The Effects of Triggers’ Modifying on Adolescent Self-Efficacy with Asthma: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Introduction: The management of asthma during adolescence has specific challenges and is likely influenced, to some extent, by the patient's belief in their ability to affect change, their self-efficacy. Bolstering self-efficacy could potentially improve an adolescent’s ability to self-manage their asthma. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a triggers’ educational-modifying intervention on self-efficacy among adolescents diagnosed with asthma living in Iran. Methods: Sixty adolescents, aged 12 to 18 years, diagnosed with asthma participated in this randomized clinical trial. Participants randomly assigned to the control group received standard care while those assigned to the experimental group participated in a 5 week, nurse led, triggers modifying educational intervention in specialized clinics of lung in Tabriz, Iran. The self-efficacy scale developed by Bursh et al., was used for data collection. Results: The level of self- efficacy in two groups before intervention was not statistically significant, while the post intervention measures were statistically significant. Intervention was effective in improving adolescents’ self-efficacy. Conclusion: Since this type of intervention has the potential to improve Self- efficacy in adolescents with asthma, it is suggested that adolescence directly education about asthma triggers along with modulating triggers will be of value and parent‐centered could be diminished. The need for such interventions emphasizes in clinic and outpatient clinics

Mental health status in patients with Thalassemia major in Iran

Thalassemia major is a genetic blood disorder that is detected by the symptoms of chronic and severe anemia, failure to thrive, an enlarged liver and spleen, bone deformities particularlya deformed face and bulging forehead. Due to changes in physical appearance, the disease can influence on other aspects of the patient's life, so the disease could strongly impact on the mental health of these patients and their families. Previous studies show that 80% of patients with thalassemia major have at least one psychiatric disorder. The aim of this paper is to review the mental health status of patients with Beta-thalassemia major in Iran

Mental health status in patients with Thalassemia major in Iran

Thalassemia major is a genetic blood disorder that is detected by the symptoms of chronic and severe anemia, enlarged liver and spleen, failure to thrive and bone deformities in particular deformed face and bulging forehead. Due to changes in physical appearance, the disease can influence on other aspects of the patient's life, so the disease can have a strong impact on the mental health of these patients and their families. Previous studies showed that 80% of patients with thalassemia major have at least one psychiatric disorder. The aim of this paper was to review the mental health status of patients with Beta-thalassemia major in Iran

The effects of mental health training program on stress, anxiety, and depression during pregnancy

Background: The process of becoming a mother is considered as an enjoyable and evolutionary event of women's life. However, due to physical and mental changes, it can be associated with some degree of stress and anxiety that may lead to mental health problems. This study aimed to compare the effects of mental health training during pregnancy on stress, anxiety, and depression between two groups of couples and pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 120 pregnant women referring to health centers in Isfahan, Iran, from September to February 2016. The participants were randomly divided into three groups: couples (with the partner present), pregnant women (without the partner present), and control group (routine care). After completing the pretest, the intervention groups received four sessions of pregnancy mental health training. Data were collected using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-42) and a demographic characteristics form. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Results: Before the intervention, no statistical difference was observed among the three groups in the mean scores of stress, anxiety, and depression. The mean score of depression, anxiety, and stress decreased significantly in the intervention groups 2 weeks after the intervention respectively (F=5.84, p=0.004), (F=14.76, p < 0.001) and (F=11.98, p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between the couples and pregnant women groups in terms of depression (p = 0.140). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that mental health training for pregnant women, especially with the presence of the partner, is a useful intervention in preventing stress, anxiety, and depression

Effect of Non-nutritive Sucking on Weight Gain and Length of Stay in Preterm Infants Requiring Gavage Feeding: A Clinical Trial

Background and purpose: Gavage feeding tubes increase the length of stay and reduce the growth process in neonates. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of non-nutritive sucking on weight gain and length of stay in neonates that required gavage feeding. Materials and methods: In a clinical trial, neonates were selected via convenience sampling and randomly assigned into an intervention group (n=37) or a control group (n=38). Data including demographic information, admission and discharge dates, and neonates’ weights were recorded. In the intervention group, non- nutritive sucking was performed by the mother's finger at the same time as the gavage feeding. Data analysis was performed in SPSS V20 applying independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, and Chi-square. Results: The mean weight at discharge was 90.73 g higher in the intervention group than the control group (P=0.121). The mean weight loss was found to be higher in control group than the intervention group (P= 0.818). The mean length of stay was 14.22± 8.32 days in intervention group and 14.61±7.34 in control group, indicating no significant differences between the two groups (P=0.830, statistical power=60%). Conclusion: Non-nutritive sucking had no significant positive effect on length of stay and weight gain in preterm infants. Further studies with larger sample size are suggested. (Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT20200617047806N1

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis with Unusual Clinical and Histological Presentation: Report of Four Cases

Old world cutaneous leishmaniasis (OWCL) usually causes a single, self-healing and uncomplicated lesion mainly on the exposed area of body. This report presents four cases of OWCL from Iran that misdiagnosed with sarcoidosis, lymphoma, and acne agminata. Two out of four patients showed a history of purplish red plaques for at least 5 years who misdiagnosed as sarcoidosis because of histological and clinical characteristics. The other one presented with flesh-colored nodules disseminated all over his skin that was misdiagnosed as lymphoma for ten years. The last patient was misdiagnosed as acne agminata due to tuberculoid reactions in examination of the lesion biopsy. All the patients responded to the treatment with meglumine antimonate

Evaluation of Elastic Fibers Pattern with Orcein Staining in Differential Diagnosis of Lichen Planopilaris and Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

Differential diagnosis of lichen planopilaris and discoid lupus erythematosus especially in late stages is a problem for clinicians and pathologists. Our aim was to find discriminator histopathologic findings that help us to achieve definite diagnosis without using immunofluorescence study. The histopathologic findings in 77 cases of lichen planopilaris were compared with those of 26 cases of discoid lupus erythematosus with Hematoxylin & Eosin and especially staining (Alcian blue pH 2.5, Periodic Acid Shiff, Orcein). Final histopathologic diagnosis was based on histologic findings, clinicopathological correlation, past medical history and immunofluorescence studies if were applied before. Then elastic fibers pattern in dermis and follicular sheath with orcein staining were described without having information about final diagnosis. New and subtle presentations of histologic changes were assessed. We compared all histopathologic finding for each staining method. Some histologic changes such as hypergranulosis, epidermal atrophy, mucin deposition, diffuse scar and some other patterns were not specific for any diagnosis. A setting of histopathologic findings and clinicopathological correlation were needed for accurate diagnosis. We had only one specimen for the vertical section, and we had no horizontal sections. Description of elastic fibers pattern in orcein staining may be helpful in achieving a specific diagnosis, but this is not completely reliable, and we had overlap features. Finally, immunofluorescence study may be recommended for suspicious cases