bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of Iron Super Oxide Dismutases A/B Genes Are Associated with Antimony Resistance of Leishmania tropica Clinical Isolates
Authors: Bahrami Afsane , Mohebali Mehdi , Nafchi Hossein Reisi , Raoofian Reza , Kazemirad Elham , Hajjaran Homa
Published: December 2022

Background: Pentavalent antimonial has been a drug of choice against leishmaniasis, despite the emergence of treatment failure. Identification of resistance markers is urgently needed to design new therapeutic strategies. Iron-Superoxide dismutases (Fe-SODs) are antioxidant enzymes contributing to detoxify reactive oxygen species to prevent a cell from oxidative stress. Since antimonial compounds induce oxidative stress, in this survey, the expression of SOD genes was investigated to identify their expression pattern in clinical resistant isolates.
Methods: This cross-sectional survey was done in Mashhad City, northeast of Iran during 2014 to 2019. The RNA expression level of mitochondrial (SODA) and glycosomal (SODB) superoxide dismutase was investigated in 25 antimony responsive (n=15) and unresponsive (n=10) anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) patients. Total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, the qRT-PCR approach was utilized to investigate the relative RNA expression level.
Results: The transcript level of SODs was over-expressed in the most resistant isolates. Gene expression analysis demonstrated the over-expression of SODA and B by a factor of 3.8 and 4.81, respectively, in resistance isolates vs. sensitive ones.
Conclusion: Aberrant expression of SODA/B in unresponsive parasites could potentially implicate in detoxifying antimony-induced oxidative stress. Moreover, SODs might be considered as potential predictive markers of the response to antimonials in ACL patients in endemic areas.
Efficacy of Preoperative Albendazole on Protoscoleces Viability in Hydatid Cyst of the Liver
Authors: Vahidirad Ali , Mansouri Mostafa , Shamshirian Ali , Berenji Fariba , Motie Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2022

Background: Optimal duration for medical therapy of liver hydatid cysts before surgery in not certainly defined yet. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 2 weeks preoperative albendazole in decreasing viable cysts.
Methods: Patients referring to Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran with a diagnosis of hepatic hydatid cyst were randomly divided into intervention (44 patients) and control (46 patients) groups. The case group were treated with oral albendazole before surgery and the control group underwent surgery without albendazole therapy. Efficacy of albendazole on the reduction of prevalence and viability of the protoscoleces was finally evaluated.
Results: A number of 90 patients were included in the final analysis. Protoscoleces were reported alive in 10 (22.7%) and 17 (36.9%) of patients in the case and control group, respectively. The decrease of live protoscoleces in case group was not statistically significant (P=0.14).
Conclusion: Decrease in the viability of protoscoleces in hepatic hydatid cysts after 2 weeks administration of oral albendazole at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day preoperatively, is not significant. Optimal duration of medical treatment before surgery seems to be 4 weeks or more.
Possible Correlation between Giardia duodenalis Genotypes and Fecal Calprotectin in Children with Diarrhea
Authors: Abou-Seri Hanan M , Ibrahim Asmaa , Zahran Fatima
Published: December 2022

Background: Giardiasis is one of the leading causes of diarrhea, particularly among children under the age of five in developing countries. Fecal calprotectin (FC) is an important biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring of inflammtory bowel disease, but other diagnoses should be considered in light of its elevation. We aimed to evaluate FC level in patients diagnosed with giardiasis and elucidate a possible correlation between Giardia genotypes and FC levels.
Methods: Overall, 120 fecal samples were collected from children aged 4-12 years and tested for giardiasis by light microscopy. Out of which, 50 samples were enrolled within two groups: group I “cases” and group II “controls” and then subjected to PCR amplification, sequencing of the beta-giardin (bg) gene of the parasite, and FC evaluation.
Results: Assemblage B was identiﬁed in 75%, and assemblage A in 25% of samples. FC levels were statistically elevated in “group I” in comparison to “group II”. Likewise, there was a statistically significant difference between FC levels in patients infected with assemblage A and assemblage B with a mean of 114 μg/gm and 202 μg/gm, respectively.
Conclusion: The study highlighted the possible association between Giardia genotype B and elevated FC levels, further detailed studies are necessary to clarify these finding.
Identification and Subtyping of Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis in Cancer Patients, Isfahan Province, Central Iran
Authors: Pestechian Nader , Mohammadi Manesh Reza , Tavakoli Sanaz , Mokarian Fariborz , Rahmani Maryam
Published: December 2022

Background: Cryptosporidium spp. are protozoan parasites that cause diarrhea in humans and animals. Subtyping data about Cryptosporidium spp. in Isfahan, Iran is limited; therefore, we aimed to study the prevalence rate of Cryptosporidium spp. in cancer patients, associated risk factors, and subtypes of Cryptosporidium spp.
Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 187 cancer patients from the Oncology Department of Seyed-al-Shohada Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences during 2014–2020 and screened for Cryptosporidium spp. using microscopical techniques. Nested PCR amplifying 18S rRNA gene was used to detect Cryptosporidium spp. in samples, followed by subtyping using nested PCR amplifying gp60 sequences.
Results: Overall, the rate of infection with Cryptosporidium spp. was 4.3% (n=8). Five samples out of eight samples were identified as Cryptosporidium spp. using a nested PCR for the 18S rRNA gene, two subtypes of C. parvum named IIaA18G3R1 (n = 2) and IIaA17G2R1 (n = 2), and one subtype of C. hominis named IbA6G3 were identified by sequencing of the gp60. The IbA6G3 subtype has rarely been detected in other investigations.
Conclusion: This is the first survey on the subtyping of Cryptosporidium spp. in this region. The results of the present survey show both zoonotic and anthroponotic transmission routes in the region.
Polymeric Approach to Adjuvant System in Antibody Production against Leishmaniasis Based on Hybridoma Technology
Authors: Zorba Yildiz Asli Pinar , Yildirim Koken Gulnaz , Abamor Emrah Sefik , Bagırova Melahat , Tosyali Ozlem Ayse , Kocagoz Tanil , Allahverdiyev Adil
Published: December 2022

Background: Leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease, which is one of the serious public health problems in the world. Nowadays, antibody production using hybridoma technology may be a correct approach in terms of sensitivity in the diagnosis of diseases such as leishmaniasis. The aim of this study was investigation of the effectiveness of different adjuvants on polyclonal antibody production against L. tropica based on hybridoma technique.
Methods: Accordingly, Freund's adjuvant (1956, M. tuberculosis), as a classic adjuvant in studies, was used comparatively with the non-toxic polymeric based Polyoxidonium adjuvant. All animal immunization procedures were conducted at Bezm-i Alem University Experimental Animal Research Center. The adjuvant response was tested both in the serum sample and in the antibodies produced by the hybridomas. The antibody titers were determined with ELISA.
Results: Freund’s and Polyoxidonium (PO) group blood titer’s increased approximately 5.5 fold compared to control after the 6th and 8th immunization. Hybridomas produced from mice immunized with PO adjuvant induced only antigen-specific antibody response and did not develop an immune response against the adjuvant.
Conclusion: Adjuvant selection is very important in terms of the specificity of antibody responses of cells produced in hybridoma technology. Therefore, PO is recommended as a new adjuvant system in this study.
Serological Follow-up of Human Cystic Echinococcosis in the Thrace Region, Turkey
Authors: Eryıldız Canan , Tarladaçalısır Taner , Kuyucuklu Gulcan , Çakmakçı Berrak , Sakru Nermin
Published: December 2022

Background: Parasites of the genus Echinococcus are common worldwide and are important cestodes that cause serious infections in humans and animals. This retrospective study evaluated the indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test results of serum samples obtained from patients with a pre-diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis (CE) within ten years. In addition, the role of the IHA test results of the patients in the follow-up of the treatment and determining possible recurrences was investigated.
Methods: The IHA test results of 2426 serum samples of patients with a pre-diagnosed CE admitted to Trakya University Health Center for Medical Research and Practice in Edirne, Turkey, between January 2011 and December 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. The data of 53 patients with CE who had medical treatment and/or postoperative follow-up serological records were evaluated.
Results: Of 2426 IHA tests, 376 (15.5%) were seropositive, and 2050 (84.5%) were seronegative. It was determined that 376 serum samples detected as positive belonged to 207 patients with CE. Of 207 CE patients, 109 (52.7%) were female and 98 (47.3%) were male. The most common organ involvement was the liver in 186 (89.9%) cases. Of 53 patients, 16 were considered relapse cases. The median follow-up period for 16 recurrent cases was 31.8 (1-77) months. Our results showed a statistically significant correlation between long-term serological follow-up and recurrence detection (P=0.034).
Conclusion: Long-term serological follow-up after treatment is considered useful in determining possible recurrent cases. CE is an important public health problem for endemic regions, including our country, and we think our study results will contribute to the status and follow-up of the disease.
Potential of RH5 Antisense on Plasmodium falciparum Proliferation Abatement
Authors: Razavi Vakhshourpour Sepand , Nateghpour Mehdi , Shahrokhi Nader , Motevalli Haghi Afsaneh , Mohebali Mehdi , Hanifian Haleh
Published: December 2022

Background: Infections by Plasmodium falciparum, are becoming increasingly difficult to treat. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel antimalarial agents’ discovery against infection. In present study, we described a 2’-O-Methyl gapmer phosphorothioate oligonucleotide antisense targeting translation initiation region of 3D7 strain RH5 gene.
Methods: The study was conducted in Pasteur Institute of Iran in 2020. ODNs effects were measured by microscopic examination and real time RT-PCR. For microscopy, microplates were charged with 2’-OMe ODNs at different dilutions. Unsynchronized parasites were added to a total of 0.4 ml (0.4% parasitemia, 5% red blood cells), and slides were prepared. Proportion of infected cells was measured by counting at least 500 red blood cells.
Results: RH5 genes start codon regions selected as conserved region besed on alignment results. Gap-RH5-As which was complementary to sequence surrounding AUG RH5 start codon signiﬁcantly reduced parasite growth (>90% at 50 nM) compared to sense sequence control (Gap-RH5-Se) (17%), (P<0.001). RH5 transcripts were dramatically reduced after exposed to ODNs at a concentration of 5-500 nM for 48 h.
Conclusion: Gemnosis delivery of a chimeric gapmer PS-ODN with 2’-OMe modifications at both sides had high antisense activity at low concentrations (10-100 nM) and shown a good efficiency to reach to target mRNA in human RBCs. Anti-parasite effect was correlated to reduction of target gene mRNA level. In addition, 2’-OMe ODNs free delivery is an effective way and does not need any carrier molecules or particles.
The Influence of Different Culture Media on the Growth and Recombinant Protein Production of Iranian Lizard Leishmania Promastigote
Authors: Abdi Ghavidel Afshin , Aghamiri Shahin , Jajarmi Vahid , Bandehpour Mojgan , Kazemi Bahram
Published: December 2022

Background: Leishmania is a eukaryotic protozoan parasite belonging to the Trypanosomatidae family. The Iranian Lizard Leishmania (I.L.L.), which is non-pathogenic to mammals, shows great promise to be used as an expression system for recombinant protein production. Unlike other Leishmania strains, the ideal culture medium for I.L.L. has not been established, although it is commonly cultured in the RPMI1640 medium.
Methods: We investigated the growth rate of the wild and recombinant I.L.L. in BHI, RPMI1640, LB, and M199 media with and without FBS, hemin, or lyophilized rabbit serum. Subsequently, the expression rate of the recombinant protein in these media was compared.
Results: The growth rate of I.L.L. in RPMI1640 medium and LB broth was similar and supplementation with 10% FBS did not affect the growth rate. The amount of protein expression in the LB medium was higher than in the other three media.
Conclusion: The LB broth is an appropriate medium for I.L.L. culture and recombinant protein production.
Serological Screening of Patients Diagnosed with Alveolar Echinococcus Disease in Their Home Regions
Authors: Akkas Onder , Uslu Hakan , Yilmaz Isa , Aydın Yener , Korkut Ercan , Yilmaz Ahmet
Published: December 2022

Background: We aimed to determine the prevalence of Alveolar echinococcusis using ELISA in our region, to perform the specific differentiation of species by using the Western Blott method, to diagnose and treat this disease effectively in early periods, and to inform the patients about the results quickly.
Methods: From the provinces of Erzurum, Kars, Ardahan, Iğdır, Ağrı and Erzincan in the Eastern Anatolia Region, Turkey in August-September 2017, blood samples were provided from 305 participants (volunteer patients and their relatives), including 151 females (49.50%), whose ages ranged between 6-85 yr and were diagnosed as Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) and operated in concerned clinics. 
Results: EIgG ELISA was determined as positive in 29 (9.5%) participants, including 17 (11.3%) females and 12 (7.8%) males. In addition, Em2-Em18 ELISA was also determined as positive in 15 (4.9%) participants, including 9 (6%) females and 6 (3.9%) males. Tweleve (3.94 %) of these findings were observed as positive in terms of both tests. Through the verification done by Anti-EWB IgG, Echinococcus multilocularis (EM) was identified in 7 (21.9%) of the female participants, E. granulosus (EG) in 1 (3.1%), and both parasites in 2 (6.2%). For male participants, EM was determined in 3 (9.3%) of them, EG in 1 (3.1%), and both parasites in 1 (3.1%).
Conclusion: AE continues to threaten public health in the region. In families where AE is detected positive, the reason for disease is based on nutrition; thus, it will be proper to check up all family members in the terms of infection.
Inhibitory Effects of Leishmania Mexicana infection on MHC-I Expression in Bone Marrow Derived Dendritic Cells
Authors: Rezvan Hossein , Ali Selman A , Hamoon Navard Sahar
Published: December 2022

Background: Leishmania is a parasite causing leishmaniasis with different clinical manifestations depending on the infectious species in many countries worldwide. Although different studies have been taken place to clear the interaction of the parasite with the immune system, many aspects of immunology of leishmaniasis is remained uncertain.

Methods: Bone marrow derived dendritic cells (DCs) were cultured in vitro and divided into different groups (Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK). The groups were separately infected with live or autoclaved L. mexicana or loaded with Soluble Leishmania Antigen (SLA). The expression of major histocom- patibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecule was checked and compared on the cultured DCs using flow cytometry.

Results: Infection of L. mexicana caused a significant downregulation in expression of molecules where killed Leishmania or SLA could not induce suppression in expression of these molecules.
Conclusion: L. mexicana infection results in downregulation of MHC-I expression on bone marrow-derived dendritic cells.
PCR-Based Diagnosis of Leishmania Species in Chronic Granulomatous Dermatitis in Mashhad, Iran
Authors: Nahidi Yalda , Tayyebi Meibodi Naser , Ghazvini Kiarash , Arabi Moghadam Halime Sadat , Akhlaghi Saeed , Torabian Farnaz
Published: December 2022

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a chronic granulomatous dermatitis (CGD). Approximately, 90% of CL patients are from seven countries including Iran. We explain polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic technique for chronic granulomatosis dermatoses including CL in Mashhad, Iran.
Methods: This study enrolled 64 patients within 2009-2013 with chronic granulomatosis dermatitis referred to dermatology and pathology departments of Imam Reza Hospital, affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS), Mashhad, Iran. We gathered demographic data from archived folders. Histological light microscopic evaluation and parasitological tests were done on selected specimens. We used PCR diagnostic test on specimens. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 15.
Results: Generally, 7 out of 64 specimens had Leishmania DNA and other samples had no Leishmania DNA. The mean age of patients was 46 ± 18.77 years; disease duration was 7 ± 6.73 months ranging from 1-24 months. Most of the lesions were located on face and upper limb. Totally, 5 out of 7 samples were Leishmania major and 2 out of 7 samples were L. tropica. Tuberculoid granuloma was present in L. tropica samples and 3 of L. major samples. Other light microscopic changes were as follow: 42 suppurative granuloma, and epidermal changes including atrophy, pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia, and parakeratosis with dermal changes including, plasma cell, involvement of papillary and reticular dermis, and distribution of granuloma to hypodermis.
Conclusion: Our results addressed PCR-based diagnosis of chronic cutaneous leishmaniasis, which is resulted from L. major and L. tropica.
Detection of Lophomonas blattarum (Order: Hypermastigida) from Iranian Patients with Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Bakhshaee Mehdi , Teimouri Yeganeh , Jabbari Azad Farahzad , Yousefi Razieh , Parian Mahmoud , Berenji Fariba
Published: December 2022

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common allergic diseases triggered by indoor and outdoor allergens. Certain arthropods, such as mites and cockroaches, contain protozoa like Lophomonas blattarum in their intestines to help with digestion that may have some role in AR. We aimed to determine the frequency of L. blattarum in nasal smears of patients with AR in comparison with healthy controls.
Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study (March 2015-March 2016), 36 patients with a clinical presentation of AR (with a positive prick test including mites) and 34 normal controls were included at ear, nose, and throat (ENT) clinic at Imam Reza Hospital of Mashhad, Iran. Nasal secretions were evaluated to examine presence of L. blattarum in the patients and control group by direct method. Diagnosis of L. blattarum was based on microscopic observation both on direct smear and Giemsa stained specimens.
Results: Patients with AR had a higher frequency of L. blattarum in their nasal smears than the control group (25% vs. 2.9%) (P=0.001).
Conclusion: We found L. blattarum more frequently in the nasal secretion of AR patients compared with healthy subjects; this protozoon may have some role in this condition. However, the relationship between L. blattarum and AR requires further studies to allow a greater understanding.
Successful Treatment of Fasciola hepatica with Metronidazole in a Child: A Case Report
Authors: Ergenc Zeynep , Kepenekli Eda , Yakut Nurhayat , Yapici Ozge , Batu Utku , Tutar Engin
Published: December 2022

Fasciola hepatica is a zoonotic liver trematode that usually causes infection in cattle and sheep, and is transmitted to humans by consuming water and aquatic plants contaminated with metacercaria. The detection of Fasciola eggs in stools, serological evaluation and radiological evaluation are essential for diagnosis. Triclabendazole is the first-line therapy for fascioliasis. However, as triclabendazole is not an easily accessible drug in countries such as Turkey, it reveals a quest for alternative therapies. In this report, we present a 10-year-old boy with fascioliasis successfully treated with a course of metronidazole 1.5 g/ day for 3 weeks in 2020. During the follow-up, eosinophilia and radiological findings completely recovered. Here we report a case of pediatric fascioliasis that was cured with metronidazole successfully.
Identifying the effective factors in using medical evidence in clinical medicine: A qualitative study in the emergency department
Authors: Basir Ghafouri H , Abazarian N , Ebrahimnegad Shirvani M , Hedayati P , Faghir Gangi M , Amanollahi A
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Evidence-based medicine can increase the clinical performance of physicians. This qualitative study was conducted with the aim of examining the effective factors for using new evidence by emergency medicine residents in Rasoul Akram and Haftam Tir Hospitals in Tehran, Iran.
Methods: The present descriptive-analytical study was conducted in the year 2016 in two hospitals In Tehran. In order to conduct this qualitative study, residents were selected by purposive sampling. The data was collected during 18 in-depth individual interviews and the categories and themes of the effective factors in the use of new evidence were extracted using conventional content analysis.
Results: Participants were introduced to medical evidence through text books, attending workshops, faculty classes, attending conferences, or through friends. Evidence-based medicine consists of factors such as: physician incentive factors, patient incentive factors, factors in favor of scientific facts, environmental-cultural incentives and moral incentives, and among the inhibitory factors discouraging the use of evidence based medicine are factors that influence physician and patient, environmental-cultural inhibitors and social inhibitors.
Conclusion: There seems to be a positive attitude among residents towards the use of evidence-based medicine, but there are still several obstacles to its implementation in society. Structural and individual factors and policy-making are the most important determining factors in its implementation in Iran.
Investigating the effect of the educational program in prospective of the principles of the case based discussion method in the microbiology clerkship of laboratory science students
Authors: Sadeh M , Keshmiri F , Mansouri A , Amirpour Banadaki S , Jahanmehr M
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Clerkship in field is one of the important educational programs in the field of laboratory sciences and providing opportunities for students to learn in clerkship, improved the quality of health services. The aim of this study was to design a structured microbiology clerkship program from the perspective of case based discussion method among laboratory science students.
Methods: This was a single-group intervention study. The participants were from the field of laboratory sciences who participated in clerkship courses (99 participats). Educational intervention based on case-based discussion was designed as a formative evaluation method. Learners' performance was evaluated using a checklist in the stationary test and the students’ satisfaction was evaluated using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential tests.
Results: The students' learning scores after the intervention were in desirable level. The highest learning score related to blood culture evaluation was 8.04±1.54 and the lowest score related to wound culture evaluation was 6.26±1.78. There was no significant difference between the satisfaction scores of the course and the performance evaluation scores of students according to academic year. But the performance of senior year students was significantly better and the students’ satisfaction scores were significantly high and at a good level.
Conclusion: Using the discussion-based teaching method in the clerkship course increased the students' learning and this method can be effective in increasing the skills and learning of the trainees in the field. It is suggested the case based discussion was used in the instructional design of clerkship courses.
The relationship between self-confidence and stress in students of Birjand University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Hosseinzadeh M , Miri M.R , Zarringhalam E , Salehiniya H
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Paying attention to different aspects of students' mental health paves the way for their academic achievement, at the same time, self-confidence and stress in students are very important aspects in academic performance and other aspects of their lives. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between self confidence and stress in students of Birjand University of Medical Sciences in 2019.
Methods: In this study, 348 students were included. Due to the prevalence of corona virous and lack of face-to-face contact with students, data were collected through the Gadzell Student Stress Questionnaire (51 questions) and the Moradi Confidence Questionnaire, which has 30 questions designed by google form. SPSS software and t-test, analysis of variance and correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data.
Result: The mean age of the subjects was 21.34 years with a standard deviation of 1.74 years. In terms of gender, 68.8% were female and the rest were male. Based on the results, a significant relationship was observed between self-confidence and gender and college. Based on the correlation coefficient test, a positive correlation was observed between r and stress (r = 0.431 and p = 0.001).
Conclusion: Students who have a higher level of self-confidence have lower levels of stress, therefore, their stress level can be reduced by strengthening students 'self-confidence, and therefore, holding courses to increase students' self-confidence. It is useful.
Methods of Medical Education, Transoxianian Physicians in the Samanid period (874-1004 AD)
Authors: Golshani S.A
Published: December 2022

Introduction: One of the educational practices in medical knowledge, Clinical and hospital methods, is Dar al-Hekmeh and Self-reading Style. This method has a fascinating history; in fact, its formation was due to the religious restrictions of scholars of Hanafi jurisprudence in schools and mosques In Transoxiana region during the Samanids (874-1004 CE).
Methods: Scrutinizing works which concern Iran civilization including primary written resources as well as newly conducted studies, not only did the present research attempt to investigate this important historical era but it also aimed to present the general scheme of medical education in the way of self-reading of during the Samanids through categorizing the garnered information.
Results: Contrary to the notion that the creation of this constraint caused scientific stagnation, by examining and summarizing the existing material, but this limitation has deepened the medical knowledge. Even this has led to the development of equipped libraries and the access of scholars of science and doctors to these libraries, and this ultimately led to the study and research many books and writing useful books on medicine and pharmacy.
Conclusion: A fleeting glimpse at medical education or other various methods existing in the era of Islamic Civilization reveals the importance this teaching procedure assumed in during the Samanids, whose considerable attention to the subject of medical education for Clinical and hospital methods, Dar al-Hekmeh and Self-reading Style expanded its influence in other parts of the world, thereby fundamentally evolving methods and mechanisms employed in history of the world so as to teach medical sciences.
Convergence of sciences for social accountability in education: An experience
Authors: Ghanbari Firuzabadi M , Heydari S , Akhondzadeh B.H , Mirazei M
Published: December 2022

The Article Abstract is not available.
Defining Overlapping Concepts of Program Evaluation in Medical Education
Authors: Salajegheh M
Published: December 2022

The Article Abstract is not Available.
Telerehabilitation in People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Scoping Review
Authors: Sourtiji Hossein , Khalaji Masoud , Monfared Elyas
Published: December 2022

Introduction: A new coronavirus, called COVID-19, was discovered in Hubei, China in December 2019. In just one year,  COVID-19 has infected more than 81 million people (as  of December 29, 2020) worldwide. People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are a particularly vulnerable group during the disease. In such a situation, telerehabilitation approaches provide the main solutions to improve the disorders caused by inactivity in people with MS. This study was conducted to review the studies performed in the field of telerehabilitation in people with MS and to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of using this method in the face of the prevalence of COVID-19 for people with MS.
Materials and Methods: Research studies were searched and reviewed in 4 databases, including PubMed, Science-direct, Scopus, and Web of Science in the period 1995-2020. The inclusion criteria included articles using telerehabilitation interventions in people with MS and telehealth interventions in people with MS published between 1995 and 2020. These articles have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Group or single-case intervention research has been used.
Results: A total of 261 articles were found in the initial search  based  on keywords.  In  these articles, descriptions of telerehabilitation and telehealth were presented. Initially, after reviewing the searched articles, 223 articles were removed from the study process due to a lack of inclusion criteria. After that, the full texts of the remaining 38 articles were selected, at the end, 16 articles had the inclusion criteria and were included in the study.
Conclusion: Based on our findings on the benefits of using telerehabilitation to improve the cognitive, physical, and quality of life of people with MS, as well as its cost-effectiveness, it is recommended that people with MS under the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic stay in quarantine. It is a good way to rehabilitate these people to prevent the further progression of the disease and maintain their quality of life. Of course, this approach is growing and due to the low quality of current studies, more research is needed.
Effects of Intramuscular Electrical Stimulation on Pain and Dysfunction Following Upper Trapezius Trigger Points
Authors: Hadizadeh Monavar , Bashardoust Tajali Siamak , Moghadam Behrouz Attarbashi , Jalaei Shohreh , Bazzaz Mahnaz
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of single-session intramuscular electrical stimulation (IMES) on pain and dysfunction following active trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle.
Materials and Methods: Volunteers (30 females) with active trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle were randomly divided into two IMES and placebo groups. For the IMES group, a needle was inserted into the trigger point, and electrical stimulation was applied to generate a pain-free contraction. For the placebo group, the intervention procedure was exactly the same, but there was no electrical stimulation. Pain by visual analog scale (VAS), pain pressure threshold (PPT), range of motion (ROM), and disability by neck disability index (NDI) were assessed as main outcome measures before, immediately after, and one week after conducting intervention by another blinded researcher.
Results: The VAS scales were improved in both groups but were significantly lower in the IMES group one week after treatment. The PPT and ROM scores were substantially higher in the IMES group one week after the treatment. The NDI indexes significantly reduced for both groups, with no significant differences between them.
Conclusion: IMES effectively improves pain, PPT, ROM, and NDI, following trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. Further studies are required to investigate the IMES’s long-term effects.
Assessment Through Objective Structured Clinical Examination: How to Promote the Satisfaction of Physiotherapy Students
Authors: Abbaszadeh-Amirdehi Maryam , Talebi Ghadamali , Gholamnia-Shirvani Zeinab , Ghaemi-Amiri Maryam , Taghipour Mohammad , Javanshir Khodabakhsh , Javadian Yahya , Mousavi-Khatir Seyedeh Roghayeh
Published: December 2022

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the satisfaction of physiotherapy students with the general structure of objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).
Materials and Methods: A researcher-made questionnaire consisting of eight items was distributed to 43 graduate and undergraduate physiotherapy students to evaluate the general structure of OSCE. Data analysis was done through SPSS software v. 20, considering a significance level of P<0.05.
Results: Among 43 participants with a mean age of 23.7±2.4 years old, the percentage of desirable attitude toward attractiveness of the OSCE was 46.6%, being fair was 21%, identifying strengths and weaknesses was 53.5%, the ability to assess knowledge and information was 11.7%, good assessment of practical skills was 30.3%, good assessment of clinical diagnosis skills was 34.9%, and appropriateness was 34.9%. In total, 88.4% of the participants believed that OSCE increases students’ stress. The total satisfaction of all the participants with the OSCE was 2.7±0.8, with last year’s students significantly less than graduate ones (2.6±0.9 vs 2.9±0.3).
Conclusion: The findings showed that the satisfaction of physiotherapy students regarding the general structure of the OSCE was not desirable, and OSCE was considered stressful. Therefore, due to the importance of OSCE in assessing clinical skills, it is better to improve the quality of holding the OSCE by fixing existent shortcomings, including shortness of time at each OSCE station and establishing training sessions.
Pragmatic Skills in Children with Cochlear Implants
Authors: Rashed Chitgar Elnaz , Ghorbani Ali , Abasi Soudabeh , Mohamadi Reyhane , Rasouli Mahboobeh
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Pragmatics refers to how language is used in social communication. Pragmatics has different dimensions. This study investigated the turn-taking, topic maintenance, and duration of topic maintenance in children with Cochlear implants (CIs) and normal-hearing children matched with chronological age and language age.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, pragmatics were compared in 15 CI children, 15 normal-hearing children matched with chronological age, and 15 normal-hearing children matched with language age. Pragmatic skills of subjects such as turn-taking, topic maintenance, and duration of topic maintenance in verbal conversation were observed and measured in two groups including CI children with age-matched peers and CI children with language-matched normal-hearing children. The children’s conversations were transcribed and the data were analyzed based on the normality of their distribution by independent-sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U tests.
Results: Findings showed no significant difference between the mean of turn-taking, topic maintenance, and duration of topic maintenance skills of CI children with their hearing peers (P>0.05). Also, the results obtained by comparing the mean of turn-taking, topic maintenance, and duration of topic maintenance skills in CI children with normal-hearing children matched with language age did not show a significant difference (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Children with CIs achieved a level of skills in turn-taking, topic maintenance, and duration of topic maintenance, which was similar to age-matched and language-matched normal-hearing children. Probably, the duration of auditory experience after cochlear implantation, age of implantation of the prosthesis, age of diagnosis of hearing loss, age of rehabilitation intervention, and family follow-up have been effective in achieving these skills.
Developing a Morphological Awareness Test and Determining its Psychometric Properties for Persian- Speaking Students
Authors: Mirahadi Seyyedeh Samaneh , Soleymani Zahra , Alayiaboozar Elham
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Morphological awareness (MA) refers to the ability of conscious manipulation of morphemes (minimal meaningful units of language). There is no test for assessing MA in Persian. Therefore, this study aims to develop a morphological awareness test (MAT) and determine its psychometric properties in elementary school students.
Materials and Methods: This methodological research study was performed in 2 phases. The first phase of the current study involved studying articles to extract Persian morphemes for designing a MAT. A draft of MAT was developed. In the second phase, to determine content validity, the MAT was given to 7 experts. The content validity ratio and content validity  index (CVI) were calculated. Intra-class  correlation  and Cronbach  alpha were calculated  for determining test-retest reliability and internal consistency, respectively. To determine discriminant validity, 20 dyslexic students were compared with 31 normal readers using the Mann-Whitney U test.
Results: CVI was reported 0.94. Test-retest reliability results showed that there were statistically significant differences (P<0.005) between two times in 7 subtests out of 10. Internal consistency was reported as 0.70. The results of discriminant validity showed that there was a statistically significant difference between normal and dyslexia groups in all MA subtests (P<0.005).
Conclusion: The amount of CVI showed that the test can examine MAskills. The inconsistency between test-retest results proved the influence of experience. The internal consistency of the test was acceptable. The appropriate discriminant validity results showed that the test can distinguish between normal and dyslexic groups. Therefore, the Persian MAT is a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of MA skills.
Comparison of Effects of Mulligan Techniques and Muscle Energy Technique on Pain and Function in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Fadhil Taher Abbas , Bagheri Hossein , Ashnagar Zinat , Jalaei Shohreh
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disabling worldwide disorder in which the knee osteoarthritis range of motion (ROM) is particularly reduced. Mobilization with Movement (MWM) has shown rapid improvements in pain and functions. The muscle energy technique (MET) is claimed to be effective in muscle lengthening, strengthening, and increasing joint ROM.
Materials and Methods: A clinical trial was conducted to compare knee Mulligan (lateral, medial, and rotational glides) techniques (n=15), and post-isometric relaxation muscle energy techniques (quadriceps, hamstring, and tensor fascia latae) (n=15) on pain and function in OA.
Results: Twenty-two subjects (73.3%) were grade-II of knee OA and 8 subjects (26.7%) with grade III. The visual analogue scale (VAS) showed significant changes in the reduction of pain. In the VAS, the main effect of time of treatment shows that the mean value of the VAS score was statistically significant between at least two assessment stages (before the first session, after the third session, and after a month) (P<0.001) in each group. In knee osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), the main effect of time of treatment shows that the mean value of KOOS score is statistically significant in increasing KOOS between at least two assessment stages (before the first session, after the third session, and after a month) (P<0.001) in each group. KOOS showed significant changes for increasing function. Timed up and go (TUG) score showed decremental significant changes in time. In the TUG score, the main effect of time of the treatment shows that the mean value of the TUG score was statistically significant between at least two assessment stages (before the first session, after the third session, and after a month ) (P<0.008). In ROM score, the main effect of time of the treatment shows that the mean value of ROM score was statistically significant in increasing ROM between at least two assessment stages (before the first session, after the third session, and after a month) (P<0.002, observed power= 0.927).
The Study of Cognate and Non-cognate Nouns and Verbs Naming in Mazandarani-Persian Bilinguals
Authors: Kazemi Mansoureh , Mehri Azar , Jalaei Shohreh , Golzadeh Ferdos Agha
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The main purpose of this study was to investigate how words are retrieved in the picture naming tasks (retrieval is discrete serial or cascading and networked) by examining the effect of word cognateness on the ability to name. Obtaining  normal  data on the ability to name of Mazandarani-Persian bilingual individuals with different genders, ages, and educational groups, was another goal of this study.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, after completing the language proficiency questionnaire, 120 Mazandarani-Persian individuals named 109 nouns and 90 verbs in Mazandarani and Persian languages. The speed and voice of people were recorded by DMDX software.
Results: The results show that the accuracy of the naming cognate nouns in Mazandarani, cognate verbs in Mazandarani and Persian, and the speed of naming cognate nouns in Mazandarani is more than non-cognate (P=0.000). Cognate status, gender (men), word type (noun), level of education, and Persian language had a positive effect on naming accuracy.
Conclusion: The results of this study are an example of the effect of cognate status on naming ability and thus confirming the cascaded activation model. Also, gender (men), word type (noun), level of education, and Persian language has a positive effect on naming accuracy.
Reliability of Selective Neck Muscle Size in Migraine Patients and Healthy Controls Using Ultrasonography
Authors: Rezaeian Tahere , Ahmadi Mehdi , Mosallanezhad Zahra , Hemmati Ladan
Published: December 2022

Introduction: In migraine headaches, motor control of muscles is  impaired.  In  this research, thickness measurement of bilateral muscle thickness of upper trapezius (UT) and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles was conducted and intra-rater reliability of the thickness measurement of these muscles was assessed in migraine headache and healthy subjects.
Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study to measure bilateral ultrasound images of UT and SCM muscles in 15 patients with migraine headaches and 15 healthy controls. A linear array probe with a 50-mm footprint and frequency range of 7.5 MHz measured the thickness of UT and SCM, parallel to the orientation of the muscle fibers. Intra- class correlation coefficients (ICC) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were used for data analysis.
Results: The ICC and SEM for thickness measurement of left UT were 0.88 and 0.06 (excellent) and it was 0.87 and 0.07 (excellent) for right UT thickness. The ICC and SEM for left SCM muscle thickness were 0.88 and 0.06 (excellent) and it was 0.85 and 0.08 (excellent) for right SCM thickness. Muscle thickness of the right UT muscle was 13.38±0.92 mm and 11.12±1.00 mm, in migraine and healthy groups, respectively. Also, muscle thickness of the right SCM muscle was 7.24±0.70 mm and 9.16±0.67 mm in migraine and healthy groups, respectively.
Conclusion: The present study showed that ultrasonography can be a reliable tool to measure cervical muscle thickness in migraine patients. Additionally, the ultrasonography protocol of the current study, the position, and the measurement level can be used with high reliability in future studies.
Effects of Combining Diaphragmatic Exercise with Physiotherapy on Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Mosallaiezadeh Sima , Bashardoust Tajali Siamak , Shadmehr Azadeh , Attarbashi Moghadam Behrouz
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Chronic neck pain (CNP) is of the most common symptoms of musculoskeletal disorder. Diaphragmatic exercises can reduce pain, and disability, improve proprioception, and correct forward head posture (FHP) in patients with CNP. The present study aims to determine the effect of combining diaphragmatic exercises with physiotherapy on pain, disability, and active range of motions of cervical and FHP in individuals with CNP.
Materials and Methods: Thirty women with CNP were randomly divided into two combined groups of diaphragmatic exercises and physiotherapy (DEPT) and PHYSIOTHERAPY ALONE (PT). Each person received ten sessions of treatment over two weeks. The results were assessed in the first and tenth sessions as well as two weeks later. Pain intensity was measured by visual analogue scale (VAS), disability by neck disability index (NDI), cervical active range of motions (CAROMs) by goniometry, and FHP by a lateral photograph.
Results: The VAS, neck disability index (NDI), CAROMs, and FHP were improved after the tenth session and in a two-week follow-up (P<0.001). A significant difference was observed between the groups for average changes of VAS (P=0.04) and active extension (P<0.001) after the tenth session, while the average changes between the two groups of cervical active left lateral flexion (P=0.82) and left rotation (P=0.11) in the next two weeks was not significant.
Conclusion: Both groups showed improvement in neck pain, disability, CAROMs, and FHP. However, diaphragmatic exercises and physiotherapy (DEPT) seem to have more lasting effects. Therefore, it is recommended to evaluate and modify the breathing patterns in the first line of treatment programs for patients with CNP.
Utility of Yoga as an Alternative Therapy for Occupational Hazards Among Physical Therapists
Authors: Ross Michael , Drews Kathryn , Rogers Chelby , Szydlowski Garrett
Published: December 2022

Introduction: This study was conducted to evaluate the adoption of yoga techniques as an alternative therapy in the management of physical and psychological occupational hazards among physical therapists.
Materials and Methods: A validated closed-ended questionnaire was used to assess education and experience level, personal health and occupational hazards/habits, and treatment strategies used for the physical and psychological occupational hazards for participants in their current position. By e-mail, we invited 500 randomly selected physical therapists to participate.
Results: We received completed questionnaires from 119 physical therapists. Musculoskeletal pain with stress was the most common occupational hazard reported, followed by only stress, and only musculoskeletal pain. Regarding the pain, the lumbar spine, cervical spine, thoracic spine, shoulder, and knee were the most affected parts of the body. Regarding pain and stress, only a third physical therapists adopted yoga as an alternative treatment for these occupational hazards; physical therapists tended to engage in other forms of exercise, listen to music or utilize massage to treat pain and stress. Lack of time and lack of training were the most common reasons cited by physical therapists for not practicing yoga. Interestingly, 85.7% of physical therapists would recommend yoga as a treatment for their patients.
Conclusion: While musculoskeletal pain and stress were extremely common occupational hazards among physical therapists, only about a third of physical therapists adopted yoga as an alternative treatment for these occupational hazards.