Radiolabeling of Herceptin with 99mTc as a Her2 tracer

Introduction: Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that is used in treating breast cancer. We labeled this monoclonal antibody with Technetium-99m and performed in vitro and in vivo quality control tests as a first step in the production of a new radiopharmaceutical. Methods: Trastuzumab was labeled with Technetium-99m using Succinimidyl Hydrazinonicotinamide (HYNIC) as chelator. Radiochemical Purity and stability in buffer and serum were determined. Immunoreactivity and toxicity of the complex were tested on SKBR3, MCF7 and A431 breast cancer cell lines. Biodistribution study was performed in normal mice at 4 and 24 h post injection.Results: The radiochemical purity of the complex was 95±1.4%. The stabilities in phosphate buffer and in human blood serum at 24 h post preparation were 85±3.5% and 74±1.2%, respectively. The immunoreactivity of the complex was 86±1.4%. The binding of labeled antibody to the surface of SKBR3, MCF7 and A431 cells were increased by increasing Her2 concentration on the cells surface.Conclusions: The findings showed that the new radiopharmaceutical can be a promising candidate as Her2 antigen scanning for human breast cancer

Effective Factors of Smart Economy in Tourism Industry by Using the Best-Worst Multi-Criteria Decision Method

The industrial revolution has affected the economy and various industries. Technology is the main factor of the fourth industrial revolution, which has a significant impact on tourism. The development of information technology and intelligence has led to the transformation of the tourism industry and creates a lot of competition and makes many developers of the tourism sector to engage in real innovations to attract tourists. Therefore, to investigate the smart economy in tourism, this study tries to evaluate the indicators of the smart tourism economy in Iran by using a model based on the best-worst multi-criteria decision-making method. For this purpose, first, by studying the research literature and the opinions of experts in the field of tourism, the effective dimensions and indicators of the smart economy in the tourism industry have been determined. According to experts, the best-worst method, increasing attractions and activities is the most important criterion in the economy of smart tourism. In addition, creating new markets for selling domestic products and using information technology are placed in the second and third priorities, respectively. The results of this research show that managers of the tourism industry should focus on increasing attractions, introducing services related to tourism information through smart tools, using online markets or e-commerce and making more use of the information technology platform

Levels of Blood Biomarkers among Patients with Myocardial Infarction in Comparison to Control Group

BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction (MI) as a term for a heart attack happens due to reduced blood flow to heart myocardium and lack of oxygen supply caused by plaques inthe interior walls of coronary arteries. With respect to the importance of MI etiology, we aimed to study the relationship of MI and blood examination variables.METHODS: This study was conducted in Mazandaran Heart Center as a hospital-based case-control Comprising 894 participants including 465 cases and 429 controls, individually matched by sex and age. Considered blood markers were analyzed using routine laboratory methods and equipment.RESULTS: Of all participants, 64.3% of the cases and 51.0% of the controls were males with a mean age of 61.2 (±13.8) in cases and 62.4 (±14.) in controls. We could not find any differences between cases and controls for total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and alkaline-phosphatase (ALP) (P>0.05). However, levels of creatine-kinase-muscle/brain (CK-MB) (P<0.0001), fasting-blood-sugar (FBS) (P<0.0001), aspartateaminotransferase (AST) (P<0.0001), alanine-transferase (ALT) (P<0.0001) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (P=0.001) were significantly higher in cases compared to the controls (P<0.05). Multivariable analyses revealed that the risk of MI was associated with high levels of AST (adjusted OR=24.3, 95%CI=3.5±165.6, P=0.001) and LDL (adjusted OR=7.4, 95%CI=1.0±51.8, P=0.001).CONCLUSION: Our investigation indicated that the levels of CK-MB, FBS, AST, ALT and ESR were significantly higher in patients with MI. Besides, our findings showed that the risk of MI in cases with high levels of AST and LDL was about 24 and 7 times more than the control group respectively

Global prevalence of suicide in patients living with HIV/AIDS: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: In fact, people living with HIV are at a greater risk of mental health disorders. Based on lack of necessary information in this area the present systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted to determine the magnitude of committed suicides among HIV/AIDS people as well as their associated factors in a global setting. Method: Firstly we registered the protocol of study in PROSPRO. Then the publications were searched in the 4 main databases from January 2000 to April 2022. After removing duplication and inappropriate studies we applied inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally 60 studies were included for analysis. Comprehensive meta-analysis software were used for analyzing. Results: After reviewing 60 articles published from January 2000 to April 2021 in 24 countries, the total prevalence rate of suicide among 61,904 patients was estimated at 0.249 (95 % CI, 0.2–0.306). Findings indicated that the highest suicide prevalence was related to single patients estimated at 0.257 (95 % CI, 0.184–0.347). A gender-based meta-analysis depicted that the prevalence of suicide/ suicidal ideation was higher among females estimated at 0.22 (95 % CI, 0.15–0.29) compared with men at 0.17 (95 % CI, 0.11–0.23). Conclusion: Health planners and policymakers should develop suicide-prevention strategies aimed at female patients in younger age groups who live alone and are deprived of social support to effectively promote their self-efficacy in successful management of the disease. Integrating mental health services into anti-retroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS patients is also suggested in order to effectively design integrated programs for the management of individuals living with HIV/AIDS

نظرسنجی کارورزان پزشکی در مورد وضعیت آموزشی بخش اورژانس

Introduction: Emergency is an important department of any hospital, and education of medical students in this ward is of great importance. The students gain necessary skills for facing critical situations in this department. Therefore, educational conditions should be constantly monitored and improved in order to reach an efficient situation. The present study was aimed to survey the interns’ viewpoint on the condition of medical education in the emergency department (ED). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 interns of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were questioned using a pre-designed checklist during the time between October 2013 and October 2014. The checklist consisted of demographic data and survey questions regarding the current condition, theoretical knowledge, practical skills, educational rank of ED compared to other hospital’s departments, and varying the duration of the educational course in ED. The data were analyzed using SPSS 21. Results: 100 interns were evaluated (55% female), with an average age of 24.7±1.5 years (minimum 23 and maximum 26). Most of the interns believed that training regarding clinical examination, diagnosis expression and treatment orders was enough for learning key points, while bedside education was inadequate. Most of the interns believed that gaining theoretical knowledge on examination and diagnosis, was acceptable except regarding encountering patients with a decreased level of consciousness. Yet, they believed there were some deficiencies regarding theoretical knowledge on treatment, except for treating allergies. Educational rank of ED compared to other departments was believed to be average. 60% of the interns thought that the duration of medical education in ED should be increased, 4% believed it should be decreased, and 36% were satisfied with the current duration. Conclusion: Based on the results of this survey, the interns of two studied Hospitals were averagely satisfied with their educational condition in ED. Most interns believed that there was deficiency in the bedside education and theoretical knowledge, while they were relatively satisfied with the amount and quality of practical skills’ training. مقدمه: بخش اورژانس از بخش‌های حساس و ویژه هر بیمارستان محسوب می‌شود و آموزش بالینی دانشجویان در این بخش از اهمیت ویژه ای برخوردار است. از آنجایی که دانشجویان در این بخش مهارت و آمادگی لازم را در برخورد با شرایط بحرانی کسب می‌کنند، برای رسیدن به آموزش بالینی کارامد همواره باید شرایط موجود پایش گردیده و ضعف و کاستی‌های آن برطرف شود. لذا مطالعه حاضر با هدف نظرسنجی کارورزان از وضعیت آموزش در بخش اورژانس طراحی شده است. روش کار: در اين مطالعه مقطعی 100 کارورز دانشگاه علوم پزشکی شیراز از ابتدای مهرماه سال 1392 لغایت ابتدای مهرماه 1393 با استفاده از چک لیستی طراحی شده، مورد سؤال قرار گرفتند. چک لیست مورد استفاده شامل دو قسمت اطلاعات دموگرافیک و قسمت مربوط به نظرسنجی بود. سوالات مربوط به نظرسنجی به چهار بخش شامل: وضعیت کنونی، میزان فراگیری اصول تئوری، میزان مهارت کسب شده و در نهایت سؤالاتی پیرامون رتبه آموزشی بخش اورژانس در بین سایر بخش ها و تغییر طول دوره آموزشی بخش اورژانس بود. اطلاعات حاصل با استفاده از نرم آماری SPSS 21 مورد تجزیه و تحلیل قرار گرفت. يافته ها: یکصد کارورز مورد ارزیابی قرار گرفتند (55 درصد زن). متوسط سن افراد شرکت کننده ض/5±24/7 سال (حداقل 23 و حداکثر 26) بود. نظر اکثریت کارورزان درباره سطح کنونی نحوه آموزش معاینه، بیان تشخیص و گذاشتن دستورات درمانی در حد یادگیری موارد کلیدی بود در حالی که نحوه آموزش توسط اساتید بر بالین با کاستی مواجه بود. در مورد میزان فراگیری اصول تئوری معاینه و تشخیص موارد مورد مطالعه، نظر اکثریت کارورزان جز در مورد برخورد با بیمار دچار کاهش سطح هوشیاری در حد قابل قبول بود. اما در مورد میزان فراگیری اصول تئوری درمان، نظر اکثریت کارورزان بر وجود نواقص و کاستی‌ بجز در درمان مشکلات آلرژیک و حساسیت بود. رتبه آموزشی بخش اورژانس در بین بخش‌های گذرانده از نظر اکثریت کارورزان در حد متوسط بود. در نهایت 60 درصد کارورزان با افزایش، 4 درصد با کاهش و 36 درصد با ثابت ماندن طول دوره آموزشی بخش اورژانس موافق بودند. نتيجه گيری: بر اساس نتایج حاصل از مطالعه حاضر میزان رضایت‌مندی کارورزان از آموزش در بخش اورژانس بیمارستان‌های نمازی و شهید فقیهی شیراز در حد متوسط بود. نظر اکثریت کارورزان بر وجود نقص در آموزش اساتید بر بالین و کفایت آموزش های تئوری بود. این در حالی است که از میزان و کفایت آموزش مهارت های عملی رضایتمندی قابل قبولی مشاهده گردید

Education in Emergency Department from the Viewpoint of Medical Students

Introduction: Emergency is an important department of any hospital, and education of medical students in this ward is of great importance. The students gain necessary skills for facing critical situations in this department. Therefore, educational conditions should be constantly monitored and improved in order to reach an efficient situation. The present study was aimed to survey the interns’ viewpoint on the condition of medical education in the emergency department (ED). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 interns of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were questioned using a pre-designed checklist during the time between October 2013 and October 2014. The checklist consisted of demographic data and survey questions regarding the current condition, theoretical knowledge, practical skills, educational rank of ED compared to other hospital’s departments, and varying the duration of the educational course in ED. The data were analyzed using SPSS 21. Results: 100 interns were evaluated (55% female), with an average age of 24.7±1.5 years (minimum 23 and maximum 26). Most of the interns believed that training regarding clinical examination, diagnosis expression and treatment orders was enough for learning key points, while bedside education was inadequate. Most of the interns believed that gaining theoretical knowledge on examination and diagnosis, was acceptable except regarding encountering patients with a decreased level of consciousness. Yet, they believed there were some deficiencies regarding theoretical knowledge on treatment, except for treating allergies. Educational rank of ED compared to other departments was believed to be average. 60% of the interns thought that the duration of medical education in ED should be increased, 4% believed it should be decreased, and 36% were satisfied with the current duration. Conclusion: Based on the results of this survey, the interns of two studied Hospitals were averagely satisfied with their educational condition in ED. Most interns believed that there was deficiency in the bedside education and theoretical knowledge, while they were relatively satisfied with the amount and quality of practical skills’ training

Antifungal effects of Allium ascalonicum, Marticaria chamomilla and Stachys lavandulifolia extracts on Candida albicans

Introduction: Due to increased risk for opportunistic fungal infections and increasing prevalence of hospital infections caused by pathogenic yeasts and fungus resistance to antifungal drugs, discovery of antifungal compounds with high efficiency is necessary. This study was aimed to evaluate and compare the antifungal activities of Allium ascalonicum, Marticaria chamomilla and Stachys lavandulifolia on Candida albians. Methods: In this study the plants extracts were prepared with macerated method using ethanol 70%. Antifungal activities of the extracts were performed according to microbroth dilution method in 96 well microdilution plates. The amount of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) based on counting the number of fungal colonies (CFU) were evaluated for each of Allium ascalonicum, Chamomile and Stachys lavandulifolia extracts compared with the control group. Results: MIC of Allium ascalonicum, Marticaria chamomilla and Stachys lavandulifolia were respectively 0.31, 3.75 and 15.13 mg/ml and also MIC50% of Allium ascalonicum, Marticaria chamomilla and Stachys lavandulifolia were respectively 0.93, 10.59 and 41.32 mg/ml and MIC 90% of them were respectively 8.65, 16.88 and 60.55 mg/ml and their MFC were respectively 20, 20 and 65 mg/ml. Conclusion: The results indicate that all three extracts are effective, but Allium ascalonicum possesses the highest antifungal activity on Candida albicans. If clinical trials approve these findings, this plant may represent a new source of antifungal agent for control of Candida albicans

Prevalence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries in intensive care units of the Eastern Mediterranean region: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Hospital-acquired pressure injuries are a major patient safety concern in intensive care units that are considered largely preventable adverse events by adherence to nursing standards of care. The hypothesis of this research was to investigate the prevalence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries in intensive care units (ICUs) of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Methods This study was designed as a systematic review and meta-analysis. All articles published on Pressure ulcer prevalence in the ICUs of hospitals in Eastern Mediterranean Region countries, identified by searching PubMed through MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar from January 1, 2011, until September 22, 2023. The reference lists of these articles were checked for additional relevant studies. Data were analyzed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software (v.2.2.064). Results A total of 15 articles met the inclusion criteria. Based on the random-effects model, the overall Pressure ulcer prevalence rate was 16.6% (95% CI (8.6-29.6)). Both the highest and lowest prevalence was observed in Jordan in 2011 at 83.1% (95% CI (71.2- 90.7)) and in 2012 at 0.9% (95% CI (0.5- 1.5)), respectively. The results showed that publication year, average age, and sample size were the main causes of heterogeneity between the reviewed studies (p < 0.05). Conclusion This systematic review and meta-analysis of the pertinent peer-reviewed literature revealed a high prevalence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries of 16% in intensive care units of Eastern Mediterranean region. Therefore, it is necessary for health policymakers and managers in Eastern Mediterranean Region to take necessary measures to prevent the incidence of Pressure ulcers in hospitals, especially in ICUs

Electrochemical micro- and nanobiosensors for in vivo reactive oxygen/nitrogen species measurement in the brain

In this focused review, we examine the influence of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) on physiological processes and the induction of oxidative stress, with particular emphasis on the brain and neuronal systems. We discuss the formation mechanisms of ROS and RNS, their significance in the brain, and various detection methods. The review investigates the latest advancements in nano-engineered electrochemical biosensors designed for in vivo monitoring of ROS and RNS in the brain tissue. We explore the electrochemical measurement of specific species, such as H2O2, superoxide, NO, and peroxynitrite, while providing a comparative evaluation of sensor designs for ROS and RNS detection in the brain. Finally, we offer an outlook and conclusion on the future of this field