Repository of Research and Investigative Information Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
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Comparison of Fentanyl-Magnesium Sulfate vs Fentanyl-Midazolam on Sedation and Hemodynamic Changes in ICU Patients Under Mechanical Ventilation
No full textBackground: Sedation in patients, especially in those admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) can result in lower levels of anxiety. This study was performed with the objective of comparing the degree of sedation and hemodynamic stability in two Combinations including Fentanyl-magnesium sulfate and Fentanyl-midazolam in patients under mechanical Ventilation in the ICU. Methods: The study is a triple-blind Clinical trial without a control which was Performed in Isfahan on 40 patients admitted to the ICU and required respiratory support for at least 12 to 24 hours. The patients were placed on Sedation with two drug combinations including midazolam- fentanyl (group 1) and magnesium sulfate- fentanyl (group 2) in a completely random and simple method. Afterwards, during the first 24 hours, the severity of illness based on the APACHE II scale, degree of sedation based on the Richmond scale (RASS), Severity of pain, hemodynamic stability and various biochemical parameters were measured and recorded systematically. Findings: There were no significant differences in terms of hemodynamic parameters (P > 0.05) levels of biochemical parameters including Ca (P=0.86), Alb (P=0.34), BE (P = 0.26) MG (P=0.44), HCO3 (P=0.51), Po2 (p=0.32), between the two groups The APACHE scores. before treatment (P=0.33) and after treatment(P=0.77) were not different between two the groups. A lower intensity of pain The (P=0.008) and higher sedation (p=0.03) was observed in the magnesium sulfate group. Conclusion: Magnesium Sulfate plus fentanyl compared to a Combination of midazolam - fentanyl had a more prominent (suitable) effect on the degree of sedation and pain control in patients under mechanical ventilation. Hemodynamic stability was Seen in both groups. © 2025 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved
Investigating the usefulness of artificial intelligence-driven robots in developing empathy for English for medical purposes communication: The role-play of Asian and African students
No full textStudies have shown that integrating Artificial Intelligence into robot-assisted language learning ushers in an immersive situation to establish empathy for communication competence and enjoyment. To investigate the usefulness of Artificial Intelligence-driven robots in learning English for Medical Purposes oral skills, this quasi-experimental study was conducted through an embedded mixed methods design in the 2024 academic year. One thousand and forty male (n = 398) and female (n = 642) students of different academic disciplines from the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were included in the study and grouped under three categories. They were randomly assigned to control (n = 520) and experimental (n = 520) groups. In the qualitative phase, students’ communication enjoyment was debriefed through semi-structured interviews. Simultaneously, in the quantitative phase, once the participants watched simulcast lectures and joined in conversation with Artificial Intelligence-driven (non)-robots, their academic and professional oral skills were assessed. The collected data were the participants’ responses to the interviews and formative assessment of their progress and performance through Objective Structured Video Examinations and Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercises. The interview results suggested that the participants had empathy in joining conversations with robots. The statistical analysis indicated that in performing role-play to teach oral skills to the Artificial Intelligence-driven robot, the participants achieved significantly greater communication competence than those who did role-play for virtual agents. Students of Medicine were great academic and professional achievers as they were significantly successful in establishing empathy and communication. The findings could open up further prospects for using Artificial Intelligence-driven robots in discipline-specific language learning contexts. © 2024 Elsevier Lt
Accumulation of heavy metals in the leaves of different tree species and its association with the levels of atmospheric PM2.5-bond heavy metals in Isfahan
No full textThis study aimed to biomonitor air pollution by measuring heavy metals (HMs) accumulation levels in the leaves of common urban trees, Cupressus arizonica Greene, Melia azedarach L., Morus alba L. and Buxus colchica in different regions of Isfahan. Their association with the levels of PM2.5 and PM2.5-bond HMs was also investigated. PM2.5 were collected on a glass-fiber filter and measured by gravimetric method. The HM contents of the PM2.5 and tree leaves were extracted and analyzed by ICP-OES. The average PM2.5 concentrations in ambient air of all areas varied from 52.34 to 103.96 μg/m3. The mean HMs levels in the leaves were in the following orderZn(31.2) > Cu(11.04) > Pb(4.38) > Ni(4.01) > Cr(3.03) > Co(0.61) > Cd(0.04) (μg/g). The highest level of HMs was detected in the leaves of Morus alba L., followed by Buxus colchica, Melia azedarach L. and Cupressus arizonica Greene. There was a significant correlation between the amounts of Pb and Cu in tree leaves and those in ambient PM2.5 (p value ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, tree leaves can be used as a suitable bioindicator in the evaluation of air pollution. Morus alba L. compared to the other species can be confidently used for green space development. © 2024 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
Improving the sexual health of couples with diabetes: study protocol of an action research study
No full textBackgroundOne of the most serious problems that threatens the sexual health of couples is diabetes. Diabetes is a global public health crisis affecting more than 0.5 billion adults worldwide. Inefficiency in implementing family planning or childbearing, sexually transmitted infections and sexual disorders in these patients can lead to psychological problems such as feelings of inadequacy, despair, loss of self-esteem and psychological consequences. Action research has the dual purpose of action, to bring about change in society or an organization or program, and research to increase the understanding of the researcher or the people involved with the problem, or both, in the wider community. Therefore, this study was designed with the aim of improving the sexual health of couples with diabetes with an action research approach.MethodsThis study will be done with an action research approach in four phases and several steps. In the first phase (planning), which includes 4 steps, during which the needs and challenges of sexual health of couples with diabetes are explained (with a qualitative and quantitative approach), the literature review of databases, the explanation of suitable and practical solutions, the prioritization of strategy improve sexual health Diabetic couples and development of sexual health promotion program for diabetic couples and Identifying sexual function and sexual satisfaction before implementing the program before action]will be done. In the second phase (action), the program resulting from the first phase will be implemented, and in the third and fourth phases, the program will be continuously observed and reflected in order to adjust and improve the program. Qualitative data analysis using conventional content analysis method, quantitative data analysis will be done with SPSS 27 statistical software.ConclusionSince diabetes affects the sexual health and marital satisfaction of couples, and considering that providing sexual health is one of the duties of reproductive health practitioners, and considering that the study of strategic action research is accepted to change attitudes, behavior and performance in the system. It seems that the application of the technical action research method opens the field for the entry of a research team consisting of various relevant experts to implement the plan resulting from It is the participants' own needs and strategy open
Musculoskeletal manifestations of childhood malignancies: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textBackgroundTimely diagnosis of malignancies in children is very important. Knowing the clinical manifestations of malignancies help in timely diagnosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal manifestations of malignancies in children.Methodswe searched the manuscript databases including Scopus, Web of science, Google scholar, Medline, and Cochrane for all studies in accordance with the relevant keywords. The nine-star Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) scoring system was employed to assess the methodological quality of all eligible studies. Statistical analysis was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software.ResultsOf 96 articles initially collected by database searching, 13 articles were eligible for the final analysis. The major musculoskeletal manifestations related to childhood malignancies include bone pain, bone swelling, bone tenderness, bone fracture, vertebral collapses, joint effusion and joint tenderness. Manifestations related to these malignancies also include septic arthritis-type symptoms, osteomyelitis-type symptoms, and osteomyelitis. The overall pooled prevalence of musculoskeletal manifestations in children suffering hematopoietic tumors (acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia) was 32.1 (95CI: 24.0-41.3). The overall prevalence of musculoskeletal manifestations due to neuroblastoma was also 30.5 (95CI: 19.2-44.9). The rate of musculoskeletal manifestations due to other childhood cancers range from 23.5 to 80.3.ConclusionA significant part of childhood malignancies are associated with musculoskeletal manifestations. Clinicians should carefully evaluate and closely follow children with musculoskeletal manifestations to timely diagnosing of malignancies.Trial registration numberNot applicable
Caveolin Gene, a Possible Risk Factor for Metabolic Syndrome in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textBackground: Studies show that caveolin genes are associated with metabolic disorders, so we aimed to systematically review the association between caveolin genes and metabolic syndrome in human studies. This systematic review is conducted based on the PRISMA 2020 checklist. Methods: A systematic literature search was done on electronic databases including Embase, Scopus, Medline (PubMed), and Web of Science until September 2023 and updated until June 2024. Human studies that were published in English were included without restricting other variables such as time, age, and gender. Results: At the first step, 10313 papers were found, and at the final step, nine studies were included in the systematic review, and four studies entered the quantitative analysis. The result showed that metabolic syndrome is significantly associated with minor alleles in the following genes: CAV-1 rs1997623 (OR = 1.44 (95 CI: 1.2, 1.86)), CAV-1 rs11773845, 22375-22375 del AC, and CAV-1 rs3807992. No significant association was found for CAV-1 rs926198 (OR = 1.61 (95 CI: 0.89-2.92)), and 22285 C>T. Caveolin mRNA level was increased in the cases of metabolic syndrome. CAV-1 rs1997623 A allele changes the transcription factor binding site to increase the attachment of EBF1. Conclusions: This results in the enhancement of promoter activity and further transcription of the caveolin-1 gene. In conclusion, individuals carrying minor alleles for the CAV-1 gene might have an increased risk for metabolic syndrome. With future studies focusing on the matter, this gene can be used as a screening tool for metabolic health to detect individuals with a higher genetic susceptibility to metabolic syndrome
Can mobile software-based physical activity education enhance the quality of life in perimenopausal women?
No full textBACKGROUND:Menopause is a natural occurrence signifying the cessation of menstrual bleeding in middle-aged women. Perimenopause refers to a period of 2-8 years leading up to menopause, characterized by irregular cycles or the absence of menstruation for less than 12 months. The perimenopausal phase can be challenging for women due to the negative impact of associated symptoms on their quality of life. Recognizing the potential benefits of physical activity in mitigating these symptoms, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of physical activity education delivered via WhatsApp, using the Health Belief Model as a foundation, on the quality of life in perimenopausal women.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This quasi-experimental study involved 80 women aged 40-50 recruited from comprehensive health centers in Isfahan. Cluster sampling was employed for participant selection. The study employed three questionnaires: the "International Physical Activity Questionnaire," "Menopausal Women Quality of Life," and the Health Belief Model Questionnaire. For the intervention group, education based on the Health Belief Model was delivered via WhatsApp via videos, posters, and podcasts every two weeks (a total of 5 packages). Additionally, exercise training videos were sent to participants. Data was collected two months after the intervention and analyzed using SPSS 26, with independent and paired t-tests applied (significance level: 0.05).RESULTS:The results indicated a significant increase in knowledge scores, Health Belief Model constructs, and physical activity levels within the intervention group, whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group. Notably, menopausal symptom scores decreased in the intervention group, particularly in psychological symptoms, and there was a significant decrease in the overall quality of life score (P = 0.018).CONCLUSION:Providing education via WhatsApp, grounded in the Health Belief Model, enhanced physical activity levels and improved the quality of life among perimenopausal women. This approach holds promise for promoting well-being in perimenopause
Development, implementation, and evaluation of an app-based functional social relationships promotion program for cancer patients: A protocol study
No full textBACKGROUND:Cancer is a substantial public health issue in Iran and around the world. According to data consolidated from several studies, many cancer patients face social problems, such as issues with interpersonal relationships. This study aims to develop, implement, and evaluate a functional social relationships promotion program for cancer patients.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This is a development-applied study with four phases. Based on the planning model of Ewles and Simnett, by reviewing the extensive literature and databases, the need for the functional aspect of cancer patients' social relationships was identified in the first phase. An expert panel will prioritize the needs, and the preliminary version of the program will be finalized, and the relevant content to be presented through the app will be extracted. The required app features and architecture will be determined in the second phase, and the app will be developed. Next, the developed app will be made available to the designated contacts, and its quality and usability will be assessed. In the fourth phase, a semi-experimental study intervention and its impact on the functional aspect of social relationships will be evaluated.CONCLUSION:The study will lead to an app-based program that may potentially enhance the functional social relationships of cancer patients. Due to the established impact of social relationships on health and quality of life, it is imperative for health policymakers to address the social relationship needs of cancer patients. This study's findings may offer valuable insights to policymakers in this regard
Nanoparticle applications: a comparative study of combining nanoparticles with cold atmospheric plasma versus electroporation techniques
No full textThe field of cancer treatment is undergoing a paradigm shift with the emergence of nanotechnology, particularly the use of nanoparticles (NPs) and their potential synergy with cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) and electroporation. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current progress, challenges, and future prospects in utilizing NPs, CAP, and electroporation for cancer therapy. The investigated studies highlight the advantages of NPs, such as their small size, large surface area, and controlled drug release properties, making them efficient in delivering therapeutic agents to specific targets. Additionally, they explore the potential of metallic NPs, such as gold, silver, titanium, and palladium, in targeted drug-delivery systems, showcasing their ability to enhance cancer treatment through properties like tunable optical properties and increased drug circulation time. The combination of NPs with CAP and electroporation is shown to amplify cytotoxicity and therapeutic efficacy, leading to increased cancer cell death and improved treatment outcomes. Furthermore, the studies address the molecular mechanisms and outcomes of these combination therapies, emphasizing the potential for enhanced targeted drug delivery and improved therapeutic outcomes in cancer therapy. This review aims to contribute towards the development of future therapeutic strategies and optimized cancer treatment modalities