood stream infection is a clinical lethal syndrome with severe systemic inflammatory response to infection, if not treated quickly, is associated with dangerous consequences and high morbidity and mortality. The traditional and conventional method for identification of sepsis is blood culture method which is so time-consuming and long that it eliminates the possibility of rapid treatment. Although, new molecular methods, due to their high sensitivity, specificity, and speed, lead to the rapid and accurate and exact detection of bacterial sepsis within only a few hours. The aim of this study was diagnosis of bacteremia in patients with suspected sepsis using amplification of 23S rRNA gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in two clinical and analytical steps at Shahid Beheshti University Hospital in Kashan City, Iran, in twelve months from November 2016 to December 2017. The blood samples of two hundred and fifty-six patients with suspected sepsis admitted to Shahid Beheshti Hospital were studied by PCR method using specific primers of 23S rRNA gene of the bacteria.
Results: The finding of molecular assays using PCR showed that of 256 blood samples that were collected from patients with clinical signs and symptoms of sepsis, 80 (30.2%) diagnosed with bacteremia. Of these patients diagnosed with sepsis, 46 out of 80 (57.5%) were male while 34 out of 80 (42.5%) were female. The most PCR positive results were obtained among patients with diabetes and bedsore as underlying diseases (21.3%). Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between results of molecular methods by PCR assays and history of antibiotic use. 
Conclusion: Overall, the results of the present study showed that the molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction using universal 23S rRNA primers is an appropriated test for diagnosis of bacteremia in blood samples of patients with suspected sepsis.

Medical errors in Iranian hospitals: systematic review
Ali Mohammad Mosadeghrad , Parvaneh Isfahani, Taraneh Yousefinezhadi,
Volume 78, Issue 4 (July 2020)
Abstract
Background: Medical errors are those errors or mistakes committed by healthcare professionals due to errors of omission, errors in planning, and errors of execution of a planned healthcare action whether or not it is harmful to the patient. Medical error in hospitals increases morbidity and mortality and decreases patient satisfaction and hospital productivity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of medical errors in Iranian hospitals.
Methods: This study was conducted using systematic review and meta-analysis approaches. All articles written in English and Persian on the prevalence of medical errors in Iranian hospitals up to March 2019 were searched in Web of Science, PubMed, Elsevier, Scopus, Magiran, IranMedex and Scientific Information Database (SID) databases, and Google and Google Scholar search engines. In addition, reference lists of the retrieved papers were hand-searched. A total of 9 studies matching the inclusion criteria were identified, reviewed, and analyzed using comprehensive meta-analysis software.
Results: The prevalence of medical errors was reported in 9 studies and prevalence rate ranged from 0.06% to 42%. Most studies used reporting forms completed by hospital employees for determining the prevalence of medical errors (67%). Only three studies collected data by reviewing patients’ medical records. Accordingly, the overall prevalence of medical error in Iran's hospitals based on the nine published articles was 0.01% (95% Cl 0%-0.01%) during 2008 to 2017. The highest medical error was recorded in a hospital in Shiraz, 2.1% (95% Cl: 1.4%-2.7%) in 2012. A significant statistical correlation was observed between medical errors and sample size (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The prevalence rate of medical error in Iran is low. It is strongly recommended to use more advanced and valid methods such as occurrence reporting, screening, and the global trigger tool for examining medical errors in Iranian hospitals. Proving adequate education and training to patients and employees, simplifying and standardizing hospital processes, enhancing hospital information systems, improving communication, promoting a safety culture, improving employees’ welfare and satisfaction, and implementing quality management strategies are useful for reducing medical errors.

Investigating lipopolymers based on polyethylenimine and nanoliposome for gene delivery to prostate cancer (PC3) cell line
Mohammad Hasan Jafari Najaf Abadi , Saeedeh Askarian, Reza Kazemi Oskuee , Bizhan Malaekeh-Nikouei, Mehdi Rezaee, Seyed Hamid Aghaee-Bakhtiari ,
Volume 78, Issue 5 (August 2020)
Abstract
Background: Non-viral Nano carriers such as liposomes and cationic polymers based on engineered properties are regarded in gene delivery field. Although these carriers do not have weaknesses of viral vectors, but they are less efficient than viruses and they still need to be improved as favorable gene delivery carriers. Amongst non-viral carriers, cationic liposomes have been proposed for clinical applications, but limitations such as low nucleic acid transfer and endosome escape and conduction of plasmid to the nucleus have challenged their use in clinical trials. Therefore, the combination of liposomes and cationic polymers for nucleic acid transfer has been considered because this approach makes it possible to use the desirable properties of liposomes and polymers so that it is even suggested for the gene treatment of some diseases such as Parkinson's. In this study, a combination of liposomes and cationic polymers were used for the preparation of lipopolyplexes. This approach allows simultaneous utilizing of the desirable properties of liposomes and polymers.
Methods: This interventional-experimental study was conducted in the medical faculty of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences from April 2017 to February 2018. In this study, PEI-based lipopolyplex with a molecular weight of 25 and 10 kDa and a liposome-to-polymer ratio of 1:1 were combined with plasmid containing the GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) marker. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized carriers such as size, cytotoxicity and gene transferability in human prostate cancer (PC3) cells were evaluated.
Results: The prepared lipopolyplex were 104 nm in size and all the lipopolyplexes were able to enhance transfection in the C/P=0.4 compared with its basic carriers (PEI and liposomes) alone, while showing less cytotoxicity than not manipulated liposomes. The results of this study suggest synthesized nanoparticles as nanocomposites for gene delivery purposes to different cells and in in-body studies.
Conclusion: The results of this study show that the lipopolyplex constructed from combination of PEI and liposomes can efficiently transfer the gene to the cell, while showing low cytotoxicity and appropriate size at the nano-scale. Therefore, this lipopolymer can be suggested for gene delivery purposes to different cells and in vivo targets.
 

Evaluation of dose uniformity in total body irradiation (TBI) technique in parallel-opposed anterior/posterior geometry using Varian Clinac 2100C/D linear accelerator
Elham Hoseinnezhad Zarghani, Ghazale Geraily, Mahbod Esfahani, Mostafa Farzin,
Volume 78, Issue 7 (October 2020)
Abstract
Background: Total body irradiation (TBI) is a technique that is commonly used as a part of the patient conditioning regimen before the bone marrow transplant (BMT). The purpose of this study is to introduce and implement a reasonable TBI technique on the human-like phantom in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran.
Methods: The present experimental study was conducted from October 2016 to November 2017 to implement the TBI technique at the Cancer Institute of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran. For this purpose, percentage depth dose, and dose rate were measured in TBI condition (i.e. SSD=310 cm, field size=40×40 cm2, gantry angle=90°, and collimator angle 45°) in homogeneous phantom. Gafchromic EBT3 films were used to measure the absorbed dose in different areas of the human like phantom at the levels of head, neck, thyroid, lung, umbilicus, pelvic, thigh, knee and leg. Phantom irradiation was performed in parallel opposed anterior-posterior geometry using an 18MV photon beam produced by Varian 2100C/D. Cerrobend blocks were used for lung protection. After analyzing the exposed films with Image J software, the dose uniformity was calculated.
Results: Dose distribution uniformity was acquired in the order of -1.01% to +11.82% relative to the prescribed dose at the umbilicus. The difference between the calculated and measured dose at the umbilicus level was -2.73%. The radiation absorbed dose to the lung with blocks was 127.53cGy in one fraction which resulted in 756.18cGy in six fractions.
Conclusion: The implemented technique, obtained the acceptable ±10% dose uniformity in most of the body regions. The dosing accuracy was within the acceptable range. The lungs¢ dose was reduced to the desired level using lung shields. This technique is a simple and cost-effective method that does not require complicated dosimetric techniques. Regarding the obtained results, the proposed technique has the necessary conditions for implementation in Imam Khomeini hospital in Tehran.
 

Studying the level of satisfaction from family physician plan in rural areas of Rafsanjan: brief report
Hasan Alinezhad, Reza Vazirinezhad , Ahmadreza Sayadi, Zeinab Hajaliakbari, Mahdi Alinezhad,
Volume 78, Issue 10 (January 2021)
Abstract
Background: One of the most important duties of a family physician is primary health care. The family doctor plan is one of the developmental measures to provide easy and low-cost access for patients to health care centers. The family doctor and her team are fully responsible for the health of the individuals and families covered. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the satisfaction of rural areas of Rafsanjan city with the family physician plan.
Methods: This study is a descriptive-analytical study that was conducted in rural areas of Rafsanjan from October to December 2018. The study population consisted of twelve randomly selected villages in Rafsanjan. The required sample size was examined according to the size of the statistical population of 480 people. In this study, to collect the required data, a researcher-made checklist was used, which was prepared by reviewing the texts of the questions. The sampling method was cluster random. To check the validity of the checklist, the opinions of 10 health education experts were used. To check the reliability, the checklist was provided to 20 villagers and the reliability was determined using Cronbach's alpha method of 82%. The mean was used to describe the data and inferential statistics t-test and ANOVA were used to analyze the data and analyzed by SPSS.
Results: The average satisfaction of villagers with the family physician program was relatively good. The Highest satisfaction is with diploma education and income below 1 million 2.21% and the lowest satisfaction score is 21-30 years old and income over three million 2.16%.
Conclusion: Satisfaction with the implementation of the family physician program in rural areas indicated that the health system reform processes were successful and to increase this satisfaction, we must improve the level of service and improve the quality of family physician services day by day because the health system with effective health care is an important element of family physicians.

SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, evidence from a literature review: review article
Parham Mardi, Sorour Shojaeian, Nooshin Taherzadeh-Ghahfarokhi, Ghazaleh Molaverdi, Maedeh Amiri Roudy , Ali Salahshour, Mahmood Bakhtiyari, Sayed-Hamidreza Mozhgani ,
Volume 78, Issue 11 (February 2021)
Abstract
  SARS-CoV-2 emerging from Wuhan, China is a member of the Coronaviridae family, which has so far infected and killed many people. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affected various aspects of life in Iran and Worldwide, and governments have imposed quarantines and travel bans on an unprecedented scale. The virus causes COVID-19, which can spread through close contact with the infected person, contaminated equipment, and suspended air droplets. The most common symptoms of the disease include fever, cough, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal symptoms, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the lung infection can occur, which causes Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome that leads to ICU admission and even death.
  Besides, this infection can cause gastrointestinal, neurological, and renal impairments. Not merely, this new coronavirus has infected many more people worldwide in comparison to MERS and SARS, but also it has killed more people. Patients with underlying diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, respiratory problems, kidney disease, heart disease and Immunodeficiency are at higher risk of infection and potential death. Also, the risk of death and complication increases in older adults, while most of the infected children are asymptomatic. Some infected people may have mild or no symptoms but can still transmit the disease and spread it to others.
To diagnose COVID-19, serology tests, and level of ESR, CRP and other acute-phase reactants are helpful, whereas molecular tests, such as RT-PCR tests, that detect the virus’s genetic material are still the golden standard. Also, CT scan detects lung involvement; Ground-glass opacification, especially in lower lobes and subpleural region, is the most common CT characteristic, although it is not specific for COVID-19. Because the disease is difficult to diagnose, hard to prevent and challenging to treat, it has become a major concern for many countries. This review aims to gather existing information in the fields of virology, molecular pathogenesis, disease symptoms, epidemiology, clinical presentations, diagnosis, treatment, and the spread of the disease. This study also provides evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies for health policymakers, doctors, nurses, and practitioners in the field of public health, including researchers and students.
 

A systematic review and meta-analysis of medical malpractice studies in Iran
Navid Kalani, Naser Hatami, Mohammad Zarenezhad, Alireza Doroudchi , Mahdi Foroughian, Esmaeil Raeyat Doost ,
Volume 79, Issue 5 (August 2021)
Abstract
Background: Medical malpractice is a serious problem in the health care system. This study aimed to review the medical negligence in Iran.
Methods: Based on the PRISMA checklist, a search for scientific records was done separately by two researchers. All the articles that had selection criteria were evaluated in terms of methodological quality. Medical malpractice was assessed in four main divisions including negligence, Lack of skill, Carelessness and non-compliance with government regulations). The bias test was performed using the Egger’s test. Revman software was used to analyze the data.
Results: In the present study, 25 studies that examined the country's medical malpractice from April 1994 to March 2018 were included in the meta-analysis. Negligence has been implicated in 1,105 cases of the 2,068 claims. Lack of skill in 255 out of 2068 cases, 432 cases of carelessness and 244 cases of non-compliance with government regulations Were recorded the results of the meta-analysis showed that OR negligence was 0.76 (CI 95%: 0.66-0.87), lack of skill was 0.61 (CI 95%: 0.49-0.76), carelessness was 0.62 (CI 95%: 0.50-0.76) and non-compliance with government regulations was 0.66 (95% CI: 0.60-0.73). In the review of the confirmed negligence ratio of the registered complaint files, only 19 studies mentioned this ratio. The results of the meta-analysis of these 19 studies showed that the OR ratio of the confirmed negligence of complaints was 0.6 (95% CI: 0.41-0.86). From all claims, General surgeons had OR of confirmed medical malpractices, equal to 0.47 (CI 95%: 0.37-0.60), gynecologists with OR equal to 0.49 (CI 95%: 0.36-0.66), general practitioners with OR equal to 0.43 (CI 95%: 0.30-0.63) and orthopedic specialists with an OR of 0.44 (CI 95%: 0.32-0.61).
Conclusion: The results of this study help to understand the current position of medical negligence studies in the country to identify the cause of the malpractice and develop new studies for the future.

Multi-electrode arrays technology for the non-invasive recording of neural signals: a review article
Mohaddeseh Vafaiee, Raheleh Mohammadpour , Manouchehr Vossoughi, Pezhman Sasanpour,
Volume 79, Issue 6 (September 2021)
Abstract
The recording of electrophysiological activities of brain neurons in the last half-century has been considered as one of the effective tools for the development of neuroscience. One of the techniques for recording the activity of nerve cells is the multi-electrode arrays (MEAs). Microelectrode arrays (MEAs) are usually employed to record electrical signals from electrogenic cells like neurons or cardiomyocytes. MEAs consist of an array of planar or three-dimensional electrodes that act as electrical interfaces and record cellular signals or stimulate cells. These platforms can be used in different applications including neuroscience studies, prostheses and rehabilitation, deep brain stimulation (DBS), cardiac pacemakers, retinal and cochlear implants, or for brain-computer interfaces (BCI) in general. Multi-electrode arrays are known as long-term recording and non-invasive devices. The MEA structure includes arrays of electrodes with micrometer and nanometer dimensions which are designed to stimulate and record the electrical activity of cells, and are fabricated using micromachining technologies. MEAs should be biocompatible to serve as a substrate for cell growth. On the other hand, they must have low impedance to be able to provide a high signal-to-noise ratio, and small size to offer a suitable spatial resolution for recording. MEAs are usually fabricated on glass substrates patterned with high-conductivity metals such as gold, iridium or platinum, which are insulated with a biocompatible layer. Despite fast progress, current multi-electrode arrays for neural applications still face limitations such as low signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution. To achieve better spatial resolution and lower noise levels and therefore more accurate signal, it is necessary to develop arrays with smaller sizes and lower impedance. Meanwhile, many nanostructures such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles, and also conductive polymers have become attractive candidates for this application due to their interesting properties. In this paper, the technology of multi-electrode arrays, how it works and its various parts are introduced, and finally, the challenges and developments in this field are investigated. Multi-electrode array technology is used for neuroscience research, neural network analysis, drug effects screening, and neural prosthesis studies.
 

Evaluation of optic nerve sheath diameter in comparison with cerebrospinal fluid pressure in children with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
Alireza Rezaie, Narges Gholami, Leila Bazhdan, Maryam Haghighi Morad , Narjes Jaafari,
Volume 80, Issue 3 (June 2022)
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study is a non-invasive diagnosis of increasing the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid in patients involved in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) that is done with transbulbar sonography.
Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study all the non-toxic children under 18 who were referred to the neurology clinic of Loghman Hospital of Tehran from October 2017 to October 2018 with increased intracerebral pressure symptoms were studied. The increased intracerebral pressure symptoms were headache or vomiting or blurred vision or 6th nerve palsy and they had papillary edema. Also, if their diagnostic brain imaging measures were normal such as: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography scan (CT scan) and in some cases Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV), they were suspected to Idiopathic intracranial hypertension and were entered into the study consecutively. Their complete medical history and comorbidities and biographical information were recorded in the file. All patients were candidates for a lumbar puncture to measure cerebrospinal fluid pressure. After full explanation to the parents and obtaining written consent from them before performing a lumbar puncture, patients in coordination with the ultrasound unit without delay in performing a lumbar puncture, first underwent trans orbital ultrasound in supine position and were awakened with closed eyes. Opticians were implanted in both eyes by a skilled sonographer. And then sedated with sedatives (ketamine or midazolam) prescribed by an anesthesiologist. It was placed in a sterile position in a supine semi-flexion position and with lateral decubitus aligned with the body. Cerebrospinal fluid pressure to cm of water was recorded using a serum set in the lumber intervertebral space 4-5. Then a sample was sent for analysis and smear.
Results: Out of 10 patients (age 2.5–14 year, mean 9 years) 10% were girls, 90% were boys, and mean BMI was 22.5 kg/m2. Their symptoms included: 80% Headache, 40% Vomiting, 40% Diplopia, 20% Blurred vision, 10% 6th nerve palsy, and 10% Tinnitus when being reffered. In All patients, CSF pressure was more than 25 cm H2o (mean 40 cm H2o), right and left eyes optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) was more than the cutoff point (ONSD≤4.5 mm), the mean right ONSD was 6.31 mm and left eye was 6.64 mm.
Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the measuring of optic nerve sheath diameter in patients suspected of increasing the pressure of idiopathic intracranial hypertension can be helpful as a non–invasive diagnosis method.

Vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of nervous system disease: a review article
Somayeh Nazari , Raheleh Rafaiee, Hamed Ghazvini , Elmira Beirami , Sara Chavoshinezhad , Seyedeh Masoumeh Seyedhosseini Tamijani ,
Volume 80, Issue 4 (July 2022)
Abstract
The vagus nerve (VN), the longest cranial nerve and an essential part of the parasympathetic system, connects the central nervous system to respiratory, cardiovascular, immune, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems and is involved in the maintenance of homeostasis by controlling these systems. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is related to any method that would stimulate the vagal nerve via electrical stimulation. VNS is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment for medication-resistant depression, drug-resistant epilepsy, and migraine. However, VNS has also been studied for various other conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and tinnitus, by targeting the VN in the neck and ear. Currently, there are two methods for VNS: a) invasive-VNS (iVNS), which requires surgical implantation of a pulse generator under the anterior chest wall, that is linked through a wire to an electrode cuff that wraps around a cervical vagus nerve, b) non-invasive transcutaneous VNS which is separated into cervical transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (ctVNS) and auricular transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (atVNS). The non-invasive transcutaneous VNS techniques are well tolerated and have no significant side effects, making them effective in clinical research for brain diseases. Because with these newer methods, the electrical stimulation is carried out through the skin.
The results of this study were collected using the advanced search in Scientific Information Database (SID), Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus between 2011 to 2021. Out of 671 articles surveyed, we used 53 articles in the study after the evaluation. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and Keyword Searching was carried out through the MeSH database. VNS has been shown to alter neural activity in multiple areas of the brain related to the regulation of the affective states. However, the precise mechanism of VNS action on the clinical consequences is still unknown. This study aimed to review the therapeutic effect of both methods of VNS in neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders such as depression, migraine, seizure, tinnitus and Alzheimer's disease and discuss several hypotheses on the mechanism of VNS, as a new approach, in the treatment of such disorders. It considers that a brain-mapping approach is needed to discover the therapeutic mechanisms of VNS in brain diseases.

The evaluation of the awareness level of patients with hemorrhagic stroke about their hypertension possibility and use of antihypertensive drugs
Mehran Kouchek, Niloufar Taherpour, Mirmohammad Miri, Roja Asadpour , Fatemeh Ilbeygi, Seyed Pouzhia Shojaei, Mohammad Sistanizad,
Volume 80, Issue 9 (December 2022)
Abstract
Background: Hypertension is an important and controllable risk factor for heart diseases, stroke, renal failure and peripheral vascular disease. The aim of this study was to determine the level of awareness of patients with hemorrhagic stroke to control blood pressure and to provide solutions to improve patients’ awareness.
Methods: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study that was conducted to evaluate the knowledge of patients with hemorrhagic stroke about the use of antihypertensives. The study population consists of all patients with hemorrhagic stroke, who were admitted to the intensive care unit of Imam Hossein Hospital in Tehran from September 2020 to March 2021. Data related to blood pressure awareness and drug history was completed by the researcher through the method of direct contact with the patients or their relatives. In this study, 17 patients diagnosed with hemorrhagic stroke due to hypertension who were admitted to the intensive care unit of Imam Hossein Hospital in Tehran, were included. The extent of the exact treatment adherence was assessed using the Morisky questionnaire.
Results: In this study, the median of patients age was 67 and 10 (58.82%) of them were women. The median systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 170 and 95 mmHg on admission. 4(23.53%) subjects were not aware of the disease. Out of 13 people who were aware of their hypertension, 11(64.71%) were under the supervision of a physician. However, 7(63.64%) of the subjects, despite being under the supervision of a physician and acceptable drug adherence, did not have controlled blood pressure and expired.
Conclusion: This study is a warning for patients and health care providers to pay more attention to blood pressure control. Furthermore, educating the community as well as medical staff about the importance of timely diagnosis and accurate treatment of hypertension is highly recommended.

Sporadic pulmonary lymphangioliomyomatosis (LAM) in a 24-year-old female: a case report
Shahram Seyfi, Nazli Farnoosh, Kayvan Latifi, Parviz Amri Male , Hamed Mehdinezhad Gorji , Asadollah Shakeri, Khadijeh Ezoji ,
Volume 80, Issue 11 (February 2023)
Abstract
Background: Sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis (S-LAM) is a rare disease that generally affects young women and involves the abnormal proliferation of smooth muscle cells (LAM cells) in the lungs (pulmonary LAM). There are two types of LAM, sporadic and LAM with tuberous sclerosis, which is an autosomal dominant genetic disease caused by mutations in the Tsc1 and Tsc2 genes. The most common manifestation of this disease is pneumothorax due to cyst rupture. Median transplant-free survival for pulmonary LAM is 23 years from diagnosis. Factors associated with a poor prognosis are often those associated with a more rapid decline in lung function.
Case Presentation: The patient was a 24-year-old woman who presented with pneumothorax and multiple bullae in both lungs. The patient had no family history of respiratory disease, and the patient herself had no symptoms other than mild shortness of breath following activity from a year ago. A lung CT scan was performed for the patient and multiple bullae were evident in both lungs, which confirmed the diagnosis. There was no evidence of involvement of other organs but the lung. For the patient in the ICU with the diagnosis of left pneumothorax, a chest tube was inserted and she underwent mechanical ventilation. Finally, after 24 days of hospitalization, oxygen therapy of the patient was performed with a normal mask, and she underwent left lung pleurodesis with talcum powder, and a few days later, right lung pleurodesis was performed on the patient. On the 36th day of hospitalization, her general condition improved and she was discharged from the ICU. The patient was discharged in good general condition and had no problem on her four months follow-up.
Conclusion: Fortunately, with the diagnosis of LAM for the patient according to the CT scan of the patient's lung, she was treated with insertion of a chest tube and by performing pleurodesis, the recurrence of pneumothorax was prevented. In a young woman with spontaneous pneumothorax, sporadic LAM is one of the differential diagnoses.

Investigating the results of breastfeeding counseling in mothers referred to the breastfeeding counseling clinic of the health centers
Zeinab Khazaeeshir , Kobra Mirzakhani, Golnaz Sadat Ahmadinezhad, Fatemeh Sadat Naderi, Nahid Jahani Shoorab ,
Volume 81, Issue 1 (April 2023)
Abstract
Background: The rate of exclusive breastfeeding in Iran at the ages of 3 and 6 months is estimated to be 44% and 27%, respectively, which is still far from the optimal index of the World Health Organization until 2030 (70% in the first six months). In order to monitor breastfeeding counseling centers, which have been set up with the aim of promoting breastfeeding and supporting mothers who have problems with breastfeeding.
Methods: This is a descriptive-retrospective study and all the mothers who were referred to the Health and Treatment Center No. 2 in Mashhad between April 2019 and March 2019 were examined. This health center has two active counseling clinics and the collection of information is based on documents registered in offices and computers. The inclusion criteria for study were not having breast diseases, having an infant child, being able to read and write and living in Mashhad city. The exclusion criteria were also the unwillingness to participate in the study and the newborn suffering from diseases that are incompatible with breastfeeding. Therefore, census sampling was done. The data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software and the significance level was less than 0.05.
Results: In 42.8% of cases, mothers had started feeding combined formula with breast milk before visiting, and in 28.1% of cases, when referring to counseling milk clinics, it was reported that the baby was fed only with formula. After breastfeeding consultations and follow-ups at the end of six months, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding is 34.1% (12% increase compared to the initial reference) and combined formula feeding with breastmilk is 27.8% (a 22% decrease compared to the first visit). And feeding with powdered milk alone was calculated to be 36.5% (an increase of 8.4% compared to the first visit).
Conclusion: The positive role of breastfeeding counseling center in reducing the cases of artificial feeding is clear, and it is recommended to prepare written instructions based on the challenges in breastfeeding for breastfeeding counseling in the first month after delivery.

Comparing the rate of complications of sore throat and hoarseness caused by ETI support method with LMA method in surgical patients under general anesthesia
Farzaneh Boluki Moghaddam , Zhaleh Yousefi, Ali Baghery Hagh , Masoud Latifipour, Mahdi Raei,
Volume 81, Issue 3 (June 2023)
Abstract
Background: Respiratory support during the patient's anesthesia is done in different ways, such as endotracheal intubation and laryngeal mask. Endotracheal intubation is inevitably used for respiratory support in general anesthesia patients. The use of alternative methods for respiratory support during the process of general anesthesia is one of the most significant ways to control anesthesia complications. The laryngeal mask is placed around the larynx to allow spontaneous and controlled ventilation. Both of the respiratory support methods can cause complications. The purpose of this study is to compare the side effects of sore throat and hoarseness caused by two methods in surgical patients.
Methods: This study was conducted in the period from September to November 2022 on patients who were referred and underwent surgery at Baqiyatallah Hospital. The study is a cohort study that was conducted retrospectively on 60 patients who underwent any surgery with two methods of anesthesia by ETI and LMA. In order to evaluate hoarseness, the standard Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10) questionnaire was used. In order to evaluate the complication of sore throat caused by the respiratory support method, a 4-point pain checklist was used for 24 hours and 14 days after the surgery.
Results: The findings of our study showed that the average amount of sore throat 24 hours after surgery in the LMA and ETI groups was 2.13 and 2.2, respectively, and these values 14 days later were 1.17 and 1.07, respectively. The average level of hoarseness in the 24 hours after surgery in LMA and ETI groups was 2.66 and 3.13, respectively. The statistical comparison of the severity of side effects between the two groups showed that in the LMA method, the amount of sore throat and hoarseness is less than the ETI method, although this reduction does not have a significant difference.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the rate of complications of sore throat and hoarseness in the laryngeal mask group is reduced compared to the endotracheal intubation group, although this difference is not significant.

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.

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.

Comparative clinical and epidemiological analysis of waves during the corona epidemic based on a university surveillance system
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.

Effects of EN12791-based surgical scrub with tgsept al plus on normal flora of hands among operating room staff in Hazrat Fatemeh Hospital of Tehran
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.

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