Assessment of speech sound disorders: Clinical experiences of Speech-language pathologists in Iran.

Background: Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in non-English speaking countries face challenges when assessing children for speech sound disorders (SSD). Exploring their clinical challenges in service delivery-along with their problem-solving approaches-may contribute to the development of instruments for clinical use in such settings.

Aim: The study aimed to explore assessment methods used by Iranian SLPs to identify children with SSD.

Comparison of the accuracy and the response time to behavioral pain scales (BPS and CPOT) during painful procedures in the intensive care unit.

Background: Pain is one of the most common symptoms in the patients hospitalized in intensive care units, and its correct and timely diagnosis is important. Identifying tools that accurately assess pain in a shorter time will help patients better manage pain. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy and the duration of response to behavioral pain scales (BPS and CPOT) during painful procedures in the intensive care unit.

Reliability of the Wii balance board for static and dynamic balance assessment in total knee arthroplasty patients.

Purpose: Poor performance in practicing balance tasks is partly caused by the changes in the knee function and balance control activities following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of the static and dynamic balance measures using Wii Balance Board (WBB) in patients after TKA.

Design: Thirty-one TKA patients (6 males, 27 females, mean age 55 ± 5.

Crocus sativus (saffron) adjunct to risperidone for negative symptoms of schizophrenia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Current treatments for schizophrenia encounter resistance, limited efficacy, and limiting complications, necessitating novel approaches. The effects of saffron on negative symptoms were investigated as it has shown neuroprotective and antipsychotic properties. Fifty-six clinically stable chronic schizophrenic outpatients were equally assigned to saffron 15 mg q12hr or placebo groups while continuing risperidone.

Global and Regional Prevalence of Domestic Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Determinants: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Domestic violence is one of the most significant global public health priorities. This social problem could be accelerated by global catastrophes such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The structural changes due to the imposition of health measures, combined with personal and social problems, may worsen the situation.

Beginning at the ends: telomere and telomere-based cancer therapeutics.

Telomeres, which are situated at the terminal ends of chromosomes, undergo a reduction in length with each cellular division, ultimately reaching a critical threshold that triggers cellular senescence. Cancer cells circumvent this senescence by utilizing telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMMs) that grant them a form of immortality. These mechanisms can be categorized into two primary processes: the reactivation of telomerase reverse transcriptase and the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway, which is dependent on homologous recombination (HR).

Coping strategies of the sandwich generation in the care process: a qualitative study.

Objective: The sandwich generation refers to individuals who are simultaneously responsible for caring for their aging parents and their own children. Research shows that the number of sandwich generation caregivers is increasing, and they face significant physical, psychological, social, and economic challenges. Therefore, it is crucial for these caregivers to develop effective coping strategies.

Three Iranian patients with rare subtypes of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP): SPG76, SPG56, and SPG69.

Some subtypes of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), especially with autosomal recessive inheritance (AR-HSP), have been reported rarely. In this study, we report the clinical features and molecular results of three unrelated Iranian patients with rare subtypes of HSP, including SPG76, SPG56, and SPG69; thereafter, we compare them to other reported cases. Three patients who were clinically diagnosed with HSP and born to consanguineous parents underwent molecular assessment by whole-exome sequencing (WES), followed by Sanger sequencing and co-segregation analysis.

Salirasib Inhibits the Expression of Genes Involved in Fibrosis in Fibroblasts of Systemic Sclerosis Patients.

Background: Fibrosis is a principal sign of systemic sclerosis (SSc) which can affect several organs including the lung, heart, and dermis. Dermal fibroblasts of SSc patients are characterized by persistent and activated Ras and ERK1/2 signaling which stimulates extreme collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis. Salirasib is a Ras inhibitor that competitively prevents the adherence of GTP-bound Ras to the plasma membrane, that inhibits Ras signaling.

Evaluating pelvic floor muscle activity in chronic functional constipation: A transabdominal ultrasound study.

Introduction: Chronic functional constipation (CFC) is one of the most challenging types of constipation which negatively influences patients' quality of life. Recently, investigators mentioned pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) as an influential factor in the symptoms of patients with CFC, while its underlying mechanism is still unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the PFMs function in people with and without CFC using transabdominal ultrasound.

Clinical and genetic diversity in Iranian individuals with RAPSN-related congenital myasthenic syndrome.

Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMSs) are genetic disorders affecting motor function with variable symptoms. RAPSN-related CMS, caused by mutations in the RAPSN gene, leads to muscle weakness. Accurate diagnosis is essential for proper management.

Responsiveness and clinically important differences of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) Index in surgical and non-surgical treatment groups with different follow-up periods: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: This study reviews and meta-analyzes the responsiveness and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) Index for various patient populations and treatment durations.

Methods: A comprehensive search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL identified studies on the responsiveness or MCID of the WORC in shoulder conditions. Two authors independently screened articles.

Applicability of using dynamic MRI to evaluate alleged cranial rhythmic impulse (CRI).

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of using dynamic MRI to measure the features of cranial rhythmic impulse (CRI).

Design And Setting: Fifteen healthy participants (9 females and 6 males, aged 25 to 77) underwent dynamic MRI in a sagittal T2 HASTE view at a rate of 0.60 Hz for 30 s.

Clinical and Sociodemographic Predictors of Parental Perceptions and Confidence in Managing Child Stuttering: a Cross-Sectional Study.

The main aim of the current study was to identify and analyze the most significant clinical and sociodemographic predictors of parents' perceptions regarding their child's stuttering. 139 parents, with at least one child who stutters, completed both the Persian version of the Palin Parent Rating Scale (P-Palin PRS) and a sociodemographic and clinical checklist. To investigate the relationships between scores on the Palin PRS factors and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, we conducted univariable analyses using Pearson correlation coefficients, independent t-tests, and one-way ANOVA.

Effectiveness of the injectable hyaluronic acid-based microparticles loaded with cannabidiol on rat sciatic nerve injury model.

We have developed an innovative peripheral nerve tissue repair approach by designing biomimetic microparticles loaded with cannabidiol (CBD) using horseradish peroxidase-mediated crosslinking within a microfluidic device. This method utilizes a water-in-oil emulsion system where a mixture of phenol-substituted hyaluronic acid (HAPh), CBD, and laccase is channeled into oil flow, forming hydrogel microparticles. The physical properties, such as their swelling rate, mechanical strength, and the sustained release of CBD, emphasize their potential in tissue engineering and drug delivery applications.

Effect of Low-intensity Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Response Inhibition of Adults With Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Introduction: Response inhibition is an impaired cognitive function in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) individuals. This primary deficit during the cancelation of an intended movement is observed even in the minimal demanding cognitive tasks. Studies have shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), especially on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), can improve response inhibition.

Development and validation of the Fall Risk Assessment Scale for patients in rehabilitation hospitals: A methodological study.

Background And Aims: Falling is a serious threat for patient safety in hospitals. This study aimed to identify the risk factors of fall amongst rehabilitation patients and to use them for developing and validating the Persian version of Fall Risk Assessment Scale (FRAS).

Methods: The current methodological study was conducted in two phases.

Comparative study of lidocaine- saline versus saline as washout for lumpectomy cavity on acute postoperative pain.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of lidocaine-saline solution compared to saline alone for washing out the lumpectomy cavity, focusing on its effect on acute postoperative pain-a prevalent and significant concern among patients undergoing breast surgery.

Methods: In this comparative study, 72 patients scheduled for lumpectomy surgery were randomly assigned to either the lidocaine-saline or saline group. The lidocaine-saline group was administered a washout of the lumpectomy cavity with 2 % lidocaine at a dosage of 1.

Stroke patient and stakeholder engagement (SPSE): concepts, definitions, models, implementation strategies, indicators, and frameworks-a systematic scoping review.

Background: Involving stroke patients in clinical research through patient engagement aims to ensure that studies are patient-centered, and may help ensure they are feasible, ethical, and credible, ultimately leading to enhanced trust and communication between researchers and the patient community. In this study, we have conducted a scoping review to identify existing evidence and gaps in SPSE.

Methods: The five-step approach outlined by Arksey and O'Malley, in conjunction with the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, provided the structure for this review.