bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women Representatives and Politics of Image Construct in Pakistan: A Study of Parliamentary Debates on Selected Issues (2013-2018)
Authors: Gul Shahla , Akbar Muqarrab
Published: February 2024

Politics and political process across the world has generated a debate that how to create an inclusive democracy in which vulnerable segments of the society has to be provided a sense of equality and justice. Pakistan since 1947 and onward has undergone a systemic change to address multiple issue and problems that needed to refurbish its social and political system to accommodate the justified concerns of the subjected parts of the polity. Women quota was increased in political representation which helped them to break the glass ceiling effect and gave a sense of self-construction. In the parliament, they automated the concept ‘personal is political’ to dispel the social taboos which were working under the auspices of patriarchy and religiosity. In the above given time span of the government, women parliamentarians raised their voices over all kinds of issues and abridged the gulf between public and private. Despite toeing party lines of which they are nominee, they were successful in creating niche for them in the domain of politics. They developed their own caucus to make their identity meaningful in the politics of Pakistan. Parliamentary debates from archives of the parliament were consulted for this research.
Effects of structured exercise program on severity of dizziness, kinesiophobia, balance, quality of sleep, activities of daily living and quality of life in bilateral vestibular hypofunction: case study
Authors: Arslan Sena Gizem , Budak Miray , Yılmaz Mahmut Sinan
Published: February 2024

Background and Purpose. The vestibular rehabilitation is an exercise-based method, aiming to maximize central nervous system(CNS) compensation at vestibular nuclear and other CNS levels for vestibular pathology. A minimal number of studies have documented the impact of Vestibular rehabilitation on the recovery rate of patients with Bilateral Vestibular Hypofunction(BVH). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of structured vestibular rehabilitation (VR) programs on severity of dizziness, kinesiophobia, balance, quality of sleep, activities of daily living(ADL) and quality of life(QoL) in subjects with chronic BVH.
Case Description. Three participants diagnosed with BVH who suffered from severity of dizziness, kinesiophobia, balance, quality of sleep, ADL and QoL were included in the study.
Intervention. A structured VR program was applied in 50-minute sessions once a week and as a home exercise program 3 days a week over 8 weeks.
Outcomes. Participants were evaluated for severity of dizziness with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), for kinesiophobia with the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), for balance with the Semitandem, tandem, and standing tests, for quality of sleep with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), for ADL with the Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Life (VADL) and for QoL with Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) at the baseline (T0), at 4th week (T1), 8th week (T2), and 20th week (T3) after study started.
Conclusion. In conclusion, a twelve-week structured VR program may enhance severity of dizziness, kinesiophobia, balance, quality of sleep, ADL and QoL in participants with chronic BVH.
Development of a physical education learning model football game materials based on cooperative learning to increase student motivation and cooperation
Authors: Pamungkas Galih , Sumaryanto Sumaryanto , Komarudin Komarudin , Annasai Faza
Published: February 2024

Aim. (1) This study aims to test the production of a physical education learning model based on cooperative learning, designed to increase motivation and cooperation among high school students (2) Producing the feasibility of implementing a cooperative learning-based physical education learning model to increase motivation and cooperation for high school students (3) Produce practical implementation of a practical physical education learning model based on cooperative learning to increase motivation and cooperation for high school students.
Material dan methods. This research employs a Research and Development (R&D) model. This research procedure uses the ADDIE development model. The population in the study was class X SMA N 1 Seyegan with a sample size of 16 students.
Results. (1) Based on research, the average learning outcome for the development of the first meeting was 44,125 and at the second meeting was 64,875. Sig value (2-tailed) is.000. Due to the sig value..000 < 0.05 then H0 is rejected. Therefore, it can be concluded that there was a significant improvement between the first and second meetings. (2) Based on research, it shows that the average learning outcome at the second meeting was 64.870 and at the third meeting was 81.125, Sig. (2-tailed) of.001. Due to the significance value 0.001 < 0.05 then H0 is rejected and Ha cannot be rejected. So it can be concluded that at the second and third meetings there was a significant improvement (3) Based on research, it shows that the average learning outcome for the development of the first meeting was 44.125 and the third meeting was 81.125, the value of significance (2-tailed) of 0.000. Due to the significance value. 000 < 0.05 then H0 is rejected and Ha cannot be rejected. So it can be concluded that from the first meeting to the third meeting there was a significant improvement.
Conclusions. Research on the development of a model for the development of a physical education learning model with cooperative learning-based football game material to increase high school students' motivation and cooperation which has been prepared and is suitable for use. The development of a physical education learning model with cooperative learning-based soccer game material to increase high school students' motivation and cooperation has proven effective.
Programa Bom Começo para a saúde da criança
Authors: Guimarães Ricardo Queiroz , Vilhena Douglas de Araújo , Soares Fabrício Carvalho , Canestri Jean Andrade , Guimarães Juliana Reis , Guimarães Márcia Reis
Published: February 2024

Introdução: As triagens universais da saúde visual de escolares detêm grande relevância do ponto de vista da saúde pública, possibilitando uma intervenção precoce dos casos identificados com deficiência visual que coincide com o período em que o trabalho intensivo de escolarização se inicia. Objetivo: Apresentar dados epidemiológicos populacionais de perdas da acuidade visual de participantes do terceiro ano do Ensino Fundamental. Métodos: Estudo transversal descritivo, com amostragem populacional. Participaram alunos do terceiro ano do Ensino Fundamental (n=422; 8 a 12 anos de idade; M=8,6 anos±0,6; 52% meninas) de todas as escolas municipais de Nova Lima (MG). Utilizou-se o equipamento estereoscópico Keystone Vision para avaliar a acuidade visual para longe e perto, com apresentação binocular e monocular, com oclusão não compressiva de um olho. Resultados: De acordo com os critérios do Ministério da Saúde e da 10ª Revisão da Classificação Estatística Internacional das Doenças e Problemas relacionados à Saúde (CID-10), 31% dos participantes apresentaram perda visual para longe e 37% para perto, em um ou ambos os olhos. Já de acordo com a CID-11, 13% dos participantes apresentaram deficiência na acuidade visual para longe e 17% para perto. Foram encaminhados 9% dos participantes para avaliação oftalmológica. Conclusões: Identificou-se prevalência alta de alterações da saúde visual nos participantes, o que reforça a importância, do ponto de vista da saúde pública, de triagens universais da saúde visual de escolares. Os dados epidemiológicos descritivos gerados podem auxiliar gestores da saúde e educação em tomadas de decisão.
Saúde mental do idoso institucionalizado
Authors: Rodrigues Amanda Carriço , Santos Aliny de Lima , Soares Ligia dos Santos Mendes Lemes
Published: February 2024

Introdução: O processo de acolhimento dos longevos em instituições de longa permanência de idosos (ILPI) tem se tornado uma constante por parte das famílias, principalmente ao observar-se o panorama de ageísmo atual. Dessa forma, seja pela falta de condições emocionais, seja pela praticidade em fornecer o cuidado por meio terceirizado, inúmeros idosos são obrigados a se adaptar a um novo ambiente, rotina e conviventes. Assim, faz-se clara a percepção de inúmeras dificuldades por parte desses indivíduos em lidar com os obstáculos inerentes ao processo fisiológico do envelhecimento, somada à tempestade de sentimentos advindos do abandono e da incapacidade. Além disso, por se tratar de uma porção vulnerável da população, torna-se importante trazer à tona a visão dos idosos a respeito de sua percepção de saúde e da forma como se sentem quanto à convivência nesse espaço e com suas famílias. Objetivo: Compreender a influência do contato familiar e das relações interpessoais na saúde mental de idosos residentes em ILPI no noroeste do Paraná. Métodos: Estudo descritivo exploratório, de abordagem qualitativa, realizado por meio da aplicação de um questionário associado a uma entrevista semiestruturada com idosos residentes em uma ILPI, no ano de 2021. Entre as informações abordadas estão a autoavaliação do estado mental, a forma de ingresso na instituição, o contato familiar e o relacionamento dentro da instituição. As entrevistas foram gravadas, transcritas e analisadas, segundo semelhança de conteúdos. Resultados: Por meio dos dados coletados, observou-se que o processo de ingresso da maioria dos entrevistados foi consentida e estabelecida por concordância entre idoso, família e assistente social. Também se viu que, mesmo com as adversidades da pandemia de COVID-19, os familiares buscaram estar presentes por intermédio de chamadas de vídeo, seguindo os protocolos de prevenção à doença. Outro ponto investigado foi o relacionamento entre os residentes e os profissionais da instituição, a qual foi estabelecida como não conflituosa, sendo considerada impessoal pela maioria, obtendo-se poucos relatos que a considerassem como familiar. Por fim, constatou-se pelos relatos uma boa condição cognitiva (bom estado de saúde mental), mantida por meio da boa convivência e da implementação de atividades coletivas e individuais de lazer por parte da instituição. Conclusões: Os idosos entrevistados consideraram sua estadia, convivência e rotina na ILPI de ótima qualidade. Ao contrário do esperado, a maioria dos internos apresentou boa condição cognitiva (bom estado de saúde mental), constatada no decorrer das entrevistas. Há poucos idosos residentes na instituição, e o diagnóstico de depressão é apresentado nos prontuários.
The Influence Of Millennial Leaders’ Decision-Making Styles, Millennial Characteristics, And Work Period Toward Decision-Making Competence Case Study In Pt. Taspen (Persero)
Authors: Wulandari Putri ayu , Dewi Emilia Fitriana
Published: February 2024

This research analyzes the situation and conditions of  PT. Taspen (Persero) human resources which experiences generational differences between Baby Boomers and Millennials. This generational difference occurred because no employee recruitment existed between 1992 and 2006. On the other hand, as many as 163 employees will soon retire in 2024 to 2025. In other words, PT. Taspen (Persero) is dealing with employee shortages, especially in leadership positions. Therefore, PT. Taspen (Persero) has a very dynamic change of employee positions quickly. This causes Millennials to be prepared to become leaders within a minimum of 1.5 years after being appointed as permanent employees. Based on this, this research aims to examine the decision-making of Millennial leaders. Where in this case, the younger generation must be able to make the right decisions even though they have little experience and a short working time. Therefore, the researcher aims to know whether the natural characteristics possessed by Millennials as well as their work period and type of decision-making making will influence their competence in making decisions which will be assessed using the Adult Decision-Making Competence (A-DMC) model. On the other hand, company management, in this case, the human resources division, is also the object of research in qualitative form to find out how far management supports millennial leaders in decision-making by providing a conducive work environment.
Relationship Between Airway Examination with LEMON Criteria and Difficulty of Tracheal Intubation with IDS Criteria
Authors: Derakhshan Pooya , Nikoubakht Nasim , Alimian Mahzad , Mohammadi Sadaf
Published: February 2024

Background: Tracheal intubation is a common technique used to secure a patient’s airway, which is crucial in anesthesia. Successful tracheal intubation depends on various factors, including the assessment of the patient’s airway before the procedure. In recent years, scoring systems, such as LEMON (an acronym for the assessment of the airway’s appearance, identification of any dental issues, evaluation of Mallampati classification, assessment of airway obstruction, and examination of neck mobility) and intubation difficulty scale (IDS) have gained attention. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the LEMON criteria and IDS in tracheal intubation. The goal was to provide valuable insights that can assist medical professionals in optimizing their approach to airway management by analyzing clinical data, assessing patient outcomes, and evaluating the consistency between these scoring systems. Methods: This study was based on a descriptive-analytical study involving a group of patients requiring intubation. This study examined 105 patients scheduled for elective surgeries, aged between 19 and 60 years, without specific underlying diseases, such as laryngeal cancer, temporomandibular joint stiffness, or significant tongue enlargement, and with a body mass index (BMI) below 40 kg/m². Initially, expert anesthesiologists assessed the patients using the LEMON criteria, and then the degree of intubation difficulty was measured using the IDS scoring system. Finally, these two criteria were compared. Results: In this study, there was a significant correlation between the LEMON score and the IDS score (P < 0.001). The difficult intubation group (IDS score higher than 0) had higher LEMON scores (with the highest score equal to 4) than the non-difficult intubation group (IDS score of 0) (P = 0.017). The average LEMON and IDS scores were 3.11 and 1.35, respectively. Among the participants, 96.2% had an intubation difficulty score of ≤ 5; nevertheless, 3.8% had a score of > 5. Additionally, limited neck mobility emerged as the sole independent predictor of intubation difficulty (P = 0.002, odds ratio = 6.152). Conclusions: The LEMON score is associated with difficult intubation in adult patients requiring intubation.
Design and Characterization of an Osmotic Pump System for Optimal Feeding and pH Control in E. coli Culture to Increase Biomass
Authors: Abedin Saeedeh , Ranjbari Javad , Haeri Azadeh , Vahidi Hossein , Moghimi Hamid Reza
Published: February 2024

Background: Batch cultures used for various purposes, such as expression screening and recombinant protein production in laboratories, usually have some drawbacks due to the bolus addition of carbon sources, such as glucose and buffers, that lead to overflow metabolism, decreased pH, high osmolality, low biomass yield, and low protein production. Objectives: This study aimed to overcome the problems of batch culture using the controlled release concept by a controlled porosity osmotic pump (CPOP) system. Methods: The CPOP was formulated with glucose as a carbon source feeding and sodium carbonate as a pH modifier in the core of the tablet that was coated with a semipermeable membrane containing cellulose acetate and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400. The release rate was regulated with Eudragit L100 as a retardant agent in the core and PEG 400 as a pore-former agent in the coating membrane. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to elucidate compatibility between components and release mechanism, respectively. The in-vitro release of glucose and Na2CO3 studies were performed for 24 hours in a mineral culture medium (M9). Then, the effectiveness of CPOP in the growth of Escherichia coli (E. coliBL21) as a microorganism model was evaluated. Glucose consumption, changes in medium's pH, and acetate concentration as a by-product were also monitored during the bacterial growth. Results: Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the compatibility between the components in the osmotic pump, and SEM elucidated the release mechanism due to in-situ delivery pores created by dissolving soluble components (PEG 400) on the coated membrane upon contact with the dissolution medium. The in-vitro release studies indicated that the osmotic pump was able to deliver glucose and sodium carbonate in a zero-order manner. The use of CPOP in E. coli (BL21) cultivation resulted in a statistically significant improvement in biomass (over 80%), maintaining the pH of the medium (above 6.8) during the exponential phase, and reducing metabolic by-product formation (acetate), compared to bolus feeding (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The use of CPOP, which is capable of controlled release of glucose as a carbon source and sodium carbonate as a pH modifier, can overcome the drawbacks of bolus feeding, such as decreased pH, increased acetate concentration, and low productivity. It has a good potential for commercialization.
Interpersonal Communication Skills of Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zeighami Mohammadi Sharareh , Mohammadi Batool , Moghimi Hanjani Soheila
Published: February 2024

Background: Assessing the interpersonal communication skills of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic enables us to understand their communication challenges and needs in crises and devise appropriate solutions to address them effectively. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the interpersonal communication skills of nursing students at Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 167 nursing students in the seventh and 8th semesters of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, during the academic year 2020 - 2021. Sampling was performed using a purposeful sampling method. Data were collected through a demographic information form and the Interpersonal Communication Skills Test, which was completed via self-report. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 26, employing descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage) and inferential tests such as the Pearson correlation coefficient and t-test. Results: The majority (53.3%) of nursing students exhibited moderate interpersonal communication skills. The lowest mean score was related to assertiveness (13.72 ± 3.24), while the highest mean score was associated with the ability to receive and send messages (28.53 ± 4.62). A weak, significant inverse correlation was observed between the total score of interpersonal communication skills and age (r = -0.182, P = 0.019). Conclusions: The results indicate that most nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic possessed moderate interpersonal communication skills. The area of greatest weakness was assertiveness. These findings underscore the necessity of attention and training to enhance assertiveness skills among nursing students. Additionally, teaching nursing students interpersonal communication skills, particularly in critical conditions, is essential.
Comparison of Lipid Profiles Between Pediatric Living- and Deceased-Donor Liver Recipients
Authors: Mehdizadegan Nima , Dehghani Seyed Mohsen , Najafi Roya , Tahani Masoud , Shahramian Iraj
Published: February 2024

Background: It has been shown that hyperlipidemia occurs in 71% of patients following liver transplantation. Multiple risk factors, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, and diet, as well as the immunosuppressive medications used, influence the lipid profiles that are seen in these individuals, contributing to the multifactorial etiology of lipid problems. Objectives: The aim of the present study is to compare the lipid profile in liver transplant recipients from living-related (LR) and deceased donors (DDs). Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study performed at Shiraz University of Medical Science between 2005 and 2018. Patients under 18 years old who received liver transplants were included in the study and divided into 2 groups who received from LR and DDs, and lipid profiles were compared between the 2 groups. Results: A total of 397 patients were included in the study; in the first group, 234 received a liver from a DD, and in the second group, 161 from an LR donor. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 17.51 ± 5.49 in the first group and 16.25 ± 3.29 in the second group. The most common underlying diseases were biliary atresia (22%) and autoimmune hepatitis (15%). The mean triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were 133 and 46 mg/dL in the first group and 118 and 54 mg/dL in the second group, while the differences were statistically significant. As age increased, there was a significant difference in the mean values of fasting blood sugar (FBS) and HDL, with FBS increasing and HDL decreasing. There was no significant difference in the use of immunosuppressant drugs between the 2 groups. Conclusions: Patients who received a liver from an LR donor have a significantly lower TG, higher HDL, and a lower cardiovascular risk.
Relationship Between Reactive Aggression in Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children and Attitudes Toward Having a Disabled Child Mediated by Maternal Chronic Fatigue: A Structural Equation Model
Authors: Raeisi Elham , Safarzadeh Sahar , Bakhtiarpour Saeed , Heidari Alireza
Published: February 2024

Background: Deafness and hearing loss can pose adverse developmental consequences in communicative, cognitive, and socioemotional areas for both the child and parents. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of maternal chronic fatigue in the relationship between the reactive aggression of deaf and hard-of-hearing children and attitudes toward having a disabled child. Methods: This study employed a descriptive correlational research design. The statistical population of this study consisted of mothers of all deaf and hard-of-hearing elementary students in special centers for such children in Ahvaz, Iran, of whom 202 mothers were selected as the sample through convenience sampling. Data collection was performed using the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Scale, Attitudes of Parents with Special Needs Children toward Their Children Scale, and Chalder Fatigue Scale. The proposed model was examined using structural equation modeling (SEM), and indirect relationships between the research variables were tested by bootstrapping. Results: The mean and standard deviation (SD) of reactive aggression, attitudes toward having a disabled child, and maternal chronic fatigue were 20.37 ± 4.84, 73.16 ± 14.66, and 21.47 ± 6.12, respectively. The results showed a significant relationship between attitudes toward having a disabled child and maternal chronic fatigue and between maternal chronic fatigue and reactive aggression in children (P < 0.001). Nevertheless, no significant relationship was observed between attitudes toward having a disabled child and reactive aggression in children. The results also indicated that maternal chronic fatigue mediated the indirect relationship between attitudes toward having a disabled child and reactive aggression in deaf and hard-of-hearing children (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The study findings suggested that the finalized model was well fitted to the data; therefore, it can be used to identify the maternal factors causing reactive aggression in deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
Investigating the Prevalence of COVID-19-Related Sleep Disorders Among Individuals Recovering from COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study
Authors: Ghadirian Fataneh , Shafighi Amirhossein
Published: February 2024

Background: Sleep disorders, as psychological manifestations of COVID-19, have been correlated with a decreased quality of all aspects of individuals' well-being, even after COVID-19 recovery. Objectives: Due to the persistence of sleep disorders even after the recovery from COVID-19, along with their significant consequences on the quality of life of individuals suffering from these disorders, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence and predictive power of sleep disorders and their correlation with socio-demographic and health disparities among COVID-19 recovered individuals in Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical investigation, a total of 300 individuals participated from 3 hospitals in different regions of Tehran. Participants were selected based on inclusion criteria and simple random sampling. They were then evaluated using the "Questionnaire of Clinical and Demographic Information" and the "Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)." Additionally, the "Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS21)," "The Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R)," and "Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)" were used to assess other related disorders in the prevalence and predictive power of sleep disorders among the participants. Statistical tests, including the analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square, and Bayesian linear regression, were implemented using SPSS v. 26 to analyze the obtained data. Results: Among the total of 300 participants, 198 individuals (66%) demonstrated sleep disorders. The majority were female (54.54%), married (88.38%), employed (56.56%), from Tehran (96.96%), and covered by hospital C (36.86%). Ultimately, depression (BF = 0.01 and P-value = 0.0001), anxiety (BF = 0.02 and P-value = 0.0001), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (BF = 0.02 and P-value = 0.001), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (BF = 0.0001 and P-value = 0.001) were the most powerful predictors of the presence of sleep disorders among individuals recovered from COVID-19. Conclusions: COVID-19-related sleep disorders were found in more than half of the COVID-19-recovered individuals, with mild severity. Furthermore, the reported prevalence, severity, and significance varied among the participants in accordance with sociodemographic and health disparities.
Effectiveness of a Multispecies Synbiotic on Functional Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kazemi Veisari Arash , Hajiebrahimi Shahin , Shokri-Afra Hajar , Fakheri Hafez , Maleki Iradj , Taghvaei Tarang , Hosseini Vahid , Omrani-Nava Versa , Ebrahimi Mahboobe , Elhaei Amir , Valizadeh Toosi Seyed Mohammad
Published: February 2024

Background: Changes in the intestinal microbial flora may contribute to the occurrence and intensification of functional constipation (FC). Probiotics have shown promise as a potential alternative treatment for constipation. Objectives: The main goal of this study is to assess the effects of an Iranian multispecies synbiotic supplement on FC. Methods: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) recruited 115 adult patients who met the Rome IV criteria for FC after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. They were randomly assigned to receive either psyllium (n = 57) or psyllium plus synbiotic (n = 58) daily for 4 weeks. The treatment response was evaluated based on changes in stool consistency (based on the Bristol scale), bloating severity, and constipation intensity (based on the Wexner Constipation Scoring System), and those with a partial to excellent response were considered treatment successes. Results: The two groups did not differ in terms of sex, age, and BMI. The downward trend of stool consistency, bloating, as well as, constipation intensity was significant after 2 weeks of synbiotic-containing intervention. Treatment success after 4 weeks was 75.44% in the synbiotic group, compared to 30.91% in the psyllium-alone group (P < 0.001), indicating the superior efficiency of the synbiotic. Neither treatment exhibited adverse effects (P = 0.924), although psyllium was found to be less tolerable than the synbiotic (P = 0.026). Conclusions: Multispecies synbiotic intake for 4 weeks may be a promising treatment option for FC, given its striking favorable effects on constipation severity, safety, and tolerability.
Investigation of Some Natural Products as an Inhibitor of Agglutinin-Like Sequence (Als3) from Candida albicans (Skin Candidiasis): An in-Silico Study
Authors: SarveAhrabi Yasin , Nejati Khoei Sarina
Published: February 2024

Background: Candida albicans is one of the most common fungal pathogens responsible for skin infections. Agglutinin-like sequence 3 (Als3) is a major adhesin protein expressed on the surface of Candida albicans cells. Herbal compounds play a significant role in human health due to their biological activities. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-Als3 effects of some phenolic, terpenoid, saponin, alkaloid, polyphenolic, and naphthoquinone compounds. Methods: The two-dimensional (2D) structures of 24 compounds were obtained from the PubChem database as ligands. They were optimized using the mm2 method with Chem3D software (version 20.1.1.125). The ligands were then evaluated as inhibitors against the active site of Als3 using Autodock Vina software. The output results were analyzed and assessed using Discovery Studio software (version 16.1.0). Results: The results demonstrated that compounds such as rutin, linalool, digitalin, atropine, epigallocatechin, and lawsoniaside can serve as strong inhibitors of Als3 by forming hydrogen bonds for inhibition. Among these compounds, rutin was observed to be more effective and potent than the others. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of compounds such as rutin, linalool, digitalin, atropine, epigallocatechin, and lawsoniaside as robust inhibitors of Als3 for the treatment of skin infections in medications, ointments, and cleansing products.
A Clutching Claw: Unexpected Coexistence of Pediculosis Capitis and Tinea Capitis
Authors: Halwag Dalia Ibrahim
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Pediculosis capitis and tinea capitis are very common superficial infections/infestations, primarily affecting school-aged children. The overall pediculosis capitis infestation rate exceeds 25% in some studies, and the occurrence rate for tinea capitis may be as high as 45%. They are more prevalent, but not exclusively, in crowded conditions and environments with low socioeconomic status. Scaly scalp is a common presentation of tinea that may be, at first glance, confused with pediculosis nits. Case Presentation: Here, we describe a case report showing the coexistence of both tinea capitis and pediculosis capitis in a young girl, supplemented with an interesting photograph of a nymph of Pediculus humanus capitis attached by its claws to a hair, with dystrophic endothrix hairs in the background. We also describe further fungal culture performed, with the result and the treatment the patient received. Conclusions: Tinea and pediculosis should always be excluded first in case of a scaly scalp in children. Whether their coexistence is attributed to a causal relation and not simply a poor environment is still to be investigated. This is especially important because body louse is a proven vector for a number of pathogens; however, this is still a matter of debate for head louse.
Fever of Unknown Origin with Cardiac Mass: Challenging and Interesting Case
Authors: Alizadehasl Azin , Mohseni Mina , Roudini Kamran , Manshouri Shirin , Bahramnejad Alia , Dousti Amir , Mohseni Salehi Maryam , Aliabadi Leila
Published: February 2024

: Investigating the source of fever of unknown origin (FUO) is usually one of the diagnostic challenges for clinicians. Furthermore, it is one of the most important causes that should always be considered is cardiac causes. In this case, we evaluated a patient with a cardiogenic cause of FUO; despite all the studies, no definite cause was found, but it responded to empiric treatment.
Evaluation of Relationship of Existence of Cardiovascular Disease and Incidence of Mortality and Renal Replacement Therapy in Corona-Positive Patients Admitted in ICU
Authors: Mostafavi Atoosa , Sarreshtehdari Ali , Mohammadi Mahsa , Abtahi Sayed Mohammad Reza , Sharifi Kimia , Roudini Kamran , Alizadehasl Azin
Published: February 2024

Background: The coronavirus pandemic in 2020 was one of the biggest issues in the world, causing catastrophic respiratory, multi-organ problems and deaths. These effects are caused by both the virus itself and the drugs used to treat patients. Mortality rates were higher among those with underlying diseases. Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and those with a high risk of myocardial involvement by COVID-19 are particularly vulnerable to mortality. Clinicians and policymakers should consider these findings when developing risk stratification models. According to these studies, coronary artery disease (CAD) may increase mortality and the need for renal replacement therapy, primarily because of comorbidities rather than a direct effect of the disease itself. Objectives: To determine if all risk factors affected mortality, this study examined all risk factors. Methods: In the present study, patients with a positive history of CVD, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease and chest computed tomography (CT) scan compatible with coronavirus, who were admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) and underwent mechanical support, were included. Results: The study included 150 patients who were randomly selected. A total of 43% females and 57% males made up the study population, with a mean age of 65.3 ± 13.5. Creatinine levels in the mortality group were 1.60 mg/dL, while in the non-mortality group, they were 1.19 mg/dL. Hypertension was the most common risk factor among patients (60.9%). The mortality rate was 10.6% (16 out of 150 patients). There was a significant association between acute kidney injury during admission (P value = 0.005) and past use of corticosteroids (P value = 0.016), while the need for dialysis (P value = 0.052) was not significant. Conclusions: There was a significant difference in creatinine mean between the groups with and without mortality (P = 0.044) between the two groups. Mortality was not significantly affected by other factors. In addition, our study indicated that CAD, as well as other cardiac diseases and risk factors, can lead to higher mortality rates and the need for renal replacement therapy, which is largely due to the burden of comorbidities, rather than their direct effect.
Evaluation of the Educational Environment Based on the Perception of Occupational Therapy (OT) Students at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran (2013 - 2020)
Authors: Ghanbari Sahar , Jamali Ali Reza , Kavousipor Somaye
Published: February 2024

Background: The evaluation of educational environments is the key to achieving a student-centered and qualified curriculum. Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the educational environment in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS), Shiraz, Iran, focused on occupational therapy (OT) students, using the Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire for incoming students of 8 years (2013 - 2020). Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical, and applied study was carried out on two occasions in 2017 and 2021. The students' perspectives of the 4incomings between 2013 to 2016 (group 1) and another four incomings between 2017 to 2020 (group 2) were evaluated. SPSS software (version 23) was utilized for data analysis. Results: The average total score of the educational environment questionnaire for all 136 students was 102.301 ± 20.607. There was a statistically significant difference in the perception of students in these two groups. The results showed better quality in the total score of the educational environment and all subdomains of this questionnaire in group 2 with a P-value of < 0.05. Conclusions: It seems that OT students’ perception shows a semi-favorable to favorable circumstance regarding the educational environment in SUMS. The incoming OT students from 2017 to 2020 in SUMS have reported more favorable conditions in all aspects of the educational environment than the incoming students from 2013 to 2016. Students' perspectives were more negative after passing their years of studying at the university. Serious reforms in the educational environment of OT at SUMS are needed.
Investigating the Relationship Between Occupational Stress and Demographic Variables in Dentists
Authors: Garavand Shirin , Sedighyzade Sajad , Mahdavi Maryam , Esmaeilzadeh Arezou , Rashidi Rajab
Published: February 2024

Background: Today, one of the most important factors threatening everyone is stress. Objectives: Considering the problems caused by stress in people’s careers and the fact that dentistry has been introduced as a stressful profession, the purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between occupational stress and demographic variables among dentists in Khorramabad, Iran, in 2022. Methods: The current research is a cross-sectional analytical study. Of the 120 working dentists, 92 were enrolled in the study according to the inclusion criteria. Of these, 28.3% were women and 71.7% were men. The data collection instrument was Osipow’s Occupational Stress Inventory. The researcher completed the questionnaires by referring to dentists’ offices. All statistical tests were performed using SPSS version 25, with P < 0.05 as the significance level. Results: The findings showed that the average occupational stress in dentists was 184.01 ± 9.88, showing that 89.1% of dentists had moderate to severe stress and 10.9% had severe stress. The average occupational stress was 180.42 ± 6.35 in women and 185.42 ± 10.68 in men. Thus, the level of occupational stress in men was significantly higher than that of women (P = 0.007). In addition, 2 variables (age and workplace) had a significant relationship with the level of occupational stress of dentists (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Since most dentists participating in this study had moderate to severe stress, knowing the sources of stress and ways to deal with them can help reduce fatigue and increase job performance among dentists.
The Effectiveness of Combined Resistance and Breathing Exercise Education in Alleviating Dyspnea and Anxiety Among COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ramezani Tahereh , Saboohi Zahra , Hamoongard Majid , Taheri-Kharameh Zahra
Published: February 2024

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can lead to dyspnea and anxiety among patients. Previous studies have demonstrated that resistance and breathing exercises can enhance respiratory function and reduce anxiety in various populations. However, the effectiveness of combined resistance and breathing exercises in alleviating dyspnea and anxiety, specifically in COVID-19 patients, remains uncertain. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of combined resistance and breathing exercises in alleviating dyspnea and anxiety among COVID-19 patients. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 33 COVID-19 patients who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group received combined resistance and breathing exercises for 4 weeks; nevertheless, the control group did not receive any such intervention. Dyspnea and anxiety levels were assessed using the Borg Dyspnea Scale and the Beck Anxiety Inventory, respectively, at baseline and after the 4-week intervention period. Results: After 4 weeks of intervention, the intervention group exhibited a significant improvement in both dyspnea (P = 0.039) and anxiety (P = 0.007), compared to the control group. The mean anxiety score in the intervention group decreased significantly from 18.5 ± 10.1 to 7.6 ± 5.7; nonetheless, the mean anxiety score changed from 15.6 ± 7.7 to 13.6 ± 6.1 in the control group. Conclusions: Combined resistance and breathing exercises have proven to be effective in reducing dyspnea during physical activity and alleviating anxiety in COVID-19 patients. These exercises should be considered a non-pharmacological intervention for managing respiratory symptoms and anxiety in individuals affected by COVID-19.
Screening Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Diabetic Patients and Its Potential Impact on Quality of Life
Authors: Aghili Elhamossadat , Ashtari Atieh , Bakhtiyari Jalal , Noroozi Mehdi , Ebrahimian Dehaghani Shiva , Jeddi Marjan
Published: February 2024

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a common chronic disease that affects the entire body, but some of its complications are less recognized. There are underlying mechanisms that suggest a possible co-occurrence of oropharyngeal dysphagia with diabetes. Objectives: The primary goal of this study was to assess the symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia resulting from diabetes and explore potential relationships between oropharyngeal dysphagia, sex, age, duration of diabetes, and types of interventions. Additionally, we aimed to investigate how dysphagia might impact the quality of life of individuals with diabetes mellitus. Methods: A total of 268 diabetic patients aged 18 - 65 years participated in this recent cross-sectional study. Participants were specifically selected from individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus based on inclusion criteria. We collected brief medical histories and demographic information from each patient. Following the medical history, patients were questioned about their swallowing condition, and self-reported signs of dysphagia were recorded. Patients were also asked to complete a Persian version of the Dysphagia Handicap Index (P-DHI) questionnaire, which is used to assess dysphagic patients' self-assessments. Swallowing function was evaluated using the Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability (MASA) test. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 16, and Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients were employed to assess relationships among variables. Results: Our findings revealed that women experienced more severe dysphagia compared to men. Furthermore, the impact of dysphagia on the quality of life was more significant among individuals treated with insulin than among diabetic patients not on insulin therapy (P-value = 0.001). Conversely, there was no significant difference in the quality of life among individuals with varying levels of education (P-value = 0.069). The most commonly reported symptom by patients on the self-report survey was "food sticking to the throat during swallowing." Additionally, patients faced considerable difficulties with the dry mouth subscale of P-DHI and the voice subscale of MASA. Conclusions: Our results suggest that patients with diabetes may exhibit various symptoms of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Detecting different signs of dysphagia associated with diabetes can guide researchers in developing new screening tools for dysphagia in these patients. Furthermore, our study identified relationships between various variables, aiding therapists in predicting potential signs of dysphagia. For instance, we found a relationship between the duration of diabetes and the occurrence of dysphagia, which can assist therapists in predicting dysphagia in patients with a longer history of diabetes.
Effect of Pilates on Anxiety, Depression, and Anthropometric Indices of Women with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Alizadeh Rezvandokht , Zolfaghari Zeynab , Nosratzehi Shahin , Pishkar Mofrad Zahra
Published: February 2024

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is prevalent among overweight or obese women. Due to the chronic nature of diabetes, individuals with this condition often experience psychological complications, such as anxiety and depression. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Pilates exercises on anthropometric indices, anxiety, and depression in women with diabetes attending diabetes clinics in Zahedan, Iran. Methods: This two-group quasi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test assessments included 60 female patients diagnosed with T2DM who attended diabetes clinics in Zahedan within March 2021 and July 2022. The participants were selected using convenience sampling and then randomly assigned to either the Pilates exercise group or the control group using a random allocation method with permutation blocks. Initially, anthropometric indices, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), were measured, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was completed by both groups. The intervention group participated in Pilates exercises three times a week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting 60 minutes and supervised by a Pilates exercise expert. The control group received routine care at the diabetes clinic, including diet counseling and medication adjustments. After 8 weeks, the data were collected again and statistically analyzed using SPSS 22 software. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: Significant differences were observed in anxiety scores before and after the intervention (13.33 ± 2.6 and 3.2 ± 5.41, respectively; P = 0.001), depression scores (11.9 ± 2.61 and 2.56 ± 1.85, respectively; P = 0.001), and anthropometric indices (P < 0.05). Waist circumference (96.20 ± 9.86 and 92.25 ± 8.56, respectively; P = 0.001), BMI (27.75 ± 1.99 and 26.67 ± 2.03, respectively; P = 0.001), and WHR (0.97 ± 0.06 and 0.93 ± 0.17, respectively; P = 0.001) all showed significant improvements. Conclusions: Exercise is a crucial non-pharmacological intervention in the management of diabetes. The results of this study demonstrate that Pilates exercises can effectively reduce anxiety and depression while improving anthropometric indices in women with T2DM. Therefore, it is recommended to incorporate Pilates exercises as a method to reduce anxiety and depression and enhance anthropometric indicators in this population.
Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Hybrid Concept Analysis
Authors: Monjazebi Fateme , Zamanzadeh Vahid , Najafi Fereshteh
Published: February 2024

Background: Limitations of activities of daily living (ADLs) are well-known in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. However, a lack of consensus regarding the concept of ADL in COPD patients causes problems in their measurement. This study was conducted to clarify and conceptualize the concept of ADLs in COPD. Methods: The hybrid model of concept analysis consisting of a literature review phase, a fieldwork phase, and an analytical phase was applied. In the first phase, an extensive literature review was performed by searching the accredited databases for relevant articles published within 2000-2022. In the second phase, 18 in-depth interviews with COPD patients were carried out in Tehran, Iran. Field observational notes were transcribed verbatim, and qualitative content analysis was performed. In the analytical phase, attributes of ADLs were derived from the previous two phases. Results: Based on the attributes derived from the final analytical phase, ADLs in COPD patients are complex and multifactorial and are affected by dyspnea and factors influencing it. The pattern of daily activities, communication, and self-care in COPD patients changes toward living normally and independently. Conclusions: The concept analysis of ADLs in COPD patients revealed some key attributes. The results might be useful for designing nursing models, developing theories and measurement tools, and increasing the capacity to perform ADLs in COPD patients.