Original Article
Biotechnology & nanotechnology
Mohammadreza Azimi; Anoush Eghdami; Bahram Keyvani; Ramin Cheragh-Ali
Abstract
Introduction: Nanoparticles are increasingly recognized as potential anticancer agents in cancer treatment research. This study aimed to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles from Lactobacillus plantarum biofilms and assess their impact on the expression of the P53 and NF-κB genes in colorectal cancer ...
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Introduction: Nanoparticles are increasingly recognized as potential anticancer agents in cancer treatment research. This study aimed to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles from Lactobacillus plantarum biofilms and assess their impact on the expression of the P53 and NF-κB genes in colorectal cancer epithelial cells.Materials and Methods: Following the confirmation and isolation of zinc oxide nanoparticles from Lactobacillus plantarum biofilm, HT-29 cells were cultured with varying concentrations of these nanoparticles for 24 hours. The MTT assay was utilized to evaluate the toxicity of the isolated nanoparticles. The optimal concentration was determined based on these results, after which the expression levels of P53 and NF-κB mRNA were analyzed.Results: The MTT assay indicated that a concentration of 40 µg/ml had the highest lethality after 24 hours. Notably, P53 expression significantly increased in the treatment group compared to the control group (P < 0.0001), while NF-κB expression significantly decreased at a concentration of 10 µg/ml (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the cell count in the treated group showed a significant reduction relative to the control group (P < 0.0001)Conclusion: : ZnO nanoparticles induce lethality in HT-29 cells and enhance P53 expression, thereby suppressing tumor cell proliferation. These findings provide a foundation for further research and underscore the potential of zinc oxide nanoparticles in the pharmaceutical industry and colorectal cancer treatment
Original Article
Nursing
Robabeh Bozhmehrani; Ehsan Izadipour; Nazanin Fekri; Mostafa Rad
Abstract
Introduction: Death anxiety is a prevalent issue among the elderly, which plays an important role in causing mental disorders. This study explores the effect of spiritual care on death anxiety levels among the elderly in daycare centers of Neyshabur and Madar Nursing Home in Sabzevar.Materials and Methods: ...
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Introduction: Death anxiety is a prevalent issue among the elderly, which plays an important role in causing mental disorders. This study explores the effect of spiritual care on death anxiety levels among the elderly in daycare centers of Neyshabur and Madar Nursing Home in Sabzevar.Materials and Methods: This clinical trial involved 49 elderly participants eligible for inclusion from daycare centers in Neyshabur and the Madar nursing home in Sabzevar. The data collection instrument utilized was Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale. Participants were assigned to either an intervention group receiving spiritual care or a control group. Both groups completed Templer’s death anxiety questionnaire before the intervention. The intervention group underwent eight spiritual training sessions. Post-intervention assessments were conducted immediately after the sessions and one month later, with questionnaires completed by both groups. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-26 software, with a significance level of P < 0.05.Results: Before the intervention, the mean death anxiety levels were (8.09 ± 2.78) for the intervention group and (7.26 ± 2.78) for the control group, showing no statistically significant difference. However, immediately after the intervention and one month later, significant differences in mean death anxiety levels were observed between the two groups (p < 0.0001)Conclusion: : The findings suggest that implementing a spiritual care program is effective in reducing death anxiety among the elderly. Therefore, enhancing spiritual care, alongside other supportive methods, is recommended as an effective and cost-efficient strategy to improve the psychological well-being of elderly individuals.
Original Article
Nursing
Ali Asghar Jesmi; Fateme Ardaneh; Afsaneh Garshad; Shakiba Mozari
Abstract
Introduction: Caring for patients with decreased levels of consciousness requires a profound understanding of their needs. This study aims to explain nurses' experiences in caring for patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit with a decreased level of consciousness.
Materials and Methods: ...
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Introduction: Caring for patients with decreased levels of consciousness requires a profound understanding of their needs. This study aims to explain nurses' experiences in caring for patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit with a decreased level of consciousness.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in 2022 using conventional content analysis on 18 participants. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, observations, and field notes. All interviews took place in the ICU break room, which lasted between 20 and 50 minutes. The first and second researchers conducted and recorded the interviews using mobile devices. Lincoln and Guba's criteria were applied to assess the verifiability and robustness of the data.
Results: A total of 1,623 initial codes were identified. After removing duplicates, 597 primary codes remained, which were categorized into 11 subcategories and then merged into four main categories based on similarities. The main theme identified was "Professional Care of Comatose Patients
Conclusion: Despite facing numerous challenges, nurses demonstrate a high level of responsibility, sensitivity, and compassion in their care for patients with decreased levels of consciousness. They strive to provide as comprehensive care as possible for these patients.
Original Article
Microbiology
Khadijeh Abbaszadeh; Mohsen Arzanlou; Ali Namvar; Ehsan Javaheri; Samin Izadyar; Mohsen Heidary
Abstract
Introduction: The incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran is estimated at 15.4 cases per 100,000 people, with the highest prevalence reported in Ilam, Fars, and Razavi Khorasan provinces. This study aims to determine the frequency and temporal changes of cutaneous leishmaniasis in cities covered ...
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Introduction: The incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran is estimated at 15.4 cases per 100,000 people, with the highest prevalence reported in Ilam, Fars, and Razavi Khorasan provinces. This study aims to determine the frequency and temporal changes of cutaneous leishmaniasis in cities covered by Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences from 2014 to 2021.Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed with cutaneous leishmaniasis, whose information was recorded in the university portal system, were evaluated. Moran's Index was utilized to identify hotspots and disease-type distribution. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 19, and chi-square tests were employed for data comparison.Results: A total of 1,483 patients with an average age of 34.79 years were included in the study. The highest prevalence was observed in 2014 (316 cases), while the lowest was recorded in 2018 (92 cases). The prevalence in Sabzevar (586 cases) and Jovin (330 cases) was higher than in other cities. November had the highest prevalence rate (401 cases), whereas April had the lowest (19 cases). The incidence was higher in males (63%) was higher than in females (37%). The most affected parts of the body were hands (26.4%) and feet (17.5%).Conclusion: The findings of this study can assist health authorities in implementing preventive measures and developing strategies to control cutaneous leishmaniasis in the region, ultimately contributing to public health improvement.
Original Article
Psychology
Mohammadreza Khosrojerdi; Mustafa Bolghan-Abadi; Ahmad Mansouri
Abstract
Introduction: Psychological flexibility is essential for maintaining mental and physical health. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness-based self-compassion group therapy with short-term solution-focused group therapy in enhancing psychological flexibility among female students.Materials ...
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Introduction: Psychological flexibility is essential for maintaining mental and physical health. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of mindfulness-based self-compassion group therapy with short-term solution-focused group therapy in enhancing psychological flexibility among female students.Materials and Methods: This semi-experimental study employed a pre-test, post-test, and 3-month follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included female students from three universities in Sabzevar: Hakim Sabzevari University, Islamic Azad University of Sabzevar, and Payame Noor University of Sabzevar. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: mindfulness-based self-compassion group therapy, short-term solution-focused group therapy, or a control group. Data were collected using the psychological flexibility questionnaire developed by Ben-Itzhak et al., and analyses were conducted using SPSS-27 with descriptive and inferential statistics (repeated measures ANOVA).Results: Findings from the mixed ANOVA indicated that solution-focused group therapy was more effective than mindfulness-based self-compassion therapy in enhancing psychological flexibility among the studentsConclusion: Given the significant impact of solution-focused group therapy and the notable outcomes of mindfulness-based self-compassion therapy, it is recommended to employ both methods to improve psychological flexibility in female students.
Original Article
Aging
Fatemeh Malakoti Nejad; Mojgan Ansari; Mojtaba Mohammadi; Ali Taj
Abstract
Introduction: Aging is a significant social issue today. One strategy for managing the negative consequences of aging is "active aging." This study aims to determine the status of active aging indicators and their predictive factors.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional research utilized multi-stage ...
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Introduction: Aging is a significant social issue today. One strategy for managing the negative consequences of aging is "active aging." This study aims to determine the status of active aging indicators and their predictive factors.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional research utilized multi-stage cluster sampling to gather information from 268 individuals attending urban health centers in Sabzevar in 2023. Demographic data and standardized indigenous questionnaires for measuring active aging in Iranian elderly were employed, with descriptive and inferential statistics analyzed at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: The average age of participants was 70.71 ± 7.19 years, with an average active aging index score of 107.04 ± 15.84. The average scores for the domains of active aging were as follows: participation 7.61 ± 3.14, mindfulness 13.31 ± 4.79, interactionism 21.92 ± 3.93, role-playing 20.53 ± 2.57, agentic insight 19.69 ± 5.63, and physical dynamics 22.99 ± 2.37. Significant relationships were observed between age, gender, education level, income adequacy, type of employment, medical history, marital status, support, and levels of exercise and physical activity (p < 0.05)
Conclusion: The elderly population exhibited average levels concerning active aging indicators. Higher literacy and education levels were associated with improved active aging outcomes, so it is recommended that the literacy and knowledge of the elderly be enhanced to promote active aging.
Original Article
Biophysics & Radiotherapy
Fatemeh Ayatifard; Mostafa Robatjazi; Atefeh Rostami; Seyed Jamal Mirmoosavi; Yaser Tabarraei
Abstract
Introduction: Clinical education is an important part of medical science education, enabling students to develop practical skills under instructor supervision. This study assessed the quality of clinical education from the perspective of radiology technology students in Sabzevar University of Medical ...
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Introduction: Clinical education is an important part of medical science education, enabling students to develop practical skills under instructor supervision. This study assessed the quality of clinical education from the perspective of radiology technology students in Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences.Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the second semester of the 2022–2023 academic year in Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences. All radiology students (N = 58) completed an electronic PHEEM (Postgraduate Hospital Educational Environment Measure) questionnaire via Google Forms. Data were analyzed using t-tests and ANOVA in SPSS-24. (P<0.05).Results: The results showed that the mean score of satisfaction for the educational goals program and the instructor's performance was 19.6 and 19.5. The mean satisfaction score for interaction with students was 7.5, and the mean satisfaction score for facilities and educational environments was 7.6. Also, the mean satisfaction score for supervision and evaluation, and students' overall satisfaction were 5.6 and 60.1, respectively. The student's satisfaction in the third, second, and first year of internship was 59.7±1.6, 58.5±1.6, and 6.65±1.3.Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that most students agreed with rotating in all hospitals during each semester. Implementing logbooks, standardizing competency exams, and improving inter-instructor coordination is recommended.
Original Article
Psychology
Helia Rostampour; Fateme Dehghani-Arani; Hojjatollah Farahani
Abstract
Introduction: Negative responses to trauma disclosure are associated with acute PTSD symptoms; however, no relationship has been observed between positive responses to trauma disclosure and PTSD symptoms. General social support is linked to reduced PTSD symptoms. This study aims to examine the effect ...
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Introduction: Negative responses to trauma disclosure are associated with acute PTSD symptoms; however, no relationship has been observed between positive responses to trauma disclosure and PTSD symptoms. General social support is linked to reduced PTSD symptoms. This study aims to examine the effect of trauma disclosure on resilience, with social support as a moderating factor in two groups: individuals with PTSD and trauma-exposed healthy participants (TEHC). We hypothesize that open discussions about trauma and resilience can mitigate the risk of developing PTSD.
Materials and Methods: This quantitative correlational study employed structural equation modeling to examine the relationships among variables in adults over 18 years old with trauma experience. A total of 473 individuals were recruited through convenience sampling, half of whom had PTSD. Participants completed questionnaires, including the Checklist of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Social Support Questionnaire, Trauma Disclosure Inventory, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale.
Results The findings indicate that in individuals without PTSD, all variable relationships are significant (p < 0.05). In individuals with PTSD, only the effect of social support on resilience is significant (p < 0.05)
Conclusion: Early interventions for individuals with trauma experiences, alongside enhancing social support and creating safe spaces for trauma discussions, can effectively reduce the incidence of PTSD.
Original Article
Physical Education
Fatemeh Solhdoust; Hamed Alizadeh Pahlavani; Mohammad Sherafati Moghadam
Abstract
Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases in patients with diabetes, particularly through endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, are leading causes of mortality worldwide. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has been proposed as a non-pharmacological intervention to prevent diabetes-induced cardiac apoptosis. ...
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Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases in patients with diabetes, particularly through endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, are leading causes of mortality worldwide. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has been proposed as a non-pharmacological intervention to prevent diabetes-induced cardiac apoptosis. This study aims to investigate the effects of HIIT on the expression of ATF6, JNK1, and mTOR proteins in the left ventricle of the hearts of rats with type 2 diabetes.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 12 male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 2 months, with an average weight of 180 ± 20 grams. Type 2 diabetes was induced through the administration of nicotinamide and streptozotocin. The rats were randomly assigned to either the HIIT group or the diabetic control group. The HIIT program comprised five intervals of 4 minutes at an intensity of 85-95% of maximum speed, interspersed with 3-minute active rest periods at 50-60% of maximum speed. Data was analyzed using independent t-tests in SPSS software version 29, with a significance level of P ≤ 0.05.
Results: Data analysis revealed that the protein content of ATF6 and JNK1 significantly increased after 8 weeks of HIIT compared to the control group, while mTOR protein levels exhibited a significant decrease.
Conclusion: The HIIT protocol appears beneficial for cardiac health in patients with type 2 diabetes due to its capacity to reduce ER stress.
Original Article
Nursing
Fatemeh Vafi Sani; Bahare Mousavi; Neda Mahdavifar; Roya Akbarzadeh; Roghayeh Zardosht
Abstract
Introduction: Hope is an important and impressive factor in psychological well-being, particularly concerning psychological disorders. This survey aims to determine the association between spiritual intelligence and hope among the clinical staff of Sabzevar Hospital.
Materials and Methods: This correlational-descriptive ...
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Introduction: Hope is an important and impressive factor in psychological well-being, particularly concerning psychological disorders. This survey aims to determine the association between spiritual intelligence and hope among the clinical staff of Sabzevar Hospital.
Materials and Methods: This correlational-descriptive study involved 230 clinical staff members from Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences hospitals, selected through purposive sampling. King’s Spiritual Intelligence Questionnaire and Snyder’s Hope Scale were utilized for data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS-25, employing descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, independent t-tests, and ANOVA, with a significance level of P < 0.05.
Results: Statistical analysis revealed that the mean scores for spiritual intelligence and hope were 51.6 and 29.26, respectively. Notably, 6% of clinical staff scored below the normal range for hope, while 94% scored above it. Spiritual intelligence's lowest and highest scores were 44.2 and 55.8, respectively. The mean scores for the subscales of spiritual intelligence were as follows: existential critical thinking (15.6), personal meaning production (11.6), transcendental awareness (15.1), and development of consciousness (9.3). Bivariate correlation coefficients indicated significant positive and moderate correlations between spiritual intelligence and hope (p=0.000).
Conclusion: The findings suggest that conducting interventions can improve spiritual intelligence and may indirectly increase hope and other psychological factors.