Repository of Research and Investigative Information Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
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Risk Factors for Diabetic Foot Ulcer During Pilgrimages
No full textBackground: Pilgrimage and tourism trips, especially for individuals with diabetes, can pose significant risks, including diabetic foot ulcers. Neglecting the principles of prevention and management of this condition by patients, families, and even healthcare providers exacerbates these risks. This study examines the risk factors for diabetic foot ulcers during various travels, particularly the Arbaeen precession. Methods: Risk factors for diabetic foot ulcers were categorized into three groups: environmental, individual, and social. These factors were analyzed across different stages of travel (pre-, during, and post-travel). Additionally, the temporal aspect of risk factors and the three categories of environmental, individual, and social determinants were emphasized as essential considerations for diabetic patients during all types of travel. Findings: Environmental risk factors include inappropriate footwear and socks, high ambient temperatures, poor road conditions and rough terrain, overcrowding, prolonged walking distances and times, and inadequate access to necessary healthcare facilities. Individual risk factors encompass foot or toe deformities, vascular insufficiency and arterial issues in the legs, diabetic neuropathy, and loss of protective sensation in the lower extremities. The third category involves factors related to social determinants of health. Conclusion: To prevent diabetic foot ulcers during pilgrimage and tourism trips, it is crucial to address environmental, individual, and social risk factors at all stages of travel (pre, during, and post-travel). A comprehensive approach to these factors can significantly reduce risks and improve disease management for diabetic patients. © 2025 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved
Application of natural hematite as catalyst in heterogeneous photo-Fenton like process for 2,4-dichlorophenol degradation
No full textThis work investigates the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) through the combination of hematite and UV light for the activation of sodium percarbonate (SPC) in a heterogeneous photo-Fenton like (HPF) process. The hematite was fully characterised and the effects of different reaction parameters such as pH, doses of hematite and SPC, 2,4-DCP initial concentration, and the presence of co-existing anions were investigated. Under the optimised conditions (pH = 3.0, Hematite0 = 300.0 mg L−1, SPC0 = 500.0 mg L−1), the degradation of 2,4-DCP (50.0 mg L−1) was 99.88 ± 0.05 %. Quenching experiments demonstrated the participation of 1O2, O2rad−, CO3rad−, and radOH radicals in the degradation of 2,4-DCP, with the dominance of radOH radicals (82.39 %). Furthermore, the degradation of 2,4-DCP was effectively retarded by the presence of Cl−, NO3−, CO32−, and PO43− anions in the solution. Overall, the HPF process with hematite can be proposed as an effective and promising approach for the degradation of 2,4-DCP from the waste stream and can be used for the decontamination of other organic compounds due to its stability and feasibility. © 2024 Elsevier B.V
Sustained release investigation of curcumin and ciprofloxacin on coaxial electrospun nanocomposite scaffold of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate)-poly glycerol sebacate: an approach for skin regeneration
No full textThe utilization of biomaterial scaffolds may promote the regeneration of cutaneous wounds. The investigation focused on fabricating an innovative type of scaffold for skin tissue regeneration through the coaxial electrospinning technique. The scaffold consisted of two segments: the core layer accommodated a combination of polyglycerol sebacate (PGS) and curcumin (Cur), while the shell layer contained poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and ciprofloxacin (CIP). An evaluation was conducted on the physical and mechanical properties, drug release characteristics, and cellular responses of the scaffolds. The assessment revealed that the fiber diameters and porosity of PGS/PHB and PGS/PHB-Cur/CIP were measured at 400–480 nm and 83–86, respectively. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) findings exhibited distinct core and shell structures in the PGS/PHB-Cur/CIP specimens. The specific aspects of the PGS/PHB-Cur/CIP scaffold, such as its controlled degradation (below 50 over 21 days), sustained drug release behavior of Cur and CIP (over 5 days), and optimal strength attributes (stress strength ~ 0.104 MPa), differentiate it from traditional wound coverings. Specifically, the incorporation of CIP and Cur into the fiber configuration enhanced the viability and adhesion of cells, resulting in an appropriate morphology. Therefore, the coaxial PGS/PHB-Cur/CIP demonstrates a heightened potential for wound dressing application or as a skin substitute. © Qatar University and Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024
A Consensus Report on Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Iran
No full textBackground: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most serious public health problems all over the world. Development of local consensus on management of T2DM, providing clinicians, researchers, and policymakers with updated and valid evidence in consideration of practical issues, is crucial. Therefore, we aimed to develop a consensus report on management of T2DM in Iran. Methods: A task force group comprised of experts in diabetes management reviewed published literature. The task force members reached the majority agreement on all recommendations after participating in several group meeting discussions. Results: The consensus provided recommendations on diverse aspects on management of people with T2DM in Iran. The recommendations covered the following topics: first-line treatment, diabetes management in people with obesity, combination therapy in people with T2DM, injectable therapy, and non-alcoholic fatty liver in people with T2DM. Conclusion: Considering evidence-based guidelines, the task force group developed a consensus to address important clinical issues in the management of people with T2DM in Iran. Copyright © Iran University of Medical Science
Investigating the Effect of N-Acetyl Cysteine on Positive, Negative, and Cognitive Symptoms of Patients with Schizophrenia: A Clinical Trial
No full textBackground: Recent studies have identified oxidative stress as a potential neurobiological contributor to the development of schizophrenia. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is recognized for its potent antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of NAC in reducing oxidative stress as a treatment for schizophrenia. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study involved 35 patients with schizophrenia. Patients in the case group received 600 mg of NAC once daily in addition to their routine treatment, while the control group continued their routine treatment with a placebo instead of NAC. Assessments were conducted using the Scale for Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), the Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), and the neuropsychiatry unit cognitive assessment tool (NUCOG) at baseline, and 1 and 2 months post-treatment. Results: N-acetylcysteine treatment resulted in a significant improvement in SAPS and NUCOG indices, as well as an increase in peripheral glutathione (GSH) levels (P < 0.05). Continued NAC use in the second month positively affected NUCOG indices, particularly the Visuo-constructional variable. No significant impact on SANS was observed. The limited side effects of NAC during the study period suggest it is a safe and practical treatment option. Conclusions: N-acetylcysteine add-on therapy significantly improved positive symptoms and cognitive functions in patients with schizophrenia but did not affect negative symptoms. © 2025, Soheilipour et al
A Quasi-Experimental Study on the Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training on Emotional Self-Regulation, Anxiety, and Sense of Coherence in Women with Breast Cancer
No full textObjective: This study investigates the impact of mindfulness training on emotional self-regulation, anxiety, and sense of coherence in women with breast cancer. Methods and Materials: A quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design with a control group and a three-month follow-up was employed. The sample consisted of 30 breast cancer patients in Tehran in 2023, selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental (mindfulness training) and control groups (15 participants each). Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 software with repeated measures ANOVA. Findings: Mindfulness training significantly improved emotional self-regulation (F=39.45, p<0.001, η²=0.405), reduced anxiety (F=47.89, p<0.001, η²=0.453), and enhanced sense of coherence (F=34.67, p<0.001, η²=0.374) in the experimental group compared to the control group. Post-hoc tests confirmed significant improvements from pre-test to post-test and follow-up stages (p<0.001). Conclusion: Mindfulness training is effective in enhancing emotional self-regulation, reducing anxiety, and increasing the sense of coherence among women with breast cancer. These findings suggest the incorporation of mindfulness training in therapeutic interventions for this population. © 2025 the authors
Investigating the psychometrics of a new tool for evaluating motivational factors and their relationship with stunts among adolescent male cyclists in Isfahan, Iran
No full textIntroduction: Stunts refer to risky behaviours performed by many young cyclists, especially boys, leading to traffic injuries. Little attention has been paid to the motivational factors behind such behaviours. This study aimed to develop and psychometrically evaluate tools for measuring motivational factors associated with stunts. The relationship between these factors and stunts among adolescent male cyclists was also examined. Methods: This methodological research began with developing an initial questionnaire on motivational variables in December 2020 and concluded in February 2021 in Isfahan, Iran. Construct validity was evaluated using exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Internal consistency and reliability were assessed through Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability (CR) indices, while external reliability was determined using test–retest with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The Zuckerman Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS) was used to assess convergent validity. The relationship between motivational factors and stunts was investigated using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: The mean age of the cyclists was 16.4 (±1.1) years. The initial version of the questionnaire consisted of 33 items, with 28 items retained for factor analysis after omitting five during the content validity process. Construct validity evaluated with EFA identified three factors: perceived social environment (PSE), perceived special and unique abilities, and sensation seeking (SS). CFA confirmed the adequacy of these factors. Cronbach's alpha, CR indices, and ICC values for the factors were good to excellent. A positive correlation between SS and BSSS indicated acceptable convergent validity. In the statistical model, SS and perceived special and unique abilities were directly related to stunts. Conclusion: Based on the favorable psychometric results, this tool can measure a new category of motivational factors related to cyclists’ stunts in future research. According to the model obtained from the data analysis, the variance of stunts in adolescent cyclists could be predicted to an acceptable level, with only three variables comprising 28 items. These results can be used to develop evidence-based strategies to promote cyclist safety. © 2024 Elsevier Lt
Evaluation of the Effects of Decellularized Wharton Jelly Nanoparticles on Polyhydroxy Butyrate-Chitosan Electrospun Scaffolds for Cartilage Tissue Engineering Applications
No full textAn integral part of cartilage tissue engineering is scaffold fabrication methods and the selection of materials that mimic the extracellular matrix of the host tissue. This study aims to investigate the effects of the decellularized extracellular matrix of cord Wharton’s jelly (DWJM) on polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)-nano chitosan (Cs) electrospun scaffold by adding (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3) wt of DWJM nanoparticles. Evaluation of the results regarding fiber diameter, hydrophilicity, and mechanical properties confirmed that the scaffold with 0.2 wt DWJM nanoparticles is the optimal choice. The average fiber diameter decreased from 441.5 to 327.4 nm, while the ultimate strength increased from 5.1 to 7.5 MPa, and the elongation at break increased from 11.9 to 13.7. The addition of DWJM nanoparticles played a significant role in reducing crystallinity, increasing hydrolytic decomposition, appropriate degradation, and enhancing cell compatibility. Based on the results of the MTT test, a significant increase in the growth and proliferation of chondrocytes on the scaffolds with 0.2 wt DWJM nanoparticles was observed compared to the PHB-Cs scaffold during 7 days of cell culture. In conclusion, the nanocomposite scaffold containing of 0.2 wt DWJM nanoparticles exhibits efficient biological behavior and can serve as a suitable option for cartilage tissue engineering. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024
Ensemble modeling of extreme seasonal temperature trends in Iran under socio-economic scenarios
No full textIn climate science, ensemble modeling has emerged as a powerful tool for addressing the uncertainties inherent in individual climate models. This approach generates more robust and reliable predictions by harnessing the collective insights of multiple models. Nonetheless, the method of combining these models to derive an ensemble model remains an open question. To this end, the objectives of this research are twofold: (i) to introduce and evaluate the weighted average-correlation ensemble model for projecting minimum and maximum temperatures in Iran, and (ii) to assess near-term (2021–2040) trends across 95 synoptic stations using socio-economic scenarios derived from five models: GFDL-ESM4, MPI-ESM1-2-HR, IPSL-CM6A-LR, MRI-ESM2, and UKESM1-0-LL. The ensemble technique effectively reduces the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) (1/3 − 1/10) associated with the individual models. The predicted values for the minimum temperature are more similar to the actual data than the maximum temperature. The results also indicate a significant increase in the minimum temperature compared to the maximum temperature during the base period. The distribution of the maximum temperature across the country is influenced mainly by its latitude. In contrast, the distribution of the minimum temperature is influenced by both the country’s major altitudes and latitudes. Surveys also indicate that, compared to the base period, there is an increasing trend in temperature for winter, spring, and autumn, while a decrease is observed during the summer. Notably, the increase in temperature is more pronounced during winter. © The Author(s) 2024
The Effect of Acupuncture along with Conventional Therapies on the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis: A Clinical Trial
No full textBackground: Acupuncture is one of the most important components of modern complementary medicine. Given its mechanism of action and efficacy, researchers have been recently attracted to address its efficacy in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). Therefore, the present study aimed at evaluating the effect of acupuncture along with conventional therapies on the treatment of AR. Materials and Methods: The present randomized, clinical trial was performed on 51 patients with AR. All patients underwent standard AR treatment under the supervision of a specialist physician. Twenty-four patients were treated with acupuncture and 27 patients were considered as the control group. The improvement degree of AR symptoms was evaluated and recorded at baseline, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks after the treatment. Results: The results of this study revealed that a decrease in the runny nose score with a mean of 4.59 +/- 3.04 and a decrease in the sneezing score with a mean of 5.30 +/- 2.92 were significantly more than those of the control group with a means of 2.85 +/- 1.56 and 2.78 +/- 1.28, respectively (P value < 0.05). In addition, the frequency of nasal congestion, nasal itching, and tearing was significantly lower in the acupuncture group as compared with the control group (P value < 0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, although conventional AR treatments can be effective in reducing the symptoms of this disease, the use of acupuncture along with conventional AR treatments has been able to play an effective role in improving and reducing the severity of AR symptoms