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Background. Studies have shown that the application of motorcycles in the pre- hospital emergency services in an urban environment improves the time index and the quality of services. The present study aimed to evaluate the performance of the services provided by motorlance in the Tabriz metropolis between 2018-2021. Methods. In this cross-sectional study conducted in the Tabriz pre-hospital emergency center, the recorded data about the patients using motorlance between 2018-2021 were collected and examined. The collected variables included the age, sex, chief complaint of the patients, vital signs of the patients, and final result of the mission in the pre- hospital setting. Two important indices of reaction time and response time in all the missions were evaluated. Results. A total of 9866 motorlance missions were completed during the study period. The mean reaction time was 68.24±62.91 seconds, and the mean response time was 641.70±304.48 seconds. Examination of the patients' chief complaint revealed that the lowest reaction time was for patients with abdominal pain (mean 44.90), and the lowest response time was for patients with cardiopulmonary arrest (mean 550.52). Conclusion. It was concluded that the timing indicators of motorlance missions were within the acceptable range for ambulances. Practical Implications. It was found necessary to increase the number of motorlance in metropolitan cities and employ experienced and knowledgeable personnel in motorlance in order to improve the existing situation and the quality of services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) plays a significant role in the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding and maintaining and improving the health of infants. The goal of this research was to study the start time and duration of SSC in the labor rooms or operating rooms of the hospitals in Khorasan Razavi province. Methods. This descriptive study has been done on 714 newborn babies in labor rooms and ORs of governmental hospitals in Khorasan Razavi province from 1399 to 1401 through convenience sampling method. A midwife who did not have any role in the delivery process kept a record of the time of the SSC and its duration after the delivery. In the next stage, probable reasons for not having SSC, the connection of the start time of SSC and its duration with the start time and duration of breastfeeding were studied. Results. Based on the results of the study, 65% of the cases had SSC after the delivery in labor rooms under study . The mean start time of the SSC was 5.06±12.30 minutes, and the mean duration of the SSC after the birth was 9.28±13.66 minutes. Non-cooperation of the mother (61.38%), the fear of non- sterile environment (8.62%) and hastening the delivery process by the professionals involved (3.79%) were the most common reasons for not having SSC. Conclusion. In 35% of cases, there was no SSC after birth. Starting the contact early after birth can increase the success rate of breastfeeding. Practical Implications. According to the results of our study, skin-to-skin contact in our maternity hospitals is not done in one-third of the cases, which is necessary after the birth of babies. Babies who received skin-to-skin contact started breastfeeding earlier and held the breast longer, indicating that skin-to-skin contact facilitates the initiation of breastfeeding and increases its duration. The non-cooperation of the mother is the most common reason for not having skin-to-skin contact. Therefore, providing the necessary information and training to mothers about the importance of skin-to-skin contact in maintaining the health of babies, facilitating the initiation of breastfeeding, and changing the attitudes and behaviors of mothers seems necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Since the ants play a key role in transmitting microorganisms, it is important to identify the fungal species isolated from the external surfaces of ants caught from hospitals. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the fungal species isolated from the external surfaces of ants caught from Babol hospitals. Methods. Ants were collected by trapping inside sterile tubes and were washed with normal saline for 20 seconds. Then, 100 μL of the resulting solution was cultured in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium and incubated for one week at 35C°. Macroscopic, microscopic, and RFLP-PCR molecular techniques were employed to confirm the grown isolates. Results. A total of 79 fungal isolates including 47 isolates of hyaline fungi (59.49%) and 32 isolates of black fungi (40.51%) were obtained from 63 captured ants. Out of 47 cultured fungi, 15 fungi (31.91%) were Aspergillus niger and 15 (31.91%) were A. flavus, 12 (25.53%) were A. fumigatus and 5 isolates were Penicillium (10.63%). Conclusion. Taking into account the increasing number of immunocompromised patients, outbreak of COVID-19 in recent years, and numerous reports about the invasive fungal diseases among COVID-19 patients, it was found necessary to control the ants as carriers of these organisms. Practical Implications. It was necessary to control these insects effectively in order to prevent the increasing prevalence of the fungal diseases among the hospitalized people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Adequate physical activity is essential to healthy aging. This study aimed to examine the construct validity of the Persian version of the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) among community-dwelling adults, which would be used as a screening tool at the Neyshabur longitudinal study on the aging (NELSA) Center. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Neyshabur, Iran, as a pilot phase at the NELSA center between May and January 2019. The sampling method was a stratified random method. For explanatory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), 300 and 650 community-dwelling adults aged 50 and older were selected, respectively. EFA was used with the principal component extraction method, and Varimax rotation and CFA were performed with the maximum likelihood estimation method. Results. Of the 950 participants, 445 (46.8%) were male, and 505 (53.2%) were female. The mean age of participants was 63 ± 8.6 years. The mean physical activity score was 89.7 ± 70.7. According to the percentage of variance explained in EFA, all five extracted factors explained 62.7% of the total variance. The results of CFA showed that all item- scale relationships were significant (P < 0.05), except for household activity (Q8) and leisure time activity (Q2) (P > 0.05). The values of the fit indices showed that the model fits well with the data. Conclusion. The EFA and CFA confirmed the construct validity of the Persian version of PASE. This questionnaire is suitable for measuring the physical activity level of older Persian adults. Practical Implications. The Persian version of PASE is suitable for measuring the physical activity level of older Persian adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Currently, birth experience is considered an indicator for evaluating the quality of care provided during labor and birth. This study examined the effect of the Iranian positive birth experience guideline on the birth experience of primiparous women. Methods. This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at Taleghani Hospital, Tabriz, Iran (2019). Thirty pregnant women admitted to labor after checking the eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to intervention (developed guidelines) and control (routine hospital care) groups. Women’s birth experience was evaluated 24 hours postpartum using the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ 2.0). An independent sample t-test was employed to compare the average scores between the groups. Results. The mean (standard deviation) of the total score of birth experience in the intervention and control groups was 3.0 (0.4) and 2.1 (0.5), respectively. The average score of the childbirth experience in the intervention group was significantly greater than that of the control group [Mean difference: 0.9; 95% confidence interval: 0.5–1.2; P < 0.001]. Conclusion. The Iranian guideline for improving birth experiences was able to improve primiparous women’s birth experiences more effectively than routine care. Practical Implications. The findings of this study can be considered in the policies and management of healthcare centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Dentists faced the highest risk of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Educating competent students is the first task of the dental school to overcome the created problems and thus, it is necessary to recognize the created educational deficiencies. This study aimed to assess the students' perspectives from the Dental School at Tehran University of Medical Sciences during the academic year 2019-2020, concerning the competencies expected to be developed during the clinical phase of the general dentistry curriculum during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings are intended to inform the formulation of educational strategies in the post-pandemic period to address identified gaps in training. Materials and Methods: During the academic year 2019-2020, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The study consisted of three phases: checklist design, psychometrics, and a survey of general dentistry students in their third to sixth year. The checklist design phase involved a team of four individuals, including educational officials from the faculty, academic staff members, and medical education experts. Experts confirmed the content validity of the checklist, while reliability was assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), which indicated favorable validity and reliability. Subsequently, questionnaires formatted as Google Forms and a census approach were distributed to all students enrolled in the general dental course within the clinical section of the School of Dentistry at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Ultimately, following the data collection process, statistical analysis was conducted utilizing descriptive statistics, including the mean and standard deviation, and the findings were communicated to the group managers. Results: The assessment of content validity was established at a minimum of 71%, based on the evaluations provided by five experts. Additionally, reliability was measured using an intra-cluster correlation coefficient (ICC) exceeding 0.79, signifying a strong level of both validity and reliability. 122 students (53%) in the clinical stage completed the forms related to the pre-clinical/clinical units passed during the Covid era. Despite having enough training, basics Removable Partial Prosthodontics, Surgery 1, and Restorative 3 courses needed more training. In addition, Basics Removable Partial Prosthodontics, Surgery 1, and Surgery 4 needed the most practical training to acquire the necessary competencies. Conclusion: The findings of this research indicated that the dental students expressed a desire for increased practice across various levels of pre-clinical and clinical courses. This would suggest that the challenges associated with patient interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic may not be the sole contributing factor. Consequently, alongside the need for educational planning to address the requirements of enrolled students, it appears essential to conduct similar studies in the post-pandemic context. Furthermore, this approach may also prove beneficial in evaluating educational needs for ongoing professional development courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Suicide attempt is one of the important problems of general world health. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy on social problem-solving, difficulty in emotion regulation, impulsiveness, and resilience in suicide attempts in Ilam Province, Iran. Materials & Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental design with experimental and control groups. The study population consisted of 457 people from Ilam province who committed suicide attempts. A sample of 40 subjects was selected and randomly assigned to two groups (20 experimental and 20 control). The pretest was performed on both groups. Then, the intervention was performed on the experimental group in 12 sessions (1 h), and the control group did not receive any intervention. After the intervention, a post-test was performed in two groups. The research tools included the D’Zurilla social problem-solving scale, Gratz & Roemer difficulties in emotion regulation scale, Barratt impulsiveness scale, and the Connor-Davidson resilience scale questionnaires. Moreover, multivariate covariance analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: The results of the covariance analysis indicated that there was a significant difference between the post-test mean scores of the experimental and control groups in the variables, including social problem-solving (F=430), emotional regulation difficulty (F=94.714), impulsiveness (F=72.404), and resilience (F=11.168), with all variables showing significance at P<0.001. Conclusion: The results indicate that dialectical behavior therapy can be used to increase social problem-solving skills and resilience, as well as to decrease difficulty in emotion regulation and impulsiveness in people who commit suicide attempts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Imatinib drug is used to treat blood cancer by inhibiting the BCRABL tyrosine kinase enzyme, which prevents the proliferation of cancer cells. Materials & Methods: In order to predict the binding affinity of 555 compounds of imatinib derivatives as ABL-BCR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modeling was performed using the Monte Carlo method. The data were randomly divided into four series, including training, invisible training, calibration, and validation sets, as well as they were randomly repeated three times. Results: The results of three random divisions indicated reliable models for predicting the set of external tests with correlation coefficient (R2) and cross-validation correlation coefficient (Q2) in the range of 0.8575-0.8775 and 0.7620-0.7793. Consequently, the obtained models help identify hybrid descriptors for increasing or decreasing binding affinity (Ki) as BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The mechanical interpretation of the model is given in the form of a report of descriptors that decrease and increase pKi, as well as examples of these descriptors. Conclusion: The results reveal that the designed models can be considerably effective in estimating the biological effect of imatinib derivatives proposed by researchers and medicinal chemists. Therefore, it is possible to predict its possible biological effects by spending less time and money before conducting in vitro or in vivo experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: During a pandemic, in addition to a serious threat to the physical health of vulnerable people, the fear of disease and fear of death, along with everyday disturbances, causes healthy people to be involved with the anxiety and stress of the disease and suffer psychological disorders. In the meantime, healthcare workers and medical students are groups of people whose mental health status can be endangered by this virus. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the relationship between perceived psychological stress and anxiety caused by COVID-19 in students and healthcare workers working at the Asadabad School of Medical Sciences. Materials & Methods: During a descriptive-analytical study, 113 students and 85 health workers working at Asadabad School of Medical Sciences in 2019 were examined using a stratified sampling method with proportional allocation. The data collection tool included demographic information, Alipur Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (2018), and the 14-item version of Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (1983). After collecting the data, they were analyzed using SPSS software (version 26). Spearman's correlation test and MannWhitney's non-parametric test with an alpha significance level of less than 0.05 were used to check the relationships and compare the data. Results: The overall mean scores of perceived psychological pressure of workers (22.25±9.29) and students (23.90±9.35) were close to the mean level, and the overall mean of COVID-19-induced anxiety in both groups was at a moderate level (workers: 16.36±10.85 and students: 15.24±10.15). Moreover, there was a positive and significant statistical relationship between perceived psychological pressure and COVID-19-induced anxiety in both groups of workers (r=0.55; P0.00) and students (r=0.37: P=0.00). Nonetheless, the comparison of the level of perceived psychological pressure of medical workers and students did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference between the two groups (u=4108.5; P=0.08). This comparison was not significant for the level of COVID-19-induced anxiety caused in the two groups (u=4582.5; P=0.58). Conclusion: The results of the present study pointed out that both groups of medical workers and students experienced almost the same amount of psychological pressure and anxiety. Furthermore, with the increase in participants' level of COVID-19 anxiety, the perceived psychological pressure also increased and vice versa. Therefore, it is recommended that psychiatrists and psychologists be employed in COVID-19 centers, that free psychological counseling be provided to health-treatment workers and students with problems, and that workshops and retraining courses on resilience and problem-solving skills be held. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The importance and role of the pre-hospital emergency system as the frontline of treatment in reducing casualties and damage to patients, as well as the unknown nature of some biohazardous factors, should be considered. This study aims to investigate the prepared components of the pre-hospital emergency system in dealing with biological threats. Methods: This study is a two-stage qualitative research. The first stage used the critical review method, and the second used the guided qualitative content analysis method. The studied population at this stage consisted of 14 people who were experts in the field of biology. Data were collected and analyzed through semi-structured interviews. Results: After integrating the dimensions and components obtained from the literature review and interviews and based on the opinions of the supervisors and advisors and the summary of the research team, seven dimensions and 23 final components of pre-hospital preparedness in biothreat were extracted and finalized. The study's final findings include seven dimensions of disease warning and diagnosis, information and communication management, management, planning and evaluation, resources and equipment management, documenting and recording experiences, training and practice, and safety and security. Conclusion: The present study can be a reliable source for evaluating biological exercises and actual biological operations by identifying the components and dimensions required for biological exercise. Planning and implementing activities related to the role of the main elements of preparedness identified in this review can help improve the preparedness of emergency medical service systems in incidents. Also, the findings of this study provide valuable information to EMS educators, EMS managers, and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Sedentary lifestyle and physical fitness decline due to war-related complications lead to body composition changes in chemical warfare veterans and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of interval aerobic training on body composition indices of chemical warfare veterans. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test-post-test design. The sample consisted of 17 chemical warfare veterans with 35-25% disability percentage who were randomly assigned to either an experimental (10 subjects) or a control group (7 subjects). The chemical warfare veterans participated in an interval aerobic training program at 60-45% heart rate reserve intensity for eight weeks. Body composition indices were measured using a Body Composition Analyzer model 356 made in South Korea. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare pre-test and post-test means. Results: Interval aerobic training had a significant effect on body weight, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage, fat-free mass, visceral fat levels, and visceral fat area. The training intervention did not have a significant effect on total body water, soft lean mass, and body minerals (P<0.05). Conclusion: The reduction in body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, and visceral fat levels following eight weeks of interval aerobic training leads to a favorable change in body composition and a decrease in overweight and obesity and potentially obesity-related cardiovascular disease risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Pregnancy and childbirth are natural events in the life cycle of women, but at the same time, they are considered stressful experiences that are associated with extensive psychological and physical changes in pregnant mothers. Since spirituality as a hidden source of love, pleasure, and connection with divinity, helps to strengthen and protect human beings against confusion, distress, and the stresses of daily life, it seems that spiritual intelligence can be effective in reducing stress during pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between spiritual intelligence and stress in pregnant mothers referred to Alzahra Medical Education Center in Tabriz. Methods. This study was descriptive and correlational. The statistical population of the current study consisted of 190 pregnant women who referred to Alzahra Medical Education Center in Tabriz in 2022. They were included in the study using the availability sampling method. Questionnaires on spiritual intelligence (with subscales of understanding and connection with the source of existence and spiritual life with reliance on the inner core) and perceived stress (with subscales of negative perceived stress and positive perceived stress) were utilized for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including an independent t-test, an analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results. This study showed that there was no significant difference between the mean of total perceived stress and the positive dimension of perceived stress with the demographic characteristics of the participants. However, there was a significant difference between the mean score of the negative dimension of perceived stress and the history of abortion. A significant correlation was found between the negative and positive dimensions of perceived stress and the source of existence (a small scale of spiritual intelligence), with correlation coefficients of 0.154 (P= 0.04) and 0.224 (P<0.001), respectively. Also, the correlation between the score of spiritual life with reliance on the inner core (from the subscale of spiritual intelligence) and the negative dimension of perceived stress was significant, with a correlation coefficient of 0.234 (P< 0.001). Conclusion. Given the results of this study with respect to the correlation between understanding the connection with the source of existence and perceived stress in the negative and positive dimensions, it seems that women's possession of spiritual intelligence and connection with the source of existence can reduce their stress during pregnancy and ultimately improve the health status of mothers and babies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The addiction to social networks poses serious risks to the lives and well-being of adolescents. This study aimed to create a model of social media addiction that takes into account family dynamics, positive development, and psychological distress, with cognitive emotion regulation strategies acting as mediators among adolescents. Methods. This descriptive-correlational study included adolescents aged 15-18 years during the 2022--2023 educational year in Tabriz schools. Multi-stage cluster sampling was used to select the adolescents. Data were collected using the Social Network Addiction Scale (SNAS), the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS), the Positive Youth Development-Via Strengths Family Scale (PYD-VSF), and the McMaster Family Assessment Device. Pearson correlation and structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses were conducted using SPSS and LISREL software. Results. A strong positive correlation was found between positive youth development and effective emotion regulation strategies. Conversely, there was a notable negative correlation between dysfunctional family dynamics and effective emotion regulation strategies. Psychological distress was directly linked to ineffective emotion regulation strategies. Additionally, a significant direct connection was identified between psychological distress and social media addiction. There was also a notable relationship between dysfunctional family dynamics and social media addiction. The results from the structural equation modeling indicated a strong fit for the proposed model. Specifically, healthy family dynamics were positively correlated with effective cognitive emotion regulation strategies (t = 2.44, γ = 0.17),, while dysfunctional family dynamics showed a negative correlation with these strategies (t = -4.74, γ = -0.43). In conclusion, psychological distress and dysfunctional family dynamics are predictors of social media addiction, with cognitive emotion regulation strategies serving as a mediating factor. Improving emotional self-regulation through better family dynamics and addressing psychological distress can help safeguard adolescents from addiction to the Internet and social media. Conclusion. Psychological distress and unhealthy family functioning predict social media addiction, mediated by cognitive emotion regulation strategies. Enhancing emotional self-regulation through family functioning and addressing psychological distress can protect adolescents from Internet and social media addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Hypertension is one of the most important public health challenges in the world, and self-care is an essential part of hypertension treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a blood pressure management protocol based on the transtheoretical model on improving self-care, self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life in patients with hypertension. Methods. This mixed-methods study consisted of two stages that were conducted in Tabriz Health centers in 2022-2023. The first stage was concerned with designing a blood pressure management protocol based on the transtheoretical model. The second stage was centered on a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of the designed protocol on increasing self-care, self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life. Thus, 60 people with hypertension were included in the study and were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups. Data was collected via relevant questionnaires in the pre-test stage, immediately after the training (baseline), 2 months after the training in the post-test stage, and 4 months after the training in the follow-up stage. ANCOVA (repeated measures) statistical test was used to evaluate the effect of the intervention at different times. Results. In the patients of the experimental group, the designed protocol sustainably increased the dimensions of self-care over time (P<0.001). Also, this protocol was effective in increasing self-efficacy and health-related quality of life dimensions in the patients of the experimental group (P<0.001). This increase was not observed for the variables of self-efficacy, self-care, and quality of life in the control group (P>0.05). Conclusion. The greatest effect of training based on the transtheoretical model was on the patients' self-care. Furthermore, with the passage of time in the presentation of education, the effect of the intervention decreased. Therefore, it can be concluded that holding short training sessions continuously to stabilize the behavior change of patients with hypertension is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Universities have established a system of periodic evaluation and accreditation in order to manage the quality of education, enhance their physical resources and educational equipment, and improve their human resources. This study aimed to conduct an analysis of second-generation institutional accreditation standards for medical sciences universities from the experts' perspective. Methods. The present research was a qualitative study with an inductive approach conducted at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences between the years 2019- 2022. The sampling method was purposeful, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 34 managers, officials of development offices, and experts involved in the accreditation programs of educational institutions. As for study validation, the four criteria of Guba and Lincoln (i.e., credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability) were used. As for data analysis, MAXQDA 20, a software program designed for computer-assisted qualitative and mixed-methods data analysis, was used. The interview texts were analyzed using the content analysis method. Results. The results of the content analysis identified 204 initial codes, 9 subcategories, and 2 main categories (the strengths and weaknesses of the content). The subcategories of strengths included standardization, improvement of educational processes, development of assessment areas, restructuring of educational structure, benchmarking global experiences, and transparency in criteria. The subcategories of weaknesses included structural weaknesses, lack of validity, and ambiguity in criteria. Conclusion. The process of analyzing the content of accreditation standards for educational institutions periodically and obtaining regular feedback will lead to the enhancement of the standards and the realization of activities, ultimately resulting in the improvement of educational quality and the dynamism of the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Respectful maternity care (RMC) is a crucial approach to enhancing the experiences of mothers. This study aimed to explore women's views on the factors contributing to disrespect and abuse (D&A) during childbirth. Methods. A qualitative study was conducted with 12 postpartum women selected through purposive sampling to ensure maximum diversity. Data were gathered through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a conventional content analysis method. Results. The analysis revealed seven key categories. These categories included respect for women, meeting needs and preferences, involvement of women, continuity of care, empathy, adequate human and non-human resources, and factors that deter D&A. Conclusion. It is essential to develop effective interventions to enhance RMC across various dimensions. Providing RMC during and after childbirth necessitates the involvement of policymakers and health managers. This can be accomplished by addressing the welfare and environmental needs, showing empathy towards mothers, safeguarding their privacy, alleviating staff workloads, and transforming the attitudes of healthcare workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. One of the common treatments for prostate cancer is radical prostatectomy, which is performed in different ways. One of the advantages of the nerve bundle preservation method is better exposure, decrease in rectal damage the lower rectum. In addition, the possibility of a positive margin is less. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the results of using the high anterior release (HAR) technique in radical open prostatectomy surgery. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, after examining patients and their entry into the study and obtaining their medical records, questions were asked to assess erectile function and urinary incontinence. The prostate-specific antigen level was checked before and after the operation. In addition, the average surgical time, blood loss, and hospitalization time were evaluated. Finally, the data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical analysis program, version 19. Results. In this study, 102 patients underwent radical prostatectomy, with an average age of 62.33 years. About 56.9% of patients had stage t2b. During the 6-month follow-up after surgery, 70.5% of patients had complete urinary continence. Data analysis demonstrated that there is a direct relationship between urinary incontinence, with a history of radiotherapy (P<0.001), and the stage of the disease (P=0.019). After surgery, 61.8% of patients were satisfied with the erection function . Conclusion. The results of this study revealed that urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction are relatively common complications of this surgery. However, compared to other similar studies, the incidence of these two complications is lower. Practical Implications. Urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction are relatively prevalent complications of radical prostatectomy surgery using the HAR technique. Nonetheless, the incidence of these two complications is lower compared to other similar studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is one of the most important public health issues, and the evaluation and improvement of COVID-19 health literacy and self-care can be effective in preventing its spread. This study was conducted to investigate the health literacy of COVID-19 and its relationship with self-care among the health ambassadors of Urmia in 2021. Methods. In this descriptive-analytical study, 400 health ambassadors of Urmia were selected using the cluster random sampling method. The data-gathering tool was a questionnaire, including questions about self-care, COVID-19 health literacy, and demographic information. The data were analyzed by SPSS 19 using analysis of variance and regression tests. Results. COVID-19-related health literacy was reported to be at a good level (63.5%) in most health ambassadors. In addition, it had a statistically significant relationship with the level of education and economic status. Similarly, there was a significant relationship between self-care and demographic characteristics such as age, gender, level of education, occupation, and economic status (P>0.05). On the other hand, according to data analysis results, with an increase in health literacy related to COVID-19, regression modeling could predict 22% of self-care behaviors in the participants of the present study. Conclusion. Overall, there is a need for interventions by healthcare professionals for training to increase health literacy related to COVID-19 that results in self-care and adoption of health behaviors in health ambassadors, given the significance of COVID)19-related health literacy and its effects on self-care in these ambassadors. Practical Implications. The findings of this study can be presented to the Deputy of Health and healthcare providers so that actions can be taken to promote health literacy and self-care and prevent similar epidemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Anxiety is independently associated with severe quality of life impairment and severe postmenopausal symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of early postmenopausal symptoms, sexual function, and serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) with anxiety scores. Methods. In this cross-sectional descriptive correlational study, 117 eligible postmenopausal women aged 50-60 years with mild to moderate anxiety were selected using convenience sampling method. The Beck Anxiety Inventory, Green's Menopause Symptoms Scale, and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were completed. Data were analyzed using Pearson and Spearman tests and linear regression model. Results. By adjusting the confounding variables, the total score of FSFI and its sub)domains had no statistically significant relationship with Beck Anxiety Inventory score (P>0.05). The total score of Greene Climacteric Scale (r=0.535; P<0.001) and sub-domains of anxiety (r=0.448; P<0.001), depression (r=0.344; P<0.001), and physical symptoms (r=0.509; P<0.001), as well as the serum level of DHEA (r=-0.754; P<0.001) had statistically significant relationship with Beck Anxiety Inventory score. The total score of Greene Climacteric Scale and its sub-domains, except for the sexual dimension, and DHEA level could predict anxiety score. Conclusion. The score of menopausal symptoms and its subdomains, except for the sexual domain and DHEA level, could predict the anxiety score. The findings of this study show the importance of the relationship between early menopause symptoms and serum level of dihydroepiandrosterone with anxiety score in postmenopausal women. Practical Implications. It is suggested to conduct a more comprehensive study considering a wider sample size and socio-cultural factors and barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. More than 1 million colorectal cancers (CRC) are diagnosed annually. This cancer is the cause of 600,000 deaths, and many of these deaths can be reduced by screening. Colonoscopy is the best screening method and tool to diagnose CRC, but it causes anxiety and worry in patients. In addition, no appropriate tool has so far been introduced for assessing anxiety in these patients. Accordingly, the present study aimed to design and psychometrically evaluate a tool for assessing anxiety in patients undergoing colonoscopy. Methods. This methodological study used a descriptive-cross-sectional approach to design a psychometric questionnaire. To this end, 106 patients participated in this research, and the questionnaire was completed online. The validity of the list and the analysis of its main components were determined through exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation and confirmatory factor analysis. The reliability of the tool was also checked with Cronbach’s alpha. Results. Overall, 20 terms of the questionnaire were examined by exploratory analysis, and 5 factors explained 57.76% of the total variance. The internal consistency of the tool with Cronbach’s alpha was 0.91. Conclusion. The findings of the research revealed that the tool for assessing anxiety in patients undergoing colonoscopy with 20 items and 5 factors has adequate validity and reliability and can be used to assess the anxiety of colonoscopy patients. Practical Implications. The results of this research can change policies in the field of treatment to reduce the anxiety of colonoscopy patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To correct and complete Sana`i’s works, it is necessary to refer to secondary sources, including Persian dictionaries. In this study, verses attributed to Sana`i in thirteen early Persian dictionaries are reviewed and his nineteen newly found verses are introduced. The method of this research is citation analysis, where, first, the verses attributed to Sana`i are extracted by the library method and based on some Persian dictionaries, and next, by applying the method of citation analysis, the status of each of the attributions is determined. His nineteen verses not available in his edited works are mentioned here. The cases where other verses are mistakenly attributed to Sana`i are introduced in brief. For critical editing and completing Sana`i’s works, it is necessary to resort to his poetic evidence in Persian dictionaries. By assessing thirteen Persian dictionaries from the 7th to the 13th century AH, a total of 1515 verses, are attributed to Sana`i is found, among which, his nineteen verses are absent in his printed works. The attribution of poetic evidence in Persian dictionaries is sometimes incorrect and a verse is mistakenly attributed to another poet. As in these thirteen dictionaries, thirty-one verses and one stanza are wrongly attributed to Sana`i. This mistake occurred mostly in the Suzani Samarqandi poems and Nezami Ganjavi's Haft-Peykar. In Persian dictionaries, among the works of Sana`i, the verses of Hadiqat al-Haqiqah and his Divan are cited the most. Sana`i’s printed works do not represent all his poems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nurses with intelligence and moral reasoning can perform well and be effective in their relationships with colleagues, patients, and companions. The clinical competence of nurses is the primary concern of healthcare systems. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between moral intelligence, moral reasoning, and clinical competence of nurses. Material & Methods: This descriptive-analytical correlational study was conducted on 110 nurses who were selected via convenience sampling in the teaching hospitals of Ilam in 2022. Data collection tools were demographic characteristics form, Link and Keel's moral intelligence, the Nursing Clinical Competence Questionnaire by Liu et al., and the Nursing Dilemma Test by Chrisham. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 16) using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The level of statistical significance was 0.05. Results: The majority of subjects were women (54.5%) with a bachelor's degree in nursing (87.3%), official employment (61.8%), with a work experience of 1-5 years (50%), and mean age of 30.98±5.83 years. The mean scores of moral intelligence, moral reasoning, and clinical competence were reported as 157.59±26.60, 36.51±16.17, and 136.65±46.08, respectively. There was a direct and significant correlation between moral intelligence and clinical competence (r=0.517; P=0.001), moral intelligence and moral reasoning (r=0.444; P=0.001), as well as moral reasoning and clinical competence (r=0.802; P=0.001). Discussion & Conclusion: Considering the direct and significant relationship between the variables, it is recommended that nurses' awareness of moral intelligence, moral reasoning, and clinical competency be raised through clinical training courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder. Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent disease affecting these individuals from middle age onwards and leading to numerous problems for individuals, their families, and their caregivers. To develop Alzheimer's prevention strategies for Down syndrome, it is of utmost importance to understand the factors that contribute to its development, such as psychological foundations. The present study aimed to analyze personality and lifestyle in slow-paced adults with Down syndrome with and without Alzheimer's disease. Material & Methods: This qualitative research was conducted based on a descriptive phenomenological design. The research population consisted of adults with Down syndrome (60 cases without Alzheimer's and 10 subjects with Alzheimer's), their parents, and caregivers in Kermanshah province in 2023. In this regard, data collection was carried out through access to medical records of individuals in the Welfare Organization and also semi-structured interviews with these individuals who were purposefully selected until reaching the stage of theoretical saturation. Data analysis was performed using the Clausi method, and the main and sub-themes were identified. For final validation, the criteria of validity and reliability were used. Results:The findings from the data analysis resulted in the extraction of 3 main themes (social-psychotic-coping skills), 14 sub-themes in personality dimension, and 9 main themes (sleep-physical activity-occupation-physical health-weight control and nutrition-personal hygiene-smoking and alcohol consumption-leisure time-doing things independently) and 21 sub-themes in the lifestyle dimension. Discussion & Conclusion: The results of this study highlighted the role and importance of a healthy lifestyle and adaptive personality characteristics in preventing Alzheimer's disease in slow-paced adults with Down syndrome. Therefore, it is suggested that preventive and awareness-raising programs in these two dimensions be developed and implemented by experts and official centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Protection motivation theory is one of the most effective theories in predicting preventive behaviors. It first emphasizes motivation and then the development of adaptive skills. This theory is used to understand and predict health intentions and behaviors that protect a person from traumatic events. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of group training based on protection motivation theory in the lifestyle, negative thoughts, and dysfunctional attitudes of depressed people. Material & Methods: In this study, we adopted a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design. The statistical population was all clients suffering from mild to moderate depression who visited the Ghaemshahr Help Center in the spring of 1402. Considering that 15-20 people are used in group training, a number of 40 people in two experimental groups and controls were selected by the available sampling method and answered the health-promoting lifestyle questionnaires of Walker and colleagues (1987), Weisman and Beck's dysfunctional attitudes by Wiseman and Beck (1978), and Kendall and Hollon's (1980) negative self-concepts. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, multivariate covariance analysis, and univariate covariance analysis. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The results of the analysis of covariance demonstrated that the mean scores of lifestyles, negative spontaneous thoughts, and ineffective attitudes in experimental and control groups had a statistically significant difference of less than 1% (P=0.01). Moreover, the post-test mean scores of negative self-inflicted thoughts and ineffective attitudes of subjects in the experimental group under self-protection motivation training decreased compared to the control group who were not under training. Furthermore, the effect size for group membership for lifestyle was equal to (Eta=0.83), for negative spontaneous thoughts, it was equal to (Eta=0.69), and for ineffective attitudes, it was equal to (Eta=0.62). Discussion & Conclusion: Self-protection motivation training is effective in improving lifestyle and reducing negative self-esteem and ineffective attitudes of depressed people. According to the nature of the protection motivation theory, it is suggested to be used to improve the lifestyle, negative thoughts, and ineffective attitude of depressed people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Asymmetrical gait mechanics after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are associated with the development of post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis. Current measures of gait mechanics have focused on peak magnitudes of knee kinematics, kinetics, and joint contact forces; nonetheless, they have seldom considered the plantar pressure and muscular frequency content in individuals with ACLR and pronate feet (PF). The present study aimed to compare ACLR and PF with healthy controls during walking. Material & Methods: The present study was conducted based on a quasi-experimental and laboratory design. The sample of this study comprised 13 people with ACLR and PF and 13 subjects from the healthy group. The mean age scores of patients in the two groups of healthy and sick participants were 22.9±4.1 and 23.2±4.5 years, respectively. During the test, subjects walked barefoot on an 18-m runway. Peak plantar pressure variables in both groups were recorded by a foot scan system (sampling rate: 300 Hz). The electromyography activity of the tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius medialis, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and gluteus medius were recorded during walking. Results:The results demonstrated that the peak midfoot region plantar pressure values (P=0.018) were higher in the ACLR/PF group than in the healthy group during walking. In addition, the results highlighted a significant difference in the muscle frequency content of the rectus femoris (P=0.012, d=0.68) and vastus latelarlis (P=0.042) during the loading response and push-off phase in the ACLR/PF group compared to the healthy group during walking. Discussion & Conclusion: Peak plantar pressure values at the midfoot region and rectus femoris and vastus lateralis muscular frequency content in the ACLR/PF group differed from that of the healthy group during walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Strengthening metacognitive therapy strategies in self-concept and academic performance can be a crucial step in identifying, improving, and clinically treating psychological issues and promoting mental health. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of metacognitive therapy on learning styles and academic self-concept of secondary school girls in Jahrom. Methods & Materials: This research was carried out in terms of practical purpose and quantitative research method of semi-experimental and pre-test and post-test design with experimental and control groups and random assignment on the statistical population of secondar school girls in Jahrom. Seventytwo subjects were selected by multistage cluster sampling method and 36 individuals placed in each group. The experimental groups underwent group metacognitive therapy during ten 70-minute sessions. The tools of this research were questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate covariance analysis and SPSS. v. 28 software. Results: The results of the showed that the metacognitive strategies training intervention significantly increased the average of written (from 4.72 to 5.44) and visual styles (from 3.17 to 4.67), as well as academic self-concept (from 72.36 to 81.14) (p<0.05). Also, the intervention caused a significant decrease in the average of two learning styles: listening (from 5.08 to 3.86) and movement (from 3.03 to 2.06) (p<0.05). The partial eta squared index showed that the metacognitive strategies training intervention had the most effectiveness on movement style and academic self-concept with the coefficient of 0.154 and 0.153, respectively . Conclusion: Metacognitive therapy is effective in improving learning styles and academic self-concept as a clinical treatment approach, and overall, it can promote mental health, and improve or treat psychological health issues outside the academic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Marital infidelity can cause psychological and social damage of the family foundation. The purpose of the present research was Explaining the model of mental, spiritual and social health based on the intensity of stressful events with the mediation of religious beliefs and meaning and purpose in life in women victims of marital infidelity with regard to the style of attachment to God. Materials and Methods: The method of the current research was correlational description. The statistical society of the research was 360 women were the victims of marital infidelity that during the second 3 months of the year, they referred to psychological counseling clinics in Jahrom city with easy access sampling. Data collection tools were social health, meaning in life, measures of attachment style to god, stress inventory and religious belief questionnaires. The data were analyzed using Lisrel, Smart PLS and SPSS software and 0/05 significant. Results: The direct relationship between Social health and meaning and purpose in life (β= 0.532, P<0.05), with religious beliefs (β= 0.610, P<0.05) and religious beliefs and meaning and purpose in life (β= 0.650, P<0.05) was statistically significant. Conclusion: The religious beliefs and meaning and purpose in life in women victims of marital infidelity role of mediation on increasing on the intensity of stressful events on social health. While the style of attachment to God does not have moderating role. The research of the current research emphasize the importance of having a purpose in life, religious beliefs with educational interventions, logo therapy and spiritual therapy to God on social health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Women with breast cancer often face deep spiritual challenges that affect their performance and spiritual health. This qualitative study was conducted to investigate the spiritual experiences of women with breast cancer and the role of spirituality in the cancer experience. Methods & Materials: This study was conducted with a qualitative research method and a contractual content analysis approach in 2024 at the Chemotherapy Center of Peymaniyeh Hospital in Jahrom City under the supervision of Jahrom University of Medical Sciences. To collect information, 13 patients with breast cancer were selected by targeted sampling and a semi-structured interview was conducted with them. Interviews were recorded, handwritten, and analyzed by Granheim and Lundman method. Lincoln and Cuban criteria were used to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data. Data were analyzed using MAXQDA 2020 software (VERBI). Results: Information in 3 levels of spiritual needs, including 4 sub-levels of communication with God, in search of awareness, hope in overcoming suffering, finding meaning in suffering, and spiritual and spiritual synergy; The category of factors of fear and suffering of the patient includes 3 sub-categories in the clutches of poverty and time, double suffering and silent battle, and the category of spirituality results in patients includes 2 sub-categories in the arms of God in overcoming cancer and recovery and healing pains. The average age of the patients was 44.30 years. Finally, 10 subcategories and 3 main categories (spiritual needs, factors of fear and suffering, and results of spirituality in patients) were extracted. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that living with breast cancer can change the path of life, beliefs and spiritual attitudes of patients. In addition, it will cause their spiritual growth and excellence. Also, the findings of this study showed the importance of addressing the spiritual needs of breast cancer patients as part of comprehensive and patient-centered care. It is recommended to conduct more studies on meeting the spiritual needs of cancer patients as a part of spiritual care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Evaluating the attitudes and beliefs of different classes of society is very important in attracting donors. This study aimed to evaluate the attitude of students of Alborz University of Medical Sciences regarding blood donation and investigate the obstacles in this field. Materials and Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 330 students of different fields of Alborz University of Medical Sciences in 2023. A questionnaire containing demographic questions and main research questions (12 questions to evaluate the causes of blood donation-7 questions to evaluate the reasons for not donating again in donors - 20 questions to evaluate the factors preventing blood donation in non-donors-12 questions about the general attitude to blood donation in donors and non-donors) were used to collect data. Data analysis was done with SPSS21 software and descriptive statistics. Results The average age was 22.85 ± 0.26 years and only 11.5% had history of donating blood. The most important motivating factors include altruistic causes (100%), feeling of responsibility (96.9%), moral and personal commitment (87.5%), participation in social activities (75%) and helping patients (71.9%). The most important reasons preventing blood donation are fear of dizziness and weakness (77.2% and 64.1%, respectively), lack of proper information (67%), fear of hand burning and hematoma (42.4%) and fear of anemia (47.8%). Conclusions Despite the low donation rate, most students had a positive attitude towards blood donation. In order to encourage students to donate blood, the necessary information should be provided through holding appropriate educational programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives The covid-19 epidemic leads to more mortality while creating health-treatment problems. Exact identification of the patients, evaluation of immunologic and hematologic parameters and their relationship is important in determining the treatment process. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between red blood cell indices and CRP and IL-6 in patients with covid-19. Materials and Methods In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, the data of 280 hospitalized patients with covid-19 in 3 Hamedan hospitals during 2020 and 2021 were entered in SPSS version 27 software. Data were analyzed using Chi square test, Spearman correlation coefficient, with the significance level (p< 0.05). Results By evaluation of the data of covid-19 patients, it was found that Hb, Hct, MCHC, RDW, and MCV indices with correlation coefficient of 0.16, 0.19, 0.16, 0.21, and 0.23 are related to IL-6 level significantly (p : 0.007, 0.002, 0.009, < 0.001, and < 0.001, respectively). Meanwhile, none of these indices have a significant relationship with the CRP level. Conclusions Accurate assessment of red blood cell indices and their relationship with immunological parameters could be helpful in term of choosing proper treatment method, predicting disease severity and clinical manifestations, determining required service level, and providing intensive care for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Human lymphotropic virus type I mainly infects lymphocytes. For the detection of this virus, mainly nucleated cells are evaluated. Due to the short longevity of cells, sample collection is a challenge. The purpose of the study was to investigate the presence of HTLV-1 virus in genomic DNA released from cells in plasma and to determine its viral load in Western blotpositive blood donors Materials and Methods In this descriptive study, 30 HTLV-1 positive Western blot donors were evaluated. Using an extraction kit, genomic DNA was extracted from plasma and isolated PBMC using Ficol. A nested PCR test was used to confirm the presence of HTLV-1 virus. A real-time PCR quantitative test by Sybergreen method was used to determine the amount of virus load Results The average age of subjects was 42.9 ± 13.5 years; 93.3% of them were male and 6.6% female. LTR gene region was detected by nested PCR method in 80% of plasma and 100% of PBMC samples. The median viral loads in plasma and PBMC were 1.90 Copies/µL and 20 copies/106 PBMC, respectively. Conclusions To detect the HTLV-1 virus by molecular method, the HTLV-1 provirus DNA released from cells, in the plasma can be used when peripheral blood mononuclear cells are unavailable. It has also been observed that the virus load in the plasma of asymptomatic carriers is approximately 10 times lower than in PBMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives This study looked at the frequency of HLA alleles and their genetic diversity in specific Iranian ethnic groups. This is important for the successful transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells. Materials and Methods In this descriptive study, HLA-DRB1 alleles were determined in low resolution level for donors using the PCR-SSP method. By using the HLA lab data and the stem cell donors' information in Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, the ethnic and HLA information from the Gilak (n = 510, 24.70%), Lur (n = 465, 22.53%), Kurd (n = 719, 34.84%), and Arab (n = 370, 17.93%) ethnicities were collected and analyzed. The relationship between alleles and ethnicity was examined, and a statistically significant relationship (p < 0.05) between the frequency of alleles in the studied ethnic groups was evaluated using the chi-square test. Results The low frequency allelic groups related to HLA-DRB1 were HLA-DRB1*09 (0.6%), HLADRB1*12 (0.8%), and HLA-DRB1*08 (1.6%). Allelic groups with higher frequency included HLA-DRB1*11 (22.7%), HLA-DRB1*03 (11.8%), HLA-DRB1*15 (11.7%), and HLADRB1*04 (11.1%). Among the allelic groups of HLA-DRB1, the frequency of 9 HLA-DRB1 allelic groups showed significant differences in the studied populations. Conclusions The frequency of several allelic groups showed significant differences among Iranian ethnicities. Identifying similarities and differences in the frequency of HLA alleles among Iranian ethnicities can help not only expand the pool of donors in registries but also assist in planning for providing of hematopoietic stem cell donors for patients from different Iranian ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Patient blood management reduces unnecessary transfusions to improve patients' health. Familiarity of physicians with this program is necessary to improve the outcomes of patients health. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of education on the level of knowledge of residents in medical centers in Yazd, 2022-2023. Materials and Methods The study was a before and after quasi-experimental intervention. 57 medical residents participated. A 20 question questionnaire measured the residents' knowledge level in patient blood management before and after the education. The validity of the questionnaire was measured by a survey of experienced physicians in the management of patient's blood. Reliability with Cronbach's alpha test was 0.8. The data were analyzed using t and Paired-t tests in SPSS 20 software. Results 35 participants (61.4%) were women and 22 (38.6%) were men. Their mean age was 30.58 ± 5.45 years.The average knowledge scores were 9.38 ± 3.77 and 14.01 ± 3.50 before and after education, respectively (p < 0.001). The lowest response rate before instructions pertained to evaluation of patients' anemia before surgery and knowledge of autologous blood usage. The knowledge score had no significant relationship with age, sex, blood prescription history, and medical practice duration. Conclusions Education effectively increased the knowledge of residents. It is suggested to include hold targeted educational programs with emphasis on the areas of anemia management and the use of autologous blood, publish educational guides, and include transfusion medicine and the patient's blood management program in medical education curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida yeasts in immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to assess antifungal susceptibility of clinical isolates of Candida species to ketoconazole and nystatin by broth microdilution. Material & Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 377 clinical isolates of Candida species were collected from different regions of Iran. The species were identified using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The antifungal susceptibility testing of clinical isolates of Candida species to ketoconazole and nystatin was performed using broth microdilution according to standard protocol CLSI (M27-A3 and M27-S4). The standard strain of Candida parapsilosis was used as the quality of control. The minimum inhibitory of concentrations was determined after 24h at 37 ºC. Results: Based on molecular identification, Candida albicans 266 (70.7%), C. krusei 64 (17%), C. parapsilosis 40 (10.7%), and C. tropicalis 6 (1.6%) were identified. The MIC90 and MIC50 values of ketoconazole and nystatin for all isolates were 0.063 µg/ml, 0.031 µg/ml, 2 µg/ml, and 4 µg/ml, respectively. Discussion & Conclusion: As evidenced by the results of this study, antifungal susceptibility testing along with the identification of fungi at the species level would certainly be very useful in selecting primary antifungal agents for treatment, especially in invasive fungal infections. According to our findings, ketoconazole was much more effective on Candida spp. than nystatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome is a type of digestive dysfunction characterized by chronic abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements and is somehow related to psychological factors. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of emotional-focused therapy in the difficulty of emotional regulation and the severity of symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).. Material & Methods: in this study, a pretest-post-test, quasi-experimental method with a control group was used. The statistical population of the present study was all patients with IBS referred to specialized and subspecialty centers of hospitals and clinics in Arak in the spring of 2023, of whom 30 eligible people volunteered to participate in the research. They were selected by purposeful sampling. The participants in the research completed the difficulty of emotion regulation questionnaire and the symptoms of irritable bowel. Results:The results demonstrated that emotional therapy has an effect on the difficulty of emotion regulation and the severity of symptoms in patients with IBS. Discussion & Conclusion: Traditional medical management is often unsatisfactory and does not address critical issues. Results suggest that it is essential that psychological treatments target IBS-specific factors for change, including emotion regulation. Therefore, one of the effective treatments for IBS can be emotional therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The COVID-19 crisis exerts a marked impact on the quality of life of individuals experiencing grief. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of life quality improvement treatment and emotion-focused therapy on the cognitive flexibility and vitality of individuals affected by grief due to COVID-19. Material & Methods: This research employed a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with two experimental groups and one control group. In 2021, 30 individuals affected by grief were purposefully selected and randomly assigned to three groups: life quality improvement treatment, emotion-focused therapy, and the control group. Data were collected using the Cognitive Flexibility Questionnaire and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. The first experimental group received emotion-focused therapy (Leslie Greenberg, 2012), while the second experimental group received life quality improvement treatment (Fresch, 2006). Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 27) using analysis of covariance. Results: The results demonstrated that both emotion-focused therapy and therapy based on improving quality of life had a positive effect on behavioral flexibility and social vitality, and the effectiveness of therapy based on improving quality of life on the vitality of bereaved people was more than emotion-focused therapy. Discussion & Conclusion: Considering the effectiveness of both treatments on the flexibility of action and the effectiveness of the treatment to improve the quality of life and vitality of people with grief, psychotherapists can benefit from both two treatments to improve the quality of life and vitality of people with the experience of grief to take. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The present study aimed at determining the effect of emotional schema therapy on the irrational beliefs and body image of women with body deformity disorders. Methods. This was semi-experimental research with a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population of this research included all women with body deformity disorders who were referred to the psychiatric centers of the 5th district of Tehran in 2021. Using the available sampling method, 30 people were selected from those who were referred to the mentioned centers. The research tools included the Ahvaz Irrational Belief and the Self-Body Multidimensional Questionnaires. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance in SPSS-24. Results. Emotional schema therapy was effective on the irrational beliefs (the total score) and body image of women with body deformity disorders. In addition, emotional schema therapy could affect irrational beliefs in the components of expecting approval from others, avoiding problems, and showing emotional irresponsibility, but it had no significant effect on the component of being helpless against change. Conclusion. According to the findings, emotional schema therapy can be an effective method for correcting the irrational beliefs and body image of women with body deformity disorders. Practical Implications. Based on the results, therapists can use emotional schema therapy as one of the most efficient methods for treating negative beliefs and stereotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Sexual assertiveness is defined as a psychosocial feeling about an individual’s interpretation of how to express her/her feelings in marital relationships. The present study aimed at investigating the effect of sexual assertiveness training on marital satisfaction and happiness of women referring to Tabriz health centers in 2021. Methods. This semi-experimental study was conducted on 66 women of reproductive age, referring to the health centers in Tabriz, Iran. The participants who obtained a Hulbert sexual assertiveness score of less than 33 were randomly assigned to control and intervention groups. The data were collected using an eligibility checklist (inclusion/exclusion criteria), a demographic characteristics questionnaire, the Halbert Index of Sexual Assertiveness (HISA), the Larson Sexual Satisfaction (LSS) scale, and the Marital Happiness Scale (MHS). The educational intervention of HISA was held in three sessions lasting 60-90 minutes. Eventually, the participants completed HISA, LSS, and MHS questionnaires before and after the intervention. Results. The findings of the present study indicated a significant difference between the mean scores of HISA, LSS, and MHS in the post-intervention stage between the two groups (P=0.001). Conclusion. Given the positive effect of sexual assertiveness training on women’s sexual satisfaction and marital happiness, it is recommended that these simple and lowcost educational interventions be considered to improve the mental and sexual status of women. Practical Implications. Sexual assertiveness education program improved sexual satisfaction and marital happiness. It is recommended to apply these simple and low-cost educational interventions to improve the mental and sexual status of women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Given the fact that there is contradictory evidence regarding the effectiveness of computerized cognitive rehabilitation interventions, the present study intended to compare the potential effects of non-computer and computer-based cognitive rehabilitation interventions on the memory of stroke patients in Tabriz. Methods. To this end, we conducted a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest control group design. The population of the study included individuals who were admitted to a hospital in Tabriz, Iran, for the treatment of stroke. After identifying patients who met the inclusion criteria on the base of purposive sampling,, 45 stroke patients were randomly selected and assigned to two experimental groups (15 in the computer-based group and 15 in the non-computer group) and one control group (15 in the waiting list). To measure the dependent variables of the research, Wechsler’s Digit Span subscale and Folstein’s MMSE were used. The cognitive rehabilitation therapy was performed three times a week for 7 weeks for the non-computer experimental group. The computer-based rehabilitation intervention using Captain’s Log software was delivered during the same period. Results. The results show that both computer-based and non-computer cognitive rehabilitation interventions are equally effective in improving working memory (visual and auditory) of stroke patients. Conclusion. It can be concluded that the unsubstantiated orientation towards the quality and quantity of using new computer-based interventions is not desirable and that the potential of both computer and non-computer interventions should be used to improve the memory of stroke patients. Practical Implications. Based on the findings, specialists can use the potential of both non-computer and computer-based cognitive rehabilitation interventions in improving auditory/visual working memory function of patients with stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The need to have customer complaint handling systems in universities can be a step towards improving and developing the establishment of comprehensive quality management in the products and services of universities, and this will make job satisfaction among university employees better and more. Aim: The purpose of this research was to develop a psychological model of customer complaint management on the quality management of job satisfaction evaluation. Method: The current research is applied and in terms of the descriptive implementation method - a correlation survey, the statistical population of the present researcher was all the employees of the sports departments of Islamic Azad Universities in the northwest of the country (320 people) in 1401, 180 people were randomly selected as a sample. and participated in the present research. The measurement tool in this research is the complaint management questionnaire. Statistical software and SPSS version-23 were used to download and design the model. Results: The findings of the research showed that comprehensive quality management directly affects the management of customer complaints, but the effect of comprehensive quality management through the mediating variable of job satisfaction was not effective on the management of customer complaints. Also, the results indicated the effect of comprehensive quality management on job satisfaction. Conclusion: Based on the results of this attention to the factors affecting the job satisfaction of employees, such as improving the organizational climate, improving the payment system, motivational and participation-oriented leadership style, and physical conditions can also affect the way employees respond to customers. In fact, comprehensive quality management by focusing on empowering employees, improving the accountability system, speed in dealing with customers' demands, respect for the prevailing values in the society and the organization, as well as having the necessary flexibility in front of customers and their demands can make the organization in Better management of customer complaints and their satisfaction is helpful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Inefficiency in the process of emotion regulation prevents the emergence of efficient behaviors and appropriate coping responses to the situation in marital relationships by the individual, which seems to be influenced by relational beliefs. Aim: The present study aimed to formulate a structural model of marital satisfaction based on relational beliefs with the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation in married women. Methods: The current research was descriptive-correlation based on the method of structural equations and the statistical population of the present study consisted of all married women between the ages of 30 and 50 who were referred to counseling centers in Tehran in the first six months of 2022, among them 371 women were selected using the random clusters sampling method. The research tools included ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale, Relationship Belief Inventory, and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. For data analysis, Pearson's correlation method and structural equations were used with SPSS version 22 and AMOS version 24 software. Results: The results of the present study showed there is an indirect and significant relationship between relational beliefs and marital satisfaction with the mediation of positive emotional cognitive regulation (P=0.003, Z=-2.11). There is an indirect and significant relationship between relational beliefs and marital satisfaction with the mediation of negative emotional cognitive regulation (P=0.009, Z=-1.78). Conclusion: The results showed that marital satisfaction is predicted based on communication beliefs with the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation in married women. It is suggested that couple therapists and family therapists pay attention to relational beliefs and cognitive emotion regulation strategies derived from them in counseling and couple therapy to increase marital satisfaction [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Perfectionism is a psychological issue that psychologists have studied extensively. Research shows that perfectionism can either enhance or hinder performance. Aim: The purpose of this research was to develop a model of perfectionism for abnormal personality traits. Method: This study utilized a mixed exploratory approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative phase involved 20 university experts knowledgeable about perfectionism in sports, with the sample size reaching theoretical saturation. The quantitative phase included 232 players from the national team's training camps, selected through convenience sampling. Using the onion research method, a model of perfectionism for abnormal personality traits in national team players was developed based on interviews and expert input. A 10-component questionnaire was created from this model. Structural equation modeling and Smart PLS software were used to test relationships within the model. Results: The research yielded a model of perfectionism for abnormal personality traits in national team players, consisting of components such as negativity, expectations of others, coach criticism, self-control, individual standards, positivism, striving for excellence, fear of failure, and performance doubts. Conclusion: The results suggest that perfectionism significantly influences players' attitudes and behaviors, particularly in relation to abnormal personality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The family's emotional climate and resilience are among the protective factors against drug use by teenagers. Aim: The present study aimed to predict addiction susceptibility in male adolescents based on the family's emotional climate with the mediation of resilience. Methods: The research method was of the descriptive correlation type and the study's statistical population included all male students of public schools in Tehran in the first and second semesters of 2017-2018, from which 267 people were selected by multi-stage random sampling. The research tools included the Affective Family Climate Scale, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Addiction Susceptibility Questionnaire-Adolescents Version. The data of the present research were analyzed using the structural equation modeling method and Imus software. Results: The present study's results showed that the family's emotional climate (β=-0.468, P=0.001) and resilience (β=-0.246, P=0.001) predict addiction susceptibility in male adolescents negatively and meaningfully. The family's emotional climate predicts addiction susceptibility in male adolescents through the mediation of resilience (β=0.083, P=0.001). Conclusion: The results of the present study emphasize the importance of the role of the family, both in terms of creating a favorable emotional climate and in terms of playing a role, as a suitable model in the emergence of behavior. It is suggested that parents also protect their children from the influence of peers and the use of tobacco and drugs by providing a suitable emotional climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The counselors' professional development seeks education and skills training, experience, and expertise, not only in one field but for the present and the future demands. Aim: The present research was conducted to design and study the psychometric properties of a "Counselors' Professional Development Scale". Method: The current research was a mixed exploratory design and tool making. The statistical population of this research included all counselors of counseling and psychology centers in Tehran in 2022. The number of samples reached 12 semi-structured interviews, which were selected by purposive sampling. Construct validity and Cronbach's alpha coefficient were used to examine the psychometric properties of the Counselors' Professional Development Scale. Results: The results of the present study showed that the Counselors' Professional Development Scale has Cronbach's alpha reliability and adequate construct validity in a sample including counselors of counseling and psychology centers in Tehran. Conclusion: The Counselors' Professional Development Scale in the theoretical framework of 6 selected codes based on the grounded theory was designed and the results indicate the desired reliability and validity of the present tool. It is suggested that the authorities of higher education and the organization of the psychology and counseling system consider the designed tool and provide a suitable platform for the professional development of counselors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Considering the prevalence of marital conflict and emotional divorce among couples and the role these factors play in the incidence of divorce in society, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of group couples therapy based on the acceptance and commitment approach on marital conflict and emotional divorce. Aim: The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of group couple therapy based on the acceptance and commitment approach on marital conflict and emotional divorce. Method: The research design was a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest type with a control group. The statistical population included all couples who had approached the counseling centers of the 2nd district of Tehran in 2020. twenty-four individuals (12 couples) were selected from the above community by an available sampling method and randomly divided into two experimental groups of 12 individuals (6 couples) and the control group. 12 individuals (6 pairs) were placed. The data collection instruments included questionnaires on marital conflict (Sanaei, 2000) and emotional divorce (Gottman, 2008). The experimental group participated in 8 sessions of 90-minute group couples therapy based on Hayes & Strosahl (2010) acceptance and commitment approach. SPSS version 22 software and the analysis of covariance method were used for data analysis. Results: The results showed that group couples therapy based on acceptance and commitment was effective (p=0.002 and, F: 12.228) for emotional divorce (P=0.004, & F: 10.185) and marital conflict (p 0.05.) <). Conclusion: Group therapy for couples based on acceptance and commitment can reduce conflict and emotional divorce by providing couples with a better understanding of marital conditions and the relationship. Therefore, it is recommended that this method be used to reduce marital conflict and emotional divorce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The relationship between cognitive and metacognitive dimensions and children's performance in various areas, such as academic performance, has been extensively studied. However, the link between cognitive and metacognitive dimensions and children's physical performance has been largely overlooked. Aim: The aim of the this research was to examine the structural relationships between cognitive and metacognitive dimensions with physical performance among children. Method: This descriptive-correlational study utilized structural equation modeling. The study population comprised all male children in Tehran in 2021 that were enrolled in a football school. A sample of 129 children was selected through convenience sampling. Sustained attention was assessed using the Rapid Visual Information Processing Test (2010), working memory was evaluated with the Working Memory Capacity Test (1980), metacognitive dimensions (cognitive knowledge and cognitive regulation) were measured using the Schraw and Dennison Metacognitive Awareness Skills Questionnaire (1994), and physical performance was assessed with the short form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test (BOT-2). Data analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation coefficients and structural equations in SPSS version 20. Results: The structural equations revealed that cognitive dimensions (attention and working memory) significantly influenced physical performance (gross and fine motor skills) (P<0.05). Moreover, there was a significant association between metacognitive dimensions (cognitive knowledge and cognitive regulation) and physical performance (gross and fine motor skills) (P<0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that cognitive and metacognitive dimensions play a crucial role in children's physical performance. Therefore, implementing interventions and strategies to enhance cognitive functions and metacognitive awareness in children could greatly improve their physical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Identifying related and influencing factors on marital satisfaction is of particular necessity and importance. It seems that attachment styles and loneliness are among the factors affecting marital satisfaction. Aim: The present study aimed to determine the structural relationships between attachment styles and marital satisfaction with the mediation of loneliness. Methods: The research method was descriptive-correlational and the statistical population of this study included all women and men who were referred to family counseling centers in Ilam City in 2019 with complaints of marital problems of which 320 people were selected by convenience sampling method. To collect data Adult Attachment Questionnaire by Simpson (1990), ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale (1993) and The University of California Loneliness Scale (1996) were used. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS .24 and Amos. 24. Results: In the present study, the results showed that loneliness and marital satisfaction had a negative and significant relationship (β=-.258, P=.001). Avoidant attachment (β=-.189, P=.001) and anxious attachment (β=-.138, P=.001) and marital satisfaction had a negative and significant relationship. Loneliness in the relationship between secure attachment (β=.149, P=.001), anxiety (β=-.043, P=.048) and avoidance (β=-.140, P=.001) and marital satisfaction had a mediating role. Conclusion: The results showed that loneliness mediates the relationship between secure, anxious and avoidant attachment and marital satisfaction. Therefore, it is suggested that couples and family therapists, in counseling and couple therapy, to increase marital satisfaction, should also pay attention to people's attachment styles manifestations and feelings of loneliness caused by it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Marriage satisfaction is one of the main determinants of the quality of life of each person, and marital satisfaction can predict the stability and instability of a relationship. Aim: This research was conducted with the aim of developing a model of marital satisfaction based on marital expectations, emotional maturity and aspects of love by mediating marital conflicts in married women. Methods: The descriptive data collection method was correlational. The current study's statistical population was comprised of all married women who referred to the community centers of Tehran in 1401, and 550 by the available sampling method people were selected from among them. In this research, Enrich's (1998) marital satisfaction tools, Miller and Tedder's (2011) expectations from married life, Singh and Bhargava's (1991) emotional maturity, Barati, and Sanai Zaker's (1375) marital conflicts, and Sternberg's love triangle (1989) were used. Structural equation modeling method and SPSS and PLS software were used for data analysis. Results: The findings of the research showed that marital expectations and emotional maturity and dimensions of love had a significant effect on marital satisfaction directly and indirectly due to marital conflicts (P<0.05). Conclusion: Based on the research findings, marital satisfaction is influenced by marital expectations, emotional maturity, and aspects of lovemaking. It is suggested to researchers and therapists to examine marital expectations, emotional maturity and the dimensions of love and subsequent marital conflicts in preventing and planning treatment for couples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Veterans are one of the sections of society that suffer various injuries in different dimensions of life due to physical problems, therefore their quality of life is affected more than any other factor. Therefore, the present research was conducted to investigate the model of predicting the quality of life of veterans based on schema modes, moral injury, and existential anxiety. Methods: The current research is descriptive and correlational type. The statistical population studied included all the veterans covered by Shahid Foundation of Isfahan, and 320 veterans were selected from that. Quality of life questionnaire, schema modes, questionnaire, moral injury questionnaire, and existential anxiety questionnaire were used to measure research variables. Finally, the data were analized in SPSS software version 24, Lisrel version 11, and Amos version 26. Results: The model for predicting the quality of life of veterans based on schema modes, moral injury, and existential anxiety is appropriate (P>0.01). Therefore, based on the results, it can be stated that the most important effective, and significant factor that has reduced the quality of life of the veterans in the 8 years of the holy defense is existential anxiety. Conclusion: According to the results of the research, it can be inferred that by examining and developing treatment packages to reduce existential anxiety, it is possible to help improve the quality of life of veterans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Oral health literacy plays an important role in reducing oral health disparities. Evaluation of oral health literacy can be done at individual and population levels. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating oral health literacy among students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2023. Materials and Methods: This study was descriptive, applied and cross-sectional. The research population included the students of different academic levels of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, except the final semester students. The sample size was calculated based on the total number of students studying at different levels at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in the second half of the academic year in 2023 using an appropriate statistical formula. Sampling was done in a stratified-random manner according to faculty, field, and level of education. The oral health literacy of the participants based on education level, age, and gender was measured by the oral health literacy adult questionnaire (OHL Adults Questionnaire: OHL-AQ). Data analysis was done using SPSS 27 software and descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, percentage), independent ttest, Kruskal-Wallis, and Tukey test. Results: The findings indicated that the average oral health literacy score of students was 14.75±1.37. Also, there was a statistically significant relationship between the average oral health literacy score of students and the parameters of education level, gender, and age of students (P-value < 0.05). This indictaed that the oral health literacy of students increased in the doctoral level and also with increasing age. In addition, the female students had higher oral health literacy. Conclusion: Based on the results, the oral health literacy among Shiraz medical students was high. People with higher education level and age had higher level of oral and dental health literacy than people with lower education level and age. Oral and dental health literacy level was higher in girls than boys. It can be suggested that a 1) suitable platform be provided in order to improve the level of education of the society, leading to the improvement of the oral health literacy of the people; 2) regular dental examinations in order to increase the oral health literacy of the society is encouraged and promoted, especially in lower year students; and 3) research in effective training in the field of oral health literacy to increase the oral health literacy of people in the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]