Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal
Volume:20 Issue: 10, Oct 2018

Context: One of the major causes of death in Iran is the injuries caused by accidents. Information regarding the distribution of injuries caused by accidents can lead to appropriate decision making in the management of Red Crescent, emergency, and police forces.

The current study is carried out with the aim of studying the prevalence of road traffic accident in Iran using the GIS and meta-analysis study. Evidence Acquisition: Articles were identified through international searching databases including Pub Med, Scopus, Elsevier, Google Scholar, and Web of Science as well as Iranian Scientific Information Database (SID), Health barakatkns, MagIran, and Iran Medex. We systematically reviewed all studies reporting the prevalence of accident trauma in Iran.

A total of 2200 relevant records were identified by the electronic search, of which a total of 60 studies were identified as eligible papers, which were meta-analyzed for the pooled road traffic accidents in Iran. Overall, the prevalence of road traffic accidents in Iran was estimated as 51.50% (95% CI = 50.6% - 52.3%). The highest pooled road traffic accidents rate was related to the Guilan province (79.80% [95% CI = 79.1% - 80.5%]), while the lowest pooled road traffic accidents rate was in the Fars province, with the rates of 27.50% (95% CI = 26.3% - 28.8%). A descending of prevalence trend rate was observed during the year 2000 until 2010 (53.30% → 46.90%), however, after the year 2010 this trend increased (46.90% → 52.50%).

The result showed the prevalence of the road traffic accidents decreased from North to South of Iran. In addition, more results showed an increasing trend of the rate of road traffic accidents in Iran, therefore, design safety strategy, according to the province and time trend, can be helpful.

Natural nano-sized Clinoptilolite (NCLN) as a conventional treatment for Type 2 diabetes mellitus may reduce glucose concentration and improve levels of minerals and lipid profile (LP).

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of NCLN with Metformin (Met) on fasting blood glucose (FBG), LP, levels of the several minerals, and body weight (BW) in rats with high-fat-diet (HFD)/Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes.

In this experimental study, 33 male Wistar rats were divide into four groups of A) healthy (n = 6), B) diabetic: (1) NCLN (n = 9) 2% of food, (2) diabetic receiving Met (n = 9) 100 mg/kg BW/day and (3) diabetic control (DC) (n = 9). The diabetic subgroups were fed with an HFD for one month and injected with a single dose of intra-peritoneal STZ (35 mg/kg BW). At the end of the 7th week, FBG, insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), LP, and serum levels of some minerals were evaluated.

There were no significant differences in FBS, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) among the groups, however, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) level was significantly higher in the DM (32.92 ± 1.14) and NCLN (32.63 ± 0.73) groups in comparison with the DC group (31.64 ± 0.78) (P = 0.01). The mean score of Cu level in the DM group was significantly different from that in the DC group (2.15 ± 0.48 vs. 1.54 ± 0.21; P = 0.03). Moreover, Met significantly increased serum level of Ca as compared to the DC group (86.65 ± 10.03; P = 0.01). Also, treatment with Met favorably prevented severe weight loss until the last week of treatment.

Natural nano-sized Clinoptilolite and/or Met did not significantly affect levels of serum glucose, minerals, and lipid profile, but a significant increase in HDL-c was observed as a result of NCLN and Metformin treatment, and Cu and Ca levels increased only in the Metformin group

A wide use of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) in consumer products, industry, pharmaceuticals, and medical sciences, including dermatology, has always caused concerns related to its adverse effects on the environment and human safety. Nano-sized particles can be uptaken by the body through various routes, especially the skin, which is the widest organ and the first contact surface for different nanomaterials and other foreign agents.

The aim of this investigation was to assess the viability of a vulnerable normal skin cell line to cytotoxicity of AgNPs with the same effective size and concentrations used for various microbial agents, such as Candida species.

Synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Different concentrations of the aqueous colloidal AgNPs (2.17 to 69.5 µg/mL) were tested on normal Human Skin Fibroblast (HSF) cell line using MTT assay after 24 and 48 hours of exposure.

The analysis demonstrated that the synthesized AgNPs were mainly spherical with an average size of 6.03 nm. The MTT findings showed a significant concentration- and time-dependent manner in the reduction of cell viability. The calculated IC50 values were 30.64 and 14.98 µg/mL for 24 and 48 hours of incubation, respectively.

The cytotoxic effect of AgNPs was higher for Human Skin Fibroblast cells after 48 hours of exposure compared with 24 hours. According to the observed results, small nano-sized silver particles could potentially have cytotoxic effects on normal cells, especially at high concentrations and prolonged exposure times

microRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous gene expression regulators, which are involved in the physiopathology of diseases, and potentially make biomarkers in diseases, such as Cardiovascular Disease (CVD).

Since miR-21 is a robust regulator in plaque formation, this study aimed at identifying the effect of saffron as a functional food and traditional food additive antioxidant in fighting against the progress of atherosclerosis, by modulation of miR-21, as a new circulating marker of inflammation.

In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial, 63 subjects with atherosclerosis were recruited from Emam Sajjad Hospital, Valiasr Hospital, and Zafaranieyh Clinic in Tehran, Iran, and divided randomly to two groups. They received 100 mg/d saffron or a placebo capsule for six weeks. The expression levels of miR-21 were quantified by real-time quantitative-PCR (RT-qPCR) in the blood of patients. Furthermore, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, and anthropometric index of participants were evaluated before and after the intervention.

Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the expression level of miR-21 between atherosclerosis patients, who received placebo, and those, who consumed saffron (P value = 0.02). Moreover, a significant decrease was seen in hip circumference after saffron supplementation (P = 0.049, P = 0.006). Nevertheless, consumption of saffron did not significantly influence other anthropometric indexes and blood biochemical parameters, such as FBS and lipid profile.

In the present study, different expression levels of miR-21 were observed between patients with atherosclerosis, who received saffron supplements and placebo; thus saffron may be considered as a novel therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease management

 

Due to the fact that there is evidence indicating the role of Vitamin D in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as well as insulin resistance (IR) and adipokines production, studies examining Vitamin D on the metabolic factors involving NAFLD is required.

Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of single intramuscular injection of cholecalciferol on serum levels of Vitamin D, biochemical factors, and liver function status of women with NAFLD.

This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 82 NAFLD patients with Vitamin D deficiency (< 30 ng/mL), who were selected through convenience sampling from October 2015 to March 2016 in Tabriz, Iran, and were randomly assigned into an intervention (a single intramuscular injection of 600,000 IU of cholecalciferol) or control group. Before and after the study, serum glucose, insulin, 25-hydroxy Vitamin D, adiponectin, liver enzymes, calcium, phosphors and parathyroid hormone (PTH), as well as homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR), body composition, dietary intake, and physical activity level were assessed.

After one month intervention, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D significantly increased in the intervention group vs. the control (24.9 ± 17.4 vs. 9.1 ± 5.6, P = 0.003). Total body fat (TF) decreased in the intervention group (P = 0.001) while visceral fat (VF) was significantly different between the groups (P < 0.001). Adiponectin, calcium, phosphors, and PTH levels increased, while liver enzymes, insulin, and HOMA-IR decreased in both groups (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in mean changes of serum 25(OH) D, PTH, ALT, AST, ALP, and FBS between the groups after adjusting for baseline, TF and VF. Vitamin D injection did improve NAFLD severity (P = 0.01).

Cholecalciferol injection improved Vitamin D status and hepatic steatosis

Metabolic acidosis following kidney transplantation can lead to several undesirable effects such as disturbing the protein balance resulting in a negative nitrogen equilibrium, increased protein degradation, and essential amino acid oxidation. The current study aimed tocompare the effect of normal saline as a common crystalloid in kidney transplant surgery to reduce the risk of hyperkalemia and sodium bicarbonate on the metabolic acidosis rate after renal transplantation. A total of 40 patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and candidates receiving renal transplant from a living donor referring to the kidney transplantation department of a University affiliated hospital, Tehran, Iran, that meeting the inclusion criteria of this study, were randomly assigned to the intervention group, who were treated with sodium bicarbonate, and the control group, who were treated with normal saline. The primary outcomes measured in this study were acidosis biomarkers including BE, HCO3, PaCO2, and PH and the secondary outcomes included some inflammatory biomarkers and some renal function biomarkers. The mean ± standard deviation of age in the intervention and control groups was 44.4 ± 12.4 and 40.0 ± 13.0, respectively (P = 0.01). A total of 29 of the participants were male (14 in the intervention group and 15 in the control group), and 11 of them (six in the intervention group and five in the control group) were female. The mean ± standard deviation of change in the concentration of PH, BE, HCO3, and PaCO2 in the intervention and control groups was 0.01 ± 0.1 and -0.08 ± 0.1 (P < 0.001); 0.61 ± 4.2 and -3.8 ± 2.6 (P < 0.001); 0.36 ± 2.9 and -2.67 ± 2.1 (P: 0.001); and 0.8 ± 5.4 and 1.4 ± 5.3 (P: 0.799), respectively. The present study revealed that the patients who received sodium bicarbonate had a better status than the normal saline recipients in terms of the maintenance of acid-base homeostasis, inflammatory indexes, and renal function

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a worldwide growing public health concern. Hemodialysis (HD) is a treatment option for people experiencing ESRD. Because of limited therapeutic methods due to the vague pathogenesis, the control of pruritus is so difficult. Thus, we decided to carry out this study to examine the effect of acupuncture on pruritus. This multi-centered randomized clinical trial was conducted during 2015 - 2017 in the hemodialysis wards of teaching hospitals in Mashhad, Iran. 30 patients that met the inclusion criteria entered the study by a convenience sampling and were randomized into two groups: One group receiving acupuncture intervention and the other receiving sham acupuncture as the control group. We measured the visual analog scale (VAS) score of pruritus before and after the intervention in the two groups. The mean age of the participants was 49.04 ± 14.93 with a minimum age of 23 years and a maximum age of 65 years. 17 (65.40%) patients were male, and nine (34.60%) were female. We had a significant difference between the scores of both groups before and after the intervention, but the difference of the scores was more significant in the intervention group than in the control group (5.94 versus 1.27, respectively). Our study also showed a significant difference between the two groups after the intervention (P value < 0.001). Our findings indicate that acupuncture, as a noninvasive, safe, and easy treatment, can be useful and effective for the management of Hemodialysis patients with pruritus. Identifying the pathophysiology of pruritus and neurobiological mechanism of acupuncture to reduce pruritus will remarkably improve the application of new therapies to decrease itching

 

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a very common debility in gynecology clinics. Despite access to several antifungal agents, VVC is still a challenge; therefore, presenting a novel antifungal agent, especially with a traditional origin, is of interest and demand.

The current study aimed at comparing the efficacy of Anethum graveolens L. (dill) vaginal cream with that of 1% Clotrimazole vaginal cream to treat VVC.

A prospective, single-center, randomized, double-blind clinical trial was performed. In the current study, married females aged 18 - 65 years, with probable vulvovaginal candidiasis were enrolled for primary evaluation. After VVC confirmation by the sniff test, the patients were allocated into three groups with regard to blocked randomization, and inclusion and exclusion criteria. The first group (n = 59) was treated with 1% Clotrimazole vaginal cream; the second (n = 60) with a combination of dill seed essential oil and dried aqueous extract vaginal cream (TEE); and the last (n = 56) with dill seed essential oil vaginal cream (EO) for seven nights. After 10 days, the therapeutic effects were assessed.

After the intervention, itching decreased to 30.5%, 3.3%, and 12.5% in the Clotrimazole, TEE, and EO groups, respectively; the sniff test also decreased to 33.9%, 13.3%, and 12.5%, respectively. Although a statistically significant difference, according to itching and sniff test, was observed among the three groups (P < 0.001, P = 0.005), there was no significant difference between TEE and EO (P = 0.06).

The current study showed that the herbal preparation could be used as an alternative antifungal agent f

  Pregnancy is a stressful period in a woman’s life and can lead to undesirable outcomes both in the mother and fetus; therefore, more attention should be paid to improve the mental health of pregnant females. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Fordyce Happiness Cognitive-Behavioral training based on self-efficacy on perceived stress and happiness in pregnant females. This randomized clinical controlled trial with a pretest-posttest design was performed on 100 pregnant females, who were randomly assigned to two groups, training and control, in Gerash, Fars, Iran (2016). Fordyce Happiness Cognitive-Behavioral training based on self-efficacy was done in the intervention group and there was no intervention for the control group. The data was collected by applying the demographic questionnaire, Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI), and Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSS-14) in two stages, before and after the intervention. The P&lt was 0.05 and was considered as significant. The results showed significant differences in the median scores of happiness and perceived stress in the experimental group before and after the intervention (P < 0.05). In other words, the median score of happiness increased (124 (19.25) and 141 (16.5); P < 0.001) while the stress score decreased (30.5 (7) and 22.5 (9); P < 0.001). In contrast, this research found a decrease in the happiness median score (123 (40) and 117.5 (32); P < 0.001) and increase in perceived stress scores (30 (7.25) and 33 (9.25); P = 0.009) in the control group at the end of the study, which was significant in comparison with the pre-intervention measurements (P < 0.05). In addition, an inverse relationship was revealed between stress and happiness (P < 0.001). Appropriate educational interventions based on theories are recommended to increase mother’s happiness and decrease their stress during pregnancy.

 

Nurses frequently work as part of teams. High-quality care can only be delivered through effective communication among team members. Social network analysis (SNA) seeks to discover the connections. In a hospital, connection between nurses working in different departments is critical. In the same vein, groups of nurses and their social relationships in hospital settings are highly important. Networks play a significant role in work settings such as hospitals. The power of clusters (i.e. groups or teams of nurses) could be regarded as net capacity. If the power of a cluster increases, strength and quality of offered services will rise too. The social network analysis is intended to discover the associations and represent them graphically (i.e. qualitative representation). This means social connections are represented in a quantitative and mathematical language.

The present study aims to examine the relationships between nurses working in Razi Hospital (Rasht, Iran), analyze the relationships through social network analysis, categorize as well as cluster the network of nurses at Razi Hospital, and represent the resulting data of social network analysis as network graphs. Patients and

This study employs soft system operation research as a qualitative research strategy to deal with the network of nurses working at Razi Hospital during 2016 in Iran as a case study. In terms of its area, Razi is the largest hospital of the Gilan Province of Iran. In this regard, 64 nurses engaged in the study through deep interviews with from 6 various departments of the hospital according to SNA procedure. The gathered qualitative data was analyzed using the Gephi software; ultimately, findings are depicted as network graphs in section 5.

Nurses network of Razi Hospital (Rasht, Iran) includes 64 nodes/nurses and 168 edges/links, which are non-directional and weighted. After implementation of different steps in social network analysis, it can be state that, nurse network of the hospital includes 9 clusters out of which, 6 clusters belonged to studied departments. Due to the network low density, which is 0.083, the network has low coherence. This means that only 8.3% of the total potential and potential relationships in the network have been activated. Results concluded that, unfortunately, only members of different departments interact with each other and in the section, they work in.

In Razi Hospital, network of nurses is characterized by weak connections between different departments. However, the relationship between members (i.e. relationship between nurses in a department) is strong and this signifies that nurses of a cluster or department are related to each other. The findings suggest that members of a certain department as well as between departments should closely associate with each other. In addition, there is a significant association between those departments of the hospital in which nurses are working. We can use significant association in health care aspects that require organizational and organizational decision making. Nurses play an important and critical role in planning the main functions of hospital management

Congenital duplications of the intestinal tract are rare diseases, observed mainly in ileum and stomach, while less than 7% of cases occur in the colon. They are mainly diagnosed during early childhood, while few cases may remain asymptomatic until adulthood. Case Report: We present a 31-year-old female with chronic abdominal pain without significant past medical history. Pre-operative diagnosis was an enterocolic fistula, which was considered after colonoscopy. Abdominal surgery with midline incision was performed for the patient with suspicion of congenital colon anomaly. During the surgery, the surgeon found an additional colon closed loop that originated from the posterior aspect of the transverse colon and was attached posteriorly to the sigmoid colon. Microscopic examination revealed tubular duplication of the colon with marked dilatation, focal mucosal ulceration, granulation tissue, and mild chronic nonspecific inflammation. As congenital duplication of colon is a rare condition with non-specific clinical symptoms, high suspicion of the physician and thorough examination can help the diagnosis and surgical treatment as soon as possible to stop patients’ pain and associated problems.