Showing 8 results for Afzal
Masoumeh Afzali, Alireza Nakhaee, Seyed Payman Tabatabaei, Kourosh Tirgar-Fakheri, Mohammad Hashemi,
Volume 17, Issue 2 (4-2013)
Abstract
Background: The protein of Niemann-pick type C1 (NPC1) gene promotes the egress of cholesterol from late endosomes and lysosomes to other cellular compartments and contributes to a process known as reverse cholesterol transport. This study aimed to examine whether promoter methylation of NPC1 is associated with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: Fifty CVD patients and 50 healthy subjects as the control group were recruited in this study. Promoter methylation of NPC1 gene was defined using a nested-methylation specific polymerase chain reaction method. Statistical analyses were done using the chi-square, t-test or ANOVA tests. Results: Our study showed that the frequency of semi-methylated promoter (methylated/unmethylated status) was significantly higher in CVD patients than that in controls (OR = 6.521, 95% CI = 2.211-19.215, P = 0.008). However, a completely methylated promoter (methylated/methylated status) was not detected in any subjects in either of the two groups tested. Additionally, the analysis of clinical data according to the methylation status of NPC1 gene demonstrated that serum levels of total cholesterol, total triglycerides, high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are influenced by NPC1 methylation, so that subjects with a completely unmethylated promoter (Unmethylated/unmethylated status) held lower levels of total triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C and higher levels of HDL-C. Conclusion: Our findings propose that the NPC1 promoter methylation is a probable mechanism that can result in reduced/impaired NPC1 expression/activity and may thus contribute to progression of CVD.
Masoumeh Dejman, Elham Habibi, Monir Baradarn Eftekhari, Katayoun Falahat, Hossein Malekafzali,
Volume 18, Issue 3 (7-2014)
Abstract
Background: Pasteur Institute of Iran was established in 1919 with the aim to produce vaccines and prevent communicable diseases in Iran. Over time, their activities extended into areas of research, education and services. Naturally, such a vast development begs establishment of a comprehensive management and monitoring system. With this outlook, the present study was carried out with the aim to design a performance assessment model for Pasteur Institute of Iran that, in addition to determining evaluation indicators, it could prepare the necessary grounds for providing a unified assessment model for the global network of the Pasteur Institutes. Method: This study was designed and performed in 4 stages: first design of indicators and determining their scores. Second editing indicators according to the outcome of discussions and debates held with members of Research Council of Pasteur Institute of Iran. Third implementation of a pilot model based on the Institute’s activities in 2011. Fourth providing the pilot model feedback to the stakeholders and finalizing the model according to an opinion survey. Results: Based on the results obtained, the developed indicators for Pasteur Institute of Iran evaluation were designed in 10 axes and 18 sub-axes, which included 101 major and 58 minor indicators. The axes included governance and leadership, resources and facilities, capacity building, knowledge production and collaborations, reference services, economic value of products and services, participation in industrial exhibitions, status of the institute, satisfaction and institute’s role in health promotion. Conclusion: The indicators presented in this article have been prepared based on the balance in the Institute’s four missions, to provide the basis for assessment of the Institute’s activities in consecutive years, and possibility of comparison with other institutes worldwide.
Maliheh Afiat, Nayyereh Khadem Ghaebi, Farzaneh Joghatayi, Negar Morovatdar, Fahimeh Afzaljavan, Navid Pousti,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Infertility is a severe challenge for most health systems. One of the medications recently used for ovulation induction is letrozole, applied either alone or in combination with gonadotropin. The present study was conducted to compare ovulation induction in infertile polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) women candidates of intrauterine insemination (IUI) who were resistant to letrozole by two regimens: single-drug stair step letrozole vs. combined letrozole plus human menopausal gonadotropin.
Methods and Materials: In this parallel randomized clinical trial, 60 infertile women with PCOS, candidates for intrauterine insemination, admitted to Milad Infertility Center at Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, were randomly assigned into two groups. The intervention group received 5 mg of letrozole for five days from menstruation day 3 and 7.5 mg of letrozole for another five days if dominant follicles were not observed on days 14-19. Control cases received letrozole (5 mg) from day 3 of the cycle for five days plus Cinnal-f® (75 international units subcutaneously daily) on days 8 and 9. They received another dose of Cinnal-f® if the dominant follicle was not observed on days 10-12 of the cycle. In the case of detecting dominant follicles, 5000 units of intramuscular hCG were prescribed, and 36 hours later, the patients underwent IUI. The outcomes were considered, and data were analyzed using SPSS.
Results: Almost 70% of the stair-step letrozole group and 53.2% in the combined medication had a dominant follicle (p = 0.12), mainly observed after day 14 in the stair-step letrozole group and during days 10-14 in the letrozole/gonadotropin group (p = 0.001). The positive beta-hCG level was significantly higher in the stair-step letrozole group (23.3%) than in the letrozole/gonadotropin group (13.3%). The clinical pregnancy and gestations of 20 weeks or beyond (ongoing pregnancy) were 16.66% and 10% in the stair-step letrozole and letrozole/gonadotropin groups, respectively (p = 0.03).
Conclusion and Discussion: Our study found similar frequencies of dominant follicles between the stair-step letrozole and letrozole/ gonadotropin groups and a significantly higher frequency of chemical pregnancy (positive beta-hCG) and clinical and ongoing pregnancy in the stair-step letrozole group. As an easy and acceptable method for patients, this protocol can be a suitable alternative for ovulation induction.
Hossein Bagheri, Reza Mirafzali, Ali Dadgari, Ali Hosseinzadeh, Hamid Namavar, Seydmohammad Mirhosseini, Mohammadreza Ameri,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Sleep disorders are among the most common problems in older people. One complementary treatment that can help improve the sleep quality of these individuals is acupressure on the sanyinjiao and shamen points. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of combining acupressure on these points to improve sleep quality in older people.
Methods and Materials: In this parallel randomized clinical trial study, 126 older adult residents of Shahroud were randomly assigned to three groups: group A (Shenmen acupressure point), group B (Sanyinjiao acupressure point), and Group C (combination of Shenmen and Sanyinjiao acupressure points). All three groups received acupressure intervention at the specified points twice daily for one week. Data collection involved using a demographic checklist and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21, and statistical tests, including paired t-test, chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon, and ANOVA, were conducted.
Results: The study revealed a statistically significant difference in the sleep quality of older adults before and after the intervention in all three groups (p = 0.001).
Conclusion and Discussion: The present study found that acupressure on Shenmen and Sanyinjiao points, alone or in combination, effectively improved the sleep quality of older people.
Malihe Afiat, Fahimeh Afzaljavan, Shima Jelodar, Navid Pousti,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is among the most common endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age. Marrubium vulgare has long been used in traditional Persian medicine to treat symptoms related to PCOS. However, limited studies have investigated its effect in treating this condition. The present study evaluated the impact of a dry extract of Marrubium vulgare on hormonal parameters and clinical symptoms of PCOS.
Methods and Materials: In this randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blind clinical trial, patients diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria, who were referred to Imam Reza Hospital between 2019 and 2023, were enrolled and randomly assigned to either intervention or placebo groups. The intervention group received 250 mg of dry extract of the Marrubium vulgare (two capsules daily for three months), while the control group was administered a placebo. Body mass index (BMI), testosterone levels, estradiol, and progesterone hormones, and serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting blood sugar were evaluated in all patients at the beginning and after the completion of the three-month treatment period. The severity of acne, hirsutism, and irregularity in the menstrual period of the patients was also checked before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 26.
Results: In the placebo group, none of the evaluated criteria at the end of the trial was significantly different from the beginning of the study (p = 0.05). In the intervention group, BMI, hirsutism score, fetal bovine serum (FBS), and testosterone levels significantly reduced at the end of the study. Also, at the end of the study, the hirsutism frequency, dysmenorrhea, and irregular menstruations in the intervention group were significantly lower than in the placebo group (p = 0.048, p = 0.022, and p = 0.047, respectively). The mean reduction in the hirsutism score, FBS, and testosterone levels was higher in the intervention group than in the placebo group (p = 0.030, p = 0.002, and p = 0.001, respectively).
Conclusion and Discussion: Our findings suggest that Marrubium vulgare could serve as an effective and safe treatment for PCOS.
Eftekhar Morabi, Seyedeh Mohadeseh Mazhari, Mohsen Nabi Meybodi, Golnaz Afzal,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Considering the growing prescribing of nutritional supplements (including vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements) in the prescriptions of patients with advanced cancer, the significant economic burden of treatment, the possibility of drug interactions, and reducing the effects of increasing the side effects of chemotherapy drugs, evaluation the pattern of prescribing chemotherapy drugs and nutritional supplements in the prescription of people with advanced cancer is significant. The present study aimed to determine the pattern of prescribing chemotherapy drugs and nutritional supplements for cancer patients in the teaching pharmacy of Shahid Chamran, Yazd, Iran, between October and March 2020.
Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study was performed on the prescriptions of all cancer patients referred to Shahid Chamran Teaching Pharmacy, affiliated with the Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Sadouqi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran, in 2020. The pharmacist collected and recorded the information using the checklist, including prescribed chemotherapy drugs, pharmacology category, the dosage form of chemotherapy drugs, the brand or generic name of the prescribed chemotherapy drugs, and chemotherapy drugs from the Essential drug list. Also, the number and type of prescribed supplements and adjuvant medications used, such as anti-nausea drugs, gastric acid-suppressing, and corticosteroids. After collecting the information, the data were analyzed using SPSS Version 22 and appropriate statistical tests.
Results: On average, prescribed chemotherapy drugs, generic chemotherapy drugs, EDL chemotherapy drugs, and injectable chemotherapy drugs in each prescription were 2.37 ± 1.22, 1.89 ± 1.28, 2.21 ± 1.29, and 1.39 ± 1.99, respectively. One and two chemotherapy drugs were prescribed in 29% of the prescriptions, and three in 24% of the prescriptions. Also, 29.5% of prescriptions were monotherapy, and the rest were combination chemotherapy. Furthermore, 9.8% of the drugs were oral; the rest were administered as injections. Cyclophosphamide had the highest frequency. Dexamethasone and then Granisteron were the most adjuvant drugs. The frequency distribution of prescribed significant polypharmacy based on the prescription of any supplements and chemotherapy adjuvants, the prescribing anti-nausea drugs was significant (p ≤ 0.001).
Conclusion and Discussion: The average number of prescribed drugs per prescription was significant compared to other countries, and more than half of all prescriptions included significant polypharmacy. Although the American guidelines do not recommend supplements for cancer patients, 20% of the prescriptions in the present study included dietary supplements. Therefore, it is essential to implement special training programs for doctors and monitor doctors’ performance by designing programs on prescription pattern monitoring.
Yeganeh Barati, Atefeh Sadat Yazdani Asl, Monavvar Afzalaghaee,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Proper nutrition during pregnancy plays a vital role in the health of the mother and fetus, providing essential nutrients for their growth and development. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of food insecurity in pregnant women and its relationship with pregnancy and fetal outcomes.
Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 11,615 pregnant mothers with an average age of 29.53 years and a standard deviation of 6.66. The study focused on service centers affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The data collected by the Sina System were analyzed using SPSS software version 25.
Results: Among the pregnant mothers studied, 444 (3.8%) had gestational diabetes, and 7987 (68.8%) had food security. Also, data analysis revealed that infant head circumference (p = 0.032), gestational diabetes (p = 0.001), and the mother's weight gain pattern (p = 0.046) had a significant relationship with food security, as well as with the BMI of mothers who had food security. Compared to mothers experiencing food insecurity, the probability of increased pregnancy blood pressure was significantly higher (p = 0.001). However, this difference was not statistically significant between the two groups. Of note, with the increase in food insecurity, the likelihood of stillbirth and pregnancy complications increased marginally.
Conclusion and Discussion: Based on the findings of this study and the significance of food insecurity in pregnant women, it is essential to identify women experiencing food insecurity during their initial pregnancy visit to provide the necessary care and education. We can also take steps to improve the health of these women by providing nutritional support, especially during pregnancy. Due to the lack of control over potential confounding factors, it is essential to establish a clear relationship between food insecurity during pregnancy and the occurrence of various pregnancy complications. Therefore, further studies are necessary.
Golnaz Afzal, Danial Dehghani Firouzabadi, Reyhane Taati, Hossein Falahzadeh, Seyed Mojtaba Sohravardi, Amir Hossein Karimi,
Volume 28, Issue 0 (Supplementary 2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Albumin is an expensive non-blood plasma substitute with limited availability, and its inappropriate use in healthcare settings has been reported. Hence, interventions are recommended to mitigate its misuse. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of an evidence-based guideline designed to prevent inappropriate albumin administration at Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd, Iran.
Methods and Materials: In this prospective study, 382 patients were enrolled at Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in two phases. The patient's medical records were reviewed to gather demographic data, indication for albumin use, duration of albumin therapy, and appropriateness of albumin indication in the pre-intervention phase. In the post-intervention phase, albumin was administered following the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) guidelines. After the post-intervention period, demographic parameters, albumin indication, albumin therapy duration, and appropriateness of indication were compared among groups. The data were analyzed using SPSS 21 software and descriptive statistics.
Results: In this study, 382 patients were analyzed to investigate the consumption of albumin drugs before and after implementing guidelines. The gender distribution shifted from 51% male and 49% female to 61.1% male and 38.9% female, with significant differences. The percentage of patients with indications increased from 43.8% to 72.6%, showing a statistically significant difference. In the first phase, the average albumin level was 2.55 g/dL; in the second phase, it dropped to 2.2 g/dL. According to the Mann-Whitney test, this difference was significant. The average number of albumin vials consumed increased from 11 in the first phase to 14 in the second phase, which is also significant. The increase in vial consumption is attributed to a rise in indications. When controlling for indication in the regression model, the results showed a decrease of five units in vial consumption between the two phases.
Conclusion and Discussion: This study demonstrates that in the Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, albumin was prescribed inappropriately in most cases based on ASHP guidelines. Implementing the albumin prescription and administration guidelines in the hospital setting and clinical pharmacist intervention significantly reduces inappropriate albumin use and associated costs. Albumin prescriptions should be monitored carefully by clinical pharmacists.
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