bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial profile of diabetic foot infection in a tertiary care centre
Authors: Singh Sudhir , Junaid Mohd , Farooq Umar , Sharma Shweta R , Sharma Vasundhara , Ahmad Imran
Published: February 2022

Diabetes foot infections are one of the most dangerous and common drawbacks of diabetes. Amputations are resulting from other atherosclerosis of the arteries. Furthermore, intrinsic traumas are also understood without any complication as they result from foot deformities and also associated with modified foot biomachenisms.

To study bacterial profile of diabetic foot infection.

To find the possible aerobic bacterial pathogens in diabetic foot infection. To observe the antibiogram of isolated microorganisms.

In our observational study the isolates were identified by standard biochemical tests and antibiotic performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and interpreted as per the clinical and laboratory Standards Institutes (CLSI) guidelines.

A total of 82 cases with 50 males and 32 females were included. 64 specimens yielded positive growth with total 87 isolates. 73.43% showed single isolate and rest 2 or 3 isolates. Gram negative organisms were more predominant than gram positive organisms.

Proper use of drugs based on antibiotic pattern helps the medical practitioner to reduce the risk of diabetic foot and ulcer. It will ultimately decrease the rate of amputations. Vancomycin, Linezolid and colistin are more susceptible drugs.
Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in a tertiary care hospital in Kashmir India-five year retrospective study
Authors: Mir Rumana Farooq , Peerzada Bushra Yousuf , Samad Lubna , Shah Aliya
Published: February 2022

Intestinal parasitic infections represent a grave public health problem especially in developing nations like India, leading to malnutrition, growth retardation, anaemia’s and vitamin deficiencies in early childhood. As such the burden of these intestinal parasitic infections in the society needs to be focussed at the right time which will in turn lead to enhanced health and improved economic conditions of the country.

To find out the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in a tertiary care hospital in Kashmir.

A retrospective study was carried out in the Parasitology division in the department of Microbiology of Government Medical College, Srinagar for a period of five years. Routine stool examination was studied to detect the parasitic infections among the patients attending various outpatient departments of our hospital.

A total of 2159 stool samples were examined in five years out of which 165 (7.6%) revealed the presence of parasites. The most common parasite identified was (71.9%) followed by Giardia lamblia (16.4%).

Intestinal infection due to was the most common parasite identified in our study. The prevalence of these infections can still be higher as these parasites are excreted intermittently in stool samples. As such taking repeat samples from same patients suffering from intestinal parasitic infection is important followed by concentration methods, which together will help and enhance better retrieval of intestinal parasites reflecting the total burden of these infections in our community.
Invitro susceptibility of Imipenem by E-test in different conditions of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: V V Vindhya , Sohanlal
Published: February 2022

MRSA infections have been confined to health care centres for decades, which is recognised as one of the major pathogen in Hospital as well as community settings. MRSA infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality. However, nowadays MRSA infections are increasingly seen in young healthy individuals with no exposure to health care centres, ie;CA-MRSA infections are seen increasingly. 50% to 70% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates submitted to area labs are methicillin resistant. MRSA is a major threat to patient safety. There are antibiotics that can kill MRSA germs. MRSA are resistant to most of the beta lactam antibiotics, not only to beta lactam but also to several other agents which is used for treatment. Imipenem is the most important antibiotic of Carbapenem, it is bactericidal for most aerobic and anaerobic pathogenic bacteria except MRSA. But in several studies its action against MRSA was shown. Here in this study, invitro susceptibility testing indicated that Imipenem is active against MRSA at different conditions, ie; at a physiological pH 7.4 & pH 5.5 an abscess condition and at two temperature 370c and 300c .Since the methicillin resistance is enhanced at 300c, the MIC of Imipenem detected at two temperature. Imipenem has a low molecular weight so it has a better penetration effect, than vancomycin and Daptomycin which is used for the treatment of MRSA. In, invitro study Imipenem spread in the medium more rapidly, and kill bacteria. So in MIC testing by Epsilometri test there is wide zone will be seen.

Imipenem is the most important antibiotic of Carbapenem, it is bactericidal.

To detect the in-vitro susceptibility of Imipenem by E test in different conditions of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences, Calicut; Randomized controlled trial.

Sample collection, Confirmation of MRSA by latex agglutination and cefoxitin e-test, detection of MIC of Imipenem by E-test at different conditions of MRSA, Detection of combination effect of Imipenem and Daptomycin against MRSA by E-test.

paired sample t test
Correlation of Serum Levels of Interleukine-16, CCL27, Tumor Necrosis Factor-related Apoptosis-inducing Ligand, and B-cell Activating Factor with Multiple Sclerosis Severity
Authors: Kouchaki Ebrahim , Akbari Hossein , Mahmoudi Fatemeh , Salehi Mahdi , Naim Effat , Nikoueinejad Hassan
Published: February 2022

The pathogenic roles of Interleukine-16 (IL-16), CCL27, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), and B-cell activating factor (BAFF) has been shown in some autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. We aimed to correlate the circulatory changes of such factors with the severity of disease in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
This case-control study was conducted on 84 MS patients and 83 healthy controls. We measured the serum levels of IL-16, CCL27, TRAIL, and BAFF in all participants by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay. Using the expanded disability status scale (EDSS), we evaluated the severity of MS. Finally, we assessed the correlation between serum levels of such factors with the severity of MS.
We found increased serum levels of CCL27, IL-16, and BAFF in patients with MS compared to those in healthy subjects. However, no difference was found in serum levels of TRAIL between the patients and controls. In addition, a significant positive correlation between serum levels of CCL27, IL-16, TRAIL, and BAFF with disease severity according to EDSS score was determined.
We showed higher serum levels of CCL27, BAFF, TRAIL, and IL-16 in MS patients with more severe disabilities than mild forms. Such finding may represent their contribution to the pathogenesis of MS. Blocking such molecules may yield new treatments for MS.
Effect of Loaded Glycyrrhizic Acid on PLGA Nano-particle on Treatment of Allergic Asthma
Authors: Chen Lijun , Mehrabi Nasab Entezar , Shamsadin Athari Seyyed
Published: February 2022

Asthma is considered a complex disease of the respiratory system that is characterized by bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation, cough, dyspnea, and wheezing. Allergic reactions are the main reason behind asthma which is known as an important health problem with a high rate of morbidity and mortality in patients with respiratory diseases. Liquorice, the root of Glycyrrhiza, is primarily effective for asthma which is widely used in herbal medicine. In the present study, we designed nano-particles that carry Glycyrrhizic acid as the effective component of Liquorice.
After Poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolic acid) PLGA nanoparticle preparation and Glycyrrhizic acid loading, the morphology of the nanoparticle, the electric charge distribution, and drug-releasing ability were studied. Then the effect of Glycyrrhizic acid-PLGA on the animal model of allergic asthma was investigated.
Glycyrrhizic acid-nanoparticle had a mean±SD size of 350±50 nm. about 67% of the effective component was released after 10 h. The interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-25 levels and the Muc5ac mRNA expression were decreased in the Glycyrrhizic acid-PLGA treated group. In addition, a significant decline was observed in goblet cell hyperplasia, mucus hyper-secretion, and eosinophilic inflammation around bronchi and vessels of the nano-drug treated group, compared with the asthmatic group.
We found that Glycyrrhizic acid-PLGA nanoparticle had an anti-asthma effect which may be used as a new drug to cure asthma. It can prevent bronchial obstruction, breathlessness, and asthma attacks.
The Role of Probiotics in Parkinson's Disease: A Review Study
Authors: Mubarak SH MH , Bashdar MH , Bathiha GS , Memariani M , Memariani H , Ghasemian AM
Published: February 2022

An upward trend in the incidence of Parkinson’s disease (PD), known as one of the most prominent neurodegenerative maladies, has evoked great concerns among medical community over the past decades. Recently, studies have suggested the initiation of PD in the gastrointestinal tract decades before the advent of manifestations. Accumulating evidence suggests that intracellular deposition of α-synuclein (α-syn) in patients with PD is associated with systemic inflammation leading to the neuroinflammation and neuropsychiatric disorders. The α-syn protein accumulation can be initiated from GI cells and distribute into CNS cells through trans-synaptic cell to cell transmission. Without doubt, gut microbiota affects the enteric nervous system (ENS) known as the “second brain”. Patients with PD have a different balance of bacteria in their intestines, as compared to healthy population. Metabolites from gut microbiota affect the enteric wall such as neurodegeneration. Probiotics have a substantial role in the neutralization or inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals and thus improve the PD symptoms. The anti-inflammatory role of probiotics also inhibits the neurodegeneration and PD development. Hence, probiotics contribute to the improvement of PD through several mechanisms which need more in-depth verification.
In Vitro Effects of Propolis Mouthwash and Nystatin on Candida Albicans: A Comparative Study
Authors: Alemrajabi MS , Neshati A , Moosavi V , Sadrzadeh Afshar MS
Published: February 2022

Background & Objective: Oral candidiasis is the most common fungal infection of the oral cavity, mainly caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans. One of the topical medications for candidiasis is nystatin, a polyene antifungal agent. Nevertheless, increased resistance to this drug because of overprescription has caused recurrent oral candidiasis. There is a lot of interest today in the use of natural products and compounds due to the side effects of synthetic products. Propolis is a natural resin substance produced by bees through the combination of wax and saliva with resins collected from plants, which has reportedly antibacterial, antifungal and antitumor properties. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of propolis mouthwash and nystatin on C. albicans.
Materials & Methods: The present in vitro study, in which the effects of antifungal agents were investigated on the standard strain of C. albicans, was conducted within two groups of 15, nystatin and propolis, using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion susceptibility test after preparation and sterilization. The diameter of the zone of inhibition (ZOI) was measured in this assay using the disc diffusion method onto Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) medium.
Results: Statistical analysis of data by SPSS software using t-test statistics to evaluate the antifungal effect of the interventions showed a better antifungal effect of nystatin compared to propolis mouthwash against C. albicans (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrated that the local propolis mouthwash was less potent than nystatin in inhibiting the growth of C. albicans, probably due to differences in the concentration and geographical region of collected propolis. Further research on species isolated from oral biofilm is needed to achieve complementary outcomes.
Regular Exercise Training Enhances Spatial Memory and Regulates Glucocorticoid System in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Hafedh M , Parnow AH , Jalili C , I. Patel D , Tsunoda I
Published: February 2022

Background & objective: Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Experimentally, glucocorticoids (GCs) treatment has been observed to improve cognitive deterioration in an autoimmune model for MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We aimed to determine the combined effect of exercise and 4 mg/kg of dexamethasone (Dex) for 4 weeks on spatial memory in EAE.
Materials & Methods: Rats with EAE were subjected to the Morris water maze (MWM) for four days and a prop test for one day. The prop test was repeated on day 40 post-induction (dpi). Rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups (10 rats per group): control EAE without treatment; EAE + dexamethasone, (EAE + Dex); EAE + exercise (EAE + Ex); and EAE+Dex+Ex. Rats receiving dexamethasone were administered 4 mg/kg injections daily for two weeks after EAE induction. Exercise training was initiated on a motorized treadmill 2 weeks before EAE induction and continued until 14 dpi. On day 41, animals were dissected and CORT level was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay corticosterone kit.
Results: One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures followed by a protected LSD post hoc test indicated that, EAE+Ex group increased body weight (P < 0.001) and it displayed a significantly lower CORT concentration (P <0.001) with delayed clinical score until day 13 dpi. Further EAE+Ex improved memory by time spent (p > 0.001) and swimming speed (p>0.002).
Conclusion: The protocol selected in this study was an effective treatment for the EAE model to improve spatial memory and regulate corticosterone concentrations.
Determining the Absorbed Dose of Alpha Radiation due to Inhalation Radon Gas and Its Derivatives in Human Lung Using MCNPX 2.6.0 Simulation Model by Jafari et al. In Khorasan Razavi, Summer 2019
Authors: Mohammad Jafari F , Bahmani J
Published: February 2022

Background & Objective: People who work in closed and underground environments such as mines get radioactive gases into their respiratory system due to the concentration in the air. These radioactive substances, after entering the body’s respiratory system, with radiating energetic particles, damage most of the live cells. The most damaged parts are in the alveolar air cells of the lung which may lead to cancer.
Materials & Methods: The absorbed energy and annual effective dose due to the emitted alpha beam of radon and derivatives on alveolar air cells of the adult lung using MCNPX 2.6.0 simulation are determined. Color profiles are shown as a result of simulation of absorbed dose in the 27 alveoli of lung due to alpha radiation of radon and its derivatives.
Results: The investigations show that polonium-210 (210Po), as one of the radon derivatives with long life, has the most annual effective absorbed dose in the human lung and as a result can cause the most damage to the living tissue of the alveolar air cells in comparison with the other radon derivatives. After this element, 218Po, 222Rn ,214Po and 214Bi have more the absorbed dose in the human lung, respectively.
Conclusion: Most cancers from radon are generated by radon derivatives. They can play an important role in lung damage. Exposure to radon derivatives rises a person's lifetime risk of lung cancer. The risk increases in direct relationship with the length of exposure and the type of radon derivative. For reduction of 210Po is suggested the use of ventilation. It moves outdoor air into the building, and distributes the air within the building.
Molar Pregnancy and Its Associated Risk Factors: A Case-Control Study in Qazvin, Iran
Authors: Alimohammadi N , Pakniat H , Mirzadeh MS , Emami A , Vasheghani Farahani AR
Published: February 2022

Background & Objective: Hydatidiform Mole (HM) is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease which causes serious complications and recognizing risk factors can play an important role in reducing the incidence. The aim of this study is to evaluate HM risk factors in Kowsar hospital in Qazvin, Iran.
Materials & Methods: In this case-control study, 77 pregnant women, by complete enumeration method with sonographic and pathological diagnosis of molar pregnancy in Qazvin Kowsar hospital in 2016-2017, were assigned to the case group and 77 pregnant women with no delivery problems were assigned to the control group. All demographic and midwifery data were extracted from the records in the hospital archive. Before patients were enrolled in this study, written consent was obtained. Data were analyzed by t-test and chi-square in SPSS software version 22. P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Mean age in both case and control groups was 27.16 ± 7.26. There was no significant difference in preeclampsia, multiple pregnancy, blood groups, Rhesus (Rh) and contraceptive methods in case and group groups (P>0.05). There was a significant relationship between HM and history of molar pregnancy and multiparity (OR: 2.1; CI: 1.77-2.48; p=0.01, OR: 1.85; CI: 1.07-3.6: p=0.04).
Conclusion: The present study also showed that HM was more likely to occur in multipara patients and patients with history of molar pregnancy. Therefore, it is recommended that women should undergo health care before pregnancy and further studies are required to provide solutions to reduce the cases of HM.
Investigating the Relationship between Serum Glucose and Inflammatory Markers in Diabetic Rats with Progressive Resistance Exercise
Authors: Vatandoust M , Zare Banaadkouki A
Published: February 2022

Background & Objective: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a condition that is associated with an increase in inflammatory markers and studies show that resistance exercise with appropriate intensity can reduce inflammation generally. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of serum glucose with Interlekin18 (IL-18) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) in Diabetic rats with progressive resistance exercise.
Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 32 Wistar male rats were distributed to sedentary control, trained control, sedentary diabetic, and trained diabetic groups of 8. Diabetes was induced by Streptozotocin (55 mcg/bw-i.v.). The resistance training protocol consisted of elevating upward from a ladder with weight, supporting an overload equivalent to 5% of body weight, during 6 weeks. The data obtained were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey's posthoc multiple comparison tests, and a significance level of 5% was considered.
Results: According to results, serum concentrations of TNF-α and IL-18 decreased significantly in trained diabetic group compared to sedentary diabetic group after resistance training. While in the amount of TNF-α in the trained control group compared to the sedentary control group, a significant increase was observed, and in the amount of IL-18 in trained control group compared to the sedentary control group, a significant decrease was observed. But regarding the correlation between serum IL-18 concentration and glucose, only in sedentary control group, a significant correlation was observed.
Conclusions: Resistance training was able to reduce TNF-α and IL-18 inflammatory markers in trained diabetic rats and improve metabolic and immune aspects in diabetes mellitus.
Long-term exposure to air pollution and risk of preterm birth and low birth weight in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Aghaei Mina , Yaseri Mehdi , Rostami Aghdam Shendi Maryam , Akbari Asbagh Firoozeh , Yousefian Fatemeh , Past Vida , Mahvi Amir Hossein
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Adverse effects of air pollution on human health has been identified as a major concern worldwide. We conducted this study to investigate the association between prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution and Low Birth Weight (LBW) and preterm among newborns in the megacity of Tehran.
Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 1605 newborns. Data on the residential locations of mothers were collected from birth certificates. To estimate the prenatal exposure to air pollutants, data of 21 air quality monitoring stations in Tehran were used. The Man-Whitney test was used to estimate the association between exposure to ambient air pollution and LBW and preterm.
Results: The mean birth weight in our analyses was 3117 g. A significant association was found between maternal exposure to particulate matter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) in the first trimester and incidence of preterm (p=0.011) and LBW (p=0.003) in newborns. Also, a close association was observed between exposure to Carbon Monoxide (CO) in the first and second trimesters and LBW (p=0.002, p=0.015). There were no statistically significant associations in LBW in the case of Particulate Matter less than 10 µm (PM10), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Ozone (O3).
Conclusion: The results revealed that the higher risk for LBW was related to ambient PM2.5 and CO. Since many factors may affect LBW, and the pathogenic mechanisms of the effect of air pollution on LBW have not been completely elucidated, the findings should be interpreted with caution and further studies need to be conducted on this issue considering the large sample size.
Evaluation of ozone, PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations and estimation of attributed health effects based on AirQ+ on residents of Ahvaz, Iran (2012-2018)
Authors: Jalili Naghan Davood , Neisi Abdolkazem , Goudarzi Gholamreza , Dastoorpoor Maryam , Fadaei Abdolmajid , Ahmadi Angali Kambiz
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Inadequate air quality is one of the environmental hazards factors imposing a significant number of deaths and complications of diseases on society. Therefore, it is highly important to determine the extent of its effects on health in communities. This study sought to assessment the concentration and additional short- and long-term mortality attributed to Particulate Matter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and  Ozone (O ) were observed in Ahwaz from 2012 to 2018 using AirQ+.
Materials and methods: Daily and hourly concentrations of PM2.5, ozone and NO2 were obtained from Department of Environment in Ahvaz. Then, the mean concentration of 2.5 PM2.5 for 24 h, the mean concentration of NO2 for 1 h and the maximum concentration of O3 for 8 h daily were calculated using Excel 2010. Finally, to calculate the annual sum of maximum daily 8-h ozone means over 35 ppb (SOMO35) index, concentrations above 35 were collected and entered into the software.
Results: The mean seven-year concentrations of PM2.5, NO2 and O3 were respectively. The death rates of Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), lung cancer and Acute Lower Respiratory tract Infections (ALRI) and stroke related to PM2.5 were 2023, 128, 110, 23, 802, respectively. The number of respiratory deaths attributed to ozone was 68.
Conclusion: The results show a high number of deaths due to bad weather in Ahvaz. It can be concluded that by designing and implementing appropriate and correct solutions and decisions, both health and economic losses are  prevented.
The Effect of Selected Herbal Medicines on Bone Turnover Markers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kheiridoost-Langaroodi Hanie , Shakouri Seyed Kazem , Amirpour Mahdi , Iranshahi Amir Mehdi , Farshbaf-Khalili Azizeh
Published: February 2022

Objective: To evaluate systematically the therapeutic effects of five herbal medicines (curcumin, black seed, ginger, cinnamon, and flaxseed oil) on bone turnover markers as a primary outcome.
Materials and methods: A comprehensive systematic search of the literature was conducted in the electronic databases consisting of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest, and Google scholar, as well as SID, Magiran, and Irandoc for Persian literature up to December 2020. All Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experiments evaluated the impact of studied herbal medicines on bone turnovers of Bone Specific Alkaline Phosphatase (BSAP), osteocalcin, C-terminal Telopeptide type 1 Collagen (CTX-I), Deoxypyridinoline (DPD) were analyzed.
Results: Sixteen interventional studies comprised 968 participants included in systematic review. Ten of eligible studies with 603 participants included in meta-analysis. Curcumin, black seed and flaxseed did not have a significant effect on BSAP (SMD=-1.76, 95%CI: -6.85 to 3.33, p=0.50, I2=0.99, 6 trials, 241 participants), CTx (SMD=-0.17ng/mL, 95%CI:-0.43 to 0.09, p=0.21, I2=1.000, 5 trials, 216 participants), DPD (MD=0.82nmol/mmol, 95%CI:-0.05 to 1.68, p=0.06, I2=0.000, 2 trials, 67 participants), osteocalcin (SMD=-2.02ng/mL, 95%CI:-4.49 to 0.45, p=0.11, I2=0.79, Six trials, 229 participants). As secondary outcomes, femoral neck Bone Mineral Density (BMD) increased significantly (p=0.03, I2=0.12) but lumbar spine BMD didn’t differ (p=0.28, I2=0.97). Curcumin significantly increased total hip BMD (p<0.001, I2=0.12). QiangGuYin containing cinnamon as a combined Chinese medicine had significant effect on P1NP, β-CTx, and BMD.
Conclusion: Studied herbs except for QiangGuYin had no significant effects on bone turnover markers. Due to high heterogeneity between trials, further high-quality trials are suggested.
Integrating Preconception Health into Routine Reproductive Health Services of Ghana: A Qualitative Study Among University Students
Authors: Fakornam Doe Patience , Hormenu Thomas , Ebu Enyan Nancy Innocentia
Published: February 2022

Objective: The preconception health (PCH) strategy provides a unique opportunity to reduce risk factors for adverse reproductive outcomes before pregnancy. However, many reproductive-aged individuals continue to miss opportunities to improve their health before pregnancy occurs. This study, qualitatively explored strategies required for integrating PCH promotion interventions into routine reproductive health services from university students’ perspectives.
Materials and methods: We conducted eight mixed-gender focus group discussions (FGDs) with students in eight schools and faculties in the University from March 2019 to June 2019. Audio-taped data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed manually using inductive content analysis.
Results: Three major themes emerged from the analysis of transcripts: interpersonal behavior change strategies, institutional policy directives, public policy interventions, and three main categories with eight sub-categories. The study showed that PCH promotion awareness campaigns, context-relevant service delivery initiatives, institutional and public policy directives are critical approaches for the delivery and uptake of PCH interventions. Participants also recommended prepayment schemes, walk-in services, mobile PCH clinics, and PCH incorporation into university curricula as context-specific strategies for PCH promotion among university students.
Conclusion: PCH promotion could be feasible as an integral component of routine reproductive health services for university students. However, multi-level interventions at the student, health service, and institutional levels are necessary to increase awareness and facilitate the request and delivery of PCH services.
Overcoming Reproductive and Psychological Concerns of Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Barjasteh Samira , Farnam Farnaz , Abumustafa Elsous Aymen Mustafa , Nedjat Saharnaz , Razavi Dizaji Saeid , Khakbazan Zohreh
Published: February 2022

Objective: After developing breast cancer, women experience changes in their sexuality, femininity, and fertility. These changes lead to poor mental health and increased psychological stress. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of Good Enough Sex (GES)-based, couple-centered group counseling on reproductive and sexual concerns of breast cancer survivors.
Materials and methods: This was a quantitative randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) conducted at Omid Hospital, West Azerbaijan, Urmia, Iran from March 2018 to October 2020. After completing the informed consent forms, 100 women were assigned to the intervention and control groups (50 individuals per group) using a randomized block design. The intervention included four 90-120-minute sexual counseling sessions with 2 and 3 month follow-ups. The data were collected using the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, the Persian version of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Reproductive Concerns after Cancer (RCAC) scale, and Female Sexual Function Index adaptation for Breast Cancer patients (FSFI-BC). Data were collected, from control and intervention groups, at three intervals; before, besides two months and three months post intervention, then were analyzed in SPSS 20 using descriptive and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.
Results: Significant reduction in the mean score of DASS-21, RCAC and improvement of FSFI-BC is reported between the intervention and control groups in favor of intervention group (P<0.001). However, no significant differences are observed within intervention group over two- and three-months post intervention (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: The designed Good Enough Sex (GES)-based, couple-centered group counseling effectively reduced reproductive and sexual concerns of females’ breast cancer survivors. Therefore, these training and counseling programs can be organized by relevant service centers to promote the reproductive health of women with breast cancer.
Interventional Challenges in Non-Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Naik Sahana , Kumar Sunil , Rani Asha , Patil Shruti , Voorkara Udayashree , Kamath Vidya S
Published: February 2022

Objective: Non-tubal ectopic pregnancies (EPs) are rare and potentially life threatening. The number is rising due to various risk factors and there are no uniform guidelines in the management of EPs. This study was done to assess risk factors and challenges in the management of EPs.
Materials and methods: This is a retrospective observational descriptive study that was done at SDM College of Medical Sciences & Hospital, Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University Dharwad, Karnataka India. Data was collected from the medical records section of all the patients of non-tubal ectopic pregnancies managed in our hospital from January 2020 to June 2021. The collected data were analyzed for demographic characteristics, risk factors and management.
Results: The incidence of ectopic pregnancies in our institute was 6-7 per 1000 pregnancies, of which 20% of the ectopic pregnancies were non-tubal. The incidence was higher than the other studies, which could be due to our center being a tertiary care referral center. Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies were the most common accounting for 60% of cases. The management varied from conservative to minimally invasive surgery to hysterectomy hysterectomy with bilateral internal iliac artery ligation, depending upon the clinical presentation, duration of gestation, presence of fetal cardiac activity and hemodynamic stability. The other non-tubal ectopic pregnancies were cervical, ovarian, corneal and heterotopic. Cervical pregnancy beyond 12 weeks of gestation was rare which was managed by conserving the uterus.
Conclusion: Non-tubal ectopic pregnancies are rare. Early diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion if missed can lead to an array of complications leading to loss of fertility, morbidity, and mortality. The key step to avert the complications is early diagnosis and individualized treatment.
Association between Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and the Systemic Inflammatory Immunologic Index and the Angiographic SYNTAX Score and the TIMI Flow Grade in Acute STEMI: A Cohort Study
Authors: Rostami Ali , Tajlil Arezou , Separham Ahmad , Sohrabi Bahram , Pourafkari Leili , Roshanravan Neda , Aslanabadi Naser , Ziaee Mojtaba , Mashayekhi Sina , Ghaffari Samad
Published: February 2022

Background: In patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), it is essential to determine the complexity of coronary lesions on presentation and predict the risk of no-reflow after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Given that inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, using inflammatory indices might be helpful in this setting.
Methods: This prospective cohort study recruited 200 consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent pPCI. The presentation neutrophil-to-lymphocyte-ratio (NLR) and the systemic inflammatory immunologic index (SII), calculated using the formula platelets × neutrophils/lymphocytes, were recorded. Study outcomes included the SYNTAX score and the TIMI flow grade before and after pPCI. The associations between the NLR and the SII and the study outcomes were investigated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.
Results: Among 200 patients at a mean age of 59.85±11.23 years, 160 (80.0%) were male and 40 (20.0%) were female. The NLR and SII values were not statistically different between the 3 SYNTAX subgroups. While the mean NLR and SII values were similar between the patients with preprocedural TIMI flow grades 0/1 and 2/3, the mean NLR and SII were significantly lower in the group with a postprocedural TIMI flow grade 3. After adjustments for age and sex, the NLR and the SII were independent predictors of postprocedural no-reflow.
Conclusion: In patients with STEMI, the presentation NLR and SII are useful for predicting the risk of no-reflow after pPCI. However, the NLR and the SII are not predictors of the SYNTAX score and the preprocedural TIMI flow grade.
Employees’ Behaviors Concerning Metabolic Syndrome Prevention: A Cellphone-Based Text Message Education Intervention
Authors: Didehban Shabnam , Dehdari Tahereh , Janani Leila , Masoudkabir Farzad
Published: February 2022

Background: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) is increasing in Iran. This study was an attempt to determine the effects of a short message service (SMS)-based education intervention on knowledge, attitude, and the adoption of preventive behaviors concerning MetSyn among a sample of employees of Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS).
Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, conducted from January through April 2021, 144 IUMS staff members  were assigned either to the intervention group (n=72) or to the control group (n=72). Thirty-two text messages were designed, pretested, and sent to the participants’ phones in the intervention group in 32 days. Knowledge, attitude, and the adoption of preventive behaviors vis-à-vis MetSyn were measured in the intervention group before and 1 month after the intervention and compared with those in the control group at the same time points. The data were analyzed using paired t tests and ANCOVA.
Results: The mean age of the employees in the intervention and control groups was 42.97±8.80 and 40.81±9.58 years, respectively. The results showed that the mean scores of knowledge (P<0.001), attitude (P<0.001), and the adoption of preventive behaviors regarding MetSyn (P=0.009) were significantly different between the intervention and control groups after the intervention was done via SMS.
Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that SMS-based interventions might improve knowledge, attitude, and the adoption of preventive behaviors pertaining to MetSyn among employees.
Bibliometric Analysis of Studies on Mental Health Status of Health Workers During Covid 19 Outbreak: Inputs for Health Policy and Human Resources Management
Authors: ŞİMŞİR İsmail , KILIÇ KIRILMAZ Selma
Published: February 2022

Objective: The purpose of this research is to reveal the mental problems experienced by healthcare professionals during the Covid 19 Pandemic. It is also intended to provide inputs for health policies and human resource management.

Method: The research was carried out with the bibliometric analysis method. Within the scope of the research, 4043 articles published in the Web of Science Core Collection database between 2020 and 2021 were examined.

Result: It was found that the articles examined within the scope of the research were published in 1329 sources (journals, books, etc.), the citation rate per article was 9.97, the number of articles with a single author was 200, and the ratio of articles with a single author to all articles was 0.049. In addition, as a result of the research, the most important effects of the Covid 19 Pandemic on the mental health of healthcare workers; anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, and burnout.

Conclusion: In order to reduce or eliminate the negative mental problems experienced by healthcare professionals, increasing the psychological resilience of their employees, improving their working conditions, improving their communication with each other and with the managers, coping with stress, managing anxiety, etc. Providing expert support on their issues and carrying out activities that support morale and motivation will help reduce the negative effects experienced. Improving the mental health of health workers will have a positive effect on the health system and will ensure the correct implementation of human resources policies.
Impact Assessment on Maintenance of Essential Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition Services in the Context of COVID-19: Insight from North-Central Nigeria
Authors: ALHASSAN Gloria Nnadwa , ALHASSAN Felicia Bodi , BOSNAK Ahmet Sami
Published: February 2022

Objective: In the context of COVID-19 in North Central Nigeria, a qualitative interview study was conducted to assess the impact on the maintenance of essential sexual, reproductive, maternal newborn, child, adolescent healthy plus nutrition serves (RMNCAH+N).

Methods: This proposition aligns with the global crusade of the United Nations Sustainable development goals (UNSDGs 2.3.8) that highlights good nutrition (zero hunger) access to quality healthy and sustainable economic growth path. To this end, a field survey design was done qualitatively. Key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were used in the qualitative analysis, which was based on typical interview schedules. During the study period, a total of 258 people from six different communities participated in the KII and FGD interviews.

Results: Key study findings outline eight major master essential concepts, such as healthcare workers reporting a variety of tough emotions and psychological issues. These included insufficient medical equipment’s, dissatisfaction with members of the public who did not observe social distancing norms, concerns about protecting their loved ones from infection, increased workload, and changing working conditions, insufficient personal protective equipment kits (PPE), and a sense that their frontline work was being undermined.

Conclusion: There was also a significant increase in gender-based violence. Further policy suggestions are outlined in the concluding section.
Contribution of bronchoscopic lavage to the diagnosis of smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: ŞAHİN Mustafa Engin , BULUT Sertan
Published: February 2022

Objectives: Sputum acid-fact bacilli (AFB) and Xpert examinations are the most commonly used methods in early diagnosis for pulmonary tuberculosis. It becomes difficult for the clinician to initiate treatment in patients with negative sputum smear and Xpert examinations at the stage of diagnosis. Waiting for culture results for diagnosis causes delay in treatment and increases the risk of disease transmission. We aimed to investigate the contribution of bronchoscopic lavage (BL) obtained with flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) to the diagnosis of tuberculosis.
Methods: The BL results of 36 patients hospitalized in the tuberculosis clinic who were clinically suspected of tuberculosis, but whose sputum AFB and Xpert results were negative, and whose bronchoscopic lavages were taken by FOB, were retrospectively evaluated.
Results: BL Xpert examination was the method that made the most contribution to the diagnosis with a rate of 27.7%. BL smear AFB results did not contribute to the diagnosis statistically. Sputum and BL tuberculosis culture results were found to be close to each other. In total, the diagnosis of 50% of the patients was confirmed.
Conclusions: Performing Xpert examinations on bronchoscopic materials of patients with negative sputum examinations significantly increase the rate of early diagnosis.
Investigating the therapeutic benefits of companion animals: Problems and challenges
Authors: Franklin Adrian , Emmison Michael , Haraway Donna , Travers Max
Published: February 2022

To investigate the health benefits of companion animals in a way that goes beyond finding statistical patterns involves appreciating the philosophical debates about the nature of animal consciousness that engage an inter-disciplinary field of scholarship cutting across the Great Divide of the hard sciences and humanities. It also requires developing a methodology to conduct empirical research which is often viewed as of secondary importance by researchers wishing to make a philosophical case about human beings and modernity. This paper considers the achievements of qualitative sociologists, particularly in the field of post-Meadian symbolic interactionism who have addressed these issues, and discusses ways of extending and deepening this agenda through crossfertilization with similar work in ethnomethodology, conversation analysis and post-humanist sociology in investigating the health benefits of dogs.
‘Never an It’: Intersubjectivity and the creation of animal personhood in animal shelters
Authors: Taylor Nicola
Published: February 2022

This paper argues that sociology should begin to turn its attention to human-animal interaction and that one particularly effective way to do so is to adopt a phenomenological approach. This approach sees the personality, and thus the personhood of animals, as intersubjectively and reflexively created. Based on ethnographic data collected over three years in animal sanctuaries this paper assesses how animal sanctuary workers labour collectively to establish the identity of the animals under their care and how this, in turn, justifies their attitudes towards, and treatment of, them.
Animal archeology: Domestic pigeons and the nature-culture dialectic
Authors: Jerolmack Colin
Published: February 2022

This paper historically traces the purposive domestication of pigeons in order to examine the dialectical relationship between nature and culture. It is demonstrated that each instance of the domestication of the pigeon for a new function (i.e., food, messenger) also entailed the construction of a role of the bird in human society, replete with symbolic representations and moral valuations. Yet it is also argued that, though animals are repositories for social meaning, and culture is literally inscribed into the physical structure of domesticated animals, such meanings are patterned and constrained according to the biological features of the animal itself. The ubiquitous and unwanted “street pigeon” now found around the globe is the descendent of escaped domestic pigeons, occupying the unique and ambiguous category of “feral”- neither truly wild nor domestic. Ironically, the very traits that were once so desirous and that were naturally selected for are now what make the feral pigeon so hard to get rid of and so loathsome.
Without words to get in the way: Symbolic interaction in prison-based animal programs
Authors: Furst Gennifer
Published: February 2022

George H. Mead ([1934] 1967) contended a person’s sense of self develops from language-based interactions with other humans in society. According to contemporary sociologists, a person’s sense of self is also influenced by non-verbal interactions with human and non-human animals. The present research extends Sanders (1993) work that examined how dog owners relate to their pets and come to develop a unique social identity for them. Through interviews with participants in prison-based animal programs (PAPs), this research explores whether inmates engaged in a similar process of assigning the animals with which they work a human-like identity. The implications of the relationships that develop in terms of desistance, which Maruna (2001) argued requires a redefinition of a person’s self-identity, are discussed.
Improvement in Renal Function in Participants in the First UK National Health Service (NHS) EndoBarrier Service for Uncontrolled Diabesity
Authors: Ryder Robert EJ
Published: February 2022

Aims: EndoBarrier, a 60cm proximal intestinal liner, endoscopically implanted for up to one-year, reduces weight and HbA1c. As the risk of progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increased by high BMI, we assessed the impact of EndoBarrier on renal function. Methods: Between October 2014 and November 2017 we implanted EndoBarriers in 62 patients with sub-optimally controlled diabesity in our NHS service; by November 2018 all were explanted. Clinical and laboratory outcomes, including routinely performed kidney function testing by serum creatinine and MDRD eGFR, were collected in a registry Results: In 61 patients (aged 51.4±7.2 years, 54.1% male, 57.4% europid, diabetes duration 12.0 (8.0-19.5) years, 57.4% insulin-treated, BMI 41.9±7.4 kg/m2) with implant and explant data, weight fell by 15.9±8.5 kg from 122.6±27.9 to 106.7±28.9 kg (p<0.001), BMI from 41.9±7.4 to 36.2±7.6 kg/m2 (p<0.001) and systolic blood pressure (BP) from 138.5±15.0 to 125.8±14.6 mmHg (p<0.001), mean±SD. HbA1c fell by 23.7±21.4 mmol/mol from 80.2±22.5 to 56.5±11.5 mmol/mol(p<0.001), cholesterol from 4.7±1.4 to 3.9±0.9 mmol/L (p<0.001) and alanine-aminotransferase (ALT – a marker of liver fat) from 33.2±19.8 to 19.5±11.4 U/L (p<0.001). In the 35 insulin-treated patients median (IQR) insulin dose reduced from 100 (54-140) to 40 (0-70) units (p<0.001) with 10/35 (28.6%) discontinuing insulin. With regard to renal function, mean±SD serum creatinine improved by 5.5±15.4 μmol/L from 91.7±47.7 to 86.2±45.7 μmol/L (p=0.007) and estimated-Glomerular-Filtration-Rate (abbreviated MDRD equation) improved by 5.8±10.7 ml/min/1.73m2 from 84.3±25.2 to 90.1±26.4 ml/min/1.73m2 (p<0.001). Five patients had raised serum creatinine (>133 μmol/L) prior to Endobarrier; after implantation in four of these creatinine reduced and in two normalised. The four patients with renal impairment who sustained improvement had large weight loss (19.3-34.4 kg), the patient without improvement had only 6.6 kg weight loss. Conclusion: As well as previously documented improvements in weight, HbA1c, BP, ALT and cholesterol, EndoBarrier was associated with improvements in renal function. These observational findings warrant further investigation through prospective study of the impact of such bariatric interventions on progressive CKD.