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The effect of therapeutic communication based on Peplau’s model on body image and pain among cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy in the Parsian hospital of Shahrekord
No full textBackground and aims: Cancer has significant effects on the lives of cancer patients and their families, so effective communication skills are an integral part of the process of caring. This study aims to investigate the effect of Peplau’s Therapeutic communication model on body image and pain among cancer patients.
Methods: The present research is a quasi-experimental study conducted with the attendance of 64 cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy in Shahrekord Parsian Hospital in 2020-2021. First, the research units were selected purposefully and then randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, Peplau’s nursing model was done in four stages individually. Data collection tools were a demographic survey questionnaire, McGill Pain Questionnaire, and Body Image Questionnaire (MBSRQ). The mean scores before, immediately after, and three months after were compared using SPPS version 24 software.
Results: Before interfering, the results of the study indicated the standard deviation±mean of body image scores in control and intervention groups were respectively 204.81±2.79, 206 (217-75.187)+that were not significantly different from each other (P≥0.568). Whereas these scores immediately and three months after had statistically significant differences from each other (P<0.01). The results also indicated that the Standard deviation±mean of pain scores in control and intervention groups were 59.56±0.793 and 58.25±0.627 were not significantly different (P≥0.248). However, these scores immediately and three months after had statistically significant differences from each other (P<0.01).
Conclusion: The findings of this research showed that implementing Peplau’s theory can improve body image and decrease pain in patients. Due to this program’s effectiveness, low cost, and safety, it is recommended for consideration in the nursing care program
Keywords: Cancer, Radiotherapy, Peplau nursing model, Body Image, Pai
Measurement and Comparison of Kidney Dimension Using Ultrasonography and Computed Tomography Scan
No full textBackground and Objective: The measurement of renal size is of utmost importance in patients with renal failure, especially azotemia. The present study aimed to assess and compare kidney size using ultrasonography and computed tomography (Ci) scans. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on subjects over 18 years of age who were referred to Hajar Hospital of Shahrekord for an ultrasound and Ci scan of the kidney or abdomen with a time interval of less than one week. Kidney dimensions were measured by transabdominal ultrasound model Mindray DC-60Exp with 2-5 MHz probe in supine position and oblique if needed. After less than a week, the dimensions of the kidneys were determined by a Siemens 16-slice CT scan machine (with reconstruction at different stages). Data were analyzed in SPSS software using statistical tests. Results: Right and left kidney dimensions using ultrasonography were obtained at 103.46±13.53 and 107.44±12.15 mm, respectively. These dimensions were 103.10±15.76 and 108.81 il4.77 mm, respectively, using a Ci scan. The agreement between the ultrasonography and Ci scan in determining right and left kidney dimensions was higher than 95% in 96.7% and 95% of all cases, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, false positive value, negative-positive value, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for right kidneys were reported as 82.4%, 92.6%) 7.4%, 1 7.6%) 73.7%, and 95.4% using ultrasonography. These values for the left kidney were 88, 88.6, 11.4,11,45.8, and 98.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Regarding the importance of kidney size in determining renal failure, it seems that in some cases, reliance on ultrasonography is unclear, and it is recommended that kidney size be determined using a CT scan in patients with suspected kidney failure
The evolving role of social media in enhancing quality of life: a global perspective across 10 countries
No full textBackground: Excessive or inappropriate use of social media has been linked to disruptions in regular work, well-being, mental health, and overall reduction of quality of life. However, a limited number of studies documenting the impact of social media on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are available globally. Aim: This study aimed to explore the perceived social media needs and their impact on the quality of life among the adult population of various selected countries. Methodology: A cross-sectional, quantitative design and analytical study utilized an online survey disseminated from November to December 2021. Results: A total of 6689 respondents from ten countries participated in the study. The largest number of respondents was from Malaysia (23.9%), followed by Bangladesh (15.5%), Georgia (14.8%), and Turkey (12.2%). The prevalence of social media users was over 90% in Austria, Georgia, Myanmar, Nigeria, and the Philippines. The majority of social media users were from the 18–24 age group. Multiple regression analysis showed that higher education level was positively correlated with all four domains of WHOQoL. In addition, the psychological health domain of quality of life was positively associated in all countries. Predictors among Social Media Needs, Affective Needs (β = -0.07), and Social Integrative Needs (β = 0.09) were significantly associated with psychological health. Conclusion: The study illuminates the positive correlation between higher education levels and improved life quality among social media users, highlighting an opportunity for policymakers to craft education-focused initiatives that enhance well-being. The findings call for strategic interventions to safeguard the mental health of the global social media populace, particularly those at educational and health disadvantages
An in vitro antiviral evaluation of punicalagin toward influenza A virus
No full textObjective: Influenza complications are mild to serious, and can cause death in some cases. A great deal of attention has been paid in recent years to the development and use of new antiviral compounds to overcome drug resistance in certain strains of the influenza virus and treat the clinical implications. This studyaimed to investigate the antiviral effect of punicalagin and itsassociated mechanism against influenza A (H1N1) virus in vitro. Materials and Methods: the ant-influenza activity of punicalagin was studied in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells using influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) (PR8) using Hemagglutinin assay (HA) and 50 tissue culture infective dose (TCID50). Then, the inhibition of haemagglutination, virucidal activity, inhibitory effect at different times, replication of viral RNA and expression of viral genes were investigated. Results: Punicalagin could inhibit influenza virus infection with 50 inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 3.98 μg/ml and selectivity index (SI) value of 6.1. Punicalagin decreased virus titers with an inhibitory effect on virus hemagglutination (p<0.05). Punicalagin also inhibited viral adsorption. The results of virus RNAreplication and viral mRNA (NS1 and HA) expression aftertreatment with punicalagin showed significant suppression of viral mRNA expression but no effect on replication of viral RNA. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that punicalagin was effective against influenza infection mostprobably via inhibition of haemagglutination activity and virusbinding
Evaluation of new bone formation in critical-sized rat calvarial defect using 3D printed polycaprolactone/tragacanth gum-bioactive glass composite scaffolds
No full textCritical-sized bone defects are a major challenge in reconstructive bone surgery and usually fail to be treated due to limited remaining bone quality and extensive healing time. The combination of 3D-printed scaffolds and bioactive materials is a promising approach for bone tissue regeneration. In this study, 3D-printed alkaline-treated polycaprolactone scaffolds (M-PCL) were fabricated and integrated with tragacanth gum- 45S5 bioactive glass (TG-BG) to treat critical-sized calvarial bone defects in female adult Wistar rats. After a healing period of four and eight weeks, the new bone of blank, M-PCL, and M-PCL/TG-BG groups were harvested and assessed. Micro-computed tomography, histological, biochemical, and biomechanical analyses, gene expression, and bone matrix formation were used to assess bone regeneration. The micro-computed tomography results showed that the M-PCL/TG-BG scaffolds not only induced bone tissue formation within the bone defect but also increased BMD and BV/TV compared to blank and M-PCL groups. According to the histological analysis, there was no evidence of bony union in the calvarial defect regions of blank groups, while in M-PCL/TG-BG groups bony integration and repair were observed. The M-PCL/TG-BG scaffolds promoted the Runx2 and collagen type I expression as compared with blank and M-PCL groups. Besides, the bone regeneration in M-PCL/TG-BG groups correlated with TG-BG incorporation. Moreover, the use of M-PCL/TG-BG scaffolds promoted the biomechanical properties in the bone remodeling process. These data demonstrated that the M-PCL/TG-BG scaffolds serve as a highly promising platform for the development of bone grafts, supporting bone regeneration with bone matrix formation, and osteogenic features. Our results exhibited that the 3D-printed M-PCL/TG-BG scaffolds are a promising strategy for successful bone regeneration
Comparison of zinc levels in mothers with and without abortion: A systematic review and meta-analysiss
No full textIntroduction: Zinc is an essential trace element involved in different physiological functions. During pregnancy, it plays a crucial role in healthy embryogenesis. Abortion is the most severe problem associated with early pregnancy complications. This study aims to compare the levels of Zn in mothers with and without abortion. Methods: This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between 1980 and 2022 in PubMed, Science Direct, Pro Quest, Wiley, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The search was conducted using both main and Mesh keywords, specifically targeting terms related to abortion, pregnancy loss, and zinc. Heterogeneity in the studies included in the meta-analysis was evaluated using statistical tests such as the chi-square test, I2, and forest plots. Publication bias was assessed using Begg's and Egger's tests. All analyses were conducted using Stata 15, and statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. Results: In general, nine studies were included in this analysis. Based on the results of the meta-analysis, the mean difference in the Zn level between mothers with and without abortion is equal to 193.18 (95 % CI; 107.11 to 279.25, P ≤ 0.001). In other words, the level of Zn in the group of mothers without abortion is 193 units higher than the group of mothers with abortion. The investigation into the comparison of Zn levels in mothers with and without abortion did not reveal any indication of publication bias according to both Begg's test (P-value = 0.858) and Egger's test (P-value = 0.270). Conclusion: the study findings indicate a significant association between lower levels of Zn in mothers with abortion compared to mothers without abortion. This suggests that a higher level of Zn may have a preventive effect on the occurrence of abortion in pregnant women. The data also highlights the positive role of trace metals, particularly Zn, in influencing pregnancy outcomes and suggests that maintaining adequate levels of Zn may reduce the likelihood of abortion occurrence, along with other contributing factors. It is important to note that further research, including prospective cohort and experimental studies, is needed to provide more substantial evidence and strengthen these findings
The Formulation And Evaluation Of 6-Thioguanine As A Nanostructure Lipid Carrier For The Targeted Delivery Of Breast Cancer
No full textObjective: The main goal was to avoid all the problems associated with usual breast cancer treatment by using 6-thioguanine as a nanostructure lipid carrier (TG-NLCS). This was accomplished by administering an effective and targeted dose of 6-thioguanine (TG) to the tumour site using a long-lasting and biodegradable delivery system. Methods: A combination of heat homogenization and ultrasonication was used to implement the emulsification process. To obtain the optimal formulation, the prepared formulations were first assessed for particle size, Polydispersity Index (PDI), zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and drug loading capacity. Additionally, a range of physicochemical characterization techniques were employed, including dissolution studies, melting point determination, Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), as well as cytotoxicity assessment of TG-NLCs in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Results: The selected formula, TG03, showed a zeta potential of-13.5±0.27 mV and a particle size of 149±0.55 nm. This was further examined using a FESEM. In the in vitro drug release study, the formula demonstrated better-controlled drug release for 48 h in comparison to other formulations. In addition, the significant anti-proliferation activity of TG-NLCs against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Conclusion: Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are one type of multifunctional nanoparticle that includes many combinations of lipids and medicines for various delivery routes
A likely pathogenic homozygous frameshift variant in BLOC1S6 associated with a rare form of congenital Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome 9
No full textHermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a collection of autosomal recessive multisystemic disorders with at least 11 different types, categorized on the basis of involved genes. The disease is mostly characterized by tyrosinase-positive oculocutaneous albinism (OCA), platelet storage deficiency, absence of platelet dense bodies, and immune deficiency. Here we described a 2-month-old female infant with generalized hypotonia, recurrent infections, bilateral optic atrophy, nystagmus, cerebral atrophy, and elevated liver enzymes. Unlike her parents, she had chestnut colored hair, fair skin, and brown eyes. Parents had a consanguineous marriage, and their first child had died with similar symptoms at the age of 5 months. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on DNA extracted from the patient's peripheral blood. Following the bioinformatics analysis, a likely pathogenic novel variant in the fifth exon of the BLOC1S6 gene (NM_001311255: c.506dupT: p. L169Ffs*33) was introduced by the Sadra Medical Genetic Laboratory. This variant was confirmed in the patient and segregated in both parents by Sanger sequencing. This report presented the first congenital case of HPS-9 worldwide that might have led to early neonatal death. Our current patient shows new considerable features related to the BLOC1S6 gene variant and HPS-9, which is a valuable source for future research, prediction, clinical management, genetic counseling, and prenatal diagnosing
Effects of ultrasound power on properties of Cu-doped fluorohydroxyapatite coatings prepared via ultrasonic-assisted electrodeposition for biomedical applications
No full textThe Cu -doped fluorohydroxyapatite (Cu-FHAp) coating's combination of beneficial properties, including biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and antibacterial effects, makes it a promising choice for coating magnesium alloys, particularly for biomedical implant applications. Electrodeposition under ultrasonic agitation is a method used for the synthesis of Cu-FHAp coatings, where the ultrasonic power is an important parameter that can affect the coating quality and performance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasonic power (0, 10, and 50 W) on various properties of the Cu-FHAp coating electrodeposited onto AZ31 alloy. Microstructural analysis confirmed the successful formation of Cu-doped FHAp bioceramic on the substrate using this method. The results indicated that the use of ultrasonication produced a more uniform coating structure, reducing surface roughness up to 39 % and improving hydrophilicity up to 65 %. Moreover, increasing the ultrasonic power from 10 to 50 W led to a reduction in coating thickness and also enhanced corrosion resistance due to the higher density of the Cu-doped FHAp coating. Biological assessments demonstrated favorable cell adhesion to the coated alloy, indicating the potential of the synthesized Cu-doped FHAp coatings for biomedical applications
Biosynthesis of Nanocomposite Alginate-Chitosan Loaded with Silver Nanoparticles Coated with Eugenol/Quercetin to Enhance Wound Healing
No full textWound healing is a complex process that can be facilitated through the development of wound dressings satisfying its primary requirements. The present study aims to investigate the wound healing and antibacterial properties of alginate-chitosan nanocomposite carrying eugenol-loaded silver nanoparticles. Alginate-chitosan nanocomposite contains an antibacterial structure, has wound healing properties, and is biocompatible, biodegradable, and cost-convenient. Adding biosynthesized silver nanoparticles coated with eugenol is known to enhance the antimicrobial properties of biofilm and add anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects to it. Silver nanoparticles were coated with eugenol, and alginate-chitosan nanocomposite-loaded eugenol-silver nanoparticle was prepared. The resulting nanocomposites were assessed with DSC and SEM tests. The antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles eugenol loaded, and nanocomposite were investigated against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella, and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, and nanocomposite’s wound healing capability was examined in mouse models. Silver nanoparticles were described by UV, XRD, and TEM for an average size of 30 nm. Zeta potential results (− 36 convert to − 25) suggested that the nanoparticles were thoroughly covered with eugenol and had better antibacterial properties against gram-negative bacteria. The nanocomposite with eugenol loader silver nanoparticles showed maximum antibacterial activity against human pathogenic bacteria; and the measured inhibition zones ranged from 2.5 to 5.5 mm. Results of testing the nanocomposite’s antioxidant and antibacterial properties indicated significantly better properties compared to alone composite, which was significantly evident in wound healing (81% in 7 day). The alginate-chitosan nanocomposite containing silver nanoparticles that were loaded with eugenol and biosynthesized with quercetin revealed the opportunity to develop a biocompatible antibacterial wound dressings that could prove a suitable tool to exert antioxidant effects and increase silver nanoparticle activity while reducing its cellular toxicity by preventing the rapid release and dispersion of eugenol-loaded silver nanoparticle