bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fasa Registry on Diabetes Mellitus (FaRD): Feasibility Study and Pilot Phase Results
Authors: Pezeshki Babak , Karimi Aliasghar , Ansari Amir , Yazdanpanah Mohammad Hosein , Elmi Mitra , Farjam Mojtaba , Nikmanesh Amirreza , Moalemi Saba , Modaresi Farzaneh
Published: December 2023

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common chronic disease. This disease is the main risk factor for fatal diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke. As there is no cure for DM, an effective strategy must control it. Every attempt to control DM and patientsâ€™ outcomes require a surveillance system to consider the efficacy and safety measures. Fasa Registry on Diabetes mellitus (FaRD) is the first population-based registry for DM in Iran, which aims to provide an accurate description of social, mental health, clinical, and laboratory values of patients in order to consider the management patterns of these patients and discover the degree of adherence to the recommendations. Materials and Methods: The level of plasma glucose characterizes the diagnosis of diabetes (Type I and II). The pregnant women were excluded from this study. Three registrar nurses collected data from demographics, physical exams, past medical history, medication history, and laboratory findings. Results: The pilot phase included the first 381 patients, of which 257 (67.5%) were women, and 124 (32.5%) were men with a mean age of 57.54 Â± 12.12 years among subjects, the 347 (94.5%) cases had DM type 2, and 20 (5.4%) ones had type 1. Conclusion: Based on our results, the characteristics of patients suffering from DM indicated that the jobless ones could not afford their medical expenditures; therefore, the majority of the patients were not adherent to the practice guidelines. The achievement of FaRD helps physicians and patients in improved management of the DM. The findings of this pilot study show the FaRD is feasible, and it will make a comprehensive population-based registry for DM in the region. [GMJ.2021;10:e2137]
Major Dietary Patterns Are Associated with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Tabrizi Reza , Keshani Parisa , Jalali Mohammad , Estakhr Mehrdad , Sarihi Sorour , Kheirmandparizi Maryam , Azarpazhooh Reza , Borhani-Haghighi Afshin
Published: December 2023

Background: Dietary patterns play an essential role in vascular diseases; however, the association of specific dietary patterns and the risk of stroke is unknown. We designed the current study to evaluate several dietary patterns and their association with ischemic stroke. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was performed on 300 subjects, including 150 cases with ischemic stroke admitted to a tertiary referral center in Shiraz, Southern Iran, and 150 age- and sex-matched stroke-free individuals as controls. Using a 62-item Simple Stroke Food Frequency Questionnaire (SS-FFQ), we collected data regarding the dietary habits of all the participants. We extracted the major dietary patterns via principal component analysis using the varimax rotation technique with Kaiser Normalization. Finally, adherence to dietary patterns among the participants was divided into quartiles. We investigated the association between dietary patterns and ischemic stroke using multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: One-hundred and fifty ischemic stroke patients (91 males and 59 females, mean age of 63.9Â±16.04 years) and 150 age- and sex-matched controls (91 males and 59 females, mean age of 61.99Â±16.04 years) were included. After adjusting five major dietary patterns for vascular risk factors, we found that diets rich in fibers and plant-based proteins (P<0.001) and micronutrients (P<0.001) had a lower odds of ischemic stroke as compared to high-fat proteins (P=0.003) and empty calories (P<0.001) diets, but consuming healthy animal proteins (P=0.115) had no effects on the occurrence of ischemic stroke.  Conclusion: Based on our study, we suggest that fibers and plant-based proteins, and micronutrient diets could reduce the odds of stroke, so public awareness about the effects of different dietary patterns should be raised.
Evaluating the Safety of Electroconvulsive Shock and Duloxetine Combination Therapy on Behavioral, Cardiovascular, and Brain Oxidative Stress Markers in the Mice
Authors: Samimi Nastaran , Eghbal Bahareh , Soltani Hekmat Ava , Kouhpayeh Seyed Amin , Ghanbariasad Ali , Javanmardi Kazem , Farjam Mojtaba , Fakhraei Bahareh
Published: December 2023

Background: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) as a well-established and effective therapeutic approach for the treatment of various psychiatric disorders is an excellent option to treat the major depressive disorder (MDD). The goal of this experimental study was to determine the possible sides effects of electroconvulsive shock (ECS) and duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), and evaluate the safety of this therapeutic approach on behavioral factors, cardiovascular function, and brain oxidative stress markers on mice. Materials and Methods: Animals were divided into different groups receiving either ECS or different doses (10, 20, 40, 80, or 120 mg) of duloxetine alone or together. We evaluated the behavioral factors associated with administration of ECS with or without duloxetine. In addition, we monitored the ECGs (electrocardiogram) of animals prior to and after the experiment and also evaluated the oxidative stress markers including TAC, MDA, and GSH miceâ€™s brains. Results: We did not detect any significant differences in terms of heart rate, RR interval, PR interval, QT, or corrected QT (QTc) between groups that received different doses of duloxetine in combination with ECS compare to the control group. Our findings suggest that while administration of ECS solely increased the oxidative stress markers and decreased the antioxidant capacity of the brain, a combination of duloxetine and ECS at certain doses alleviates the oxidative stress condition and increases the antioxidant capacity of the brain. Conclusion: Overall, this study suggests that the combination of ECS and duloxetine is safe and considerable for further studies on human subjects.
Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy As an Initial Presentation of Glomus Jugulare Tumor in Patient with Breast Cancer: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ostovan Vahid Reza , Ghorbani Askar
Published: December 2023

Background: Glomus jugulare tumor is a rare, slow-growing, hyper-vascular paraganglioma that originates from the neural crest derivatives in the wall of the jugular bulb. The most common clinical manifestations of glomus jugulare are pulsatile tinnitus, conductive hearing loss, and hoarseness due to its vascularity and invasion of surrounding structures. Isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy as a presenting feature of the glomus jugulare is very rare. Case Report: We report a 61-year-old woman with a past medical history of breast cancer and diabetic mellitus presenting with progressive difficulty handling food in her mouth and tongue atrophy. Investigations showed skull base lesion and solitary pulmonary nodule. Further work-up led to glomus jugulare and benign solitary pulmonary fibrous tumor diagnosis, although the first impression was metastatic involvement of the jugular foramen. Endovascular embolization of the glomus jugulare was performed, but the patient refused any open surgery due to co-morbidities and the risk of operation. She had no new symptoms at the one-year follow-up, and the size of the lesion became more minor on the follow-up imaging relative to the baseline. Conclusion: Glomus jugulare tumors should be considered and surveyed in the diagnostic work-up of patients with hypoglossal nerve palsy. [GMJ.2021;10:e2222]
Dental Pulp Stem Cells Transplantation Improves Passive Avoidance Memory and Neuroinflammation in Trimethyltin-Induced Alzheimer's Disease Rat Model
Authors: Malekzadeh Samira , Edalatmanesh Mohammad Amin , Mehrabani Davood , Shariati Mehrdad
Published: December 2023

Background: According to the increasing incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD), this study aimed to investigate the effect of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) transplantation on passive avoidance memory and neuroinflammation in trimethyltin (TMT)-induced AD rat model. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 18 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: the control rats, TMT+phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group that received 8 mg/kg TMT plus 0.5 ml PBS, and TMT+DPSCs (TMT+1Ã—106 cells/ml DPSC in 0.5 ml PBS). Then, after one month, a passive avoidance test was performed. Also, nuclear factor kappa-Î² (NF-KÎ²) serum level and the percentage of damaged neurons in the hippocampus were determined. Results: DPSCs transplantation showed significantly increased step-through latency to the dark compartment compared to control and TMT+PBS groups 24 hours aftershock. Also, time spent in the dark compartment of the TMT+DPSCs group significantly decreased compared to control and TMT+PBS groups in 24 and 48 hours after shock (P<0.05). Furthermore, DPSCs transplantation significantly decreased the NF-KÎ² serum level and percentage of damaged pyramidal neurons of CA1 compared to the TMT+PBS group (P<0.05). Conclusion: DPSCs transplantation improved memory and learning, regulated NF-KÎ² serum level, and decreased damaged neurons of CA1 hippocampus in the TMT-induced AD rat model.
The effect of eight weeks of resistance training with tribulus terrestris on the apoptosis mechanism in the heart tissue of rats exposed to stanozolol
Authors: Hosseini Seyed ali
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Abuse of androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS) has irreversible effects on the heart in athletes. On the other hand, the beneficial effects of tribulus terrestris (T) have been shown to reduce cardiovascular risks. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of resistance training (RT) with T on the apoptosis mechanism in the heart tissue of rats exposed to stanozolol (S).
Methods: in this experimental study 35 male rats were divided into 7 groups of 5 rats including: 1) sham (normal saline) (Sh), 2) S, 3) S+100 mg/kg T (ST100), 4) S+50 mg/kg T (ST50), 5) S+RT (SRT), 6) S+RT+100 mg/kg T (SRTT100), and 7) S+RT+50 mg/kg T (SRTT50). During eight weeks, groups 5-7 performed three sessions of RT pre week, and groups 3, 4, 6, and 7 received specific doses of T daily. In order to analyze the research findings, the Shapiro-Wilk, one-way ANOVA with Tukeyâ€™s post- hoc tests were used in SPSS21 software (Pâ‰¤0.05).
Results: RT reduced gene expression of CRP, cytochrome-c, AIF-1 and caspase-9 in the heart tissue (P=0.001); 50 and 100 mg/kg T reduced gene expression of CRP, cytochrome-c, AIF-1 (P=0.001) so that 100 mg/kg T has more favorable effect than 50 mg/kg T (P=0.001). Also, RT with T had interactive effects on reducing the genetic expression of CRP, cytochrome-c, AIF-1 and caspase-9 (P=0.001).
Conclusion: RT and T consumption seem to have synergistic effects in reducing the apoptotic pathway markers in the heart tissue of rats exposed to the supra-physiologic dose of S.
Imaging of Cerebral Venous and Sinus Thrombosis
Authors: Saadatnia Mohammad
Published: December 2023

EarlyÂ Â  and correct diagnosis of cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis (CVST) is necessary for prompt management of this disorder. Neuro-imaging is a crucial part of diagnosis of CVST.Â  I reviewed the findings of non-enhanced computerized tomography (CT), Contrast enhanced CT, CT venography (CTV), different techniques of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MR venography, and digital subtraction angiography. I also reviewed the potential pitfalls in image interpretation.
New Modalities and Approaches in Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Mahmoudi Hooman
Published: December 2023

During recent years, our understanding of recovery after stroke has changed dramatically. As a result, some new approaches and technologies have emerged to help stroke survivors improve even years after the accident. I am trying to introduce some of the most recent and scientifically investigated approaches and technologies used in stroke rehabilitation. Technologies and approaches such as intensive task-specific approach, repetitive Transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, virtual reality rehabilitation, robotic rehabilitation.
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
Authors: Yadollahikhales Golnaz , Borhani-Haghighi Afshin , Safari Anahid , Wasay Mohammad , C.Edgell Randall
Published: December 2023

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is occlusion of dural sinuses and/or cortical veins due to clot formation. It is a potentiallyÂ  Â life-threatening condition that requires rapid diagnosis and urgent treatment.

Cerebral venous thrombosis is Â Â more common inÂ  Â females and young people. Pregnancy, postpartum state, contraceptive pills,Â  infection, malignancy, Â hyper-coagulable state, rheumatological disorders, trauma are among the major etiologies of cerebral venous thrombosis. Headache, focal neurologic deficits and seizure were the most common clinical presentations. Different techniques of unenhanced and contrast enhanced Â Â brainÂ  computerized tomography(CT scan)Â  and ,magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) are the most helpful ancillary investigations for diagnosis of Cerebral venous thrombosis.

Specific treatment Â of the underlying cause of cerebral venous thrombosis should be considered as the mainstay of the treatment. Anticoagulation with heparin or low molecular weight heparinoidsÂ  is Â the most accepted treatment. In acute phase, medical Â Â or surgical management to decrease intracranial pressure (ICP) is Â Â also recommended. If the patient's clinicalÂ Â  condition aggravates despite adequate anticoagulation, thrombolysis Â or mechanical thrombectomy can be an additive option.
Patients Characteristics and Preliminary Outcomes of Heart Failure Registry in A Middle-Income Country: Persian Registry of Cardiovascular Disease/Heart Failure (PROVE/HF)
Authors: Givi Mahshid , Shafie Davood , Garakyaraghi Mohammad , Yadegarfar Ghasem , Roohafza Hamid Reza , Ahmadi Seyed Abdellah , Nouri Fatemeh , Sarrafzadegan Nizal
Published: December 2023

Background: The Persian Registry of Cardiovascular disease/Heart Failure (PROVE/HF) aimed to studied the demographic, clinical, and diagnostic characteristics and treatment of patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF) and to follow them for short- and long-term outcomes. Its pilot phase started in 2015 in Isfahan aiming to evaluate its feasibility to be scaled up at the national level in later stages. This article describes the method and preliminary results of the first year registry. Materials and Methods:Â  Information of hospitalized patients with preserved and low ejection fraction, were gathered. Patients were followed for 1, 6, and 12 months. During follow-up, information of the patientsâ€™ current status, medications used during hospitalization, and in case of death, the cause and place were assessed. Result:Â  PROVE/HF enrolled 787 patients in the first year. The mean age of patients was 70.74 Â±12.01 years, and 60.7% of them were men. The most frequent risk factors for the development of HF in the recruited patients was ischemic heart disease (77.9%), and hypertension (63.7%), respectively. The re-admission rate for patients with HF was at least once in 16% and continued until the fifth to ninth re-admission over a one-year period. Among 787 registered patients, 30.9% died in the first year of follow-up, and the in-hospital mortality was 6.2%. The mean hospitalization period was 4.88 days, and 64.2% were hospitalized for >3 days. Conclusion: The annual rate of re-admission and mortality was high, and the use of medication was less than the recommended one inaccordance with the guidelines for the treatment of heart failure.Â Â [GMJ.2018;7:e1026]Â
Genetic Variant of Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene at rs41423247 and Its Association with Major Depressive Disorder: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Firouzabadi Negar , Nouraei Hasti , Mandegary Ali
Published: December 2023

Background:Â Extensive distribution of glucocorticoid receptors (GCRs) in different brain areas along with disruption of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in major depressive disorder (MDD) and the cross talk between GCRs and HPA proposes genetic variants of GC receptor genes as potential contributors in MDD. Among the GCR polymorphisms, rs41423247, rs6195 and rs6189/rs6190 are suggested to be involved in MDD.Materials and Methods:Â We investigated the association between rs41423247, rs6195 and rs6189/rs6190 and MDD in a case-control study. One hundred MDD patients along with 100 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. genetic variants of rs41423247, rs6195 and rs6189/rs6190 were determined in extracted DNAs using PCR-RFLP.Result:Â The prevalence of heterozygote and mutant carriers of rs41423247 were significantly and by 1.9 fold greater in cases versus controls (P=0.033; OR; 95%CI=1.9; 1.1-3.3). Moreover, carriers of the mutant (G) allele were by 1.8 fold more prevalent in MDD group (P=0.013; OR;95%CI=1.8; 1.1-2.8).Conclusion:Â Specific carriers of rs41423247 might be more susceptible to developing MDD. This supports the hypothesis of the involvement of GCRs in pathophysiology of MDD.Â [GMJ.2018;7:e995]
Structural and Functional Analysis of Crucial Protein Complex in Basal Cell Skin Carcinoma via Network Construction
Authors: Zamanian Azodi Mona , Rezaei-Tavirani Mostafa , Rezaei-Tavirani Majid , Rostami-Nejad Mohammad
Published: December 2023

Â Background: The basal-cell carcinoma (BCC) as one of the most common type of skin cancers reported to have an increasing trend during past years. Molecular approaches can be useful to advance diagnosis and treatment goals in this cancer.Materials and Methods: In this sense, one of the recent popular investigations, protein-protein interaction network analysis (PPI), wasÂ  applied in this study to better facilitate molecular view of BCC. Â Cytoscape v3.6.0 and its plug-ins analyzed and explored the topological and annotation features of the constructed network.Â Result: Among TP53, EGFR, AKT1, ERBB2, HRAS, and CCND1 as central agents of the network, five of them were also present in the first prominent cluster of the network in which considered for further analysis. It is suggested that there are significant related biological processes, actions, and expression changes for this highlighted cluster that may be related to BCC risk.Â Â Conclusion: Therefore, the studied complex of proteins may worth considering for clinical studies and therapeutic interventions after validating by related tests. What is more, among these genes, EBBR2 has more to offer and consequently with additional values. Â [GMJ.2018;7:e1271]
Predictors of Patient Satisfaction with Nursing Care in an Orthopedic and Urologic Population
Authors: Afshar Mohammad , Sadeghi-Gandomani Hamidreza , Masoudi Alavi Negin
Published: December 2023

Background: Patient satisfaction is a multi-dimensional concept that can be influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors. This study was designed to evaluate the determinants that could predict patient satisfaction with nursing care in an orthopedic and urologic Population at a selected surgical ward in Kashan, Iran during 2018.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 250 male patients with orthopedic and urologic diagnosis that were hospitalized in men surgical ward of Shahid Beheshti hospital affiliated to Kashan University of Medical Sciences. Patients satisfaction was assessed by a researcher-made questionnaire. The data was analyzed by the independent t-test, analysis of variance, correlation, and multiple regression analysis statistical tests.Result: The mean score of patient satisfaction was 136.05Â±48.10 (possible range 45-225). The age, marital status, education, diagnosis, the length of stay in the hospital, and the verbal communication of nurses with patients showed a significant correlation with patient satisfaction (P<0.001). Regression analysis revealed that age (P=0.013), marital status (P<0.001), education level (P=0.038), the length of stay in hospital (P=0.002), and verbal communication (P<0.001) could make a meaningful model with patient satisfaction in surgical wards.Conclusion: Many personal and professional factors can determine patient satisfaction in orthopedic and urologic population. Verbal communication between nurses and patients is an important factor for patient satisfaction. [GMJ.2018;7:e1305]
Establishment of a Transgenic Zebrafish Expressing GFP in the Skeletal Muscle as an Ornamental Fish
Authors: Rezaei Mohammad , Basiri Mohsen , Hasani Seyedeh-Nafiseh , Asgari Behrouz , Kashiri Hadis , Shabani Ali , Baharvand Hossein
Published: December 2023

Background: Transgenic animals have a critical role in the advancement of our knowledge in different fields of life sciences. Along with recent advances in genome engineering technologies, a wide spectrum of techniques have been applied to produce transgenic animals. Tol2 transposase method is one of the most popular approaches that were used to generate transgenic animals. The current study was set out to produce an ornamental fish, which express enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under control of mylpfa promoter by using Tol2 transposase method. Materials and Methods: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cloning method was performed to insert zebrafish myosin promoter (mylpfa) into Tol2-EGFP plasmid at the upstream of EGFP. In vitro transcription method was used to prepare the transposase mRNA. The Tol2-EGFP plasmid and transposase mRNA were then co-injected into the one-cell stage of zebrafish zygotes. After two days, the fluorescent microscopic analysis was used to select transgenic zebrafishes. Result: Our data showed that the optimum concentration for recombinant Tol2 vector and transposase mRNA were 50 ng/ul and 100 ng/ul, respectively. The results also revealed that the quality of embryos and quantity of injected construct had the important effects on Tol2 transposase method efficiency. Conclusion: Data showed that Tol2 transposase is an appropriate method to generate zebrafish transgene. Our finding also showed that mylpfa promoter is a strong promoter that can be used as a selected promoter in the ornamental fish industry. [GMJ. 2019;8:e1068]
Nutrition in the Elderly According to Traditional Persian Medicine
Authors: Abbasi Maryam , Rezaeizadeh Hossein
Published: December 2023

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Antidepressant Effects of a Persian Medicine Remedy on Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A Double-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Khalili Mohammad , Adalat Maryam , Ayromlou Hormoz , Haririan Sajjad , Fazljou Seyyed Mohammad Bagher , Rezaeizadeh Hossein , Safari Ali Akbar , Zargaran Arman
Published: December 2023

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS), an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system, is accompanied by some psychiatric disorders, one prominent example of which is depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a Persian herbal medicine treatment that contains Crocus sativus, Hypericum perforatum, Cinnamon verum, and Vitis vinifera on fatigue and sleep disorders in MS patients. Materials and Methods: A Persian medicine remedy containing C.sativus, H.perforatum, C.verum, and V.vinifera was tested for its ability to improve the symptoms of depression in MS patients. This randomized double-blind clinical study was performed among 52 patients with MS who were allocated to their respective research groups through blocked randomization. The patients were treated for 4 weeks with either the drug or the placebo. To quantify the symptoms of depression, Beck depression inventory (BDI) was used. Results: Forty-six patients completed the study. In the course of the study, as the primary outcome, BDI decreased in the drug group (p=0.000) and the placebo group (p=0.001) significantly, but the rate of change in the drug group was significantly higher than in the placebo group (-13.9 Â± 8.6 vs. -3.9 Â± 4.3, p=0.000). While analyzing time and treatment effect for BDI, significant decreases in BDI were observed for the drug group, but not in the placebo group (p= 0.001). Conclusion: The present study suggests that Persian medicine remedy treatment in combination with chemical drugs may improve depression symptoms in MS patients. More investigations are needed to discover the exact mechanisms and processes involved. [GMJ.2019;8:e1212]
Health Consequences of the Female Genital Mutilation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sarayloo Khadijeh , Latifnejad Roudsari Robab , Elhadi Amy
Published: December 2023

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a general health concern. The World Health Organization has recognized it as a condition that endangers womenâ€™s health. This review study aimed to identify the types of health outcomes of FGM. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to create a critical view of the current evidence on the effect of Female genital on girls and womenâ€™s health. In this study, we focused on the health risks of female Female genital. Academic databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, SID, IranMedex, Irandoc, and Magiran were searched with regard to the health consequences of FGM from January 1990 until 2018. Eleven review studies met the criteria and contained 288 relevant studies on the risks of FGM. It was suggested that FGM had various physical, obstetric, sexual, and psychological consequences. Women with FGM experienced mental disturbances (e.g., psychiatric diagnoses, anxiety, somatization, phobia, and low self-esteem) than other women. Our study can provide evidence on improving, changing behaviors, and making decisions on the quality of services offered to women suffering from FGM.[GMJ.2019;8:e1336]
Identification of the Key Genes of Autism Spectrum Disorder Through Protein-Protein Interaction Network
Authors: Zamanian Azodi Mona , Rezaei-Tavirani Mostafa , Rezaei-Tavirani Majid
Published: December 2023

Background: Currently, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing, which widely spurs the interest in the molecular investigation. Thereby, a better understanding of the given disorder mechanisms is likely to be achieved. Bioinformatics suiting protein-protein interactions analysis via the application of high-throughput studies, such as protein array, is one of these achievements.Materials and Methods: The gene expression data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were downloaded, and the expression profile of patients with developmental delay and autistic features were analyzed via Cytoscape and its relevant plug-ins.Results: Our findings indicated that EGFR, ACTB, RHOA, CALM1, MAPK1, and JUN genes as the hub-bottlenecks and their related terms could be important in ASD risk. In other words, any expression modification in these genes could trigger dysfunctions in the corresponding biological processes.Conclusion: We suggest that differentially expressed genes could be used as suitable targets for ASD after being validated.[GMJ.2019;8:e1367]
The Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Post-Episiotomy Pain Severity in Primiparous Women: A Randomized, Controlled, Placebo Clinical Trial
Authors: Shahoei Roonak , Zakariaee Seyedeh Soma , Hashemi Nosab Leila , Moradi Ghobad , Farshbaf Mina
Published: December 2023

Background: Episiotomy or cutting the perineum is the most common operation in obstetrics. Perineal pain is the main complication of episiotomy that affects the quality of life and mental health of the mother. Reducing the pain and side effects of the chemical drugs prescribed for pain relief has attracted the attention of both physicians and scientists. This study was conducted to determine the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), as an alternative method, on post-episiotomy pain severity. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 120 primiparous women who had referred to Sanandaj Besat Hospital in 2018. The patients were divided randomly into three groups, including the intervention group (TENS-On), the placebo group (TENS-Off), and the control group. TENS electrodes were placed near the episiotomy site in genitofemoral and pudendal nerves. The pain was measured after episiotomy in lying, sitting, and activity positions. The pain severity was measured using a pain measurement instrument (numeral rating score) at four-time points, i.e., before the intervention as well as 30, 60, and 120 minutes after the TENS intervention. For data analysis, Pearson correlation, studentâ€™s t-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, ANOVA test, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used. Results: Intragroup evaluation results for placebo and control groups demonstrated no significant difference in the pain score (P>0.05). A significant difference was observed between the mean pain severity of the intervention group and that of the group with walking activities (P=0.04). In terms of the intergroup evaluation, there was a significant difference observed between the mean pain severity of the lying position and that of the control group (P=0.008). Regarding the sitting position, no significant difference was observed between its mean pain severity and that of the other two groups (P=0.04). Conclusion: TENS is an effective and safe method for post-episiotomy pain relief and a routine method used in the obstetrics and gynecology ward. [GMJ.2019;8:e1404]Â
Childbearing through the Lens of Women with Minor Thalassemia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sarayloo Khadijeh , Mirzaii Najmabadi Khadijeh , Behboodi Moghaddam Zahra , Saffari Mohsen , Millen Sharon Elizabeth
Published: December 2023

Background: It is essential to provide key information and support to every woman regarding pregnancy and childbirth to enable all women to make a fully informed decision regarding their choice to reproduce.Â  Of particular importance; however, is that women who suffer from a specific condition that increases risks associated with reproduction, to receive specific information regarding such risks and health complications regarding pregnancy and childbirth. This study aims to explore the feelings, experiences, and needs of women with minor thalassemia in relation to childbearing. Materials and Methods: This sample comprised of 12 Iranian women with minor thalassemia who attended to local health centers in Minudasht, Golestan province, from October 2017 to January 2018. The purposeful sampling technique was employed. The data were collected through deep semi-structured interviews, analyzed using conventional content analysis and processed by using the Graneheim and Lundman method. Results: The findings were based on the participantsâ€™ experiences of pregnancy and fertility. Three major themes emerged; â€˜Emotional and Physical Experience,â€™ â€˜Satisfactionâ€™ and â€˜Social and Cultural Issues.â€™ The most common problem identified was the impact of emotional problems and difficulties regarding the negative implications of thalassemia on reproduction as well as the views and perceptions of family members and those within the community. Conclusion: From the findings, it is evident that thalassemia imposes a heavy psychosocial burden on those women who suffer from the condition. Local health centers in areas most affected by thalassemia would be considered the most suitable venues to introduce key health educational interventions. [GMJ.2019;8:e1429]Â
A Genetic Association Study of MTHFR C677T Polymorphism with Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Azizi Soheil , Shamshirian Amir , Alizadeh-Navaei Reza , Jafarpour Hamed , Asemi Zatollah , Tamtaji Omid Reza , Vaziri Mohammad Sadegh , Homayounfar Reza , Rezaei Shahmirzadi Arash , Alipoor Reza
Published: December 2023

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role as a methyl-group donor in demethylation of homocysteine. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to study the relationship between MTHFR gene polymorphism and metabolic syndrome (MS). We used search engines and databases such as Science Direct, Google Scholar, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PubMed to identify eligible studies up to 2018. The articles were studied based on keywords including MTHFR, mutation, variant, and polymorphism in combination with MS. Data was analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.2.064 software. After extracting the data from seven articles, the total number of subjects was 1280 in the patient group and 1374 in the control group. The odds ratio was estimated to be 1.078 for the allele model of T vs. C (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.626-0.715), 1.157 for the allele model of CC vs. CT (95% CI: 0.829-1.615), 1.020 for the allele model of CT + TT vs. CC (95% CI: 1.611-0.646) and 0.799 for the allele model of TT vs. CC + CT (95% CI: 1.185-0.539). As well, the results showed no statistically significant correlation between polymorphism genotypes of the MTHFR gene and MS (P<0.05). In general, this study showed that the presence of C677T polymorphism in the MTHFR gene has no effect on the incidence of MS. [GMJ.2019;8:e1472]
Designing a Comprehensive Pattern of Structural-Psychological Empowerment for Employees of Medical Sciences Universities
Authors: Roohollahi Nayereh Sadat , Masoudi Asl Iravan , Hessam Somayeh , Mahmodi Mahmoud
Published: December 2023

Background: The concept of empowerment requires the abandonment of traditional models. The need to design and develop employee empowerment patterns has been emphasized in several studies. The present study aims to design a comprehensive structural-psychological empowerment pattern for employees of medical sciences universities.Â Materials and Methods: Our exploratory research was conducted on 410 employees of medical universities of Tehran, Iran, and Islamic Azad University. Firstly, a primary pattern was designed according to a review of available literature, texts, patterns, and tools. Then, the psychometric analysis was done using validation (face validity, content validity, construct validity, factor validity) and reliability (internal consistency and stability). Lastly, the final pattern was introduced after having been approved by experts. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24 and AMOS software. P<0.05 was considered as the significance level.Â Results: Based on our study, 83.9% of participants were holders of bachelor's degrees or higher degrees. The results of validation (face, content, structure, and confirmation validity) and reliability (internal consistency [Î±=0.90] and stability [0.91] ) showed that the structural-psychological empowerment pattern was appropriate, which was validated with 31 items and 8 domains. The scope of this pattern included resources, self-sufficiency, competence, support, effectiveness, and opportunity, significance, and information domains. The highest impact on the model was related to the support domain (impact factor=0.87).Â Conclusion: The present pattern is an appropriate and verified Iranian model in the field of structural-psychological empowerment, which is suggested in the cultural context of Iran, especially in medical universities.[GMJ.2019;8:e1486]Â
Depression Among First- and Fifth-Year Medical Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almalki Abdulaziz Saeed , Almalki Abdullah , Kokandi Abdullah , Aldosari Bandar , Bin Baz Abdulaziz , Alfadhel Shoog , Alsuwayyigh Abdulaziz , Alsadoun Rgad , Haddad Bandar
Published: December 2023

Background: Depression, which is characterized by persistent sadness, is a highly prevalent and serious medical disease that affects more than 300 million individuals worldwide. It is hypothesized that the onset of depressive symptoms in medical students occurs due to prolonged exposure to the stressful environment of medical colleges. Hence, we aimed to determine the presence of depressive symptoms and compare the level of depression between the first-year and fifth-year medical students in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia.Â Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed with convenient sampling from 2 medical colleges in Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from October to November 2017. The English version of Beckâ€™s Depression Inventory questionnaire was used in this study. Statistical analysis was administered using SPSS via chi-square test, and P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Â Results: The questionnaire was answered by 241 participants. The age variable shows a bimodal distribution. The mean age of first-year and fifth-year students was 19Â±0.8 years and 23Â±2.1 years, respectively. Fifth-year students comprised 53.5% of the total sample, and male students accounted for 63.1% of the total sample. After analysis, the results show that male students scored higher than female students on the lower side of the scale in both years. Most of the first-year female students scored a higher level of depression compared with male students (P=0.001), whereas no difference between males and females (P=0.04) was found in the fifth-year studentsâ€™ data.Â Conclusion: Our study shows a new pattern of reported depressive symptoms among first- and fifth-year medical students. In addition, the study suggests that depression is more common in female medical students as compared with their male counterparts. For future studies, we recommend using randomized sampling in a cohort study including all levels of medical students to further investigate and confirm the findings.[GMJ.2019;8:e1497]
Vitamin D, Adiponectin, Oxidative Stress, Lipid Profile, and Nutrient Intakes in the Females with Acne Vulgaris: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Moazen Mahsa , Mazloom Zohreh , Jowkar Farideh , Nasimi Nasrin , Moein Zahra
Published: December 2023

Background: Acne vulgaris is a dermatological disorder that is related to inflammation and oxidative stress. Recent studies have also suggested diet as a potential reason for acne. Considering the inconsistency of the few previous reports, the present study aimed to determine the levels of vitamin D, adiponectin, oxidative stress, lipid profile and nutrient intakes in females with acne. Materials and Methods: Forty females with acne vulgaris and 40 age-matched healthy females were included in this study in Shiraz, Iran. Data on their sociodemographic status, acne history, and anthropometric indices were collected. Blood samples were taken to determine the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, adiponectin, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, and lipid profile. Three 24-hour dietary recalls were also obtained from each of the individuals to evaluate nutrient intakes. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, Independent-samples t-test or Mannâ€“Whitney U-test, and Logistic Regression. Results: Patients with acne had a significantly higher family history of acne compared to controls (P=0.006). Serum level of malondialdehyde was significantly higher in cases (P=0.01), while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower (P=0.02). Moreover, significantly lower fiber intake was observed in cases compared with controls (P=0.007). In the multivariate analysis, a family history of acne and increased malondialdehyde levels were risk factors for acne, whereas a higher fiber intake was protective. Conclusion: Family history of acne, oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and lower dietary fiber intakes may play a role in acne pathogenesis. An early assessment of these parameters may be useful for planning treatment procedures. [GMJ.2019;8:e1515]
Circulating Serum Amyloid A, hs-CRP and Vitamin D Levels in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Safari Anahid , Borhani-Haghighi Afshin , Dianatpour Mehdi , Heydari Seyed Taghi , Foroughinia Farzaneh , Ranjbar Omrani Gholamhossein
Published: December 2023

Background: Both vitamin D and inflammation were investigated as important players in the pathogenesis of postmenopausal osteoporosis. This study compared vitamin D, inflammatory the biomarkers serum levels and their association with bone mineral density (BMD) in case and control groups to evaluate the possible immune-regulatory effect of vitamin D in this population. Materials and Methods: Participants in post-menopausal age, were categorized to 44 osteoporotic vs. 44 healthy aged-matched women according to WHO criteria. Total BMD, T- scores, Z-scores as well as fracture risk were measured in both groups, using Hologic system Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Serum 25-OH vitamin D, high sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were compared between groups. The association between serum biomarkers level and BMD were also investigated. The same evaluations were performed for vitamin D deficient (<20 ng/mL) and non-deficient (â‰¥20 ng/mL) subgroups. Results: Vitamin D deficiency was higher in the osteoporotic group (32.6%) in comparison with the control group (25.6%), but the differences were not significant (P=0.47). There were no significant differences in serum levels of hs-CRP and SAA (P=0.83 and P=0.39) as well. No significant association between serum inflammatory biomarkers, vitamin D, and BMD were detected (Pâ‰¥0.05). The results were the same for vitamin D deficient and non-deficient subgroups (Pâ‰¥0.05). Conclusion: In the current study, the beneficial effects of vitamin D as a result of its immune-regulatory mechanisms was not reached. Larger scale studies might pave the way to define vitamin D benefits in postmenopausal osteoporosis. [GMJ.2019;8:e1548]
Impact of Physical Activity on the Incidence of Vascular Diseases in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Karimi Aliasghar , Pezeshki Babak , Bahramali Ehsan , Ansari Amir , Dehghan Azizallah , Frajam Mojtaba , Sabet Mohammad
Published: December 2023

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common metabolic disease worldwide and has many complications. Vascular events are the major complication of DM, which have an important effect on mortality and disability. Physical activity (PA) enhances the vascular function by several pathways. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between PA and vascular diseases in patients with DM.Â Materials and Methods: This study was performed as a case-control study extracted from a prospective epidemiological research study in Iran. Patients with type 2 DM for more than six months as a case group were compared to sex- and age-matched healthy control subjects. The metabolic equivalent of task score was used to evaluate the level of PA and blood glucose, lipid profile, body mass index, overweight, dyslipidemia, glomerular filtration rate, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and stroke.Â Results: Overall, 1242 patients with DM were extracted, and 2484 non-DM subjects were investigated. In the case group, 355 (28.6%) and 887 (71.4%) subjects were men and women, respectively, and 710 (28.6%) men and 1774 (71.4%) women were in the control group. The mean metabolic equivalent of task score was 30 and 40.97 in the DM and non-DM groups, respectively (PË‚0.001). The frequency of myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiac ischemia was 44 (3.5%), 37 (3%), and 267 (21.5%) in the DM group, and 54 (2.2%), 43 (1.7%), and 389 (15.7%) in the non-DM group, respectively.Â Conclusion: The incidence of vascular events associated with PA level in patients with DM and adherence to regular PA reduced vascular events and DM complications.Â [GMJ.2019;8:e1549]Â
Frequency of Left Bundle Branch Block in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction; A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Niknam Reyhaneh , Mohammadi Mahmonir
Published: December 2023

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVDs) is important problems in both developing and developed countries. Currently, non-invasive methods for diagnosis of CVD, especially myocardial infarction (MI), is an interesting subject in the cardiology field. Some evidence showed left bundle branch block (LBBB) is more prevalent among patients with MI. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the frequency of LBBB and their contributing factors in patients with MI. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 150 patients with ST elevation or non-ST elevation on their admission electrocardiography who referred to Boo-Ali and Amir-Al-Momenin hospitals, Tehran from January 2016 to June 2017 entered the study. Frequency of LBBB and right bundle branch block (RBBB) in participants and the contributing factors were determined. Results: In this study, of 150 cases (mean age: 60.35Â±12.88 years), 109 (72.7%) were male, and 41 (27.3%) were female. Out of 150 cases, 12 (8%) had LBBB, 5 (3.3%) RBBB, and 133 (89.7%) had not RBBB or LBBB. Contributing factors were family history, hypertension, and history of ischemic heart disease (P<0.05). Conclusion: Eight percent of patients with myocardial infarction would develop LBBB, which is related to hypertension, and self and family history of ischemic heart disease. [GMJ.2019;8:e1576]Â
Expression of Bioinformatically Candidate miRNAs including, miR-576-5p, miR-501-3p and miR-3143, Targeting PI3K Pathway in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Razaviyan Javad , Hadavi Razie , Koochaki Ameneh , Kokhaei Parviz , Bandegi Ahmadreza , Mohammadi-Yeganeh Samira
Published: December 2023

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an invasive and lethal form of breast cancer. PI3K pathway, which often activated in TNBC patients, can be a target of miRNAs. The purpose of this study was bioinformatic prediction of miRNAs targeting the key genes of this pathway and evaluation of the expression of them and their targets in TNBC. Materials and Methods: We predicted miRNAs targeting PIK3CA and AKT1 genes using bioinformatics tools. Extraction of total RNA, synthesis of cDNA and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed from 18 TNBC samples and normal adjacent tissues and cell lines. Results: Our results demonstrated that miR-576-5p, miR-501-3p and miR-3143 were predicted to target PIK3CA, AKT1 and both of these mRNAs, respectively and were down-regulated while their target mRNAs were up-regulated in clinical samples and cell lines. The analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve was done for the evaluation of the diagnostic value of predicted miRNAs in TNBC patients. Conclusion: The findings of our study demonstrated the reverse correlation between miRNAs and their target genes and therefore the possibility of these miRNAs to be proposed as new candidates for TNBC targeted therapies. [GMJ.2019;8:e1646]
Preventive Efficacy of Dried Lime (Citrus aurantifulia) in Common Cold Among Hajj Pilgrims: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Mosavat Seyed Hamdollah , Pasalar Mehdi , Molavi Vardanjani Hossein , Keshavarz Mohsen , Mosaffa-Jahromi Maryam , Owji Seyed Hosein , Bagheri Lankarani Kamran
Published: December 2023

Background: Dried lime (Citrus aurantifulia) is one of the herbal preparations used especially by Iranian pilgrims as a preventative agent and self-remedy for respiratory tracts symptoms in folklore medicine. Therefore, we evaluated the preventive efficacy of dried lime preparation in common cold among Iranian pilgrims. Materials and Methods: In this randomized, double-blinded, clinical trial patients in the drug group received dried lime capsules, 500 mg in a single dose per day for four weeks. In the placebo group, the patients received placebo capsules using the same method. The primary outcome measure in this trial was the severity of cold symptoms assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the trend of cold symptoms severity during the study period. However, in the second week, the severity of all the cold symptoms in the drug group was less, compared to the placebo, but at the end of the study, comparison of the two groups revealed no significant difference in any of the investigated options. Conclusion: The findings revealed that although the severity of all the cold symptoms in the drug group was less as compared to the placebo group, the dried lime capsule showed no statistically significant effect on the control of these symptoms in Iranian pilgrims. [GMJ.2020;9:e1462]