Repository of Research and Investigative Information Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
Not a member yet
23244 research outputs found
Sort by
Job stress prevalence in Iranian drivers and contributing factors: Systematic review and Meta-analysis
No full textBACKGROUND: Job stress is a significant concern among drivers, particularly in Iran, where its prevalence varies by geographical region. This study aims to systematically review and analyze the prevalence of job stress among Iranian drivers and identify contributing factors. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy was implemented across multiple databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, SID, Magiran, and Google Scholar engine. Studies included were cross-sectional in nature, reporting on moderate to high job stress levels among Iranian drivers up to December 30, 2024. Quality assessment was performed using Mitton's checklist, and data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software. RESULTS: Out of 320 articles screened, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of job stress among Iranian drivers was found to be 46.3 (95 CI: 30.3-63.1). The highest prevalence was reported in North Khorasan province (87.9), while the lowest was in Tehran (8.2). Factors contributing to job stress included work shifts (31) and noise exposure (23), and working environment (23). Meta-regression analysis indicated that sample size, average age, and work experience significantly influenced study heterogeneity (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This systematic review underscores the urgent need for policies aimed at reducing job stress among Iranian drivers, focusing on enhancing working conditions and providing mental health support to improve overall well-being and safety on the roads
Timed 25-foot walk test is independently associated with cognitive function in multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional study
No full textBACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment (CI) is prevalent among people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), significantly affecting their quality of life and functional capacity. While the relationship between CI and motor function has been explored in healthy aging and other neurological conditions, its association with upper and lower motor function in PwMS remains underexplored. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 125 PwMS (M(age): 37.6 years; median disease duration: 8 years) to examine cognitive outcomes. Cognitive status was evaluated using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), California Verbal Learning Test-Second Edition (CVLT-II), and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R). Motor function was assessed with the 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) and the Timed 25-Foot Walk Test (T25FW). Hierarchical regression models identified significant predictors of cognitive performance. RESULTS: Multivariate analyses revealed that T25FW was the strongest predictor of SDMT (beta = - 3.10, p < 0.001), CVLT-II (beta = - 2.91, p < 0.001), and BVMT-R (beta = - 1.98, p < 0.001). Additional predictors included disease duration (SDMT: beta = - 0.26, p = 0.033; CVLT-II: beta = - 0.28, p = 0.048; BVMT-R: beta = - 0.23, p = 0.037) and education (BVMT-R: beta = 0.60, p = 0.004). EDSS was a significant predictor for SDMT (beta = - 1.42, p = 0.029). The 9-HPT was not independently associated with cognitive status. CONCLUSIONS: T25FW emerged as a robust predictor of processing speed, verbal memory, and visuospatial memory, underscoring its value as a practical assessment tool correlating with cognitive status in PwMS
Ethanol Inhalation for Respiratory Infections due to Enveloped Viruses
No full textEthanol has demonstrated high efficacy in inactivating enveloped viruses in vitro and in vivo (in animal and human studies). The inhalation route has been a significant method of drug administration for respiratory disorders since ancient times. Infections with enveloped viruses cause many respiratory diseases. This concise review explores the general structural characteristics of enveloped viruses and examines the potential role of inhaled ethanol as a low-cost therapy for respiratory diseases. Current literature data suggest that ethanol inhalation could be beneficial in treating respiratory infections caused by enveloped viruses. However, there is a clear gap in well-designed clinical trials assessing the safety and efficacy of ethanol inhalation in treating respiratory infections from enveloped viruses. This low-cost therapy could become an important therapeutic option, especially for large numbers of patients simultaneously infected, as was the case during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In addition, inhaled ethanol could be a successful approach for vulnerable patients such as patients with cancer because it is likely to have no or minimal effects on already established life-saving treatments. Further investigation by national and international institutions is urgently needed to validate these findings and refine treatment protocols
Effects of black seed (Nigella sativa L.) on cardiometabolic indices in type 2 diabetic patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs
No full textBACKGROUND: Black seed is known for its health benefits in traditional medicine. While recent studies suggest it may improve cardiometabolic health, its impact on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unclear. This study aims to meta-analysis randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effects of black seed supplementation on cardiometabolic indices in T2DM patients. METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive database search was conducted up to January 2025, and data were extracted from relevant RCTs. Mean differences (MD) and standard deviations (SD) were analyzed using a random-effects model, heterogeneity was assessed, and publication bias was evaluated. RESULTS: The pooled meta-analysis of 16 RCTs showed that black seed supplementation significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG) (MD: -21.43 mg/dL; p = 0.005), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (MD: -0.44; p = 0.01), total cholesterol (TC) (MD: -18.80 mg/dL; p = 0.04) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (MD: -19.53 mg/dL; p = 0.003). No significant effects were observed for 2-hour postprandial glucose (2-hpp), fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, and body weight, or body mass index (BMI). Subgroup analyses revealed that black seed supplementation effectively reduced FBG for longer than 8 weeks; additionally, HbA1c, HOMA, and LDL in higher doses (>1 g/day), shorter durations (</=8 weeks), and use of the oil form. CONCLUSION: Black seed supplementation appears to significantly improve FBG, HbA1c, TC, and LDL levels in patients with T2DM. However, no significant effects were observed on other metabolic parameters, including insulin, TG, liver enzymes, kidney function, or body weight. These findings suggest that black seed may be a beneficial adjunct therapy for glycemic and lipid control in T2DM patients but require further research to confirm its broader metabolic effects
Challenges of Disaster Assessment of Readiness and Training Guideline (DART) in Iran's Primary Health Care
No full textBACKGROUND: DART (Disaster Assessment of Readiness and Training program) is one of the five Disaster Risk Reduction Management Programs (DRRMP) in Primary Health Care (PHC) of Iran. The guidelines for this program have not been revised in more than 10 years. The aim of this study is to critically evaluate the current guideline. METHODS: This was A qualitative research by Focus Group Discussion (FGD) using the Eisner's educational connoisseurship and criticism model performed in Isfahan Medical Sciences University, Iran during 2024. The study population included seven experts who are familiar with the DRRMP and Eisner's model. Sampling method was purposeful and the FGD group members were selected by the researcher. Data collection was done through 1) WHO handbook for guideline development, 2) WHO Health Emergency, Disaster Risk Management Framework (H-EDRM), 3) A new framework of Primary Health Care (PHC) disaster preparedness and 4) Comparison of DART guideline with Stanford, FEMA and British Columbia household preparedness guidelines. RESULTS: In this study, four main categories were found in the educational criticism of the DART guideline: simplicity in design and development, lack of layout in pages and lack of user-friendly features (descriptions), sharp visual and content criticism for the minimum essential context of a guideline (interpretation), Little conformity of visual criteria and relative conformity of content criteria with global samples (evaluation).Finally, Thematic phase indicated that current guidelines do not meet the expectations of health care providers (HCPs), effective educational promotion of guidelines is needed, and adaptation to lifestyle and cultural customs and actual educational needs were also issues that could be considered. CONCLUSIONS: Visual and content criticism based on Eisner's model showed some of the basic components of the formulation and implementation of a guideline. Modifying and revising the DART guideline based on this information and scientific processes and continuous needs assessment can create an effective result in the development of improved guidelines
The role of miR-16 and miR-34a family in the regulation of cancers: A review
No full textmicroRNAs (miRNAs), regulatory non-coding RNAs, can change translation, and decrease protein expression. miR-16 and miR-34a families are among the most abundant tumor suppressors and highly conserved microRNAs recognized. They have vital regulatory roles in health and disease. Their regulatory functions include biological processes such as improvement, differentiation, cell death, survival, and cell metabolism. The use of miR-16 and miR-34a families as biomarkers for cancer treatment is likely to improve patients with cancer. In this review, we update on recent advances in understanding the mechanism of miR-16 and miR-34 families function in cancer. Knowing about these mechanisms is effective for improving drugs and treatment methods. We also evaluated the reviewed studies and by introducing their weaknesses, we made suggestions for improving future research
The association of the dietary advanced glycation end products with functional gastrointestinal disorders: the Isfahan functional disorders study
No full textHigh intake of dietary advanced glycation end products (AGE) could induce oxidative stress, inflammation and the gut microbiota dysbiosis processes that play a major role in the development of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). There is limited data on the association between AGE intake and FGID. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association of AGE with FGID in Iranian adults. In a cross-sectional analysis under the framework of the Isfahan functional disorders study, data on 1892 Iranian healthy adults aged 18-65 years were examined. Participants' dietary intakes were collected using a validated dish-based, 106-item FFQ. Dietary AGE content of seventy-two food items was measured for all participants. FGID were assessed using Rome IV criteria. In total, 38 of subjects had one of the most prevalent upper or lower FGID. The mean of AGE intake was 14690.10 (sd 8797.25) (kU/gr). In the fully adjusted model, being in the highest v. lowest tertile of AGE intake was associated with increased odds of FGID (OR = 1.78; 95 CI: 1.01, 3.36). In stratified analysis by sex, males in the highest tertile of AGE intake showed higher odds of FGID than those in the lowest tertile (OR = 2.15; 95 CI: 1.04, 4.45). However, in females, the AGE intake was not significantly associated with the risk of FGID in the fully adjusted model. Higher AGE intake was significantly associated with an increased risk of FGID, particularly in men. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings
Effect of Prebiotic Supplementation on Health Status in Adults with Prediabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
No full textPrediabetes with a considerable progression rate is a primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes if left untreated. Dietary interventions examining the health effects of prebiotic consumption on health status have been studied in subjects with prediabetes, but the results are controversial. This study aimed to investigate whether prebiotic consumption can favorably alter metabolic status as well as anthropometric features in subjects with prediabetes. Electronic databases were searched up to January 2024, and randomized clinical trials examining the effect of prebiotic consumption on glycemic status, lipid profile, and/or anthropometric features in adults with prediabetes were selected. Data from 10 selected studies were extracted. In total, 546 subjects were included in our analysis, of whom 258 were allocated to prebiotic supplemented group and 288 to control group. Our results demonstrated a significant reduction in body fat (BF) percentage (standardized mean difference: -1.27 , 95 confidence interval: -2.33, -0.22) after prebiotic supplementation. We found no significant alterations in metabolic indices, including fasting plasma glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. In addition, we did not notice a significant effect of prebiotic consumption on other anthropometrics, including body mass index and waist circumference. There was no fair evidence that prebiotic consumption could improve metabolic and anthropometric features in subjects with prediabetes. Yet, a significant reduction in BF might support the beneficial effect of prebiotics when aiming at preventing diabetes through lifestyle modifications and weight management. In addition, the reduction in BF can be of clinical significance, indicating the potential of prebiotics to increase insulin sensitivity, which can positively affect people with prediabetes. Nevertheless, current findings should be taken with caution due to the very low certainty in the pooled estimate for the majority of outcomes. Future studies are needed to investigate the effect of prebiotics on health status in people with prediabetes. This trial was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42023473082
Degradation of azo dye (direct red 89) using H(2)O(2)/periodate process-parameter optimization and mixture composition evaluation
No full textAs a fast and efficient process, a periodate (PI)-based advanced oxidation process was used to degrade direct red 89 (DR89), wherein hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) was employed to activate PI (H(2)O(2)/PI process) to investigate the effect of operating parameters and mixture composition. The PI was efficiently activated by H(2)O(2) to degrade 67 of DR89 within 1 min. Acidic pH was more favorable to high-efficiency degradation than the basic pH; at pH 3 degradation rate was 94.31, while it was only 20.92 at pH 11. The degradation rates were further enhanced with increasing H(2)O(2) and PI dose up to certain optimum values, later it decreased which was dependent upon the amount of hydroxyl ((●)OH) and iodyl (IO(3)(●)) radicals produced. The quenching experiments suggested that IO(3)(●), (●)OH, (1)O(2,) and O(2)(●-) are the predominant reactive species during H(2)O(2)/PI process, while O(2)(●-) radicals are the primary precursor of other reactive oxygen species. The results of this study suggested that H(2)O(2)/PI is the efficient and rapid treatment method to degrade persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from polluted wastewater sources