Performance

Back pain is one of the most common disorders, caused by various factors and leading to diverse consequences. This study aimed to compare specific postural and functional indicators in adolescent boys with and without non-specific chronic low back pain.

The present study employed a causal-comparative design. A total of 30 adolescent male students with non-specific chronic low back pain and 30 healthy adolescent male students were purposefully selected. Individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain were identified using a visual pain scale and confirmed by a physical medicine specialist. Kyphosis and lordosis were assessed using a flexible ruler, proprioception was evaluated through the lumbar angle active reconstruction test at a 30-degree angle using a goniometer, core stability was measured using McGill functional tests, upper limb function was assessed with the Upper Limb Y Test, and static and dynamic balance were evaluated using the Stork Test and the Lower Limb Y Test, respectively. An independent t-test was used to compare the average variables between the two groups.

The findings revealed significant differences in proprioception, core stability, and static and dynamic balance between the groups with and without non-specific chronic low back pain. However, the two groups observed no significant differences between other variables.

These results highlight the importance of proprioception, core stability, and static and dynamic balance in adolescent boys with non-specific chronic low back pain. Rehabilitation protocols for this population should prioritize developing and strengthening these components.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is one of the most severe and complex knee injuries commonly occurring in soccer. The Sportsmetrics Soccer Training (SMST) protocol is a well-established program for preventing knee injuries and enhancing soccer players' performance. This study aimed to compare the effect of the SMST injury prevention protocol on the performance of soccer players with and without anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). This research employed a semi-experimental design, including 42 soccer players aged 18–30, each with at least three years of regular soccer experience. Participants were divided into two groups of 21 subjects: players with ACLR and those without ACLR. Physical performance was evaluated using the Illinois Agility Test, 40-Yard Sprint Test, and Sargent Vertical Jump Test in both groups before and after six weeks of intervention. The SMST protocol was conducted in three 90-minute weekly sessions for six weeks. Statistical analyses were performed to assess intra-group differences using the dependent t-test and inter-group differences using the covariance analysis test (P ≤ 0.05). The dependent t-test results demonstrated significant improvements in speed (P = 0.01), agility (P = 0.01), and explosive power (P = 0.01) in both groups following six weeks of SMST training. However, the results of the covariance analysis revealed no significant differences between the two groups in terms of speed (P = 0.57), agility (P = 0.07), and explosive power (P = 0.71) after six weeks of training. The improvements in performance indicators among the participants were primarily attributed to the alignment between the components of the SMST protocol and the performance evaluation tests. SMST training is highly recommended for healthy and ACLR soccer players, as it effectively enhances physical and athletic performance while reducing the risk of ACL injury and re-injury.

Primary healthcare (PHC) in Iran, like in other countries, has a fundamental role in managing COVID‑19 despite facing various challenges. Therefore, the aim of this study was to qualitatively analyze the performance of PHC in the management of COVID‑19 and identify the existing challenges, as well as strategies.

The data for this qualitative study with a conventional content analysis were collected through interviews. The participants of the study were PHC employees, managers, and experts who had high experience and knowledge in the field of the study. The participants of the study were selected using purposeful sampling. The data were analyzed manually using the Granhiem and Landman method.

PHC performance was divided into five main themes and 13 subthemes, including epidemic diagnosis, training, making changes to respond, care and vaccination, cooperation, and coordination. Six main themes and 19 subthemes were categorized as the challenges of dealing with COVID‑19, which are inputs and structure, infectious disease control and management, management and policymaking, community support, education and evidence management, and providing care services. Strategies were categorized into four main and 16 subthemes. The main strategies were making preparations before the epidemic, reviewing at all levels of PHC, cooperation and coordination, and integrated information.

The results of this study can be used by authorities and policymakers to prepare well for possible future pandemics. 

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the public education of Red Crescent Society (RCS) on attitude, knowledge, and performance of conscripted personnel of the Iranian armed forces towards first aid and facing of hazards and disasters.

In this descriptive and quasi-experimental study, a total of 680 armed forces conscripts across the country were evaluated using a multi-stage cluster sampling method. Based on Cochran's formula, 340 individuals were assigned to the experimental group (trained by RCS trainers) and 340 to the control group (not trained). A researcher-made questionnaire contains two sections and main components (attitude, knowledge, and performance), was developed using the Kirkpatrick evaluation model. Its content validity (CVR=0.86) and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha=0.89) were confirmed. Data analyzed using SPSS-22 included Kolmogorov-Smirnov, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U, and chi-square tests.

According to the results, the RCS public education courses had a statistically significant positive effect on participants’ attitude (mean score 4.1, p<0.05), knowledge (4.0, p<0.05), and performance (3.6, p<0.05); also, total score (3.8, p<0.05) in the experimental group are lower compared to the control group (attitude 2.8, knowledge 3.7, performance 3.3, total score 3.2).

The RCS public education training courses significantly improved the attitude, knowledge, and performance of conscripted armed forces personnel which these results support the continuation and potential expansion of such training initiatives to enhance military preparedness and response capability.

Probiotics, which contain beneficial bacteria, have been shown to enhance human health, reduce healthcare expenditures at the community level, and effectively prevent and treat various diseases. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted with 145 faculty members from the basic and clinical sciences departments at Lorestan University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using a questionnaire comprising 35 items across three domains: perspectives, performance, and barriers to the use of probiotic products. The data were analyzed using independent t-tests and correlation coefficients with SPSS software version 25, with a significance level set at less than 0.05. The scores for attitudes, performance, and barriers to probiotic use were 19.93 ± 2.49, 17.86 ± 3.14, and 40.75 ± 6.27, respectively. No significant relationship was found between gender and educational group concerning the scores in the three domains of the questionnaire. However, a positive correlation was observed between attitude and performance, while an inverse relationship was noted between attitude and performance on one hand and consumption barriers on the other. The findings of this study underscore the urgent need to enhance educators' awareness and alter their perspectives regarding probiotics.

Pressure ulcers represent a significant financial burden in healthcare, ranking as the third most costly condition following heart disease and cancer. The prevalence of pressure ulcers serves as a key indicator of the quality of healthcare and nursing services. Nurses are integral to the prevention and management of pressure ulcers; thus, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses in this area. Conducted in 2022, the study employed a descriptive methodology. A convenience sample of 200 nurses from an educational and medical center affiliated with Lorestan University of Medical Sciences was utilized. Data were collected via a four-part questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 16, employing both descriptive and analytical statistical methods. The mean scores for nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the prevention and management of pressure ulcers were 51.1 ± 7.5, 60.35 ± 16.53, and 50.1 ± 10.5 out of 100, respectively. The findings indicate that nurses' knowledge and practices in pressure ulcer prevention and management are at a relatively satisfactory level. Given the threat that pressure ulcers pose to patient safety, it is imperative for healthcare center managers to implement strategies to enhance the capabilities of the healthcare team, particularly nurses.

Providing guidance and counseling services by advisors provides students with appropriate solutions to solve problems, which increases insight, growth of social relationships, and greater efficiency of the educational and training system.

This study was conducted to investigate the duties and performance of advisors from the perspective of students at Shahroud University of Medical Sciences.

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted using a stratified random sampling method on 336 students of Shahroud University of Medical Sciences in the academic year 2023 - 2024. To collect data, a demographic information checklist and a questionnaire on the duties and performance of consulting professors by Ebrahimi Pour et al. were used. After collection, the data were entered into SPSS18 and analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics.

In this study, a total of 336 people participated in the study, with the average age of the participants being 21.25 ± 1.70 years, most of the participants were female (59.8%), 201 were in the 18 - 21 age group (61%), 311 were single, 116 were in the medical field (34.5%), 122 were in the medical school (36.3%), 211 were in the undergraduate level (62.8%), 300 were in the full-time program (89.3%), 255 were non-native (75.9%), and the duration of counseling was between 0-12 months (87.5%). And except for age group and tasks (0.288), faculty and performance (0.027), section and performance (0.317), and the duration of counseling and tasks (0.071), there was no significant relationship, and there was a significant relationship between the other variables and the mean, standard deviation of the task score 73.27 ± 15.92 and the lowest score was 20 and the highest score was 100. In the case of performance, it was 27.38 ± 7.91 and the lowest score was 14 and the highest was 42.

Although most students were satisfied with the duties and performance of the advisors, it is still necessary to achieve the desired goals and maintain the conditions, and to provide various facilities to provide better advisory services.

Numerous studies have aimed to compare the effects of glucose (Glu) consumption with those of glucose-fructose (Glu-Fru) consumption on oxidation rates during exercise. However, divergent outcomes have surfaced due to variations in exercise protocols and concurrent substance ingestion, leading to a lack of consensus. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the comparative effects of Glu and Glu-Fru on total carbohydrate oxidation, endogenous carbohydrate oxidation, exogenous carbohydrate oxidation, and total fat oxidation rates during exercise.

A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to February 2023.  The search yielded 14 randomized controlled trials involving 125 endurance athletes.

The meta-analyses revealed that Glu supplementation significantly increased total carbohydrate oxidation (WMD: 0.21 g/min) compared to Glu-Fru. Endogenous carbohydrate oxidation significantly increased with Glu (WMD: -0.12), while Glu-Fru led to increased exogenous carbohydrate oxidation (WMD: 0.27 g/min). Total fat oxidation decr eased with Glu-Fru (WMD: -0.06 g/min).

By investigating athletic nutrition complexities, our findings shed light on metabolic responses to Glu-Fru versus Glu supplementation. Tailoring hydration strategies, athletes should select an optimal Glu-Fru to Glu ratio for maximal oxidation and enhanced performance. Future research could explore dose-response relationships for optimal metabolic benefits during exercise.

Physiology encompasses examining the body’s everyday activities, which is crucial for understanding health before disease onset. The physiology course at Hasanuddin University isincluded in the biomedical science curriculum. Traditionally delivered via a teacher-centered methodology, this strategy frequently results in rote memorization. To resolve this, active learning methodologies utilizing many media enabled students to choose their preferred instructional tools and augment their knowledge and drive. This study seeks to evaluate the influence of different learning media on undergraduate students’ knowledge, presenting skills, and motivationin physiology courses. We executed a mixed-method study, including quantitative and qualitative approaches, utilizing a sequential explanatory design, wherein quantitative data was initially gathered. We proceeded with qualitative data collecting to elucidate and reinforce the previous findings. We engaged 100 students to assess their knowledge and presenting skills. The evaluative instruments employed were multiplechoice questions and assessment rubrics. To ascertain the reasons and motivations for student engagement in learning physiology, we engaged nine student respondents, categorizing them into three groups: active participants, neutral participants, and non-participants. We assessed the motivations for student learning engagement with a qualitative questionnaire, which was then complemented by Focus Group Discussion (FGD) interviews. Findings indicated a greater involvement of female students (67%) and individuals from non-SBMPTN paths (62%). Most pupils favored PowerPoint (52%) and video (20%) as educational material. Substantial enhancements in posttest scores were observed following the utilizationof these media. Researchers observed significant enhancements in posttest scores following presentations that utilized PowerPoint and video media (Wilcoxon, p<0.01). Students who presented the genitourinary system via video medium achieved superior scores compared to those who utilized PowerPoint (Mann-Whitney p=0.001, p<0.01). Qualitative studies indicated that active learning strategies enhanced student involvement and motivation, making learning more engaging and pleasurable. Active learning using specific media such as PowerPoint and video markedly improves knowledge, engagement, and motivation among students in physiology courses.

One of the major causes of morbidity and mortality among infectious diseases is acute respiratory infections. Masks are often recommended as proper personal protective equipment for preventing the spread of respiratory infections. This study aims to provide valuable insights into historical and current trends in research on mask performance, with a particular focus on hotspots and trend studies.

In this Systematic Review, relevant studies on face mask efficacy were retrieved from the Web of Science (data extracted on July 15, 2023). The selected articles were analyzed using VOSviewer, R (Bibliometrix package), and Tableau tovisualize geographic distributions, conduct bibliometric analyses, and map research trends across countries, institutions, keywords, and journals.

The number of articles published in 2020 and 2021 has increased significantly. Overall, 1193 papers were identified, published by authors from 88 countries. According to literature citations, the journal “PloS ONE” published the most research on the topic. Fabric mask filtration performance was evaluated in the two documents with the highest total link strength. With the outbreak of COVID-19 around the world, studies were more focused on fit tests and filtration of surgical, medical, and N95 masks, indicating that researchers are exploring the effectiveness of masks to ensure the effectiveness of face masks.

This study suggests potential knowledge gaps regarding the effectiveness of face masks, so future research should focus on challenges such as uncertain efficacy and fitness.

This review article explored the significance of 95% oxygen supplementation, particularly in recreational and therapeutic contexts. It explores the physiological advantages of oxygen, particularly in conjunction with natural essential oils like Lavandula angustifolia, Boswellia carterii, Mentha piperita, Eucalyptus globulus, Citrus paradisi, Salvia rosmarinus, and Citrus sinensis. The article highlights the possible benefits of oxygen supplementation for physical performance, recuperation, and general well-being by synthesizing evidence from several research and publications. The implications for athletes, wellness enthusiasts, and individuals seeking enhanced recovery are discussed, along with the recommendations for future research. Furthermore, the review addresses the practical applications of portable oxygen in urban environments, where air quality may be compromised. By considering the holistic benefits of oxygen and essential oils, this article aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of their role to promote health and wellness.

White light imaging (WLI) is the current standard colonoscopy technique for diagnosing colorectal polyps in Indonesia. Various endoscopic imaging techniques have been developed to improve the accuracy of diagnosing colorectal polyps, one of which is narrow band imaging (NBI). We conducted a diagnostic study comparing the performance of NBI against WLI in distinguishing neoplastic from non-neoplastic colorectal polyps.

This was a diagnostic study that analyzes endoscopic pictures of colorectal polyps in patients who underwent colonoscopy using the WLI and NBI techniques. Previously collected biopsy tissue specimens were re-examined by a single pathologist.

There were 117 subjects analyzed, and the proportion of subjects with neoplastic polyps was 65.8%. Common indications for colonoscopy were hematochezia (24.8%) and abdominal pain (23.9%). WLI showed moderate inter-observer reliability (kappa value = 0.591), while NBI showed significant reliability (kappa value = 0.674). NBI demonstrated better sensitivity (84.4%; 95% CI 74.4%–91.7%) and accuracy (78.6%; 95% CI 70.1%–85.7%) compared with WLI (sensitivity 74%; 95% CI 62.8%–83.4% and accuracy 71.8%; 95% CI 62.7%–79.7%). However, the specificity was the same (67.5%; 95% CI 50.9%–81.4%).

NBI has better performance than WLI in distinguishing neoplastic and non-neoplastic colorectal polyps.

This study aimed to assess the impact of a volleyball-specific fatigue protocol on balance, proprioception, and performance in volleyball players with differing ACL injury risk levels.

his semi-experimental research utilized a pre-test-post-test design. Forty volleyball players from Urmia were selected and divided into low- and high-risk groups based on ACL injury potential, assessed using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS). A LESS score below 6 indicated low risk, while above 6 indicated high risk. Balance was measured using the stork test (static balance) and Y balance test (dynamic balance), knee proprioception was assessed with a goniometer, and performance was evaluated with the Sargent jump test. After baseline assessments, players were subjected to a volleyball-specific fatigue protocol, after which all tests were repeated. Analysis of covariance and dependent t-tests were used to evaluate inter-group and intra-group differences.

The dependent t-tests and analysis of covariance indicated that fatigue significantly decreased static balance (P=0.001, P=0.001), dynamic balance (P=0.001, P=0.001), and performance (P=0.001, P=0.001). Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests also significantly reduced proprioception post-fatigue (P=0.001, P=0.001). Additionally, significant differences were found between the groups for all variables (P<0.05) except for proprioception (P>0.05).

Overall, the findings suggest that fatigue is a significant factor in reducing balance, proprioception, and explosive power. This decline was greater in the high-risk injury group, likely due to baseline neuromuscular weaknesses in this group.

Blood transfusion is a critical procedure where any error in the transmission chain can jeopardize patient safety. To ensure safe blood transfusions, it is essential to evaluate the performance of all personnel involved in the transfusion process, including anesthesia technologists, whose role has often been overlooked. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the performance of in com anesthesia technologist plying with safe blood transfusion procedures during anesthesia.

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 Anesthesia technologist s working in Rasoul Akram and Firouzgar hospitals in Tehran. The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of adherence to safe blood transfusion standards by Anesthesia technologist s. The data was collected using a comprehensive and standard questionnaire including two parts: the first part demographic information and the second part focusing on the standards of safe blood transfusion. All completed questionnaires were entered into SPSS software version 27. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for statistical analysis.

The average age of the participants was 34 ± 10 years. Of the participants, 70% were women and 30% were men. The average score on the 36-question questionnaire was 27.32, corresponding to 73% of the maximum possible score. Performance levels were categorized as follows: good (75–100%), representing 41.25% of participants; moderate (50–75%), representing 58.75% of participants; and poor (<50%), with no participants falling into this category. Overall, the performance of anesthesia technologist in adhering to safe blood transfusion standards was considered average.

Anesthesia technologist performance in safe blood transfusion procedures during anesthesia was evaluated at a moderate level. Addressing these gaps and considering educational programs in health care systems can improve patient safety and improve clinical outcomes during anesthesia and surgical procedures.

Diet and nutritional supplement consumption play a pivotal role in disease treatment.

This study aimed to improve the hospital internship course for nutrition students by implementing a comprehensive checklist for nutritional assessment and patient treatment within the nutrition department of Semnan University of Medical Sciences.

The study assessed the impact of enhancing the nutrition internship course on students’ educational performance and satisfaction. Two tools were utilized: A comprehensive checklist for patient treatment assessment and a questionnaire evaluating students' satisfaction with internship quality. The checklist and questionnaire were validated with content validity ratio (CVR) scores of 0.98 and 0.92 and content validity index (CVI) scores of 0.89 and 0.86, respectively. The study employed a census method, involving 28 students from two different classes. A t -test was used to evaluate the intervention's effectiveness.

An analysis of the primary domains of students' educational performance before and after the internship course modifications revealed significant improvements. The "patient assessment" domain increased from 29% to 95%, "patients' treatment" from 59% to 100%, and "overall performance" from 40% to 97%. Additionally, the level of satisfaction among students significantly increased (P < 0.001). Satisfaction improved in "educational planning" from 42% to 85%, "learning-teaching method" from 38% to 88%, "educational evaluation" from 38% to 92%, and "overall satisfaction" from 39% to 89% (P < 0.001).

The findings highlight that targeted performance initiatives can significantly enhance both educational outcomes and student satisfaction during hospital internships.