Letter to the Editor
Psychology
Ali asghar Jesmi; Motahareh Delshad
Abstract
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological response to stress arising from traumatic events—such as horror, helplessness, and fear. In addition to the diagnostic criteria of re-experiencing traumatic events, avoidance, and hyper arousal, the DSM-5 also includes the criterion ...
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological response to stress arising from traumatic events—such as horror, helplessness, and fear. In addition to the diagnostic criteria of re-experiencing traumatic events, avoidance, and hyper arousal, the DSM-5 also includes the criterion of persistent negative alterations in cognition and mood. PTSD can develop following various traumatic experiences, including war, sexual assault, natural disasters, industrial accidents, bereavement, and similar events (1). The prevalence of PTSD is notably higher among populations frequently exposed to traumatic events, such as those affected by war, with reports suggesting rates of up to 50% in these populations (2). One factor that may exacerbate PTSD is the phenomenon known as Fear of Missing Out (FOMO).FOMO—translated into Persian as "fear of missing out," "fear of being left behind," or more precisely, "anxiety of deprivation"—is a relatively recent psychological construct. British psychologists have described it as a "pervasive concern that others might be having rewarding experiences from which one is absent" (3). FOMO is characterized by a persistent desire to remain connected to what others are doing or experiencing. It has been conceptualized within the framework of self-determination theory, initially developed by Ryan and colleagues (4) and later applied by Przybylski and collaborators to understand the motivational mechanisms underlying FOMO (3).FOMO encompasses two interrelated processes: the perception of being left out and compulsive behaviors aimed at maintaining social connectivity. The link between FOMO and PTSD, particularly in the context of crises such as the recent twelve-day conflict between Israel and Iran, may at first glance appear indirect; however, several important psychological and social connections exist between the two.Firstly, during wartime, individuals—both in directly affected areas and in less exposed regions—constantly monitor news, messages, and posts shared by others. This persistent media engagement heightens exposure to traumatic content. Continuous confrontation with images of death, destruction, displacement, and violence can facilitate indirect psychological trauma, which is a common pathway to PTSD in the general population.Secondly, individuals who perceive themselves as having played no role in the crisis may develop feelings of guilt, inadequacy, or exclusion. These experiences can foster persistent anxiety or mild depression, both of which create vulnerability to delayed-onset PTSD.During the recent twelve-day imposed war by the occupying Israeli regime against Iran, this phenomenon was particularly evident across diverse social groups. Individuals repeatedly sought or were exposed to war-related news via social media platforms, leading to compulsive behavioral patterns. Such behaviors were associated with heightened anxiety, stress, sleep disturbances (e.g., insomnia), and impaired concentration (5).Given that preserving mental health is a primary objective of health systems during crises such as war, policymakers can mitigate these effects by implementing strategies such as limiting the dissemination of war-related content via social media platforms (e.g., Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram). Since these platforms were exploited by the occupying Israeli regime as tools of psychological warfare to diminish resilience and hope within society, their regulation could both hinder the escalation of enemy-driven psychological warfare and reduce the mental health burden associated with FOMO, which exerts multiple adverse consequences on individual and community well-being.
Letter to the Editor (Policy Brief)
Nursing
Abolfal Kalmishi; Ali Abedi; Katayoun Samadi; Mostafa Rad
Abstract
Non-pharmacological interventions, such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), may effectively reduce the severity of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). This study aimed to investigate the impact of TENS on RLS severity in hemodialysis patients at Vasei Hospital in Sabzevar and Imam Khomeini ...
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Non-pharmacological interventions, such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), may effectively reduce the severity of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). This study aimed to investigate the impact of TENS on RLS severity in hemodialysis patients at Vasei Hospital in Sabzevar and Imam Khomeini (RAH) Hospital in Esfaray. A clinical trial involving 60 hemodialysis patients was conducted, with participants randomly assigned to two groups: a sham group (n=30) and an intervention group (n=30). TENS was applied to the leg area for 20 minutes per session, across three sessions. The intervention group received TENS at a frequency of 100 Hz, while the sham group was subjected to a low frequency of 20 Hz. The severity of RLS was assessed before and after the intervention using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (IRLSS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS software
Original Article
immunology & Biochemistry
Mohammad Shafi Mojadadi; Hossein Sedaghati; Abolfazl Shakiba; Neda Mahdavifar; Saeideh sadat Shobeiri
Abstract
Introduction: The novel SARS-CoV-2 virus is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This virus has spread to over 220 countries, infecting more than 700 million individuals worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the serum prevalence of IgM and IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies ...
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Introduction: The novel SARS-CoV-2 virus is the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This virus has spread to over 220 countries, infecting more than 700 million individuals worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the serum prevalence of IgM and IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among healthcare workers at Sabzevar Vasei Hospital.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 165 healthcare workers at Sabzevar Vasei Hospital in March 2021. Participants were divided into three groups for comparison: medical staff (95 individuals), service staff (44 individuals), and administrative staff (26 individuals). A 5 mL blood sample was collected from each participant, and serum levels of IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were measured using ELISA. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 16), with statistical significance set at P ≤ 0.05.Results: Of a total of 165 participants, 58.2% were women and 41.8% men, with a mean age of 35.84 ± 7.76 years. IgM antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were positive in 9 individuals (5.5%), while IgG antibodies were positive in 106 individuals (64.2%). Additionally, service staff and medical staff had significantly higher rates of positive antibody tests compared to administrative staff (P = 0.03).Conclusion: The findings indicate that 5.5% of participants had an active infection, while 64.2% had evidence of a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. This higher seroprevalence among healthcare workers may be attributed to greater occupational exposure, the lack of an effective vaccine at the time, and insufficient infection prevention equipment.
Original Article
immunology & Biochemistry
Elham Jafarpour; Elham Bahreini; Habiballah Nazem; Zolfaghar Lotfi; Yaser Mohammadi
Abstract
Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with metabolic disorders that disrupt lipid and cholesterol metabolism due to the accumulation of saturated fatty acids, such as palmitate. This study investigates the effects of palmitate on lipid droplet accumulation and the expression ...
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Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with metabolic disorders that disrupt lipid and cholesterol metabolism due to the accumulation of saturated fatty acids, such as palmitate. This study investigates the effects of palmitate on lipid droplet accumulation and the expression of genes involved in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) in HepG2 liver cells.
Materials and Methods: HepG2 cells were cultured under standard conditions. Lipid droplet accumulation was assessed using Oil Red O staining. Cellular cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured using standard kits, and gene expression changes for ABCA1 and ABCG (ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter A1 and G1, respectively), APO-A1 (Apolipoprotein A1), SR-BI (Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I), and LXR (Liver X Receptor) were evaluated by RT-qPCR.
Results: Treatment of HepG2 cells with palmitate resulted in a significant increase in lipid droplet accumulation, which inversely correlated with cell viability (P<0.0001). Cholesterol and triglyceride levels also significantly increased following palmitate treatment compared to the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, palmitate decreased the expression of ABCA1 and SR-BI (P < 0.05) while increasing the expression of ABCG1 (P < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the expression of APOA1 and LXR (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Palmitate disrupts reverse cholesterol transport by downregulating ABCA1 and SR-BI expression, leading to lipid accumulation and elevated intracellular cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The upregulation of ABCG1 as a compensatory response does not adequately counter these disruptions. These findings suggest that palmitate, through its effects on metabolic and inflammatory pathways, contributes to disturbances in lipid homeostasis and associated metabolic disorders.
Original Article
Ensieh Ravanbakhsh; Mahsa Asghari; Afsaneh Kaffash; Mohammad Salari Zare; Mohammad Shourideh Yazdi; Seyed Alireza Javadinia; Pejman Porouhan; Babak PeyroShabany; Asghar Kazemzadeh; Hasan Salehipour
Abstract
Introduction: Studies show that patients with malignancies hospitalized due to SARS-CoV-2 infection face a significantly higher risk of death from COVID-19 compared to the general population. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and clinical outcomes of breakthrough COVID-19 infections in vaccinated ...
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Introduction: Studies show that patients with malignancies hospitalized due to SARS-CoV-2 infection face a significantly higher risk of death from COVID-19 compared to the general population. This study aimed to investigate the frequency and clinical outcomes of breakthrough COVID-19 infections in vaccinated patients with malignancy in Sabzevar during the fifth wave of the pandemic.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 307 cancer patients in Sabzevar were investigated for COVID-19 infection. Multiple inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Vaccines were administered intramuscularly in two doses, 28 days apart, according to the Ministry of Health guidelines. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 21 software at a significance level of 0.05.Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of COVID-19 infection and non-infection across the studied variables, including age groups, gender, disease stages, cancer type (solid or hematological malignancy), types of solid tumors, treatment modalities, vaccine types, and the type of immunity developed. The only statistically significant difference observed was related to the history of previous COVID-19 infection.Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the only statistically significant difference in COVID-19 incidence is associated with a history of previous infection. No other variable showed a significant difference. No other variables demonstrated a significant difference.
Original Article
Alireza Ghorbani; Ali Akbar Fazaeli; Mohammad Reza Shegarf Nakhaie
Abstract
Introduction: Devoting a large portion of household resources to health care services can make true threats to standards of living in the short and long term. The present study was an attempt to evaluate the financial contribution of Iranian households in health care services system in Razavi Khorasan ...
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Introduction: Devoting a large portion of household resources to health care services can make true threats to standards of living in the short and long term. The present study was an attempt to evaluate the financial contribution of Iranian households in health care services system in Razavi Khorasan Province in 2023.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study reflected on spending for health care services. For this purpose, the data were extracted from the household expenditure statistics published in the database of the Statistical Center of Iran. Among the common econometric models, the logit model was employed and the data were then analyzed using the Stata 14 software.Results: The results also showed that 3.1% of the households faced catastrophic cost. Upon examining the factors, significant relationship was further observed between the probability of exposure to CHE and living in rural areas, insurance, education and employee’s status in the households concerned.Conclusion: It was concluded that poor distribution of health care services, unequal distribution of income and wealth among jobs, as well as socioeconomic conditions could influence CHE.
Original Article
Nursing
Roghaye Abbasian; Abdolghader Assarroudi; Raha Salehabadi; Mohammad Hassan Rakhshani; Mohammad Sahebkar
Abstract
Introduction: Predicting and preventing readmissions in elderly patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is crucial due to the high frequency of readmissions and their association with increased mortality and healthcare costs. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of activities of daily living ...
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Introduction: Predicting and preventing readmissions in elderly patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is crucial due to the high frequency of readmissions and their association with increased mortality and healthcare costs. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) in predicting readmission among older adults with CVD.Materials and Methods: This predictive correlational study was conducted with 133 elderly patients hospitalized in the cardiology and post-CCU wards of Heshmatiye Hospital, Sabzevar, Iran. ADL and IADL scales were completed at discharge, and patients were followed via phone for three months to track readmissions. Data were analyzed using MedCalc and Stata software.Results: The mean age of participants was 69.83 years (SD = 7.671), with 59.4% being women. The prevalence of readmission was 22.6% within the first month and 33.8% within three months post-discharge. The positive likelihood ratios for ADLs and IADLs were 1.76 and 1.82, respectively, while the negative likelihood ratios were 0.71 and 0.57. Patients who were independent in performing ADLs and IADLs had an 8% and 13% lower chance of readmission compared to dependent patients, respectively.Conclusion: The findings suggest that the likelihood of readmission is greater among patients dependent on ADLs or IADLs compared to those who are independent.
Original Article
Pediatric
Haniye Ahmadi; Mahmood Reza Khazaei
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an irreversible impairment of kidney function that significantly impacts both individual and societal well-being. This study aims to investigate the etiology of chronic kidney disease in children referred to selected nephrology centers in Mashhad from 2004 ...
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Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an irreversible impairment of kidney function that significantly impacts both individual and societal well-being. This study aims to investigate the etiology of chronic kidney disease in children referred to selected nephrology centers in Mashhad from 2004 to 2024.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included all children aged 3 months to 20 years who were referred to the nephrology clinic with a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease between 2004 and 2024. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were recorded in the PCKDR.ir system. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20, employing statistical tests such as Fisher's exact test and Chi-square.
Results: A total of 189 children, aged 3 months to 20 years, were included in the study, with a higher prevalence in boys (56.62%) compared to girls (43.38%). The mean age of the participants was 9.10 ± 4.43 years. Most patients (85.71%) were in the early stages of chronic kidney disease (stages 1 and 2). The most common etiologies were urinary tract infection (22.75%), nephrotic syndrome (16.4%), and kidney stones (12.17%).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that the most prevalent etiologies of chronic kidney disease are preventable and treatable. With timely diagnosis and appropriate follow-up, the progression of the disease and permanent kidney damage can be mitigated.
Original Article
Gyneocology
Arian Faramarzinia; Shohreh Movahedi; Zahra Ghalenoei
Abstract
Introduction: Although modern cesarean section techniques advocate for shorter hospital stays, postoperative complications remain relatively common. These complications may include ileus, gastric discomfort, and vomiting, all of which can adversely affect patient recovery and overall experience. ...
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Introduction: Although modern cesarean section techniques advocate for shorter hospital stays, postoperative complications remain relatively common. These complications may include ileus, gastric discomfort, and vomiting, all of which can adversely affect patient recovery and overall experience. This study aimed to investigate the effects of early versus delayed feeding after cesarean section on digestive function and gastrointestinal complications.Materials and Methods: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 125 pregnant women who underwent uncomplicated elective cesarean deliveries. Participants were randomly assigned to either early oral feeding (EOF) 4 hours post-delivery (n = 57) or late oral feeding (LOF) 8 hours post-delivery (n = 68). Follow-up continued until discharge. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 17.0 software, employing t-tests and chi-square tests.Results: This study showed that the time to first bowel movement after surgery was significantly shorter in the EOF group compared to the LOF group. However, the incidence of abdominal cramps did not differ significantly between the two groups.Conclusion: The findings suggest that early oral feeding after cesarean delivery may facilitate faster recovery of bowel function, although it does not significantly impact gastrointestinal complications. This study aims to optimize feeding time after cesarean delivery.
Original Article
Health and environment
Zahra Ghazali; Hojjat Nadimi; Parviz Noruzmehr; MohammadHossein Saghi; Reza Hekmatshoar
Abstract
Introduction: Many chemicals and pharmaceuticals used in healthcare institutions are hazardous (toxic, carcinogenic, corrosive, flammable, reactive, explosive, etc.). Although constituting a small portion of medical waste, pharmaceutical chemicals pose significant potential risks, necessitating an investigation ...
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Introduction: Many chemicals and pharmaceuticals used in healthcare institutions are hazardous (toxic, carcinogenic, corrosive, flammable, reactive, explosive, etc.). Although constituting a small portion of medical waste, pharmaceutical chemicals pose significant potential risks, necessitating an investigation into their management in Sabzevar's urban hospitals. This study aims to provide relevant information for comprehensive planning and to improve the quality of health services in the future.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over 4 months in four public hospitals in Sabzevar City (Emdad, Mobini, Heshmatiyeh, and Vasei hospitals). Data collection involved checklists, interviews, observations, and assessments of the production, segregation, collection, storage, safety, transportation, and disposal of pharmaceutical chemical wastes.
Results: The total number of approved beds across the four hospitals was 859, with 609 active beds, resulting in an occupancy rate of 71%. The hospitals collectively produced 1,500 kg of waste per day, comprising 613 kg (41%) of ordinary waste, 873 kg (58.1%) of hazardous waste, and 14 kg (0.9%) of chemical waste.
Conclusion: In this study, hospitals had significant deficiencies in the management of pharmaceutical chemical wastes (identification, separation, collection, storage, and disposal). A comprehensive review of the waste management practices and adherence to the chemical and pharmaceutical waste management guidelines in the health centers is essential.
Review article
Health and environment
Hamid Joveini; Afshin Dowlatabadi; Faeze karimi-moghadam; Mohammad Miri
Abstract
Introduction: Air pollution is a recognized contributor to various adverse health outcomes, including cancer. This study systematically reviews the association between air pollution exposure and the risk of gastric cancer.
Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA ...
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Introduction: Air pollution is a recognized contributor to various adverse health outcomes, including cancer. This study systematically reviews the association between air pollution exposure and the risk of gastric cancer.
Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Articles published up to October 2024 were retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and other databases. The search strategy included keywords such as "air pollution," "particulate matter," "PM2.5," "PM10," "dust," and "coarse particles," combined with "gastric cancer" and "gastric neoplasm." Inclusion criteria focused on cohort studies examining the relationship between air pollution exposure (e.g., PM2.5, PM10) and gastric cancer risk. Exclusion criteria comprised animal studies and non-English publications.
Results: From an initial pool of 1,693 records, eight studies were included, covering diverse geographic regions, including Europe, Asia, and the United States. Associations between PM2.5 exposure and gastric cancer risk varied, with hazard ratios (HR) ranging from 0.97 (95% CI: 0.82–1.15) to 1.98 (95% CI: 1.30–3.01). A stronger positive association was observed in men, possibly due to greater occupational and lifestyle-related exposure. Overall, exposure to particulate matter was significantly associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer (HR = 1.38; 95% CI: 0.99–1.92), with men exhibiting a higher risk (HR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.30–3.01). Regional differences in study outcomes underscored the heterogeneity of air pollution’s health impacts.
Conclusion: Emerging evidence from this systematic review identifies air pollution, and specifically PM2.5, as a modifiable environmental risk factor for gastric cancer.
Original Article
Biophysics & Radiotherapy
Dariush Moslemi; Yavar Rajabzadeh; Emadoddin Moudi; Masoomeh Karimi; Sohrab Kazemi; Ali Akbar Moghadamnia; Danial Fazilat-Panah; Sakineh Soleimani Varaki; Alireza Taji; Seyed Hassan Abedi; Davoud Jahansouz
Abstract
Introduction: Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in men. The use of radiotherapy, either as definitive or adjuvant treatment, significantly improves disease-free and overall survival rates. However, the inevitable effects of ionizing radiation on healthy tissues, such as the rectum, ...
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Introduction: Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in men. The use of radiotherapy, either as definitive or adjuvant treatment, significantly improves disease-free and overall survival rates. However, the inevitable effects of ionizing radiation on healthy tissues, such as the rectum, can compromise the efficacy of radiotherapy by delaying treatment and diminishing quality of life. Given the established anti-inflammatory properties of quercetin, we hypothesized that quercetin enemas would reduce the incidence of proctitis in patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of quercetin in preventing acute proctitis caused by radiation therapy in prostate cancer patientss.Materials and Methods: In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, 50 patients with prostate cancer scheduled for radiotherapy were randomly assigned to two parallel groups: the quercetin group (receiving a 5 cc quercetin 2% solution enema twice daily from the start of radiation therapy until 7 weeks post-treatment) and the placebo group. Patients were monitored for the frequency of proctitis, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, rectal pain, stool urgency, and quality of life.Results: During the course of radiotherapy, the frequency of proctitis, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and rectal pain increased significantly in both groups. However, no significant differences were observed regarding the incidence of proctitis and its associated symptoms between the two groups during treatment. Additionally, quality of life was comparable across both groups.Conclusion: Quercetin enema did not demonstrate a reduction in radiation-induced acute proctitis in prostate cancer patients.