bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prolonged Vertigo Associated with Nystagmus: an Organic or a Psychiatric Disorder? â€“ Discussing a Case Report
Authors: Hosseini Naeimehossadat , Moghaddam-Ahmadi Amir , Abdolkarimi Dawarani Mohammad Ali , Bidaki Reza , TajikSafa Aboozar
Published: January 2022

Background:

It is mostly organic diseases that are considered when a neurological sign or symptom is present in the history of a patient; however, there may be psychiatric problems also present which could be missed. We report a case to discuss the possibility of the presence of an organic or psychiatric underlying disorder when facing neurological problems.

Case Presentation:

We report a case of chronic headache accompanied by vertigo and multiple medical problems including nystagmus and abdominal pain without any significant findings on physical exam that was diagnosed to have a somatization disorder (Not Otherwise Specified or NOS).

Conclusion:

We did not find any documents regarding the presence of true nystagmus as a functional, factitious or psychosomatic disorder; however, voluntary nystagmus has been reported in some cases with a series of fast (saccadic) back-to-back eye movements, without any interval or slow phase. It is recommended that psychiatrists and neurologists search for a psychiatric disorder as well; even if the problem is supposed to have an organic nature like nystagmus or vertigo, especially when associated with a prolonged, resistant, or unusual course.
Nasal Polyp With Heterotopic Bone Formation (Osseous Metaplasia): A Case Report
Authors: Jangholi Ehsan , Shafii Minoo , Saatian Minoo , Aliehyai Farid , Najibpour Reza , Farshad Ali
Published: January 2022

Osseous metaplasia is defined by the presence of heterotopic normal bone tissue in a soft tissue. Metaplastic ossification is a rare event in nasal polyps. The authors describe a rare case of bone formation in nasal polyp of a 28-year-old man with chronic right-sided nasal obstruction without history of trauma or allergy symptoms. To our knowledge, this finding has been reported in a few cases in the English medical literature.
The Effect of Life Skills Training of Mothers of Elementary School Children on Childhood Behavioral Problems
Authors: Heshmati Azam , Tork-Ladani Fatemeh , Esmaeili Maryam , Tavakoli Mahgol , Mahdavi Saeideh , Latifi Zohreh
Published: January 2022

Introduction: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effect of life skills training of mothers of elementary school children on behavioral problems of children in Isfahan.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study, individuals were enrolled by a multistage cluster sampling from 5 educational districts in Isfahan and 90 students who had behavioral problems were distinguished and included. The individuals were divided into case and control groups. The life skills were presented to the mothers of the case group during 9 sessions. Groups were compared regarding pre-test and post-test results.

Results: The results showed that life skills training of mothers in the case group caused significant decrease in behavioral problems of children in comparison with the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that life skill knowledge can help mothers to control their childrenâ€™s behavioral problems and these sessions are suggested to be presented routinely at elementary schools.
Depression and Anxiety in Iranian Patients with Behcet's Disease: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Fani Mohammad Mehdi , Aflaki Elham , Ebrahimi Hooman , Safari Anahita , Ghanizadeh Sina , Ranjbar Maryam , Manafi Alireza , Borhanihaghighi Afshin
Published: January 2022

Background: This study was designed to determine and compare the stress, anxiety and depression levels in Behcetâ€™s disease (BD) patients and a control group of normal individuals.
Materials and Methods: One-hundred and six patients with BD were selected as cases and controls were 106 age- and sex-matched participants referred to the Shiraz Dental school clinics due to dental problems. We collected the information with 3 validated Farsi questionnaires: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) for stress, Beck Anxiety Index (BDI) for depression and Beck Depression Index (BAI) for anxiety.
Results: Stress, depression and anxiety levels were significantly higher in patients with BD in comparison with the control group (p<0.001).
Conclusions: A high level of stress and depression in BD patients is frequent and PSS, BDI and BAI are useful for determining these variations. Finally, we suggest a psychiatrist consultation in all periods of disease treatment.
Comparison of Prognosis in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis and its Correlation with the Model for the End-Stage Liver Disease and Child-Pugh Scores in Patients with Esophageal or Gastric Variceal Bleeding
Authors: Pashai Seyedeh Masoumeh , Ebrahimi Mohsen , Sheikhian Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2022

Background

Variceal bleeding is one of the most serious complications of cirrhosis. Up to now different methods are created for predicting the complications and mortality of cirrhosis. Child- Pugh score and MELD score are two methods for this use. In this study we investigated and compared survival prognosis of cirrhotic patients by the Child-Pugh or MELD score in two groups of esophageal and gastric variceal bleeding.

Materials and Methods

In this cross-sectional trial, patients with upper GI bleeding were followed up for a 6 months period. The source of hemorrhage was determined by endoscopy, then patients distributed in two groups of esophageal and gastric variceal hemorrhage. Finally we investigated and compared the relationship between the variables and mortality rates in these two groups by means of the Child-Pugh and the MELDÂ scores. The Student's t-test and Receiver Operating Characteristic were used for statistical analysis.

Results

34 patients (12 with gastric varices, 22 with esophageal varices) were investigated. No significant difference between these two groups was observed. In this study mean MELD score was 16.67Â±8.75 and mean Child-Pugh score was 9.37Â±2.54. Eight patients (5 with gastric varices and 3 with esophageal varices) expired before 6 weeks and 2 patients (one four each group) expired after 6 weeks. The best cut-off points are 15.5 and 10.5 for MELD and Child-Pugh scores respectively (sensitivity and specificity are 0.75 and 0.98, respectively for both scores).

Conclusion

Sensitivity and specificity of both scores were the same in prediction of mortality. However, the chance ratio defined that Child-Pugh score was a better predictor of mortality than MELD score, since the chance of death will increase 2.51 and 1.62 fold per each unit increase in the Child-Pugh and the MELD scores, respectively. However, no significant difference found between Child-Pugh and MELD score between two groups of patients.
The Effect of Family-Based Empowerment Program on the Weight and Length of Hospital Stay of Preterm Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Beheshtipoor Noushin , Shaker Zohreh , Edraki Mitra , Razavi Mostajab , Zare Najaf
Published: January 2022

Background: Preterm infants need to be hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and receive specific systematic care in order to survive. Nonetheless, long hospital stay leads to parentsâ€™ separation from the infant and disturbance in the family life. It also has many undesirable effects on the infant. The present study aimed to determine the effect of family-centered empowerment program on the weight and duration of hospital stay of the infants in NICU.

Methods: In this clinical trial, 100 mothers with preterm infants hospitalized in NICU were divided into an intervention and a control groups. The mothers in the empowerment group took part in a multi-stage training program and received the necessary information regarding preterm infants and how to cooperate in taking care of them through face-to-face training, working at the bedside, educational film, and illustrated booklet. Then, the weight of the infants in the two groups and duration of hospital stay were compared.

Results: The mean length of hospital stay was 10.5Â±7.7 and 17.4Â±11.2 days in the intervention and the control group, respectively, and the results of independent T-test showed that the difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). The mean of weight changes was -42.4Â±172.9 grams in the control group and -22.6Â±162.0 grams in the intervention group; no significant difference was found between the two groups (P=0.556).

Conclusion: The family-centered empowerment program in the NICU significantly reduced the infantsâ€™ length of hospital stay, but had no effects on their weights.
The Role of Oxidative Stress in Metals Toxicity; Mitochondrial Dysfunction as a Key Player
Authors: Ranjbar Akram , Ghasemi Hassan , Rostampourâ€Ž Farshad
Published: January 2022

Metals can cause oxidative stress by increasing the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which make antioxidants incapable of defiance against growing amounts of free radicals. Metal toxicity is related to their oxidative state and reactivity with other compounds. However, several reports about metals have been published in the recent years. Mitochondria, as a site of cellular oxygen consumption and energy production, can be a target for metals toxicity. Dysfunction of Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation led to the production of some metals toxicities metals through alteration in the activities of I, II, III, IV and V complexes and disruption of mitochondrial membrane. Reductions of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis or induction of its hydrolysis can impair the cellular energy production. In the present review study, the researchers have criticized reviews and some evidence about the oxidative stress as a mechanism of toxicity of metals. The metals disrupt cellular and antioxidant defense, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and promote oxidative damage. The oxidative injuries induced by metals can be restored by use of antioxidants such as chelators, vitamin E and C, herbal medicine, and through increasing the antioxidants level. However, to elucidate many aspect of mechanism toxicity of metals, further studies are yet to be carried out.
Interleukin-4 mRNA Expression in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients with or without Lymph Node Involvement
Authors: Amirazodi Esmael , Razmkhah Mahboobeh , Jaberipour Mansoureh , Hosseini Ahmad , Khademi Bijan
Published: January 2022

Background: Interleukin (IL)-4 is a member of T helper 2 (Th2) axis produced by T-lymphocyte and mast cell. It has been shown that IL-4 expression changes in tumor tissues. The main objective of this study is to investigate the expression of IL-4 mRNA in patients with Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (LSCC) with or without lymph node involvement.
Materials and Methods: mRNA expression of IL-4 in LSCC tissues were detected by quantative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR). Expression of IL-4 gene was compared between lymph node positive and negative patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Larynx.
Results: No statistically significant association was found in expression of IL-4 between lymph node positive and negative patients.
Conclusion: It seems that IL-4 has no important effect on the involvement of lymph node in LSCC. However, to achieve a definite conclusion more investigations are certainly required.
Panoramic Radiography: A Tool for Evaluation of Orthodontic Patients' Sagittal and Vertical Skeletal Relations
Authors: Saki Maryam , Oshagh Morteza , Shahidi Shoaleh , Zarif Najafi Hooman
Published: January 2022

Background: Malocclusion, as a worldwide issue, can cause a lot of problems for patients. Panoramic (PR) and lateral cephalometric (LCR) radiographs are both usually indicated for orthodontic treatments. The aim of this study was to analyze vertical and sagittal parameters of both jaws on PRs and to compare them on LCRs.

Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional study, 61 samples from all patients referring to the Department of Orthodontics of Shiraz Dental School were selected by simple randomized sampling method, meeting specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Correlations between variables on PRs and LCRs were assessed.

Results: Vertical angular variables on PR such as H-line/Lower1-Lower6 and Condylar plane/Corpus line were related to some vertical variables on LCR including Anterior nasal spine(ANS)-Menton(Me), Orbitale-Me, ANS-Posterior nasal spine (PNS)/Gonion (Go)-Me, Frankfort Horizontal (FH)/ANS-PNS, Gonial angle, Go-Gnathion (Gn)/Sella-Nasion and FH/Occlusal plane (PË‚0.05).

Sagittal variables of maxilla on PR such as Pterygomaxillare (Pm)-Pm, Pm-Ht, Pm-Ht-Pm, and ANS-Pm were related to sagittal variables of maxilla on LCR including Maxillary length, Sella/Nasion/Point A, Point A/Nasion/Point B (PË‚0.05).

Â Conclusion: Our results revealed that PRs can provide information on vertical and sagittal dimensions of both jaws. This may help choosing a proper imaging protocol for the patients.
GMJ Adopts New Copyright Policy and Provides Language Services for the Authors
Authors: Ashkani-Esfahani Soheil
Published: January 2022

After having a discussion on copyright rights and the rules in Galen medical journal, the Editorial board of GMJ decided that a small medical journal has no need to hold the copyright, though transferring the copyright to the publisher is still a common inquiry in many journals. GMJ wants nothing more than being able to publish articles at first and nothing more. In this regard, the GMJ has changed its copyright policy. We believe this alteration is more author-friendly and could result in further dissemination of knowledge in part, because it lets readers to freely explore within the published papers and data.

From January 2013, authors will retain the copyright and will only be asked to grant us the right to be the first to publish their article. The new copyright policy is as follows; these are now included in our Instructions for Authors:

Â 

Authors who publish with The GMJ agree to the following terms:

a. Authors retain copyright and grant The GMJ the exclusive license and right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial License (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-nc/3.0/), which allows the work to be freely used, distributed, and built upon for non-commercial reasons, as long as proper attribution to the work's authorship and initial publication in the GMJ is given.

b. Authors are permitted to distribute the GMJ's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in the GMJ.

Â 

Language services for the authors

Since we have had many linguistic problems with the articles which are submitted by many of our authors, we decided to provide language services for instructing and editing of the papers submitted in the GMJ. In this regard, our language editors are prepared to give a hand to the submitters who are not able to provide a good and acceptable language editing for their manuscripts. Obviously this will cost the authors but we tried to have cost-benefit offers since our main goal is to improve the quality of our papers and shorten the peer review duration rather than the economical purposes. Authors can email their paperâ€™s editor and ask for the service and receive the forms for Language services including editing, translating, and scientific preparations.

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The Editorial Board has tried to make the policies and instructions for authors simple and clear and is looking forward to a better and more successful future, thanks to our authors, readers, and reviewers.
Clinical and Paraclinical Features of Wilsonâ€™s Disease in Children in Shiraz, Southern Iran
Authors: Erjaee Asma , Dehghani Seyed Mohsen , Imanieh Mohammad Hadi , Haghighat Mahmood , Bajalli Zohre , Malekpour Abdorrasoul
Published: January 2022

Background: Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive progressive degeneration of hepatolenticular tissue that causes the increase of copper deposition in the liver and other organs, with resultant hepatic, neurologic and psychological manifestations. WD is fatal if left untreated. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the clinical and Para-clinical findings in children with WD in Shiraz, Southern Iran.

Patients and Methods: The Medical records of all children less than 18 years of age with definite diagnosis of WD, who were admitted in Nemazee Teaching Hospital from 2001 to 2009, or were under follow up at the Pediatric Hepatology Clinic affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, were reviewed.

Results: Overall, 70 patients with WD (41 males, 29 females) were studied. The mean age at the onset of diagnosis was 10.3Â±3.2 years and the most common first presentation in our patients was hepatic (90%). The most common biochemical abnormalities were increased urinary copper content, increased liver enzymes (92.9%), and increased prothrombin time (71.4%). Wilson index was â‰¥11 in 44.3% of the patients.

Conclusion: WD is a rare and fascinating disorder that often poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the physician. Maintaining a high index of suspicion is critical in diagnosing this readily treatable disease and early treatment can decrease its mortality rate.
Protective Role of Vitamin E on Methotrexate Induced Renal Injury in Rabbits
Authors: Taghizadieh Mohammad , Afshari Fatemeh , Shokri Nazila , Hajipour Babak
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims: Methotrexate (MTX), a folic acid antagonist, is widely used as a treatment for malignancies as well as in the treatment of various inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Nephrotoxicity is an important side-effect of this drug. Prevention and treatment of MTX-induced renal dysfunction are essential to prevent potentially life-threatening MTX-associated toxicities, Present study was undertaken to determine whether vitamin E could ameliorate methotrexate-induced oxidative renal injury in rabbit.

Â Materials and methods: Twenty eight rabbits were randomly assigned into four groups (n=7): Group 1 (control group), Group 2 (Received 20mg/kg MTX): Group 3 (Received MTX plus vitamin E 100 mg/kg orally), group 4: (vitamin E 100 mg/kg orally). On 6th day rabbits were anesthetized and renal tissue sampled for pathologic and biochemical assessment.

Â Results:Â  Data showed that renal tissue injury index and malondialdehyde (MDA)level were lower in MTX+vitamin E group comparing to MTX group significantly (P<0.05). Renal tissue injury index and MDA were higher in MTX+vitamin E group comparing to control group significantly (P<0.05).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that vitamin E, by improving cellular anti-oxidant defense system, reduction in lipid peroxidation production and tissue damage, appears to have a protective role in the MTX-induced oxidative injury in renal tissue, however, further studies are essential to elucidate the exact mechanisms of MTX-induced renal toxicity, and protective effect of vitamin E.
Status Epilepticus in Adults: A 6-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Poursadeghfard Maryam , Hashemzehi Zabihollah , Ashjazadeh Nahid
Published: January 2022

Background: Status epilepticus (SE) is one of the most common neurological emergencies with high mortality and morbidity. This study aims to determine the most common causes and outcomes of SE in adult patients from Fars Province in southern Iran.
Materials and Methods: 134 patients with SE (either convulsive or non-convulsive), admitted to Namazi Hospital, were enrolled from January 2006 to February 2012. We designed a questionnaire to collect the patients' demographics and disease characteristics and their outcomes according to Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software version 15. P-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Seventy patients were female and 64 were male with mean age of 42.97Â±19.66 years and 39.42Â±18.89 years old, respectively. Sixty-two patients (46.26%) had a history of epilepsy, and 72 patients (53.73%) had no history of epilepsy. Antiepileptic drugs (ADEs) withdrawal and cerebral infarction were the most common causes of SE in epileptics and non-epileptics, respectively. One hundred and twenty-three patients (91.8%) had generalized tonic-clonic SE. Thirty patients (22.4%) could return to work and 33 (24.6%) died during hospitalization. There was a significant relationship between mortality and age over 60 years (P<0.001), and mortality and cerebral infarction or anoxia (P= 0.022).
Conclusion: ADEs withdrawal in the epileptic patients was the main cause of SE (28.40% of the total population and 62% of the epileptic patients) that can be prevented by patient and family education. This study showed that high mortality and morbidity were significantly related to the increasing age and etiology of SE.
Effects of Levothyroxine Treatment on Lipid Profile in Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Naseri Rozita , Shahebrahimi Karoon , Kalantarian Tahereh Sadat , Rahimi Mehrali , Najafi Farid , Derakhshandeh Katayoun , Sharifi Azam
Published: January 2022

Background: Studies demonstrated controversial results on subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) regarding lipid profile alteration with or without Levothyroxine treatment. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Levothyroxine on serum lipids in SCH. Materials and Methods: One hundred patients with SCH referred to Taleghani hospital in Kermanshah were recruited and randomly assigned into the intervention or the control group. Patients in intervention group received Levothyroxine 50-75 micrograms for three months. Patients in control group received the same placebo with the same dose and duration. Lipid profile was measured before and after the trial and the changes were compared between groups. (IRCT code: 138903244179N1). Results: Triglyceride, Total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL and Lipoprotein-A were measured before and after treatment. None of the factors showed significant difference either between or within groups, before and after the treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion: Treating with Levothyroxine does not have any clinically significant impact on lipid profile in SCH patients which indicates that we should not expect SCH patients to use Levothyroxine solely for lipid profile alternation, except those with other clinical indications for treatment.[GMJ.2015;4(2):72-77]
Comparison of the analgesic effects of Post-operative Morphine, Pre-emptive and Post-operative Paracetamol in Septorhinoplasty Surgery
Authors: Taregh Shoja-Al-hagh , Hadavi Mohammad Reza , Omidvari Shahriyar , Daneshforouz Mohammad Ali
Published: January 2022

Background: According to previous studies there are some different opinions on the pre-emptive effects of paracetamol in controlling post-operative pain, we aimed to compare the analgesic effects of pre-emptive paracetamol with post-operative paracetamol and morphine in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty.

Materials and methods: A hundred and six patients aged 15 to 50 were divided into 3 groups. One received 1 g paracetamol 30 minutes before the operation, another group received 1 g paracetamol after the surgery and the control group received 3 mg morphine sulfate in the recovery room after the surgery. The pain severity was recorded for each patient using a 10 slot table. Any signs of nausea and vomiting (N/V) or apnea were closely observed and recorded. Patients with pain score 5 or more received 2 mg morphine intravascularly.

Results: There was not any significant difference between the groups in total pain score and N/V (p>0.05). Post-operative morphine intake was significantly lower in pre-emptive group (P<0.05). None of the patients experienced apnea during the study.Â 

Conclusion: We concluded that pre-emptive paracetamol can lower the opium consumption in post-operative period but pre-emptive paracetamol cannot reduce the post-operative acute pain noticeably.
Neuroimaging in Outpatients with Tension Type Headache
Authors: Petramfar Peyman , Pishgar Sajad
Published: January 2022

Background: Research into the role of neuroimaging in primary headaches such as tension type headache (TTH) is ongoing. In the present study, we aim to evaluate the ability of neuroimaging to detect potential abnormalities in patients with new onset TTH and normal neurological exam. Materials and Methods: In a prospective study, 294 cases of new onset TTH with normal neurological exam, that had neuroimaging, were selected. Imaging was evaluated for significant abnormalities. The percentage of abnormal findings in imaging was calculated. Results: 64(21.8%) patients had MRI. Of them, 21.8% of MRIs revealed abnormal findings. Meanwhile, from 238 CTs, only 0.4% showed abnormalities. Conclusion: Neuroimaging with current quality does not play an important role in management of patients with new onset TTH and normal neurological exam. [GMJ.2015;4(2):62-66]
Lipid Peroxidation Product and Glutathione Levels in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease Before and After Surgery
Authors: Khansha Rahman , Miladpour Behnoosh , Mostafavi-Pour Zohreh , Zal Fatemeh
Published: January 2022

Background: It has been reported that ischemia-reperfusion is associated with augmentation of oxidative stress and its specific and sensitive markers. Oxidative stress may cause atrial fibrillation (AF) which is a common consequence after cardiac surgery. Dietary supplementation with antioxidants might lower the incidence of AF following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) referred to Namazi and Faghihi Hospitals in Shiraz, undergone elective CABG, were enrolled in this study. For evaluation of oxidative stress, whole blood was taken before and 24 hours after surgery and malondialdehyde (MDA) as an oxidative marker and glutathione (GSH) as an antioxidant marker were measured. Results: Results showed a significant difference between the mean concentration of GSH before and after CABG surgery (P <0.05); however, the difference in plasma MDA levels before and after CABG was insignificant. Conclusion: CABG surgery results in oxidative stress and reduces GSH 24h after surgery and administration of antioxidants may attenuate post-operative oxidative stress. [GMJ.2015;4(2):78-82]
Effects of Taping and Elastic Bandage on Postural Control in Athletes with Patellofemoral Pain: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Ojaghi Seyed Mojtaba , Kamali Fahimeh , Ghanbari Ali , Ebrahimi Samaneh , Nematollahi Ahmad Reza
Published: January 2022

Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is the most common overuse syndrome in athletes. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of taping and elastic bandage on postural control in athletes with PFPS. Materials and Methods: Fifteen males and 19 females with PFPS participated in this clinical trial study for more than 1 month and were randomly divided into two groups; group 1 was taped based on McConnell method and in group 2 elastic bandage was used. The static postural control in both groups was measured before and after interventions using the force- plate through measuring the center of pressure (COP) and estimation of differences between center of pressure and center of mass (COP-COM moment arms) in AP and ML directions. Moreover, dynamic postural control was measured by star excursion balance test (SEBT). Paired t-test and covariance analysis were used for analysis of the data. Results: Results indicated that after taping reach distances increased significantly (p< 0.05) in anterior, anterolateral, lateral and posterior directions but after elastic bandage reach distances increased in posterior, posteromedial and medial directions. After both taping and bandage, COP and COP-COM moment arm measures did not show significant differences. Conclusion: The findings of this investigation showed that in athletes with patellofemoral pain, taping and elastic bandage improved dynamic postural control. However, dynamic methods are successfully used to assess the effects of taping and bandage on postural control. Static variables compared with dynamic measures potentially lack the ability to detect subtle differences of postural control in athletes with PFPS. [GMJ. 2015;4(3):82-89]
Galen Medical Journal (GMJ) Title Readability Index
Authors: Khodabakhshi Morteza , Borhani Haghighi Afshin
Published: January 2022

Background: Title choice will undoubtedly pave the way for the informed readership to either devour a text or just spurn it. Therefore, authors are duly required to have a deep understanding of titling trends and potential inferences to be drawn by their addressees. As a case in point, choosing proper titles for medical articles is a subject of much debate among researchers to such an extent that it is postponed to be written till the finalization of a given manuscript. Titles form expectations, preconceptions, presuppositions and most importantly judgment on readerâ€™s side. Quality highly-cited research papers submitted to the internationally renowned Galen Medical Journal (GMJ) as a true index of Iranian medical journalism covering varied areas of research in both medical and interdisciplinary fields concerning health-related topics, provide a performance benchmark to firstly evaluate titling trends among Iranian authors, secondly to improve writing strategies and finally to meet international standards. Materials and Methods: To conduct this meta-analysis, researchers collected all articles published by GMJ. 100 titles were randomly chosen to be linguistically analyzed by Advanced Text Analyzer software. All data were fed into MC-Excel to recognize any distributional regularity in titling, subconsciously followed by GMJ authors. Results: The meta-analysis of randomly chosen article titles revealed a well-established trend in high Lexical Density standing above 76.67 for all titles indicating authorâ€™s frozen style and academic register in their manuscripts. Moreover, Title Length hits 14.34 on average signifying authorâ€™s inclination for longer titles. It might negatively impact the whole discourse due to heavy cognitive load. Gunning Fog Index ranging averagely 16.94 estimates at least 17 years of formal education needed to understand a text on first reading with no difficulty. Additionally, introducing poly-morphemic lexical items into authorâ€™s title in nearly all cases, owing to their mental load, augments text difficulty. Conclusion: Authors of medical articles can increase their articleâ€™s readability through their acquaintance with text mechanics such as lexical density, Gunning Fog Index and Readability criteria. Authors are strongly recommended to shorten title length, introduce fewer poly-morphemic words and utilize highly frequent mono-morphemic lexical items in order to increase article readability. [GMJ. 2015;4(3):100-3]
A Comparison of Intelligence Quotient in Children with and without Î²-Thalassemia Major
Authors: Homayouni Meymandi Samaneh , Seyednezhad-Golkhatmi Sayed Hamid , Homayouni Meymandi Mandana
Published: January 2022

Background: Thalassemia is the most common hemoglobinopathy worldwide. Children with Î²-thalassemia major have several risk factors for cognitive problems. The aim of this study is to evaluate intelligence quotient in children with Î²-thalassemia major and healthy counterparts using Wechsler Intelligence Scale. Materials and Methods: Within a case-control design and using convenience sampling method, the present study was carried out in Zahedan and Shiraz in 2012. Participants were matched based on their age, gender and city of residence (40 children with Î²-thalassemia major and 40 healthy children aging 6 to 12 years. Wechsler Intelligence Scale Revised (WISC-R) was used to find the participantsâ€™ Verbal Performance and Full intelligence scores. The scores of the two groups were then compared using descriptive analysis and independent t-test. Results: As compared with their healthy counterparts, children with Î²-thalassemia major had lower scores on both Verbal Scale and Full Scale (P<0.01); however, the difference between the two groupsâ€™ scores on Performance Scale fell short of significance. Conclusions: Intelligence decline does not necessarily occur in children with Î²-thalassemia. They are just slightly lower than their healthy counterarts and they need to receive more attention in education in order to improve. [GMJ.2015;4(4):130-31]
Assessment of Sex Hormones and Gonadotropins levels in Alzheimer Patients
Authors: Karimi Fariba , Borhani Haghighi Afshin , Petramfar Payman , Afreidoon Arnoosh
Published: January 2022

Backgrounds: Increasing age is the most significant risk factor for AlzheimerÊ¾s disease and depletion of sex hormones is an important consequence of normal aging. This study aimed to investigate the serum level of sex hormones and gonadotropins in patients with AlzheimerÊ¾s disease in comparison with the control group. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted between October 2010 and November 2011 in Shiraz Mottahari Clinic. Fifty-one patients with Alzheimerâ€™s disease and 49 age-matched volunteers without dementia participated in this survey. Both groups were evaluated by two neurologists according to DSM- IV criteria. Blood samples were taken after 12 hours fasting to measure serum levels of estradiol, testosterone, gonadotropins and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Results: Eighteen females and 33 males in the patient group, and 23 females and 26 males in the control group participated. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding their gonadotropins, estradiol, free androgen index and body mass index, but the mean level of SHBG in patients was significantly higher than the control group (P=0.03). In addition, male patients had a higher total testosterone mean compared to male subjects in the control group (P=0.02). Conclusion: Our findings regarding testosterone levels in males of two groups were contrary to some of the previous surveys in this area. Moreover, we found higher levels of SHBG in patients compared to the control subjects. Further investigation is needed to define whether and how changes of sex hormones can affect brain health and vulnerability to Alzheimerâ€™s disease.[GMJ.2015;4(4):139-45]
Comparison of Birth Defects in Infants Conceived by Assisted Reproductive Technologies vs. Naturally Conceived Infants in Mashhad, Iran
Authors: Shahverdi Ehsan , Vahid Roodsari Fatemeh , Akhavan Saffar Masoomeh
Published: January 2022

Background: Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are known as a treatment for infertility in which oocyte undergoes manipulation outside body. The aim of this study was to study the evaluation of birth defects in infants conceived through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and compare them with naturally-conceived infants. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, four hundred naturally-conceived infants and 400 infants conceived by ARTs between 20 March and 20 November 2012 in Ghaâ€™em Hospital and Sheikh Hospital of Mashhad in Iran participated in this study. Infants were evaluated by a pediatrician at the time of birth, 10 days and 40 days after birth. Correlation between the use of IVF and/or ICSI methods and birth defects was evaluated. Results: Of total 800 infants (450 boys and 350 girls), half of the infants were conceived through natural pregnancy, 200(25%) through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and 200 (25%) intra- cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In Infants conceived by IVF, 5 cases (2.5%) had a kind of birth defect just similar to those conceived by ICSI; while 4 cases had birth defects in natural pregnancy. There was no significant correlation between the use of IVF and/or ICSI methods in terms of birth defects (P=0.280).Conclusion: We found that using IVF or ICSI methods is not associated with increasing birth defects.[GMJ.2015;4(4):146-50]
Maple Syrup Urine Disease: Incidence and Related Factors in Infants 2008-2015, Tehran, Iran
Authors: Shahverdi Ehsan , Najafian Bita , Konjedi Mohammad Amin , Tohidi Mohammad
Published: January 2022

Background: Maple syrup urine disease is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder. Infants with MSUD appear normal at birth. In Iran, no data concerning the incidence of MSUD has ever been reported. The aims of this study were (a) to estimate the incidence of MSUD in Iran (b) to establish a preliminary comparative analysis of clinical presentation and diagnosis. Materials and Methods: This retrospective analytical study was conducted between 20 March 2008 and 20 February 2015. We evaluated babies born in Najmiyyeh Hospital and referring to Niloo, Masoud and Saeid laboratories in Tehran, Iran. Blood leucine level was measured. Normal leucine levels in blood samples from healthy infants were less than 4.27 mg/dl. In patients whose blood leucine levels were higher, the experiment was repeated once again. If the result was positive again for the final confirmation of the disease in infants, quantitative measurement of amino acids such as leucine, isoleucine and valine was performed by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography). The prevalence of MSUD was determined in newborns. Results: Of 200,000 cases, 11 had MSUD. The prevalence was 1:18,180. The mean age of symptom onset was 6Â±2.8 days. Special diets for MSUD, diet and liver transplantation, diet and blood transfusion and peritoneal dialysis were performed on 9, 1, 1, 1, respectively. Conclusion: We should consider the diagnosis of MSUD in infants with poor feeding, lethargy, smell of burnt sugar in the urine and nneurological involvement.[GMJ.2015;4(4):164-68]
Efficacy of Intravenous Ondansetron on Hemodynamic Complications in Women Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Section: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Hajian Pouran , Malekianzadeh Bita , Davoudi Maryam
Published: January 2022

Background: Several methods are used for the prevention or decreasing the incidence of spinal anesthesia hemodynamic complications. Ondansetron is a 5HT3 receptor antagonist with known efficacy on preventing nausea and vomiting and probably on intrathecal opioid-induced pruritus. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of intravenous Ondansetron on the attenuation of blood pressure and heart rate, by 5HT3 blocking in vagal nerve endings and effect on Bezold Jarish reflex. Material and Methods: One hundred and two candidates for elective cesarean section were randomized into 2 groups of 51 cases, the Ondansetron group received 4mg Ondansetron intravenously before performing spinal anesthesia, and placebo group received 2cc sterile water. Hypotension was defined: Systolic blood pressure less than 100 MmHg or fall more than 20% from primary BP which was treated by administration of Ephedrine in case of any. In both groups, Ondansetron effect was studied on hypotension occurrence, bradycardia, consumed Ephedrine amount, pruritus, nausea and vomiting. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in systolic/diastolic blood pressure, Mean Arterial Pressure, heart rate and pruritus in both groups (P=0.081).Nausea and vomiting in the first 10 minutes after spinal anesthesia were lesser in Ondansetron group (P= 0.001). Mean consumed Ephedrine was significantly lesser in Ondansetron group (5.8 mg in Ondansetron and 10.7 mg in placebo group, P=0.009). Conclusion: OndansetronÂ  givenÂ  intravenouslyÂ  withÂ  antiemeticÂ  doseÂ  (4 Â mg)Â  decreasesÂ  mean consumed Ephedrine and nausea and vomiting after spinal anesthesia, but does not have an influence on blood pressure, heart rate and pruritus.[GMJ. 2016;5(1):13-18]
Frequency Survey of Bacterial Contamination of Mobile Cell Phones in General Population in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Matini Esfandiar , Shayeghi Farzad , Nematian Javad , Shayeghi Homeyra , Lazemi Vahideh , Rezarian Ghahroud Reihaneh , Shahbazi Fatemeh , Madari Mohades Seyed Amir Mahdi , Zarghami Amin , Ghasemzadeh Kolagar Hossein , Rahmani Helia , Abasi Feshki Hanieh , Baghaee Barjin Zahra
Published: January 2022

Background: Mobile smart phones have become increasingly integrated into the daily lives of individuals in society. Recent studies indicated the considerable role of these devices as reservoirs for various micro-organisms. The objective of this study was to assess the prevÂ­alence of microbiological contamination of mobile phones in general population. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included a large sample of mobile phones of genÂ­eral population Tehran in 2015. Samples for culture were collected from mobile phones and transported for microbiological identification based on standard laboratory methods. Results: Bacteriological analysis revealed that in total of 5220 sample retrieved, 5180 (98.9%) mobile phone devices were contaminated with bacteria. The most common microorganisms that were isolated include: Staphylococcus epidermidis (63.9), Escherichia coli (12.3%) and StaphyloÂ­coccus aureus (11.4%). Conclusion: The prevalence of mobile phone contamination is high in general population in Tehran. Although most of the isolated organisms seemed to be non-pathoÂ­genic, their colonization may endanger certain populations particularly in health care settings. [GMJ.2016;5(2):70-74]
Improvement of Tinnitus following Tympanoplasty and Tympanomastoidectomy Surgeries in Patients with Chronic Otitis Media
Authors: Khosravi Mohammad Hossein , Saeedi Masoumeh
Published: January 2022

Background: After otorrhea and hearing loss, Tinnitus is the most common symptom in paÂ­tients with chronic otitis media (COM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the improvement of tinnitus in COM patients after tympanoplasty and tympanomastoidectomy surgeries. MateÂ­rials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on COM patients suffering from Tinnitus referred to Baqiyatallah hospital, Tehran, Iran undergoing tympanoplasty or tympanoÂ­mastoidectomy surgeries between March 2013 and August 2014. Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaires were filled before and two months after surgery by each patient, and considered subjects were compared with each other. Audiometry test was taken from each patient before and two months after surgery. Audiometry results as well as Air-Bone gap were measured and evaluated prior and after surgery. Data were analyzed using SPSS software by ANOVA, sample t-test and Chi-square tests. Results: Eventually, 26 male and 24 female patients with a mean age of 38.62Â±11.88 years were enrolled. Air conducÂ­tion at all frequencies was 49.99Â±17.37 before and 36.98Â±22.06 after surgery (P<0.001). SeverÂ­ity of tinnitus was 62.92Â±30.54 before and 30.54Â±20.08 after surgery based on THI (P<0.001). Also, it was 7.46Â±1.66 before and 3.5Â±2.06 after surgery based on VAS evaluations (P<0.001). Tinnitus severity reduction was significantly associated with the improvement of hearing loss and decrement of air-Bone gap (P<0.001). Tinnitus symptoms such as loudness, annoyance, impact on life and perception of Tinnitus significantly reduced after surgery. Moreover, TymÂ­panomastoidectomy was more effective on the improvement of Tinnitus in comparison with Tympanoplasty (P=0.019).Conclusion: It seems that, both tympanomastoidectomy and tympaÂ­noplasty surgeries are effective on the improvement of tinnitus in patients with COM; however, Tympanomastoidectom surgery was shown to be more effective.[GMJ.2016;5(2):63-69]
Effects of Natural Substances on Healing of Long Bone Fractures: A Narrative Review of Traditional Persian Medicine
Authors: Sadeghi Seyed Mohammad Hasan , Heydarirad Ghazaleh , Hosseini Khameneh Seyed Mehdi , Khodadoost Mahmood , Kamalinejad Mohammad , Jafari Shirin , Gachkar Latif
Published: January 2022

Fractures, especially leg fractures, are one of the most common problems in the world, and it causes a considerable economic and social burden for patients and societies. Orthopedic surgery plays the most important role in the treatment of fractures, but it is expensive and requires anesthesia which has a variety of side effects. Besides surgery and conventional treatments, it seems that the use of natural substances as complementary therapy can be useful. In Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) manuscripts, many diverse natural substances, especially medicinal herbs, are mentioned as useful medications for fracture healing. The aim of this study was to investigate medicinal plants and natural substances used in TPM as useful in fracture healing, by an overview of traditional knowledge as compared with new investigations. The main manuscripts of TPM, including the Canon of Medicine, Tohfat-ol-Moemenin, Exir-eâ€“azam and Makhzan-ol-advieh, were assembled through a literature search, to select the substances used in fracture healing. Also, current evidence on related substances were studied through a search of Google Scholar and PubMed databases. In this study, eleven substances were identified and categorized into three groups: plants, animals, and minerals. The results of our study showed that the most cited substances were used due to their effects on fracture or wound healing, inflammations, and pain. This historical assessment can help in obtaining new data about natural substances for faster fracture healing, which may lead to subsequent opportunities to assess their potential medicinal use. [GMJ. 2016;5(4):165-72]
Developing and Validating a Questionnaire to Measure Womenâ€™s Sexual Behaviors: A Psychometric Process
Authors: Ghorashi Zohreh , Yousefy Alireza , Merghati-koei Effat
Published: January 2022

Background: Sexual well-being is essential in womenâ€™s overall health. Emphasis is placed on the assessment of womenâ€™s sexual behaviors across various domains. The purpose of this study was to describe the processes undertaken to evaluate the psychometric properties of a questionnaire developed for assessing sexual behaviors in its domains among Iranian women through their reproductive age. Materials and Methods: A mixed method study using exploratory design was conducted with the Iranian women of reproductive age living in Rafsanjan, a city in the Kerman Province, the center of Iran. Item reduction was made in three main steps: 1) item development in the qualitative phase of the study; 2) determination of internal consistency using Cronbachâ€™s alpha correlation coefficient; 3) content and face validity, construct validity using factor analysis. The qualitative exploratory phase produced the 62-item Sexual Behaviors Assessment Questionnaire (SBAQ). Results: The exploratory factor analysis revealed three domains include sexual capacity, sexual motivation, and sexual performance. Good internal consistency and reliability were obtained (Cronbachâ€™s alpha coefficient = 0.81) for the global 33-item SBAQ. The items on the SBAQ revealed factor-loading > 0.5. Conclusion: The SBAQ is a new validated and culturally appropriate instrument for evaluating sexual behaviors of Iranian women through their reproductive ages. [GMJ.2016;5(4):208-14]