Repository of Research and Investigative Information Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
Not a member yet
23244 research outputs found
Sort by
Reply to Editor: Serum zinc levels in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients: A retrospective observational study
No full textDevelopment of a 3D Bioprinted Alginate-Gelatin Hydrogel Scaffold Loaded with Calcium Phosphates for Dental Pulp Tissue Regeneration
No full textDental pulp restoration using hydrogel is an innovative approach that offers enhanced biocompatibility and regenerative potential. Hydrogels, with their three-dimensional structure and ability to mimic the natural ExtraCellular Matrix (ECM), show a favorable environment for regenerating damaged pulp tissue. Alginate and gelatin were combined to form the hydrogel matrix. CaPs were added at 0 wt, 2 wt, 4 wt, and 6 wt to investigate the effects on the hydrogel's properties and potential for dental pulp regeneration. Characterization techniques included X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to analyze the morphological, and surface properties of the alginate-gelatin-CaP hydrogels. Cell activity and viability were assessed using the MTT assay. The mechanical properties of the alginate-gelatin hydrogel samples containing 0, 2, 4, and 6 wt CaPs were evaluated using finite element analysis. Machine learning (ML) techniques were employed to model the relationship between the CaP content and the hydrogel's compressive, tensile, and viscoelastic behaviors, enabling the prediction of optimal CaP loading for desired mechanical characteristics. The present study utilized ML techniques to investigate the interrelationships among various parameters and forecast their corresponding effect. Specifically, ML of linearalgorithms were employed to estimate the pH change, degradation, weight gain, and initial diameter based on fluctuations in weight fraction, compressive strength, and porosity. of regression analysis, which confirmed the model's reliability. The results showed tha
Efficacy of an Emotion Regulation Training in Enhancing Resilience Among Patients With Congestive Heart Failure: A Randomized Clinical Trial
No full textBackground and Aims Congestive heart failure is often associated with diminished resilience in patients, leading to adverse mental health outcomes. This study aimed to explore the impact of an emotion regulation program on the resilience of individuals coping with congestive heart failure. Methods This randomized clinical trial involved 70 hospitalized patients with congestive heart failure at Shahid Chamran Medical Center in Isfahan. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 35) or the control group (n = 35). The intervention group underwent a six-session emotion regulation program, with each session lasting 45-60 min. Data collection involved the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, administered at three stages: preintervention, immediately postintervention, and 1 month postintervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, employing chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, t-tests, and repeated measures ANOVA (significance level: p 0.05). Additionally, comparisons of mean resilience scores between the intervention and control groups immediately and 1 month postintervention revealed significant differences (p < 0.05). Conclusion The findings underscore the effectiveness of the emotion regulation program in enhancing resilience among patients with congestive heart failure. It is recommended that healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, incorporate this intervention into their patient care practices to foster resilience in individuals managing congestive heart failure
Parental Factors Associated to Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders in the Pediatric Age Group: A Case-Control Study
No full textBackground:Functional abdominal pain disorder (FAPD) is one of the most common reasons for medical visits in child and adolescents. While exact mechanisms remain incompletely understood, it is believed that psychosocial and parental factors contribute to the pathophysiology of FAPDs. Some research suggests a dyadic and reciprocal relationship between children and their parents in this context.Materials and Methods:This is a case-control study that performed in pediatrics gastrointestinal clinics. All 4-16 years old children with abdominal pain, who were referred to pediatric clinics, were recruited consecutively. Individuals with abdominal pain complaint were classified as FAPD using Rome IV criteria. NEO Five-Factor Inventory was completed by all parents, both parents.Results:The mean and standard deviation age of the children in the case and control groups were 2.45 +/- 8.10 and 3.04 +/- 7.68, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the groups. However, the personality trait of neuroticism (P = 0.002) was significantly higher in the group of children with abdominal pain. The personality traits of extraversion and consciousness were more frequent in the control group than in the case group. Fathers' authoritarian behaviors and the frequency of mothers who showed more obsessive behaviors and had more control over their nutrition and weight were more common in the group of children who had abdominal pain.Conclusion:Parent's personality may be affected through different ways on FAPD in children. Diluting the adverse personality of parents alongside changing the relationship with their offspring is crucial to prevent or treatment of FAPD
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of ICU head nurses regarding infection control and antimicrobial resistance in Iran: a cross-sectional study
No full textBackground In the intensive care unit (ICU), infections due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria lead to poor clinical outcomes, prolonged ICU and hospital stays, high mortality and morbidity rates, and higher patient care cost. This study investigated knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of ICU head nurses in Iran towards infection prevention and control (IPC) measures and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Methods This study was conducted among 61 ICU head nurses of the 36 hospitals in Isfahan, Iran on 19th July 2023. Data was collected by self-administer questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0 level of significance was considered to be less than 0.05 in all tests. Results Of the 61 participants, 56 (91.8) were female and their ages ranged from 27 to 56 years old with a mean age of 39.3 +/- 5.6 years. 75.4 of participants had a bachelor's degree and 24.6 had a master's degree. The mean work experience in the ICU and duration of experience in the hospital was 8.1 and 16.2 years, respectively. The mean scores for KAP were 3.84 +/- 1.86 (with a range of 0-9), 55.00 +/- 12.50, 35.84 +/- 4.19 (with a range of 24-48) and 21.27 +/- 3.13 (with a range of 17-29), respectively. There was a significant relationship between knowledge and total years of experience (r = 0.256, P < 0.048). Conclusion The study showed that most participants had weak knowledge, a positive attitude and weak practices. Consequently, more emphasis is needed to improve the ICU head nurses' KAP toward IPC measures and AMR, especially in areas where gaps were identified. Additionally, there is a need to an educational plan on these topics in the training of nursing programs
The Effect of an Educational Program Based on Behavioral Intention Model on Childbearing in Women During the Covid 19 Pandemic
No full textBackground: Currently, fertility and childbearing rates in Iran are below the replacement level (1.2 children), and Iranian families have a low propensity to have children. The COVID-19 pandemic will also have a negative impact on the decision of couples to have children. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of an educational program on women's childbearing intention under the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This study was a clinical trial with a pretest-posttest design, conducted on 80 women (control group = 40 and intervention group = 40) in comprehensive health centers in 2019. The educational program was delivered to the intervention group in 3 sessions. The data collection tools included the Attitudes to Fertility and Childbearing Scale (AFCS), Demographic Information Questionnaire, and researcher-made fertility intention questionnaire. Data were analyzed using t-test, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square test, ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc test, and Wilcoxon test. Results: The women in the intervention group were in the age range of 18 to 44 years and in the control group were in the age range of 19 to 44 years. The results showed that the mean scores of attitude toward fertility and intention to have children after training were significantly different between the two groups. However, after the training, it was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (F1,67 = 1037, p < 0.001). Conclusions: It seems that the implementation of the use of theoretical models can be effective in the informed decision of families, especially women, for childbearing
The effects of nuts intake on cognitive and executive function in obese children: a randomized clinical trial
No full textBackground Childhood obesity is a significant, worldwide challenge disrupting various body organs including the brain. Studies suggest that nuts, rich in nutritional compounds, can improve cognitive function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of consuming nuts on improving cognitive and executive function in obese children. Methods In this randomized parallel clinical trial, ninety 8 to 10-year-old girls with obesity were divided into intervention (30 g of nuts/daily) and control groups (no nuts) for 8 weeks. Furthermore, the Wechsler Four (WISC-IV) questionnaire assessed children's cognitive function, and executive function was assessed by the behavior rating inventory of executive function (BRIEF) parental questionnaire. Linear mixed-effect models were done to survey the effects of nut intake on cognitive and executive function. Results Forty people with a mean age of 9 +/- 0.7 years from each group cooperated to the end of the study. The intervention group showed a significant improvement in the total Wechsler score (differences: 23.1, 95 CI: 17.5, 28.7; P-TimexGroup < 0.001) and total BRIEF score (differences: - 16.5, 95 CI: - 29.4, - 3.5; P-TimexGroup < 0.05) compared to the control group. Moreover, other components of the Wechsler and BRIEF tests including picture completion, picture concept, block design, object assembly, short-term memory, digit span, inhibition, displacement, initiation, and organization were significantly improved in the nuts group compared to the control group after the 8th weeks. Conclusion These results underline the potential of nut consumption as a dietary intervention to improve cognitive function over an eight-week period, highlighting its role in supporting brain health and cognitive development of obese children
The Association of Cyberspace and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review
No full textBackgroundThe negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children has been considered. Children with attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are likely to be more vulnerable too. This study aimed to provide a systematic review of evidence regarding the association between screen usage and symptoms of ADHD during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis review adhered to PRISMA guidelines. Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences and Cochrane Library.ResultsOf 130 identified reports, 8 papers covering 1587 subjects were included. The spent time on different types of screen time from TV to video games among children and adolescents with ADHD increased. The majority of studies showed that a surge in screen time was associated with the worsening of ADHD symptoms such as irritation, inattention, hyperactivity and oppositional defiant disorders (ODDs). The finding confirmed the severity of ADHD symptoms in individuals with a history of addictive or problematic usage of media was higher in comparison with others. One study found that educational screen time was not associated with disturbances in ADHD symptoms. In addition, ADHD symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic were influenced by prior mental health situations.ConclusionsThe current findings suggest considering the negative association of excess screen time with ADHD symptoms, monitoring of screen time particularly for recreational purposes should be monitored to prevent negative consequences in children and adolescents with ADHD. On the other hand, designing educational and treatment interventions based on digital technology could not be ignored
Comparison of Procalcitonin Levels in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Infection and Osteomyelitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textBackground Foot ulcers represent a major complication in patients with diabetes and are often challenging for clinicians. Distinguishing between infected and non-infected diabetes foot ulcers (DFUs) can prevent many irreversible injuries such as inappropriate antibiotic therapy, amputation, and even death. Procalcitonin (PCT) has been proposed in the diagnosis of infection and osteomyelitis in diabetes foot ulcers. The present study aimed to compare PCT levels between patients with and without infected diabetes foot ulcer (IDFU).Method This review searched three databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify all articles reporting PCT levels in two groups of infected diabetes foot ulcer (IDFU) and non-infected diabetes foot ulcer (NIDFU). Quality has been assessed using the NIH tool. The pooled mean difference (MD) of PCT level between groups was estimated by random effect meta-analysis. In addition, The PRISMA 2020 statement has been used to update guidelines for reporting present systematic reviews.Result Twenty-three studies were eligible for meta-analysis, of which data from 2412 people was extracted. Pooled estimation of PCT level was significantly higher in IDFU patients compared with NIDFU patients (MD = 0.25 ng/l, 95 CI: 0.14-0.37). According to the meta-analysis results, PCT level was not significantly higher in patients with Osteomyelitis compared with those without Osteomyelitis (MD = 0.59 ng/l, 95 CI: -0.19, 1.38, I2 = 98.5).Conclusion Since the results of the present study showed higher PCT levels in patients with IDFU compared to those without, it can be suggested that procalcitonin might be applied as an additional biomarker for the differentiation of NIDFU from IDFU. It needs more evidence to conclude about the role of PCT in terms of osteomyelitis and amputation
Strategies to promote the provision of sexual health services during menopause: a qualitative study from the perspective of menopausal women and healthcare providers in Isfahan city, Iran
No full textBackgroundIt is important to care for the sexual function of women during menopause as it can affect their quality of life. However, the services related to this area have been neglected in the health system and are not provided at the desired level. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify strategies to promote the provision of sexual health services during menopause in Isfahan city, Iran.MethodsParticipants of this qualitative study consisted of 19 menopausal women and 15 health service providers with work experience in providing sexual health services to menopausal women, selected using purposive sampling with maximum variation in the city of Isfahan, Iran. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured individual interviews plus field notes and analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis.ResultsData analysis led to the extraction of three main categories: 1-providing comprehensive and client-centered care with five sub-categories, namely "screening and active search for recognition of sexual dysfunction", "compliance with cultural considerations in service delivery", "tailoring treatment plans for individual patients", "collaborative decision-making approach", and "improving specialty care follow-up"; 2- improving infrastructure for better service delivery with three sub-categories, namely "allocation of appropriate physical space", "strengthening teamwork and interdisciplinary cooperation", and "provision of cost-effective services"; and 3- expanding services as well as enhancing access with five sub-categories, namely "integration of sexual health services in primary health care", "using telemedicine to provide services", "expansion of intersectoral relations", "introducing sexual health services", and "conducting research on sexual health services".ConclusionsThe results emphasize the importance of providing comprehensive and client-centered services and care, improving service delivery infrastructure, expanding services, and promoting access to sexual health to enhance the sexual function of postmenopausal women. Through these strategies, healthcare systems can significantly contribute to improving postmenopausal women's sexual functioning and ultimately their quality of life