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Prevalence of Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
No full textContext: Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) is one of the complications of a stroke. Objectives: This study aimed to determine shoulder pain prevalence in cerebrovascular accident (CVA) patients. Methods: This meta-analysis study searched English and Persian descriptive or descriptive-analytical full-text studies on CVA pa-tients. The search was carried out in all databases by two researchers using keywords such as stroke, pain, CVA, hemiplegic, and shoulder pain. Data analysis was done with the software CMA3. Results: In the initial search, 109 articles were found, and finally, the data from four articles were analyzed. The prevalence of HSP was 23 (confidence interval (CI) = 10.3-43.5). Conclusions: Considering the HSP prevalence (28.1) among CVA patients, it is necessary to carry out rehabilitation interventions to prevent such pain in these patients. It is also suggested that rehabilitation interventions be included in the patient education of the healthcare system. © 2023, Author(s)
The Relationship of Personality Traits, Demographic Factors, and Current Substance/Medication Use with Academic Burnout among Medical Students: The Moderating Role of Physical Activity
No full textBackground: The present study was conducted to determine the relationship of personality traits, demographic factors, current substance/medication use, and physical activity with academic burnout among medical students, and examine the moderating role of physical activity in the relationship between personality traits and academic burnout. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, implemented in Zahedan city in 2018, a total of 400 medical students from the four stages of basic sciences, physiopathology, stagership, and internship were selected by quota sampling method and evaluated using demographic information form, Baecke Physical Activity Questionnaire, Temperament and Character Inventory, and Breso’s Academic Burnout Questionnaire. In order to analyze the data, descriptive and inferential statistical tests (including Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman's correlation coefficient, and hierarchical regression analysis). Findings: 156 men and 244 women participated in this study. The overall frequency of current substance/medication use and academic burnout were reported to be 27.5 and 25.8 percent, respectively. The obtained results showed that physical activity, persistence, and cooperativeness were negatively, and the years in medical school, substance/medication use, and novelty seeking were positively related to academic burnout. Also, the regression analysis results revealed the moderating role of physical activity in the relationship between novelty seeking and academic burnout. Conclusion: It seems that addressing factors such as personality differences, the years in medical school, current substance/medications use, and orientation towards regular physical activities can make a significant contribution to changing medical students’ burnout levels. © 2023 Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved
Wastewater purification using advanced functionalized nanoparticles
No full textEnvironmental pollution is rapidly increasing due to population growth, industrialization, urbanization, etc. Anthropogenic activities have increased pollution in all sections of the environment (i.e., soil, air, water, and wastewater). There is great importance attached to resolving this complicated situation, which could effectively reduce the negative impacts of anthropogenic activities on the environment. Nanotechnology, especially functionalized nanoparticles (FNPs), is emerging as an effective solution to environmental pollution at the global scale. The extraordinary chemical and physical properties of materials at the nanometer scale enable new and innovative applications in the environmental sector. Although manufactured metal-based NPs are being produced, concern about their toxicity is increasing. To resolve the toxicity of NPs, functionalization of the materials appears to be a possible solution. The functionalization of NPs, as well as the metal core, can be varied according to the problem being targeted. This chapter discusses detailed information about the fabrication methods of FNPs used for environmental purification, especially wastewater treatment. Their scope in the environment, which includes cleaning up existing pollution, is also discussed. A critical evaluation of the challenges and future needs for a safe environment are also explored. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved
Effects of sub-inhibitory concentration of antibiotic and heat stress on the expression of type II TA system genes in Brucella spp
No full textObjective: Bacteria can react to stress conditions using the Toxin-Antitoxin (TA) system. This study investigated the expression of TA system genes under heat and antibiotic stresses in Brucella spp. Methods: To determine the effects of sub-inhibitory concentration (sub-MIC) of rifampin on bacterial survival and growth, a colony-forming unit was quantitated, and turbidity was assessed following the treatment of Brucella isolates, with ½ minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of antibiotic at different time intervals. Also, Brucella isolates were exposed to heat stress (42 °C) compared to the control (37 °C). Finally, the expression of TA system genes in Brucella isolates was evaluated one hour after treatment using the quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) method. Results: Our results showed that the growth of the Brucella isolates reduced in the presence of the sub-MIC of antibiotics compared to the control. The results of the qPCR assay showed that, in the presence of rifampicin the expression of the TA system genes increased and, under the heat stress conditions, the expression of the TA system genes increased compared to controls expect brnT / brnA system. Conclusion: Although the exact role of the TA system in response to various stresses is not yet fully understood, our study provided information on the effectiveness of the type II TA system under heat and antibiotic stress conditions by examining the gene expression of type II systems in Brucella isolates. © 202
Deep Vein Thrombosis After Earthquake: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
No full textObjective:Among natural disasters, earthquake is associated with heavy fatalities and financial damages, causing considerable mortality. The complications resulting from getting trapped in rubble, secondary traumas, obligation to reside in temporary shelters, along with other factors such as limited mobility, stress, and dehydration, predispose earthquake survivors to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). The aim of the present study is to investigate the rate of DVT after an earthquake using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods:To perform the present study, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was used. The protocol of this review study has been registered in the International Perspective Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO) with the code of CRD42021290375. Credible data resources including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Magiran, SID, and Embase were used for extracting relevant studies. Random effect model was used to perform the meta-analysis. I-2 was ritualized to investigate heterogeneity across the studies. Publication bias of studies was evaluated using the Begg test. Results:In this study, 267 primary studies were identified and extracted. After removing the duplicate ones and the screening, eventually 1(2) final studies were chosen for the meta-analysis. Based on the meta-analysis results, the total rate of DVT was 9.07 (95 confidence interval CI: 7.32-10.81; I-2 = 97.9%; P = 0<0.001). Analysis of DVT in the subgroups of the general population and patient survivors were 11.43% (95% CI: 9.06-13.79; I-2 = 98%; P = 0<0.001) and 2.51% (95% CI: 0.04-4.63; I-2 = 77.7%; P = 0.001). Also, based on the Begg test, the publication bias in the chosen studies was not considerable. Conclusions:DVT rate in earthquake survivors is higher compared with other disasters, and over time it finds a growing trend. After earthquake, the focus of rescue and health-care teams is on individuals with observable injuries and damages. Because DVT is first asymptomatic but has fatal consequences, including pulmonary embolism and sudden death, it should be incorporated in health's status assessment of earthquake-stricken people as well as screening and diagnostic programs of health-care providers
Fabrication and characterization of Persian gum-based hydrogel loaded with gentamicin-loaded natural zeolite: An in vitro and in silico study
No full textThe main purpose of this study is to synthesize and characterize Persian gum-based hydrogel composited with gentamicin (Gen)-loaded natural zeolite (Clinoptilolite) and to evaluate its biological properties. Clinoptilolite (CLN) was decorated with Gen, and the conjugation was confirmed using computational and experimental assessments. The Monte Carlo adsorption locator module was used to reveal the physicochemical nature of the adsorption processes of Gen on CLN and ALG and gum on Gen@ CLN in Materials Studio 2017 software. Based on the high negative results, the adsorption process was found to be endothermic in all studied cases, and the interaction energies were in the range of physisorption for Gen on CLN and ALG and gum on Gen@CLN. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analysis showed that the size of pristine CLN was around 2959 nm and the conjugation decreased the size significantly to approximately 932 nm. The hydrogel characterizations showed that the Gen-decorated CLNs are homogenously dispersed into the hydrogel matrix, and the resultant hydrogels have a porous structure with interconnected pores. The release kinetics evaluation showed that around 80 of Gen was released from the nanocomposite drug during the first 10 h. In vitro studies revealed hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility of the nanocomposite. Microbial assessments indicated dose-dependent antibacterial activity of the hydrogel against gram (+) and gram (-) bacteria. The results showed that the fabricated hydrogel nanocomposite exhibits favorable physicochemical and biological properties
In silico design of a novel peptide-based vaccine against the ubiquitous apicomplexan Toxoplasma gondii using surface antigens
No full textHuman toxoplasmosis is a global public health concern and a commercial vaccine is still lacking. The present in silico study was done to design a novel vaccine candidate using tachyzoite-specific SAG1-realted sequence (SRS) proteins. Overlapping B-cell and strictly-chosen human MHC-I binding epitopes were predicted and connected together using appropriate spacers. Moreover, a TLR4 agonist, human high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1), and His-tag were added to the N- and C-terminus of the vaccine sequence. The final vaccine had 442 residues and a molecular weight of 47.71 kDa. Physico-chemical evaluation showed a soluble, highly antigenic and non-allergen protein, with coils and helices as secondary structures. The vaccine 3D model was predicted by ITASSER server, subsequently refined and was shown to possess significant interactions with human TLR4. As well, potent stimulation of cellular and humoral immunity was demonstrated upon chimeric vaccine injection. Finally, the outputs showed that this vaccine model possesses top antigenicity, which could provoke significant cell-mediated immune profile including IFN-gamma, and can be utilized towards prophylactic purposes. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-023-00140-w
Successful topical treatment of a gunshot wound: A case report
No full textGunshot wound leads to deep soft tissue damages known as penetrating trauma. Wound healing in patient with the gunshot is a dynamic and complex process that requires a suitable approach to promote the healing process. The reason for this is that such wounds are usually deep and extensive. Modern wound dressing in perforated wounds without a fracture or neurovascular injury may be considered for wound healing of outpatients. We report on an 18-year-old girl patient with gunshot wound who was referred to the wound clinic. The symptoms of wound dehiscence in the periumbilical site were observed following to lose suture after primary surgery. Therefore, a new special dressing approach was adopted. Healing of periumbilical wound was successfully achieved at the end
Global molecular prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in pigs (Sus domesticus): A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textGiardia duodenalis is one of the common intestinal parasites causing diarrhea in humans and livestock, including pigs. Thus, a healthy livestock would result in a clean environment, which benefits humans. In the present study, the global molecular prevalence of G. duodenalis infection was determined in pig populations, through systematic exploration of 4 international databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) until March 4th, 2022. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to estimate the overall and subgroup-based pooled prevalence of G. duodenalis, and I (2) index was used for the evaluation of the heterogeneity. Altogether, 42 datasets from 18 papers examined 7272 pigs across 12 nations, showing a 9.1 (95 CI: 5.6-14.3) pooled molecular prevalence. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated no remarkable variation in the reported total prevalence upon removing individual studies. It was found that 6 Giardia assemblages (A-F) are capable to infect pigs around the world, including assemblage E 16 datasets, 41.1% (95% CI: 24.8-59.6%), B 8 datasets, 28.2% (95% CI: 12.2-52.6%), D 3 datasets, 16.2% (95% CI: 10.6-24.1%), C 3 datasets, 11.6% (95% CI: 7.3-17.9%), and A 11 datasets, 9.9% (95% CI: 5.6-16.9%). Of note, assemblage F was only reported in one study. Meta-regression analysis showed that publication year was not significantly associated with the Giardia prevalence in swine population, in contrast to the sample size. Substantially, animals in weaner and fattener stages were more prone to giardiasis. Assemblages A and B are of utmost zoonotic significance for humans, while assemblages C, D and F have, also, been found in dogs and cats. Still, little is known on the prevalence and distribution of Giardia assemblages in pigs and requires more extensive and detailed studies
The frequency and the etiology of re-treatment in patients and candidates for dental procedure under general anesthesia
No full textBACKGROUND: General anesthesia in dentistry has been widely utilized in cases of uncontrollable fear/anxiety and uncooperative patients, patients of young age, and those allergic to local anesthesia and with other existing systemic diseases. These people usually require re-treatment owing to their weak immunity. Our study investigates the frequency and the prevalence of re-treatment in patients and candidates for dental procedure under general anesthesia in Isfahan during 1393-1396. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present cross-sectional study randomly chose 162 patients who were candidates for dental procedures. Patients who came in for re-treatment twice or more during this period were identified and their records were requested from the archives. Demographic data, reason for using general anesthesia, underlying disease, physical condition, and mental condition were all gathered through a questionnaire. The causative etiology of re-treatment was identified by examining the patients' medical records including restorations, denervation, tooth extraction, filling, and pulpotomy. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software (version 25) and tests such as Kolmogorov-Smirnov Z-test, Spearman, and Chi-square test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The findings of the present study showed that 92.25 of patients needed dental re-treatment during their second visit. The most needed treatment was in the second repair session and the least was related to prosthetics. It was also noted that 42.15 of patients needed dental treatment at the third visit and the highest need for treatment was in the third prosthesis session and the lowest reason was related to tooth restoration and extraction. CONCLUSION: The most needed treatment was in the second session of endodontic treatment, and in the third session, tooth extraction was one of the required treatments, which indicates the progression of dental problems in the interval between treatments