Tracheal tube infections in critical care: A narrative review of influencing factors, microbial agents, and mitigation strategies in intensive care unit settings.

Tracheal tube infections pose significant challenges in the management of mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units. These infections contribute to prolonged intensive care unit stays, increased healthcare costs, the spread of antibiotic resistance, and poor patient outcomes. This study aims to elucidate the complex relationship between environmental factors, hospital practices, and the incidence of tracheal tube infections.

Applications of leech therapy in medicine: a systematic review.

Background: Leech therapy (LT) is one of the most widely used treatment methods in traditional medicine. The present study aimed to systematically review clinical trials regarding the effects of LT on the prevention and healing of different diseases.

Methods: To identify all relevant published studies, we conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases without any temporal or geographical constraints until April 2023.

The relationship between spiritual health and quality of life among COVID-19 patients with long-term complications in the post-coronavirus era.

Objective: COVID-19 has varied manifestations and can cause complications that affect quality of life. Spiritual health may be a source of adaptation for these patients. This study investigated the relationship between spiritual health and quality of life among COVID-19 patients with long-term complications in the post-coronavirus era.

Designing a Spiritual Health Model for the Muslim Elderly Living in Nursing Homes.

The spiritual health of elderly residents in nursing homes is an essential aspect of their overall health that has been overlooked. There are no specific practical models available in this area. Therefore, the present study aimed to design a model to promote the spiritual health of Muslim elderly residents in nursing homes.

Healthcare-associated infections in Iranian pediatric and adult intensive care units: A comprehensive review of risk factors, etiology, molecular epidemiology, antimicrobial sensitivity, and prevention strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The current review article provides a comprehensive analysis of nosocomial infections in pediatric and adult intensive care units (ICUs) in Iran. We examine the risk factors and etiology of nosocomial infections, with a particular focus on molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial sensitivity. In this article, we explore a range of prevention strategies, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, environmental cleaning, antibiotic stewardship, education, and training.

Do Medical Sciences Students Have the Proper Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice, Regarding the Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Iran?

Background: The increasing use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has changed expectations of healthcare professionals concerning the knowledge, attitude, and practice of CAM. The present study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of students of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Iran) in 2020 concerning CAM.

Methods: The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 226 medical sciences students using targeted quota sampling.

The Importance of Evaluating Serum Levels of Tumor Markers M2-PK and Inhibin A in Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy.

Despite the use of colonoscopy to detect colon cancer due to its aggressiveness, high cost, and lack of patient compliance, the use of laboratory tests with high accuracy and sensitivity, such as tumor marker M2-PK and Inhibin A is recommended and can be effective for early diagnosis and screening of patients in the early stages. We studied 46 patients admitted it the gastrointestinal ward of Amir al Momenin Hospital and 45 normal (age and sex-matched) subjects as a control group (case-control and retrospective studies). Before the colonoscopy, the level of tumor marker M2-PK in the stool sample and the serum level of Inhibin A were evaluated in patients and the control group.

Effect of stachys lavandulifolia on occupational stress in emergency medical technicians.

Objective: According to studies, occupational stress is quite prevalent among Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). On the other hand, it has been shown that Stachys lavandulifolia, also known as the Mountain Tea in Iran, has anxiolytic properties. Considering the current increasing trend of using remedies based on alternative medicine for stress management, the present clinical trial intended to investigate the effect of Stachys lavandulifolia on occupational stress in EMTs METHODS: The present study included 60 EMTs working in Arak, Markazi province, Iran, who were randomly divided into study and control groups.

Therapeutic effects of magnesium and vitamin B6 in alleviating the symptoms of restless legs syndrome: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background And Objective: Restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease (RLS/WED) is one of the most prevalent sleep disorders. There are contradicting data about the effectiveness of magnesium and vitamin B6 in alleviating the symptoms of this condition. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of magnesium and vitamin B6 in alleviating the symptoms of RLS/WED.

Gefitinib-loaded polydopamine-coated hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticle for gastric cancer application.

Gastric cancer is a common malignancy that is the second cancer-associated mortality worldwide. This study aimed to develop a pH-sensitive drug delivery system including hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSNs) loaded with gefitinib (GB) and encapsulated with mussel-inspired polydopamine (PDA) (HMSNs-GB-PDA) for the treatment of gastric cancer; where the HMSNs mainly function as drug storage platforms, and GB interrupts signaling through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in cancer cells. In addition, PDA was used as an anticancer factor, mucoadhesive enhancing agent, stimuli, and gatekeeper to mediate the GB release.

Social Support and Meaning of Life in Women with Breast Cancer.

Background: Social support is known as an affection-oriented coping mechanism when a person is involved with cancer. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between family social support and the meaning of life in women with breast cancer.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 84 women with a mean age of 60 (SD = 5.

Comparison of the Antimicrobial Effect of Zataria Multiflora Essence and Deconex Surface on Microbial Load of Emergency Ambulances.

This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial effect of Deconex Surface, a common disinfectant, and essence on microbial load of Emergency ambulance equipment in Iran. The samples were selected from all the ambulances through convenience sampling. Before the intervention, the cultures were obtained from the contact surfaces and the surfaces were then disinfected with Deconex and .

Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19 Using Traditional and Folk Medicine: A Content Analysis Study.

Background: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease with no specific and definitive drug treatment. With the COVID-19 outbreak, traditional and folk methods were used for its treatment. This study was conducted to explore people's experiences of using traditional and folk medicine for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in Iran.

Education based on the health belief model to improve the level of physical activity.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of education based on the health belief model on the physical activity of the staff of the University of Medical Sciences.

Methods: This semi-experimental study was conducted on 130 university staff aged 25-50 years from the Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. Inclusion criteria were having at least 1 year of work experience, lack of acute and chronic physical and mental illnesses, and not using drugs that affect physical activity.

Transcendence, the Most Important Spiritual Need of Muslim Older Adults: A Content Analysis Study.

Healthcare providers agree that promoting spirituality among older adults while caring for them increases their quality of life. However, there is little knowledge about the spiritual needs of the elderly, especially in the Muslim community. This qualitative study attempted to explore the spiritual needs of Muslim older adults.

Exploring the Process of Spiritual Health of the Elderly Living in Nursing Homes: A Grounded Theory Study.

Background: Spiritual health is one of the important dimensions of the elderly's health, which plays an important role in other dimensions of their health. This study aimed to explain the process of spiritual health of the elderly living in nursing homes.

Methods: This grounded theory study was conducted in 4 nursing homes in the city of Arak Iran between October 2019 and September 2020.

Spiritual Care in Hospitalized Patients in Iran: An Action Research Study.

Religious practices can raise the sense of merit and hope through overcoming the feeling of isolation. Studies conducted in this area have indicated that patients may desire to have their spiritual needs met. Nonetheless, sufficient attention has not been paid to these special needs.

Spiritual Needs of the Muslim Elderly Living in Nursing Homes: A Qualitative Study.

Paying attention to and meeting the needs of people who are elderly helps to improve their health. Caring for the elderly includes addressing their spiritual needs which has been less investigated. This study aimed to examine the spiritual needs of the Muslim elderly living in nursing homes.

The effect of novel simple saffron syrup on fatigue reduction in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Objectives Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive and often debilitating neurological disorder. This chronic disease has a high prevalence in the world and also in Iran. Fatigue is a common symptom of the disease, which causes serious mental and psychological discomfort.

Is the Treatment of Constipation Can Relieve the Migraine Symptoms? A Randomized Clinical Trial Study.

Background: Many patients presenting with migraine also complain of constipation. The relationship between these two symptoms has not been explored yet in detail. This study, therefore, was carried out to investigate the effect of treatment of constipation with lactulose on the improvement of migraine headache in patients who referred to neurology clinics in Arak.

Correction to: Effects of relaxation on self-esteem of patients with cancer: a randomized clinical trial.

Cancellation of Open Access.

Effects of relaxation on self-esteem of patients with cancer: a randomized clinical trial.

Background And Objectives: Cancer is usually associated with decreased self-esteem. Relaxation is one of the most effective methods to promote self-esteem of patients with chronic diseases. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of relaxation on self-esteem of patients with cancer.

Is Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Islamic Republic of Iran Practical and Efficient in Facing Ebola?

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and preparedness of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Islamic Republic of Iran to face Ebola.

Methods: The present study is cross-sectional and somehow descriptive. We used a standard questionnaire that was designed by "center for disease control and prevention".

Comparing the Effect of Echinacea and Chlorhexidine Mouthwash on the Microbial Flora of Intubated Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

Background: Providing intubated patients admitted to the intensive care units with oral healthcare is one of the main tasks of nurses in order to prevent Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP). This study aimed at comparing the effects of two mouthwash solutions (echinacea and chlorhexidine) on the oral microbial flora of patients hospitalized in the intensive care units.

Materials And Methods: In this clinical trial, 70 patients aged between18 and 65 years undergoing tracheal intubation through the mouth in three hospitals in Arak, were selected using simple random sampling and were randomly divided into two groups: the intervention group and the control group.